Local relief

Television networks and newspapers have covered the drama of the after effects of the series of earthquakes in Haiti, already one of the poorest countries in the world before this disaster.  The images of people being found alive nearly two weeks in the ruble is a testament to the power of God, yet despite the millions of dollars in aid and supplies sent from around the world, the numbers who need help are still staggering.
The response worldwide to help has been as great as the incident itself. A new version of “We are the World”, 25 years after the first version, has even been recorded. Medical supplies, food, money, and everyday items have finally begun to get to those affected, but it took a disaster of a major earthquake to get attention to problems which plague the island nation, and just as much, this disaster points out the problems of a similar magnitude that are in our own cities: orphans, homelessness, hunger for the young and elderly, and proper medical care for families under the poverty line.
As a church youth minister I saw that the people I supervise wanted to immediately respond to the relief efforts in Haiti. Along with the rest of the church membership, the youth of the church created multimedia technological answers to their relief efforts which reached out to those beyond the church youth groups. I was really impressed.
However, I need to impress upon them of what could be done locally for the local people.  I had the children investigate the need for food and medicine, and ways to help the homeless, especially those families affected by the foreclosure crisis.  Most of the youth group members didn’t have to look too far.  Some of the members of the youth group are those who need help, and this was a chance for them to help each other.  Somehow, a medical clinic offered to help those who are need of minor medical help as a result of the youth group’s efforts.
Helping other people is one of God’s commandments, and while one person can’t save the entire world, the collective efforts of a small group can have a significant effect  a world away, such as in Haiti, or in our own neighborhoods. This hour of need is not just after an earthquake, it is a constant request since the need is so demanding.
 

Peace be you with always,

Rev. Paul Abernathy 

Contact Paul Abernathy at paulabernathy@gmail.com.

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