Pastor Chris - Response to Haiti Earthquake

The question many of us have asked in the aftermath of the tragedy down in Haiti is, "How can I help?" Living in Canada, we are blessed far beyond most people in the world and when tragedies such as the Haitian earthquake happen, we respond with open and generous hearts.

At Central Heights, we are fortunate that our own Bill Blaney is on the frontlines of disaster relief and humanitarian aid around the world. I say fortunate because we have a ready avenue through which we can respond and do our own small part in alleviating suffering. As Executive Director of GAiN Canada, Bill travels the globe bringing the hope of Christ along with the message of Christ to desperate and needy people. When the earthquake struck Haiti, I knew it would only be a matter of time before Bill was heading south. Thus, it didn't surprise me when shortly after the first reports of the devastation began to circulate, I received an early morning call from Bill who was already in Florida and awaiting transportation to Haiti. Bill was just calling to let me know what was happening and that he could use our prayers and support. Bill then spent the next week in Haiti coordinating GAiN's relief efforts and initial response.

The Sunday after the earthquake, the leadership of CHC asked the membership if you would help support GAiN's work in Haiti and you responded with typical generosity. In just over a week, we have been able to send over $9,000 to GAiN's Haitian relief fund with more support still coming in.

The beautiful thing about the work GAiN does is that they deal with both the initial need and then stick around to help rebuild and get people back on their feet. So many relief agencies, such as the Red Cross, specialize in the first response, or arrive after the initial disaster and offer humanitarian relief, but they don't do both. Further, GAiN is working in the name of Jesus and makes no apologies for sharing the gospel of true hope with those they are helping.

Through your generosity, GAiN will continue to be able to help the refugees of Haiti start over again and through your gifts, people who lost hope can find the Author of true hope and life.

Thank you,

Pastor Chris