World Concern holds prayer vigil for one year anniversary of Haiti earthquake

Photo by Carson Jones, Northshore Baptist Church

Shoreline-based international humanitarian organization World Concern held a candlelight vigil on the Fisher Pavillion rooftop at Seattle Center in Seattle on Wednesday, January 12, to commemorate the first anniversary of the Haiti earthquake.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti on January 12, 2010 will be remembered as one of the worst disasters in recent history.

230,000 lives were lost and 3 million people affected by the earthquake.

World Concern President David Eller on the right
Photo by Carson Jones, Northshore Baptist Church

“We cannot forget that more than a million people are still living in tents in and around Port-au-Prince, and the people of Haiti are still suffering,” said World Concern President David Eller. “On this anniversary, it is our prayer that people will remember the devastation and be moved to join the effort to rebuild Haiti. More than anything, Haitians need hope. That’s what we can offer – hope and the chance to start over.”

Complicating the situation in Haiti, a cholera outbreak that began in October has sickened more than 150,000 people and killed nearly 3,500. Post-election violence in December also hindered the relief efforts.

Photo by Carson Jones, Northshore Baptist Church

World Concern has been aiding earthquake and cholera victims with emergency supplies, and rebuilding homes, constructing transitional shelters and offering income opportunities during the past 12 months. With 30 years of experience in Haiti, World Concern is on the front lines of the humanitarian response.