Click here to watch a slideshow of the situation.

As a series of hurricanes and tropical storms have hit Haiti in rapid succession, a humanitarian crisis has begun. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes due to the flooding that has occurred. Given that Haiti has approximately only 1% of its original forests remaining, any rain that falls on the mountainous slopes fills rivers quickly and torrential rains result in flooding and mudslides. In May 2004, hurricane Jeanne caused devastating flooding in and around Gonaives, which killed thousands.

In the past 2 weeks, 4 hurricanes and tropical storms have dumped many feet of rain over parts of Haiti, which has resulted in catastrophic flooding. The UN and other aid agencies are presently working earnestly to deliver and distribute aid to the victims of this flooding. One of the main difficulties is reaching the areas of the affected people. Many bridges that cross rivers and significant parts of the very few roads that traverse Haiti have been washed away. There are areas where large lakes now cover entire portions of the road as well. Please pray for the safety of the Haitian people and those working hard to help to supply aid to them.

Flooding in Messailler

For some of us who have been to Messailler, the photos in this newsletter may create a particularly haunting image. Pastor Charles’ compound sustained significant damage due the flooding; at one time the water within the compound reached 10 feet high. Praise the Lord that Pastor Charles and his family are all safe; only one of the workers was injured when his dwelling collapsed on him. He is recovering in the hospital at present and Charles and his family have been safely transported to Port-au-Prince. To date, at least 5 members of his congregation have lost their lives and countless others in the area are without food, clean water, or shelter.

The compound walls have all been knocked down from the pressure of the flowing water and all of the vehicles were swept away as well; in one photo you may see the bus against the side of the pharmacy. The church building has been significantly damaged and there is 4 feet of mud in Charles’ house. The orphanage and water tower and other structures seem to have been spared. At this time your prayers are greatly coveted as we look for the Lord’s guidance to help get the Haitian people and Charles’ ministry back on their feet.

MTH Canada is appealing to everyone to spread the word about the situation in Haiti and asks that you would consider helping through prayer and financial contributions. We will keep you updated on the situation on the ground as we receive more information; look on our website: www.mthcanada.org for updated news and links to news articles and video footage of the current condition in Haiti. We place our faith in God to carry our brothers in Haiti through this disaster.

What is currently being done

The Presbyterian Church in America, which has assisted Charles in Haiti for years, has asked their Disaster Relief team to send a small team to Haiti to assess the damage and make plans for recovery. I (William De Jong, Director of Mission to Haiti Canada) have been asked to join that small group. Lord willing, I will be joining them. Work has already begun. The school where Charles’ children attend in Port Au Prince has sent their high school classes as well as their teachers to begin cleaning the school. The bottom floor was also covered in mud.

Many you have asked how you can help. Many of you also want to go to Haiti to help the restoration process. It’s all understandable but currently Charles is not in a position to handle or supervise a large group of people, so we ask you to be patient. Wait till the assessment team has been there. They will be able to put the best recovery plan together. As you have read, all his vehicles have been swept away. They need to be replaced and funds to replace these vehicles would be appreciated. Many of you want to donate vehicles, great, but the vehicles that are being donated for the most part, are not suitable for Haiti. It would be better to purchase them there. Most other items that are needed immediately will also be purchased in Haiti. Your donations made out to Mission to Haiti Canada, marked “Haiti Disaster” and sent to P.O. Box 39, Norwich, On N0J 1P0 would be greatly appreciated.

Links:

- Hurricane Gustav hits Haiti
- Article depicting condition in Haiti as Hanna is in progress of dumping large amounts of rain
- Contains video footage of flooding from Gustav
- Video footage of some of the flooding in Haiti
- Article with information regarding situation in Haiti with Hanna just past and Ike approaching.
- Article regarding relief efforts in Haiti as hurricane Ike bears down on the island