Thank you!

RESOLUTION 

Whereas,          on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, the island of Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake, and

Whereas,          the earthquake has impacted more than 3,000,000 people, has or is likely to cause the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, resulting in the country’s worst natural disaster in its history, and

Whereas,          Holland residents have family, friends or neighbors in Haiti who have been injured, killed or are unaccounted for in the devastation, and

Whereas,          appeals for humanitarian and other types of aid have been made by President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, and former President William J. Clinton, as well as hundreds of national and international relief organizations who are responding to the disaster, and

Whereas,          a local group of pastors, representing Holland’s numerous denominations, banded together as the Holland Area Prayer Initiative (HAPI), have appealed to the Holland community to provide financial assistance to the people suffering in Haiti, and

Whereas,          on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, HAPI has urged the residents of the Holland area to bring their gifts to the Midtown Center in Holland as a demonstration of Holland’s care and concern for the victims of this earthquake,

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that I, Kurt D. Dykstra, mayor of the City of Holland, and on behalf of a unanimous City Council, do proclaim Tuesday, January 26, 2010 as

“A Day for Haiti in Holland, Michigan”

and do encourage residents of this community to actively participate in the local relief efforts for the millions of people harmed by this tragedy.

Signed this 20^th day of January, 2010.

Visit with representatives of established and reputable relief organizations, bring hygiene kit items, and pray with area pastors at the Midtown Center at 96 West 15^th Street (enter corner of 16^th and Pine), on Tuesday, January 26^th between the hours of 12:00 NOON and 5:00PM.

Lets include our children and pass on the Lakeshore heritage of being a people known for their generosity to those in need.

This idea was birthed out of a regular prayer meeting of area pastors. It was at their January 14 meeting, during an extended time of prayer for Haiti, that a dream was shared for the city of Holland to give one days wages to Haiti. The Holland Area Prayer Initiative, represents almost every Christian denomination in the area, and meets every Thursday morning at 710 Central Avenue to pray for our city. All pastors are welcome to participate.

At the Wednesday, January 20 meeting of the Holland City Council, the council will be passing a Resolution declaring January 26 A Day for Haiti in the City of Holland. That meeting occurs at 7 p.m. at the Holland City Hall, 270 S. River Avenue, Holland, Michigan 49423. Representatives of the Holland Area Prayer Initiative will be present at that meeting to discuss the local relief efforts. This is another great example of how the churches of the Lakeshore are uniting with the city governments to make a difference.

What to do:

1. Pray about giving one days wages or allowance to your relief effort of choice as part of A day for Haiti, and or collecting hygiene kit items (wash cloths, hand towels, soap, tooth brushes, nail clippers, band aids, combs).
2. Pray for food, water, and medical supplies to reach those who need them.
3. Pray for the people of Haiti and the relief workers.
4. On January 26, from noon to 5 p.m., come to the Midtown Center, visit with relief organizations, and bring your financial offering and hygiene  kit items  (or, if you are not available at that time, donate online and anonymously log your donation so that we all can know the financial impact the Holland area has in Haiti).

This blog is part of the Holland, Michigan, effort to raise community awareness — and community funds — to assist those devastated by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.  Check back for updates as to the Holland area response!