Why Not?

As you probably already know, Haiti needs our help. These precious people are in a devastating situation that will alter their lives forever. There are well over 200,000 people dead, 150,000 injured, too many to count are now homeless, and nearly 3 million of Haiti's 9 million people are estimated to be in need of aid. (according to a recent Fox News report).

Three Ways to Give:

1. Text "Haiti" to 90999 to give $10 to Red Cross. You can do this as many times as you want and the $10 will be deducted from your cell phone bill automatically.
2. Text "YELE" to 501501 to give $5 to an organization called Yele Haiti which is a grassroots movement started by Wyclef Jean.
3. Give through Google Checkout: Google has made it available to give to UNICEF and CARE through their secure payment system. UNICEF is providing Haiti clean water and other supplies that are desperately needed, and CARE is distributing high-protein biscuits and other food.

I just used the first method by texting to the Red Cross. It was easy and only took a few seconds.

Beware of Scammers!

Sadly, after a big crisis like this one, there are many scam-artists that come out of the wood work. They will pose as a legitimate charitable organization and then simply take your money and run. These scammers know that people all over the world, especially Americans, are easy targets when it comes giving to aid in times of crisis. Stick to the three methods I just showed you above and you will be just fine. If an offer is thrown at you to give to Haiti, question it and do your research before handing over your credit card information.

Not Just Today...

I think it is a beautiful thing when people all over the world come together and give their hard earned money to support hurting people whom they have never met. The immediate response of generous and willing people will be the difference between life and death for many of the people in Haiti.

But this is just the beginning. Haiti will need our support three months from now, not just today. The main-stream media may move on to something else, but don't let your heart forget about the needs in this struggling nation. Write a note in your calendar to give to Haiti again in a few months. Don't just give when it's popular to give.

Pray

Take a few minutes out of your day to lift Haiti up to the Lord in prayer.