Current Newsletter

September 15, 2008

Hello everyone!
We have nothing but praise and thanksgiving from northern Haiti. Our God almighty has spared us somehow from hurricane Ike. Floods and mudslides from the first three tropical storms have killed many people and added an even greater burden to the misery of the Haitian people.

Ike, a category 4 hurricane, was expected to hit northern Haiti late Saturday and Sunday. We were all concerned when we heard that in Cap Haitian, the authorities moved thousands of people into a few shelters and the department of public works moved most of their equipment to a safe place in order to clean up afterwards. But God, who knew better than us, made the storm deviate a little in the direction of Cuba. He knew our situation would be worse than Gonaives four years ago when hurricane Jeanne hit.

Even though the hurricane didn’t hit us, it dumped lots of rain that caused loss of lives and possessions. Many of the roads are not accessible at all. A lot of vegetation and livestock were washed away. The situation is as bad as it can be in the country. Gonaives is cut off from the rest of the country and Cap Haitian is even worse, because the primary route from Port au Prince to Cap Haitian goes through Gonaives. With all of the major bridges out and roadways flooded, we are asking what we are going to do after two or three weeks when all of the food and necessities are sold out. The latest toll is over 1000 dead and several thousand homeless. But being born and raised in the country, I know it will take a few months to get an accurate number.

Before the hurricanes, people were going through a lot of suffering and hunger all over the country. I have witnessed many families with several children go days without a meal. I saw the need, but couldn’t do anything because I had no means. A friend of mine was burdened by the situation and demanded that we start a program to help them because it is our obligation. So, we started with $500 a month. We bought rice, beans, and cooking oil but that is just a drop in the bucket. We increased it to $1000 and are able to help 38 families twice a month. Now with the recent flooding, their misery is worsening. It is imperative that we join forces to pray and help relive the suffering.

Sincerely,
Emmanuel Laguerre

From the President of HCM: If you would like to assist with feeding families in need in the Pillatre church area, please send a check with a note in the enclosed envelope. All funds will go directly to Manno who will distribute food to those in need.

Let’s step up and help our Haitian brothers and sisters with Christ-like compassion.