Bethany Community Church

Greetings;

I’d like to express my appreciation for the many good suggestions about how the Bethany community can best demonstrate the love of Christ in the midst of the catastrophe in Haiti. After prayerful consideration, we have determined that the special offering Bethany receives this Sunday will go to World Vision’s “Relief and Long Term Support” fund, which will help with both the overwhelming immediate needs, as well as invest in the vital infrastructure issues that will enable Haiti to come out of this stronger than before.

World Vision’s credibility, long-term presence, and low overhead were all contributing factors. In addition, I’m excited to let you know that every dollar you give will be matched, through a grant, by three more dollars. That means your $100 investment will be worth $400!

We’ve been advised to wait until things settle before planning any trips to Haiti, so will remain open to such in the future, but mindful that the present situation is such that this acute phase is best served by our prayers and dollars. Several of Paul’s letters included specific exhortations and instructions regarding offerings, always appealing to those with means to share with those without. In this case, few have more means than many of us (though I’m painfully aware that there are those inside our community facing the pains of unemployment), and none have less means than the Haitian people.

I hope you’ll join me in giving sacrificially as we receive this special offering, and pray that, as God is well capable of doing, light will shine into the darkness, bringing hope and blessing to that land. If you missed Sunday, you are more than welcome to send in a check with “Haiti Special Offering” in the memo up until Sunday, January 31st.

Yours in His Service,

Richard Dahlstrom

Senior Pastor