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In the aftermath of Haiti’s worst earthquake in 200 years, we urge you to pray for the people of Haiti.
Thousands have died, and the humanitarian situation is desperate.
Before the earthquake, 80 percent of Haiti’s population was already living in extreme poverty and hunger. The country has suffered a surge in food prices in 2008, a rapid downturn in its economy, and a string of natural disasters.
As the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, Haiti has the highest rates of mortality for mothers, infants, and children under 5. Sixty percent of the population lacks access to basic health-care services.
Most Haitians survive on less than $2 a day and depend on remittances from relatives in other countries to meet their basic needs -- remittances that have plummeted with the global recession. Even in the capital of Port-au-Prince, impoverished communities have few resources to cope with the acute impacts of this disaster.
With an estimated 3 million people affected by the quake, Haiti is in urgent need of immediate and ongoing assistance. The U.S. government is sending medical and disaster response teams, along with critically needed supplies.
Catholic Relief Services has pledged $5 million for immediate relief efforts. World Vision, Oxfam, Lutheran World Relief, and many of our other partner organizations are preparing to meet the needs of all those displaced and wounded.
To support the work of these organizations and learn more about their programs, please visit:
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Adventist Development and Relief Agency
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American Baptist Churches USA
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Baptist World Aid
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Catholic Relief Services
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Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
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Church of the Brethren
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Church of the Nazarene
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Church World Service
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Covenant World Relief
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Episcopal Relief and Development
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Food for the Hungry
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International Orthodox Christian Charities
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Mennonite Central Committee
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Presbyterian Church USA
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Reformed Church in America
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Salvation Army
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United Church of Christ
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United Methodist Committee on Relief
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World Hope International
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World Relief
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World Vision
Prayer Petitions
God our creator,
through whose providing care we enjoy all goodness and life,
turn our eyes to your mercy in this time of confusion and loss.
Comfort those who mourn the loss of loved ones because of the earthquake;
shine your light on those whose only companion is darkness;
and teach us all so to number our days that we may apply our hearts to your wisdom;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
— Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Prayer petitions from the ELCA Worship »
God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.
In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster
to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.
Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti.
Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.
With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.
Amen
— Catholic Relief Services. Learn more about CRS' Haiti Earthquake Response »
"In Haiti, There is Anguish," song by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.
In Haiti, there is anguish that seems too much to bear;
A land so used to sorrow now knows even more despair.
From city streets, the cries of grief rise up to hills above;
In all the sorrow, pain and death, where are you, God of love?
— Download audio and complete lyrics »
