Monday, January 25, 2010

Trouble Meets Peace (Help for Haiti)

I like many others have been overwhelmed and at a loss for words for the suffering caused by the devastating earthquake in Haiti.  I haven’t said much about it online though we’ve prayed in our church and prayed in private.

One of many beautiful promises that Jesus gave us was peace.  John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

As Jesus’ time of suffering comes nearer, He tells His disciples in John 16:33 that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

It’s in the midst of suffering that seems unbearable, whether by oppression or natural disaster or emotional pain, that we can effectively draw on peace that goes beyond temporal realities and our understanding.

If Jesus gives peace, then we also (as His body) have to give peace. Moving back to the subject of Haiti, I cannot go there right now, but I can pray and I can try to help in any way I can. I can attempt to inject a little peace into a terrible situation.

We can think that “someone else will give” or that “with all the support raised so far, they should have more than enough.”  Sadly, we can look at Katrina-devastated New Orleans and the problems they still encounter after all the rebuilding efforts and realize that this is a thin delusion (and here in the US, we’re in one of the richest nations of the world).

What can we do? I’m can’t say I’m going to raise millions for the rebuilding effort, but I am offering to do something.

I got an email from CD Baby, the distributor of mine and many independent artist’s music.  They have decided to make a donation for every purchase on their website.  Here’s what they said:
Starting on Monday, January 25th and continuing for two weeks, we will donate $1 of our cut from every CD sale through our website, and $1 from every download sale over $8.99 on our site, to the American Red Cross and to Mercy Corps, a Portland-based relief organization with a large presence in Haiti. With your help, we hope to raise tens of thousands of dollars.

I was convicted because I know as God’s people we are meant to make an impact, and even though throughout the world, I know we are, it has to be personal.  I remembered Proverbs 21:13, “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”

I’m opening my ears and allowing God to open my heart. Since CD Baby is giving a dollar for every purchase made in the next two weeks, I’m going to give $5 for every album purchase (digital download or CD) made starting January 25.  I’ll turn around and  give this to World Vision.

You can support the efforts in Haiti and get, what I feel is, some great worship music in the process.  Maybe it’s not your style, no problem! But maybe you know someone who might like it. If you already have this music, you can purchase it for a friend or whatever you like.

I hope you’ll help me in this and that we’ll have a great testimony of what God has done.  Let’s participate in the life of Jesus and bring some peace. After all, that's exactly what He didour trouble met His gift of peace.

Link to the worship music (this is one album, 3 others are linked to on the left)
Or text “Haiti” to 90999 and a $10 donation will be charged to your phone bill.


Will you consider sharing this as well via twitter, facebook, your own site, wherever? Thanks.

This post was also submitted to a blog carnival hosted by Bridget Chumbley and Peter Pollock. Check out more entries on the topic “Peace” by clicking here.

24 comments:

Russell Holloway said...

As the body of Christ we bring peace - I love that idea ... Thanks

Glynn said...

He came to divide and separate and he knew conflict would result. And so he gave us peace, the only kind that lasts.

Steph @RedClay said...

Great reminder of our responsibility to not only embrace peace, but to bring it.

katdish said...

Through my church family, we have a direct link to the goings on in Haiti, and I feel a certain peace knowing the money we gave can have an immediate and direct effect on the lives that are intertwined with ours, even from so far away.

Bridget said...

We are far away... but there is much we can do!  Thanks for your generosity and we'll help spread the word!

jasonS said...

Thank you, Russell!

jasonS said...

Amen.

jasonS said...

Freely we have received, so freely we give...

jasonS said...

That's so great, Kat. It's amazing how many people and organizations are present there, but the devastation is so huge. Thanks for making a difference.

jasonS said...

You're right- the world has become smaller and smaller. Things that were impossible 50 years ago are there and available now. We just have to get past our complacency (always the biggest hurdle). Thanks Bridget!

Matt said...

Great post Jason! I'm convinced if the church were to be Christ's hands and feet we would rely on politicians much less!

jasonS said...

Amen and amen!

Ginny (MAD21) said...

Every little bit helps. This is a long-term situation as you said. And the people in this country were suffering before this tragedy. There's a lot of hurting people in the world. the church needs to step up.

jasonS said...

Absolutely- we pray, we give as we can, we do what we can in obedience to Jesus.  This isn't going away...

Maureen said...

Thank you for doing your part to help Haiti. Each time we give, we give hope.

I used several lines from John in my haiku today. Hope you can drop by to read it. I'll add your name to my list of Blog Carnival participants making donations.

jasonS said...

Absolutely- hearing about what you were doing and seeing that email really put it all into motion so thank you very much!

Susan said...

His peace - in our trouble - it's invaluable

Louise said...

Thanks Jason for sharing your music to create more peace in the world and to help Haiti.

And thank you for dropping by my blog to help me in my efforts to support Haiti too!

Helen said...

Great job, Jason.  

jasonS said...

Absolutely- thank you!

jasonS said...

Thanks Helen. :)

jasonS said...

Amen.

JoAnne Bennett said...

That kind of "overwhelmed" you can't put into words has been the way I have felt as well Jason. Personally, I didn't think anything could be worse than Hurricane Katrina; the massive loss of lives in Haiti is unfathomable. Thanks for sharing ways we can lend a hand!

jasonS said...

Thank you, JoAnne.

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