Help Haiti: Act now!

As unending talk about the Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines has slowly quieted down, I would like to join the rest of the world in praying for and providing for the people of Port-au-Prince, Haiti who were extremely devastated by the strongest earthquake the country has had in more than a couple of hundred years.

The death toll continues to rise and it is believed that casualties may even reach about 200,000 or more. The numbers are staggering and disturbing but we shouldn't be content with knowing mere facts and feeling overwhelming emotions. People in Haiti are dying. We must be moved to ACT now.

I do not have firsthand experience of the the tragedy that befell Haiti. I cannot even begin to describe even the littlest glimpse of what it feels like to be in the shoes of the people in Haiti now as they fight their way to live - to survive - amidst all the rubble and despair. I was not there when it happened. I'm not there right now.

But being far away or not having enough money are not excuses for just standing to watch, listen, and wait. We can all do something - big or small, it doesn't matter. Each one of us has something to offer:

• Donate to World Vision or Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) and many other organizations that mobilize relief operations and rescue missions to Haiti.
• Volunteer to physically help and assist in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
• Raise money for the benefit of the victims of the earthquake.
• Make your community aware of the Haiti crisis happening right this very moment.
• Pray for lives to be saved and pray for those who are offering help to never falter in giving help to those who need it.

And the list goes on. We can all contribute and make a difference.

A few months back as the year 2009 was coming to a close, I have experienced first hand the wrath and aftermath of three successive typhoons namely Ondoy [Ketsana], Pepeng [Parma], and Quedan [Melor] that swept my country. It broke my heart and hurt my soul to see the people who were suffering tremendously from the calamities. Nevertheless, that did not leave me and many others helpless and hopeless. In fact, we were more fueled to deny ourselves and take up not only our crosses but our brothers' and sisters' crosses as well. Who else do we have but God and each other?

The world is getting smaller.

We are considered a global village.

What happens to one affects every one.

What will you do?