Let's Rebuild Haiti

It's been awhile since I have focused on relief efforts in Haiti after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti in January of this year.  It's time to refresh our memories.  The rebuilding is not over.  Things are not back to normal.  Haiti still needs our help.

First, intercede in prayer for those still struggling.  Many are injured.  Many have lost loved ones.  Many have lost homes, possessions, pets, everything.  Can we even imagine how their daily reality has changed?  We must not grow weary - continue giving to recovery efforts.  Americans are eager to give and give generously... at first.  Once the sensationalism dies down, we move on to the next big thing and often forget those who still need our help.  Let's continue to help.

I was reminded to continue helping just the other day.  I came upon a request from a new bloggy friend, Colleen, to help send her to Haiti.  She is running several awesome raffles on her blog.  She doesn't need thousands of dollars.  If we each donate just $1, she'll be well on her way.  Here's what she says about her fund raising:

August 14th – 21st I’ll be going to Haiti with a missions team, through an international organization called Praying Pelican Missions. We will not only be sharing the love of Jesus with a hurting people group, but also helping in the relief effort dealing with the devastation left by the January earthquake. We will be working in schools, churches, and orphanages. I can’t wait to be a part of God’s work in Haiti! My trip costs $600, plus over $700 for a plane ticket(!) and a suggested donation of $300 for supplies. I've raised some of that total, but have a ways to go. (And if I raise extra, it will all be donated to the cause.)

So... my last fundraising effort on my blog did not go exactly as I had hoped. A lot of people entered, and that was awesome and so appreciated, but few donated. If everyone who entered the giveaways that week had donated $1, I would have raised over $220. And if I had been given $1 for every entry total, I would have raised almost $350! Which, needless to say, would have helped a lot.

Colleen has four awesome raffles - 3 blog designers and one home decorating designer are offering up great prizes.   What do you say?  Can you spare a buck or two?  I entered to win a blog redesign!

Let's each do our part to help Haiti.  Pray.  Give.  Over the next few weeks, I will be talking about this subject more regularly as I strive to raise money for wheelchairs for those injured in the earthquake for the world's largest potluck dinner (a local fund-raising effort).  I need to raise just $59.20, but would love to raise enough for 3 chairs.  If you feel lead, you may donate here (directly to mission, not through me at all though it will go towards my total).  As with Colleen, every dollar helps!