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The deadly earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, has devastated that country, which was already one of the most impoverished nations in our western hemisphere. The images and reports from Haiti of collapsed buildings and injured people are heart-wrenching. The United Stated government, faith based organizations and the international community has initiated swift and aggressive responses to minimize the loss of lives, help the injured, and feed, clothe and provide shelter to those displaced by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers should be with the people of Haiti and all the relief efforts that are progressing to deal with this catastrophe. HOW CAN WE THE YOUTH OF MARTHOMA NORTH AMERICAN DIOCESE HELP THE PEOPLE OF HAITI?
1. PRAY We will observe the week of January 17th to 23rd 2010 as a week of prayer for Haiti. Each day this week starting on Sunday, we will be uplifting this disaster in prayer and meditation via conference call. The conference call will begin at 7:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM CST / 10:00 PM EST and you can join us by dialing 218-844-0850 using access code 257790. We also encourage you as youth leaders in your local area to organize parish or regional prayer meetings. Let us comfort the people of Haiti through our prayer. 2. GIVE Seventy per cent of Haiti's population lives on less than two dollars per day and half of the country's almost nine million people are unemployed. Now, more than ever, the people of Haiti are in need of our financial help. The church, under the leadership of our Thirumeni, is working to raise funds to assist organizations that can help this country in their time of greatest need. You can give any amount of contribution to your local church for collection. You can give any amount; whether you are in high school, college, or a working young adult. Let us support the people of Haiti through our financial contributions. 3. SERVE We will raise awareness and bring the youth of our church to answer their call to serve in this mission. Whether it is in the country of Haiti itself, in an organization working to send supplies to Haiti, collecting food and clothing for these organizations, or serving in a medical capacity as a doctor or nurse, we all have a part to play. We are called to serve in the ways in which we are physically, financially, and spiritually capable. Let us serve the people of Haiti by answering our call, whatever it may be, to serve their needs. HERE I AM LORD… Let us take time to remember those in Haiti. Let us not grow numb to events such as this, but remember that those affected by this disaster are HIS children just as much as we are. Let us take time to intercede through prayer for those in Haiti and let us respond in Christian love.
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