Remembering the 2010 Haiti Earthquake

This week will be the 13th anniversary of the January 12th, 2010, Haiti earthquake that turned Port-au-Prince into rubble and caused unbelievable loss and destruction throughout all of Haiti.

In a matter of seconds, Haiti’s existing hardships were made 1,000 times worse. People lost family members, were injured, lost their homes, and the government and economy were shattered. A country already struggling fell into even more severe poverty, economic distress, and political unrest. The United Nations reports, “some 300,000 people were injured, and 1.5 million people became homeless during the 35-second tremor.” An estimated 220,000 people lost their lives. 

Taking Action

LiveBeyond went to Haiti a few days after the earthquake. Our small team joined in searching for displaced people and offering medical aid. The suffering and destruction our team saw were heartbreaking. Our time in Haiti opened our eyes to the difficult path of recovering and rebuilding that lay before Haitians. Our hearts were filled with compassion for Haiti. We knew we were to serve the Haitian people and share the love of Jesus with them. Following the Lord’s calling, LiveBeyond stayed in Haiti, sharing the hope that is found in Jesus Christ and improving the quality of life of Haitians through medical, education, and nutrition efforts. LiveBeyond found its home with the beautiful people of Haiti.

On this thirteenth anniversary of the earthquake, we remember and renew our commitment to praying for Haiti and serving Haitians. With the help and support from amazing donors, we are decreasing hunger, maternal and infant mortality rates are drastically dropping, and we are fulfilling educational needs. But there is still more we can do together. The destruction that the earthquake created still has repercussions today. LiveBeyond is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Haitians, creating positive change and long-term impact.

This week we remember the destruction and loss the 2010 earthquake caused in Haiti, and we mourn with Haitians. But as followers of Christ, we also find hope in the truth, as Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

It is this gospel that we are sharing with the people of Haiti when we tell them the story of Jesus, when we give a person a plate of food, when we care for an infant, when we help a child with special needs, when we educate a child, and when we help a mother through pregnancy. Together we have begun a good work, and together we can create an even more significant, positive impact on the people of Haiti and the Kingdom of God.

Getting Involved

Join us today in remembering and praying for the people of Haiti. God has already done many amazing things, but we are confident he is still working in Haiti, and we want to be a part of it. Scripture tells us how to pray in 1 Timothy 2:1, “…pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” Many people in Haiti are still experiencing the pain and hardship of loss. Join us in praying for the continued healing of Haiti. May the Lord bless Haiti.