AGWM News

Response to the Haiti Earthquake

I’m sure, like me, you were shocked by the devastation and death caused by the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12.

But it has been rewarding in the days following to see how God’s people are rising up to help. Our missionaries already in Haiti, along with Convoy of Hope, HealthCare Ministries and others, are rushing personnel, food and other supplies to the island.

We have posted several articles on the Web site showing the generosity of God’s people responding to this ongoing need.

When we stop and think about it, there are needs all around us. I had just sent an offering for Haiti when one of our coworkers had her house robbed and vandalized. An envelope was sent around the office and I felt impressed to give again. Tomorrow or the next day another need will come into focus where I will be asked to help.

In his book Remember the Poor, AGWM Executive Director John Bueno, writes: “But what Scripture is saying to me is that … a natural result of our born-again experience will be a response to the needs around us.”

When I am asked to give I often think of the many Scripture verses that address this topic.

For example, Paul writes: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. … As it is written: ‘He that scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever’” (2 Corinthians 9:6,9).

Solomon adds: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshed others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

None of us has enough money to give generously to all the poor and needy around us. But hopefully we will be generous in giving to those needs the Lord lays on our hearts.