Save a life

I’m sure you are all aware of the devastating earthquake/tsunami that hit Japan today. As we sit and watch the horrific events unfold from afar in the safety and comfort of our own homes and offices, swells of emotion flood our lives as we remain powerless to change the course of events. What can we do but pray? Pray for speedy relief to reach this nation, pray that God’s will be done, pray that people would turn to Christ as their hope and salvation as a result of this disaster.

There are also several humanitarian organizations ready to receive donations and mobilize relief efforts to this ravaged nation. The Salvation Army has stepped in and begun raising funds for its efforts. You can text ‘JAPAN’ or ‘QUAKE’ to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, launched by Global Giving.org  is another avenue in which you can send support by texting ‘JAPAN’ to 50555 to give $10 or by clicking on the button that says "give now". The most well-known, of course, is the American Red Cross, where you can text ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999 to donate $10 from your mobile phone or visit RedCross.org.

The American Red Cross is involved in a myriad of life-saving efforts, which not only include disaster relief, but also CPR and swimming classes, among other things. On March 19, 2011, the American Red Cross will be hosting the Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday in more than 100 locations across the nation. The Red Cross will be offering free (regularly $25), 45-minute to hour-long classes designed to teach hand-only CPR, controlling external bleeding and caring for shock. These classes are not certification-level CPR & First Aid training courses, but will provide you the basic skills needed to help save a life. If you are in the Oklahoma City area, you can register for the class by calling (405) 228-9500 or by e-mailing Jeff Robbins. Classes are being held at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.