VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — American Baptist Churches USA has announced a fund-raising goal of $1 million for earthquake relief in Haiti.
Steve James and other medical professionals provide care in the days following the earthquake (The Fellowship blog)
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The group's International Ministries arm said Feb. 8 it is a little more than one-fourth of the way toward collecting the amount requested by the Convention of Baptists in Haiti, American Baptists' international partner in the stricken nation.
Haitian Baptists want to use half of the money to provide temporary shelter for those left homeless by the Jan. 12 earthquake, 48 percent for food and 2 percent to establish a medical clinic and provide basic items for personal hygiene.
Emmanuel Pierre, general secretary of the Haitian convention, thanked American Baptists for contributions so far totaling $254,000. International Ministries is soliciting funds through the One Great Hour of Sharing, an ecumenical relief offering that collects gifts for humanitarian aid from nine Christian denominations.
The Internal Revenue Service announced Jan. 25 a special exemption allowing Americans who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti to claim those donations on this year's tax returns. The IRS said taxpayers who itemize their deductions may claim, on their 2009 taxes, charitable contributions for Haiti made between Jan. 11 and March 1, 2010. It applies only to cash — not property — donations, which include contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.
The Haitian proposal for immediate aid also included a summary of damage to the convention's churches. Of more than 21 churches in the convention, 11 buildings were damaged and at least four completely destroyed.
Two pastors died in the earthquake, along with 29 other members of Baptist churches. More than 400 congregants were injured, 438 lost homes and 673 lived in homes that were damaged.
Steve James, a missionary doctor jointly appointed by ABC International Ministries and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, is working with the Haitian convention to refine an action plan and continue to identify future needs. A plan for longer-term rebuilding is planned in coming months.
The Baptist Convention of Haiti is a grouping of churches from various missionary backgrounds, including both American Baptist Churches and the Southern Baptist Convention. The convention formed as an autonomous body in 1964 and is a member of the World Council of Churches.
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Bob Allen is senior writer for Associated Baptist Press.