Britain’s black majority churches have responded with compassion to the Haitian people following the devastation and suffering caused by the earthquake that struck the island on January 12, 2010.
The New Testament Church of God has put an appeal out to all their churches to collect donations, which will then be sent to their international headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee. The money will then be sent to the head of COG Caribbean region so that it can used to help suffering Haitians.
COG has several churches in Haiti, many of which were destroyed on the earthquake. Their Overseer in the region Dr Elysee Joseph lost his life during the earthquake when the car he was driving was hit by a wall.
The New Testament Assembly in Tooting launched an appeal for funds the Sunday after the earthquake and are collecting clothes, food and medical supplies. Money collected will be donated to Christian Aid, the collectables will be shipped over to Haiti.
New Wine church in Woolwich, south east London have donated £15,000, and other churches around the country are collecting money which will either be donated to charities working in the area, or be sent to churches or projects in Haiti that they have an association with.
Isaac Kironde, Church Relationship Manager for Tearfund believes Haiti’s earthquake disaster gives Britain’s black majority churches a great opportunity to put their faith in action. He said, “It’s in the midst of suffering, depravation and poverty that the message of the cross is the strongest. I would like to see the church give their support – both in their prayers and finances – to charities that have people on the ground in Haiti, and also make a commitment to help rebuild the country. Once the emergency relief is over Haitians are going to need help to rebuild homes, re-establish schools, help people to grow crops and the church must be there to help.”
