Bethesda Evangelical Mission

Haiti - One Month After The Earthquake

To All the Friends of BEM,

Tomorrow, February 12th, will mark exactly one month since the devastating earthquake hit our beloved Haiti. Before that date, many did not even know where Haiti was on a map but due to the enormity of this catastrophe, the major news networks could not ignore the severity and the importance of this story. Now, because of their reporting, only a few could say they do not know where Haiti is.

What a difference a month has made! Since January 12th, BEM has transformed from just an evangelistic organization to an emergency relief and rescue, humanitarian, AND evangelistic organization. The pictures on the major news networks tell the story. Many Haitians have proved to be resilient and faithful to their country. Earlier this week, they rescued a young boy from the rubble - almost one month later! So far, according to the Haitian government, nearly 200,000 people lost their lives. The people are in pain to the point where they cancelled their annual carnival festivities, usually scheduled for the second week of February. But I must say there is light at the end of the tunnel for all Haitians, due to their faith, tenacity, and their will to prevail in the face of adversity.

This story is only better today because of the involvement of the international community as many countries have responded positively with so much help, from food, to medicine, to water, search and rescue parties, and more, to the point that the international airport in Port-au-Prince is still closed to commercial flights due to the congestion of so many aid flights still arriving daily. Here in the Unites States, celebrities have been working together to raise funds for Haiti. The US government even gave the taxpayers permission to claim monetary gifts to Haiti as a tax deduction. President Obama has formed a coalition of two past presidents, George W Bush and Bill Clinton, who have so far raised $32M for the people of Haiti. Many groups that could not travel directly to Haiti, have travelled through the Dominican Republic to reach those in need. I personally saw many trucks of supplies and materials crossing the border between these two countries.

As I am writing this update, BEM has a team of people in Les Cayes, serving those in need. This group will be leaving for Leogane soon where they will be helping in the orphanage at the Children of Promise where Pastor Joel is currently serving.

However, closer to home, for many of you BEM has been YOUR vehicle to help the people of Haiti. Since the earthquake we have made 2 trips to the island and because of YOUR generous contribution we have together made an incredible impact on the lives of some of those affected by this terrible earthquake. I am reminded of the very first evening when we had just heard news. It was unbelievable and we didn't know what to do. With the help of our technician, we developed a special page on our web site to ask for your help, and you responded very strongly to help us to help those in despair in Haiti. Some of you used Jazz'd4Life, others used HELO and many of you used bemhaiti.org to donate through Paypal. This was the night when BEM began its transformation into what we see today.

Because of your overwhelming response, BEM is now known in Haiti as a life-saving organization. In addition, the authorities in Les Cayes have recognized our humanitarian work and stand amazed at BEM's ability to provide for the needy people in the area when the government was simply unable. This speaks volumes about our ministries, values, dedication, faith, and overall character of the men and women who serve with BEM.

Upon our first visit, when brother Chip and I went to the soccer stadium we saw many injuries and other cases that needed immediate attention. To the credit of the local authorities, the place looked very well organized but there was a lack of substance. They could not deliver to the level of the crisis. There was a dangerous lack of medication, supplies, money, and staff. Our brother Chip went work immediately and used his emergency response skills to treat all those he could and then assisted a local doctor in case that here in the US, would take place in an operating room. Because of your donations through Paypal and checks mailed to us, we were able to purchase medicine for both the soccer field refugee camp and the Les Cayes General Hospital. In addition, before we returned home, brother Chip and I joined a team the Pastor Jean had put in place to deliver food to every room at the Les Cayes General Hospital. Enough for them and their families to eat for at least 3 days.

BEM is currently working with the Les Cayes Rotary Club to help provide tents for many people who have fled from Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas and have come to seek refuge in Les Cayes. Every day people are coming to Pastor Jean's office with prescriptions that need to be filled and with heartbreaking stories of families who don't have anything to eat. Many have come from Port-au-prince with just the clothes on their backs, and nothing more. Because of your generosity, Pastor Jean has continued to deliver and provide for many of these needs where he can. He has turned the Les Cayes school into a food pantry, where people can come and receive food as needed.

If you have ever questioned whether you have made a difference in the lives of Haitians through your support, it is now answered!
The answer is a resounding YES! And continues to be YES!

I have personally observed people who we thought would not live, come to us and thank us for being there for them.

I have looked into the eyes of a child who had no hope and was in agony, who now has the hope of a loving home in our new orphanage. A mother who came to us after a worship service telling us how her family has nothing to eat, was provided a steady supply of food and we will continue to do so as long as we are able to respond to the need. The hospital of Les Cayes continues to look to BEM as a source of support and many areas on the outskirts of Les Cayes depend on BEM to bring much needed help in the way of clean water, health care, and education.

BEM's success would never be possible if it wasn't for you. You have made a tremendous difference!

In less that 2 weeks, a group of 10 or more will be leaving from Wallingford to go to Les Cayes, Haiti on a week-long mission trip to bring additional much needed medicine and to distribute food in the area. We will be able to give medical care at the soccer stadium and to surrounding villages. Then in March a group of musicians from Boston will be travelling to bring a change of atmosphere and to help people to smile with music and entertainment. One month after that, in Apri BEM is scheduled to bring its largest group yet to the island. There will be doctors, nurses, construction professionals, all with the intent to help the people in their darkest days. Every Sunday morning, BEM is currently holding a worship service right where the people are at the soccer stadium, to bring a message of hope, joy, peace, and salvation. We are committed to this call for the interest of the Kingdom. Remember, our success is your success, thank you!

Just one month after this disaster, we are seeing less and less about Haiti in the news. Other stories have taken the spotlight and the headlines away from a desperately devastated nation. Allow me to encourage you to continue praying for Haiti. If you are a church leader of any kind, this is the time to start praying about engaging some in your congregation to become involved in mission trips. If at all possible, financially, it is a good time to commit to monthly support of our work in Haiti. At whatever level you can participate in helping those in their time of need, please don't hesitate to do so. Your help will bring great relief to our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

May God continually bless you as you seek to support and fulfil the call of the great commission.