Haiti Updates

Approaching two months since the devestating earthquake, search and rescue has given way to finding ways of survival and the beginnings of plans for the future.

Below is the most recent update directly from our Haiti partners in Port-au-Prince. Calvary Church is sending a team April 2nd to assist Kids Around The World in work with a large orphanage.

Through all of the pain, injustice and chaos which the nation and people of Haiti have experienced the past seven weeks, one might ask

Hope for a people

– hope for the future!– is there hope?

Hundreds of stories have been told of people turning to God, miracles experienced and people finding an inexplainable sustenance in the face of tremendous losses. We have related many such stories, such as this recent one from Jean Dorlus, president of the STEP seminary: “A wealthy businessman asked me to give him some pointers on what it means to live for God and not for himself. Another one who narrowly escaped death and has lost many friends and material possessions asked me if there is any sense at all in all that happened.”

b) Repairs to the Bolosse campus infrastructure

c) Assistance to the Beraca Medical Center (La Pointe) for costs incurred in treating earthquake victims free of charge

d) Assistance to the UEBH association of churches for relief and care of church members, rehabilitation of church buildings and strategic operations being planned

e) Assistance to the seminary STEP for relief, care for students and community; rehabilitation of strategic facilities according to a new strategic plan

We thank you on behalf of the Haitian people for your generous giving, which has been extraordinary. Funds have been distributed and will continue with these guidelines:

Relief efforts and funds have a strong emphasis on local empowerment and job creation, which then stimulates the economy, rebuilds broken lives and stabilizes society.

God certainly will bless a nation which calls itself to prayer and fasting, as Haiti did on Feb 12-14. During that time hundreds trusted Christ as Savior and others reflected on the meaning of life and the direction of their country.

CrossWorld has a long heritage of work in Haiti and also a new outreach in Senegal. Could the invitation of the president of Senegal to relocate Haitians to Senegal be a way God could use to bring hope to Haitian families while at the same time bring the gospel to Senegal, the land of their roots which is now majority Muslim? Will you pray to that end?

The CrossWorld news releases and web updates will be less frequent but still focused on up-to-date news of Haiti. Here is what you can do to keep informed:

Haiti still needs our help. CrossWorld thanks the many who have gone to Haiti with expertise to provide: technical help, trauma debriefing skill, training in logistics and crisis/trauma care, medical care, organization and assessment skills, supervisory skills, crisis management and expert counsel. As things transition from a technical crisis mode to stabilization, strategic planning and recovery, we will still need volunteers at strategic points. If you are available, please be in touch with CrossWorld’s mobilization department at get.involved@crossworld.org.

You can subscribe to CrossWorld’s E-prayers which is a regular up-to-date list of prayer requests which includes Haiti requests. Write to prayer@crossworld.org.

Continue to read the news on Haiti and pray each day about what you read and hear.

You can still give to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund at the CrossWorld website (www.crossworld.org) or give directly to the CrossWorld business office: 10000 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155-2010. In Canada at 1020 Matheson Blvd. E #11, Mississauga, ON L4W 4J9

Keep a watch on the CrossWorld website.

Vice President

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Keep praying and encouraging our CrossWorld team in Haiti. They are true heroes, and as you write them and pray for them, you will hear back from them incredible stories of God’s grace, provision, sustaining power in this difficult and challenging time. You yourself will be encouraged and blessed by them!

The following is incredible!

A first hand report from a trusted missionary friend who is now in Haiti, 30 days after the earthquake. This is his report of what is happening THIS WEEKEND!

In America, we celebrate Valentines Day. In Canada and the global sports world, we celebrate the Winter Olympics. In devestated Haiti, they celebrate GOD and His Sovereign protection and blessing amidst the rubble!!!

Again, I remind you…imagine if the earthquake had struck 6 hours later, at 11pm or 6 hours earlier at 11 am? The death toll would have been far, far greater…perhaps as many as 1 million dead! Now consider the following:

Jerry Miel is a good friend and radio engineer who served as a missionary in Haiti with World Team mission.  He worked with the Christian station, Radio Lumiere (Radio Light).  He has gone back to Haiti to help in the aftermath of the earthquake and makes these important observations. 

  An Incredible Day in the History of Haiti  by Jerry Miel

I think that I will remember this day as one of the most significant in my life, not because of what I did,  but for it’s meaning. In fact, what I did today was insignificant, and may have even distracted from me fully engaging in the day.

Today was the one month anniversary of the great Haitian earthquake.

About 3 days ago the Haitian president announced that there would be 3 days of holiday from work for the purpose of fasting and prayer.  This is absolutely historic.  If you have ever been in Haiti as a visitor or missionary, could you ever have imagined such a pronouncement?   Could you image such an announcement from the U.S. president.  This morning I saw a young Haitian-American woman, the leader of a work team, crying because the Americans could not understand the incredible importance of this day and wanted to go about business as usual.  Remember, it was only about 6 years ago that a former Haitian president called the nation to come together to rededicate the nation to Satan.

This was not “a minute of silence for the deceased” or something as equally insignificant.  Whatever the president might have originally intended, this because a real commitment for the Haitian people.  As I sit here this evening, I can hear the preaching coming from a nearby church.  Services have been going on all day.

I just read a news story that was forwarded to us.  It was about an official service with the President outside of the palace.  The author may have accurately reported the little story of what he saw, but his highly biased hatchet job piece totally missed the significant story of what was happening in Haiti today.  Not that I often have strong opinions, but the author was a bigoted idiot.  Let me tell you what I saw and felt today.

Peniel and I had planned an inspection trip up to the Artibonite Valley today.  Right or Wrong, I don’t really know, but since it was the only opportunity, we went ahead with the trip.  As we left the guest house about 7:30 am,  we were met by throngs of well dressed people headed to various churches.  The sounds of Christian music and worship filled the air everywhere.  The next observation was that there was NO traffic. Port-au-Prince streets are always clogged and overflowing with bumper to bumper traffic.  This morning there were only a few vehicles on the roads, a few small buses (tap taps),  some UN and military vehicles, and a few private cars.  We had clear sailing through town.  The same was true of foot traffic.  Usually the streets are clogged also with people walking.  Today there were only a few and many of them dressed for church.  The only place that there were traffic blocks was in front of several churches where the congregations had overflowed the buildings, and the yards and had moved out into the streets as well.

The next observation was that EVERYTHING was closed!  We could not find even one business or gas station open.  There were no intercity buses running.  Whereas the sidewalks are usually overflowing with millions of street venders, we only saw a few here and there.  The huge outdoor market near the wharf where thousands work each day and spread out to cover most of the street, was EMPTY.

Where were all the people?  They were in churches and makeshift meeting sites.  Every church (except a JW church) had services going on, almost always overflowing into the streets.  Beside broken down churches, services were taking place outside.  In homeless camps, there were services.  Everywhere the nation was gathered to worship and pray.  No, I did not see any voodoo, Islamic, or buddaist  services.  This scene was repeated in every town and hamlet that we passed during the day.

Tonight, Pastor Ignace, who is sharing the room with me, asked this question:  “Can people still say that Haiti is a voodoo country?”  What has been happening and is continuing to happen in Haiti did not happen because of the earthquake.  It has been happening because the Haitian people know how to pray.  This is a tremendous outpouring of God’s power as the result of prayer.  Twenty years ago I started praying for the Gospel to change the Haitian culture.  I think that I am seeing God do that work.

The only sadness that I feel today is for our nation.  While a nation that has long been under Satan’s domination is turning to God with total commitment, our nation, founded on Godly values has rejected God and rapidly trying to forget that his name even exists.  Let us pray for revival.

Jerry Miel

Now a full month after the devestating earthquake in Haiti, things have begun to stabilize to a “new normal” of tent city living, rubble removal, daily food searching and initial  plans for the future.

Enclosed is a fresh posting from CrossWorld, the mission organization with whom Calvary has been closely associated for more than 50 years.

eNews February 2010         CrossWorld Make a Gift Rapid Deployment Team Opportunities Your Account Haiti Earthquake Photos   A Word from Dale Losch, CrossWorld’s President On January 12, Haiti was rocked by an earthquake that has affected the world. The devastation was staggering. At least 170,000 people dead. One million homeless. 200,000 families without a roof over their heads. U.N. deputy special envoy, Paul Farmer, reports that more than three-quarters of Port-au-Prince has been destroyed.In CrossWorld’s Haitian association of churches alone we have received reports of ten church buildings and 319 houses damaged, 109 houses destroyed and 76 believers dead. The church headquarters and one STEP Seminary building have also been destroyed, while numerous other ministry centers including the Maranatha School and the evangelical printing press have received significant damage. 4,000 displaced people continue to take refuge on the STEP seminary campus, sleeping outside and under makeshift tarps. Though media coverage of the catastrophe is now reduced to just a trickle, the catastrophe in Haiti continues like a raging river. With hurricane season just three months away, an already desperate situation could become much worse for those whose homes are gone. For most of Haiti’s students, school is unlikely to resume until at least September, and life as it was known in this, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, will not be the same for years to come. Many of you who will read these words have responded to this crisis with an outpouring of compassion unrivaled in recent memory. Tens of thousands of dollars have already been received and sent into the country to be used in CrossWorld’s relief effort, providing water, food, shelter and medicine for those in greatest need. Crisis specialists, counselors, and medical personnel have also been part of our response, helping to bring much needed order and calm to a chaotic situation. We would not be able to respond as we have, were it not for the gifts that so many have given, and I am deeply touched by your generosity. (more…)   Updates… Immediate Needs : $50,000 for a generator (Koehler 80 KVA) and accessories to provide electricity for the institutions (UEBH headquarters, STEP, College Maranatha high school) and residences on campus. $40,000 for a flat bed truck to use for hauling materials/supplies for all the repairs/rebuilding we’ll be involved in and hauling teams to different project sites. $8,000 per month for security guards for the property until the wall can be repaired. $24,000 for fuel to run the generator for a year until the institutions get back up and running and have revenue coming in so they can purchase their own.   Other News: First Responder, Mark, developed a strategy for preventing communicable diseases and other critical health issues. Plans are now being focused on sanitation and hygiene education, disease surveillance, potable drinking water, adequate shelter and access to health care. The most vulnerable are mothers and infants and the elderly. As is true all over Haiti, there is a desperate need for coordination and planning. Today Tom arrived at the Bolosse campus?with experience as a military planning officer and liaison in high-risk situations around the world. His skills will be critical in providing relief for our staff and procuring critical resources to meet the ongoing needs on campus.   Quotes from the Front : Two days ago a Haitian lady brought me a gift…she had purchased 7 grapefruit for us. In the midst of need and distress, she gave to us. Amazing! (Cindy) Having drinking water available through the water filtration system given us by Samaritan’s Purse has encouraged the people. (Phyllis) Haiti has become a field of evangelization, people are coming to church in large numbers…radio stations that had hours consecrated to voodoo programming have replaced them with gospel programs and preaching of God’s Word. (Pasteur Crisbon) Medical teams are reporting a decrease in trauma cases and an increase in mental health needs. (OCHA report) There are so many sad stories and many of these survivors will carry the scars for life. (Bill) There are devotions nightly?a time of singing, praying and praising God?it is really quite beautiful to hear. (Bruce)   How to Give: You can give to CrossWorld’s Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. Just Click here to share with those in need. – or give through the CrossWorld offices in Mississauga, Ontario, or Kansas City, MO.   Library of Updates and News Releases: Haiti – Why Debrief Sammy Saved for a Purpose CrossWorld President Speaks on Haiti Emma’s Sale for Haiti Handling Suffering in Haiti Thousands Trying to Leave Haiti’s Capitol More…   Change Your Subscription Limited Access Priority Initiative Make a Gift You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in the work of CrossWorld. 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Most recent update direct from our missionary base in Port-au-Prince, and a word from the CrossWorld mission president:

CrossWorld President Speaks on Haiti– which translated, means, “Let us prepare (for the coming of the King)”. How amazing that while some in our world question what kind of a God would allow such suffering to befall the Haitian people, some of those who have found themselves at the epicenter of the tragedy, take it as a wake-up call to prepare to meet the God they love.– the homes and businesses, the schools, the neighborhoods, the families, and the lives. Because of that reality we welcome your ongoing financial partnership and specialized volunteer assistance so that the brokenness of Haiti may be healed. Thanks for being there for us and the people of Haiti.www.crossworld.org) and share with those in need – or give to the CrossWorld offices in Mississauga, Ontario, or Kansas City, MO.

Three weeks ago Haiti was rocked by an earthquake that has affected the world. The devastation was staggering. At least 170,000 people dead. One million homeless. 200,000 families without a roof over their heads. U.N. deputy special envoy, Paul Farmer reports that more than three-quarters of Port-au-Prince has been destroyed. In CrossWorld’s Haitian association of churches alone we have received reports of ten church buildings and 319 houses damaged, 109 houses destroyed and 76 believers dead. The church headquarters and one STEP Seminary building have also been destroyed, while numerous other ministry centers including the Maranatha School and the evangelical printing press have received significant damage. 4,000 displaced people continue to take refuge on our seminary campus, sleeping outside and under makeshift tarps.

Though media coverage of the catastrophe is now reduced to just a trickle, the catastrophe in Haiti continues like a raging river. With hurricane season just three months away, an already desperate situation could become much worse for those whose homes are gone. For most of Haiti’s students, school is unlikely to resume until at least September, and life as it was known in this, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, will not be the same for years to come.

Many of you who will read these words have responded to this crisis with an outpouring of compassion unrivaled in recent memory. Tens of thousands of dollars have already been received and sent into the country to be used in CrossWorld’s relief effort, providing water, food, shelter and medicine for those in greatest need. Crisis specialists, counselors, and medical personnel have also been part of our response, helping to bring much needed order and calm to a chaotic situation. We would not be able to respond as we have, were it not for the gifts that so many have given, and I am deeply touched by your generosity.

Equally moving has been the response of the Haitian people themselves, who are widely reported to have erupted in spontaneous praise to God throughout the crisis, sometimes singing all night long. On one such occasion, reports one of our disaster relief workers, the people began singing “Annou Prepare!”

Let me thank all of you who have responded with the love of God to the people of Haiti. And let me urge you to not forget them in the long days ahead. Long after all the cameras are gone, and the politicians and Hollywood stars have returned home, Haitian leaders and CrossWorld’s team on the ground will keep working side by side at the arduous task of rebuilding Haiti

Dale Losch, President

You can give to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. Just go to the website (

Good News for American Donors: The House and Senate have passed a bill which permits Haiti relief gifts made between January 12 and Feb 28, 2010 to be deducted on the 2009 tax return. For more details, contact Bob Simrak, CrossWorld Director of Advancement (donors@crossworld.org).

Good News for Canadian Donors: The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will match any donation made by a Canadian individual to the Haiti relief earthquake efforts. The Gift must be made to a registered Canadian charity like CrossWorld, and given before Feb 12, 2010. Maximum gift per donor is $100,000.

To read some news from prior days, click the NEWS button at the top of the website.

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Larry W. Sharp

Vice President

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This fresh news from our CrossWorld missionaries in Haiti. . .

Six-year-old Emma of Grand Rapid’s Michigan is doing her part to love the people of Haiti. She worked hard all morning drawing pictures and then set up a “lemonade stand” outdoors in 27 degree weather for her “art sale”. She had prayed for the people of Haiti but decided she needed to do more. For 2 ½ hours she prevailed in the cold until all the art work was sold, but she had raised $40 for Haiti. Emma is the granddaughter of Roger and Karen See. Roger is still in Haiti as a member of CrossWorld’s First Response Team.

Update from Bolosse campus

Haiti is still very much in crisis mode with infrastructure problems contributing heavily to slow progress and the suffering of many. Thanks to many gifts like little Emma’s, volunteers in Haiti today, the long hours of our Haiti veterans, and our many partners in the country, supply lines are coming together.

This morning, Saturday, a major food distribution arrived on the Bolosse campus – the first one since the earthquake – food for the 5000 displaced persons there.

Large tarps from a church in Florida cover much of the open areas of the campus; smaller donated tarps have been distributed in the community

Samaritan’s Purse has set up two potable water stations on campus and in the community so that every family now is allowed 1 gallon of drinking water each day.

A shipment of supplies arranged by a group in Chicago, arrived overland from the Dominican Republic to the campus. It included 1000 gallons of Diesel fuel, 500 gallons of gasoline; cooking oil, and over a ton of beans, corn meal and rice.

Medical needs are being coordinated with the medical center set up at Quisqueya Christian School a few miles away.

It’s hard for us to remember what day it is … the days run together and there is always so much going on. We go to bed exhausted and usually wake up weary…we cannot continue to handle all these people on the campus…there are devotions nightly – singing, praying and praising God – it is really quite beautiful to hear.” (Cindy)

Our worship service this morning was a blessing to my heart. God is showing me in so many different ways how He and He alone is bringing His people in our beloved Haiti through this trial. For the most part the spirit on the campus is patient and cooperative…we are all in this together.” (Phyllis)

Good News for American Donors: The House and Senate have passed a bill which permits Haiti relief gifts made between January 12 and Feb 28, 2010 to be deducted on the 2009 tax return. For more details, contact Bob Simrak, CrossWorld Director of Advancement (bob.simrak@crossworld.org).

Good News for Canadian Donors: The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will match any donation made by a Canadian individual to the Haiti relief earthquake efforts. The Gift must be made to a registered Canadian charity like CrossWorld, and given before Feb 12, 2010. Maximum gift per donor is $100,000.

From Pastor Doug: the mission campus in Port-au-Prince is now attempting to care for 5000+ “refugees” who have settled there, especially at night, since their ‘homes’ have been destroyed by the earthquake. Samaritan’s Purse has brought two potable water filtration systems. People are being asked to try and restrcit to 1 gallon per day, until capacity can be incresed. World Vision has attempted helicopter food drops. Diesel fuel was able to be found in sufficient quantity to keep the generator running several hours per day for some electricity.

Thus far the “refugees” are well behaved and respectful of each other, the missionaries and mission campus. Two MD’s have spent several days on campus caring for the injured. This campus has bcome a major place of ‘hope’ for the thousands of Port-au-Prince residents in that part of the demolished city.

Often in the evenings spontaneous singing has errupted among the “refugees”.  Missionaries and Seminary students have been very actively sharing the Gospel and many people have trusted Jesus Christ to be their Savior. Bible studies are breaking out among the 5000 people.

Debris removal has not begun near the campus. Still hudreds are presumed buried under the rubble in this part of town. Daily it’s survival and grieving and trying to imagine what life will be like going forward in such a wide-spread disaster.

The Crisis Management Team meets twice daily to develop response to the ever changing situation and presssing needs of 5000 people. Daily contact is made with government officials, US military and major relief organizations in an attempt to stay actively engaged with the city-wide disaster response.

To date Calvary Church has sent nearly $10,000 to Haiti! Thankyou Calvary friends. These funds are already being used to meet crisis needs among the thousands being helped.

Pastor Doug Anderson

NOTE: Pastor Doug’s brother, a 25 year veteran Air Traffic Controller at one of America’s busiest airports, has gone to Haiti to assist in air traffic coordination at the Port-au-Prince airport. His personal insight reports will add a new perspective for us in gathering an accurate perspective.

As the focus changes from rescue to debris removal and survival for the living, the emotional and spiritual challenges are significant. While large international relief organizations continue to focus on food, water and medical care…missionaries and pastors prioritize their focus on the broken hearts of an increasingly desperate Port-au-Prince.  The Churches continue to be major centers of crisis reponse, helping people find wounded relatives, bury their dead, gather their few remaining belongings, seek shelter and begin to prayerfully make a plan for their future. Haiti trusts spiritual leaders and they need our prayers and a huge oujtpouring of our financial help, so they can help thousands in desperation.

Contributions to Calvary Community Church Haiti relief will be sent to CrossWorld, the mission with whom we’ve partnered for more than 50 years in Haiti. www.crossworld.org is also prepared to receive your contributions directly.

Today’s fresh report from our missionaries in Haiti…

Here is a window into their current world reality, through the words of one of our staff:

“This morning I worked with a new medical team to help them get setup. The clinic is outdoors in the plaza in front of the seminary. It looked like a scene from the Civil War, except that most of the injured are women and children: Bandaged heads, arms in slings, casts on legs. Many people limping on injured legs. Some are lucky to have a single crutch. Classroom tables serve as examining tables. Wounds are treated and rebandaged. So many people were hit by falling cinder blocks during the earthquake.

Amazingly, we are receiving some patients who had received no medical care since the quake. One woman was carried in on a stretcher. Her badly injured leg had been treated by a ‘Dr. Fey’ (leaf doctor). She was one of the few that the medical team were able to transport back to the hospital with them.

But let me change to something more encouraging. Even though a food delivery had been promised, and about 5000 people waited patiently until 4 pm, no food arrived today.

So the people do not get fed. What do they do? They hold an outdoor praise session! They have been singing songs of praise for about two hours now. Hungry, tired, suffering people praising the Lord. I wish you could hear it – songs that say: ‘I am not afraid because I have Jesus in my heart.’ Or ‘Thank you, thank you Lord because I know you.’ The songs were upbeat, joyful. Some people were dancing, arms raised in the air to God. I am so humbled.

Prayer requests:

For the many people who are suffering emotionally. One woman broke down trembling and in tears today, her little baby beside her. Many people have suffered the worst losses imaginable.

For safety and comfort for the millions of people living on the streets and in fields all across the city. The constant aftershocks continue to reinforce our fear. Some damaged houses have indeed fallen in the aftershocks.

Pray that we respond wisely to relieve short-term needs but also build the foundation to help people rebuild their lives with dignity and self empowerment.

A praise that every day God sends another organization to help us with the needs here. Samaritan’s Purse just delivered and installed four water purification systems that will allow us to deliver drinkable water to the people here and in the outside community.

At CrossWorld headquarters, we are finalizing the arrangements for sending two new teams into Port-au-Prince this coming week: one medical team, and one team of post-trauma and grief counselors. Please pray for them as they leave the comforts of North America to minister to those in great need and grief.

You can give to CrossWorld’s Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. Just go to the CrossWorld website (www.crossworld.org)

Good News for American Donors: The House and Senate have passed a bill which permits Haiti relief gifts made between January 12 and Feb 28, 2010 to be deducted on the 2009 tax return. For more details, contact Bob Simrak, CrossWorld Director of Advancement.

NOTE: This update is from Crossworld, the mission with whom Pastor Doug and Dawn served in Haiti and through whom we urge our readers to financially assist Haiti as all contributions are distrubted through a reliable mission with 60 years experience, 250 churches, 100 schools, a hospital, Bible School and Seminary. Contributions may be made to Calvary Community Church and we’ll forward to Haiti OR through www.crossworld.org.

This is a personal email received from dear missionary friends with whom Dawn and Pastor Doug served in Haiti. They live on the campus in Port-au-Prince where Calvary Community Church has had ministry interest since the 1950’s. Our Calvary Haiti team spent two days there last February meeting with missionary and Haitian leaders. This campus is right in the middle of the devestated area.

Greetings, again, from Haiti!                                                                          Sunday, January 24^th

Where to begin?  It’s hard for us all to remember what day it is, let alone what happened during the past few days.  David said to me today, “We’re into our 3^rd week since the earthquake, right?”  I said, “no, it hasn’t even been 2 weeks.”  The days run together and there is always so much going on.  We go to bed exhausted and usually wake up weary.

There has been some progress made.  Some men from Samaritan’s Purse arrived up here on Friday and Bruce walked around with them so they could assess our water system here and plan how to set up some pure water systems.  They came back both Sat. and today and we do have two systems for purifying water that are connected right into our water system.  After the church service today here on campus, the people were told to bring their 1-gallon jugs so they could get some pure drinking water.  Everyone was happy and grateful.

We had a medical team here through Friday and then two doctors with Medical Teams International based in Oregon came up on Saturday and will be returning Monday to live up here on campus to continue giving medical care.  Again, the people are grateful for this aid.

Yesterday we were to receive a delivery of food aid accompanied by an armed UN escort.  The community committee helping us organize all the displaced people who are here on campus had been given the task of dividing the people into groups, registering names, and appointing group leaders.  At noon we asked all the group leaders to meet in our yard so David could explain to them what was happening and instruct them with the orderly procedure that had been planned to distribute the food.  After waiting for 4 hours and trying to keep the group contained in our yard so the news didn’t get spread and others begin coming to the campus, we found out the aid was not coming.  Needless to say, EVERYONE was disappointed!  We felt so heartsick for all the Haitian people up here who needed the help and for hopes that were raised and then dashed.  The aid group who had organized this left with promises of another day, but we were left to deal with situation here on the campus.  We were so proud of the people up here.  There were no angry outbursts and no apparent blaming us for nothing showing up.  We trust God in knowing what is best for us all up here and for why this didn’t work out.  Please pray for this to work out for another day if that would be best.

We are doing our best to handle the situation up here and to give help to meet the immediate needs of those here on campus, but our long term desire is to help these people up here be able to return to their homes or move to families out in the country or get established in a new location.  We cannot continue to handle all these people on the campus. 

We are doing our best to take advantage of the opportunity up here to minister to spiritual needs too, but it is not easy.  The two other profs up here, the few students who are still here, and we missionaries are being taxed to our limit.  There are devotions nightly – a time of singing, praying and praising God – it is really quite beautiful to hear.  Both Sundays we’ve held services and Mon/Wed/Fri we’re having kids club.  Friday a Christian film was shown.  Groups of believers from the surrounding area have helped with these activities.

Today I washed my hair for the 2^nd time since all this began – it sure felt good!  I also did some laundry – my Dad said every time he sees me I’m wearing the same thing, so I guess it was time.  I also baked cookies today – we all needed a treat and decided we’d use a bit of butter and flour to do this.  Bruce has already tightened his belt 2 notches in order to keep his pants up.  Phyllis and I hope to go out tomorrow to try to find some groceries.  We’ve been told that stores won’t have any supplies for very long so we’re going to see if we can find anything.  We are doing fine though and have very sufficient food and water.  Please pray for safety for all of us as we make trips out from time to time.

Well, our love to you all.  Thanks to so many who write and continue to encourage us with your prayers, love and offers of help.  We do covet your prayers as we continue to deal with so many things in the midst of this disaster.

Love, Cindy   for Bruce too

Friday Jan. 22, Patsor Doug writes…

The Port-au-Prince campus of CrossWorld now has more than 4500 homeless Haitians making the mission campus their temporary home! Outhouses have been dug, water is scarce, food is scarce. Some medical supplies have arrived on campus to help.

The continuation of food/water/medication supplies over these weeks is critical. USAID and other aid organizations are the primary source right now. The area around the campus is decimated, hundreds of homes destroyed. Many thousands of people homeless. Many dead and injured.

Safety assessment of church and other Christian Ministries buildings in Port-au-Prince is now underway to determine if they can be used for worship and ministries this weekend. Additional crisis management staff have arrived on campus to assist in the short and longer term handling of this crisis.

Many injured in Port-au-Prince earthquake are making their way north 150 miles (10-15 hours travel over terrible roads) to our mission hospital campus where Pastor Doug & Dawn lived and served. The hospital is being overwhelmed with the same types of injuries you’ve seen on TV.  Medical supplies will be a critical issue in weeks to come.

Financial assistance is flowing to Mission and Church leadership, thank you! They are distributing to the people of the churches and their families and friends, as is most effective to  help the overwhelming need.

Crisis management meetings are held daily with mission and church leadershipo to assess need and respond. Great effort being made to coordinate with USAID, US militaray, UN relief and other organizations across Port-au-Prince.

Haitian Christians continue to be the “strength” and “wise leadership on the ground” across Port-au-Prince and they thank the American church for our response and prayers!

Contributions can continue to be made to Calvary Church, with memo “Haiti Relief” or www.crossworld.org for direct contribution. Funds are being transmitted to Haiti and our missionaries and mission/church leadership as quickly as possible. These funds are making a major impact diretly with the people most affected!

Thank you for caring, praying and giving as God leads you;

Pastor Doug Anderson