Hope for Haiti Update
The past two weeks have been a blur. When we heard about Haiti’s greatest natural disaster, we knew that Capstone was called to the aid of the Haitian people. Knowing that our mission partners, The Lashbrooks, were OK was a huge relief, but we knew they needed assistance. The most urgent need was money to purchase supplies for the over 100 children they care for. We called this Phase 1 of Hope for Haiti. Within days Capstone had $5000 in the hands of the Lashbrooks so that they could get the needed items. Over the past week our friends and family of Capstone have given an additional $5000 to make Phase 1 a huge success of over $10,000 in aid to Haiti and the Lashbrooks.
Last Thursday I received an email that would have me and two others in Port de Paix with the Lashbrooks 24 hours later. We were able to assist in the aid of Port de Paix with food, water, and medical supplies. We were able to hand the money you gave to Pastor Andy who the next day caught a bus to Port au Prince and found a camp of 200 who had received no aid since what the Haitians are calling “the event”. Your funds purchased water, food, and medicine for this group. All resources we receive will continue to go to this group on the edge of PAP until they receive more help.
Phase 2 began with the collecting of much needed supplies this weekend. Wednesday night volunteers came to pack up these supplies and get them ready to ship over to Haiti. We are calling on our local community (schools, churches, and businesses) to help during the month of February to collect as many supplies as we can to aid Haiti.
Phase 3 will be a trip hopefully this summer to Port da Paix to help the Lashbrooks continue in their ministry to reach Haiti with the gospel of Christ.
As pastor of Capstone I have been blown away at how our newly established community of faith has responded to those in need in Haiti. It is an honor to lead and minister with you as we are all being the hands and feet of Christ. Just as our mission to plant Capstone isn’t a sprint, neither is our aid to Haiti. We have the mentality of a marathon. We believe that anything that is done well doesn’t come quickly, but over a long steady process. Thank You for your gifts, time, and prayers.
While I was in Haiti we were able to attend a Sunday service with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It was a beautiful time. After the service one of the Haitian visitors who also attended the service went to the pastor’s wife and wanted to give a message to us. Her message was simple: “Tell the American’s thank you for not forgetting us.” And this message I pass on to you. Thank you for not forgetting the Haitian people. Continue to pray for them and be the voice of the Haitian people.