(Updated at 5 p.m. Monday with additional information from IDES.)
By Jim Nieman
An initial, quick survey of Christian church-affiliated ministries serving Haiti shows that many suffered only limited damage from the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the island nation on Saturday. However, several organizations have not yet shared updates about the effects of the quake that killed more than 1,200 people and flattened thousands of structures, and the International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) reported that some of its partners suffered “severe” damage.
All of the ministries that shared information asked that people continue to pray.
IDES has been in contact with over a dozen mission partners in the south and central parts of Haiti “to get people in place to help the thousands of hurting people in Le Cayes and surrounding areas,” said Jeff Greene, director of church relations with IDES.
“IDES sent $60,000 to six partners [on Monday] to start our initial push of ‘Help & Hope.’ . . . We have other partners dealing with cracked homes and churches with concerns of future collapses.”
Rain rolled through Haiti Monday afternoon, which heightened concerns.
“Our mission partners have already seen water rising and there are concerns about flash flooding,” Greene said. “Resources are more available in Port-au-Prince but are difficult to get to safely. Prices are high and supplies are running out quickly. Roads are starting to be cleared of debris with the hope that people can get what they need to be ready for a potential flood.”
IDES is accepting contributions to its Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts at ides.org; donations also may be made via check (marked “Haiti Earthquake) to IDES, 355 Park 32 West Drive, Noblesville, IN 46062-9218; 100 percent of gifts will go to Haiti’s earthquake relief effort.
OTHER MINISTRIES
Other Christian ministries in Haiti shared updates, mainly via social media.
“Everyone on the HCM campus is safe, and our team is working on a safe strategy to get down to the south of Haiti,” Haitian Christian Mission wrote Sunday on Facebook. “Everyone on the HCM campus is safe, and our team is working on a safe strategy to get down to the south of Haiti. [The] Church of Simonette did have some building damage; it is not demolished, but will need some repair to get it back to safe use.”
“Please be in prayer for the people in western Haiti,” Global Vision Citadelle Ministries wrote Sunday on Facebook. “Mirebalais was not affected and all our children and staff are safe. Aftershocks are occurring throughout the region. There are GVCM churches and pastors in this area. Pray for their safety and recovery from yet another natural disaster.”
Haitian Christian Outreach wrote, “We have been in contact with those on campus in Peredo and there seems to be no damage and people remain calm. Other areas are not so fortunate. We are currently preparing to see an influx of patients at Peredo Community Hospital. If you would like to help meet the needs of the hospital, please visit our website and designate your gift to Disaster Relief and Development.”
Elsewhere, Northwest Haiti Christian Mission wrote, “We are still assessing the situation, but everyone on both of our main campuses is safe.”
“Throughout the day we have heard from several in our community that loved ones in other areas have been significantly impacted by today’s earthquake,” Christianville Mission wrote. “We ask that you would continue to pray with us for God’s provision, and peace that can only come from Jesus.”
Lifeline Christian Mission wrote, “We are relieved that, as far as we have heard, there has been no loss of life among our staff or major damage to Lifeline buildings. . . . After we have done an assessment and have a plan in place, we will post how you can be part of the relief effort.”
Sonlight Ministries added some context to the disaster.
“In the last two months, Haiti’s had its president assassinated, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake [occurred], and now tropical storm Grace is headed toward the island,” Sonlight write. “Haiti needs your urgent and faithful prayers. Her people are resilient, but there’s only so much they can handle. Our American staff is en route back to Haiti today and tomorrow—please pray also their them and their families.”
Jim Nieman serves as managing editor of Christian Standard.
(Image of destruction in Haiti is courtesy of the Global Vision Citadelle Ministries’ Facebook page.)
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