Adventist News from Haiti
Larry R. Evans, Undersecretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, writes:
Reports from Haiti are sketchy at best but the picture we are getting is not good. Communication is very poor. The airport tower was destroyed.
We have 1000 churches in the area and about 330,000 members. We do know that two of our largest churches near the presidential palace were destroyed—five congregations met in these churches. One of those churches had a school and while there were serious concerns for the children who were thought to be at the school at that time, it has since been learned that the children were not in the building and are okay. The union president has also been found and will be alright. The union office is not damaged seriously. One union worker was killed when a wall fell on him.
There are two IDEs (missionaries) in Haiti and they are alright but shaken. Serious damage has been sustained by our university but the lawns of our university and hospital campuses are being used by many for a sleeping area as a place of safety. Fortunately despite the economic challenges our churches did take out earthquake insurance and that will help some with the many economic challenges now facing our work in the area. ADRA along with the division will be working to assist members and the public alike. No doubt more complete reports will be coming.
Your prayers for the people of Haiti and those who are working to assist them would be much appreciated.
Nadia McGill, Public Relations Assistant for ADRA International, reports:
As the humanitarian crisis continues to grow in quake-hit Haiti, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has expanded its relief efforts by committing $1 million worth of emergency aid to assist survivors in the hardest hit areas.
As an organization, we recognize the urgency that this disaster demands, and press forward to meet the most immediate needs of survivors,” said Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International. “We will continue to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of those affected in this incredible tragedy.
As part of ADRA’s immediate response, an emergency assessment team also traveled to Port-au-Prince to begin coordinating the distribution of aid in the region. The group is expected to arrive in Haiti on Friday, January 15, to support the operations on the ground.
On our way to Haiti, the expressions of solidarity from everyone we’ve met have been inspiring. People are encouraging and genuinely emotional regarding the events surrounding the earthquake,” said John Torres, a member of the ADRA International team headed to Haiti.
ADRA is partnering with Toronto-based Global Medic to provide medical aid for survivors through four mobile medical clinics, each of which can assist up to 1,000 patients a day. Survivors will receive other emergency items, such as water purification tablets, water treatment packets, and oral rehydration salt units. Water purification units and a portable water tester will also be available. These water treatment methods will provide clean drinking water for an estimated 90,000 people a day.
Donate directly to ADRA here. Or by phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)
In addition to ADRA, contributions can also be sent to the Inter-American Division. For additional information regarding contributions for helping church members, write to:
catastrophefund@interamerica.org
This is in reference to a special bank account specifically set up by the division to assist members and Adventist institutions in Haiti.
