Disciples and their partner agencies have started emergency relief efforts for the people of Haiti in response to widespread devastation caused by a powerful earthquake that struck the country yesterday.

Week of Compassion has authorized funds to be sent through the Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries to its partners in the area, and is in the process of conducting an initial assessment, said Amy Gopp, executive director of Week of Compassion. WoC is working closely with Church World Service, ACT International, and IMA World Health in coordinating its response.

To read a Week of Compassion update, go to: www.weekofcompassion.org. Gifts for emergency relief can be made through Week of Compassion at: https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=6566

Haitian President René Préval described the scene in his country as "unimaginable," with about 3 million people affected and the death toll expected to reach into the thousands.

Global Ministries reports that missionaries Patrick and Kim Bentrott and their son are doing well. A group of about 11 people from Tennessee who were in Haiti on a mission trip have texted family members that they too are safe. The group includes members of Woodmont Christian Church and Glen Stewart, regional minister in Tennessee. Global Ministries is awaiting word from a major partner, Patrick Villier, president of CONASPEH. Villier's organization serves 6000 grassroots congregations, which are among the poorest of the poor in the country. To follow updates about the situation in Haiti on Global Ministries webpage, visit:
globalministries.org/news/lac/haiti-earthquake-what-we.html