Praise God for the generous giving of His people toward the tremendous need in Haiti!  A special offering was received at Atonement on Sunday, January 24, and close to $4,000 was given!  How exciting to be participate in this way of bringing relief!  We directed the offering through World Concern, headquartered here in Seattle.  Here is a portion of an e-mail received from World Concern:

"World Concern, a ministry of CRISTA Ministries here in Seattle, touches the lives of desperate people in 24 countries, including Haiti. We have been working in Haiti for more than 30 years. World Concern has more than 100 staff in the country and the Haiti headquarters is at the epicenter of Port Au Prince. When the earthquake struck, buildings were “pancaking” by our office but our headquarters was miraculously spared - along with the staff in the office. We now have a chance to shine the light of Jesus into the most desperate of situations. Our staff is already involved in the recovery effort. We do have about 30 staff that are still unaccounted for, so the loss and devastation is very real to us.
As you can imagine, we are focusing on immediate, critical needs: rescuing those who are trapped, providing clean water, shelter, blankets and food. It is to that end that I come humbly to you and ask for your help.
World Concern is contacting churches to ask if they would take a special offering this Sunday or next, for the relief efforts. We are clothing the naked, caring for the widow and orphan, giving that cup of water in Jesus’ name… but we can’t do it alone. The need is overwhelming. We are on the ground positioned, by God I believe, to be of great help. Can you join us by helping? Would your church be willing to take a special offering for our relief efforts?"

God bless each one for their generousity and continue to guide, strengthen and provide for the relief efforts!
Pastor Rick