Haiti

On January 13, 2010, on the 700 Club, Pat Robertson, in discussing the earthquake in Haiti, spoke about what has long been considered "historical fact." He talked about the people of Haiti making a pact with the devil to help them defeat the French.

I have to say that, when I heard of the earthquake I began thinking of all the calamity that has come to Haiti in my lifetime, and of course, never having been there myself, but hearing second-hand stories of "voodo" being practiced there, I wondered if the protection of God was not on those people.

Several Network News broadcaster reported on Pat's statement in a very negative way. I saw it myself and felt that his timing was bad to talk about it under the present circumstances, but respect his free speech rights to say it. The networks are always trying to find something bad to report about anyone who is an influential Christian.

But to the matter itself, I have done some reading on the Internet and found that, according to the sites I visited, Haiti is now largely Christian. I do not believe that God brings punishment upon nations (since Jesus brought redemption) as He did in the Old Testament days, but instead, holds each individual responsible for his response to the Gospel and acceptance of Jesus. I believe punishment or reward is given at the death of each individual.

I also found a site that says the "pact" story is unfounded. I don't know about that for sure, but I think the best response we can make is to pray for the salvation of the Hiatian people and to give aid through contributions wherever we can to help the suffering.

Immediately after Pat gave what he believes is historical information about the pact, he said we should help them and pray for revival there. He also said that "Operation Blessing" which is run by CBN has a shipload of medical supplies there waiting to be used to help the people. This part was not covered by the Networks. That's not accurate reporting. I read the negative comments that this stirred up against Pat Robertson, but the reporting was incomplete and not fair. They should have repeated what he said in its entirety.

Natural calamity has come to many nations and it is hard to understand why it happens, but in the Bible it says: The sun shines and rain falls on the wicked and the just. It is a natural thing for calamities such as this to happen. God in his infinite wisdom knows how to handle it. Since we do not fully understand it, don't blame God for it.

Jay