One year ago today, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. Its epicenter hitting the town of Leogane (16 miles west of Port-au-Prince), the quake took more than 230,000 lives and more than 1.5 million people are still living in tents a year later. Some say Haiti has not even begun to recover, and the year since has been filled with other turmoil, including a devastating outbreak of cholera, which took more than 3,000 lives and infected 130,000 others. In addition, the country has had to weather hurricane Tomas and chaos during the November 2010 election.
Please be praying with me for Haiti! God is doing exciting things and providing, but there is still so much need. If you’re interested in giving to Haiti, I’ve highlighted a few projects I’m familiar with. Obviously, there are many other ways to give, but these are projects I have seen firsthand. Whether it’s through praying, giving or just learning more, please take some action and remember Haiti and the suffering the people are going through. There are links under each project if you’d like to learn more!
Radio 4VEH- “The Evangelistic Voice of Haiti” started 60 years ago and has been a lifeline for many since the earthquake. Not only does this station broadcast the gospel and Bible reading programs, but also vital information for survival and medical information in the midst of the Cholera outbreak. While in Haiti, we distributed these solar-powered, pre-tuned radios in remote villages. People everywhere had heard of 4VEH and shared with us about the Hope and help it provides. Click here to learn more or give!
Starfish Kids- This is OMS’ child sponsorship program in Haiti. For $25/month, you can sponsor a child’s education. Your sponsorship covers the child’s tuition, uniform, books and breakfast. Starfish Kids is impacting kids lives in many different schools. It is my joy to help with this program from the US, and while visiting Haiti, I visited a few different Starfish Kids schools and spoke with parents and staff first hand about the difference it is making. If you’re interested in giving a one-time gift, your contribution will help provide school supplies or teachers’ training. Click here to learn more or give!
Haiti Relief Fund- New donations to this general relief fund for Haiti will contribute to the rebuilding of a church in Port-au-Prince. Some of the fund will also go to Homes for Haiti. The remainder of the money will go towards Cholera, future disasters, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, etc. To give to this general Haiti Relief Fund, click here!
Homes for Haiti- In a second wave of relief efforts, OMS’ Homes for Haiti is providing permanent housing for Haitian earthquake survivors. If you’d like to read about the first recipient, go to my Nov. 29 and Dec. 11 blogposts. Click here to learn more about the project or give!
Thank you for praying with me and remembering our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
Beka
*The above photos of these ministries are pictures from our October 2010 trip to Haiti.
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