PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI
Personal reflection and a prayer for the people of Haiti at this time of crisis, from Reverend Geoff Hays (World Church and Other Relationships Team Co-ordinator).
For Haiti
My wife (Deacon Kathy) and I spent five and a half years (1991-1996) as Mission Partners serving the Methodist Church of Haiti and so you can imagine the sense of shock and horror that we are experiencing as we witness, with rest of the world via pictures and newsreports, the plight of the people of Haiti following such a devastating earthquake.
A people so proud of their heritage and their freedom which they won for themselves yet also a people whose history has been dogged with manipulative and vicious dictatorships, with extreme climatic conditions and it has to be said with unfair and unjust treatment (including racism) from the international community and former colonialists.
It was our pleasure to serve the the church as it serves its people in promoting and enhancing education and social welfare as well as fostering a deep trust in a God who will not let His people down as others have done. They are a tremendously resilient and enterprising people who will in time and with the right support overcome but for now at this terrible time please make use of the following prayer and the further source of information.
Creator God,
we praise you for the wonder of your creation but we are bewildered and appalled at the devastating effects that earthquakes have on communities and nations across this world. We are caused to question the goodness of all that you have made and the distress being made aware again of our vulnerability.
Today (and tomorrow) we pray for Haiti
Saviour God,
in your Son Jesus you reached out to those who suffered, restoring them with your loving touch; in your incarnation you knew the suffering of loss and pain and death. Reach out now with that same touch to the people of Haiti. May they know that you suffer in this disaster with them.
Spirit of God
your presence in our lives inspires us to love and serve one another and gives us hope for the future. We pray for those who are already working amongst the ruins or making their way to rescue the people of Haiti to provide them with food and shelter, with medicine and comfort.
We pray for the survivors. May they be enabled to rebuild their lives and face the future in sure knowledge and faith of your goodnesss and love.
Amen.
(Adapted from Christine Odell 'Open With God' 2004)
For further information and reports: www.haitisupport.gn.apc.org
Bondye Bon
Ayiti cheri.
Reverend Geoff Hays
Plymouth and Exeter District World Church and Other Relationships Co-ordinator
January 2010.
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