Stronghold in Complete Devastation.

Psalm 46:1
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

While we're on the theme of responsibility this week, I find news I heard Tuesday night to be extremely ironic, yet devastating. Haiti was rattled by a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake late Tuesday afternoon followed by at least a couple aftershocks at last check. The most frightening fact about the news was that the epicenter was very near Port-Au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. The population in the city is 2 million with at least 9 million throughout the entire country. The quake was so strong that it could be felt throughout the rest of the island nation, Jamaica, and even as far west as eastern Cuba. Haiti hasn't experienced a major earthquake since 1790 and thus it is extremely rare to have such a powerful one. However, it is somewhat common to have minor earthquakes because Haiti is right on a fault line. Over the last six years or so, Haiti has been reeling from devastating blows from tropical storms and hurricanes which brought heavy rain especially to the region, but Haiti certainly has not experienced a tremor like this.

As you may know, I was in Haiti with a team from my church in August in the northern part of the country, several hours from where the epicenter was. The impacts were definitely felt in that area though, just perhaps not as much damage. I know one thing about all of Haiti though: they live in extreme poverty. The landscape is treacherous, mountainous, hilly, and prone to disaster. Houses are often the equivalent of boxes or shacks adjacent or on the hills. It's hard to believe it's even of the same world.

It's so hard to fathom this calamity. I was there and I literally can't imagine how the conditions in Haiti could be any worse than they were. What little water and necessities they have are very likely gone. Even the palace and government buildings were damaged.

Given the corruption that exists in the government, I can't help but wonder whether this is an indication of change. They sure need more efficient government aid there. We don't deserve any more than the Haitians do. Why are there millions in such a difficult position? They've never done anything more wrong than we have.

Back in late August, I talked about the mission trip. Perhaps read through some of those posts again if you have time. I have been thinking about the following Bible verse lately and the case is not any different now: Acts 17:26 - From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

Therefore, it is our responsibility to do something about this situation. Sure, the U.S. government will probably be quick to respond, but we have to do our part as the people do. All I want to ask you to do is pray, pray, pray, and pray hard some more. While I can hope it won't be the major catastrophe that everyone's expecting, I know it's inevitable. We just need pray for the relief efforts and future of Haiti. This country needs God to surround them in every way possible being "God is our refuge, strength, and an ever-present help in trouble."