World Vision Declares February Month of Prayer for Haiti's Children

Aid agency calls on American Christians to remember children's needs as quake response continues

Contact: Rachel Wolff, World Vision, 253-394-2214 cell

FEDERAL WAY, Wash., Feb. 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- As World Vision provides emergency assistance to children and families in Haiti, the Christian aid group is asking Americans to pray for the critical needs of children during the month of February. World Vision began distributing relief supplies less than 24 hours after Haiti's 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck January 12. The organization continues to distribute food and supplies, as well as support medical efforts and encourage the protection of children following the crisis.

"We are especially concerned about children's needs and vulnerabilities in this disaster. We know it is going to be a marathon – and not a sprint – to help them and their families recover and rebuild their lives," said World Vision's Steve Haas.

"The outpouring of generosity and support for World Vision's response has been incredibly encouraging for our staff on the front lines. But we are also asking families, churches, and people across the country to remember the children of Haiti in prayer as we move into the second month of this urgent and critical response effort."

Suggested prayer points:

· Mondays – Food and water. Many children in Haiti were already malnourished before the earthquake. The impact of further malnutrition, especially on children under age 2, can do permanent damage to their physical and brain development. Pray that deliveries of food and water reach children, that secure distribution channels be established for the ongoing relief effort, and for sustainable clean water and agriculture projects to flourish.

· Tuesdays – Injury recovery and health. Disasters make children particularly vulnerable to diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Many will also require ongoing health services to recover from injuries. Pray for medical supplies and health care to reach these children.

· Wednesdays – Homelessness. Streets are increasingly unsafe places for children to be, yet without schools and homes, many have no safe places in which to take refuge. Pray for homeless children to find temporary shelter and for homes to be re-established.

· Thursdays – Families' livelihoods. Many families have lost their jobs, small businesses and other means of income because of the earthquake. Pray for struggling families: that they may find and develop new sources of income to provide for their children.

· Fridays – Children's voice heard in recovery. The children of Haiti bear a heavy weight from their country's problems as well as earthquake losses. Families, teachers and officials can create forums where children can share their concerns and learn about their rights. Pray that communities will foster this and that leaders will listen to children's needs and work with them towards developing solutions.

· Saturdays – Comfort and healing. The horror of surviving a disaster, seeing bodies in the streets, lacking basic necessities and – for some – being separated from parents, takes more than a physical toll. Pray for the emotional and psychological restoration of children affected by this disaster.

· Sundays – Safety and protection. Children without adult caregivers become vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation – especially following disasters. Pray for the reuniting of children with their families, the proper care for orphans, and for the protection of children from harm.

Donations are still needed. Visit www.worldvision.org or donate by phone at 888-56-CHILD. World Vision also has launched an SMS text giving option. Texting "GIVE" or "WORLD" to 20222 will make a $10 donation to World Vision's Haiti relief fund.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press

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