"They need to have -- and we need to pray for them -- a great turning to God. And out of this tragedy, I'm optimistic something good may come,"
Seems to me that pointing out a problem -- and guiding his flock to pray for G_d to resolve it -- is right dead center in the job description of a preacher.
(For background, check the actions of any of the Old Testament [Jewish] prophets...)
Well that’s all well and good as far as it goes. I doubt that Pat has the same kind of prophecy line to God that Jeremiah, etc. had which told them that yes, God has targeted this or that natural disaster at this or that people as a specific penalty for specific sins.
But it is up to the Haitians whether or not they want to make lemonade out of this lemon.
Indeed, indeed! And that is the job of the church!
And pray for them I do! Thank you for sharing your insights, dear brother in Christ!