We have been back in Haiti over two weeks after our year away on off-field assignment. Two days after we arrived, heavy tropical rains began causing flooding and misery in Cap Haitian, a city 12 miles from our home in Haut Limbe.

 

“Au Cap,” as it is often called, is an overcrowded, bustling city full of folks trying desperately to make a living. It is nestled in a cluster of mountains right on a bay that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. In spite of the overcrowding, it is very picturesque with many historic white gingerbread homes built in the 1700’s by the French. We are not sure how much rain fell in Au Cap, but we assume it was much more then the 5 inches that fell on Haut Limbe in one night, and 4.5 inches the next.

 

Recently, much haphazard building and accompanying deforestation has produced erosion and drainage problems that intensified the storm damage that resulted in 16 fatalities, property damage, and loss of personal belongings for many. One leader in the Community Health Evangelism program, Osse St. Juste, lost almost everything when his family’s apartment was flooded. The family is grateful that all are safe in spite of the water that surged into their apartment, but Osse, his wife and three children are now living with their landlord on the floor above their apartment until other arrangements can be made.

 

Images of the flooding in Cap Haitian recorded by the United Nations Stabilization Mission In Haiti can be viewed on the following Flicker link:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/minustah/8175697150/

 

This flooding reminds us of the terrible hardships that people along the east coast of the US recently experienced from hurricane Sandy. We are encouraged by the many acts of kindness as neighbors reach out to neighbors in concern and loving care, whether in Haiti, New Jersey, or New York. Neighbors far and near become the hands and feet of Jesus. 

 

Thank you for how you have helped in the past and stand ready to help with your prayers and gifts through International Ministries, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and other means, giving in the name of Jesus. The temptation is to “tire of giving” as there are so many worldwide crises, but your donations small or big, do make a difference.

 

Remembering the words of Jesus in Matt 25: 35-40…”The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

 

In His peace,

 

Nancy & Steve