Horror in Haiti: What does it mean?

“And there shall be … earthquakes, in divers places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.” —Matthew 24:7, 8

The world has been truly stunned by the apocalyptic images that are flooding in from this massive earthquake, which violently shook the earth’s crust just beneath Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

It has been heartbreaking to see desperate quake survivors working feverishly, using sledgehammers and their bare hands, to free victims trapped beneath the concrete rubble and pleading for help.

The devastation is compounded with confused despair, as dazed victims wander the streets realizing their meager hospitals, government buildings, and emergency services are also paralyzed.  Clean water, electric power, and telephone service are virtually nonexistent.

Kindness in the Midst of Catastrophe
It will still be some time before the full scope of this disaster and loss of life is fully assessed.  Thousands have died.

Nevertheless, it has also been heartwarming to see the international outpouring of charity, sacrifice, and humanitarian aid. And now it is especially important for Christians to offer their service, give sacrificially, and to pray.

Why?
Some have already asked the question, Did God send this cataclysm as a divine punishment upon the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere?

Just a day following the disaster, Pat Robertson said on CBN that the nation of Haiti was devastated because its people “made a pact with the devil.”

We need to be very careful not to rush to judgment at times like this. Commenting on a local disaster back in His own day, Jesus explained, “Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:4, 5).

The devil would like to snuff out every human life and, according to the law, that’s what we deserve.  It’s only by the intervening grace of God that any of us are alive.

So what can we learn from this tragedy?

For one thing, as we near the end, powerful quakes like this one will strike with increasing frequency and intensity.  The death of Jesus was itself marked by a significant earthquake, as was His resurrection  (Matthew 27:54; 28:2).  The Scriptures also tell us that the second coming of Christ will be accompanied by the largest earthquake in history (Revelation 16:17, 18). Only the redeemed will survive this seismic event!

There is something else we have seen from the earthquake in Haiti.  The whole economy and political freedom of an entire country can be instantly altered when a massive earthquake reduces a major city to rubble.  How quickly global prophetic events might activate if an earthquake of this magnitude — or bigger — should strike New York City, San Francisco, or Los Angeles.

It is only the patient mercy of God that has preserved the United States from “the big one” so far.

Amazing Facts Can Broadcast Hope
We can be sure that the Lord can bring positive blessings even from a devastating disaster like this one.  “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
 
It’s a fact that people are more open to the gospel following a disaster.

Amazing Facts is in the business of saving souls eternally.  As people everywhere behold these increasing natural disasters, their hearts become sober; they long for peace and security.

Remember, it was following a powerful earthquake that the jailer asked Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).

Friend, in just a few terrifying moments the probation of thousands was forever closed for the victims in Haiti.  Their eternal destinies are sealed.  But for the living, there is still hope (Ecclesiastes 9:4).

That’s why it is so important for us to use these twilight moments of grace to broadcast the gospel.

As heartbreaking as this earthquake is, it offers us a tremendous opportunity.  The people in Haiti will be hungering for hope, a hope that can only come from the Word of God.  Together, we can help them find Jesus.

Amazing Facts is not set up to send bandages or bread to countries in crisis.  There are many other fine charities that specialize in these areas, and I hope you will support them.

But there is something that this ministry can do that will make an eternal difference in the lives of these poor people.  We can send them Christ.

How can you help right now?
Obviously, the people of Haiti are still reeling from the effects of this tragedy, and will be for months.  But as they begin to piece their lives back together, we want to be sure to place the truth within their reach when they are ready. 

One of the official languages in Haiti is French.  Amazing Facts has already recorded two evangelistic series in French, and we also have a complete set of evangelistic lessons, the Storacles of Prophecy, translated into French and prepared to advance the Word of God in that nation.

The average annual income in Haiti before the earthquake was only $300.  These dear people have no money.  That’s why we would like to send these materials to Haiti for free and also grant the pastors and church members there permission to freely copy the DVDs and reprint the French lessons.

In addition, with your help, we can broadcast the gospel via satellite to Haiti and to the millions of others that live in the surrounding Caribbean nations.  I have seen in these countries where one person in a poor community will have a satellite dish and a small TV.  In the cool evening, all the neighbors will gather in the streets to watch the programs together.

When you give today, you will help us broadcast many more messages of hope and understanding to countless souls in need of it more than ever before.

Please Help Us Offer Hope
And at times like this, I know that the work of Amazing Facts is more important than ever before.  This sudden natural disaster is a sober reminder of just how quickly the end can begin.

Jesus foretold that the horrific scenes the world has witnessed following the massive earthquake in Haiti will only increase as we near the end of time.  Our whole planet is convulsing and crumbling under its burden of sin.

“We know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:22).

So whether you can give $15, $25, $50, or $100 or more to support this evangelism ministry, God can use it to bring peace and purpose to His suffering children in Haiti and around the world.  I’m asking that you take a moment to pray.  Ask Jesus what He would have you do regarding a gift to support His message this month.

Your friend in Christ,

Pastor Doug Batchelor

• Donate now! And ensure the gospel message is waiting for them when they are ready!