Joining hands, hearts with Haiti...

The pictures are heartbreaking. The people of Haiti, already mired in a maze of poverty and chaos, have suffered unimaginable loss. Here, on my couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, I feel helpless. But there is something I can do - that we all can do.

We can pray.

And we can give.

I read something somewhere yesterday that struck me: "Prayers are powerful and effective not because they alter God's providential plan but because they are a part of it."

In this great mystery of our relationship with an all-powerful God, He somehow esteems our heartfelt cries. When our hearts are knit together in prayer, this act of humility, this confession of our need, is somehow woven into God's ultimate, providential plan. Let us be faithful to this precious calling.

We can also give. There are several avenues currently available:

• Text the word "disaster" to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion International’s disaster relief program. (The donation will show up on your cell phone bill.) Or visit here to give. Here's an excerpt from an email I received from Compassion today:
"Without a doubt, the children we serve in Haiti are in shock and face immediate needs for food, water, medical care, shelter and counseling. We have teams prepared to respond, and we are deeply committed to helping each child."

• You can donate to Samaritan's Purse by clicking here and giving to Haiti relief.

• World Vision is another organization with a presence in Haiti. You can donate here.

• Some dear friends just returned from Haiti where they worked with several groups, including Heartline Ministries. To donate to this ministry, click here.

Let's do what we can.

Lord, show them your mercy, according to your great love...