January 14, 2010
MEMORANDUM
TO: Virginia Church of God Pastors and Ministers
FROM: Dr. Michael L. Baker, Administrative Bishop
RE: Disaster Relief: Haiti Earthquake
On January 12, Haiti experienced a devastating 7.0 earthquake with dozens of after-shocks. The death toll is not yet known, however, there may be as many as a hundred thousand deaths, tens of thousands of injuries and complete destruction of the infrastructure meaning no electricity, limited water supply and limited communication. The aftermath is causing overwhelming challenges to victims who have lost family members, homes, jobs and even the basics to sustain daily life. Just ascertaining the magnitude of need is proving to be an unbelievable task because of the massive devastation. However, the Church of God is proactively responding to the immediate needs of Haiti.
On Wednesday, following the earthquake on Tuesday, we immediately began seeking information about the situation and determining how we here in Virginia could best assist. I personally talked with Dr. F.A. Beason, Caribbean Field Director of Church of God World Missions, and he indicated the early information demonstrates catastrophic results. I personally talked with Frank Allen, Executive Director of Hope Charitable Services, and he is aggressively partnering with Operation Compassion and other humanitarian agencies. The International Offices indicates there are 1,068 local Church of God congregations and missions with over 250,000 members.
Our largest church (8,000 members) is located near the Palace which suffered severe damage. Without a doubt, many Church of God congregations have been dramatically impacted by this disaster. According to World Missions, former director of World Missions, Lovell and Ginny Cary and missionary Lloyd Frazier arrived in Haiti for a conference a few minutes prior to the earthquake. They were affected, but are safe. Further, World Missions is currently assessing the damage to Church of God schools, orphanages and local churches.
According to Frank Allen, we need immediate support to send containers of supplies directly to Haiti. We have negotiated a fee of $4000 per container from anywhere in the eastern USA. This amount covers the transportation cost with all the supplies donated.
Let me ask you to consider sharing with your congregation this urgent need and receive a Hope for Haiti Disaster Relief offering. Together we can make a difference as we touch the lives of the many victims including Haitian Church of God pastors, churches and members impacted by this natural disaster. Please forward your offering directly to the Virginia State Executive Offices and we will disburse all relief funds immediately for supplies and disaster support. All contributions from local churches will receive World Missions credit. The World Missions Hope for Haiti number is 102-2040-010. I understand that we are all experiencing economic challenges, however, when we respond to the need of others ³Beyond Our Borders² who are in desperate need, God has proven to us repeatedly that we are blessed without measure.
Most importantly, please pray for Haiti, its citizens, Haitian Church of God pastors and laity and their recovery. Thank you for your cooperation and we will keep you updated of developments as we receive more information. If you have any questions, just contact the state executive offices toll free at 1 866 7VA HOPE (1 866 782 4673).
Laborers together!
