If We Don’t Give, Who Will?

I’m so proud to see the world respond to Haiti with generosity and compassion. We really need to rally as many people as possible to extend aid to those in need, to “the least of these.” Especially us in the Western world; we must leverage our position away from selfishness and towards compassion. Compassion is active. Not just a passive pity.

Watching the news and photos and videos is so heartwrenching.  Photos of dumptrucks unloading piles and piles of dead bodies into mass graves, holes essentially.  Unbelievable.  Check out these 38 COMPELLING PHOTOS.  Please.

With tonight’s “Canada for Haiti” and “Hope for Haiti Now,” i’m reminded again that despite the fact that “I don’t materially and financially have a lot”– that is merely a relative statement. Relative to a very small percentage of the world’s population. I, in fact, am in an incredibly privileged position. And i will be held accountable for that at the end of it all.

I’m reminded again, that even if i’ve given, I can give again. And i hope others would do the same. IF WE DON’T GIVE, WHO WILL? There’s no passing the buck to the next person on this one.

There are so many awesome organizations out there, on the ground right now, whom you can give to.  If you don’t know where to start I will highlight 2 orgs that i’m directing my own giving.  The first is my own employer, Power to Change.  The humanitarian aid division of Power to Change, called Global Aid Network, are in Haiti meeting the immediate needs of those hurting. Check them out out at www.globalaid.net to give. Check out the Global Aid Network (GAiN) Facebook Fan Page to see pictures and videos of what the teams are doing on the ground to help.  Working for a non-profit organization has made me so grateful and proud to know people who are personally involved.

My second suggestion is an initiative called, Churches Helping Churches.   What are they about?

Our help complements the initial waves of humanitarian aid that pour into a country in the wake of a disaster. Many countries have relied on networks of local churches to be a primary conduit for the flow of health care, humanitarian aid, and even education. Rebuilding churches is a means of restoring infrastructure in a country through which aid can flow into local communities which so desperately need it.

As a Christian, I want to especially come alongside the churches in Haiti to bring restoration and healing.  But regardless of your beliefs, we can all find an organization to partner with.  Find the one you want to particularly support.  We can all help.  And we all should.  Pray and Give.

Help Haiti!

If we’re able to spend even a few bucks on ourselves, whether it’s a latte on the go at Starbucks, going out to a movie, buying ice cream at the grocery store, etc, then we’re able to give a few bucks (probably and hopefully more) to those in need.  A major earthquake has recently rocked the island nation of Haiti, killing multitudes. Comprehensive news and updates at CNN and every other news outlet.

My friend found a consolidated list of a dozen charities helping Haiti relief efforts I’m posting here. If you are in Canada, you can redirect to the Canadian division of international organizations (e.g. Compassion Canada, World Vision Canada, etc)

11 Charities Collecting Donations for Haiti (taken from DesiringGod.org)

1. Compassion International
2. Feed My Starving Children
3. Food for the Hungry
4. World Vision
5. World Relief
6. Samaritan’s Purse
7. Love a Child
8. Northwest Haiti Christian Mission
9. Compassion Weavers
10. Mennonite Central Committee
11. Water Missions International

I would like to also add what Power to Change is doing through its subsidiary organization, Global Aid Network (GAiN) – you can click here to read more or give through them.

Relief Has Made It Through!

The world has been astounded by the Myanmar government being extremely slow to accept relief into the country, especially with 100,000+ lives gone. But I’ve received a piece of good news today in my email.   The organization I work for, Power to Change, has given a great update on how their goods have made it through into the country. So if you have given financially to help Myanmar via Power to Change, be rest assured that your help has not been idly sitting at the border

They made it!! Good news from Myanmar.

Dear Steph,

Power to Change, through our humanitarian agency GAiN, has begun shipping much needed relief supplies to the victims of Cyclone Nargis. Although the situation remains desperate for so many, we rejoice that the first shipment from Thailand has arrived. This is only the beginning, but it is truly and answer to the prayers of our staff and friends like you. Here is what our staff from the field are saying:

Last night we received word that 2 of our trucks have reached Yangon. Due to their size, the supplies were loaded into 12 smaller trucks. Late last night and this morning, the 12 trucks have been unloaded at the local Christian church. There was much joy and a spark of happiness amongst the people. On the phone last night, the GAiN Thailand Coordinator said “They were so happy…. And I was so happy too!!”

For us at the command centre in Bangkok, it was a major victory. Our truck route, delivery and coordination has been confirmed successful. Two trucks have made it, and more are on the way. Our biggest concern was that the government would confiscate the goods and even though the goods would be put to good use, we prefer to give it to local believers so that they can reach out to help the people around them. Sending the trucks to Yangon was no small task. The trip took five days and required passing through four checkpoints.

Our in country coordinator has organised a meeting with a government official at one of the sites we are looking at. We are attempting to get a rubber stamp on our Emergency Relief camp and things are looking good. The government official really likes us.

In a meeting of a couple of hundred people, the government official asked “Who are the only ones left out of your family?” About 50 percent of the people put up their hands. One father, overcome with the emotion of the moment and moved with grief told how there used to be 80 members in his family. Now he is the only survivor. Although injured in the storm he had managed to climb a tree, desperately holding on to two of his young children. Over come by fatigue and his own injuries, he held on to his children as as long as he could, but eventually he was forced to let them go. The last memory he has of his family is the children disappearing in the raging storm.

There are many more stories like the one told by this poor father. We are helping local Christians show love, compassion and care as they distribute the basic goods that we supply. And the people like this poor father, through the haze of grief shock and pain, can see glimmer of hope and experience some joy.

Thank you for being part of this story.

Daniel Zelli
Spokesperson for Myanmar Relief Project

Please continue to uphold the victims and the believers in Myanmar who are reaching out with Christ’s love in this crisis. As you have read, the need is still great and so many are suffering the loss of everything, especially loved ones. We appreciate your commitment to stand with us and make this practical demonstration of the gospel a reality in Myanmar.

Myanmar Relief

It’s daunting to wrap my mind around 22,000+ lost lives. Entire villages wiped out, crops destroyed, homes in ruins, thousands upon thousands upon thousands left homeless, orphaned, widowed, displaced, injured. It’s a lot. Help.

CNN Myanmar coverage.

A few ways to give:

Power to Change (Canada)

“The estimated cost to provide immediate emergency aid, which includes a two week supply of food, blankets and a set of clothing is $100 for a family of five.”

Canadian Red Cross

Samaritan’s Purse Canada

World Vision Canada