Here is the latest email from Robinson. Sorry I have been a little delinquent on posting, the last few days have been a blur of many challenges. Getting information turned a little difficult as Robinson's duties have increased. But we are getting back on track. This email brings in more perspective about the providence of God. Those first few days following the earthquake when I couldn't reach Rob were a little nerve racking, and then comes this story. We lost Ynives and Sarabeth, but God spared Robinson. Here is his email.
Dear Brothers &Sisters
We are pleased to write you these few lines with the hope that you are prospering in every way by the grace of God. I had a plan to go to Port-Au-Prince to get a new Passport the week of the earthquake(actually on January 12) as my previous one had expired, but I finally changed my mind and postponed my trip until the next week. That change in my plan turned out to be one the reason I escaped the tragedy. The tension related to the earthquake has gone down but the aid distribution isn't really done yet in the provinces. It is happening in Port-Au-Prince to some extent. The thing is the people in Saint-Marc are in fact the ones helping the victims along with Youth With A Mission. A plan to set up tents expected by February 10, 2010 in a Camp setting is underway. From time to time I am called to go help people with transportation problems in trying to get to the hospital. At time also other people need to relocate in Saint-Marc and have need for transportation to do the moving. So I help them with that, using my car. A lot of the victims have become Christians and are asking for Bibles. We've had a lot of touching testimonies in our services. We thank you for your financial and spiritual support in behalf of the victims. We ask that you continue to pray for Haiti and all the victims (all the Haitians are victims in some way). We checked with IOM (NGO)to get jobs for the victims as a way to help them get some money. The door is still open as for your plan to come down, we are ready, waiting for you. I took them myself.
May God Bless You.
It has been enlightening to hear Rob's perspective on the ground outside of Port. People are fanning out across the countryside, and are being received by their countrymen. I think long term this is going to be the most helpful until there is enough rebuilding in Port to sustain the volume of people now stranded without homes, nor places to work. Pray for sustained patience for the Haitian people. They are still suffering, starving, dying. And the road ahead is long and difficult. Your help has been astounding and incredible. We have been able to keep funds readily available, and Robinson is taking good care of those given to his care along with all the other burdens associated with this calamity in his nation. Keep him in your prayers as well.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Transition
It continues to be a significant challenge to reach Robinson, matter of fact, he has had more success calling me than of me calling him. I was taking to my international phone service company tonight and they said their service into Haiti was back up to 70%. I had to laugh; my success rate today for all of my tries is 0%!
Here is what is fresh, Rob had to go on a emergency run for a broken down vehicle about halfway to Port this morning, he took people coming to stay at the property from PAP to register for their aid and location at the YWAM campus, collected money at Western Union, and distributed food. He is gathering clothing, personal hygiene items, and trying to keep up with the responsibilities of all those he is sheltering at the property. He has been using the small children’s tent but the crowd is growing and is now too big to keep them all there, so they are moving them to the big tent. He is utilizing his church family to help meet the needs of these pouring into St. Marc.
I asked about the needs on the congregation and he said; ‘brother, it is hard for them right now, but they are not the victims. The people from PAP have nothing!” They have no clothes, no food, no house, they have lost everything. He is asking his church people to bring their clothes! That breaks my heart. I have a closet full of clothes, I can spare a rack, these poor people have so little to begin with, and now they are being asked to bring from their meager rations. WOW! What amazing hearts! We give out of our wealth; they give out of their poverty!
There are now 20 people staying at the property, and the count is climbing quickly as they distribute among all the churches in St. Marc.
St. Marc made the national news last night, people are leaving Port in masses and St. Marc is the choice location. Robinson told me that Gonaives is too destroyed that the people don’t want to go there and Cap-Haitien is too far north to be away from their home. He said St. Marc is stacked with people. Everywhere you look there are masses of people; needy, needy people.
I think the YWAM director has it right, this is starting week #3, and looks to be a transition week, moving from short term rescue to long term care, continuing medical surgeries, and rebuilding. Pray this week for wisdom and endurance as rescue teams and medical care people try to get restored from the initial push and running on adrenaline, and the same for all the Haitian’s who have also pressed and labored and buried their dead. Emotions have been spent for a lifetime for them; recuperation is what they desperately need. So pray the distribution continues to level out, and that the weather holds steady, and significant plans for restoration gain solid momentum and clear direction. Pray for the leadership and government to enter a new phase of responsibility to their people, that out of the dust and ashes, and new day dawn’s, a brighter, better hope is born. Blessings to all.
Here is what is fresh, Rob had to go on a emergency run for a broken down vehicle about halfway to Port this morning, he took people coming to stay at the property from PAP to register for their aid and location at the YWAM campus, collected money at Western Union, and distributed food. He is gathering clothing, personal hygiene items, and trying to keep up with the responsibilities of all those he is sheltering at the property. He has been using the small children’s tent but the crowd is growing and is now too big to keep them all there, so they are moving them to the big tent. He is utilizing his church family to help meet the needs of these pouring into St. Marc.
I asked about the needs on the congregation and he said; ‘brother, it is hard for them right now, but they are not the victims. The people from PAP have nothing!” They have no clothes, no food, no house, they have lost everything. He is asking his church people to bring their clothes! That breaks my heart. I have a closet full of clothes, I can spare a rack, these poor people have so little to begin with, and now they are being asked to bring from their meager rations. WOW! What amazing hearts! We give out of our wealth; they give out of their poverty!
There are now 20 people staying at the property, and the count is climbing quickly as they distribute among all the churches in St. Marc.
St. Marc made the national news last night, people are leaving Port in masses and St. Marc is the choice location. Robinson told me that Gonaives is too destroyed that the people don’t want to go there and Cap-Haitien is too far north to be away from their home. He said St. Marc is stacked with people. Everywhere you look there are masses of people; needy, needy people.
I think the YWAM director has it right, this is starting week #3, and looks to be a transition week, moving from short term rescue to long term care, continuing medical surgeries, and rebuilding. Pray this week for wisdom and endurance as rescue teams and medical care people try to get restored from the initial push and running on adrenaline, and the same for all the Haitian’s who have also pressed and labored and buried their dead. Emotions have been spent for a lifetime for them; recuperation is what they desperately need. So pray the distribution continues to level out, and that the weather holds steady, and significant plans for restoration gain solid momentum and clear direction. Pray for the leadership and government to enter a new phase of responsibility to their people, that out of the dust and ashes, and new day dawn’s, a brighter, better hope is born. Blessings to all.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Banking
I spoke with Robinson this morning and they were readying to feed our charges at the church property. He said eventually the international aid is going to follow these people to help supply food for them, but that won't happen for a while. So the duty is passed to the church. He was so happy to hear we were raising support for him. They are in desperate need of the help. I know they are taking this endeavor on in faith, because they don't have it themselves. But God hears and answers our prayers sometimes before we even ask, and I could hear the awe in his voice when I told him I have support coming in right and left for him. He said: "Wow"! He said he is very, very busy with everything. He also said it is a struggle to get money right now, even though it is in the country, there is a massive liquidation problem. I spoke with the bank today, and learned that they are trying to open the central bank tomorrow. I was informed that will begin to relieve the cash flow problem. The countryside has limited cash flow on a normal basis, this has caused a sizable bottleneck in trying to help get funds to the people. So pray that the banks can open tomorrow like projected. We have funds available to Rob on the ground in Haiti right now thanks to the generosity of the banks and the ability to wire for virtually free, but they are having to parcel out the money so that hopefully everyone can get a little. Rob told me that you stand in line for hours, you just get to the gate and they close for the day. Can you imagine? Again he laughs! I'm like,... what??? He says those old familiar words, "Brother, it's Haiti!" I pray by the end of this journey, this epic trial of this land, that Robinson will not have to say those words anymore! Wouldn't that be great, it would speak of a remarkable change, I will be able to look back at these blogs and marvel at what God did for our wonderful, amazing people in Haiti. Time to try phoning again. That is my current trial, getting the info passed along to him has been agonizing to say the least. But nothing compared to what they are going through, counting my blessings tonight! Be blessed as well.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Suddenly
So far today there has been no contact with Robinson. As you will all know from the email last night, in addition to an already full plate, he is readying our facilities to accommodate 60 displaced people from Port. With all of the aftershocks, I am currently thrilled that we are using a tent for our worship facility. I am already contemplating the purchase of another bigger tent. These are going to work quite well for a while. While the fear of the people remains high, a falling tent would not be a threat. Our tents will serve as great shelter for these people, and I think our church family will be a great asset in watching over them and keeping them taken care of until housing can be rebuilt or the people find new homes. I am sure this has Robinson busy, and on top of that serving as a translator for the medical doctors, I am wondering when he will rest himself. That being said, I will continue to try to reach him for an update and as soon as I do, I will be posting it up.
My thoughts recently have been considering so many aspects of the earthquake, but one is surfacing over and over. It's this word 'suddenly'. I have been reminded in the last few days of the fragility of life. Haiti on a whole sets this concept continually before me as I have been engaged in ministry there and working with Robinson. In our society of warranties and guarantees, insurance and plenty, entertainment and communication, we rarely give pause to reflect on the true fragility of life, and the precious moments we have. The earthquake happening when it did and with the level of devastation it has wrought, sat me back on my haunches. I talked to Robinson just 2 hours before the earthquake, and it was business as usual, plans as usual, hopes and dreams as usual, fellowship as usual. In a few seconds, usual was erased like chalk on a blackboard. Some slippage of rock, uncontrolled by human skill or power some 5-6 miles beneath earths surface altered the course of a nation, maybe even in some ways the world, for years, maybe decades, maybe forever. Not just a few families, or even a little town, that earthquake has reshaped the current news and headlines, has demanded the worlds attention, is altering economics, life 'suddenly' became different for millions. I am cherishing my Haitian family, my church family, my own family a little differently. These people who had little to begin with, have now been demanded everything they own. In split seconds, hopes and dreams vanished like a great magicians trick. Except this was real, no illusions. And that is the thought that has captured my attention, don't live in illusions, cherish this moment, savor your relationships. The thread of life is fragile, and things can change 'suddenly', have changed 'suddenly', and will change 'suddenly'. The wonderful thing about watching a young man like Robinson, is that he was ready, he had prepared, and now with many of his countrymen, are doing great things. May we live in readiness as well! Your outpouring of support, and so quickly, shows that you are all living with a certain readiness as well, but tonight take stock again of all the blessings you have received and be grateful, absorb the moment, not morbidly, but with awareness. Breathe in gratefulness, exhale frustration. Peace be with you tonight! Blessings again.
My thoughts recently have been considering so many aspects of the earthquake, but one is surfacing over and over. It's this word 'suddenly'. I have been reminded in the last few days of the fragility of life. Haiti on a whole sets this concept continually before me as I have been engaged in ministry there and working with Robinson. In our society of warranties and guarantees, insurance and plenty, entertainment and communication, we rarely give pause to reflect on the true fragility of life, and the precious moments we have. The earthquake happening when it did and with the level of devastation it has wrought, sat me back on my haunches. I talked to Robinson just 2 hours before the earthquake, and it was business as usual, plans as usual, hopes and dreams as usual, fellowship as usual. In a few seconds, usual was erased like chalk on a blackboard. Some slippage of rock, uncontrolled by human skill or power some 5-6 miles beneath earths surface altered the course of a nation, maybe even in some ways the world, for years, maybe decades, maybe forever. Not just a few families, or even a little town, that earthquake has reshaped the current news and headlines, has demanded the worlds attention, is altering economics, life 'suddenly' became different for millions. I am cherishing my Haitian family, my church family, my own family a little differently. These people who had little to begin with, have now been demanded everything they own. In split seconds, hopes and dreams vanished like a great magicians trick. Except this was real, no illusions. And that is the thought that has captured my attention, don't live in illusions, cherish this moment, savor your relationships. The thread of life is fragile, and things can change 'suddenly', have changed 'suddenly', and will change 'suddenly'. The wonderful thing about watching a young man like Robinson, is that he was ready, he had prepared, and now with many of his countrymen, are doing great things. May we live in readiness as well! Your outpouring of support, and so quickly, shows that you are all living with a certain readiness as well, but tonight take stock again of all the blessings you have received and be grateful, absorb the moment, not morbidly, but with awareness. Breathe in gratefulness, exhale frustration. Peace be with you tonight! Blessings again.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Amazing!
Here is Robinson's email from today. He is getting this thing down for me, and wow, wait until you read what they are doing. So great to be a part of this work!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greeting from the land of Haiti. Just this morning the Pastors in Saint-Marc had a meeting with The Youth With a Mission staff over the organization of health care and food distribution to the victims of the earthquake. The idea was for each Pastor to provide a shelter in their church for sixty people. Besides, they will need interpreters to help the doctors communicate with the patients. As for me and Claudy, we are already volunteers for this task. Day by day the price of the food products are going higher and higher in Saint-Marc at the Market as the food distribution by the International Community hasn't started yet. Saint-Marc population is growing as a result of people fleeing Port-Au-prince. The price of gas is going up, $60-70 ht. The fare of Motorcycle taxis has also gone up. Starting tomorrow each person getting health care in one of the clinics will be given a tag as an identification mark. I talked to Robins(Ynives husband)and he told me that he's found the bodies of Ynives and Sarabeth and they were buried in Desdunes. I am asking you to keep praying for the victims. Remember I preached a Sermon last time I was with you,title 'When was the last time you fed an hungry person?' May God Bless you!
Incredible what they are doing on the ground! I know the international forces are descending, and that Haiti has the world's attention, but this outreach to their own in these desperate times is a mark of the caliber of these wonderful people. These churches are taking these people in on faith, not knowing where the support is going to come from. I was so happy to be able to tell him that God is moving here and we have help ready for them. Your support is so noteworthy. Thank you for all that many of you are doing to help. And one other thing while I am at it. Last nights email carried a special message of an old woman taking 3 banana's to the clinic because she so desperately wanted to help. It reminded me of the 'widow's mite' in the Bible. That day she received honor for giving the most because she gave her all. I say this because I want everyone to know there is no gift too small. Every donation, down to a single dollar for Haiti goes directly there, we are underwriting the cost of transfer, because every dollar given is useful, who knows, maybe it will replace the banana's of the poor old lady! Matter of fact, it may well double her supply. Don't be afraid to give the small gifts, it all adds up, and every bit of it counts!!! I know first hand. Keep up your prayer vigil, God is helping. We are so sad about Ynives and Sarabeth, but again God's mercy is shown in that they are not with the unnamed masses who'll never be found or are in mass graves of the unnoticed. They are buried in their home town, among their loved ones, and Robins was able to say his goodbye's. Blessings in mourning tonight.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greeting from the land of Haiti. Just this morning the Pastors in Saint-Marc had a meeting with The Youth With a Mission staff over the organization of health care and food distribution to the victims of the earthquake. The idea was for each Pastor to provide a shelter in their church for sixty people. Besides, they will need interpreters to help the doctors communicate with the patients. As for me and Claudy, we are already volunteers for this task. Day by day the price of the food products are going higher and higher in Saint-Marc at the Market as the food distribution by the International Community hasn't started yet. Saint-Marc population is growing as a result of people fleeing Port-Au-prince. The price of gas is going up, $60-70 ht. The fare of Motorcycle taxis has also gone up. Starting tomorrow each person getting health care in one of the clinics will be given a tag as an identification mark. I talked to Robins(Ynives husband)and he told me that he's found the bodies of Ynives and Sarabeth and they were buried in Desdunes. I am asking you to keep praying for the victims. Remember I preached a Sermon last time I was with you,title 'When was the last time you fed an hungry person?' May God Bless you!
Incredible what they are doing on the ground! I know the international forces are descending, and that Haiti has the world's attention, but this outreach to their own in these desperate times is a mark of the caliber of these wonderful people. These churches are taking these people in on faith, not knowing where the support is going to come from. I was so happy to be able to tell him that God is moving here and we have help ready for them. Your support is so noteworthy. Thank you for all that many of you are doing to help. And one other thing while I am at it. Last nights email carried a special message of an old woman taking 3 banana's to the clinic because she so desperately wanted to help. It reminded me of the 'widow's mite' in the Bible. That day she received honor for giving the most because she gave her all. I say this because I want everyone to know there is no gift too small. Every donation, down to a single dollar for Haiti goes directly there, we are underwriting the cost of transfer, because every dollar given is useful, who knows, maybe it will replace the banana's of the poor old lady! Matter of fact, it may well double her supply. Don't be afraid to give the small gifts, it all adds up, and every bit of it counts!!! I know first hand. Keep up your prayer vigil, God is helping. We are so sad about Ynives and Sarabeth, but again God's mercy is shown in that they are not with the unnamed masses who'll never be found or are in mass graves of the unnoticed. They are buried in their home town, among their loved ones, and Robins was able to say his goodbye's. Blessings in mourning tonight.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Letter
I received this email transmission from Robinson tonight and wanted to pass it along.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and hope that this letter finds you well.I know that you're deeply preoccupied with that earthquake that hit Haiti last Tuesday(January 12) between 4:00 and 5:00pm. causing the death of large numbers of people. It did hit Saint-Marc but didn't destroy any buildings. Some friends, acquaintances, and relatives from Saint-Marc who were attending school in Port Au Prince have been killed and lots of people have been rushed to the the hospital in Saint-Marc as some of the hospitals were destroyed and there were not enough places to handle those emergencies. The population of Saint-Marc was called to provide support for the injured people. I had a bag of medicine left from what you brought that I brought to the hospital to be used by the medical unit there. An old woman wanted so much to make a contribution that she brought three bananas to the hospital. A natural disaster occurs for a reason, which may be unknown to us. As a result of the earthquake impact many people have been saved. I love you all. May God Bless you!
As a side note, I have started moving funds into Haiti, and am finding some surprises along the way. Special thanks to Western Union for wiring money for us today for free. They have apparently lifted their fees for Haiti right now. This is a huge blessing giving us a wider scope of distribution. It's still very difficult to communicate. So pray that we are able to smoothly get these transactions through. And keep praying for these people. Blessings always!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and hope that this letter finds you well.I know that you're deeply preoccupied with that earthquake that hit Haiti last Tuesday(January 12) between 4:00 and 5:00pm. causing the death of large numbers of people. It did hit Saint-Marc but didn't destroy any buildings. Some friends, acquaintances, and relatives from Saint-Marc who were attending school in Port Au Prince have been killed and lots of people have been rushed to the the hospital in Saint-Marc as some of the hospitals were destroyed and there were not enough places to handle those emergencies. The population of Saint-Marc was called to provide support for the injured people. I had a bag of medicine left from what you brought that I brought to the hospital to be used by the medical unit there. An old woman wanted so much to make a contribution that she brought three bananas to the hospital. A natural disaster occurs for a reason, which may be unknown to us. As a result of the earthquake impact many people have been saved. I love you all. May God Bless you!
As a side note, I have started moving funds into Haiti, and am finding some surprises along the way. Special thanks to Western Union for wiring money for us today for free. They have apparently lifted their fees for Haiti right now. This is a huge blessing giving us a wider scope of distribution. It's still very difficult to communicate. So pray that we are able to smoothly get these transactions through. And keep praying for these people. Blessings always!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Military
I was just was able to connect with Robinson again. Had a great chat for a few minutes. He is doing okay. They are very pleased the American military is putting so many troops on the ground right now. He said security is a huge issue with the government so disabled. And with the escaped felons, it has made things even more difficult. He said the military will be setting up around the banks and fuel dispensing stations tomorrow, as well as trying to order the general chaos of the desperation of the people. There is no fuel right now, he told me his feet are his motorcycle! Love his humor in the midst of such dire circumstances! He was able to get a little of his monthly support money out of the Fonkose bank today, but they are only releasing small amounts because they have a limited amount of money. He said he thinks they will give a little every day when they are open and that here again security is an issue even away from PAP. He said he thinks they will open the port in St. Marc in the next couple of days when they get military in place there as well. He said the aid help has not really been able to get to the people yet. Actually he said they are still trying to get it out the wrong way. But he is sure they will get it figured out. Whenever I say to him, "Rob, it is difficult." He says to me, "Brother, it is Haiti!" Such great patience and understanding, what a remarkable man. I revel every time I spend a few minutes interacting with him. He said whatever food they have is being shared. There are many mouths to feed. They are going with out to send what they have to the sick and wounded. The church is working hard to help as well. This is such a huge undertaking, but they are not giving up. And we must not either. This is a resilient people, and while poor and starving on so many levels, they are also courageous and hopeful. May God show mercy on them in their time of mourning, and may we weep with them, that healing may come with the dawn. The darkness is deep, but must at last give way to it's much more vast and powerful counterpart, the light! May God shine that light tonight upon this darkened land, and may it's powerful gleam catch the eyes of the world, that the world might know, and that we might join in this great redemptive work! Out of the rubble and deaths decay must come a brighter, nobler day! Blessings to all!
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