ROCKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Remarks for Haitian Prayer Service
February 2, 2010

by Dr. Cliff L. Wood

Greetings to all who are gathered here! This is a somber and significant moment for us at Rockland Community College. For RCC takes the word "community" in its title very seriously. As we join forces to offer support and prayer for Haiti, we must remember that Haiti is part of our extended community. We have faculty and students, and friends from Haiti, and many members of our family at RCC have family members and friends in Haiti. Although the tragedy there seems overwhelming, we pray that with the support of nations and private citizens, with the prayers of all of us—and with our faith, the suffering people of Haiti can be helped.

At my house there is a painting given to my wife by her father. It is a scene of Haiti - it has rich beautiful colors, a sense of tranquility, and portrays a carefree leisurely scene of a woman carrying her laundry on her head as she moves towards her home. The painting, however, was damaged in a move, and I worked hard to find someone to repair it. It was seamlessly repaired and now is as beautiful as ever.

I hope that Haiti can one day soon be like that Haitian painting - repaired - beautiful - tranquil. But for now, Haiti is like a poem I came across by Suze Baron. It is written in Creole and the title, I think, is pronounced "Yo Di." The English translation is, and I quote

"They say
Human blood
Enriches
Soil
If that were true
If that were true
My friends
How rice
millet
And corn
Would thrive
In Haiti"

End Quote

That is the state of affairs now. We must pull together to make a difference so that we can help our brothers and sisters in their time of need.

Please pray with me:

God of all the universe—lend your strength to help the people of Haiti to stand amid the chaos that surrounds them. Hold these your people, our brothers and sisters, in the palm of your hand. Take away the stumbling blocks that prevent the humanitarian aid from reaching those in need. Guide the hearts and hands of those of us who can give them support. Place hope in the hearts of those who have lost everything and determination in the hearts of those who can repair this country, who can make a difference in the individual and collective lives of the Haitian people. And let us all feel a global unity and a personal commitment as we lend a hand. Amen

Feb-10