As I type these words I’m on a plane somewhere between Atlanta and Dallas. It is late. By the time I get home tonight it will be after midnight.  I’m tired.  It’s been a long couple of days.  We were in Board meetings all day today at Freed Hardeman. They were great meetings and once again it was a reminder of many of the reasons why we love FHU so much.  It’s been an extremely busy first month of the year, and we’re just getting started.  While we were taking off tonight from Atlanta I felt a little sorry for myself.  I closed my eyes for just a minute, said a prayer (primarily for my family), then it hit me.  “Jeff, who are you kidding? You ought to be ashamed of yourself.  Here you are flying on a plane (that has Wifi, wahoo!), you will get in your nice, comfortable car (if I can find my keys when we land), drive home to a warm house, crawl in a very warm comfortable bed with the woman you love more than life, have dinner tomorrow night with friends, and worship Sunday with some of God’s greatest people!”  

    There are hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti tonight who will not get into a vehicle because they don’t have one, they will not walk into a house tonight because their house is gone, they will not sleep in a bed tonight, they will eat meals tomorrow (if they have a meal) without friends and family because they lost them in this terrible disaster.  As you know, hundreds of thousands of Haitians have lost loved ones, lost homes, and everything they own. Our hearts ache for those who are suffering tonight. God’s Word teaches that we are to “weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) He also instructs us to bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters who are troubled (Galatians 6:1-2).  

    It is encouraging to know that so many people around the world are coming to the aide of the people of Haiti.  It is encouraging to know that so many Christians and churches are joining in to bring relief.  I know there are hundreds of churches across this land who are involved in helping in some way.  By the way, if you are reading this and you are looking for a place to help, or if you just want to learn about some of the good that is being done, allow me to encourage you to take a look at Brotherhood News (www.brotherhoodnews.com).  Randal Matheny and his crew have done a tremendous job compiling and highlighting some of the work that is being done.  Maybe you have yet to help but would like to do so.  If you know of other works that are being carried out to help the people of Haiti please feel free to let us know and we will pass it along.

    I am going to say another prayer before I land.  “Dear Father, please forgive me for being self-centered.  Please help all of us to do a better job of following the example of our  Savior who was always looking for ways to serve others.  Father, help us to find ways to reach out to those who are suffering.  Please dear God, be with the people of Haiti who are hurting tonight, as well as others around the world who are suffering.  Help Your people be the hands, feet, mouth, and heart of Jesus.”