A few interesting facts about the country of Haiti...
Fact: Recently, Haiti was determined the poorest country in the world.
Fact: Approximately 80% of the Haitian population lives in abject poverty.
Fact: 52% of Haitians are illiterate.
Fact: 3 out of every 4 children in Haiti are malnourished.
And lastly...Fact: The 80% of Haitians that live below the poverty line, live on less than $1 a day. Based upon this fact, I did some calculating.
There are approximately 9 million people living within the country of Haiti. During the 2012 “Black Friday Weekend”, Americans spent $59.1 BILLION dollars. Figuratively speaking, if we as Americans would have given that same amount of money to that 80% in Haiti living on less than $1 a day; it would have DOUBLED their daily income for the next 10 years! Would have QUADRUPLED it over 5 years!
Another way to look at it...IN ONE WEEKEND, Americans SPENT more than what 80% of Haiti population will live off of for the next 22 and a half years!!!
Again, this explanation is completely figurative and neither does it represent a belief in a “handout” poverty alleviation system. However, the reality of American consumerism and our own “neediness” is not figurative. My desire in crunching these numbers is to call us to attention. To challenge each of us, especially followers of Jesus, to survey our stewardship. I pray, as followers of Jesus and Bible believers, we will be challenged to more actively and more consistently live out the example within Acts 4.
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them...”
Acts 4:32-34
GOD BLESS YOU and THANK YOU to each of you who have given and/or prayed for this #first13of2013Haiti!
Giving options for #first13of2013Haiti: Paypal is located in the top right corner of this blog. Checks and/or cash can be mailed to P.O. Box 750 Guin, AL 35563 labeled #first13of2013Haiti. You are also welcome to give money to us directly when/if you see us in person.
Campaign promise for #first13of2013Haiti: Every penny WILL be spent for the purchase of food for these orphanages and we will be intentional in informing each giver with a detailed update once campaign has been brought to completion.
FYI: God has made a way for #first13of2013Haiti to conclude with Heather and I on the ground in Haiti!!! Some great friends of ours, Jason and Joy Standridge, will be traveling alongside us. We leave next Friday, January 11th and return Monday, January 14th.
We will be visiting each orphanage that #first13of2013Haiti exists to aide. Though we will get to see our boy(Praise God), the main focus of this weekend trip is to further assess the condition of the 5 orphanages. As well as, to ensure the greatest level of financial stewardship and accurate distribution of funds collected from the #first13of2013Haiti campaign.
We will post a blog on January 12th and January 13th with new pictures and direct insight into the lives, your giving is impacting. Praise God that He involves us in His work. We highly covet your prayers and again, we THANK YOU for your giving!
No comments:
Post a Comment