Last month I indicated that I did not like to make resolutions, but that goals are a necessary and important part of how we hope to accomplish our objectives for the New Year. 

I said, "I want to believe in a Happy New Year."  Well, it did not take long for us to face one of the most difficult challenges of 2010 with the natural disaster in the impoverished country of Haiti.  At this writing, it is being reported that over 100,000 people have died in the 7.0 earthquake that hit the capital, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.  Within hours, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations, the United States, and countries from around the world responded to this catastrophic crisis.

 What is our response now and how will we respond in the weeks ahead?  First, we must pray for those who are the first responders.  Anything that happens in the first 48 hours and into the first week of a disaster of this magnitude must be accomplished by those who are specifically trained to meet the critical needs of triage and rescue.  Second, you should know that we have already contributed to this crisis through Baptist World Aid.  They sent $10,000 right away to the connections we have through this global organization to address immediate concerns on the ground.  Finally, we are also in touch with organizations like the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE).  Tony Campolo started EAPE to reach and assist those who are in the greatest need in our world.  His work in Haiti is well known and I will try to determine how we might directly work with Tony in their efforts to address concerns for the rebuilding of communities, families, and lives devastated by this horrible crisis.

 While we intend to respond generously, as always, to global concerns, we must not forget the needs of "the least of these" right in our own back yard.  For the past four years, Heritage Baptist Church has held a Soup-er Bowl Sunday fundraiser for the Lighthouse Shelter.  Once again, on Sunday, February 7, 2010, following the morning worship service, our very own, Zachary Pope of Roundz Catering, will offer wonderful soups served by special guest servers to our church and community.  The proceeds of this event will go to help support the work of the Lighthouse Shelter.  Do not miss this important Sunday and help meet the needs of "the least of these."

 Finally, I want to speak to one of the things we do here at Heritage that is an incredible ministry and meeting real hunger needs of children here in Annapolis.  The Back-Pack Buddies program serves the needs of homeless and marginally homeless children who have little or nothing to eat over the weekend.  These children are in the free or reduced lunch and breakfast program of their school.  For most, these are the only meals they will receive throughout the week.  Throughout the weekend, they mostly go without anything to eat.  We are working to expand this important ministry at Heritage and covet your prayers and support as we work with local schools and challenge other churches to join us in this great ministry to hungry children.

This is what we do at Heritage Baptist Church!

With Love, Henry