Sunday, April 25, 2010

We Are the World For Haiti

Hope for Haiti

This week I teamed up with fellow Regent journalist Holly Drake and interviewed two sides of the Haiti spectrum. The first side: Tony, a Regent University alum and current employee with Operation Blessing. Tony participated in the initial relief efforts in mid January and left this week to visit Haiti again. With a servant's heart, Tony will work with the children of the hurting nation and pilot a bookmark creation project.

While Tony actively assists Haiti, Gloria, the second side, sits at her home in Virginia Beach praying for the safety of her family. Gratefully, her family members, including her 98-year-old grandmother, lived through the earthquake. By listening to Gloria's story and Tony's goals, the two sides of the Haiti catastrophe come together to bring hope. There is hope for those in need; there are people serving, praying, and donating. Haiti will not be forgotten.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Upcoming event: Christians United for Haiti

"Does your heart beat for the people of Haiti? What is your part in praying for and restoring life to this country? Hear from Calherbe Monel of Christians United for Haiti as he shares his vision and purpose in serving the Haitian people. For Monel, it all begins with changing conditions and saving lives through the word of God."


This Regent event will be held Thursday, April 15 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in Robertson Hall room 301.


Haiti Earthquake: Where is the Aftershock of Relief?

By Christen Allocco
April 11, 2010

Have we forgotten? It was 4:53 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Haiti, causing havoc throughout the nation. CNN, FOX, and other news organizations featured shows, news articles, and news packages around the Haitian tragedy. Donors sent money to Operation Blessing and the American Red Cross. Volunteers united for the cause and sent relief efforts, food, supplies, and able hands to Haiti. Almost four months later, Haiti news has barely made the headlines. Is Haiti old news?

In an attempt to bring Haiti to the forefront of public news, I spoke with 20-year-old Katie Messina, a current student of Gordon College in Wenham, Mass. Along with her fellow classmates, Messina went to Ouanaminthe, Haiti, approximately a nine hour drive from Port au Prince.”

Ouanaminthe, though not directly affected by the January disaster, provided relief for orphans from Port au Prince, the main city damaged by the earthquake. Messina noted that most of the 50 orphans lost both parents in the earthquake or have a mother or father who decided they could not raise a child anymore. “They are literally left with nothing in Port au Prince,” added Messina.

According to Fox News fast facts, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Aware of this fact, Messina noted that the public must continue to be notified of efforts to rebuild the nation. With the addition of natural disasters in Chile and other areas, Messina claimed that Haiti has “been pushed off to the side and people aren’t paying attention anymore.”

Messina noted that it is important for people to pray and send aid to Haiti. Various groups have organized trips to serve in Haiti, “but they’re getting in the way, they just don’t know what else to do.” In order to best use the time, money, and service of aid efforts, Messina encourages volunteers to contact a local organization and work with people who are already in the progress of sending relief to Haiti.

In order to assist with the awareness of relief related activity, I have established heartforhaitiblog.blogspot.com. The purpose of the site is to keep residents of Hampton Roads, Va. informed of the events, fundraisers, and other activities related to sending aid to Haiti. By using Interactive media such as a facebook page, Twitter account, and the blog itself, I hope to provide the public with up-to-date information so citizens may collaborate with bigger groups or organizations in order to assist in sending help to Haiti.

As a season of rain creeps towards Haiti, the country is in the midst of relocating thousands of Haitians to dry areas in preparation of the weather to come. According to BBC News, those being transferred to new homes “are considered at highest risk from mudslides and floods.” Especially with the oncoming rains, Haiti is still in danger and still needs support.

While Haiti is no longer making the front page of the newspaper, many groups and organizations have garnered volunteers and are continuing to send relief to the disaster struck country. Haiti still needs help; do not let the country slip from your mind. Pray and be active in restoring the nation.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Who can you partner with?

Read up on Operation Blessing. Operation Blessing, with a base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a non-profit organization that targets specific areas in the world, including Haiti. Their assistance in the Haitian relief effort has been tremendous.

How can you help?

 
Heart For Haiti Blog, 2010