Amos’ Neighbors & FriendsJanuary 14, 2010 I remember seeing images of the tsunami that hit southeast Asia in 2004. They were on the news constantly, and I was saddened by the footage of loss and sorrow. But, I didn’t know anyone there. I didn’t have friends, muchless family members that were affected by the tragedy. Everything changes when your friends and family are directly connected to something so tragic. I feel the weight of this Haitian burden in an unexplainable way. For my son, Amos, who slept on a mattress outside last night. For my friends Licia, Lori & Zach who no doubt began stitching wounds in the early hours of sunlight. For my friends Troy & Tara and their beautiful kids, who are anxious and worried about food and fuel supplies to run generators. For all the kids that I’ve held and kissed and played with at Real Hope For Haiti and Heartline. For my Compassion kid, Wonsli, his grandmother, and all ther kids in his project. The list goes on…faces I’ve memorized…names I’ve learned. Real people, because I’ve been there. Not just images or footage this time. These are Amos’ neighbors and friends. These are his people. It’s his country, his heritage. And it’s cracked and tattered and groaning right now. We are so grateful for the many people around this globe that are praying for the people and progress of Haiti. Even in Austin, there’s been such a raised awareness for the plight of Haitians. Our prayer is that the Church is not bruised or beaten up in this process, rather it flourishes and becomes and even brighter light in the midst of darkness. We pray that in the villages and cities, local Haitian pastors and leaders rise up and lead their people well. Our friend Troy Livesay has been posting some really honest and tragic things on his Twitter. Hard to read, but I’m thankful for him today. I know he hasn’t slept much at all, and is experiencing something none of us can even understand today. He writes, “It struck me yesterday that there is no such thing as ‘first responders’ in Haiti-the rescue efforts so far consisted of anyone nearby. We’re seeing the coast guard and lots of other planes/helicopters since yesterday.” The Livesays also write via Facebook, “You are asking what you can do … we are going to need Diesel, Water, Food … things you cannot really easily do. SO – give money. Money is the number one need (and ability to purchase the supplies) and MEDICAL PERSONNEL. Coming down if you are not willing to risk and get in and clean out horrific wounds would just tax an already taxed place. Medical professionals should contact organizations with the ability to coordinate efforts and try to get here. It won’t help to have more non-medical people to feed and house.” Tara writes on the World Wide Village update, “It looks like half of Port au Prince needs some type of amputation. There are literally thousands of dead bodies stacked alongside the roads of the city.” Many of you have asked “how can I help?” Such a good question, one that I ask every single minute of each day. We all feel helpless at this point. First pray. Pray for the wounded. For the hearts of Haitians. Pray for the missionaries that serving tirelessly. Pray for medical personnel to begin infiltrating the cities. Second, give. Many organizations we trust and believe in that you can give to. Compassion International has a disaster relief fund that is legit. You can give here. Also, you can purchase HELP HAITI shirts. 100% of the profit of each shirt goes directly to two organizations we also believe in and have a long-term relationship with. Real Hope For Haiti and Heartline (which is where the Livesays serve in PAP). Both of these places are getting critically low on supplies. We had already sold 100 shirts after having the shirts available for just a few hours. Keep spreading the word. And if you’re a ministry, church, band, apparel store…you can purchase these shirts in bulk at cost to help raise funds. We’ll get these funds directly to these ministries swiftly so they can begin to use the money to purchase those necessary relief items. Lastly, THANK YOU. Thank you for caring, for praying, and for seeking God’s glory in all of this. Leave a Reply
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January 14th, 2010 @ 11:15 am
Aaron,
We’re partners at the stone. My husbands and orthopedic surgeon and I’m a ER RN. We’ve been trying to find info on how he can get down there quickly. We’re willing but need the organization and support structure. Are you aware of any organizations that he can connect with.
Thank you and praying for your family and sweet Amos.
January 14th, 2010 @ 12:34 pm
Aaron,
I couldn’t agree more. Kristin and I were talking about it this morning. The Tsunami felt so far away that while obviously devastating didn’t grip us in the same way this has. Our hearts are shattered. And we are longing for information about our co-workers, children and church partners of Compassion. We are so thankful for you and hold you, Amos and hold you close in our prayers.
January 14th, 2010 @ 2:18 pm
This is to Ashley…I live in Portland, OR am an RN and went to Haiti with a medical team through Medical Teams International (MTI) last year. Check out their website as they are sending a team of orthopedic specialists on Sunday. It is a very well functioning organization and has strong Haitian support. Here is the website: http://www.medicalteams.org/sf/home/Haiti_Earthquake.aspx
January 14th, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
Oh and thanks Aaron for your posts and your undying love for Haiti. It’s because of you and Jamie’s blogs that our family even became aware of Haiti 2 years ago. We have been forever changed.
January 14th, 2010 @ 3:43 pm
Ashley – i saw this on Twitter…not sure if it is true, but would be worth a call:
“American Airlines will transport any doctor or nurse to #Haiti free of charge, call
+1 212-697-9767 Spread the word.”
January 14th, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
Hello, Aaron.
I just wanted to let you know that since I heard the news about Haiti, I was praying for your Amos. (I also constantly have “Amos Story” running through my head, by the way.) I praise our Father for keeping him safe. I will continue to pray for your family and others who are impacted by this tragedy.
Your Sister in Christ,
Melissa
(The girl who was extastic that you recorded “Found”- so it can listen to it over and over again.)