"And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it..." I Corinthians 12:26

Bermuda's churches have taken this verse to heart as they mobilise to help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, writes Krystal Mackenzie.

Bishop Vernon Lambe of the First Church of God revealed that his church is working with World Vision International, which has a representative here in Bermuda. They are challenging their membership to go above and beyond their normal generosity of money to remember that we are here to play a role in this relief effort.

Rev. Laurie Pierce Tingley of the Centenary United Methodist Church urged donors to contribute to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). One hundred percent of the funds received will go to disaster response because all the administrative costs are covered by individual United Methodist churches who faithfully pay their apportionments.

Gifts to support UMCOR's Haiti Relief efforts can be made to Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325. This can be done by either writing a check or going online. Cheques can be made to UMCOR with Advance #418325 Haiti Emergency in the memo line. Checks can be put in the church's offering plate or mailed to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087.

The Catholic Church has a special concern for the people of Haiti as the Cathedral there (an historical landmark) collapsed, killing the archbishop and vicar general – this according to Bishop Robert Kurtz.

Not only will they need a new structure, but they will also need new servicemen. The liturgies here will be holding a special collection on January 30 and Janaury 31 and will be working with CARITAS International (www.caritas.org) to continue is giving help where it is most needed.

The Salvation Army is making a diligent effort to send monies to the stricken area. You can donate to Bank of Bermuda # 010 202 539 001 or by visiting the Salvation Army Headquarters at 76 Roberts Avenue in Devonshire between 8 am and 4 pm. You can also mail donations to: Salvation Army PO HM 2259, Hamilton HM JX.

The Adventist church is hoping to raise $1 million for the relief effort.

They are also collecting canned goods and non-perishable foods to be sent when Haiti is more stable. Donations can be sent to the church's headquarters at 41 King Street, or you can call 292-4110 for further information on how to assist.

The church is working through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) which currently has a crew on the ground assessing the damage. There is a need for water tablets, food and clothing and that is what is being provided right now.

A special offering today for the victims of Haiti will go with Phillip Rego at the end of this month, as he attends to the victims.

Pastor Ulric Hetsberger, Bermuda Conference Community Services Director plans on travelling with Phillip Rego to Haiti. Finally, if there is anyone who would like to go to Haiti, they can either contact John Torres at john.torresadra.org or Pastor Ulric Hetsberger at uejhaol.com. The Bermuda Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be making a donation.

Restoration Fellowship is working through the Red Cross, who is already on the ground in Haiti.

Bishop Christopher Haynes has been informed that the best way to contribute to the relief effort is to donate funds as to not put more strain on the limited resources in Haiti. Organisations who are prepared for this kind of crisis would be the ones to provide relief in the most efficient way.

"The main message of Christianity is to give…for God gave His only Son," says the Bishop. "This is a great opportunity to give. It's a blessing to give. You never know when we might be in need."

In order to contact Bishop Haynes, call 232-0415 and see how you can help.