Faith at work in Haiti and during its healing

Haiti is a country devastated by the latest tragedy, a powerful earthquake that has killed and left homeless so many. It is a place that a week ago I and probably many in the world knew little about. In the face of so much suffering is an opportunity for those who like myself have been ignorant to this country's plight to educate themselves and resolve to extend compassion and healing to those in desperate need.

In reading the headlines this morning, I was struck by the faith of the people. In this country where many churches have been completely destroyed, the faith of the people remains steadfast. Many gathered in prayer outside the destroyed Catholic Cathedral in Port Au Prince to celebrate mass on Sunday. In another very poor section of the city at a Catholic Church, St. Jean Bosco, many Haitians gathered in their best dress next to many who were injured or had lost loved ones to honor God and to pray. How amazing is it that those, many who had little and nothing to begin with, should demonstrate such resolute faith in God?

Last week, I was outraged to read comments by American Evangelical leader, Pat Robertson, who blamed the past suffering of Haiti and her people as well as this present tragedy on a pact with the devil that legend has it was made in order for Haiti to secure its independence from the French. Yet throughout the news post earthquake disaster from around the world are images of a people firm in their religious faith singing hymns amidst the tent cities set up and interviews from ordinary citizens expressing their faith and trust in God.

Where does the healing start? I found it remarkable that the church standing in Port Au Prince was a parish named, St Jean Bosco. Although having heard this Saint's name before I spent some time this morning searching the Internet and reading about who St John Bosco was and what he is known for. What I learned was that he lived in Italy and was known as an apostle to youth. He sought to save souls by teaching young boys and continued this work following his ordination as a priest. He ministered to the downtrodden and orphans. He founded the Salesian Religious order in 1859. This order has continued since it's foundation to reach the world's children and bring hope. This mission has existed in Haiti since 1936 endeavoring to help Haiti's poorest children. Perhaps the example of this saint in ministering to the young and poor can be a beacon of hope in this country which has been so devastated.

In recognizing the plight of those living in Haiti in the wake of this disaster and hopefully awakening to the suffering and intense need of this nation that has existed prior to this tragedy, perhaps we can resolve to put our energy not into just helping with this singular tragedy but by continuing to share from our abundance in the future. Even more importantly for those who are people of faith and prayer would be raising our prayers toward those in Haiti in need.