Haiti

[streetsinger]

I am starting this thread in sympathy with Deacon Dans comments in the prayer forum. Although it may have been inappropriate for the prayer forum, it was, nonetheless, a valid observation of the reasons so many have lost their lives and homes on that Island. I have posted a link to an article in the Daily Mail that highlights the conditions that prevail, successive dictators have over the years held the population in fear. Now that the last president has been killed by the earthquake, Baby Doc, who is mentioned in the article and who has squandered the purported billion pounds he embezzled, is now seeking to return with the likely intentions of repeating his former practices. So as Dan says, to pour in aid that is already being seen to be taken by gangs of club bearing thugs is really counter productive and steps need to be taken to ensure that the aid is fairly distributed. That, I fear, will require armed intervention, as to the future of the island and it's people, I fear for them..

ANDREW MALONE: Rape, murder and voodoo on the island of the damned | Mail Online

[smellycat]

can i just say deacon dans comments were not in a prayer thread,it was moved later.

just to clarify.

[streetsinger]

I know this may seem like a cowards way out, but I have had to stop watching the news because it breaks my heart in two to watch.

You must have been watching different news cast to me then Lily. I watched a news report where a man, every time the bulldozers stopped, ran forward to listen for his wife who had been buried for six days. Eventually he heard her and when they dug her out, she emerged singing in Haitian " don't be afraid of death". The last report I saw, was a young man who had been buried for eleven days and whilst buried, promised God that If he would save him he would serve him for the remainder of his life. As well as tragedy there is also miracle and answered prayer..

[streetsinger]

can i just say deacon dans comments were not in a prayer thread,it was moved later.

just to clarify.

Don't let's get pedantic cat, I suggest you check out the prayer thread, because that's the thread I read it in. However it's not the thread that is the issue, surely, it's the substance of the post.

[smellycat]

the only reason i said it because there were comments made later which were unknowingly false.

no probem carry on.

[Apple]

We are still called to show in actions, as well as words the love and true gospel of Christ to people and in their time of need. Christ died for sinners and we all are. He always wants people to turn to Him, and anyone can be changed in Christ.

I understand your concerns for the future but there are also people who are not thugs suffering there. I know what you mean but its hoped people will turn. I don't believe we can abadon people there are people needing help. Sometimes really violent people change when they are shown unconditional love. Thats what I mean but I can also see the need for protection as well.

[streetsinger]

We are still called to show in actions, as well as words the love and true gospel of Christ to people and in their time of need. Christ died for sinners and we all are. He always wants people to turn to Him, and anyone can be changed in Christ.

I agree Apple, we are all called to show our faith by actions, but surely our actions should be wisely taken. If the aid that is given, has little chance of reaching those it was given for, is it not wasted? Or are we to give to placate our consciences? I have given to this cause, in the hope that it will indeed get to those who need it most, however, after watching the news reports of feral gangs of thugs spiriting the aid away, probably to reappear on the black market, I despair for those souls who are weak and unable to fend for themselves. I'd like to ask you, what course of action you would take?

[Apple]

I agree that the aid doesn't often go to those in need and can get in the wrong hands. Though a certain amount of aid does reach the needy. I would like to see this greatly multiplied.

You asked me what course of action would I take. If I could see more rescue from the rabble, building up the whole area, food, counselling and all centred on Jesus and the gospel and prayers in Him. You raised a valid point and seeing the aid gets to the most vulnerable and anyone in need to any extent. That can't be easy at all and everything needs prayer.

I understand what you mean about the future with the thugs etc. Only I want to make a point that I see God as having overall control and being the judge and not us, and vengeance being His and not ours. IMO, our position is to be compassionate, wanting people to be saved, changed in Christ and helped and for us be a sayer and doer of the Word of God, in actions as well as words.

[streetsinger]

I agree that the aid doesn't often go to those in need and can get in the wrong hands. Though a certain amount of aid does reach the needy. I would like to see this greatly multiplied.

You asked me what course of action would I take. If I could see more rescue from the rabble, building up the whole area, food, counselling and all centred on Jesus and the gospel and prayers in Him. You raised a valid point and seeing the aid gets to the most vulnerable and anyone in need to any extent. That can't be easy at all and everything needs prayer.

I understand what you mean about the future with the thugs etc. Only I want to make a point that I see God as having overall control and being the judge and not us, and vengeance being His and not ours. IMO, our position is to be compassionate, wanting people to be saved, changed in Christ and helped and for us be a sayer and doer of the Word of God, in actions as well as words.

As do we all Apple, I just don't wish to encourage the evil that previous aid has financed, but I do take your point that God is in supreme control. In saying that, we have to consider that it is he, in fact, that has allowed this catastrophe to take place and so, must understand the dilemma of his people when they are deciding how and when to give aid. If aid is stolen to finance murder and butchery, then it is no aid at all, so until stable distribution centres are set up and the vulnerable are protected from having their needs stolen, it is a contradiction in terms to label donated goods as aid. We are called to be wise stewards, and because a person shows consideration as to how they steward Gods finances, it is unjust to call them vengeful. Finally, people only have so much to give and there are many equally desperate situations in the world some where the money is wisely distributed and others that are questionable. As I said before I have given to this cause, but before I give more I need to see that those in need are receiving it. If I give to appease my emotions, I cannot be considered a wise steward.

[Lily]

You must have been watching different news cast to me then Lily.

You didn't see very distressed little children then ?