In our last post, we reported that over $18,000 was raised through last Sunday's special offerings for Haiti.

Well, money has continued to come in, and currently we can now report raising over $23,400 for relief efforts in Haiti. These monies will be passed on to ERDO, the humanitarian relief arm of the PAOC and will be matched by the Canadian government through the CIDA grant announced last week. This means that almost $47,000 of relief will be heading to Haiti through PORTICO's generosity.

As noted in our last post, any of these funds that are distributed through the Canadian Food Grains Bank will be matched 4:1.

Thank you PORTICO! And continue to pray for Haiti and for missionaries Michel and Louise Charbonneau and Bob Thornley as they minster through this tragedy.

By now you have heard of the devastation in the already suffering nation of Haiti. An earthquake measuring 7.0 slammed the region just a couple of days ago and reports indicate that the death toll in the region could reach 100,000 people.

Rescue efforts are ongoing as thousands are digging with their bare hands to try and free victims trapped in the rubble. The hospital in Port au Prince has collapsed along with many other buildings, including the Presidential Palace. One report observes that there are so many dead bodies that people, not knowing what to do with them, are simply wrapping them in cardboard or fabric and leaving them out for the government to pick up.

Thankfully, PAOC missionaries Michel and Louise Charbonneau were out of the country at a missionary retreat when the quake hit and they are both safe and en route back to Haiti. An email from PAOC Missions Personnel said, "We are grateful to know that missionaries Michel and Louise Charbonneau are safe, as are other personnel Tami Goslow and Bob Thornley."

Please pray...

• that rescue and relief efforts will be succesful.
• for Michel and Louise Charbonneau as they return to work with others in the rescue and relief effort.
• for ChildCare Plus children and families in the area.
• that the spread of disease will be contained and kept to a minimum.
• for World Vision, Red Cross, ERDO and many other relief organizations who are working in the country.

Also, please give generously to assist the rescue and relief efforts in Haiti.