The EMU community is sending out prayers to the people of Haiti and offering ways for the campus community to support relief efforts in the wake of a 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
“We have alumni and current students with connections in Haiti,” said Ken L. Nafziger, vice president for student life. “We want to support and encourage them, as well as provide ways for all students to feel empowered to do something in what can feel like a hopeless time.”
The community is invited to share thoughts and prayer concerns on the EMU ‘Prayers for Haiti’ blog.
Collection baskets
EMU will set up collection baskets around campus for contributions to support Haiti relief efforts. Monies collected will benefit organizations such as Mennonite Central Committee, the relief, service and development agency with a long history in Haiti and with many EMU connections.
Collection baskets will be located in the Student Life Suite (University Commons), Business Office (Campus Center), and front reception desk at Eastern Mennonite Seminary.
Group prayer vigil
For those who wish to participate in group prayer, there will be a prayer vigil for Haiti held in the Campus Center Greeting Hall at 10:30 a.m. immediately following University Chapel on Wed., Jan 20. It will be led by campus pastors and student pastoral assistants.
Respond during basketball games
EMU’s next men’s basketball and women’s basketball games at home will provide another giving opportunity. Donations will be collected at half time of the games on (men’s game) Wed., Jan. 20 and (women’s game) Fri., Jan. 22 in Yoder Arena in the University Commons (see campus map).
Donations
Cash or checks for EMU’s Haiti response are welcome. Make checks out to ‘EMU Haiti response.’ Drop them in a collection spot on campus or mail them to EMU Development Office, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg VA 22802. The full contribution will go to trusted partner agencies in Haiti.
Other opportunities across campus will be posted as they are determined. These may include conversations and learning opportunities about the country of Haiti, its economy and infrastructure, prayer, reflection, assembling of material resources and more. Student groups such as the Student Government Association and Young Peoples Christian Association will spearhead events.
You can view a short video by a Mennonite Central Committee worker in Haiti: mcc.org/stories/videos/mcc-haiti-earthquake-response
Questions about EMU’s response can be directed to the Student Life office at (540) 432-4135.