James: “Not to be forgotten by us”

The following reflection is from Steve James, one of CBF’s field personnel in Haiti.

“My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” Psalm 22:1

Steve James and other medical professionals provide care in the days following the earthquake.

Too broken, too little, too late. We had not been at the earthquake-destroyed Christianville clinic consulting injured people under the trees more than two hours, when a woman approached us with a one-year-old child in her arms. We found a gravely injured little child lapsing in an out of consciousness. Clinically, we diagnosed the likelihood of a fractured pelvis that had perforated the bladder or urethra and probably the bowel as well. The baby needed immediate IV resuscitation and emergency surgery. This was now the fourth day after the earthquake and the baby had not passed urine since his rescue from under his crushed home. Even with surgery, the risk of death would be significant. The staff at the clinic was struggling just to survive and could not care for such a gravely ill child at that moment. All medical supplies were still in the destroyed clinic. We had just sent our truck back to the north for supplies and truck repair. We had no way to transport this baby with IV fluids to a surgical hospital.

Jameses: ‘Clouds of sorrow and mourning’

From CBF field personnel Nancy and Steve James in Haiti:

The stories of suffering are overwhelming here in Haiti. We hear them everyday. Suze told us of a family member whose forearm and elbow was crushed by falling cement. Unable to find medical help day after day, the limb turned into gangrene. In pitiful desperation, she allowed a neighbor to cut off the limb with a machete without anesthesia. She was later able to be evacuated to the Milot hospital here in the north where an orthopediic team was able to perform surgical revision of the remaining stump.

Jameses: ‘Haitians helping each other’

Dear Friends,                                                                       January 29, 2010

Stories have been pouring in and I know you have all heard many from TV and radio of aid coming in from all over the world for Haiti in this time of great crisis after the earthquake on Jan 12. The outpouring of love and concern from all over the world has been amazing and inspiring.  But what you might not hear are the stories of Haitians helping each other in countless sacrificial ways.

Faith Enabled by Paradox: Part I

“The more you see the less you know, the less you find out as you go. I knew much more then than I do now” (U2: 2004).

A disaster like the one in Haiti stimulates deep questions.  A friend spoke about a Bible study the other night.  She said that she is beginning to understand how people might feel when they come to church with doubt and hard questions.  Curious, I listened intently to her reflection.  “The more that I study scripture, the more questions that I have”, she said.  “The other night, I laid it out there.  I listened to the nice little answers that make us all feel good, and then asked the hard questions.  You know those questions that are full of doubt, that deal with pain, suffering, and why people only thinking of themselves seem to prosper.  Every time I asked a question, I got a brisk answer back.  It was as if everyone was scared of the questions.  The conversation had to be resolved with answers.  I am beginning to understand why people do not like church.”

What to do with Pat Robertson

 Two weeks ago an earthquake literally ripped apart the city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti leaving thousands of already-impoverished people dead, severely injured, homeless and, many children orphaned. It has been reported that this level of destruction and devastation is among the worst in world history. The United States is sending aid workers into the country, as well as military personnel, and relief organizations have people on the ground providing food, medicine and drinking water. Baptists of all stripes, including JCBC, have responded to this crisis, as have other religious groups, which is how it should be as mercy and ministry is inherent in our Biblical mandate. It should be a given for Christians to be among the first to provide support to Haiti. It’s a spiritual D.N.A. thing; an automatic response; a duh, it’s in the instruction manual act of compassion. If that’s true, which I wholeheartedly believe it is, then what’s up with Pat Robertson?

Calling all churches: Sponsor a home

Americus, Ga. (Jan. 26, 2010) – The Fuller Center for Housing is inviting all churches to sponsor a home in Haiti as part of its plans to establish a long-term recovery effort there. 

The Fuller Center, a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry with covenant partners in 50 locations throughout the U.S. and 17 countries in the world, partners with low-income families to build and renovate homes.

The Haiti initiative will rebuild as many homes for earthquake victims as can be funded. The Fuller Center is partnering with Lazarian World Homes, a non-profit organization based in California providing a unique house model just for Haiiti — a one-room 16’ x 16’ earthquake, fire and hurricane-resistant home which be sponsored for $3,000. 

“The need to respond to the heartbreaking tragedy that hit Haiti is daunting. We invite every church to take this chance to help,” Fuller Center President David Snell says.

Churches are already getting involved.

The Fuller Center signed a partnership agreement and will be working side-by-side with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, creating volunteer and house-building opportunities in Haiti.

“The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is honored to be a part of long term planning and rebuilding in Haiti with The Fuller Center,” Charles Ray, U.S. Disaster Response Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, said. “Together we will continue to change lives in being the presence of Christ.”

“Take up your cross and follow me.”

I read this Blog yesterday about the difference between a theology of Life and a theology of Death.  It is an interesting read, and I think that Mr. Cole is journeying in the right direction.  After reading, I begin to think about the paradox that is expressed in the Blog–“The one who finds his life loses it” (Matt. 10:39)—and the counter intuitive action that we are called to take as Christians and the church.  Why is this so? 

The clue as Mr. Cole mentions is in the resurrection, but it is also in Pentecost.  The reason for the paradox is that we worship a living and present God.  Maybe this suggests that we need a theology bigger than life or death—a theology of a sovereign Trinitarian God that holds life, death, the church and all of creation within the interrelatedness that is God. 

Two Churches Responding Together in Haiti

About a week ago, my home church — Second Baptist Church in Liberty Missouri —  began what I hope will be a rich and enduring friendship with the First Haitian Baptist Church of Kansas City. Through this new relationship, our church is already learning new ways we can respond to the Haitian earthquake.

Tragedy in Haiti Hits Home for CBF Congregation

Orlando church rallies to send one of their own home to Haiti to begin rebuilding faith, lives

When Josh Atilus first walked into the doors of College Park Baptist Church in Orlando less than a year ago, he likely never imagined the relationships that would develop in a matter of months.

Josh is the pastor of a small church in rural Haiti, and leads a ministry called “International Christian Baptist Church Ministries.” Because of the crumbling economy in Haiti, he traveled to Orlando in 2009 to work part-time as a taxi driver to raise money for his ministry efforts.

His need for financial support was great. Not only did Josh continuously attend to the needs of his own congregation and encourage support for international missions, he had also initiated efforts to build a health clinic for his rural community. The closest hospital remains 8+ hours away by car, so even the most basic health needs were commonly ignored.

Once Josh arrived in Orlando, he found College Park Baptist Church.

When Pastor Shaun King first met Josh, he recognized a kindred spirit who was passionate about mission work and building relationships. “We really think the same way about missions,” King said. “If you actually go and immerse yourself in a culture, you come to understand what needs a community really has and why.” The two set out to begin an organic, mutual relationship with dreams of one day partnering to build upon Josh’s dreams for his Haitian congregation.

When devastation hit the Caribbean country last week, both Josh and his brothers and sisters at College Park Baptist were heartbroken.

Fellowship Baptists respond generously

So far you have contributed $49,627 in response to the earthquake in Haiti. This tragic event has captured hearts around the world, leading many people to respond with acts of compassion. We are grateful for those of you who have chosen to direct your response through the Fellowship. CBF field personnel Nancy and Steve James have been serving in Haiti for years and began their response immediately following news of the earthquake. They have a deep love for the people of Haiti, and you are helping them meet rising human need.

It will take the people of Haiti years to recover from such a tragedy. The Fellowship is committed to being part of the long-term rebuilding effort and will continue to offer ways that you can help be the presence of Christ among hurting people.  Please continue to pray for Haiti, for the Fellowship as it responds, and for the presence of Christ to touch those who need it most.

By partnering with the Fellowship, you are a co-laborer with us and a crucial part of this ongoing ministry of hope. We thank you.