Grace Point Church Global Development - Haiti

Here is a summary of what we have learned over the past couple of days:

Haiti experienced the largest aftershock this morning (6.0) since the original quake 8 days ago. The people are afraid to go inside any buildings which remain standing. Therefore, they are sleeping in the streets and in parks, or anyplace they can find. Food and water are scarce to non-existent. Fear is running high. They have not been able to get their money from the banks because they have all been closed. Banks and Western Union offices are scheduled to begin re-opening Thursday. This will allow them to buy food ... if they can find a place to buy it.

We have been in contact with a missionary who was able to get out to Joy House. The building is standing with relatively minimal damage. A large majority of the buildings in the surrounding area have collapsed or heavily damaged. The missionary was able to leave a small amount of food and water for a few people staying at Joy House and plans to return tomorrow with more.

Norma spoke by phone with Pastor Eddy this afternoon. His church and Lifeline Orphanage which the GPC team visited this past summer are standing with minimal to moderate damage. Everyone there is okay. Joy House bus is parked there and has not been damaged. Eddy has been preaching in the streets each night and 25 people accepted Jesus Christ as their savior last night alone!! He indicated many people are openly praying to God and asking him to save them from this horrible situation.

I was able to contact the director of Christianville compound, approximately 3 to 5 miles west of Joy House. This is where the first 3 GPC teams stayed. All of their buildings are heavily damaged or destroyed. He confirmed Pastor Benito and two other pastors from the area of Gran Savon and their families are all ok. The church building is standing but has suffered serious damage. He also estimates 90% of the homes in Gran Savon have been destroyed and the people are living in open fields. The pastors have been preaching in these communities and have been seeing an average of 100 people per day accepting Christ as Savior!!!!

A small team, including Joe, Norma and John are planning to leave as early as the middle of next week. Our purpose will be to purchase as many supplies on the island as possible to help meet some immediate needs in the area surrounding Joy House. At the same time, we will be assessing the damage to Joy House and making repairs as needed to get up and running quickly. Please pray that the well (our only water source) has not sustained any damage and that it will produce significant amounts of clean water.

Thank you to everyone who has donated clothes, hygiene items, and first aid supplies ... keep em coming! The greatest need for the first trip ... funds to buy food and gas to get the food out to where it is needed most.

Thanks,
John & Kay