SPECIAL HAITI OFFERING

Prior to the offering on 1/31 we've raised approximately $20,000.  I will update you as additional offerings are accounted for.  Pastor Jerry

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Posted 1/19/2010

I'm using Pastor Dave's weekly update to remind you of the offering I announced on Sunday.  This coming Sunday (1/24) we will be taking a special offering in support of the Haitian relief effort.  This is one of those moments where even a brief, casual look at the pictures coming out of Haiti remind us of the incredible wealth and infrastructure we Americans often take for granted.  It is, once again, our turn to be generous at a critical juncture in the life of so many Haitians.  There are, amongst those living in Haiti, approximately 115,000 fellow Nazarenes.  Most of them live in dire poverty.  Our offering to Haiti will be sent through the international relief arm of the denomination, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.  They will ensure a focused, coordinated response to the critical distribution needs on the island.  You can get the latest updates on this, and other projects, by linking to their website at http://www.ncm.org/.  We will take our offering at the end of each morning service. You can make out your check to Salem First and mark HAITI in the memo line. If you cannot be with us please send it through the mail or drop it by the office this week.  Your generosity, in the midst of everything else we're doing, will be a pleasing sacrifice to our Lord. I am reminded of these words:

"I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." (Phil. 4:17-19)

Thanks, in advance, for what I know will be a gracious outpouring of your love and mercy.  Pastor Jerry