[This is an email sent to Azusa Pacific students this afternoon from Rev. Kevin Manonia, graduate and faculty chaplain]
Dear Faculty and Staff Members,
Many of you are deeply concerned for the people of Haiti and brothers and sisters in Christ there who are both suffering the devastation and also trying to respond to significant and urgent needs. Please continue to pray. Each of you has some particular interest through your church or some relationship there. Now is the time for intentional intercession.
Even amidst the current economic pressure around us, some of you may also feel a desire to give to the relief efforts there. Certainly many of your churches and denominations are already mobilizing to help meet needs in Haiti. As well, APU is making channels available to help with that effort. In an effort to keep our efforts coordinated for immediate giving, APU is making available two opportunities:
a. You can attend chapel tomorrow and next Wednesday, where you will have opportunity to give.
b. You can make a contribution through www.haitihopefund.org.
In order to be as responsible as possible with the funds collected from both options, we will partner with Christian University of North Haiti in support of their direct efforts for relief. APU has relational connections there and we have confidence that our gifts will be wisely used.
Some of you may already be thinking about traveling to Haiti. While your heart may compel you to do so, now may not be the best time. We are already considering plans to focus the efforts of many within our community through partnerships with our supporting denominations whose networks in Haiti are well established through churches, orphanages, and hospitals. As national leaders and governmental initiatives help to meet the immediate need, the time will come for teams focused on recovery initiatives in the weeks, months, and even years to come.
Thanks for your compassionate care and prayer for the painful circumstances so many people are struggling with in Haiti.
May God be close to the grieving people, and the hurting nation.
Kevin
Rev. Kevin Manonia, graduate and faculty chaplain
