Response to Earthquake Victims in Haiti (from John and Sue Barrie)

You have all seen the news reports from Haiti and there are no words to express the dire living conditions there. CODEP (Comprehensive Development Project), in the mountains southwest of Port Au Prince, has been under development for more than two decades. The three watersheds which encompass the reforestation project are in close proximity to the epicenter of the quake. The news from this area is not good; many concrete buildings (homes, schools and churches) are down and the inhabitants are sleeping outside. Normally meager food supplies have been disrupted. Fortunately there were few injuries in the area. The greatest need at this time is for food, temporary shelter and medical supplies. Rebuilding will be a long and costly endeavor.

Haiti Fund, Inc., a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, provides funding and administrative support to CODEP. It is in a unique position to help with relief and redevelopment. The Haitian leadership in the CODEP area is dedicated and capable.  Missionaries Mike and Nicole Carlin were in the U.S. during the quake, but Mike has just returned from a brief visit to Haiti in order to assess the damage to the CODEP area and to L’Acul, the seaside compound where the missionaries live and where mission groups stay when visiting the project. L’Acul sustained some damage to the water purification system (which was installed by Bas Snider and Bob Cacciotti) and the surrounding walls, but the buildings appear to be sound.  Plans are being made for getting immediate relief to the area and for longer term rebuilding efforts. Funds are needed for relief and for reconstruction.

Early restoration of the water treatment facilities and completing other needed repairs at L’Acul will enable the Carlins to return to Haiti and will facilitate the return of mission teams to assist with reconstruction. We propose that SPC adopt the goal of raising $5,000 during Lent for the purpose of restoring L’Acul. This is an important link to helping reconstruction in the CODEP area. Your generous contribution can be made to: Haiti Fund Inc. or to SPC with a notation that it is intended for Haiti Fund.

Further information can be obtained at www.haitifundinc.org
Thank you for helping our Haitian friends in this time of need.

Larry Chottiner, Senior Pastor,
John Barrie, Bd of Directors, Haiti Fund Inc. and Haiti Mission Team Leader,
Sue Barrier, Haiti Mission Team Leader.

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