Here is an update that I got from Pastor Jim and Maryse Cartright. They pastor tabernacle Evangelique de Bethel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Three days following the earthquake communication in country is still very difficult. Our internet is unreliable making our connection with the outside world challenging. The day after the earthquake, Jimmy had walked to some of our members’ homes that were in the vicinity to check on them. All those he was able to get to were fine. All of them had lost their homes or their homes were badly damaged. They were all sleeping in the streets because everyone has been instructed to sleep outside of buildings and away from walls because of the tremors that continue to be felt throughout the day. Our church which is located in the basement of a large two story commercial building didn’t seem to have suffered much damage but we are not sure if it is structurally sound. We will have to make sure it is safe to hold our services on Sunday.
Today, we are slowly getting news from a few members of the church. Some of our worst fears have materialized as a young woman who grew up in the church died in Caribbean market and her body has already been interred in a common grave. We pray for courage as the news of the fate of family, friends, and acquaintances are known.
Jim has along with some of our neighbors, worked to get drinking water into our neighborhood and another area next to us. They are also working with a bakery to help supply bread for this area.
When the streets were opened yesterday and we were able to get out; we checked on a couple of our friends. We found their street had been turned into a make-shift refugee camp. Their house was badly damaged and they had been sleeping in their garage running into their yard every time they felt a tremor. After they had gathered a few belongings to come with us, we walked by a few cadavers covered in sheets to get to our car. This was the scene throughout the city; the living camped around the dead.
Again, we praise the Lord for our safety because just two houses down the street from us a man was crushed while sitting at his desk. As the system was overwhelmed, when the wife came to claim his body, Jim was among those who helped remove him from the rubble. Another man was killed by our neighbor’s wall just across the street from us and he had to make the arrangements for him to be moved. In that, we have been fortunate to be in an area with limited damage which allows us to be in the position to help others.
We are well aware of your concerns and the desire to help. At this point we would like to direct you on how to best get the help to us. In the coming days, we foresee that we will run out of resources and the price of everyday commodities will rise. We have consulted with others and realize that the best help should be monetary in nature.
We (Vision Church)have the ability to directly deposit money into their bank account and have already send funds to help. 100 % of what you give will be sent right away to help. You can give using a credit card or a bank card. Please specify that the money you are giving is for Haiti. You donation is tax deductible…
If you want to give just click here: I WANT TO DONATE MONEY
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