Knowing that in a disaster, time and resources are of the utmost importance, Essential Records recording artist Third Day is stepping up to speed aid to the people of the earthquake-ravaged island nation of Haiti, and members of the band are challenging its fans to do the same.

Third Day has made a $20,000 (£12,000) donation out of its Come Together Fund to World Vision's Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, established immediately following the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck on Tuesday.

In an open letter signed by all four members of the band and available on ThirdDay.com, Third Day praises the ongoing work done by World Vision, and encourages its fans to give to the charitable organisation's work in dealing with this specific humanitarian crisis.

"We have seen firsthand the amazing work that World Vision does around the world," the letter reads. "They are first call responders to these kind of disasters, and will immediately maximise our dollars to care for those suffering in this difficult time."

"We would like our donation to serve as a challenge. We invite you, as Third Day fans and a community of believers, to match our donation to help our brothers and sisters suffering in Haiti today," the letter continues. "We hope that you will keep the people of Haiti in your prayers, but we also hope that you will be part of God's answer to their prayers as well."

Fans interested in donating to the World Vision's Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund can do so through the band's website at www.ThirdDay.com or through World Vision's website at www.worldvision.org.