Our 2010 Booster Club call is for Haiti Relief Operations.
As of March 10, 2010 International Ministries has received $325,093.18 given by American Baptists for earthquake relief in Haiti. Total giving through American Baptist channels is $1,280,324.
$126,000 was sent in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince on January 12, 2010. As our Haitian partners identify specific needs and projects, additional funds are being released.
This included $15,000 provided to International Ministries missionary Kristy Engel. These funds will be used by future medical teams going into Haiti. The money will help transport the teams by bus and cargo truck, as well as help provide medicines and medical supplies to be used by the team while in Haiti.
International Ministries missionaries engaged in the relief and response efforts include Madeline Flores-Lopez who is coordinating the volunteers arriving in the Dominican Republic on their way across the border into Haiti, and pediatric nurse Kristy Engel who is transporting the medical teams and working with them on site. Both Madeline and Kristy are based in the Dominican Republic. Medical missionaries Nancy (nurse) and Steve (doctor) James are based in northern Haiti, in Limbe. Also present are missionaries to Nicaragua – Ketly and Vital Pierre who have family and friends in Haiti.
Former missionary in Haiti, Herb Rogers arrived in February. He will be assisting with reconstruction efforts during his two-month stay. Herb was happy to report that the town of Grand Goave now has a clean water supply. People in the community have demolished dangerous buildings and are working to clear the rubble. A structural engineer has arrived to inspect the church and other buildings for damage.
Donations will continue to be needed for further projects. Donations for the 2010 booster call will collected and sent to One Great Hour of Sharing - Haiti Earthquake Relief.
One Great Hour of Sharing is administered by the World Relief Committee of the General Board. The Committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
