A Night For Haiti

As I watch the news each day, the mention of the terrible earthquake that has killed thousands upon thousands is now becoming a very quick update if any story at all.  This is the way it is for the news cycle of our information starved world.  What was such a big story one week is barely mentioned the following week because it is time to move on to the next big story.

My fear is that my prayer life is the same way.  I find myself at times praying for these "big news events" for a brief time, but then life moves, the news cycle continues, and so does my prayer life.  I desperately want that to change in my prayer life and am trusting that God will continue to craft into me a much deeper and fervent prayer life.  One way that He is doing that is through this situation in Haiti.  I can't seem to get this situation out of my mind and the devastation that the people there are dealing with.  It is beyond anything most of us have ever seen.

Like most people, I feel compelled into action to help in Haiti, but don't know what to do.  The sea ports are clogged, the airport is full, logistics are confused, and chaos is the new norm at this time.  So, I have pondered, what can I do?  Well, I know that I must not allow my prayer life to be based upon the ever changing news cycle.  I must continue to pray for the people of Haiti.  I am asking that you please continue to pray for the situation as well.  Paul told the church in Colossae, "From the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him."  (Colossians 1:9-10)  This is a prayer that needs to go up continually on behalf of the Hatian people. 

DBC is going to have a special night of prayer for the people of Haiti on Thursday, February 11 starting at 6:30 PM.  The first part we will watch a message from Pastor Mark Driscoll who spent 32 hours in Haiti with Pastor James MacDonald.  They went to Haiti to get the story of the church and the story they found was one of devastation and redemption.  I hope many people will see this story and join in praying for and helping the people and the church in Haiti.  Next Thursday, we will watch this message and see compelling and heart breaking video of the devastation in Haiti.  Stories are told that will cause you to weep and also bring rejoicing from the depths of your soul because of God's faithfulness and great hope. 

After we watch the message, we will spend some time discussing what we have seen, praying, and taking up an offering to support those in Haiti.  Any money given will be sent to the Haiti Relief Fund through the SBC International Mission Board. 

Plan now to come next Thursday and share in a special night for the peole of Haiti.  If you are not able to join us, I have attached links to the message we will watch and the website that has been started by these two pastors called Churches Helping Churches. 

May our prayer lives be shaped by the Spirit of God and not by the news cycle of satellite TV.  May we continually lift up prayers for the people of Haiti.

Blessings,

Bro. Matt

http://www.churcheshelpingchurches.com/

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/special/32-hours-the-church-in-haiti