My heart breaks every time the thought of Haiti even crosses my mind, let alone another individually tragic report crosses the newswire. So many vital humanitarian responses are in urgent need of support, and I did want to mention an important one being conducted by missionary friends from my college days at Moody Bible, Jarod Ebenhack and Matt McCormick. A recent article by Joanna and Rusty Pritchard of Flourish is also very much worth your time, providing a more balanced take on Haiti's history as well as drawing attention to environmental factors which helped contribute to the disaster, and which need to be addressed as part of the long-term recovery effort.
But in the vein of Luke 12:6 (not one sparrow is forgotten by God ...), we also need to shed some light on the plight of Haitian animals in the aftermath of the earthquake. Please know that that a collaborative response is being coordinated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the World Society of the Protection of Animals, called the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti. Humane Society International and Best Friends are also participating in the collaboration. The following is from an IFAW update sent Monday:
Haiti has an estimated 5 million head of livestock, a large stray dog population, native wildlife, and, of course, an untold number of companion animals.
Our first priority will be to treat critically injured animals. We're also very concerned about the possible outbreak of rabies, leptospirosis, and other diseases that can pass from animals to humans, so we'll be vaccinating animals as quickly as possible. And we'll be distributing food, water, and basic medical care. ...
Once the human relief efforts have taken hold and security is in place - and depending on the needs we find on the ground - the team will deploy and begin their lifesaving work. We're not exactly certain of all the challenges we face, but with your help, we'll be prepared for anything.
Please support the coalition's efforts if you can, which require incredible hours of on-the-ground labor and coordination, logistical provisions and supplies for treating the animals. Many thanks go to Susan Schwarz for keeping Not One Sparrow posted on the developing response to this overwhelming need which God's creatures are facing in Haiti.
Lord, please be intimately close with all who have been affected by the horrendous natural disaster in Haiti, both human and animal, and all who are urgently trying to help ... kyrie eleison.
(This post is adapted from Not One Sparrow, a Christian voice for animals; photo copyright Roberts Ratuts/123rf.com. Ben DeVries lives with his wife Cheryl, seven-month-old son Jadon and three cats in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He welcomes personal communication at ben@notonesparrow.com, or via Facebook.)
