Haitian Crisis Relief

This may not be the correct format or mechanism for this type of suggestion, but here it is...

We all are aware of the Haitian crisis and are probably doing different things to help... this may be a missguided suggestion, but here it is...

Has Logos considered the possibility of openning a Haitian Crisis Relief fund? Perhaps by designating a portion of the proceeds from their sale of a "Suffering" or "Crisis" title (theology or counseling) or resource to motivate this community's donations?

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Pat Flanakin

I would say more appropriate is for the churches the employees of Logos attend address this problem, not necessarily the company itself. I pray that the employees of Logos attend church and are involved with other Church efforts to "love their neighbor" at this time.

A company is not a church, nor part of the Church.

Fernando A Gonzalez

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76556#Comment_76556

I accept your point, and yet... companies like Verizon, Intel, Microsoft to name a few have already publicly announced their monetary contributions and more to this need. None of them are churches either.

Jack Caviness

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76575#Comment_76575

companies like Verizon, Intel, Microsoft to name a few have already publicly announced their monetary contributions

Not to be overly cynical, but have you considered the possibility that these companies have a commercial incentive to do this?

Praiser

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76660#Comment_76660

companies like Verizon, Intel, Microsoft to name a few have already publicly announced their monetary contributions

Not to be overly cynical, but have you considered the possibility that these companies have a commercial incentive to do this?

I agree with Jack...
and will add that if anyone wants to contribute to relief in Haiti, there are plenty of ways to do that individually.
There are plenty of Christian missionaries in Haiti and most of their websites have links to donate relief funds at this time.
An individual personal contribution would amount to more than a portion of a book sale and you get the tax write off.

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76673#Comment_76673

I don't care if Logos does or doesn't start a fund, but I challenge all of the members to find a way to help. I am going to be giving to my church which will be giving via our denomination's disaster relief organization. Southern Baptist Men is the 3rd largest disaster relief volunteer organization in the world behind Red Cross and Salvation Army.

BillS

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76698#Comment_76698

I challenge all of the members to find a way to help.

[Y]

Rich DeRuiter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76698#Comment_76698

I don't care if Logos does or doesn't start a fund, but I challenge all of the members to find a way to help

Agreed.

But be sure to give to agencies that you know have a good reputation for helping, and have 'boots on the ground.' I'm picky about who I give money too, because I've lived overseas and know that some do more harm than good, and others are little more than 'funding agencies.'

I'll be giving through my denominations own relief agency CRWRC (Christian Reformed World Relief Committee), because I know they have very low overhead, already have staff there, have a great reputation, have a tested response to disasters, and I've seen them at work first hand.

Jack Caviness

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76698#Comment_76698

I am going to be giving to my church which will be giving via our denomination's disaster relief organization. Southern Baptist Men is the 3rd largest disaster relief volunteer organization in the world behind Red Cross and Salvation Army.

[Y]

Rev. Dr. K. Robert Schmitt

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76744#Comment_76744

To add to information about the Crisis

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (one of Logos's Publishing Partners via Augsburg Fortress) had the following New Release information on their website about the probable death of a Seminary Student and (maybe many pastors) Bishop's Child..

I know the seminary president and he would not have released this unless they were pretty sure of loss of life.

ELCA Seminary Student May Have Perished in Haiti Earthquake
10-014-JB/MRC

    CHICAGO (ELCA) -- It is believed that Benjamin Judd Larson, a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, died from the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, according to the Rev. Duane H. Larson, Wartburg president.
     Ben Larson's wife, Renee Splichal Larson, and his cousin, Jonathan Larson, were in the same building as Ben at the time of the earthquake. Renee and Jonathan "made it out, eventually found each other, then returned to St. Joseph Guest House in the attempt to rescue Ben, to no avail," Duane Larson wrote in a Jan. 14 letter to the Wartburg community. Wartburg is one of eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
     Jonathan and Renee are being evacuated to the Dominican Republic, and "we're hoping that (they) will soon travel back to the United States," Duane Larson told the ELCA News Service.
     Ben, Renee and Jonathan are fourth-year Wartburg seminarians certified for ordination. They traveled together to Haiti to help with the new Haiti Lutheran Church. Ben was teaching at the Pastors and Lay Leaders Theological Conference in Haiti.
     "We so grieve with (Ben's) parents, April and Judd; for Renee's loss of her husband; Jonathan's loss of a dear cousin, for our loss of a beautiful friend," wrote Duane Larson. "Ben's baptismal light burned so brightly in our community and for all who came to know him. We grieve the loss of so clear a proclamation, with eyes twinkling, of Christ's love, compassion and humor," he wrote.
     Ben's mother, the Rev. April Ulring Larson, is pastor at First Lutheran Church, Duluth, Minn., and former bishop of the ELCA La Crosse Area Synod. His father, the Rev. Judd W. Larson, is a retired ELCA pastor.
     "Ben was so excited to become a pastor," said April Larson in a Jan. 14 statement from First Lutheran Church's executive committee. "Ben loved Christ, and he loved people," she said.
     "We hold Renee, April, Judd, Jonathan and all of Ben's family and friends in prayer, trusting in God's mercy and the promise of the Resurrection," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop. "Our prayers are with the people of Haiti, and their families and friends throughout the world."
     The Rev. Thomas M. Aitken, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Minnesota Synod, Duluth, has been ministering to April and Judd Larson at their home. He said in an interview that First Lutheran Church will host a community prayer service Jan. 14 for the people of Haiti. Aitken said he will offer a reflection at that service.
     The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director, ELCA Global Mission, said he has visited the building where Ben Larson is believed to be trapped on the third floor. That building is the St. Joseph Home for Boys, he said.
     Renee and Jonathan tried twice to get to the place in the building where Ben is located, but were unsuccessful, Malpica Padilla told the ELCA News Service. Malpica Padilla had been in contact with staff at the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Geneva, and asked if they could send LWF staff in Haiti to travel to the building site where Ben Larson is believed to be located. But, they could not gain access to the building.
     Ben Larson is a "best friend" of Malpica Padilla's son, Felix. The two attended Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, together, and sang in the college's Nordic Choir, said Malpica Padilla. Luther is one of 27 ELCA colleges and universities.
     The chapel at Wartburg Seminary is open to the community for prayer.
- - -
     Information about Wartburg Seminary is at http://www.wartburgseminary.edu on the Web.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news

Rich DeRuiter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76788#Comment_76788

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- It is believed that Benjamin Judd Larson, a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, died from the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, according to the Rev. Duane H. Larson, Wartburg president.

What tragic, tragic news. I know none of these people and have little connection to the ELCA, yet I feel grief rising as I read this. I can't imagine what it must be for his wife and child.

My heart goes out to them, Ben's family back home, the rest of the mission staff, as well as national leaders that knew him. At the same time, my prayers go up to the Father of all mercy to send His mighty Comforter to them all in the precious and powerful name of Jesus.

Jack Caviness

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76788#Comment_76788

It is believed that Benjamin Judd Larson, a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, died from the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti

The earthquake seemed a far-off tragedy. I could pray for the survivors and feel deep sympathy, but it was still a long distance. However, reading this news release made the connection personal. Now the tragedy is more personal. Thank you for sharing. We will pray for the family and friends.

Rev. Dr. K. Robert Schmitt

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76841#Comment_76841

The ELCA website will likely have another news release when more info is available from his wife and cousin who are heading back to the USA.

This was a J-Term excursion and it sounds like other pastors and lay leaders were in the building that colapsed so likely the 'Haiti Lutheran church' suffered a great loss.

So did the Roman Church because their archbishop was killed when the cathedral collapsed.

Ben Larson may be the 'second' known American Death. NBC tonight indicated an American Embassy? Official was killed.

Rev. Dr. K. Robert Schmitt

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76913#Comment_76913

The Port-au-Prince cathedral, a large 18th-century building with stained glass windows that was popular with tourists for its architecture, also collapsed during the earthquake.

``The parish priest of the cathedral, who was spared, told me that the archbishop of Port-au-Prince would have died under the rubble, together with hundreds of seminarians and priests that are under the ruins,'' Auza said.

The Associated Press has reported that the Rev. Pierre Le Beller of the Saint Jacques Missionary Center in western France says fellow missionaries in Haiti told him they found Miot's body in the ruins of the archdiocese office.

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76916#Comment_76916

Be careful of scams which tend to arise during such times of crisis. Here is a list of vetted organizations (many of them Christian or with Christian roots) for individuals to contibute through:

Haiti Quake: How to Help

I've already made a donation online through MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) -- way more than a percentage of what I might have spent on Logos books which Logos might direct to such efforts. I've decided to defer spending on any Logos products for some time to make up for that hit to my wallet. This seemed like a more urgent need at the moment.

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76924#Comment_76924

Some of you may have heard of a so-called "voodoo" or "devil pact" theory of why Haiti has been suffering under such poverty since its founding. Many Christians mindlessly propagate it without knowing the history. Pat Robertson did so on national TV just recently, and my aunt also mentioned it in email to me. It's false and is something that needs to be stopped from spreading.

There’s a good historical explanation for how that theory arose and why it is suspect, and why perpetuating that explanation is not very helpful.

Read the following excellent series of articles by Jean R. Gelin, Ph.D., a black Haitian Christian who is a plant scientist and an assistant pastor at a Haitian-American church:

http://www.blackandchristian.com/articles/academy/gelin-10-05.shtml
http://www.blackandchristian.com/articles/academy/gelin-11-05.shtml
http://www.blackandchristian.com/articles/academy/gelin-12-05.shtml

Rich DeRuiter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/76930#Comment_76930

Some of you may have heard of a so-called "voodoo" or "devil pact" theory of why Haiti has been suffering under such poverty since its founding. Many Christians mindlessly propagate it without knowing the history. Pat Robertson did so on national TV just recently, and my aunt also mentioned it in email to me. It's false and is something that needs to be stopped from spreading

Having been in Haiti and having worked extensively with Haitians in the Dominican Republic, the presence of voodoo and the demonic forces behind this occult religion is very real, and socially and spiritually devastating. It is difficult for North Americans to grasp the enslavement of voodoo many Haitians are under, and the fear that rules the hearts and minds of many Haitians because of it.

Having said that, I felt anger rise when I heard Robertson's claim, as I did when a similar one was made regarding hurricane Katrina. I don't blame God for this, and I don't see it as His judgment on Haiti. Didn't Jesus say something about the tower of Siloam falling on some and not others? Robertson sounds more like one of Job's friends explaining his losses, and the Devil's work, as God's judgment. I feel embarrassed, though I do believe he is a man of God; yet I'm embarrassed because for some they will remember his judgment as representative of the Christian viewpoint, and forget the millions of dollars and hours selflessly given in Jesus' name without judgment by thousands of other Christians.

Before I rant any farther, I'll sign off and pray about all of this once again.

TCBlack

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/77002#Comment_77002

Having been in Haiti and having worked extensively with Haitians in the Dominican Republic, the presence of voodoo and the demonic forces behind this occult religion is very real, and socially and spiritually devastating. It is difficult for North Americans to grasp the enslavement of voodoo many Haitians are under, and the fear that rules the hearts and minds of many Haitians because of it.

I also can speak with assurance of this reality. I went from half-heartedly believing that demons were not active today, to teaching Principles of Spiritual warfare for the last several years in Haiti. It's very real.

Having said that, I felt anger rise when I heard Robertson's claim, as I did when a similar one was made regarding hurricane Katrina. I don't blame God for this, and I don't see it as His judgment on Haiti. Didn't Jesus say something about the tower of Siloam falling on some and not others? Robertson sounds more like one of Job's friends explaining his losses, and the Devil's work, as God's judgment. I feel embarrassed, though I do believe he is a man of God; yet I'm embarrassed because for some they will remember his judgment as representative of the Christian viewpoint, and forget the millions of dollars and hours selflessly given in Jesus' name without judgment by thousands of other Christians.

Richard, I'm glad you said it because I've wanted to. (I just deleted more ranting) Time for me to go pray as well.

Bob Pritchett

I'm not a fan of corporate giving. (But I am a fan of personal giving, let me hasten to add...)

"The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains..." God doesn't need our money. We need to give it.

I see charitable giving as a transaction that is good for both parties. And corporations don't have souls; people do.

Large corporations give as a marketing expense. In the best scenarios, it's an attempt to soften their image, deflect criticism, and attract business from people sympathetic to the cause. In the worst scenarios it's an opportunity for CEO's or corporate leadership to fund pet causes with other peoples' money, or to reap praise and admiration without reaching into their own pockets. (I've been pitched; if Logos gives big money to a cause, there's a lot more in it for me than for you. I can give a percentage of "your" purchase, but you won't get a VIP ticket to the ball.)

And what's given? It comes out of the customer's pocket one way or another. You don't see a lot of companies forgoing the annual dividend in order to give to charity. The cost of their "gift" is built into the price of their product as surely as the cost of a billboard or TV ad.

So you're paying more to support the charity of their choice. Wouldn't you rather pay less and support the charity of your choice? Worse, the charity of their choice is often (for believers) a group you'd like to see go away, not one you want to subsidize.

So if you see Logos doing something charitable, you can rest assured it's for a good business reason. :-)

(For "personal marketing" reasons, I'll add that I've already made a donation to Haiti relief from my own pocket. I wouldn't dare write this post if I hadn't!)

SteveF

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/78362#Comment_78362

[Our "small" church also gave a significant amount today, so I guess "my" money is also on the line.]

I do not think I've ever written a "Thank-you, Bob" post, but here goes:

Thank you Bob for your openness and honesty and sharing your reasoning behind this challenging corporate decision.

Personally, I did not think that you needed to respond, nor defend "Logos" decision-making in this matter, but I do appreciate it.

Sadly, the reality of the long term care needed (orphanages etc) will continue to cry out to all of us for many years. Perhaps others of you have seen the numbers being thrown around (1 of the worst 10 disasters in history? etc.) I do not have any way of determining if that is factual. But as a fellow believer, it is heart-warming to see this outpouring of concern. I guess we can only pray that the caring actions will not overwhelm the on-site logistics. .

Regards

Steve.

TCBlack

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/78406#Comment_78406

Thanks for sharing Bob.

To all:

As one with many personal friends in Haiti; who has worked in Haiti and frankly who has left 1/2 of my heart in Haiti I am devastated right now.

I urge you, above all things to pause and pray for God to lubricate the wheels of relief flowing into Haiti, that many yet will be spared. That all in Haiti will hear God's desperate plea to repent* (Luke 13:1-5) I cannot stop weeping over this destruction and suffering.

Dear brothers and sisters, pray for Haiti.

*No I do not believe Pat Robertson was anywhere near right let's not argue it! God's anger at Voudou was poured out upon Jesus at the cross.

Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/79514#Comment_79514

I think that it does not belong to us to say either that God did it for this or that reason or that He did not. The fact is: we don't know. All the rest is opinions (Deuteronomy 29:29; Job 38:2-6).

My wife is half Haitian. We have two sponsored children there. We don't have any news of them yet.

Although we know that the well of suffering is very deep, often too deep for us to fathom, people in our congregations will seek to grapple with how such catastrophes fit with their understanding of God's sovereignty.

For my part, I feel that I have pieces but not the whole puzzle. I don't see something of this magnitude happening just by chance. For sure, there are natural causes at work in the world, but God is master over nature. So many people have been affected by this earthquake. These are all people that Christ died for. Since the Lord has foreknowledge, I think that He "allowed" this to happen. Knowing why is another question. Without revelation, its answer is out of our reach.

Thomas' quote of Luke 13:1-5 is appropriate here. All who don't repent will perish. This does not mean that when some perish, it is not because of their sin, just that, it is not because they are greater sinners than all the rest. However, John 9:1-3 warns us against jumping to conclusions while the rest of Scriptures demonstrate that God can and has used natural disasters as acts of judgment. The Lord said that at least some of these things must happen (Matthew 24:6) and we know He will use them yet from the book of Revelation.

And then there is Job's story. The devil did it. God allowed it. Job did not "deserve" it. But God still used it in Job's life. God did not explain it but He certainly did look after His suffering servant and looked also for how Job and those who could help him responded.

Although there is not a one to one correspondence, I have been thinking about the Lord's reproach to the Edomites who struck down and did not assist escapees from Jerusalem. Even though it was because of God's judgment the Israelites were stricken, He blamed the Edomites for their cruelty. He blamed also the Assyrians and the Babylonians for their cruelty.

I don't know whether this is an act of judgment on Haiti. While I know that this does not sit well with popular theologies out there, I know that from a biblical standpoint it is perfectly possible, but not necessary. We can leave it at that and focus on how to respond. It is also a reminder to all of us that this can happen anywhere anytime. Life is short. Let's make good use of our lease. Let's spread our bread on the waters. We'll find that it returns also in our time of need. Let's also witness, witness, witness! It's maddening to know how much the need is when so many are closed to hearing the least about the Lord! But there are open doors. May the Lord help us discern them and "speak clearly as we should".

Father, we join in prayer for the Haitian people. We know you do not want anyone to perish but all to come to repentance. We know you do not take pleasure in the destruction of mankind. We know you loved the world -- including Haitians -- so much as to send your Son into the world. We pray for our brothers and sisters -- your children -- first of all. Please comfort them. Be their Provider and Healer. Give them your peace in trouble times. May they be reminded by your Spirit that you are their Tower of Refuge. Help them also -- those who can -- to look outward, to seek to bless others and love them in your name. Lord Jesus, help your body in Haiti, we pray.

We pray for all of the Haitian people. We pray for your help to abound to them. Help all the ministries out there to work effectively in blessing and comforting the afflicted. May you protect also your volunteers during this time of civil unrest. Father, that all of the Haitian people would know your love in this time of dire need! We pray for the healing of the souls and the bodies of this nation.

We pray for relief efforts, for our elected officials, for the UN, for Haitian officials, for troops on the ground. We pray for wisdom, Father, that they may make sound decisions and act promptly and generously. We pray for your power to work in situations where the help of man can only do so much.

Lord, we love you and we love them. Help us (me) grow in our (my) love for them. Help us (me) be compassionate and gracious as you are compassionate and gracious. Help us be faithful in intercession with open hands. We lift to your altar of incense our intercession O God. Arise, O Lord, for your Name's sake!

We ask this, as your servants, through your Son our Lord Jesus.

Amen.

If we have any Haitian brother or sister reading these posts, we bless you in the name of the Lord.

TCBlack

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/79619#Comment_79619

Amen Francis, Amen.

BillS

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/79619#Comment_79619

We ask this, as your servants, through your Son our Lord Jesus.

Amen!