Haiti – Prayer, Financial Assistance & Disaster Relief Teams

Prayer for Haiti

As we have considered how to meet the needs of the people of Haiti, devastated by the earthquake a couple of weeks ago, we were informed that there are in fact, around 1200 Haitian people living in Louisville and many of them have personally lost someone in the natural disaster that has captured the attention of the world.  So this Saturday, January 30th from 6-8p we will gather with Haitian Bethel Church, Haitian Tabernacle, and Antioch Church as well as other members of the Haitian community in Louisville to pray for, encourage, bless and comfort those who are grieving over the loss of family members and friends in the recent earthquake.  Please mark your calendar and make it a point to join us this weekend. Check out the church planting blog for more details on this special event.

Financial Assistance

Here is a quick update on finances committed to Haiti relief thus far: over $10,000 from Sunday giving and over $8,000 at the 930 benefit show Saturday evening!  In case you still wish to contribute, here are some reputable organizations that we recommend:

Haiti Earthquake Relief (through the NAMB)
Haiti Response Fund (through the IMB)
G.O. Ministries
Churches Helping Churches

Disaster Relief Teams

For anyone wanting to participate in the relief effort by personally going to Haiti, we have a little more information. The main tasks that will be assigned in Haiti are including, but not limited, to demolition/reconstruction, medical relief, food distribution, and crisis counseling.  Trips will be coordinated and led through the Kentucky Baptist Convention Disaster Relief.  Sojourn is not leading independent trips but will be directing anyone interested to participate through the KBC.  Trips will begin through the KBC in April and will be for periods of 9 days.  Anyone wishing to go needs to ensure their passport is updated and that they have the proper vaccinations.  Everyone going through the KBC will also be required to complete phase 1 training of KBC Disaster Relief.  The next available training is February 6th from 9a-1p at Ninth & O Baptist Church in Lousiville, KY.  Please complete the attached form if you plan on attending this next training (cost is $40/person).

Trips through the KBC to Haiti in April will cost approximately $1,200/person.

More information on the KBC Disaster Relief efforts can get information here.