The Situation:

On January 12 at 4:53 p.m., a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked the island country of Haiti, primarily impacting its capital of Port-au-Prince and its nearly two million residents. It is believed that over three million citizens of Haiti are effected. The epicenter of the quake was centered approximately 10 miles west of Port-au-Prince. Offices, hotels, houses and shops have collapsed. Over 30 aftershocks ranging from 4.2 to 5.9 have already been recorded.

The city is without electricity and the telephone network has been overloaded with calls making it impossible to reach friends and family.

The presidential palace is in ruins and many churches have been destroyed. Hospitals that were not directly impacted by the quake are overflowing and the search for survivors is intense. Already one of the poorest countries in the world, this catastrophe will exacerbate the suffering felt by many already living with hunger and poverty.

ELCA Response:

The ELCA, through the Lutheran World Federation, is already responding to the critical needs of survivors in Haiti. Thankfully, the LWF offices and staff on the island were spared in the earthquake, making it possible for work to begin immediately. Staff there will focus their immediate efforts on issues of water safety and sanitation, assisting with medical triage, and providing emergency sheltering for the many who are now homeless. The ELCA has long-standing relationships in Haiti through several organizations and the Lutheran Church in Haiti.

In anticipation of your generous gifts, ELCA Disaster Response has authorized $250,000 for immediate relief assistance in Haiti, with the possibility for an additional $500,000 as the full scope of this disaster continues to become clear. Your gifts are needed now to make this type of rapid response possible.

While volunteers, especially skilled workers, will likely be needed in the coming months, the situation on the ground is still far too chaotic - no water, no power, few roads, and very limited communication - to support volunteers traveling to the area in the immediate days.

Read the message from Bishop Hanson.

What you can do:

Pray:
Please hold the people of Haiti in your prayers. Suggested prayer petitions are provided by the ELCA Worship PDF Format. Include these prayers in your personal time of devotion and in your Congregation Prayers.

Study and Share:
Share this bulletin insert PDF Format with the members of your congregation to encourage prayers and gifts.

In addition to what you find in the secular media, look at the following:

• ACT International External Link
• Church World Service External Link
• Lutheran World Federation - World Service External Link

Give:
Gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response help us to provide immediate and effective support to communities which are in need. Please consider giving to support the needs of this response and others like it. 100% of your gift will be used in full to bring life sustaining support to this crisis. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

Check or money orders sent to:
ELCA Int'l Disaster Response
Attn: Haiti Earthquake Relief
PO Box 71764
Chicago, IL 60694-1764
write "Haiti Earthquake Relief" on your check's memo line.

In addition, contributions received at the Upstate New York Synod Office designated "Haiti Earthquake Relief" will be forwarded to ELCA International Disaster Response..

Credit card contributions can be made by phone: 800.638.3522 or online. Credit card contributions may also be made via mail.