Haiti Continues to Face Many Difficulties

March 3, 2010

The pastors and directors of missions within the Confraternite Missionarie Baptiste d'Haiti, gathered information and reported 40,127 professions of faith in Jesus since the January 12 earthquake, confirming the information we have received of revival taking place all over the land.  (statistics are from an article written for the Baptist Press by Barbara Denham, February 25, 2010)

Ebed Paul, Executive Director of MENH and founder and President of Leve Kampe Mache (LKM), an affiliated development organization, is planning to leave Wednesday, March 4, with a team and three vehicles for Port au Prince.  They expect to carry water, food, soap and other personal items, clothes, and medicines to be distributed out of the MENH church in Port au Prince.  Please pray for provision of all that is needed and for safety in travel.  Praise God for funds that are coming in to cover the purchases and the expenses related to the vehicles.  More than 2,000 families are being assisted through this effort.  See more in the MENH Bulletin

February 19, 2010

Reports have come to us from several sources saying that Haitian President Preval declared a 3 day holiday from work for the purpose of fasting and praying. One writer reported, "Everything is closed today and people are making their way to the park. It is so full you can no longer get in. They are worshipping and praying....The witch doctor at the corner was dragging all his voodoo stuff out. He was telling people who were watching that he was going to give it all up." Another wrote, "as we left the guest house we were met by throngs of people headed to various churches. The sounds of Christian music filled the air.....Everywhere the nation was gathered to pray. This scene was repeated in every town and hamlet we passed through."

The MENH leadership was at the forefront of planning for the February 16th March For Repentance which took place in Cap Haitian. An estimated 800,000 people marched through the streets singing and praising God. Pastor Thony reported that it was a beautiful sunny day, the only one in about a five day period. God is at work in Haiti. Click here to see photos >>

February 8, 2010

The MENH team returned from Port au Prince on Saturday, February 6, in order to resume work in the Cap Haitian area. They currently have a number of mission team members who arrived to help them build a cafeteria on the Plaine du Nord school campus. They expect to begin work on the trade school as well. Other teams are planning to come in March to assist in this and other work.

February 1, 2010

The MENH team is gathering supplies and loading three vehicles for another trip to Port au Prince. They expect to depart on Wednesday, February 3. In addition to food and medicines they are including a supply of clothing purchased in the second hand market place to meet the needs of many who were left with only the clothes they were wearing at the time of the quake. Pray for the successful acquisition of relief supplies and for safety as they travel and attempt to meet the needs of the people.

There is a tremendous need for land for temporary housing but along with the land must come the tents or other shelters, the security system, the food, the sanitation, and the education. MENH is willing to provide land; the UN is willing to provide tents. Pray for partners with the capacity to provide all that is needed so people will have not only shelter but an environment that is healthy and safe.

January 27, 2010

January 21, 2010

The first donations received by East West InterKnit to be put toward the Haiti Relief effort have been wired to MENH (Mission Evangelique du Nord d'Haiti) and the vehicle, fueled by gas provided by the Haitian government and filled with desperately needed food and medical supplies, has begun its trip toward Port au Prince. Whether you are able to send a financial donation or are praying for the victims of the earthquake, the scores of individuals who have come to assist, or the many organizations like EWI and our partner in Haiti, MENH, who work tirelessly to bring relief, your continued support in this effort is vital to its success. Thank you!

Just over a week ago the rubble that covers much of Port au Prince today was homes, schools, stores, hospitals, orphanages, government buildings, and banks. In fact, the bank with which we normally deal in Haiti is currently a victim of the destruction wrought by the earthquake. Western Union, with some sites further out from the heart of the city, is now the primary means of wiring funds into the country, and this has resulted in some very long lines. With the advice of those in the Social Services Office of Churches in Dominican Republic, and the use of their phone, Pastor Ebed notified us late on Wednesday [20 January] that he would be at a Western Union Office in a frontier town just over the border in Dominican Republic and that we would need to send the funds to him there instead of to Haiti. After a quick call to Western Union and with only minutes to spare, the funds were redirected to Pastor Ebed's location, and he was able to receive them before the office closed for the day.
Saint Francois Hospital, located near OMS headquarters on the road between Cap Haitian and Plaine du Nord, donated medical supplies. The picture below shows Pastor Ebed's joy as he is shown the things from which he might choose.	Pastor Ebed Paul attracted the attention of the press while he was picking up 200 kg of a fortified nutritious peanut butter called Medika Mamba, which was donated by Haiti Healthcare Partners, another organization wanting to come to the aid of those in Port au Prince.
	Besides collecting the medical supplies donated by the hospital and the green packets which contain the fortified peanut butter, they made several additional stops to purchase rice, spaghetti, brown sugar, corn flakes, powdered milk, salt, and more. The photo to the left shows volunteers at Mission Evangelique du Nord d'Haiti working to pack the food and supplies for transport. At last word the team was expected to leave today [21 January]. Please pray for their safety as they head toward Port au Prince.

January 18, 2010 10:45 PM

We received word that Pastor Girard and many of the leaders of the MENH church in Port au Prince have finally been contacted and have miraculously survived. However, the condition of many church members is not yet known. Please continue to pray.

	The MENH team, including one doctor and one nurse from the MENH clinic, has rented a bus for the trip down from the north of Haiti to the earthquake ravaged area of Port au Prince and the surrounding area. They are purchasing supplies of rice and other necessities and are doing all they can to fill the vehicle and to be ready to go on Thursday (21st Jan). 100% of donations sent to East West InterKnit which are designated for "Haiti Relief" will be sent directly to MENH for that purpose. Since there is a delay in our actually receiving anything sent through the mail, we are asking that you contact us via this link as well so that we may advise MENH how much they will be able to spend for supplies.
The government has provided them with sufficient gas to make the trip. Let's help them fill the bus. At a time when every drop of fuel is precious and tens of thousands are desperate for food, clean water, and medical supplies, we have an unprecedented opportunity to bring relief. Please prayerfully consider what you can do to help them fill that bus. The simplest way to contribute financially to this project is via a check. Simply write "Haiti Relief" on the memo line of the check. If you prefer, you may print this form and state your designation on the "special project" line. Undesignated gifts will be used in the area of greatest need. You may send your contribution to: East West InterKnit P.O. Box 270333 St. Paul, MN 55127 United States of America
	Refugees from the quake area are fleeing to the north and some of the MENH leaders are already taking in many that need shelter and food. They will need our help to care for those who have arrived on their doorsteps. If you wish to make a contribution using your credit card, you may do so safely and securely through the following link to JustGive. You will receive an automatic receipt from them for tax purposes.

January 18, 2010

EWI will be sending some funds tomorrow (Tuesday) to help purchase supplies.  We are exploring options for shipping goods that will be needed after the initial period of rescue and relief has passed and people begin to set up households again.  We would also welcome volunteer doctors, nurses, and other professionals that could give a week or two to help in Haiti.  We still have had no word concerning Pastor Girard or any others from the mission church in Port au Prince.

January 16, 2010

Pastor Ebed has acquired a flatbed truck from the Dominican Republic. He is going to load it with what relief materials he has and drive towards Port au Prince. Please pray for him as he does this, because he is worried about how the people might react when his supplies run out.

January 15, 2010

Email Received this morning from Ebed Paul, mission administrator:

January 12, 2010

Praise God for the safety of most of our mission partners in Haiti.  Many, however, have friends, relatives or associates in the more heavily damaged areas and are concerned for their welfare and anxious to do what they can to help.  Please pray for those involved in the recovery efforts taking place in the aftermath of the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in over 200 years.  We will provide updates as they come but lines of communication have been compromised and those working are on overload.  Pastor Ebed has promised to let us know when we can begin sending in essential materials.

December 2009

Pray for those who are participating in the expanding micro-credit program.  Pray that each one will achieve a measure of success and move toward greater self-sufficiency.  Pray that this will enable them to support their churches and bless their communities.  Pray that God gets the glory and that many in the community will be drawn to Christ because of the testimonies of the participants. 

October 2009

Much of what we reported in August remains true today.  Food and fuel prices are very high at a time when 70% of Haitians are still said to be living on $2 a day or less.  Our mission partners in Haiti have been, at times, completely without food while at the same time, face many who come to the door begging for something to eat.

While this is all true, there are some things taking place for which we are thankful and for which we ask you to pray.  The mission launched an agricultural development and micro-credit program some months ago that is beginning to bear fruit.  Many are already enrolled, and as resources become available, it is hoped that many more can participate.  One goal is that members of the churches participate and are then able to better support their own churches, pay fees for their children to attend school, and serve as a testimony and example to the entire community as to what can be accomplished.  Pray for the leadership as they encourage involvement and provide the tools and training necessary. 

Former President Bill Clinton and a group from the World bank returned on Oct. 2, from a mission to Haiti and expressed some hope that things are improving. There is relative stability now in the country due in part to the presence of the UN security forces.   There is  uncertainty as to what would happen if they should leave.  However the group also expressed optimism that "the country is moving in the  right direction and is doing a lot to  provide a climate conducive to foreign direct investment.”  (Noureddin Ennaboulssi - an underwriter with the World Bank group)  It will, no doubt, be some time before that investment actually begins to make a signigicant difference in the daily life and needs of the people.  Please pray for integrity and wisdom on the part of Haiti's leaders and for developments that will relieve the misery which the people have endured for so long.

August 2009

The mission is experiencing extreme hardship due to the current economic crisis which has led to a downturn in donations and an upturn in food prices.  The mission household was completely without food at one point.  There are still needs related to the aftermath of the 2008 hurricanes and major expenses related to emergency situations. 

Please continue to pray for the 9 year old daughter of MENH pastor Alin Jean.  She must make monthly trips to the Dominican Republic for follow-up cancer treatments.  The cost of each trip is more than Pastor Jean makes in one month.

Pray for Pastor Thony as he makes plans to visit and speak in the United States during September and October.

February 10, 2009 Update:

Agencies of the United Nations, in a report dated December 13, indicated that much more international aid is needed to help Haiti recover from what they called the worst disaster in 100 years.

Sources at the United Nations said that almost 50 percent of the families displaced by the hurricanes still remain without permanent housing and at least 2000 families are still residing in tents or other very temporary shelters. They report that they have received only about 48% of funds that would be necessary to provide real aid for Haiti.

President Preval met with the US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, the week of February 7, 2009, to plead for additional aid and for a change in the way aid is provided.  He claimed that the events of 2008, including 4 devastating hurricanes, food riots and the collapse of a school have left the country reeling and in worse condition than ever, and that unless something is done quickly, the country will degenerate into anarchy.

Continue to pray for Pastor Thony and others who are preaching the good news and attempting to meet the very real needs of so many.  Pray for the resources that will allow them to meet emergency needs and to develop programs that will enable the people to help themselves. 

November 21, 2008 Update:

MENH's most recent newsletter contains Ebed Paul's eye-witness account of the devastation caused by four hurricanes slamming into Haiti one after another in quick succession. This issue explains how MENH was able to "come to the rescue" of many who came to them for help during this extraordinary time of suffering. To read Volume 1 Issue 2, click here.

For photos of the devastation we invite you to go to the following site – http://www.sakapfet.com/photos/

Please prayerfully consider what you can do to help and send your check to East West InterKnit, PO Box 270333, St. Paul, MN 55127. Add "Food for Haiti" to the memo line. You may also contribute online by going to our “to contribute” tab and following the instructions for “Just Give.”

September 23, 2008 Update:

Pastor Thony is a man of great compassion, unwilling to turn away anyone in need. Since the need now is so much greater than his capacity to address, he is encouraging us, now as never before, not to forget his desperate and destitute people. He is asking us to help him meet their needs. The following letter, written in his own words on September 23, tells it all:

Dear beloved,

Jesus Christ loves you and I love all of you very much, too. Amen! Everyday, I receive international and national call for information. Last Thursday September the 18th, the Republic Dominican Army sent a delegation in helicopter to take me for a visit in Gonaive. We flew to Gonaive, we investigate the situation.

Yes, we see really Haiti is in affliction. Not only Gonaive, the hurricanes hurt terribly 8 departments of Haiti. Now all the country is in distress. Hundreds of people in distress from Gonaive walking 130 kilometers by feet to find refuge in the area of Cap-Haitian. Last week, I visited a place about 5 kilometers away from my place in Plaine du Nord, I find 21 people in one place from Gonaive. We need to take care of all of them.

The saddest thing now many people dying everyday hungry and thousands of them has no shelter. Please, I ask you to send that S.O.S. all over for us. Because Haiti needs help.

In His Holy Name,

Pastor Thony Paul

September 21, 2008 Update:

Friday, September 19, three members of the MENH leadership team were transported by Dominican Republic Army helicopter to Gonaives to survey the damage and assess the needs. In his note to EWI, Pastor Ebed said "I was devastated by what I saw." The team was able to form a committee representing most of the churches in Gonaives, including the three MENH churches that were destoryed. This committee will be responsible for the distribution of relief supplies expected soon from several sources, including full containers sponsored by churches in the Dominican Republic.

EWI relief funds are being used also for providing emergency food aid to those who live near or have walked long distances to the mission in Plaine du Nord, whose homes and crops have been destroyed and who have no means to purchase food. Pastor Thony reported that many are nearing starvation.

Because of the high price of gasoline (at last word it was $13 per gallon) they must plan their trips carefully. They expect to go out Monday, September 22, to begin distribution of food and other aid. Please pray that their efforts will meet the needs of the greatest number and that lives will be saved.

September 19, 2008 Update:

The four storms that pummeled Haiti over the last few weeks have made an already bad situation much worse. Food riots last Spring led to the ousting of the Prime Minister and to international appeals for aid. The US alone sent in $45 million worth of food supplies that were expected to last until the end of the year. With all crops across a large portion of Haiti destroyed it is feared that the food will run out very quickly and, out of desperation, there may be additional riots as people have lost the crops which, when sold, would have enabled them to purchase food. Some are slogging through the mud trying to rescue plaintains from downed trees. One farmer said that even if he were to sell all his plaintains he would be able to buy only a couple of handfuls of rice. He added "we are at the mercy of God and the government." One official said they fear the security situation is very fragile.

Although the situation in the area around Cap Haitien does not appear to be as desperate as that near Gonaives, the long term results may be just as difficult. Many homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Pastor Thony said that crops about to be harvested have all been destroyed, thus taking away both the food supply and the source of income. There has been no gas for cars or generators and no electric power for a considerable length of time. They have no money and nothing to sell. People, already suffering from malnutrition, are now dying from disease and starvation. Thony reported on September 18, that people continue to arrive, some walking from as far away as Gonaive, to beg for food.

Missionary Flights International (MFI), the service we usually use to fly into Haiti, reported that they had not been able to fly in regularly because of the storms. They were finally able to get in on September 11 with much needed aid. Food can be purchased at great cost in Cap Haitien but MFI has advised us that it is probably better to buy there than to pay for shipping it from the States. EWI was able to send funds via MFI that reached MENH on the 16th, enabling them to purchase some supplies. Much more will be needed if those with nothing who continue to come to their doors are to be fed.