Community of Christ members in Independence are working to provide help in Haiti.
Officials fear that thousands of people have died in Tuesday’s magnitude-7.0 earthquake, the largest quake to strike that region in more than 200 years. In Port-Au-Prince, the capital city, the president’s palace, the cathedral, schools, hospitals and neighborhoods are reported to have collapsed.
Jen Killpack, a spokesperson with the church headquarters, said church leaders met much of the morning and early afternoon Wednesday, planning on what the church can do to help.
For starters, presiding Bishop Steve Jones announced that $25,000 will be taken from the church’s Oblation Fund and donated to the Red Cross to offer immediate survival aid. All contributions to the Oblation Fund between now and Feb. 7 will be used for relief to Haiti, according to Killpack. Additional funds will be given as needed.
Killpack said the church communicated via e-mail with church leaders living in Haiti, but no phone communication was made Wednesday.
Apostle Bunda Chibwe, assigned to the Africa/Haiti Mission Field, made brief e-mail contact with Haiti Mission Centre Financial Officer Michel Rosier late Tuesday evening.
“At this time Michel has not been able to assess the shelter, food, and clothing needs of the people or the damage to our churches and schools,” Apostle Chibwe said in a news release issued by Killpack.
“We know the need and the damage is extensive, but we do not know specific details,” he continued. “We will continue to share information about our brothers and sisters in Haiti as it becomes available.”
Killpack said church leaders are urging people to help – whether by prayer or by donations, which can be made to the Oblation Fund in a number of ways.
- Online at www.CofChrist.org/give/ or at www.cofchrist.org/give/.
- Through regular mission tithes envelopes
- Mailing a check or money order to:
Community of Christ International Headquarters
ATTN: Oblation Fund
1001 W. Walnut Ave.
Independence, MO 64050
In addition, people throughout the country can call the U.S. State Department to inquire about family members in Haiti at 1-888-407-4747.
To investigate other ways to help and show support, President Obama has urged people to visit www.whitehouse.gov.
