Local churches helping Haiti

The need in Haiti has inspired local churches and their members.

Aside from special prayers for the people, special offerings were taken and fundraising events organized, through which the local parishes have raised some $9,000 to help the people of Haiti.

"People are realizing now more than ever that we are a blessed people and we live in a nation that is relatively safe from the types of harm that go on elsewhere," said Pastor Jamie Warren of Faith Pentecostal Tabernacle.

He said local people were really touched by what they saw and heard of the devastation caused by the January earthquake. Pastor Warren said people today feel more closely connected to other parts of the world and understand they "are responsible to share in the blessing that we have."

"Love is a verb and something must be done," he said. "The opposite of love is not hate, the opposite of love is inaction."

Pastor Warren said he believes that churches are responsible for addressing poverty and need, and local members certainly stepped up to the cause.

"Someday it may be us relying on others," he said.

Members of the Pentecostal tabernacle have diligently prayed for those affected in any way by the tragedy in Haiti, said Pastor Warren.

The church also held a special benefit concert, where many members of the congregation took part, with all proceeds going directly to the relief efforts in Haiti. The 'love offering' collected totaled some $1,500.

Catholic congregations in the Codroy Valley and Port aux Basques have donated just over $2,500 to date in special offerings during masses, said Father Edward Terry.

The Salvation Army held a morning prayer service in late January. Captain Paul Blake said members offered prayers for all of the people who lost family members, for all of the different organizations that are providing aid, as well as the long-term rebuilding of Haiti.

"During the service we received a love offering of $1,304. We have also received a $100 donation from the junior hockey team collected at the Bruce II during four of their hockey games," said Capt. Blake.

Father Andrew Nussey said the people of St. George's and St. Michael's Churches in Burnt Islands and Rose Blanche have prayed for the victims of the disaster. Parishioners were also encouraged to give to the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund for the relief efforts in Haiti, and many have done so, he said.

The people of St. Thomas' Church in La Poile have held prayers and, under the leadership of Churchwarden Yvonne Organ, have produced and distributed CDs which include scenic views of the community and surrounding areas with all the proceeds being directed towards the relief efforts.

The Anglican Parish of Isle aux Morts-Margaree-Fox Roost held a special service of prayer for the victims in January, featuring the Gospel Music of New Wine. Rev. Duncan Granter said the combined offering was approximately $3,500.

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