On Jan. 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. An estimated 230,000 people lost their lives. In a country where survival already was a daily ordeal, the affected children and families faced extraordinary challenges.
Today, as we approach the one-year anniversary of this disaster, more than a million people are still displaced. Debris is still being cleared in many areas — a laborious process. The country's infrastructure will take years to rebuild. The lack of available land remains an obstacle in providing shelter. Building standards must also take into account the likelihood of future natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
Those are just a few of the major issues in the recovery effort. The lack of clean, safe drinking water and sanitation has contributed to a deadly outbreak of cholera. The country's educational system is desperately inadequate. And the nation remains in peril, with the constant threat of other disasters like tropical storms. These jeopardize recovery efforts and the well-being of survivors.
As we begin a new year, pray diligently for children, the most vulnerable survivors of the earthquake, and for those who are working to help give them a better life.
Suggested prayer points
Pray for peace. Quake survivors have left the cities for the villages and the countryside. It's put an enormous strain on rural households, 90 percent of which were living on less than $2 a day before the earthquake. Pray for peace that passes understanding in the homes of these families, who are struggling to take care of their own daily needs as they try to help their loved ones who lost their homes in the quake. Ask God to give them an extra measure of His grace during this difficult time.
Pray for discernment. The disaster response in Haiti is unprecedented in scale and complexity. There are huge challenges and hurdles, including the lack of available land for shelters and the complicated logistics of getting materials and equipment to the hardest-hit areas. Ask God to give those in positions of authority a divine wisdom as they make crucial decisions in the relief effort.
Pray for healing. A serious outbreak of cholera has led to the deaths of thousands of Haitians. Ask God, the Great Physician, to touch the bodies of those who are fighting the ravages of the disease. Thank Him for the dedication of the medical professionals who have saved countless lives.
Pray for refreshing. Scripture tells us that we should never tire of doing good. But as the recovery process reaches the one-year mark, those in Haiti who are doing good are tired, both in body and spirit. Pray that they would find rest and recover their strength to continue in the good work that God has given them to do. Ask God to put people in their paths who will encourage them with words and deeds.
Pray for vision. Proverbs 29:18 tells us that where there is no vision, the people perish. In the wake of the earthquake, the task of rebuilding and transforming Haiti requires vision from those in the Haitian government, non-governmental organizations, the faith community, and the world at large. Ask God to protect their hearts and minds and to guide their steps as they make decisions about the future of millions of people who are precious to Him.
Praying with thanksgiving. The gifts of World Vision supporters have made a difference in the lives of thousands of hurting Haitians in the past 12 months. Meals have been provided to more than 120,000 schoolchildren. More than 1,700 children separated from their families have been registered and cared for. Twenty-two Child-Friendly Spaces have given more than 5,600 children each week a safe place to play, learn, and heal from the effects of the disaster. Thank God for the resources He has given, through which suffering quake survivors have received comfort and assistance.
Focus your prayers on the transformation possible through people dedicated to God's call. Watch a video, "God Provides."
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