Category: News (Page 77 of 100)

Friends of Haiti,

Several times this year we have shown people who we either work with or help. We haven’t done this in order to get your help (although we appreciate those of you who can), but to give you some idea of those around us in Haiti. Next month we will continue, adding at least two more to the list.

This month we thought we would concentrate on the conditions there since we get so many questions concerning that.

There is progress, depending on your definition of progress. There are few areas you can see evidence of the earthquake that happened over three years ago; except the tent cities, which may always be there now. We say that because there is just no place for them to go.

Three years ago, USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development was placed in charge of $651 million for Haiti relief efforts and now it has been found (Washingtonguardian.com/spending-disaster) that it has used less than one half of that total and is cutting back on its original plans.

One of its plans was to use some of the money to build 15,000 homes, but USAID now it says it may build as few as 2,600 homes and the number of people it would supply shelter for, from as many as 90,000 to now as few as 13,000. This is taxpayer money sitting unused for three years.

In spite of what you hear — and in Haiti’s case, don’t hear — things are not getting better there. Roads? Yes. The main road north out of Port Au Prince has been rebuilt and was well done but because there are no weight restrictions on trucks, etc. it is just a matter of time until it crumbles.

Prices are at an all time high and a gallon of gas is nearly five dollars a gallon, driving up the price of everything else. For those who could not buy food before, it is even more difficult now to feed your family.

Those in the villages where we work are more than grateful for the help you provide in the form of feeding programs, school sponsorship, help with the churches and medical needs.

We all appreciate the sacrifices you make each month to help them.

Mya with Steve and Merlande

This month we want to share about a little girl we have been caring for since her birth.

This is a picture of me with Mya and Merlande, the woman who has been caring for her almost since Mya was born. Mya was one of two girls born to a woman who died while giving birth to her, her twin being born first. Within hours of the birth they were brought to the clinic where we were. Although Mya was in very good health, her twin was not, and died soon after. The woman who brought Mya to us was a childhood friend of the mother but had no means to care for a child, especially a newborn baby.

We asked Merlande if we supplied the things she would need, would she take care of Mya? She said of course she would. So, after 11 years, this is our Mya. A beautiful little girl she is and a very blessed child at that. Two different youth groups have given over the years to help with her needs, which are those of any child in Haiti: medical care, dental care, attending school, and all that goes with that; not to mention clothes for a growing child.

Some of you who have gone have been able to meet her and see how blessed she is because of those here who help her or help Merlande. One of the needs she has is her yearly rent, which is $300 per year and is now due. Almost all of our programs operate on designated funds, so if anyone would like to help with this need, they and we would appreciate it.

Thank you for being faithful in your giving and in your prayers for Haiti and all of those it goes to help. We are very grateful for all of you.

Serving HIM together,