Though fallen thyself, never to rise again,

Five days ago a seven magnitude earthquake struck Haiti killing thousands of people, destroying cities and villages, particularly the capitol city Port-au-Prince, and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. The death toll is estimated to range from 50,000 to 100,000. It is a tragedy that most of us can not imagine. We see the pictures, hear the stories and feel the loss and the sadness. We search to find a way to help, to alleviate some of the suffering, to express our compassion and solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters.

As is so often the case, we are witnessing the devastation that results when a natural disaster strikes in an area with a history of poverty. Haiti is considered to be one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Most Haitians live on $2.00 or less per day. In addition to this, the country has had more than its share of social unrest as forces both within and without have torn apart the social and political fabric of their society.

This week we have also learned a lot about Haiti's unique history. It was the first independent nation in Latin America, and the only nation in the world to have won its independence as the result of a slave revolt. It was also the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world. Originally a network of indigenous tribes the inland of Hispaniola was ìdiscoveredî by Christopher Columbus who claimed the island for Spain. They soon began importing Africans as slaves after the native population had been decimated by disease, malnutrition and abuse. The French would also colonize and claim parts of the island and by 1790 Haiti, which was then called Saint-Domingue, had become the richest French colony in the New World.

In 1791 a revolution began in the Northern plains amongst the African slaves inspired in no small part by the ideals of the French Revolution. They eventually overthrew the French and in 1804 people who had been slaves proclaimed their independence and named the new nation Haiti. It is estimated that the rebellion had cost the lives of 100,000 blacks and 24,000 white colonists.

Haiti had little to build on. The plantations which had been the driving force of its economy had either been destroyed or sat idle for lack of workers willing to return to the site of their enslavement. Later in the nineteenth century, under the threat of another French invasion, one of Haiti's presidents would agree to a treaty with France in which the independence of Haiti would be recognized by France in exchange for a payment of money that would bankrupt the country and permanently affected Haiti's ability to prosper.

While Haiti was an inspiration to many liberation movements, especially in the Western Hemisphere, it was also a country that continued to suffer from the social conflicts that had been cultivated under slavery. They have been made to pay for their freedom many times over.

I think all of this is important because the people who are suffering so much in the wake of this week's devastating earthquake, people who have so little resources to cope with this disaster and need the world's help, people who have suffered throughout their history yet persevered through it all, are worthy not only of our compassion but of our respect as well. That is one reason why the ignorance and arrogance of televangelist Pat Robertson is so offensive. Just a few days ago, Robertson said on his nationally televised program that Tuesdays' earthquake was God's punishment of the Haitian slaves for their alleged ìpact with the devilî that won them their liberation from France. Apart from the shear idiocy and ridiculousness of this statement, I can't think of anything less Christian that one could say at a time like this.

Eighty percent of the population of Haiti consider themselves to be Roman Catholic. Anther sixteen percent call themselves protestant. Our scripture reading from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians reminds us that no matter how different we are, we are one body in Christ. Paul writes,

Surely the suffering of part of the body affects the health and well-being of all of the body. This is a universal spiritual reality. Spirit knows no separation, no isolation, but lives, dwells and moves within all creation.

We who live here in this privileged country, even in a time of economic downturn and recovery, have been blessed with wealth that much of the world can not imagine. We have gifts to share that can help save lives, alleviate suffering, bring hope and healing to so many who are hurting.

There are many organizations that do a wonderful job of responding to a crisis such as this. Most of us have probably already given money to some of these. Today we have another opportunity to give. This morning we are inviting any and all who wish to make a special gift for Haitian relief efforts. Thanks to a friend of Sara Baker's all donations that are given today will be matched dollar for dollar. As a final sermon illustration this morning . . . (Pastor Rick placed a check in the offering plate.)

* Later that morning, when the contributions were counted, we had received $900 for Haiti. This will become $1800 when it is matched. Good going, folks!