January 13, 2010
Friends in Christ,
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti. Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti is a place where suffering is relentless. It is reported that three million have been affected by the devastating earthquake, and 100,000 or more may have perished.
Haiti is home to 19 United Methodist Churches, 25 pastors in the denomination, and 3100 United Methodist believers. They are part of our connection and we grieve with them today.
At the time of the earthquake on Tuesday afternoon, a mission team with members from the North Carolina Conference was in Port-au-Prince. The team included Helen Little, of Horne Memorial UMC, Joan Gregg, Linda Mitchell from Epworth UMC (DU), Carol West, of Jarvis Memorial UMC, and three from Whitley Memorial UMC: Darlene Collier, Steve Wales and Ann Collier. They were part of a team offering medical and other humanitarian aid in Haiti. We are pleased to have confirmation that all these team members are unharmed and it is our understanding that they are planning to stay in Haiti for the immediate future to assist in the early response.
In addition, the Reverend Dr. Sam Dixon, a member of the NC Conference and currently Director of UMCOR, was in country at the time of the quake. No word has been received from Sam, and we remain prayerful and hopeful that he is all right.
I invite your prayers for Sam and his family and for all others in Haiti who are not sure of the fate of their loved ones. Please lift up the teams that are in the area and determined to remain to offer the love of Jesus Christ to people who are suffering great loss.
A list of needed supplies has been posted on the Conference website. Donations for relief in Haiti can be made using Advance # 418325. On-line donations can also be made by calling the Advance Office (1-212-870-3790).
During the days in front of us, more will be learned about needs in Haiti. Please share this information with your congregation and lead them in prayer for our suffering brothers and sisters.
Faithfully,
Bishop Al Gwinn
