February, 2010

Dear Members and Friends of Christ Church,

 

In the wake of the epic earthquake destruction in Haiti in January, I find it hard to think about anything else given the close ties Christ Church has with friends and colleagues there.

 

Some of us often say that Haiti on a good day would be a terrible one for another country. So the news coming out of Haiti on a daily basis goes from bad to worse. Witnessing these catastrophic events we cannot help but ask how a just God could allow such suffering and devastation? Those odd responses from some noted televangelists that say Haiti deserved it because of their history should be dismissed as pure nonsense. No one can know the mind of God. Yet, like Job, we still look for answers that never come. For me the closest answer comes from my former theology professor, Bill Wolf, who once said that only the suffering God can help. It is the crucified Christ who shares in the suffering of the world where we find the heart of God.

 

There is a Haitian proverb: Bondye konn bay, men li pa konn separe, which is translated “God gives but does not share,” meaning that God provides but it is up to us how to allocate it. In our Baptismal Covenant, we are asked the question: “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” And we respond: “We will, with God’s help.” As Christians you and I have a responsibility to care for the least, the last, the lost, and the lonely and I see our baptismal charge is to seek out those in need.

 

Several years ago, I told one of our wardens that, I believe, the future of Christ Church resides in Haiti. What I meant was that beyond our walls, beyond Rosemary and Highland Streets, beyond our safe havens, lies a world that could use the gifts given to so many talented men, women, and children at Christ Church. Through our baptisms, we are given diverse gifts and skills for the work of ministry to bind up the broken-hearted, to heal the sick, to clothe the homeless, to feed the hungry, and to proclaim the hope of Christ. I still believe, now more than ever, that our future lies in Haiti. Our future also lies in Shelter Cooking, in Needham Habitat for Humanity, in Circle of Hope, in Long Island Shelter, in Iowa, and in Biloxi and New Orleans.

 

I have often said, and I will say it again: God takes us places we never thought we would go. And go we shall. As we begin the year at Christ Church with new lay leaders and delegates we cannot help but look to the future. Haiti has graphically and sadly reminded us the future is now, the needs immediate, and the demands great. As we pray for the people of Haiti, let us also pray for all those in need or any kind of trouble. Let us pray that we will have the will and the courage to persevere doing the work of ministry God has set before us this year and at this hour.

 

Faithfully Yours,