Although it didn’t make any headlines here, there were several earthquakes in Haiti the evening of October 6th and 7th. The one on the 6th was a 5.9, and two on the 7th, ranging from 5.2 to 4.2, both very strong themselves. I can very easily remember the “aftershocks” after the earthquake in 2010 and remember how they felt; with the memory of the 7.0 on the day before, anything was frightening.

All were in the far north, so it didn’t affect us or our villages directly, but it surely did indirectly. All of Beaubrun’s family lives there, as does some of the family of two of our teachers in his school. Beaubrun’s mother’s house and that of one of his brothers were destroyed. The teacher’s family’s homes were badly damaged but fixable. Fortunately, they weren’t injured, although there were several people killed, and at last count over 200 with injuries from minor to serious.

Naturally this has brought back bad memories for people in the Port Au Prince area, especially kids who survived the 2010 quake. Schools are feeling the effects of it because kids are afraid to go in them. Most are afraid to even sleep in their homes. Even though the government said after that quake that building codes and guidelines would be put in place to prevent shortcuts in building houses, pretty much no one goes by them and most can’t afford to.

The pictures are of the neighborhood where Beaubrun’s mother lives and a local school. Since the earthquake happened at night no one was there, thankfully.

For us, we are approaching the month of Thanksgiving. Terry and I have much to be thankful for: all of you, your prayers and help with Terry, and for your prayers and help for our friends in Haiti. Please remember the kids affected by this in Haiti and what they are going through.

We hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving!

School began on time! Some years, especially after a hurricane or political unrest, it can be late into the month of September or even October before it starts. Fortunately, this year we aren’t having to deal with either of those things.

As we have surely mentioned before, the mission schools in Haiti, are one of the most important things a ministry can do. The Haitian Educational System yields the lowest total rate of education in the western hemisphere. Depending on the site you are on, rates of literacy are listed anywhere from 50% to a high of 61%. The country continually faces shortages in educational supplies and qualified teachers –  one of the reasons those of you who give supplies each year are providing such a valuable need. Most of our teachers come from the public education system because they know, even though sometimes it may be a little late, they will get paid.

Nearly 33% of children between the ages of 6 and 12 (approximately 500,000) do not attend school. The mandated age for entering school is 6, but the actual age is closer to 10. It is very common to see 16-year-old kids in the 6th grade.

Prior to the 2010 earthquake, the Ministry of Education reported that Christian missionary schools provided yearly education for over 600,000 students. Not only do they receive basic education – reading, writing, math and science, and history, they also are taught Bible lessons designed for their ages. If they go to the school, it is a rule that they attend the church, which the school becomes on Sunday.

We feel education is the key to most, if not all, their problems. When we have an opportunity to talk to the schools, we always tell them that education is knowledge. With knowledge comes ability, and with ability comes the power to change the world around them.

When you give in any way for the schools – supplies, sponsoring a child, or a certain school, you are providing that opportunity for many.

As always, thank you for helping our friends in Haiti and prayers for Terry.