Haiti - Part 4

Haiti Relief Update: Dave Stone, Area Missionary to the Caribbean
February 17, 2010

I have been to Haiti several times over the years. As we drove into Port-au-Prince last week the first thing I saw was how much it seemed to be “life as usual.” The traffic was congested; the sidewalks were filled with people; street vendors were selling fruits and vegetables; it appeared as if nothing had changed. Some buildings were damaged some had collapsed, but nothing like what we had seen on the news. It wasn’t until we got deeper into the city that things began to change.

As we drew closer to the area of impact, tent cities began to fill every park and open space. The traffic became more congested, and collapsed buildings became more frequent. There was a visible presence of troops from the UN and the United States, along with the Haitian police. Most of the people were very orderly and respectful. Only once did we see any type of disorder. Even when we walked into the tent cities to visit church members, no one seemed to mind that we were there. In fact, most appreciated the fact that outsiders had come to help.

In the midst of such suffering and devastation, the Haitian people aren’t just lying around waiting for a handout. They are very resilient, doing what they can to get their lives put back together. We met a family from the church that has 18 people living under one tent. We met a young mother who survived the quake but lost her three-year old daughter as well as her home. One young lady took us to see her house. It was destroyed, but her family escaped. Others weren’t so lucky. As we climbed the ruins of houses, buildings, and a church, we came across 7 bodies that were lying in the rubble.  The destruction went on for blocks.

As best we can determine 15 Foursquare church members lost their lives and 28 Foursquare families that lost their homes are now living in tents. We are working on getting them from emergency housing to temporary housing before the rains begin next month.

While the central church is still standing, there was significant damage. A structural engineer is helping us determine the level of damage. It seems some walls will need to come down, the roof will need to be stabilized, and extensive repairs and rebuilding will need to happen in order for the building to be safe to use again. Services are being held outdoors on the church property.

Since many church members are now without work, we anticipate hiring some of them to work alongside the teams coming from the United States. That way they have a part in rebuilding their church and homes and will be able to earn a salary to buy food and other items needed to rebuild their lives.  Even the churches outside of the Port-au-Prince area are feeling the effects of the earthquake.  In Jeremie, where we have a church and an orphanage, many people have fled on the ferry and are now showing up looking for food and shelter.  We have sent an offering to help care for the people.

The rebuilding of Haiti will take years. Lives have been changed forever. In the midst of this terrible crisis, God has a wonderful plan.  As we partner together in praying, giving and going, we will see the church rise up with new strength and renewed passion. Doors of opportunity are open before us to reach the lives of the Haitian people like never before. This is the time for the kingdom of God to push back the darkness and let the light of His glory shine through.


Foursquare Haiti Update 3 from The Foursquare Church on Vimeo.