How to Help Victims of the Haiti Earthquake and Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the Same Time

You want to help the victims of the massive 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and you want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. How do you accomplish both objectives at the same time?

Estimates vary as to how many people were killed during the January 12 quake, with some estimates as high as 100,000 or more. Those who survived often lost basic services like water and electricity, and were in need of medical care. People searched among the rubble for days for survivors, sometimes finding people still alive. Felix Augustin, Haiti's Counsel General to the United Nations said Port-au-Prince, the capital city, was "flattened" by the quake. According to estimates by the Red Cross, about 3 million people, or one third of the entire population of the country, were affected by the quake.

People from all over the world, representing counties countries and numerous religions, have rushed to provide help. It is only natural that those who believe in Jesus Christ as God's Son, as the Savior, the Son of God Who died for the sins of the world to give a home in heaven to believers, should also want to help the victims in Haiti. There is a lot that can be done.

One way Christians can help Haiti and share the gospel at the same time is through your own local church. Does your church or denomination have missionaries in Haiti? Does it provide disaster relief? Ask your pastor to find out how you can help.

Sadly, there are examples of fraud whenever a disaster happens anywhere in the world. There are people out there who want to cheat you out of your money in the name of charity now too, from those claiming to want to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. If you suspect fraud, you may call a number established by the National Center for Disaster Fraud and the FBI, (866) 720-5721. Giving to a well known, recognized charity is the best way to help you avoid being a victim of such fraud.

If you have relatives in Haiti and want information, call 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225.

One organization that provides disaster relief in the United States and around the world is the Christian Broadcast Network. Through its Operation Blessing, it provides disaster relief and shares the gospel of Jesus Christ in Haiti. For more information go to CBN.com.

Another Christian organization that is providing relief to Haiti is the Salvation Army. Former First Lady Laura Bush has joined the National Advisory Board for the Salvation Army. The group of business, philanthropic, and religious leaders help with public outreach and strategic planning. One way you can help is to text 52000 to donate $10. The Salvation Army helps provide help to those suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, disease, lack of shelter, and are the victims of human trafficking for their organs, slave labor, and sex. More information is available at Salvationarmyus.org.

Other Christian organizations that are providing relief to Haiti include: the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, Compassion International, which already provides food to starving children throughout the world, including in Haiti, Love a Child, Water Missions International, which is providing water purification systems for the country, and Faith and Action.

Citations: Haiti appeals for aid; official fears 100,000 dead after earthquake, no author listed, MSNBC.msn.com

Haiti Quake: How to Help, no author listed, CBSnews.com

Special Section: Haiti Earthquake and Recovery, no author listed, CBN.com