The earthquake that shook the island nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010 added significantly to the suffering of this, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. The outpouring of concern and support to the people of Haiti has been astonishing, but much, much more remains to be done. The Presbyterian Church (USA) through a wide variety of its organizations and agencies is at the center of the recovery efforts. We were able to move quickly to respond because of long-term relationships the church has built over the years with partner ministries in Haiti and with international faith-based organizations involved in disaster response. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has a long history of working overseas in major disasters and has learned hard lessons through its involvement in the United States Gulf Coast Hurricanes and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
The watch words for this recovery is to "Stand in the GAP" with the people of Haiti by Giving (financial contributions to PDA and other Presbyterian related agencies and organizations), Acting (assembling baby and hygiene kits, building relationships with Haitians in this country, and supporting the long-term goals of bringing dignity and well-being to the people of Haiti by supporting the recovery and development of their own economy and infrastructure when the conditions allow), and Praying for and with the people of Haiti and offering spiritual comfort to those in our midst who are suffering because of this tragedy.
Use the following links to keep informed about the PC(USA) response and how it fits into the coordinated recovery efforts of the world community.
