More than 200 groups across the country responded to the news of the Haiti quake by organizing prayer gatherings in their communities.

March 2010

By Brittany Peters and Shawna Templeton, World Vision U.S.



In response to the tragic quake in Haiti, World Vision ACT:S — the campus activism network — called on campus leaders to mobilize their communities to pray for those affected by the devastation. Across the country, more than 200 groups responded.

Another form of advocacy

World Vision's advocacy advisor James Pedrick says that when the images from Haiti flashed onto computer and television screens, he knew they had to do something.

“Even though the images and media made the need so visible and apparent, we felt really far removed, unsure of what we could do to help,” Pedrick explains. “But when there is such an immediate, urgent need visible for the whole world to see, one of the most powerful things we can do is pray.

“We know that prayer is the ultimate form of advocacy, speaking to our Lord and Savior on behalf of those in need," Pedrick continues "We felt it was important to assemble prayer gatherings so that students involved with World Vision ACT:S could mobilize others to turn to our Lord and to Scripture during this time of uncertainty.”

ACT:S supplied participating groups with posters, flyers, Scripture, prayer points, and the names of some of World Vision's Haitian staff for which to pray. ACT:S also provided regular updates, stories, and videos on its Web site for students to circulate within their community.

“We were so encouraged by the outpouring of response,” says Pedrick.

A heart for the world

Groups were urged to be creative in how they conducted their gatherings. Many campuses held fundraisers in conjunction with their prayer time. One group, InterVarsity of California State University (CSU), San Marcos, held a prayer gathering and concert.

At the event, students had the opportunity to watch a video about World Vision’s relief effort in Haiti and hear from a member of the World Vision ACT:S staff. Then students were ushered into a time of silence and encouraged to pray for those affected by the quake and those providing relief aid.

Two campus bands also performed during the event and a few students sold handmade bracelets. The proceeds from the bracelets and the concert are being donated to World Vision’s relief efforts in Haiti.

“The student-led event was a significant testament to what is possible when students decide to step out in faith and take action” says Tyler Allred, InterVarsity staff member at CSU San Marcos. “This was largely an effort of our student leaders stepping up and planning this event. We have been instilling in students a heart for the world, so when the earthquake hit and we saw the devastation, we knew we had to do something.”