The need is great, but people have been responding as the hands and feet of Christ by donating much of the needed items for Emmanuel's Wish and the emergency orphanage in Haiti.
Much is still needed, however, in order to fill a container to ship to Haiti.
Money is also urgently needed, and can meet emergency needs much quicker than our donated items. Please consider giving to Haiti relief. Here are some options for giving:
- Emmanuel Baptist Church is accepting targeted donations for Haiti in the regular Sunday offering. These funds will be added to the response of the fellowship of churches;
- Emmanuel's Wish is accepting donations online as well as the items listed in a previous post. See our previous posts for contact information, links, and a needs list;
- A special fundraising concert will be held at Mapleview Community Church in Barrie, this Saturday evening at 7:00pm. Paul Turner and Jody Cross will lead worship, and there will be Haiti updates from Compassion Canada and Emmanuel's Wish.
One of our very own young adults is exploring the possibility of responding to the Haiti orphan crisis in a very tangible and personal way: by going there himself. This mission trip will be arranged hastily as God opens the doors and makes the arrangements possible. Please be in prayer for this young man and for the necessary arrangements and funding as he pursues this partnership in service with Emmanuel's Wish.
This crisis in Haiti, along with other critical physical, social, and spiritual needs around the world and in our very own communities, is an opportunity for Christ-followers to "act justly and love mercy" (Micah 6:8), as we shine our light for the world to see (Matthew 5:16).
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
What Do You Have?
We're not all pilots with an airplane at our disposal, but the people that started Agape Flights are. They saw a need, they had the ability to meet the need, they prayed about it, and they began meeting the need. Their website states that "They help bridge the gap between the perception and the reality of things needed for missionaries to accomplish their calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and help the people around them". (see www.agapeflights.com).
The local news in Florida and even some networks have picked up the story of Agape Flights because they are flying critical supplies into Haiti, and are even flying orphaned children out of Haiti to their adoptive parents in the US.
This is an example of an organization--of people using their skills and resources--to shine their light for Christ in a very dark time. We're not all going to start up mission agencies or fly around the world, but we each have been given skills, knowledge, tools, resources, and time to use for the demonstration of the Kingdom and the proclamation of Christ.
The question is: What do you have?
Let's consider the example of the Apostle Paul, who, while in prison, wrote that his hope was for "sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in [his] body" (Philippians 1:20 NIV).
Do we have the courage to demonstrate Christ with what we have been given?
What do you have?
The local news in Florida and even some networks have picked up the story of Agape Flights because they are flying critical supplies into Haiti, and are even flying orphaned children out of Haiti to their adoptive parents in the US.
This is an example of an organization--of people using their skills and resources--to shine their light for Christ in a very dark time. We're not all going to start up mission agencies or fly around the world, but we each have been given skills, knowledge, tools, resources, and time to use for the demonstration of the Kingdom and the proclamation of Christ.
The question is: What do you have?
Let's consider the example of the Apostle Paul, who, while in prison, wrote that his hope was for "sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in [his] body" (Philippians 1:20 NIV).
Do we have the courage to demonstrate Christ with what we have been given?
What do you have?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Perspective
Emmanuel's Wish Foundation is accepting donations for their Haiti container directly at:
The Teamworks Building
164 Innisfil Street
Barrie
Drop-off Saturdays 9:00am - 12:00pm
Donated items can also be dropped off at Emmanuel during normal business hours, or on Sunday mornings.
Emmanuel Baptist Church
4120 Salem Road
at Essa Road
Barrie
The Haiti earthquake is tragic, and the people affected need both immediate and long-term aid. We are very privileged and blessed to be able to respond, especially for the orphans that we have comitted to help.
The Bible says that God "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV).
Meanwhile, let's not forget this: "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people" (Galatians 6:10 NIV).
The spirit of Servolution is to be aware of the social, physical, and spiritual needs around us... to reach out and to intentionally help others in their need, because we want to share the love of Christ with everyone. Don't stop offering a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or a visit or donation to the people and organizations right here in our own communities. Point people to the servolution website, where they can choose to explore the love of Christ further, or even decide to join this revolution of love and get involved! Read the About Us page to find out why we do what we do, and tell us your stories of how God gave you the opportunity to serve someone, or how God used someone to serve you in your time of need.
The Teamworks Building
164 Innisfil Street
Barrie
Drop-off Saturdays 9:00am - 12:00pm
Donated items can also be dropped off at Emmanuel during normal business hours, or on Sunday mornings.
Emmanuel Baptist Church
4120 Salem Road
at Essa Road
Barrie
The Haiti earthquake is tragic, and the people affected need both immediate and long-term aid. We are very privileged and blessed to be able to respond, especially for the orphans that we have comitted to help.
The Bible says that God "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV).
Meanwhile, let's not forget this: "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people" (Galatians 6:10 NIV).
The spirit of Servolution is to be aware of the social, physical, and spiritual needs around us... to reach out and to intentionally help others in their need, because we want to share the love of Christ with everyone. Don't stop offering a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or a visit or donation to the people and organizations right here in our own communities. Point people to the servolution website, where they can choose to explore the love of Christ further, or even decide to join this revolution of love and get involved! Read the About Us page to find out why we do what we do, and tell us your stories of how God gave you the opportunity to serve someone, or how God used someone to serve you in your time of need.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
(1 John 3:16-18 NIV)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Relief for Haitian Orphans - Part 2
The people of Emmanuel's Wish Foundation didn't expect to open an orphanage in Haiti! But following the earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince, the small, impoverished village of Deskotye began receiving refugees.
Chris Reid, a missionary from Barrie, pictured here with his wife Johanne and daughter Hannah, have committed to meeting the immediate and long-term needs of 150 orphaned children.
Christine Eisses, President of Emmanuel's Wish Foundation, said this about the challenges that the missionaries are facing in Haiti:
Emmanuel's Wish urgently requires help to meet the following needs:
Emmanuel's Wish Foundation is a local Christian organization run entirely by volunteer power. Their board of directors absorbs any administration costs in order to ensure that donations go directly to the need, and their offices and utilities are provided at no cost. For more information, see their website.
Chris Reid, a missionary from Barrie, pictured here with his wife Johanne and daughter Hannah, have committed to meeting the immediate and long-term needs of 150 orphaned children.
Christine Eisses, President of Emmanuel's Wish Foundation, said this about the challenges that the missionaries are facing in Haiti:
This disaster has taken us by surprise and all of our resources are tied up right now with the opening of a brand new AIDS hospice in South Africa. We are not sure how God is going to provide for these children but we are trusting that he will.
Emmanuel's Wish urgently requires help to meet the following needs:
- Emergency funding to feed these children, clothe them and put a roof over their heads. Donations can be made directly to Emmanuel's Wish Foundation here.
- Long term sponsors are required for these small victims. Many of them are being torn off the bodies of their dead parents, are completely traumatized, and need to see the hands and feet of Christ in action. We are desperately looking for 150 people to sponsor these refugee children at $35 a month indefinitely.
- We will be sending a shipping container to Haiti to help us out fit the new orphanage and to care for the children. Please see the list of needs here.
Emmanuel's Wish Foundation is a local Christian organization run entirely by volunteer power. Their board of directors absorbs any administration costs in order to ensure that donations go directly to the need, and their offices and utilities are provided at no cost. For more information, see their website.
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress... (James 1:27 NLT)
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. (Jesus, Matthew 25:40 NIV)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Relief for Haitian Orphans
Servolution is responding to an urgent appeal by Emmanuel's Wish Foundation to help homeless orphans of the Haiti earthquake. Will you partner with us?
Busloads of children have been arriving at a Haitian church funded by Emmanuel's Wish, and the church has been recommissioned as a temporary orphanage for children who require immediate need.
Not only do they need ongoing financial aid, but they have provided a wish list to meet immediate needs. Our goal at Servolution is to assist the filling of a 40' Container with the following items:
Please also remember that there will be a special offering for Haitian relief this Sunday at Emmanuel, which will help to support relief efforts through
The FAIR programme and Emmanuel International.
Please prayerfully consider how you can help us to share the love of Christ in this very tangible way.
Busloads of children have been arriving at a Haitian church funded by Emmanuel's Wish, and the church has been recommissioned as a temporary orphanage for children who require immediate need.
Not only do they need ongoing financial aid, but they have provided a wish list to meet immediate needs. Our goal at Servolution is to assist the filling of a 40' Container with the following items:
- clothes of all sizes, especially kid's clothing
- diapers
- formula
- bibs
- soap
- baby wipes
- body wash
- baby lotions
- play pens
- bouncy chairs
- Canadian Tire money
- exersauers
- strollers
- pottys
- bumbo chairs
- high chairs
- carseats NOT expired
- towels
- bed lines for single beds
- bunk beds
- baby toys
- toddler toys
- children's books
- Bibles
- inspirational books for all ages
- black dolls and inspirational books about black people
- children's bikes
- adult bikes
- utensils
- plastic or non breakable plates, bowls, cups
- large cooking pots
- kitchen linens
- non perishable food
- school supplies/office supplies
- pencils
- pens
- paper
- white out
- envelopes
- computer (new)
- computer paper
... and of course, your prayers.
Please bring your donation to Emmanuel or contact us at Servolution.
A final thought from an Emmanuel's Wish Foundation volunteer:
We are also in need of long term commitments to care for these children. When the media coverage dies down and the rest of the world turns to the next news story- we will still be committed to caring for these children.
Please also remember that there will be a special offering for Haitian relief this Sunday at Emmanuel, which will help to support relief efforts through
The FAIR programme and Emmanuel International.
Please prayerfully consider how you can help us to share the love of Christ in this very tangible way.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Haiti
Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).
Here is just one of the many agencies that we can partner with in this time of dire need.
Here is just one of the many agencies that we can partner with in this time of dire need.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Speaking Louder than Words
I had the priviledge the other day to serve with the homeless, and it's amazing to see God show up in unexpected ways.
It happened in a casual conversation between a few of us volunteers and a homeless fellow. The client of the shelter was very engaging, well-spoken, and intelligent... We had a great conversation about life, addiction, and about God.
The interesting thing about the conversation was that there was another volunteer present who actively listened to our entire conversation. While we were talking about faith and the struggles that we share and how we rely on the Lord, this young man showed genuine interest and was engaged with the exchange. This was not the first opportunity to share with this non-Christian co-worker, either.
Our actions validate the good news... This young man is witnessing the love of Christ in action, and not only that, but is hearing about faith in Christ from an unexpected source, a homeless man.
Someone once said, let's just act and see what God blesses. Well, let's show God's love, then.
It happened in a casual conversation between a few of us volunteers and a homeless fellow. The client of the shelter was very engaging, well-spoken, and intelligent... We had a great conversation about life, addiction, and about God.
The interesting thing about the conversation was that there was another volunteer present who actively listened to our entire conversation. While we were talking about faith and the struggles that we share and how we rely on the Lord, this young man showed genuine interest and was engaged with the exchange. This was not the first opportunity to share with this non-Christian co-worker, either.
Our actions validate the good news... This young man is witnessing the love of Christ in action, and not only that, but is hearing about faith in Christ from an unexpected source, a homeless man.
Someone once said, let's just act and see what God blesses. Well, let's show God's love, then.
Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
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