Pastor's Corner by Rev. Dr. Dan Robinson   (Monthly article)

When we are asked to provide financial assistance following a disaster in the world, we are often left wondering how our contributions were used.  Did what we send do any real good?  Was there any waste?

Well, I have chosen to use my article this month to share with you a report from our General Assembly as to how the funds that were sent to Haiti were used in response to that crisis.  What I am quoting are excerpts from a larger report:

"Because of Presbyterian's gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing last year, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) was able to immediately send funds to provide staff and supplies for rescue efforts through our ecumenical partnerships those first critical days.  Within two days, thanks to Presbyterian's quick response, we were able to more than double our contributions to that work.

We continue to carry out strategic and coordinated efforts with our ecumenical and international partners - Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance, and Church World Service (CWS) as well as local partners in Haiti.  Together, we have set up fifteen food and water distribution sites around Port-au-Prince.  We are working with these partners to bring in about twenty thousand tents to help provide housing for the nearly one million people who are now homeless.  PDA has also agreed to provide fuel, supplies and a generator to maintain medical services at one of the few working hospitals in that area.

Two weeks after the earthquake, we have received about $1.2 million in gifts to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  Nearly half a million has already been disbursed.  In the coming weeks we will have a better assessment of the long range recovery needs and develop a comprehensive plan for using Presbyterian resources in the recovery efforts.  PDA has a proven track record for demonstrating God's steadfast love over the long road to recovery…and we need your help.

PC(USA) PDA staff and mission co-worker, Carlos Cardenas, is in Port-au-Prince working with our ACT Alliance partners carrying out an initial assessment of the impact of the disaster and the needs of the people affected by the disaster.  He reports that amid the tragedy and the overwhelming work to be done, 'Hope is alive.'"

To all who have contributed to the tragedy in Haiti through the Presbyterian Church, thank you!  It is reassuring to know that we as Presbyterians are able to respond in a timely, productive and compassionate manner, to those in critical need when a tragedy strikes.  Of course, the recovery efforts in Haiti will go on for quite some time.  We covet your continued prayers and contributions as we attempt to bring healing and hope in the name of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dan