Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ!
In mid-August, the poorest country in this part of the world was devastated by another earthquake. A country that is still recovering from the aftermath of an earthquake in 2010. A country that has suffered through decades of political, social and economic setbacks and inequalities. This most recent earthquake caused over 2,000 deaths, completely demolished or damaged more than 100,000 homes, and destroyed 60 places of worship, 20 schools and 25 health centers. Future generations will also suffer because this 7.4 magnitude earthquake destroyed 48 foster homes, that collectively cared for 1,700 children. Not one sector of Haiti went untouched. Thousands of Haitians sleeping under a border bridge in South Texas and more coming to seek shelter in the Unites States is not surprising. How the United States are treating them is startling, but not shocking. What is more important is how the people of God respond, particularly how the people of God at The Creek respond?
We have a trusted mission partner in the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention that has responded. Lott Carey’s President, Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, and Executive Secretary Treasurer, Rev. Emmett Dunn, have traveled to Haiti. They have seen, been briefed and made assessments on the complexities of recovery. They have communicated with Lott Carey partner churches asking their Pastors for financial support to aid our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
We know God requires us to meet the needs of others (Romans 12:13); our sisters and brothers in Haiti need our help. As believers of Christ, we take seriously the words of John the disciple, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth” (1 John 3:18). This is not new to our Spring Creek family; we know how to help! I am reminded of this upon seeing a picture of our former first family, Pastor Jacqueline, Pastor Micah and Makeda, and other members of The Creek who traveled to Haiti and participated in re-building efforts after the 2010 earthquake.
This time is not any different. As people of faith and people of color, we are called to do all we can to help the nation of Haiti. Spring Creek Baptist Church cannot do it alone, but as a body of believers we can join other Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention churches to help. Therefore, I am asking that we collectively come together and pledge to give $15,000 in support of the recovery efforts in Haiti.
I am not asking you to go beyond your tithe and just give. I am asking you to seek the Lord in prayer and ask the Lord what the Lord requires you to give beyond your tithe. That would be sufficient!
After seeking the Lord, please make your love offering by clicking the button below or the link in the footer of this email. Both will take you to our online portal where you can select “Haiti Relief Support” as the giving type. In addition to online giving, you can mail your love offering (check or money order) to the church address: 5130 Woolridge Road Moseley, VA 23120. Please be sure to designate it as “Haiti Relief Support.”
I have been led to ask that your sacrificial love offerings be submitted by Sunday, 14 November 2021. This would allow The Creek to have our collective resources be a part of the Lott Carey Thanksgiving Holiday resources. I am convinced that we are a blessed church because we are a caring and giving church. As we journey into the season of Thanksgiving, I am still inspired by the words of the late Congressman, John Lewis, “Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why?” The towering Civil Rights icon gave the answer, “Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.”
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Kenneth D. Cooper,
Senior Pastor, Spring Creek Baptist Church