Haiti's tragic history has included heartless slave traders, harsh plantation owners, imperialist governments and devastating hurricanes. How unbearable this latest blow by a 7.0 earthquake that has devastated this poverty-stricken country. And yet, despite the years of suffering and this current catastrophe, the nights are filled with the sound of prayers and hymns. Amazing faith. When others would be tempted to give up on God, Haitians look to the Lord for help.

And help is definitely showing up. Numerous countries have sent ships full of relief workers, food, water, medicine and equipment. Countless agencies are raising money for supplies and volunteers. Celebrities are also stepping up big time, as evidenced by last Friday's huge telethon.

Such a cruel history. Such an outpouring of support. And rightly so.

What about you? Have you helped yet?

The millions of dollars pouring in may have left you with the impression that a donation by you is not needed. But it will take $10 billion to rebuild the country. That's why you should not hesitate to give despite the amount that has already been raised.

Perhaps you're thinking that other causes and countries need your help, too. That will always be true, of course. As Jesus said, "The poor you will always have with you." But in emergencies, you need to triage the situation and focus on the most needy patients first. Right now that's Haiti.

In Turning Angel, a novel by Greg Iles, one of the characters observes, "A person who does nothing during a crisis is as bad as a person who causes one."

I don't want to be someone who does nothing in a crisis. Neither do you.

What Haitians need is the world's help to rise from the ashes of their tragic history. They need evidence their hymns and prayers have reached the heavens and unlocked our hearts. They need God's help through you.

Don't do nothing; do something.

Donate generously to a relief agency that you respect. Give out of concern not only for the current crisis but also the future needs that will still be there long after the media's attention has shifted elsewhere.