As conditions in Haiti worsen (recent reports suggest 200,000 280,000 dead, 250,000 injured, 300,000 1 million homeless, and the beginning of rioting and other civil unrest), Christians the world over should be asking themselves what they can do to alleviate the suffering of the victims of this tragedy. After all, our faith is not merely an abstract set of beliefs; it is the very real indwelling of the Holy Spirit who moves us to respond to the world around us. And while that includes offering prayers for the Haitian people, it should also include more physical sacrifices on our parts. I’m talking, of course, about making cash donations. As James wrote:
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about this physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14-17).
Let us all give as we are able, understanding that we in the West are abundantly blessed. Even before the earthquake, the average Haitian lived on less than two dollars a day. Remember that when considering whether you’re financially capable of making a difference.
