I just read something that amazes me.  An Italian government official stated that the US has been slow to react to the earthquake in Haiti.  He also criticized the lack of charity given to the island from our land.  Then the article stated that Italy has given nine million dollars and we are somewhere about 160 million dollars.  Back in 1992 I was involved in a small way to respond to Hurricane Andrew in South Florida.  The congregation where I was serving sent aid to members of a church that was in Andrew’s destructive path.  We had two families from there who stayed in our home for a few days until those who weathered the storm called them to come back home.  I walked the streets of Cutler Ridge, Florida and was awestruck how total the damage was.

One thing that victims can always count on is help and compassion from God’s people, his church.  Perhaps we don’t respond fast enough at times.  I get a bit impatient at rock throwers who say it doesn’t come fast enough.  I just know that there are people who are trained to be first responders.  They need to assess.  They need to organize.  They need to prioritize.  But one thing that happens is that love will flow.  The apostle Paul once spoke about the fruit of the Spirit.  Christians have the Spirit living in them and the Spirit brings forth fruit.  Paul lists them in Galatians five, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  These are present in every Christian, not perfectly since we are sinners, but they are present.  Look what heads the list – love.  That’s certainly not surprising.  Do you know why?  Love is what God shows to us.  We are very familiar with love.  Jesus gave his life for us and showed it.  He even says that people will know his people by the love that they showed.  If you would like to show your love to the people of Haiti, send a check to:

In Christ,

Pastor Larry Zahn

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