Haiti Update - January 15, 2010
Our hearts continue to ache for the people of Haiti, especially the children. In an effort to keep our sponsors and friends informed of Children of Promise’s involvement in assisting those in Haiti, we share the following latest news.
*Francky, the husband of Tanya, director of House of Blessing, has been found and is safe. According to news from Lonnie Murphy, Francky was in town for his Biblical studies class and the vehicle he was driving had some problems, so he did not go to class. He was at the garage when the earthquake hit. The school building collapsed and the pastor friends he took to class have perished. He said 40 plus are dead from his class. Thank you for your prayers for Francky and Tanya. We thank the Lord that he spared this God-fearing man, but our hearts are broken for the deaths of his classmates.
*Phil Murphy (founder, along with his wife, Lonnie, of House of Blessing and the Children of Promise ministry in Haiti) will be traveling to Haiti on Saturday, January 16, with Richard Fields of Helping Hands in Motion. They have arranged a flight through Missionary Flights International. They will be assessing the needs of the ministry in Haiti, including the House of Blessings and the whereabouts, conditions, and situations of the children (and their families) sponsored through Children of Promise.
*Once we have this on-the-ground assessment, Children of Promise will inform its sponsors and friends how they can help. This timetable for a call for help has been established so that we will be able to report accurately on the children and their situations – and we want to know exactly how we can help before we launch an appeal. Funds received by Children of Promise will be used to assist the sponsored children and their families, as per Children of Promise guidelines.
*We are still unable to reach our director in Callabasse, Isaac Adrien, by either phone or email. The messages of support that you have sent to our office, we have forwarded to Isaac’s email account so that he will receive them at such time as he can access email.
*Please be praying specifically for the following as Phil and Richard travel to Haiti:
--That the plane will be able to land in Port-au-Prince. Flights are being limited and restricted.
--That they will be safe as they travel about the country.
--That they will be able to get to the House of Blessing orphanage (road damage and conditions are poor) and the community of Callabasse where our sponsored children live.
--That they will be able to locate those that are unaccounted for, including the 20 sponsored children through Children of Promise in Callabasse.
--That they will be a blessing wherever they go during this time of great need.
*While we are concerned about meeting immediate needs for relief, the long-range plans for rebuilding and restoring are heavy on our hearts. Please be praying about ways you can mobilize your family, friends, and churches to assist.
Once we have reports from Phil and Richard, we will pass that information along to you quickly.
Thank you for your patience as we do assessment and fact-finding.
Dr. Paul Maxfield, Executive Director
Children of Promise