This week, a horrific earthquake in Haiti resulted in the loss of many lives and has devastated the nation. The need by people in Haiti is so great, that the Church Of God In Christ community must jump into the relief effort. It is imperative that our congregations around the world show forth the compassion of Christ as the local government cannot effectively respond by itself. We must take into consideration the portion of the gospel where Jesus said I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink, and I was naked and you gave me clothes, at this time we are the hands, feet and mouth of Christ, so we must try to be Christ-like. We are blessed when we can help others, therefore, the least that we can do is share the blessings that God has given to us.

With thousands of lives lost, and thousands homeless and without food following the devastation by the earthquake, the members of the Church Of God In Christ need to step up to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Therefore, I make an earnest appeal to all members of the Church Of God In Christ to make donations immediately. You can make your contribution payable to COGIC Charities Relief Fund , which has been designed to assist the church in responding to this and other disasters of this magnitude.  Please mail all contributions to P.O. Box 38 Memphis, TN 38101 – 0038.  We desire to receive all contributions on or before Friday, January 29, 2010. Further information and electronic donations can be made by visiting cogic.org.

Our Presiding Bishop, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. has appointed a Rapid Response Team that will be on the grounds in Haiti as early as Friday, January 15^th to make assessments so that The Church Of God In Christ will have first hand information. We are grateful for his vision and leadership and urge the full support and participation of all COGIC members. Working collaboratively we can impact the lives of many who have been affected by this tragedy. Let’s to continue to pray for God’s strength, guidance and comfort during these trying times.

In His Service,
Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr.
General Secretary
Church Of God In Christ