We continue to get more updates as lines of communication open and as people on the ground in Haiti are able to get places. Cell towers, power lines, and trees are down in many places so communication and transportation has been difficult.
We have heard many reports about the devastation in the south western tip of Haiti. Many communities there have been wiped out. We haven't heard any reliable reports of loss of lives. Loss of homes, business, food, etc is overwhelming. There are organizations working there already and others are teaming up with them to begin to work toward initial relief efforts.
The affects of this hurricane could be catastrophic. The crisis is now in the aftermath with the threat of starvation, cholera, and other diseases.
AWAKENHAITI's efforts will be focused on our ministry areas first. Second, we will look to assist other organizations and areas in their efforts.
The children living in the Good Samaritan homes are all great. The homes are fine.
Needs may arise for them as some time goes on as it is likely that cost of food and supplies in Haiti could rise for a period of time.
Max and Margarette are also fine. Although, they have family in the town of Les Cayes, one of the areas in the southwest that got hit hard and have not had any communication with them.
The transition students living with their families are all fine. Their conditions weren't great before the hurricane so this has caused more problems for their families. We will continue to work alongside Max and Margarette if there are specific needs that we can assist these families with.
Junior and his family are all safe. Junior has been very helpful in assisting us in communication with those in Haiti. These efforts are invaluable!
Many are wondering about Canaan. We are very happy to report that Canaan did not get hit very hard. A few lost the roof from their home but the people there are in pretty good shape. All of the community buildings that were built through our teams and the haitian crews are fine! These buildings are vital to God's kingdom advancing in Canaan, may it continue to advance!
Belot is a different story. They sustained a lot of wind and rain. Thankfully, we have not received any reports of loss of lives there. We continue to receive updates from Pastor Reginald and Ron & Linda Sheppard as they work through assessing damages today and the next few days. Ron and Linda have been in Haiti for several years and we have worked alongside them as we have spent time in Belot for the last year and a half.
So far, we know people in Belot lost either part of or complete homes, crops, and livestock. This is detrimental to a farming community.
Their immediate needs are food and shelter. Ron and Linda are already working to get some rice, beans, and other food items to begin to distribute in Belot.
The longer term needs of reestablishing secure homes, crops and livestock will follow. We know that many in Belot are part of the church already, but we trust that God will use this relief and rebuilding to bring more people into the church and ultimately further God's kingdom.
We will be very diligent in this relief and rebuilding effort to not only assist those in need but also to support the local haitian economy by purchasing food, medications & supplies in Haiti and providing employment opportunities as much as possible.
**Please continue to pray for the people that are in very vulnerable situations.
**Please also consider giving to the relief and rebuilding efforts
100% of relief effort funds will go directly to the haitian communities we minister to and are tax deductible.
Donations (please note hurricane relief when you give) can be made on our website giving page or by check to:
AWAKENHAITI
P.O. Box 951
Carlisle, PA 17013
We will continue to keep you informed as we work through this emergency response.
Thank you for joining the journey!
 |
| Rosemarie and her boys, she also has a daughter |
 |
| this is the home of Lorina Charles, she has 3 boys and 1 girl |
 |
| this is the home of Luisa Telimond, she has 1 daughter and 1 son |
No comments:
Post a Comment