Pastor's Notes

URGENT! Help is needed immediately. People are dying and need to be rescued. Thousands or more people are feared dead, and the counts are sure to rise. In a matter of minutes, the world was flooded with requests for help for the nation of Haiti, as an earthquake and numerous aftershocks reverberated throughout the nation. Within hours, requests for money, prayer, and supplies were being asked to rescue those who had a chance at surviving this natural disaster.

Quickly, the US military responded and sent troops and supplies to help the nation. Many charitable organizations began mobilizing to provide medical supplies, food, water, and workers to assist in the labor of search and rescue. Perhaps you were able to help in some way toward the needs that came so quickly to our attention this past week.

As I considered the calls for urgent help, and the scope of the disaster, my heart wept. This week, I have had a heavy heart for the people of Haiti. They have great needs at this time for basic supplies of food, water, and shelter. Yet, how many more have lost the opportunity of ever again hearing the Gospel message. If the death tolls that have been reported are accurate, close to 100,000 people will have had their eternity settled in an instant. There is no tomorrow for them. They have no further choice to make a faith decision to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior to redeem them from their sin.

Than it was the kid killed in Newburgh. No more chance because of a sudden, unexpected, untimely death. How many of your family and friends are prepared for eternity? Do you have a sense of urgency? The earthquake in Haiti is a stark reminder of the uncertainty of tomorrow. Yet, as bad as it was, that earthquake will pale in comparison to the one which is coming when God pours out His fury during the Tribulation. The call is urgent. People need to hear the Gospel, and they need to hear it quickly. Who are you telling? Are we supporting those who are taking that message around the world?

-Pastor Stephen Racite