Haiti Earthquake

The Methodist Church in Britain and All We Can have launched a joint Emergency Appeal after the earthquake in Haiti on Saturday 14th August. Sandra Lopez from Global Relationships, Methodist Church in Britain, is in touch with MCB partner, the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and America’s (MCCA) and received this reflection and report on Sunday evening from David Draeger - MCCA Haiti District Mission Volunteer Coordinator.

The sun is going down on another day since the earthquake struck the southern peninsula of Haiti. Hundreds of thousands of people will sleep under the stars tonight for fear of the aftershocks that still continue. Many will go to sleep hungry because they don't have access to food or the ability to cook. Many will go to sleep not knowing the fate of loved ones still buried under rubble. Countless numbers have injuries that have not been treated because there is no medicine available. Vast areas are inaccessible due to landslides or failed bridges.

What is your response? Do you say "Ain't it awful" and roll over in your comfortable bed for the night.

What is an alternate response?

It is still too early and virtually impossible to send much physical aid. We know that continued financial aid is going to be essential for a very long time. Some people have pledged financial support. Others have already generously given. Other people are on their knees praying the people of Haiti in their misery.

What is your response?

Here are a few more facts.

The death toll continues to rise and is approaching or has passed 1000.
Thousands are injured.
The damage to buildings is becoming more evident with every passing hour.
On an individual basis, many homes are destroyed or rendered unlivable.
Multiple businesses in downtown Jeremie are damaged or destroyed.
The Catholic Church in Jeremie has significant damage.
The Methodist Church at Jeremie has significant cracks and it was not safe to have worship indoors.
The Jeremie Guesthouse has damage and it is unknown whether it is structural or not.
The security wall around the guesthouse has failed and is down.
There is damage to the church at Annette.
There is damage reported at Despagne.
There is damage to the church at Leon.
The conditions of other churches in the Leon Circuit are unknown.
The conditions of other schools in the Jeremie and Leon Circuits are unknown.
The Good Samaritan Home seems to be intact.
The Gebeau Clinic looks intact from the exterior although and internal inspection has not been done.
The John Wesley school appears to be intact with only minor plaster damage.
Gommier is OK.
Roseaux is OK.
The orphanage at Roseau is OK.
The main bridge at Jeremie is closed and awaiting inspection due to unknown damage.
The road between Camp Perin and Beaumont is closed by a large landslide.
The large Catholic Church in Les Cayes is heavily damaged.
The Hospital Lummiere is severely damaged.
Many businesses and homes in Cayes are damaged or destroyed.
The Church at Les Cayes is damaged.
The road to Les Cayes is impassable making deliveries of aid impossible by land.
The manse at Les Cayes seems to be OK but the security fence is down.
Many smaller communities throughout the region are destroyed or damaged.
A bit of good News. Missionary Flights International has announced bridge flights from Port au Prince to Les Cayes.
Moncriket Jose, an experienced emergency room doctor has agreed to come to the Gebeau Clinic for at least three months and a resupply of medications to support the Gebeau Clinic has been pledged.

I know that sometimes the situation seems hopeless and it is indeed overwhelming but God is in control and He promises us that he will take care of us. We all need to cling to the hope that even in the darkest hours there is hope. It is that hope that keeps me going everyday.

May God Bless you each and everyone.

IN HIS SERVICE

David Draeger

EMH Mission Volunteer Coordinator

We keep Haiti, its people and the Methodist people in our prayers.

Please give to the Emergency Appeal for Haiti here