Editorial

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary action – and ministry.

Such is the case in John Sullivan’s call for Florida Baptists to initiate “Operation: Beans, Rice and Water,” an extraordinary effort in helping to alleviate starving among the people of civil-war-ravaged Haiti. The Florida Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer has issued the challenge. It’s time for Florida Baptists to follow our leader and meet this challenge.

In coverage provided by the Florida Baptist Convention in our April 22, May 6, May 13 and this week's issue (see ‘Operation: Beans, Rice and Water’ yields food for the soul in Haiti), Florida Baptist Witness has reported on the tremendous calamity besetting Haitians in the wake of the dissolution of the Aristide government by civil war. Already the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation, Haiti’s living conditions have further deteriorated, resulting in a crisis.

If it weren’t for the fact that America’s just war on terrorism – and especially the difficult process of nation-building in Iraq – is occupying our nation’s headlines, perhaps more Americans would be aware of the desperate situation in Haiti. However, just because the secular media isn’t covering a story doesn’t mean that story doesn’t exist – and it doesn’t relieve Christians in America from our obligation to do what we can to make a difference.

It is that Christian obligation to fellow believers that is driving Sullivan’s call for Florida Baptists to make a difference in Haiti.

“Operation: Beans, Rice and Water” is a targeted, well-organized effort to feed Haiti’s struggling Baptists in more than 500 churches across the land. With a goal of reaching 19,000 families – more than 76,000 people – the plan was announced last month by Sullivan. Although the original plan was to provide beans, rice, water and cooking oil in each family bag, due to escalating costs and deteriorating conditions, Convention officials have decided to limit the bags to only rice and water.

Although it will take more than $75,000 to fund this ambitious project, as we go to press May 17 only $39,686 has been raised. Not included in the donation totals is the Southern Baptist International Mission Board’s $30,000 contribution, which Florida Baptist Convention officials hope will allow even more Haiti Baptists to be fed than originally expected. (Gifts may be sent to Florida Baptist Convention, 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207, with “Operation: Beans, Rice and Water” noted on the check.)

Some Florida Baptists have enthusiastically accepted Sullivan’s challenge. First Baptist Church of Palmetto, Celebration Baptist Church in Tallahassee and First Baptist Church of Milton immediately responded to direct appeals from Sullivan raising thousands of dollars for the project. One 63-year-old woman who did not wish to be identified gave $100, saying, “I don’t have a lot, but what I do, I want to give to others.”

The work of Baptists in Haiti is one that is familiar to Florida Baptists. The Florida Baptist Convention organized and supports the association of Haitian Baptist churches – the National Convocation of the Confraternite Missionaire Baptiste d’Haiti (CMBH). Our commitment to CMBH helps to fund six full-time directors of missions, as well as a national coordinator.

Sullivan’s passion for Baptists in Haiti – and those without Christ in a land marked by voodoo worship and the occult – is abundantly evident. In an October 30, 2003, column in the Witness, Sullivan wrote about a recent trip to Haiti and noted, “I never go to Haiti that my life is not changed.” Calling it a “rewarding mission field” that is more ripe than any other he has encountered, Sullivan wrote, “The people are responsive to the love of Jesus Christ. They are among the most appreciative people I have ever met.”

He added, “They are worthy of our investment as Florida Baptists.”

Written last October, these prescient words should echo in our ears and stir our hearts as we consider the current crisis. Florida Baptists, let’s follow our leader and help Haiti Baptists.