February 2010
Dear Friend,
The people of Haiti are on my heart in these days of continuing despair following the devastating earthquake. As you may know, we have ministered in Haiti for ten years. We have conducted “missions” from the north in Cap-Haitian to the southwestern city of LeCayes to the beautiful harbor view of Jacmel and, of course, Port-Au-Prince. During that time, we have developed a special relationship with some dear Christian people.
I am deeply burdened over the disappearance of one of our team members, Molene Faubert, who has lived in Port-Au-Prince. Molene has served as my faithful translator and protector … he is one of the 491 missing members of the Haitian police force. We have attempted, in vain, to reach him by e-mail and telephone. Our dear friend and coordinator, Pierre Prinvil, who lives in Haiti, has been unsuccessful, as well.
Certainly, I don’t need to ask you to pray for the terribly troubled lives in Haiti. We know of at least 24 pastors who have lost their lives … included with an estimated 200,000 dead. Then, at least one million people are homeless. The righteous are suffering along with the unrighteous! Pierre and Marie Prinvil, founding and directing two children’s homes in Dessources and Bercy (in the Port-Au-Prince area), have given away most of their food, water and medical supplies. Though both orphanages were damaged, none of the children or workers were injured. However, their surrounding communities suffered severe loss and injuries. Amazingly, as they have turned their buildings into “community medical clinics”, to this date, none of the international relief agencies or medicines have reached them …. and their communities are just outside of Port-Au-Prince.
CAN WE DO ANYTHING?
Besides giving an impersonal contribution to the Red Cross or one of the large charities, can we do anything to make sure our evangelical Christian brothers and sisters get some much needed and direct help? Our good friend, Evangelist Larry McFadden, and I have joined together to send some funds directly to Pierre Prinvil to help with emergency needs …. large bandages, antibiotics, hydrogen peroxide, pain relievers, as well as, food, water and fuel. Frankly, I want to know that our funds are being received by people we trust. So, we have found out how to do it through Dominican Republic Western Union. Right now, along with medicine and water, the children need rice ($260 for a 25 pound bag) and pinto beans ($630 for a hundred pound bag).
Many of you have already helped Haiti in some way, but if you desire to support these two children’s homes, we will send 100% of your designated gifts (memo – “Haiti Relief”) to Pierre and Marie Prinvil. The check should be made to P.G.M., Inc. (Partners in Global Missions). Please use the enclosed blue envelope. The funds will go directly to the needs. It is tax-deductible.
MY REFLECTIONS ON HAITI ….
Experts say it will take 10 billion dollars and five years to return Haiti to where it was prior to the earthquake. Haiti, at its best, was a country in shambles before this disaster happened …. poverty, violence, unemployment, corruption and governmental instability. But Haiti’s greatest need is Spiritual!
I remember some thrilling spiritual victories ….
* Orphans smiling as they received donated clothing
* Watching hundreds in line to enter our free clinics
* Preaching with Molene to thousands in one audience
* Walking, talking and sharing Christ on streets
* Feeding hundreds with rice, chicken and beans
* Encouraging/training Haitian pastors in Schools
* Praying with thousands making decisions for Christ
I was scheduled to be in Haiti just after the earthquake, but of course, all plans were put on hold for a later “mission”.
Please keep us in your prayers as we plan for the future! Of course, we need your financial support as we continue to go by faith. May God bless you.
