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Help for Haiti
Join our Prayer Watch
An earthquake hit Haiti this week and we’ve been thinking about how to help. The destruction is devastating and Haiti needs what we have to give. The quickest humanitarian aid? Our prayers. Add your thoughts and prayers above or comment below.
The Christian Science Board of Directors offers answers to really tough questions
If God didn’t cause the earthquake, the what did?
If God is all-powerful, why did it happen?
Am I too small to make a difference?
Can any good come out of destruction?
Did our prayers fail when the aftershock hit?
Can you prevent a natural disaster?
How can I understand better how prayer works in natural disaster?
Related articles in The Christian Science Monitor
Haiti economy shows signs of life
Seven ways to give
Why a 6.1 isn’t that powerful
Aftershock stirs panic
Haitians say they feel forgotten
Parents try to shield children from the horrors
The geology underlying the devastating Haiti earthquake
Haitian Earthquake photos
Prayers of love for Haiti’s people
Buried in an earthquake … and saved
Looking for more inspiration on how to find peace amid a natural disaster?
Check out this talk by Chet Manchester, “Spiritual calm in a crisis.”
Luisella Jaques-Deraney, manager of the Héraut, and John Tyler, a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, share an audio message of comfort and hope in French. Ecoutez en cliquant ici. (listen by clicking here)
tmcyouth.com has a forum discussion board about healing. Join the conversation about what churches and individuals are doing to contribute to the aid effort in Haiti.
Also in the Forums on tmcyouth.com, there’s a conversation going – Who’s Praying for Haiti?
Where was God when the earthquake hit? – a new blog on tmcyouth.com
This author shares how she helped a friend pray when family had gone missing in the recent earthquake in Haiti.
Links to blogs by Christian Science Lecturers
Evan Mehlenbacher, CSB
Robin Hoagland, CSB
José Rodríguez Peláez, C.S. – in Spanish
Mia Says:
Thank you for the ideas shared in the audio discussion. They’re very calming. I hope the people of Haiti feel that same sense of peace.
Jen Says:
At a testimony meeting I went to tonight, I loved this idea that someone shared… She was talking to a friend who said, referring to Haiti, “I’m still waiting to see what the numbers are…” And she thought to herself … “I’m waiting to see what God sees.” I loved this idea of thinking of the Haitians as God thinks of them, holding them dear in our hearts, as God holds them. This comforts, this reaches people.
Nancy Says:
I’ve put the following on my Facebook with your video …
PRAYER WATCH… for Haiti …
Let us unite … prayer … abundant love … supply of every human need …
Let us see: evidence of goodness weave through the destruction …
Demonstrating: strength…courage…rebuild…restore…revitalize…blessings…
Yes let us unite with prayers and love … the greatest thing in the world…
Lovingly
Nancy
Clementine Says:
Hey guys,
Here are some of the references that I mentioned in our little exchange.
I Kings 19 vs 11-12
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps 46
Science & Health page 144 line 17 Truth, and not corporeal will, is the divine power which says to disease, “Peace, be still.”
Last night I went to bed with hymn 283 in my head esp. this verse
“Praise we the Lord, who our footsteps still holdeth from sliding;
Daily He campeth about us, protecting and guiding;
E’en while we sleep
Watch doth He tenderly keep;
Ever new mercies providing.”
Ron Ballard Says:
I love Jesus’ response to those around him who were no doubt wondering “where is God in all of this?” He told them that God’s reign of harmony (the kingdom of heaven) was within them and not to be dismayed by what they saw about them. Jesus wasn’t just trying to comfort them, to get them simply to look away from the problems they saw around them. He was giving the roadmap to resolution. By looking within, meaning looking to God’s view and reign of harmony or their spiritual perspective, each one would find ideas, messages, leadings about how to meet their immediate needs. So to our brothers and sisters in Haiti, we are praying to support the realization of the kingdom of heaven within you, knowing that within each of you is God’s presence and love, showing you precisely what you can do each moment in this experience to meet your need as well as that of those around you. This divine Love is not an abstraction; it is an active presence that reveals the resouces at hand. The kinddom of heaven, the reign of harmony, is within us; it cannot be obscured.
Marilyn Says:
I’ve been praying with these verses from Psalm 46:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed…though the mountains shake…
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Be still, and know that I am God.
Also, this passage from Rudimental Divine Science by Mary Baker Eddy (p 12):
“Christian Science…induces rest in God, divine Love, as caring for all the conditions requisite for the well-being of man.”
Ps 91:11 says that God “shall give his angels charge over thee,” and Science & Health defines angels as “God’s thoughts passing to man.” God’s angel thoughts of comfort, consolation, love, healing, support and reassurance are innumerable, and are constantly being poured out by divine Love to everyone in Haiti and those elsewhere who are anxious about relatives or colleagues in Haiti. Our prayers help enable these angel messages to be heard and felt to uplift and heal.
Thanks for this forum, and for the Daily Lift.
Josh Says:
In the Christian Science Bible Lesson on “Life” this week a line from Science and Health particularly stood out to me:
“Nothing can interfere with the harmony of being nor end the existence of man in Science.” (SH 427)
I love the idea that God has never stopped and never will stop loving each and everyone of us. Our brothers and sisters in Haiti have not, even for a moment, been separated from good, God. Like strong, courageous soldiers we can “stand watch” today and see that the power of good is the strongest force.
Jasmine Says:
Here’s my drop to add to the ocean of loving prayer:
“Death: an illusion, the lie of life in matter…any material evidence of death is false, for it contradicts the spiritual facts of being.” Science and Health 584:9, 15
This statement pushes me to a radically different view of events as we experience them in the news. Do I really believe that death is not real?? I must, if I want to help today. I must, if I want to see behind the matrix of this so-called life. Our prayers are directly, powerfully and unequivocally replacing the material scene with the spiritual reality, without delay.
I am so proud of our CS community as a global team of healers – this is why Mary Baker Eddy gave us Christian Science, to be used.
Joy Meikle Says:
I feel so heartened when, I think about the fact that the same divine Principle of Love is present with each individual right where they are now, assuring, encouraging, guiding, inspiring, uplifting each one with spiritual ideas. These ideas are the solutions that are meeting each one’s need right now, giving each one all they need to meet their mental and physical needs now – strengthing, feeding, and comforting each one. We are all safe in that gentle presence of God’s constant and unfailing Love now and always. No one can be separated from the helpful ideas they need now.
Chestnut Says:
I’m so grateful for the leadership of TMC Youth in launching this prayer watch for Haiti, and for the CS Monitor in sending out the OXFAM request for donations to fund immediate relief work in Haiti.
I believe that every time one of us prayerfully affirms that Love is meeting every need and delivering every child from evil, that it opens the doors of thought and someone on the front lines of the disaster feels inspiration and makes a good decision. These intuitions can multiply into effective rescue operations and wise policy development for the future.
Sarah Says:
Hi beautiful truth-seekers,
I was thinking of the line of the hymn that says “…my prayer, some daily good to do, to thine, for thee, an offering pure of love whereto God leadeth me.”
Then I was inspired to google the words “an offering pure of love” and I was led to this writing about St. Therese’s offering to Compassionate Love.
“ST. THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS
—THE OFFERING TO COMPASSIONATE LOVE —
‘O my God, Most Blessed Trinity … I offer myself as a holocaust to Thy Compassionate Love..’
….One word of explanation. Thérèse …offers herself to Love. She offers herself not as a victim of God’s justice, but as a victim to His Compassionate Love.
Let us explain these two words: Compassionate Love.
What really is this act? Quite simply it is the exact and complete expression of the desire to love, of the desire to please God in everything…
This is indeed to understand the Heart of God! God, says Saint John, is Love. He is athirst with love….
This is what Thérèse does. She does not offer her love to God; she sees her poverty, her powerlessness to love. She offers her poverty, so that He may enrich it with the love that is not there. She understands God; she knows that God, Infinite Love, has an infinitely greater desire to communicate Himself to us than we can ever feel to receive Him. ‘Bonum diffusivum sui.’
Therefore, quite simply, to show that she understands Him, to please Him, she shows Him the emptiness of her poor created heart, and by her desire opens it before Him as widely as she can; she offers Him that empty vessel for Him to fill. In other words she offers herself to Love. Thérèse instinctively feels with Saint Paul: ‘The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us.’ (Rom. v, 5.)”
chris Says:
I am thinking also along the lines of Jesus feeding the 5,000. He knew they needed to eat. So he fed them. When I sent a contribution via iPhone to the Haitian fund from The Red Cross, I felt like, in addition to my prayers and knowing that God holds us each in safety and love that I could also help distribute a portion of a loaf of bread and some fish for someone who is hungering. Mary Baker Eddy was a generous woman, who in addition to her astounding metaphysical work and prayer, gave compassionately to people in need.
All are blessed upon whom our thought rests.
Ian Says:
I was reading an article today from the CS Monitor about the geology involved with the Earthquake in Haiti. It was talking about the cause of the earthquake being two plates of the earth surface moving next to each other inharmoniously.
After reading this, a statement from Science and Health just flew into my thought, “All of God’s creatures, moving in the harmony of Science, are harmless, useful, indestructible” (p. 514) I never thought of the earth surface as part of God’s creatures, but why not?
The truth in this statement also helped get my thought aligned with the fact that this is true for the people. Everyone in Haiti was and is “moving in the harmony of Science” and each person is “harmless, useful and indestructible.” I love that!
amy Says:
Chris –
I totally agree. Praying doesn’t preclude giving material aid, either supplies or money or time. Prayers help you do all of that better, though, right? It’s so important to share what we have. We’d want someone to do the same for us!
Stuart Says:
“Whither shall i go from thy Spirit, oh wither shall I flee from thy presence.”
There is nowhere on earth where we are exempted by the love and care of God. God knows nothing but harmony and His wings shelter everyone and everything. Divine Love has met, and will meet EVERY human need.
Amy Says:
I was reading the updated news online about Haiti this morning and felt overwhelmed with sadness. I’ve had hard times that brought me to my knees, but nothing like what these dear people are facing. But on the heels of that thought, I got an awareness and appreciation for the strength that they’re expressing (whether they feel it right now or not). In hindsight in my life, I learned about myself on a much deeper level as I faced challenges and got through them. A lot is being asked of the Haitians right now, but I know they’re up to the challenge, because they’ve got the strength of God holding them up. And I’m really grateful for every individual who is devoting time to praying to support that strength. Together we can accomplish a lot!
Robin Hutchinson Says:
I’ve been knowing that each idea can never be outside of God’s care and that God, Father/Mother is providing each idea with everything he or she needs. That supply of good can never be shut off, since it comes from God, our only provider.
I love the hymn that states “Everlasting arms of love, are beneath, around, above” (Christian Science hymnal). So, since God is all-present, His Love is all-present and all of His ideas can never be separated from this love.
We can cherish each idea in the midst of this bad dream and know they are being provided for, cared for and dearly loved.
chet Says:
“…peace to the struggling hearts” is a phrase that’s come to mind in my prayers for Haiti. I looked it up in “Science and Health” (p. 45) and that it’s where Mary Baker Eddy writes about “Christ rolling away the stone from human hope and faith.” With all the big machinery needed in Haiti to move away the rubble, it’s comforting to think of the Christ as already on the scene, moving away fears, doubts, anguish, sadness from the hearts and minds of people, revealing the presence of God’s love and care. Already, this prayer is helping me see that God’s children are never buried in matter. They’re alive forever in Spirit, living and moving in divine Love. As Jesus proved, these transcendent truths are MANIFEST in the human experience and can bring healing right now to our dear friends.
Daniel MFUMU Says:
il ya quelques instants je viens de faire un petit commentaire sur ce qui se passe en Haiti dans le journal Lepoint.fr. dans ce commentaire intutilé “Dieu n’abandonne pas Haiti” j’ai fais savoir qu’aussi lon que je me trouve , en RDC au coeur de l’Afrique, grace à la prière , je me sens si proche de tous les haitiens. Ma prière est justement celle de parler aux coeurs des amis haitiens et leur souffler à l’oreille que “Dieu les aime suffisamment” Il ne les abaondonne pas . ces genres de catastrophes ne font jamis partie du plan de bonheur , de paix et d’amour de Dieu.
Sans avoir l’intention de demeurer sourd aux cris d’alarme de chaque haitiens, je peux me permettre encore de reconnaitre quelque chose qu’ils ne peuvent jamais manquer ni perdre. Ce quelque chose c’est l’Amour tendre , simple et pur de celui qui controle l’univers y compris l’Homme , à savoir Dieu, l’Amour divin.
puisse chaque haitiens sentir en ce instant “la douce présence , force , joie et paix ” du souverain pouvoir. Amen.
JamesC Says:
In times such as these I just have to find comfort in the clearest and most simple way it comes to me. In this instance I’m holding to God as Mother.
The gentle mothering love of God would never allow a destructive adjustment to threaten her children. Our divine Mother is kind, loving, and tender, maintaining all Her creation in the environment of stability, support and protection. The completeness of Her tender and omnipotent care eliminates all supposed physical laws and limitations, warmly hugging all Her children in the feathery embrace of comfort.
Stacy Says:
Please God, take care of the people in Haiti. They need your love.
Nathaniel Says:
I saw a link on a friend’s Facebook page to a news cast on a Christian news network. In it, the anchor said something about this earthquake being a manifestation of a pact that Haitian people made with the devil in the 1700s to relieve them from the oppression from the French.
So one false thought that needs to be dealt with is the thought that the Haitians owe something to the devil/a false, mortal consciousness. Also along these lines is the mortal thought that the world holds about Haiti–that it is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and that it is ridden with poverty and inner conflict.
This is simply unjust thinking about these children of God!! No one can be cut off from the divine source. And, as Joan Atkinson mentioned in a Sentinel Radio interview about her being stuck under rubble after an earthquake, God is not touched by a mortal event such as an earthquake–so how possibly can his children be touched by it? Hear the entire interview here: http://tinyurl.com/yfcwh8y
Thank you TMCyouth for providing this prayerful forum!
Lilith Says:
Thanks!!!!!!!!!
What great love you all are expressing. I saw a horrible picture today in the paper and my first thought was LOVE is there like a blanket covering, comforting, and loving everyone. I’ll continue to hold this angel thought with me for a long time. It was tangible. Thank you all for your prayers adding Truth and goodness to the consciousness of all.
Laurie Says:
The other day I read the Monitor article, “The geology underlying the devastating Haiti earthquake” by Peter Spotts. It talks about the shifting plates of rock on the earth’s surface, and resulting eruption. It’s talking about geology, but it got me thinking about shifting plates of my thought, and of the collective thought of everyone on the planet. In Science and Health there’s a chapter with spiritual definitions of words, so I looked up “rock.” It says: “ROCK. Spiritual foundation; Truth. Coldness and stubbornness.” (page 593). So the spiritual foundation has not shifted under anyone’s feet, because that’s anchored in God, who is eternal Love. What has shifted, and is shifting, is “coldness and stubbornness.” Which is good. It’s heartening to see the flood of heartfelt concern and support from all over the world for our friends in Haiti.
Riley Seay Says:
In watching the news about the earthquake in Haiti, one picture in particular stood out that of a woman trapped under a building.
Heartrending and haunting as the picture was the visual message said it all. A nation trapped in the debris of disaster.
In my prayer it came to me this way, “God’s love is powerful enough to unclasp the hold of disaster, poverty, and helplessness of these dear people. No one is without the power of divine Love and cannot be held in any form of material devastation.”
In Science & Health, Mrs. Eddy states, “The power of Christian Science and divine Love is omnipotent. It is indeed adequate to unclasp the hold and to destroy disease, sin, and death.” (S&H 412: 13)
We may seem trapped in a material situation and its lack and limitations. But the power of all mighty God, divine Love is able to unclasp the hold as shown to us in Christian Science.
The true facts of being are found not in material existence.
After being in the wilderness for 40 days and nights Jesus saw this when the temptation came to think that food had the power of life, that matter, food would give life.
He did not accept this suggestion of food or any form of matter as having life giving power. Instead he stated; “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4: 4)
Life is the expression of the word of God. God’s expression, Life is not dependent on matter or material conditions. John saw this when he wrote; “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1: 14)
Food does not make one good or healthy. The old adage “You are what you eat” is so untrue. Rather you are what you think, what you accept and understand of yourself as the child of God, Spirit, divine Love.
Jesus’ teachings bring to us the Christ message that no man, woman or child is ever out of the arms of divine Love. God’s powerful and indeed adequate to unclasp the any so called hold of any disaster.
As the Psalmist says; “… God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.” (Job 36: 4)
We are grateful that no one is ever trapped in any situation of disaster or sickness. Physical sense may try to say things are hopeless or helpless.
We are grateful that divine Love is adequate to meet all needs,
Patti Says:
Thank you so much Riley for continuing this discussion.
There has been such an outpouring of love for the people of Haiti, which, to me, is evidence of God’s love expressed, but I’m still finding the stories and pictures heartrending, so I continue to pray.
One of my favourite passages from First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany came to mind tonight, “Remember, thou canst be brought into no condition, be it ever so severe, where Love has not been before thee and where its tender lesson is not awaiting thee. Therefore despair not nor murmur, for that which seeketh to save, to heal, and to deliver, will guide thee, if thou seekest this guidance.” (My 150) I find it reassuring that even though it’s taking some time for supplies to reach everyone, Love is already there seeking to save, heal and deliver.
Kristen Says:
While the media likes to emphasize Haiti’s struggles, depression and despair, it’s important we acknowledge the good that is being done. I love to see the volunteers and people expressing selfless love in helping people. I have been praying with the idea that there is only one Mind in control. It seems there is a great need for food and resources but it is God who truly supplies everyones need so there can never be a shortage. The people of Haiti are being taken care of and they can feel peace and security in God’s care.
Amy Says:
This in from CNN:
– The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 6.1-magnitude aftershock to last week’s earthquake has struck Haiti.
Let’s keep the Prayer Watch going strong!
Dawn-Marie Says:
There are 2 new Monitor links above talking about the aftershock.
And, yes Amy, let’s definitely keep this prayer effort going!
Nancy Says:
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR ARTICLE:
So grateful for this article, reading about the brotherly love and the good that IS going on, in addition to the wonderful humanitarian outreaches. Yes, devastation but the foundation for HOPE, rejuvenation, restoration and renewal IS: “much of the country spared” WOW! Building had already begun before we knew about… it! Y-E-S! Pictures expressing this article would be quite a compliment. Thank you again, Sincerely Nancy
See More Haiti earthquake: Port-au-Prince in shambles, but much of the country spared / The Christian Science
http://www.csmonitor.com
The Haiti earthquake that claimed tens of thousands of lives was largely centered around the densely populated coastal areas in the country’s south. Much of the country was untouched.
I have posted the above on my Facebook.
God IS in Haiti! governing one and all. Needs will be met and especially the seeming most vulnerable will have their needs met e.g. elderly and children as seen on TV. The Divine Mind will orchestrate and enable! Amen.
Lovingly Nancy
Dee Miller Says:
Prayer for Haiti
by Dee Miller
How can I help, so far away?
My heart yearns to comfort you there.
After sending funds for human relief,
What else can I do but to pray?
Then a voice I hear, so soft and dear,
Don’t ever underestimate the power of prayer.
It gets into places where you cannot go,
It’s a blanket of warmth, and food for the soul,
It’s a cup of Love, an angel of hope,
It’s the power that opens eyes to ways unseen.
Measures and means are revealed to heal,
It instills courage when all seems lost.
Yes, fund relief for the human need,
But never underestimate the power of prayer,
The world’s prayers will bring blessings there.
Wynne Says:
I was listening to the Christian Science Hymnal Supplement CD this morning and was inspired by this hymn for Haiti-
# 450 by Ruby Nilson
O house of God, built on a firm foundation, Standing secure amid the storms of life, Where all may come to learn of true salvation And find release from discord, pain, and strife.
We hear the Word, in song and sermon spoken, In silent prayer, we turn to God today; Our humble hearts receive the blessed token Of Truth that guides us in the upward way.
O Father, feed us with Thy bread from heaven, The living water, may be drink of Thee, And every lesson which Thy love hath given Oh, may we learn it with humility.
We feel Thy peace, Thine arms of Love enfolding, We lift our hearts in praise and gratitude, And from this hour, a glimpse of heaven beholding, Go forth at last, our joy and strength renewed.
No person or country can ever be separated from infinite Love.
Sophia K. Says:
I am so glad I took the time to listen to that. Its been very hard for me to grasp this situation and put it under control in my thought as well as other things that happen to me daily. Another idea that I have been focusing on is “Putting of the old and taking on the new”. Here is a good chance to do that for the Haitians. It seems hopeless for them, and sometimes I think, who are we to say that it is this simple? But it is! And the people in Haiti are grateful for any help, and I bet they can recognize the compassion the world has for them through donations, etc. Here is a chance for them to start over, here is they’re life lesson, and all events teach the world. Here is an opportunity for prayers to be made, and answered, for people to start acting. This is opportunity, and its knocking… shall we answer?
miles Says:
one way i’ve been praying the past few days is to recognize that the quality of resourcefulness–the capacity to see and to use what’s available in immediate experience NOW–is active and present in every Haitian and in every rescue worker and soldier in the country.
Maybe kind of like the widow that Elisha helped out of desperate poverty.
I recognize this every time I see or hear an image about Haiti and its people…that right there among the rubble, or tent communities…there is dynamic opportunity and present resources to take every individual to the next step of safety and provision.
thanks so much for this site, and to everyone for sharing!
David S. Says:
“He is the rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgement: a god of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” ¬ – Deut. 32:4
Definition of Iniquity: Absence of, a gross or heinous sin.
Rock being God’s creation, cannot move or shake out of God’s care because his work is perfect.
[Speaking to the history of bad relations between Domincan Republic and Haiti:]
As for the Dominican Republic, they are also the image and likeness of God and if he is a God of truth and without iniquity, then there is no possible way that they could be in absence of truth or wisdom or compassion. All we have to do is see them as that and it will appear to us.
* The words underlined are italicized in the Bible. The reason for that is because they are the words that historians guessed were there during translation. But when looked at, it’s almost like the Bible is declaring its own truth.
~ David S.
Wyoming, Ohio Sunday School
Susie Says:
A song titled “Love is Enough” was written in 2009 in response to the super typhoon that hit the Philippines. It aired widely around that country, bringing comfort, hope and healing to listeners. A performance of it was co-sponsored by TMC Youth. Here’s a link to that performance on our site, as a prayer of support for the people of Haiti:
http://tmcyouth.com/media/view/love-is-enough