We recently received this update from Shabach Ministries. It describes an urgent need in Haiti, how the ministry is responding, and what we can do to help.
Hi All,
Just wanted to bring to your attention a situation in Haiti. Recently there has been a large increase in gang violence in Port-au-Prince. There are about 5600 IDP (Internally Displaced People). Over 1000 of those people have ended up at the sports center in Carrefour. We recently mobilized about $10,000 to feed the people there (and at other locations) but that won't last long (see pictures of some of the meals being prepared). The living conditions are also not good (see pictures). Until something happens to stop the gang violence these people cannot safely return home. Some people do not have homes to return to (having had their homes vandalized or destroyed). Lord willing, those people that are able can return home soon. Until then something needs to be done to provide proper sanitation and sleeping conditions at the sports arena (not to mention more food). The Haitian government is not likely to be able to do anything. At this point Shabach Ministries and one other church (and a handful of Haitian individuals) are all that are supporting these people. I've attached a report from UNOCHA from yesterday which gives some facts and figures about the situation. You'll notice in the report that Shabach's primary church in Carrefour, Family Tabernacle of Praise, is named as one of the organizations that is providing aid.
Our hope is to be Christ's hands and feet in this time of crisis for these people. We are particularly positioned to be of immediate assistance due to our physical location in Carrefour. The report also indicates that the UN is mobilizing relief for this crisis. How long it will take for the aid to arrive is unclear.
Of immediate need are funds for more food, water and hygiene. Mario, from FTL (Family Tabernacle of Praise), and Pastor Jean (who needs no introduction) will reassess the situation tomorrow with the particular goal of providing a strategic plan (and dollar amount) for how we can best be of help to these people and partner with organizations currently still mobilizing.
I will send further information as I receive it…
Here is a link to the donation page of Shabach Ministries International (please specify food programs on the donation):
Thanks for taking the time to read this email and thanks in advance for your prayers
In addition to providing food and supplies to those displaced at the sports center, Shabach Ministries is also providing food for displaced young men in a boys’ home. The home is run by the Haitian government, but it’s a very poorly run facility and staff there have not been paid in over a year. Pastor Jean is concerned that these boys will be tempted to join the gangs out of necessity, if their basic needs are not met by others in the community.
Please join us in prayer for those suffering and for a quick resolution to the crisis.
If you would like to contribute to the relief fund and help provide food, water and toiletries for those displaced, you can donate online through Shabach Ministry’s webpage or send checks to Shabach Ministries International P.O. Box 688, Traverse City, MI 49685. Just be sure to specify that donations are for the “Feeding Programs” on the webpage or the memo line of your check.