Haiti Relief

As Christians, what can we do?

1. Pray

• Pray for the coordination and efficiency in the immediate recovery efforts; specifically that water, food and medical treatment reaches those in need.
• Pray for the safety of people now living on the streets.
• Pray for the orphans on the street.
• Pray for the families who have had many members die.
• Pray for law and order to reign.
• Pray for people to see God at work even in the midst of this tragedy.
• Pray for the Americans who are serving and volunteering in Haiti.

2. Give Financially

There are several ways to financially give, please review the options, pray and then select where and what to give.

A. LCMS World Relief and Human Care

As news of what is being called the largest earthquake to hit Haiti in more than 200 years reached LCMS World Relief and Human Care, the Synod's mercy arm began preparing to reach out in the Caribbean nation with much needed assistance and working in cooperation with Lutheran partners.

"The unfolding drama in Haiti calls for unlimited mercy on the part of the people of the LCMS. The needs are urgent and overwhelming right now," said Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response. "I appeal to God's people to respond as generously as possible during this most difficult time."

Donate Now to LCMS World Relief and Human Care

B. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will add $1 to every $2, up to a total Thrivent Financial contribution of $1 million, when our members donate to one of the following:

• Lutheran World Relief.
• ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.
• LCMS World Relief/Human Care.
• WELS Committee on Relief.

Thrivent Financial will add a maximum of $250 per member donation, and donations will be accepted through March 31, 2010.

More Information about Thrivent Financial Relief

C. Gloria Dei's Option

Gloria Dei is accepting donations via Vanco, the online bank currently used for Simply Giving and credit card transactions. After funds are collected, we will send a check to LCMS World Relief/Human Care. Please note, your contributions will be reflected on your year-end summary statement.

Click here to make a donation using Vanco.

 

D. Orphan Grain Train

Orphan Grain Train, in cooperation with LCMS World Relief and Human Care will ship 513,216 "Kids Against Hunger" meals (two semi-loads) to Haiti next week. Orphan Grain Train is shipping to Haiti both by air and by sea.

A semi-load relief shipment of food sent last month arrived on January 6 and is being used to respond to the disaster. Each semi-load contains 256,608 meals. The next two semi-loads will leave Norfolk the week of January 17. Other relief shipments are in the planning stage. "Kids Against Hunger" volunteers in Hastings, Lincoln, and Norfolk, Nebraska prepared the "Kids Against Hunger" meal packets. Food distributions are intended for all people in need, regardless of church affiliation. (Click here for the January 14 press release.)

Cash donations of any amount will help the survivors in Haiti. Shipping one semi-load to Haiti costs more than $5,000 in transportation costs. Checks may be sent to Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466. Please write "Haiti" on the memo line.

You may also give on-line by credit card at www.ogt.org. Click "Donate Now" and fill out the requested information. You will receive an email confirmation when your gift arrives in Orphan Grain Train's bank account.

E. Meals from the Heartland

Meals from the Heartland, a local non-profit organization, needs money to purchase supplies for their major food packaging event in February.

Click here to donate now.

 

3. Volunteer

Meals from the Heartland, a local non-profit organization, will package meals starting Monday, Feb. 22 to be sent to Haiti at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines.

Click here to read more about Meals from the Heartland and volunteer.