Haiti Hits Home

The destruction in Haiti continues to sadden and compel people to give.  Over $50 million has been given from “text giving” and tens of millions of dollars continue to flow into relief agencies.  The Haiti earthquake had a personal connection for me and for the people of our church.  One of our members, Jude Pierre, was serving on a mission trip in Haiti when the earthquake struck.  The mission trip team was about 50 miles away from Port-au-Prince, but still felt the earthquake.  Jude and his team return safely a few days later and their return was reported on by NBC13 here in Albany:

It was an incredible turn of events and this Sunday morning, Jude will recount his experiences during the 10:15 a.m. worship service at FBC Ballston Spa.   Jude will have pictures and information about his mission trip.  We hope you will join us.

In addition, FBC Ballston spa has given over $1500 to fund Haiti relief efforts through International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches U.S.A.  The American Baptist Women’s group aka “G-Unit” group at FBC also made medical kits with donated supplies that is being sent to Haiti.  Thanks be to God for the generous giving from the good people at FBC Ballston spa.  Also, our denomination has quickly responded to relief efforts.

Here is a summary of what the ABC has done:

• In the first week alone IM released $65,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) funds for immediate earthquake response.
• Dr. Steve James and our Haitian partners are providing medical care and relief supplies at the quake epicenter, southwest of Port-au-Prince, while Nancy James in Cap Haitien is maintaining communications.
• Kristy Engel, Ketly and Vital Pierre and Madeline Flores-López are IM missionaries in the Dominican Republic (DR). Kristy and the Pierres have traveled across the border to administer 3 clinics and lead a 30-person medical team. Madeline has remained in the DR to provide medical care to victims being brought to Santo Domingo.
• IM administrative staff, missionaries and partners are developing a three-year plan for recovery and rebuilding phases.

Also, the ABC and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship are working together in Haiti:

A missionary doctor appointed jointly by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and American Baptist Churches USA has returned to his home in northern Haiti after eight days of working at an emergency clinic near the epicenter of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the island nation Jan. 12.

Steve James, who along with his wife, Nancy, was in the United States attending a conference when the disaster hit, said while returning to the island he wondered what two people could do to make a difference in such a large-scale catastrophe. What came to mind, he said in an online journal report, was the Bible story about Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes.

After arriving in Haiti Jan. 14, the couple returned to their home in Limbe, a town of about 10,000 located outside the damage zone. Nancy stayed behind to keep lines of communication open with the outside world while Steve and four others set out for Port-au-Prince. The first day they drove around the city, helping people to find lost relatives and giving water to thirsty people.

What can you do for Haiti?  Well, here are some ideas:

• Pray, the easiest thing that could be done
• Give, Haiti relief efforts
• Serve locally, through charities, like the Red Cross
• Serve in Haiti, check out how you can serve through the ABC

Hopefully, Jude’s story will help spark FBC Ballston Spa to think about local, regional, national, and international mission trips for our church!