I wrote this yesterday but in the rush of all the comings and goings never got it sent. So will send today.
******************************************
Well, we thought perhaps this saga was coming to a close but night beforelast we were awakened by a strong shock at around 4:30 am and a smaller onearound 10 am. Then this morning at 1:30 am we had another strong shock with a smaller one 11 minutes later. I have to admit that I could not get back to sleep last night so got up and got dressed and laid on the living room couch cushions but didn't sleep much there either. I know in my mind that the house is still standing after a 7 earthquake so the smaller ones won't take it down but somehow it still really bothers me with these shocks take place.
Today will be a long day!
Our population on campus had begun to decrease but these new tremors have caused people to come back on campus more than ever. We have extra security on campus and people have been cooperative for the most part. The children's meetings continue on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. The section leaders for the "camp" are working well in keeping things organized. We had a special clinic yesterday for children.
There was another food distribution and it went very smoothly. Our extra "hands" are leaving - Byron left Monday, Roger leaves today, Duane leaves next Saturday.
There has been good progress made on the security perimeter wall. People outside the wall have complained that we are making it "too high". Interesting that they think we'd make it low enough that they can easily come over which defeats the purpose of a security fence! Not sure what decision has been made about the water cistern. We are still using the temporary bladder from Samaritan's Purse for water. The best thing will be to replace the old original cistern but that is another huge job.
Please pray for wisdom as the men determine what is the best route to follow in so many different areas.
A lot will fall on David and Bruce withthe other men leaving. We are SO thankful for the time, energy and expertise Byron, Roger and Duane have given to us. They have worked "above and beyond" and accomplished an amazing amount of work.
Jehu is planning to move the boys to the new property in the next week. They have cleared land for tents, built a latrine and made a temporary kitchen area. A team from Washington is maybe coming in early March to helpwith the completion of the new building. We are seeing God's provision forthis new building to take form and have much to praise the Lord for.
The seminary is looking to put together a modular session in April for the 4th year students to be able to complete their studies. David teaches a fourth year class so if this becomes a reality he would teach 4 hours for 5 days to complete the Eschatology course for the students. It would be tough on teacher and students as there is a lot to cover but at least the 4th year students could complete their last semester.
McMartins possibly have two teams coming in March - the one mentioned abovef or Jehu's building and then a large medical/dental team who are coming to do local clinics in our area. Pray for special strength for Bruce and Cindyduring this time. We will help as much as we can but it will still be a lotof responsibility on them.
We are working on a time to get away - both McMartins and Schmids. Not sure exactly what that looks like yet but we realize we need it. We'll head in different directions. We really need some time to regroup and allow ourb ody, minds and spirits to be refreshed and to process all that has gone on since January 12.
Pray for the administrators of the seminary as they make plans for the future. Leadership training is the heart of David's ministry goals and we want to be involved in that for the remaining years of ministry in Haiti.
Structural engineers came yesterday to evaluate our original building. They actually went in and David was able to rescue some things from his office like a very special photo of his dad buying grapefruit at a roadside stand here in Haiti MANY years ago. Another boat picture I had given him was rescued. When I tried to clean it up I found that inside the glass front and behind the board backing there was cement dust and particles. I don'twant to even think how those got inside the glass and backing. They ares till hoping to be able to get some of David's books out so we'll see about that.
There must be other things to share but I just can't think of them right now.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Dad (David Schmid) and Bruce McMartin are Famous!
From Cindy McMartin:
I thought some of you might enjoy this photo. One of the boys here on the campus was pulling it around.
First of all it's amazing how they take garbage they find and take it apart and flatten it out so they can design a car or truck. But of special interest on this one is the addition of the Haitian flag.....and on the flag are photos of Bruce and David Schmid.
In all the files and stuff that scattered all over when the Bible School building was damaged there were some old graduation programs with all the photos of the profs and students graduating that year. It just made me laugh to see that this boy had cut out these 2 photos and glued them on the flag for his truck. :)
Priceless.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Morning conversation with Mom (Phyllis Schmid) on Skype
There were a few aftershocks/new quakes last night and this morning. The one at 4:30am was about a 5. Mom said the waterbed really moved with her in it! Dad was up shaving already.
Dad picked up some structural engineers this morning who are helping retrieve things from the Bible School building. They were staying for lunch and then moving on to the next area. When Mom went down, they had been able to retrieve some pictures from Dad's office: a painting, a picture of Grandpa Schmid buying grapefruit and another of a Haitian sailboat. Mom was not sure if they were going to try for the book in the office.
Ginger Muchmore, Judy (Muchmore) Dilus and Judy's daughter Ani are coming on Thursday for an overnight stay before flying out to Lancaster. Mom is looking forward to the visit and chance to see the three of them. Mom was there with Ginger and Judy when Ani was born in Lancaster. Judy and Ani often stay with Mom and Dad when Port-au-Prince.
Please pray for no more aftershocks/new quakes as people are still struggling to cope from the original quake in January.
Please pray for wisdom as the campus leaders work with the debriefers to meet the needs of the community on campus.
Please pray that plans will work out for the leaders to get a break soon, emotionally and physically.
Pray for the people of Haiti who were struggling to meet basic needs before the quake and are now facing an even bigger challenge of meeting those needs.
Pray for the leaders of Haiti as they work with the various organizations to work on rebuilding Haiti.
Pray for new believers. Life will still be difficult and pray that they do not loose the flame of faith in the harsh reality of living in a quake-ravaged country.
Dad picked up some structural engineers this morning who are helping retrieve things from the Bible School building. They were staying for lunch and then moving on to the next area. When Mom went down, they had been able to retrieve some pictures from Dad's office: a painting, a picture of Grandpa Schmid buying grapefruit and another of a Haitian sailboat. Mom was not sure if they were going to try for the book in the office.
Ginger Muchmore, Judy (Muchmore) Dilus and Judy's daughter Ani are coming on Thursday for an overnight stay before flying out to Lancaster. Mom is looking forward to the visit and chance to see the three of them. Mom was there with Ginger and Judy when Ani was born in Lancaster. Judy and Ani often stay with Mom and Dad when Port-au-Prince.
Please pray for no more aftershocks/new quakes as people are still struggling to cope from the original quake in January.
Please pray for wisdom as the campus leaders work with the debriefers to meet the needs of the community on campus.
Please pray that plans will work out for the leaders to get a break soon, emotionally and physically.
Pray for the people of Haiti who were struggling to meet basic needs before the quake and are now facing an even bigger challenge of meeting those needs.
Pray for the leaders of Haiti as they work with the various organizations to work on rebuilding Haiti.
Pray for new believers. Life will still be difficult and pray that they do not loose the flame of faith in the harsh reality of living in a quake-ravaged country.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
CrossWorld News Update, Friday Feb. 19
Feb 19, 2010 09:18 pm
Over the last few days, the following reports have encouraged us:
Rebuilding the Walls
"Repairs on the wall around the campus started weeks ago as fallen blocks were salvaged and cleaned up for reuse, as the ground around the wall was prepared, as sand, gravel, cement and cement blocks were purchased, and as men were hired. Today the men are actually laying block. And another team is working on the repairs of the water cistern."
As we have considered how best to help with this rebuilding, the team on the ground in Port-au-Prince has had to make an important decision. Sometimes it would be easier to just ask a team of qualified North American builders to come and help us to quickly rebuild. On the other hand, strong, capable and willing Haitian men are desperately seeking work. For over a month now, many of them have had no source of income whatsoever. Giving them temporary work in rebuilding the essentials on the seminary campus allows them to feed their families, buy medicines, and begin to think about returning to their homes. Currently, there are at 26 men working on the wall, another crew has begun repairing the water cistern that supplies the entire campus, and many more are lined up asking for work.
Rebuilding Lives
The 3-person team that was here to do the counseling/debriefing had a good week. CrossWorld missionaries Walt and Pat Stuart met with 2 different groups of pastors and leaders. In these short sessions, they were trying to minister to men and women who are leaders and who have their congregations looking to them for help, for answers, and for strength. Big strong men wept as they shared their own stories and admitted they were empty and didn't know how to respond to all the needs around them."
As CrossWorld missionary Phyllis wrote recently: "The level of grief some of these dear ones have had to experience is mind boggling to me."
The Stuarts also debriefed the missionaries and several Haitian leaders and their wives who live here on the campus. In coordination with a Haitian pastor's wife, a group of young adults were trained and began meeting in small groups with the children here on campus for a time of trauma debrief. Please pray for those here who will continue to follow up with all these different ministries.
Building that which has Eternal Value
"February 12th-14th the Haitian government called the nation to come together for 3 days of fasting and prayer. And it happened! Here in Port-au-Prince, where the streets are normally thronged with people, with vendors selling goods, and gridlocked with traffic, they were empty and all businesses closed. The only place there were crowds of people was at churches where the people overflowed out the doors and onto the streets. In small neighborhoods, the people roped off their street and held services in the street.
In our neighborhood the services started at 5a.m.; on our campus they began at 6:30 a.m. and went until noon. We realize that many regarded this time the same way they would buying a charm to protect them from the spirits, but you also hear the people saying that they realize they really don't control anything - it is only God who decides what will happen and who controls everything.
On our campus alone there were 300 who made decisions to follow Jesus. We had other students call and share the numbers that came to Christ in their areas - one place even included a witchdoctor.
The people are more sensitive spiritually right now. Please pray especially for church leaders and believers - that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit during this time to seize this opportunity to live and to share the reality of the all-powerful loving God in their lives to those around them who are in great need and searching for truth."
Building for the Future
"We'd appreciate your continued prayers for the Haitian church leaders and for those planning the future of the seminary, STEP, as they are meeting and trying to make decisions concerning future direction."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Video done by Carl Joseph
Video by Carly Joseph Alabanza. With God and Unity, Haiti will rise again after the earthquake.
The lyrics are in creole and he is working on an english translation.
The lyrics are in creole and he is working on an english translation.
Tuesday Feb. 16 Update from Cindy McMartin
Greetings! February 16, 2010
It’s been a very full week since my last update. The days continue to be demanding, but God also continues to give strength and health. Please pray that we’ll be sensible in all that we’re doing and recognize our limits so we can accomplish those things that God wants us to do.
Repairs on the wall around the campus started weeks ago as fallen blocks were salvaged and cleaned up for reuse, as the ground around the wall was prepared, as sand, gravel, cement and cement blocks were purchased, and as men were hired. Today the men are actually laying block. And another team is working on the repairs of the water cistern. So, the work is moving ahead. Bruce made this comment last night, “If I survive all this work, I should be pretty buff at the end.” :0) Hopefully the aches and pains will disappear as they get used to this hard labor.
The end of last week, we had water restored to our houses – what a treat that is!!!! Samaritan’s Purse supplied us with a huge bladder that we’re using as a temporary fix until the cistern is repaired.
The 3-person team that was here to do the counseling/debriefing had a good week. Their time was just too short. The Stuarts met with 2 different groups of pastors and leaders. In these short sessions they were trying to minister to men and women who are leaders and who have their congregations looking to them for help, for answers, and for strength. Big strong men wept as they shared their own stories and admitted they were empty and didn’t know how to respond to all the needs around them. The Stuarts also debriefed we missionaries and a handful of Haitian leaders and their wives who live here on the campus. In coordination with a Haitian pastor’s wife, a group of young adults were trained and began meeting in small groups with the children here on campus for a time of trauma debrief. Please pray for those here that will continue to follow up with all these different ministries.
February 12th-14th the Haitian government called the nation to come together for 3 days of fasting and prayer. And it happened! Here in Port-au-Prince where the streets are normally thronged with people, with vendors selling goods, and gridlocked with traffic, they were empty and all businesses closed. The only place there were crowds of people was at churches where the people overflowed out the doors and onto the streets. In small neighborhoods, the people roped off their street and held services in the street. In our neighborhood the services started at 5a.m. and on our campus at 6:30 a.m. and went until noon. Now we realize that many regarded this time the same way they would at buying a charm to protect them from the spirits, but you also hear the people saying that they realize they really don’t control anything – it is only God who decides what will happen and who controls everything. On our campus alone there were 300 who made decisions for salvation. We had other students call and share the numbers that came to Christ in their areas – one place even included a witchdoctor. The people are more sensitive spiritually right now. Please pray especially for church leaders and believers – that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit during this time to seize this opportunity to live and to share the reality of the all-powerful loving God in their lives to those around them who are in great need and searching for truth.
We’d appreciate your continued prayers for the UEBH and STEP as they are meeting and trying to make decisions concerning future direction. Our team here on the campus has committed to 3 projects: repairing the wall, the cistern and the houses here on campus. How we are involved after the completion of these projects will depend on the decisions made by the UEBH/STEP.
Finally, many have asked how they can help and I know many have sent in contributions to CrossWorld. Thank you. We are grateful and have already been involved in distributing funds and aid to those around us. Here is another opportunity or option for those of you who are interested. As you know, the Haitian church has been supporting their first full-time missionary couple to Senegal for the past 20 months. As you can imagine, with this disaster I’m not sure if anyone here is even thinking about their support of this couple or, if they have thought about it, I’m sure they don’t have the funds to give. People just don’t have money right now. So, if you would like to help the Haitian church keep this couple in Senegal, here’s how you can contribute: write your check to HLD (Haitian Leadership Development) and mail it to: 17201 NE 32nd Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642. Include a slip of paper designating your contribution for Roger Derpilus. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt.
Thank you each one for your love, prayers, encouragement, support, and messages. You have ministered greatly to us during this time.
Love, Cindy for Bruce too
It’s been a very full week since my last update. The days continue to be demanding, but God also continues to give strength and health. Please pray that we’ll be sensible in all that we’re doing and recognize our limits so we can accomplish those things that God wants us to do.
Repairs on the wall around the campus started weeks ago as fallen blocks were salvaged and cleaned up for reuse, as the ground around the wall was prepared, as sand, gravel, cement and cement blocks were purchased, and as men were hired. Today the men are actually laying block. And another team is working on the repairs of the water cistern. So, the work is moving ahead. Bruce made this comment last night, “If I survive all this work, I should be pretty buff at the end.” :0) Hopefully the aches and pains will disappear as they get used to this hard labor.
The end of last week, we had water restored to our houses – what a treat that is!!!! Samaritan’s Purse supplied us with a huge bladder that we’re using as a temporary fix until the cistern is repaired.
The 3-person team that was here to do the counseling/debriefing had a good week. Their time was just too short. The Stuarts met with 2 different groups of pastors and leaders. In these short sessions they were trying to minister to men and women who are leaders and who have their congregations looking to them for help, for answers, and for strength. Big strong men wept as they shared their own stories and admitted they were empty and didn’t know how to respond to all the needs around them. The Stuarts also debriefed we missionaries and a handful of Haitian leaders and their wives who live here on the campus. In coordination with a Haitian pastor’s wife, a group of young adults were trained and began meeting in small groups with the children here on campus for a time of trauma debrief. Please pray for those here that will continue to follow up with all these different ministries.
February 12th-14th the Haitian government called the nation to come together for 3 days of fasting and prayer. And it happened! Here in Port-au-Prince where the streets are normally thronged with people, with vendors selling goods, and gridlocked with traffic, they were empty and all businesses closed. The only place there were crowds of people was at churches where the people overflowed out the doors and onto the streets. In small neighborhoods, the people roped off their street and held services in the street. In our neighborhood the services started at 5a.m. and on our campus at 6:30 a.m. and went until noon. Now we realize that many regarded this time the same way they would at buying a charm to protect them from the spirits, but you also hear the people saying that they realize they really don’t control anything – it is only God who decides what will happen and who controls everything. On our campus alone there were 300 who made decisions for salvation. We had other students call and share the numbers that came to Christ in their areas – one place even included a witchdoctor. The people are more sensitive spiritually right now. Please pray especially for church leaders and believers – that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit during this time to seize this opportunity to live and to share the reality of the all-powerful loving God in their lives to those around them who are in great need and searching for truth.
We’d appreciate your continued prayers for the UEBH and STEP as they are meeting and trying to make decisions concerning future direction. Our team here on the campus has committed to 3 projects: repairing the wall, the cistern and the houses here on campus. How we are involved after the completion of these projects will depend on the decisions made by the UEBH/STEP.
Finally, many have asked how they can help and I know many have sent in contributions to CrossWorld. Thank you. We are grateful and have already been involved in distributing funds and aid to those around us. Here is another opportunity or option for those of you who are interested. As you know, the Haitian church has been supporting their first full-time missionary couple to Senegal for the past 20 months. As you can imagine, with this disaster I’m not sure if anyone here is even thinking about their support of this couple or, if they have thought about it, I’m sure they don’t have the funds to give. People just don’t have money right now. So, if you would like to help the Haitian church keep this couple in Senegal, here’s how you can contribute: write your check to HLD (Haitian Leadership Development) and mail it to: 17201 NE 32nd Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642. Include a slip of paper designating your contribution for Roger Derpilus. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt.
Thank you each one for your love, prayers, encouragement, support, and messages. You have ministered greatly to us during this time.
Love, Cindy for Bruce too
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday Feb. 16 update from Mom
Just wanted to share a special PRAISE with all of you that during the 3 days of worship services on campus Friday - Sunday, over 300 people prayed to receive Christ as Savior. This was only one location so combine that with the services held all over Haiti during this time and you know God's name was lifted up in praise and worship over and over again. Pray for the follow-up of these new believers and for them as they begin their walks with God.
I am so thankful for finally getting water in our home once again. It makes life a little easier. We are still conserving water as much as we can - like keeping the rinse water when we do laundry to use to wash the next load. I don't have a "great" system for doing this but I have one that is working for now so that counts, right?!?!?!?
We are using a temporary water container system from Samaritan's Purse while they repair the original cistern. Work is also taking place on repairing the perimeter wall where it came down during the quake. STEP is meeting again tomorrow to make decisions and plans for the future. The administration has been active in making short and long range plans. Many things need to be taken into consideration - how or if to finish out this academic year, where and how to rebuild, etc. But the security wall and water are both essentials for the campus and STEP at this time.
We continue to hear stories from STEP students concerning the loss of life in their families and neighborhoods. The level of grief some of these dear ones have had to experience is mind boggling to me. David, Bruce and Robert received a very heartfelt email from the dean of STEP thanking them for their tireless efforts to find and rescue students the night of the quake. All three men would tell you it was just automatic - how could they not do it!
We have 3 men visiting at this time - 2 former missionaries (Roger See and Duane Brown) with building expertise and 1 former "short termer" (Byron Sparling) who has helped build and done a lot of welding for churches in Haiti over the years. It is great to have these men here helping in so many areas.
One prayer request is for Roger's tiny new born grandson, Jaden. He is Darcy and Jesse's son. He was born while Roger has been here helping us and now is hospitalized in ICU at a Michigan Children's Hospital. He has a "rhinovirus" and is getting good care but it is hard for Roger to be away from his family during this time.
We are all at different stages of fatigue and the work only continues on. Rainy season is approaching which makes living under tarps more difficult for people. Please pray for us as we seek to meet needs around us daily. We all struggle with weariness at various levels but we thank God for the strength and grace He provides daily.
Phyllis
I am so thankful for finally getting water in our home once again. It makes life a little easier. We are still conserving water as much as we can - like keeping the rinse water when we do laundry to use to wash the next load. I don't have a "great" system for doing this but I have one that is working for now so that counts, right?!?!?!?
We are using a temporary water container system from Samaritan's Purse while they repair the original cistern. Work is also taking place on repairing the perimeter wall where it came down during the quake. STEP is meeting again tomorrow to make decisions and plans for the future. The administration has been active in making short and long range plans. Many things need to be taken into consideration - how or if to finish out this academic year, where and how to rebuild, etc. But the security wall and water are both essentials for the campus and STEP at this time.
We continue to hear stories from STEP students concerning the loss of life in their families and neighborhoods. The level of grief some of these dear ones have had to experience is mind boggling to me. David, Bruce and Robert received a very heartfelt email from the dean of STEP thanking them for their tireless efforts to find and rescue students the night of the quake. All three men would tell you it was just automatic - how could they not do it!
We have 3 men visiting at this time - 2 former missionaries (Roger See and Duane Brown) with building expertise and 1 former "short termer" (Byron Sparling) who has helped build and done a lot of welding for churches in Haiti over the years. It is great to have these men here helping in so many areas.
One prayer request is for Roger's tiny new born grandson, Jaden. He is Darcy and Jesse's son. He was born while Roger has been here helping us and now is hospitalized in ICU at a Michigan Children's Hospital. He has a "rhinovirus" and is getting good care but it is hard for Roger to be away from his family during this time.
We are all at different stages of fatigue and the work only continues on. Rainy season is approaching which makes living under tarps more difficult for people. Please pray for us as we seek to meet needs around us daily. We all struggle with weariness at various levels but we thank God for the strength and grace He provides daily.
Phyllis
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday Feb. 12 Update from Mom
Well, this will be a short update.
The main item this week has been the fact that we were awakened one morning just before 5 am to the sound of rain and not just a little sprinkle. Now normally in February when we are so dry and dusty we look forward to refreshing rains but our first thoughts were of the tarps and the people outside.
David and others worked to keep the water from sitting in the tarps and tearing them.
Of course we gathered every available container to store the rain water. This is Toby, our dog, guarding the rain-filled buckets.
It lasted for a while but praise God all the tarps held. People had been shown how to keep the water off the tarps as much as possible and everyone did a great job. We were very glad that the rain came in the early morning (unusual for Haiti) and not at night when people would have then had to sleep or try to in the damp and coolness the rains bring. This way people were up and starting their day. The sun quickly dried up any wet bedding for people. It is a reality because rainy season can begin in the next month or so.
We've appreciated Walt and Pat Stuart as they came from France to debrief and minister to missionaries and Haitians alike in this time of heartache. They have a tremendous ministry and we are glad for the time they could give to us here.
Duane Brown is here and coordinating with Roger See and Bruce McMartin the repair work on the security perimeter wall which fell, the campus water system (still no running water in our homes) and the repair of some homes.
Today was a memorial/praise/prayer and worship time in churches all over the city. Our campus was filled this morning with songs of praise and people thanking God. There will be another service tomorrow morning and then the regular service on Sunday. God is at work in the hearts of His people and others are searching for the peace that they see in the lives of His children.
Pray for a mighty work of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for daily strength.
We all have our moments. People are working very hard and sometimes just need that little break. David has said many times how thankful he is for Wawa, Jacques and other leaders who have worked tirelessly to make things happen and keep things together on the campus. We have much to praise our God for. I appreciate friends who go "above and beyond" in our home to help me. They humble me with their servants hearts.
All for now,
Phyllis
The main item this week has been the fact that we were awakened one morning just before 5 am to the sound of rain and not just a little sprinkle. Now normally in February when we are so dry and dusty we look forward to refreshing rains but our first thoughts were of the tarps and the people outside.
David and others worked to keep the water from sitting in the tarps and tearing them.
Of course we gathered every available container to store the rain water. This is Toby, our dog, guarding the rain-filled buckets.
It lasted for a while but praise God all the tarps held. People had been shown how to keep the water off the tarps as much as possible and everyone did a great job. We were very glad that the rain came in the early morning (unusual for Haiti) and not at night when people would have then had to sleep or try to in the damp and coolness the rains bring. This way people were up and starting their day. The sun quickly dried up any wet bedding for people. It is a reality because rainy season can begin in the next month or so.
We've appreciated Walt and Pat Stuart as they came from France to debrief and minister to missionaries and Haitians alike in this time of heartache. They have a tremendous ministry and we are glad for the time they could give to us here.Duane Brown is here and coordinating with Roger See and Bruce McMartin the repair work on the security perimeter wall which fell, the campus water system (still no running water in our homes) and the repair of some homes.
Today was a memorial/praise/prayer and worship time in churches all over the city. Our campus was filled this morning with songs of praise and people thanking God. There will be another service tomorrow morning and then the regular service on Sunday. God is at work in the hearts of His people and others are searching for the peace that they see in the lives of His children.
Pray for a mighty work of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for daily strength.
We all have our moments. People are working very hard and sometimes just need that little break. David has said many times how thankful he is for Wawa, Jacques and other leaders who have worked tirelessly to make things happen and keep things together on the campus. We have much to praise our God for. I appreciate friends who go "above and beyond" in our home to help me. They humble me with their servants hearts.
All for now,
Phyllis
Friday, February 12, 2010
CrossWorld Update Feb. 11
As people give, pray and volunteer for Haiti, generally there are five main issues of concern. How are we doing, one month after this major disaster?
Crisis Management:
The Crisis Management Team is composed of CrossWorld members and Haitian leaders on the ground, and they are supported by a team in the CrossWorld office in PA. We have been coordinating logistics, personnel, finances, expertise and resources and the organized application of them for the crisis. The trauma team which arrived this week is hard at work today, helping people with emotional and heart-level needs.
Today, CrossWorld Director for Haiti, Dwight Lehman, arrived in Haiti for top-level talks with the Bolosse Crisis Team, the national church and seminary leaders. We are moving from the critical life-and-death stage to more long-term planning for recovery and projection for the future. This requires national church decisions and a strategic plan.
The real CrossWorld heroes of this crisis are those who have remained in the place of suffering in spite of the physical and emotional toll - working around the clock - holding the hands of the suffering Haitians - staying on their computers late into the night - providing liaison with the outside help coming in - and all the while giving God the glory and pointing people to Jesus! Thank you Dave, Phyllis, Bruce M, Cindy and Roger at Bolosse; and Denny, Rich and Carol in other parts of Port-au-Prince; and Bruce R, Deb, Jenny and Gail in Northwest Haiti. We are all holding up your hands from afar.
Food and Water:
The World Food Program of the UN has now issued ration cards to those in need and this has relieved the pressure of finding food for those on campus. Basic food needs such as rice are being provided for everyone while other foodstuffs are available for sale though most people cannot afford them. The water purification machinery provided by Samaritan's Purse is supplying pure drinking water for thousands on and around the Bolosse campus.
Health and Sanitation:
The Bolosse camp has been divided into sectors and people are being trained to assess medical needs and educate about sanitation. New latrines are being dug. Health efforts are focusing on preventing communicable diseases that result from overcrowding and poor sanitation. Our Bolosse camp is one of the largest in the city.
Shelter:
A major goal is for people to return to their home areas, but there is still a major lack of tarps and tents available, and people are fearful to go inside buildings. A full-time logistics liaison officer is now giving much needed attention to procuring resources from the UN, US Aid, NGOs and others. The rainy season is less than two months away, and after that comes the threat of hurricanes.
Security:
Crisis leader, Dave S, reports that "... people's patience/tolerance from living in close quarters is being strained." There are reports of increased violence and crime in the surrounding community and two gangs are fighting nearby. In the camp, there is reasonable success with people policing themselves, but a camp security team is being assembled.
Thank you for the outpouring of prayers, finances and volunteerism. We are carefully accounting for the use of all financial aid, and will eventually provide details of services and goods provided for things such as: Protection services for the camp, a new generator, fuel for transporting much needed goods, purchase of some foodstuffs, repair of some structures, the repairing of Haitian homes, upgraded communication services, physical materials needed for recovery strategies and general help to the poor and suffering.
Crisis Management:
The Crisis Management Team is composed of CrossWorld members and Haitian leaders on the ground, and they are supported by a team in the CrossWorld office in PA. We have been coordinating logistics, personnel, finances, expertise and resources and the organized application of them for the crisis. The trauma team which arrived this week is hard at work today, helping people with emotional and heart-level needs.
Today, CrossWorld Director for Haiti, Dwight Lehman, arrived in Haiti for top-level talks with the Bolosse Crisis Team, the national church and seminary leaders. We are moving from the critical life-and-death stage to more long-term planning for recovery and projection for the future. This requires national church decisions and a strategic plan.
The real CrossWorld heroes of this crisis are those who have remained in the place of suffering in spite of the physical and emotional toll - working around the clock - holding the hands of the suffering Haitians - staying on their computers late into the night - providing liaison with the outside help coming in - and all the while giving God the glory and pointing people to Jesus! Thank you Dave, Phyllis, Bruce M, Cindy and Roger at Bolosse; and Denny, Rich and Carol in other parts of Port-au-Prince; and Bruce R, Deb, Jenny and Gail in Northwest Haiti. We are all holding up your hands from afar.
Food and Water:
The World Food Program of the UN has now issued ration cards to those in need and this has relieved the pressure of finding food for those on campus. Basic food needs such as rice are being provided for everyone while other foodstuffs are available for sale though most people cannot afford them. The water purification machinery provided by Samaritan's Purse is supplying pure drinking water for thousands on and around the Bolosse campus.
Health and Sanitation:
The Bolosse camp has been divided into sectors and people are being trained to assess medical needs and educate about sanitation. New latrines are being dug. Health efforts are focusing on preventing communicable diseases that result from overcrowding and poor sanitation. Our Bolosse camp is one of the largest in the city.
Shelter:
A major goal is for people to return to their home areas, but there is still a major lack of tarps and tents available, and people are fearful to go inside buildings. A full-time logistics liaison officer is now giving much needed attention to procuring resources from the UN, US Aid, NGOs and others. The rainy season is less than two months away, and after that comes the threat of hurricanes.
Security:
Crisis leader, Dave S, reports that "... people's patience/tolerance from living in close quarters is being strained." There are reports of increased violence and crime in the surrounding community and two gangs are fighting nearby. In the camp, there is reasonable success with people policing themselves, but a camp security team is being assembled.
Thank you for the outpouring of prayers, finances and volunteerism. We are carefully accounting for the use of all financial aid, and will eventually provide details of services and goods provided for things such as: Protection services for the camp, a new generator, fuel for transporting much needed goods, purchase of some foodstuffs, repair of some structures, the repairing of Haitian homes, upgraded communication services, physical materials needed for recovery strategies and general help to the poor and suffering.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Update from Cindy McMartin
We have a couple of urgent projects that need men with masonry experience. Please contact Elisabeth Berger at CrossWorld: elisabeth.berger@crossworld.org if you can help.
Greetings! 2-8-10
The adrenaline rush is over. We’ve settled into a new routine. Now the challenge is finding the motivation each day when we wake up to face the new responsibilities of what sometimes seems like a drudgery.
Basically, the immediate crisis is over. The other night as Bruce and I went to bed and were talking, we were asking ourselves, “Is this how God wants us to finish our ministry here in Haiti? Is this the best use of our time and efforts? Of Wawa’s and Jacques’? Is running an IDP (internally displaced people) camp a waste of their unique gifts in discipling and teaching Haitian Christian leaders?”
Please pray with us as we seek God’s direction in all of this. Pray we’ll be sensitive and open to His leading in all we do. Meetings will be going on this week with the UEBH to find out how they want to handle this camp and what our next steps are.
With the IDP camp stabilized (for the moment), it’s also time for the UEBH and STEP to make some decisions with regards to their future plans. Is this the time to make some changes? Do they rebuild in this same spot? This is a time to evaluate vision and possibly new avenues of ministry that require different facilities. So, this is a crucial time for both the UEBH and STEP. Their leaders need your prayers as they meet together and seek God’s wisdom and direction. Will you please remember them regularly in your prayers?
I was talking to a group of people living up here in the camp on Saturday. They were expressing their gratitude to God for providing this place for them during this time. They compared it to other places similar to this that have sprung up all over the city. They said our camp is clean, no flies (not really true, but maybe in comparison), there’s order and it’s safe. There has been some gang activity starting up around us again – tempers flare easily and they’re quick to seek revenge. So, please keep praying for the smooth running of this camp in the days ahead.
Last night around 11 p.m. we had a gentle rain. The tarps have been put up very effectively by Roger See, but there’s really no way not to get a bit damp and cold. We wondered if it was a gentle nudge from God to begin moving some people back into their homes. Many people are having a hard time getting over the trauma and not being fearful of being inside any building. We have a 3-person team here this week to help begin talking and counseling with the people. Pray for an effective week for them.
On Wednesday I went up to Petionville to do some market. I found tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, onions, green peppers, bananas, tangerines – basically market as usual. These vegetables come down from the mountains above Port-au-Prince and people are still selling and buying. Just so you don’t picture us starving down here. If you have money, there are provisions to buy. The problem is that most of the people have no income right now. There’s no way we can provide food for everyone up here so it was hard for me to come back home with the things I bought. We are keeping things very simple, but I know we have more than others.
We covet your continued prayers. We have experienced divine strength and health these past weeks. We are very aware of how much we need God in this whole situation.
Blessings and love, Cindy for Bruce too
Greetings! 2-8-10
The adrenaline rush is over. We’ve settled into a new routine. Now the challenge is finding the motivation each day when we wake up to face the new responsibilities of what sometimes seems like a drudgery.
Basically, the immediate crisis is over. The other night as Bruce and I went to bed and were talking, we were asking ourselves, “Is this how God wants us to finish our ministry here in Haiti? Is this the best use of our time and efforts? Of Wawa’s and Jacques’? Is running an IDP (internally displaced people) camp a waste of their unique gifts in discipling and teaching Haitian Christian leaders?”
Please pray with us as we seek God’s direction in all of this. Pray we’ll be sensitive and open to His leading in all we do. Meetings will be going on this week with the UEBH to find out how they want to handle this camp and what our next steps are.
With the IDP camp stabilized (for the moment), it’s also time for the UEBH and STEP to make some decisions with regards to their future plans. Is this the time to make some changes? Do they rebuild in this same spot? This is a time to evaluate vision and possibly new avenues of ministry that require different facilities. So, this is a crucial time for both the UEBH and STEP. Their leaders need your prayers as they meet together and seek God’s wisdom and direction. Will you please remember them regularly in your prayers?
I was talking to a group of people living up here in the camp on Saturday. They were expressing their gratitude to God for providing this place for them during this time. They compared it to other places similar to this that have sprung up all over the city. They said our camp is clean, no flies (not really true, but maybe in comparison), there’s order and it’s safe. There has been some gang activity starting up around us again – tempers flare easily and they’re quick to seek revenge. So, please keep praying for the smooth running of this camp in the days ahead.
Last night around 11 p.m. we had a gentle rain. The tarps have been put up very effectively by Roger See, but there’s really no way not to get a bit damp and cold. We wondered if it was a gentle nudge from God to begin moving some people back into their homes. Many people are having a hard time getting over the trauma and not being fearful of being inside any building. We have a 3-person team here this week to help begin talking and counseling with the people. Pray for an effective week for them.
On Wednesday I went up to Petionville to do some market. I found tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, onions, green peppers, bananas, tangerines – basically market as usual. These vegetables come down from the mountains above Port-au-Prince and people are still selling and buying. Just so you don’t picture us starving down here. If you have money, there are provisions to buy. The problem is that most of the people have no income right now. There’s no way we can provide food for everyone up here so it was hard for me to come back home with the things I bought. We are keeping things very simple, but I know we have more than others.
We covet your continued prayers. We have experienced divine strength and health these past weeks. We are very aware of how much we need God in this whole situation.
Blessings and love, Cindy for Bruce too
CrossWorld News: February 8
Sometimes called "Critical Incident Debriefing", debriefing is a planned response to let people know they are cared for and not alone in a difficult situation. For CrossWorld, a stressful event such as the Haiti earthquake is a trigger for debriefing, no matter what the condition of the individual.
Debriefing is a time to listen to the victim's story in an unhurried environment. Debriefers also help the person to identify symptoms of the event and provide reassurance that they are normal. It also provides the experienced debrief team an opportunity to identify needs for possible follow-up counseling.
Today, a team of three experienced debrief counselors is arriving in Haiti. What will they do?
What is the latest?
Quotes from the front:
"Two days ago a Haitian lady brought me a gift...she had purchased 7 grapefruit for us. In the midst of need and distress, she gave to us. Amazing!" (Cindy)
"Having drinking water available through the water filtration system given us by Samaritan's purse has encouraged people." (Phyllis)
"Haiti has become a field of evangelization, people are coming to church in large numbers...radio stations that had hours consecrated to voodoo programming have replaced them with gospel programs and preaching of God's Word." (Pasteur Crisbon)
"Medical teams are reporting a decrease in trauma cases and an increase in mental health needs" (OCHA report)
"There are so many sad stories and many of these survivors will carry the scars for life." (Bill)
"There are devotions nightly - a time of singing, praying and praising God - it is really quite beautiful to hear." (Bruce)
Debriefing is a time to listen to the victim's story in an unhurried environment. Debriefers also help the person to identify symptoms of the event and provide reassurance that they are normal. It also provides the experienced debrief team an opportunity to identify needs for possible follow-up counseling.
Today, a team of three experienced debrief counselors is arriving in Haiti. What will they do?
- Meet with CrossWorld and STEP staff who experienced the event of the past month
- Meet with STEP students who escaped alive and also lost loved ones
- Train Haitian leaders for debriefing others
- Provide counsel for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the camp
- Train staff at the House of Hope in debriefing skills
What is the latest?
- First Responder, Mark, developed a strategy for preventing communicable diseases and other critical health issues. Plans are now being focused on sanitation and hygiene education, disease surveillance, potable drinking water, adequate shelter and access to health care. The most vulnerable are mothers and infants and the elderly.
- As all over Haiti, there is a desperate need for coordination and planning. Today Tom arrived at the Bolosse campus - with experience as a military planning officer and liaison in high-risk situations around the world. His skills will be critical in providing relief for our staff and procuring critical resources to meet the ongoing needs on campus.
- As noted above, pray for the debriefers - Walt and Pat and Carine.
Quotes from the front:
"Two days ago a Haitian lady brought me a gift...she had purchased 7 grapefruit for us. In the midst of need and distress, she gave to us. Amazing!" (Cindy)
"Having drinking water available through the water filtration system given us by Samaritan's purse has encouraged people." (Phyllis)
"Haiti has become a field of evangelization, people are coming to church in large numbers...radio stations that had hours consecrated to voodoo programming have replaced them with gospel programs and preaching of God's Word." (Pasteur Crisbon)
"Medical teams are reporting a decrease in trauma cases and an increase in mental health needs" (OCHA report)
"There are so many sad stories and many of these survivors will carry the scars for life." (Bill)
"There are devotions nightly - a time of singing, praying and praising God - it is really quite beautiful to hear." (Bruce)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday Feb. 6 update from Mom
Well, I know it is time for another update and what better time than a quiet Saturday afternoon. You would be surprised at how quiet it actually is during the day when many of the thousands who sleep on campus are out and about. The campus is a "sea of blue" tarps that is and things are going as well as you could hope for under these conditions. I've come to realize that I'm adjusting to the "new normal" as Cindy says.
Every Monday and Wednesday some of the STEP wives have been having children's club in the afternoons and then on Friday's they have been showing a film outside. People though tired, discouraged and grieving in various degrees are handling things well. Having drinking water available through the water filtration system given us by Samaritan's Purse has encouraged people. We are not seeing medical needs on campus anymore from the quake itself. Pray that other diseases that can come from such tight living conditions will not become a reality.
We are hoping to be able to have running water to the houses before too long. An organization has offered us a temporary "bladder" to use at the top of the hill to hold water until we can build a new cistern or repair the old one which is leaking from the quake. It hasn't arrived on campus yet so that is on hold right now.
Most every evening a group gathers for singing in the evenings and I love to hear the voices joined in beautiful hymns. This Sunday we will again have a service on campus. People are still concerned about being inside buildings so churches are meeting outdoors. (picture of Sunday Service at Bolosse)
David has been working on his home office as much as he could today. He hasn't been able to get in there since the quake with everything else going on. He needs to get it cleaned up and functioning again. The Bible School offices of David, Bruce and all the other professors especially on the lower floors where most of them are still are too dangerous to try to get into.
Like David was saying today many of his and Bruce's books are out of print anymore. Many of the profs had French theological books which are also very hard to replace. But the STEP library did not sustain damage other than bookcases falling over - the building is fine.
I worked on regular CrossWorld finances this morning and am relieved to have that done for a while. Not everything came out as it should have but after the month we've had I'd have been shocked if it did.
This afternoon I was rather self centered and took a nap, washed my hair, and am now soaking my feet in a bubbling foot spa (a Christmas gift from my son several years ago that I much appreciate from time to time) as I write to you. McMartins are showing a movie (not sure what is showing) at their wide screen living room theater (they project it on their wall) tonight so Roger, David and I will join them for a little "down" time, a movie and popcorn!
Right now David, Roger and Bruce are working to put up razor wire across the areas where our wall fell. People in the "tent city" have had things stolen and we know it is mostly from that area of the campus where the wall is down. These people have so little so having thieves take advantage of the situation is sad.
We do not know of another food shipment coming our way but we are researching where and how people can get some of the aid food coming in. We have received fuel shipments which have been a big help. Also a huge surprise yesterday was that a neighborhood near us got city electricity back. We don't have it but just to know that one small section has received service back is such an encouragement.
Jehu and the boys are doing well. Still sleeping in "camp" like conditions but working to salvage what they can from the debris of their rented home.
Once the new building is judged to be stable work will continue so that they can begin using it.
We are receiving some people from CrossWorld this week - to do some debriefing and evaluating the situation on the campus and in the country.
This update sounds a little dry to me but just want you to know that we are "hanging in there" and thankful beyond words for your prayers, encouragement, uplifting emails and generous giving to meet the many needs in this country at this time. This is sure not how we saw ministry unfolding for us in 2010 in Haiti but God had other plans. Pray we can be sensitive to His leading and guidance in all areas of our lives as we seek to be used by Him in Haiti "at such a time as this".
We hear that Penna and especially down where our family is near Lancaster has really been getting the snow this weekend. So all of you stay in and stay warm.
We love you,
Phyllis
Every Monday and Wednesday some of the STEP wives have been having children's club in the afternoons and then on Friday's they have been showing a film outside. People though tired, discouraged and grieving in various degrees are handling things well. Having drinking water available through the water filtration system given us by Samaritan's Purse has encouraged people. We are not seeing medical needs on campus anymore from the quake itself. Pray that other diseases that can come from such tight living conditions will not become a reality.
We are hoping to be able to have running water to the houses before too long. An organization has offered us a temporary "bladder" to use at the top of the hill to hold water until we can build a new cistern or repair the old one which is leaking from the quake. It hasn't arrived on campus yet so that is on hold right now.
Most every evening a group gathers for singing in the evenings and I love to hear the voices joined in beautiful hymns. This Sunday we will again have a service on campus. People are still concerned about being inside buildings so churches are meeting outdoors. (picture of Sunday Service at Bolosse)
David has been working on his home office as much as he could today. He hasn't been able to get in there since the quake with everything else going on. He needs to get it cleaned up and functioning again. The Bible School offices of David, Bruce and all the other professors especially on the lower floors where most of them are still are too dangerous to try to get into.
Like David was saying today many of his and Bruce's books are out of print anymore. Many of the profs had French theological books which are also very hard to replace. But the STEP library did not sustain damage other than bookcases falling over - the building is fine.
I worked on regular CrossWorld finances this morning and am relieved to have that done for a while. Not everything came out as it should have but after the month we've had I'd have been shocked if it did.
This afternoon I was rather self centered and took a nap, washed my hair, and am now soaking my feet in a bubbling foot spa (a Christmas gift from my son several years ago that I much appreciate from time to time) as I write to you. McMartins are showing a movie (not sure what is showing) at their wide screen living room theater (they project it on their wall) tonight so Roger, David and I will join them for a little "down" time, a movie and popcorn!
Right now David, Roger and Bruce are working to put up razor wire across the areas where our wall fell. People in the "tent city" have had things stolen and we know it is mostly from that area of the campus where the wall is down. These people have so little so having thieves take advantage of the situation is sad.
We do not know of another food shipment coming our way but we are researching where and how people can get some of the aid food coming in. We have received fuel shipments which have been a big help. Also a huge surprise yesterday was that a neighborhood near us got city electricity back. We don't have it but just to know that one small section has received service back is such an encouragement.
Jehu and the boys are doing well. Still sleeping in "camp" like conditions but working to salvage what they can from the debris of their rented home.
Once the new building is judged to be stable work will continue so that they can begin using it.
We are receiving some people from CrossWorld this week - to do some debriefing and evaluating the situation on the campus and in the country.
This update sounds a little dry to me but just want you to know that we are "hanging in there" and thankful beyond words for your prayers, encouragement, uplifting emails and generous giving to meet the many needs in this country at this time. This is sure not how we saw ministry unfolding for us in 2010 in Haiti but God had other plans. Pray we can be sensitive to His leading and guidance in all areas of our lives as we seek to be used by Him in Haiti "at such a time as this".
We hear that Penna and especially down where our family is near Lancaster has really been getting the snow this weekend. So all of you stay in and stay warm.
We love you,
Phyllis
Friday, February 5, 2010
Update from CrossWorld website
Sammy was on the top floor of his university when it collapsed - completely. He felt a terrible trembling and watched the neighboring building crash to the ground. He can't remember how he got to the bottom and out onto the street.
As he walked along, he got a phone call from a foreign number. The voice on the line said, "God has spared your life for a purpose and never forget that." To this day, Sammy is not sure who called him. But he realizes that that is not the important thing - what is important is that he knows that God spared his life for a purpose.
First Summary of Losses to our partners:
CrossWorld partners with the UEBH (an association of Haitian churches), with a national seminary (STEP) and other institutions. These are our friends and colleagues. A preliminary report of losses was released this week:
As he walked along, he got a phone call from a foreign number. The voice on the line said, "God has spared your life for a purpose and never forget that." To this day, Sammy is not sure who called him. But he realizes that that is not the important thing - what is important is that he knows that God spared his life for a purpose.
First Summary of Losses to our partners:
CrossWorld partners with the UEBH (an association of Haitian churches), with a national seminary (STEP) and other institutions. These are our friends and colleagues. A preliminary report of losses was released this week:
- UEBH church members - 76 died; 32 injured
- Members homes damaged or destroyed - 428
- College Maranatha - 3 died; 11 injured; 27 homes destroyed; 41 houses damaged
- Printshop - structural damage; 2 died
- Seminary (STEP) - 1 building destroyed; 6 houses destroyed; 14 houses damaged; 1 died
- UEBH Headquarters - destroyed
- Deployed 4 first responders to Haiti and established a plan, now in place for next wave
- Purchased and distributed supplies for 4000+ internal displaced persons (IDPs) on seminary campus
- Facilitated Samaritan's Purse installation of water purification system
- Facilitated three teams of medical professionals to three locations
- Set up structures for IDP camp of 4000+ people: sanitation, security, shelter
- Coordinated incoming supplies from north Haiti and Dominican Republic
- Provided a truck and a generator for electricity
- Recruited an experienced trauma counseling team
- Improved communication systems
- Established liaison with other NGOs and Government networks at airport
- Contracted a professional crisis management group to assess needs and direct relief efforts
- Brought encouragement and spiritual life to scores of hurting people
Previous updates from CrossWorld can be found at http://www.crossworld.org/
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday Feb. 4: Brief Skype conversation with Mom
Mom was able to get out to a grocery store and market for food supplies for the 4 of them (Bruce & Cindy, Mom & Dad). She did not say which grocery store or what market. She was able to find most of what she needed. She will be baking this weekend because there are more visitors coming in. Mom and Aunt Cindy will be sharing the hostessing of everyone.
- Dwight Lehman - 3-4 days to check on the situation. CrossWorld Director for Haiti
- Walt and Pat Stuart - 7 days to debrief people
- Carine Toussaint - 7 days to debrief people
- Duane Brown - longer period of time - general help to campus
- Tom Rose - longer period of time - general help to campus
- Roger See is leaving on February 23 - has been there for a while
- Pray for the missionaries and campus leaders in coping with the stress of leadership
- Pray for the 4,000+ people living on campus in coping the stress of the situation there
- Pray for food aid to continue to arrive as needed and with enough for all on campus
- Pray for aid to arrive for the communites around the city who need food, water and medical care
- Security is still a major concern. Work is being done to repair the damaged wall and have guards posted. Pray for the workmen and for the guards.
Praise requests
- Praise for the food delivery arrived on Saturday with very little trouble
- Praise for the miracle that despite the thieves getting away with the oil and beans, the rice was able to be passed out to the people in that zone
- Praise for no major health problems with the group on campus
- Praise for so many people have been able to make it into Haiti: Medical personnel, Crisis debrief personnel, General help around campus, etc.
- Praise for communication that is still up and running, including cell phones around Haiti, which helps information and supplies moving
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