Quilt and Kit Partners Joiningin Support of Haiti

The response to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti has been astonishing, with prayers and gifts reaching LWR and the people in Haiti who face so much suffering. Yesterday, one of Lutheran World Relief’s quilt and kit partners joined this effort as well.

LWR had planned to send $1 million worth of quilts and kits to those in need in Sierra Leone. The materials were to be distributed to people in need in one of the poorest countries in the world.

Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti and the mounting needs there, LWR contacted its partner, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone (ELCSL), and asked to reduce this shipment by half. LWR explained the critical need to provide immediate support to the people of Haiti, and offered to send more materials to ELCSL at a later time, when its stocks are replenished.

While an organization in a similar situation might express reservations – the needs in Sierra Leone are also great – the ELCSL responded with gratitude. The Bishop of the ELCSL, Reverend Thomas J. Barnett, wrote that LWR’s request “creates an opportunity and fulfills for us a burning desire to give a helping hand to the people of Haiti in this, their hour of greatest need.”

ELCSL’s generosity translates to more than 30,000 quilts and 6,500 health kits for people affected by the earthquake. More than 3,000 school kits will also be provided once education is re-established in Haiti.

ELCSL’s act of giving and prayerful support is exemplary of the global Lutheran response to provide comfort and save the lives of the people in Haiti affected by the earthquake.