In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, I am struggling to find words. While I can joyfully report that so many whom we love are safe and sound, so many others are not.
We continue with the daily needs and concerns of the Ryan Epps Home for Children and the IME School. Bellies must be fed, salaries paid, clothes washed, repairs made. Life indeed, and most thankfully, does go on!
But now we also face the emergent and urgent needs as a result of the hurricane. Many of the villages where Cladel has served in his ministry were affected. Homes collapsed, crops were destroyed, and livestock were swept away. Access to food is definitely the most pressing need at this time and we hope to assist Cladel with serving in this capacity.
Our team of 8 scheduled to go to Haiti on October 4th was obviously cancelled. We have rescheduled twice and our numbers have dwindled. Now, 2 of us are set to leave this Saturday and 4 are scheduled to leave Sunday. This is assuming Matthew cooperates in the States and the Lord is willing!
We still plan to take care of the maintenance needs at the home, spend time with the children, and deliver gifts to sponsored children. We also plan to distribute rice and beans. Other needs will be determined as they relate to the hurricane once we arrive and assess the situation in the areas where we work. We ask that you join us in prayer as we seek how to best equip our partners in Haiti so that they may help their own people in ways that are lasting. Please designate contributions for “relief” if you wish them to be used in this capacity.
Facebook, of all things, brought us the most up-to-date information regarding our beloved Haiti. I can’t tell you what a source of comfort and hope your posts have been to us and our friends and family in Haiti. Never doubt for a minute that our brothers and sisters in Haiti don’t appreciate your care and concern, and especially your prayers.
The resounding theme this morning from so many was from Lamentations 3:22-23. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
How can you argue with that! Praise God!
Blessings,
Michele