BISHOP HOPKINS URGES PRAYERS AND SUPPORT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI

This past week I received communication from Bishop Hopkins. The following is his message to the Church:

"My heart aches for the people of Haiti and I know yours does too. By now, most of us have heard numerous news reports addressing the utter devastation that has happened as a result of a 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti on January 13.

Our prayers and financial support are needed to help our brothers and sisters of Haiti begin to recover from this tragedy. As you know, 100% of the contributions donated through the United Methodist Committee on Relief go directly toward the people who need it most. I urge every East Ohio Church to collect a special offering for Haiti Relief efforts over the next several weeks."

A PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI by Taylor Burton-Edwards

The seas roar, the earth shakes, buildings crumble, roofs topple and walls turn to dust. Have mercy on the people of Haiti, O God. Nations watch, alarms sound, traffic halts, utilities stop, and news is hard to verify. Give us compassion to weep with those who weep, O God. People die, families mourn, mountains split, infrastructure and superstructure alike are gone. Make us swift to help and persistent to rebuild, not just things and structures, but lives, O God. Through Christ, the solid Rock. Amen