A Man Made Disaster

The earthquake that hit Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere is a growing tragedy. Current reports estimate at least 100,000 dead, possibly more. This is a tragedy of the first order. And perhaps the worst part of all is that most of the tragedy is of human making. In this morning's LA Times an article said that the tragedy was the result of a three things: tectonics, population and poor building standards. How do these three things add up to a man made tragedy? Well, first, let's understand that plate tectonics, while a cause of the earthquake, are not really a cause of the tragedy. Modern science tells us that it is the dynamic nature of our planet, as reflected by tectonics, that makes it a place suitable for life. The fact is that earthquakes are as old as humanity (older actually, but what came before didn't affect us). Earthquakes are known happenings. And, in today's world, we know how to minimize death and destruction from earthquakes. What has made the situation in Haiti so tragic is that there are so many people crammed into such a small place that is filled with buildings not built to standards designed to protect people in an earthquake. And this is directly traceable to the graft and corruption that constitute the nature of Haitian politics and culture. It is the heart of man which is desperately wicked, not the heart of the earth. I cry for and with the people of Haiti. Something must be done both today and tomorrow to alleviate their suffering and prevent such a tragedy from happening again. What can be done? Well, today, we need to give to organizations that are providing immediate assistance to those affected. To that end I recommend an organization which will get 100% of what you give to those in need: Convoy of Hope. You can give online and immediately by going to their website: http://www.convoyofhope.org/ . As for tomorrow, it is only by changing the hearts of people that a better society can be built. That is why we support the work of missionaries in Haiti and around the world who are bringing the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ to every nation - including Haiti. So give to Convoy of Hope. And give to support missionaries. Together we can prevent such a great tragedy from happening again.

Pastor Ken