10 Baptist Church Members Detained in Haiti

Jan. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Haitian police yesterday arrested 10 American Baptist Church members as they tried to bus 33 orphaned children across the border into the Dominican Republic allegedly without proper documentation, a spokesman for the Central Valley Baptist Church said.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=abWDWCsGSN00

Thousands of church goers have flocked to Haiti to provided assistance to victims of this most resent tragedy. The majority of the people i speak with know at least one person who has travel to this country to offer support. This article is an important reminder to all those who may be in the country to remember that regardless of the tragedy that has occurred the Haitian Government is still in force. The United States Government is play a major role in the recovery act provided on the ground; however, this is still a foreign nation and those who are their helping are still subject to their laws. 

I do not know the full details of this story. I am not implying that the individuals in question are indeed wrong. I am using their example as a warning for all those who may be traveling abroad to keep this story in mind while making decisions on your course of action. 

Medical Mission Trips

You never know what will occur when you are out of the country on a mission trip? The recent events in Haiti are a perfect example. If your church is sending out long or short term mission team make sure that they have purchased out of country travel insurance to assist will sickness and medical tragedy. 


The linked article tells the story of a church missions team that found themselves unexpectedly in the middle of the earthquake in Haiti.


"We knew we were there on a divine mission," Pastor Darrell Armstrong said during a news conference yesterday at Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville upon the group's arrival home, "but we did not expect to arrive during one of the most cataclysmic events in the island's history."
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/81849007.html

Wisdom is donating Money

I have a few thoughts in reference to this tragedy in Haiti. Many churches are raising money to send to help those in need in the aftermath of this earthquake.


Unfortunately, when tragedies like this occur (9/11, hurricane Katina, Tsunami) countless numbers of fraudulent organizations pop up attempting to raise money to support the cause. I words of advice are for you and your church to use wisdom in donating money. Make sure that you really know where your money is going and further how it is going to be used.

Emergency Haiti Relief Effort

Yesterday, I was informed that one of my co-workers was desperately trying to get a hold of family and friends after the devastating 7.0 Earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010. 

Today, sadly we were given word that his aunt and 5 of his cousins were killed after the quake caused their home to collapse on top of them. Fortunately, his parents and sister are alive. My office is launching a relief effort for my co-worker. From now through February 28th, my office will be accepting voluntary monetary donations in order to help out with what will be the daunting task of providing temporary housing for his mother and sister then the eventual rebuilding of a new permanent home.

If you would like to give to this effort, my wife and I will be handing in our donation in late February and you can hand yours in along with us. Just email me for more details (brian@securityatchurch.com). Since we are giving directly to a particular family I don't want to make public the names on the blog. I do however, believe this is the best way to have your donation make a difference because you are giving to a specific family in need rather then to an larger organization. 

Of course your prayers for this family are also extremely valuable and I ask you to pray with us for them. Thanks for prayerfully considering to give.

Please Also consider re-blogging and posting this request to others!