On Tuesday, January 12, a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the nation of Haiti.

We've all heard the reports:
- upwards of 100,000 lives lost
- thousands wounded, trapped, desperate for medical supplies
- countless more without food, water, or shelter

In all, an estimated 3 million people have been affected by this tragedy.

Jesus calls us to move from awareness to compassion and then to action for the people He created, loves, and hears in Haiti. Perhaps at no other time does the church have the kind of opportunity to be the church, to be His ambassadors, more than right now. Here at Grace, there are a couple of ways we are stepping into this call and responding to the devastation in Haiti:

1) PRAY
- for all those suffering: that Jesus would be near and real, providing hope, peace and comfort
- for the church to respond; that God's people across the globe would rally support and resources
- for those on the front lines of the response; that God would grant them favor, wisdom and strength
- for provision and safety over those in Haiti; that they would be protected from violence or looting
- for God's Kingdom to invade in powerful ways; that Jesus would be glorified through our response

2) GIVE
The Sunday after the earthquake Grace raised over $4,700 as our initial corporate response...and we're asking you to join in giving more. The following links are to organizations we have a partnership with and trust. You can click their links to learn about them and donate through their respective websites.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF - working to end poverty, injustice and human suffering

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America DISASTER RESPONSE - God's work. Our hands.

Are you a Thrivent member? You can donate to either of the above organizations and have your donation matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. CLICK HERE for complete details or call 714-840-7510 to speak with your local Surf City Thrivent Agents H.E. Durbin & Catherine Schneider.

The $4,700 in donations we collected on the first weekend after the disaster as a special offering for Haiti is being sent through St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Los Angeles. 100% of your donations will be used by St. Paul's Lutheran Church to support 12 pastors and over 50,000 Lutherans in the country of Haiti. Theyi will distribute relief based upon the areas and needs presented, especially in the area of Port Au Prince.

3) DONATE HEALTH KITS
The amount of supplies needed is beyond massive. Even the smallest supplies, the every day ones we mostly all have in excess, can literally change lives in Haiti right now. We are asking every family and life group to prepare a Health Kit and drop them off at Grace in the Narthex shopping cart by February 28.

Include the following in each health kit:
- One hand towel, dark color preferred
- One washcloth, dark color preferred
- One bath-size bar (4 to 5 oz) of soap, any brand, in its original wrapping
- One sturdy comb (remove packaging)
- One metal nail file or nail clippers with file attached (remove packaging)
- Six Band-Aids, preferrably 1/2" to 3/4"; secure together with rubber band

DO NOT add other items or leave out any items listed. All items should be new and in good condition. Wrap smaller items in the washcloth; wrap washcloth and remaining items in the towel and tie securely with ribbons or yarn. Do not enclose the kit or any of its contents in a plastic bag.