PC(USA) responds to Haitian earthquakes

As the whole world knows by now, a powerful 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, resulting in catastrophic damage and thousands of deaths in an already very vulnerable country. The quake has been followed by several aftershocks, including a 5.9 aftershock one week after the initial earthquake.  The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long had ties to Haiti and is responding to the disaster in several ways. We ask for your support: please give, act and pray.

GIVE

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is rushing $100,000 from the One Great Hour of Sharing special offering and designated funds to provide immediate emergency relief. These funds will be sent through our ecumenical and local partners in Haiti. On Jan. 14, a PDA staff worker from Central America will join an international team to establish sanitary water systems in Haiti and assess the initial damage.

While immediate assistance and relief are critical right now, this will be a very long recovery effort and funds are needed to help in both the long-term and short-term.

Gifts are gratefully accepted online through the PDA Web site. Funds can be given to support the overall work of PDA or specifically to support work in Haiti (account number “Haiti — DR000064”). PresbyTel, at (800) 872-3283, is accepting credit card donations by phone from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern). Donors can also send checks to: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

Our Presbyterian Campus Ministry at Kennesaw State University is raising funds for the Red Cross’ Haitian Relief & Development Fund. The shirts are $15 and can be ordered through their website.

ACT

Congregations and individuals can put together baby kits and hygiene kits to be distributed through our ecumenical partner, Church World Service. See details online. For church bulletin inserts, videos and other tools, see the resource section of the PDA Web site.

PRAY

The people of Haiti and those trying to assist them need your prayers. A prayer adapted from the Book of Common Worship can be found on the PC(USA) Web site, but all prayers are welcomed.

PC(USA) People in the Quake Zone

Presbyterian World Mission has accounted for mission workers in Haiti. The security team has reported that Sharyn Babe and her husband, Rodney, have been located. Sharyn was injured and is receiving medical attention. Mark Hare and his wife, Jenny, have been contacted and are safe. Rob and Donna Martsolf, former mission workers, have been heard from and are safe at a hotel.

Mission groups from at least three congregations were in the region during the quake. The groups — from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, Ga., from Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, Lawrenceville, N.J., and from Warrenton Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Va. — are all accounted for and safe.

For additional information and updates, see Presbyterian News Service and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Web sites.

And let us know what you’re doing in your congregations and ministries!