Via Joie Knittig Live from Haiti:
Oh what a night…
Here’s what went down. We didn’t pick up another crew of children. We learned that the kids are at a hospital. Right this minute, we’re at the hospital to meet w a friend there and the Medical Director. This level of due diligence is required. We’ll keep you posted.
We made 3 runs to 3 destroyed orphanages late in the night. 138 children total out of food and water. By the grace of God, we were right on time to stock em up.
Yesterday was Pierre’s bday. That boy was in tall cotton. We gave him a harmonica. He can’t play worth a darn (yet), but he’s loving it. A CBS producer asked Pierre what he thinks of where he’s staying. He beamed. ”I love it.” Love what? ”Everything.”
That’s not a goofy “everything’s peachy” self promotion. There are kids here who are struggling, hard. Pierre’s testimony speaks to this: good and loving and reliable is a home run for these kids. Perfection isn’t required.
We have a few huge days ahead of us at the Transition Village. We’ll keep you up to date.
This is all of our work, together. Can’t thank you enough. Keep pushing. And know you’re helping bring a LOT of joy to the bottom rungers in this mess.
Talk later…
Joe
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Haiti Update (5:21 PM cst 1/30/10)
From Joe Knittig, via Haiti:
A day of transition at the Transition Village…
Trace is headed home. T, you’re an amazing leader. Godspeed, bud.
I arrived back on the scene early this morning. We spent the better part of the day testing what’s working and what’s not; and adjusting. Strong.
Now it’s time to move again. We got an urgent call to help a crew of children in PAP. We’ll head out in 15 mins.
I’ll keep you posted.
A day of transition at the Transition Village…
Trace is headed home. T, you’re an amazing leader. Godspeed, bud.
I arrived back on the scene early this morning. We spent the better part of the day testing what’s working and what’s not; and adjusting. Strong.
Now it’s time to move again. We got an urgent call to help a crew of children in PAP. We’ll head out in 15 mins.
I’ll keep you posted.
Haiti Update (5:08 PM cst 1/29/10)
From Trace Thurlby, via Haiti:
One our kid’s kites was just whipping around high above their GO Project home. I wish you could see them make these contraptions of sticks, rice bag string, creativity, and persistence. I smile every time I see one.
Beth brought home two, new daughters today. Jessica, 17, and Valentine, 16, have been at Love a Child healing center since the earthquake. Now they are better and had to leave. They had no family to take them. No place to call home. Until now. They are part of our GO Project family.
Imagine bringing two teenagers that never met you into your family on a Friday night. There are some challenges, but nothing love won’t overcome in time. Your love is what they will see in smiles of the others here. Your love is what they’ll hear in the laughter and song from our GO Project brothers and sisters. In it all, we’ll introduce them to the love of their Father. Welcome to the family, Jessica and Valentine! We’re so glad you’re here!
One our kid’s kites was just whipping around high above their GO Project home. I wish you could see them make these contraptions of sticks, rice bag string, creativity, and persistence. I smile every time I see one.
Beth brought home two, new daughters today. Jessica, 17, and Valentine, 16, have been at Love a Child healing center since the earthquake. Now they are better and had to leave. They had no family to take them. No place to call home. Until now. They are part of our GO Project family.
Imagine bringing two teenagers that never met you into your family on a Friday night. There are some challenges, but nothing love won’t overcome in time. Your love is what they will see in smiles of the others here. Your love is what they’ll hear in the laughter and song from our GO Project brothers and sisters. In it all, we’ll introduce them to the love of their Father. Welcome to the family, Jessica and Valentine! We’re so glad you’re here!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Haiti Rescue Update (1/29/2010 7:58 am CST)
Via Joe Knittig;
“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matt 19:13-15
God is showing a divine creativity in bringing the children.
I’m on my way back from KC to the Village. And a funny thing happened on the way to the forum…
Mike Fox and I met a guy from Cypress about a year ago. He introduced us to a new GO friend from Australia, who now lives in San Francisco. That’s Bobbi Dunphy. Bobbi has a friend, a doc, serving now at a hospital in PaP. The doc has a problem. There are 10 orphans at the hospital with nowhere to go. Doc wants to help – he is compelled to help – but doesn’t know where to turn. Doc connects with Bobbi. Bobbi connects with us. We’ll take these little ones, and welcome them with a hot meal and lots of love. God willing, we’ll have them tomorrow.
Let them come, Lord.
We all have our roles to play, huh? We wouldn’t know of these children without the Cypress to Australia to San Francisco to Haiti to GO connections. We couldn’t greet them without your backing. And someone out there is going to sponsor a village that these children will call home. Individually, we’re in way over our heads. Collectively, we’re right on. That’s faith ALIVE. Thank you!
Please pray that there’s no interference to hinder these children coming to receive a new chance.
“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matt 19:13-15
God is showing a divine creativity in bringing the children.
I’m on my way back from KC to the Village. And a funny thing happened on the way to the forum…
Mike Fox and I met a guy from Cypress about a year ago. He introduced us to a new GO friend from Australia, who now lives in San Francisco. That’s Bobbi Dunphy. Bobbi has a friend, a doc, serving now at a hospital in PaP. The doc has a problem. There are 10 orphans at the hospital with nowhere to go. Doc wants to help – he is compelled to help – but doesn’t know where to turn. Doc connects with Bobbi. Bobbi connects with us. We’ll take these little ones, and welcome them with a hot meal and lots of love. God willing, we’ll have them tomorrow.
Let them come, Lord.
We all have our roles to play, huh? We wouldn’t know of these children without the Cypress to Australia to San Francisco to Haiti to GO connections. We couldn’t greet them without your backing. And someone out there is going to sponsor a village that these children will call home. Individually, we’re in way over our heads. Collectively, we’re right on. That’s faith ALIVE. Thank you!
Please pray that there’s no interference to hinder these children coming to receive a new chance.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Haiti Rescue Update (1/28/2010 5:17 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
1 home. 47 more needing a home.
With NPR at his side, our ten-year-old friend, Johnny, returned to his home and to his Mom earlier today. Courtesy of your generosity, we sent Johnny off with a care package which included a 12-man tent and a large bag of food. Johnny and his family now are together and have a little wind at their back thanks to you and the rest of The GO Project family!
This afternoon World Vision introduced us to Julie, a Haitian woman who cared for 47 orphans. The earthquake destroyed their home, and Julie led her children out on foot headed for the Dominican Republic, literally an ultramarathon away. For the last several days, Julie has cared for her kids in two temporary locations, looking for someone to take them in. We will. That is what God has called us to do.
Early next week, our Transition Orphan Village will add 47 more children, whose resilience is inspiring, their current house Mommas, and Julie, a lady with a heart as big as Haiti
Soon after they are settled here, we will work with partners to create a GO village; a new home for these kids, who will know that God cared for them in the midst of crisis. They will feel His love through your love, and we will be here, on your behalf, to welcome them into our GO Project family. What a privilege to serve the Lord with you by loving His kids!
1 home. 47 more needing a home.
With NPR at his side, our ten-year-old friend, Johnny, returned to his home and to his Mom earlier today. Courtesy of your generosity, we sent Johnny off with a care package which included a 12-man tent and a large bag of food. Johnny and his family now are together and have a little wind at their back thanks to you and the rest of The GO Project family!
This afternoon World Vision introduced us to Julie, a Haitian woman who cared for 47 orphans. The earthquake destroyed their home, and Julie led her children out on foot headed for the Dominican Republic, literally an ultramarathon away. For the last several days, Julie has cared for her kids in two temporary locations, looking for someone to take them in. We will. That is what God has called us to do.
Early next week, our Transition Orphan Village will add 47 more children, whose resilience is inspiring, their current house Mommas, and Julie, a lady with a heart as big as Haiti
Soon after they are settled here, we will work with partners to create a GO village; a new home for these kids, who will know that God cared for them in the midst of crisis. They will feel His love through your love, and we will be here, on your behalf, to welcome them into our GO Project family. What a privilege to serve the Lord with you by loving His kids!
Via Charlene Garrison, Live from Haiti;
Our pastors on the team have just been awesome! They have prayed over the team as well as all our patients. Both Jim and John have had the opportunity to lead one person each to the Lord! John showed the card that asked ‘how can I pray for you and your child’ to each person and they were so excited to have their child prayed for. One mother asked who is Jesus and so John got the interpreter and shared the gospel to her and she accepted the Lord.
About 1/2 the team went to Biggarouse today to do a general medical clinic with the kids. They are all in good shape! We have one child that needs surgery due to a hernia and 7 that will be coming into Cambry tomorrow to see dentist Mitch.
The other half of our team is working at Brenda Hospital. They truly have been an answer to prayer as they have been able to care for many patients.
I could write much more but hope that gives you a picture of what is going on here.
About 1/2 the team went to Biggarouse today to do a general medical clinic with the kids. They are all in good shape! We have one child that needs surgery due to a hernia and 7 that will be coming into Cambry tomorrow to see dentist Mitch.
The other half of our team is working at Brenda Hospital. They truly have been an answer to prayer as they have been able to care for many patients.
I could write much more but hope that gives you a picture of what is going on here.
Haiti Rescue Update (1/27/2010 10:58 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
Most families hold their reunion in the summer. This year, our GO Project family is having some great reunions the last week of January.
This afternoon, just hours after bringing him to our home, we were able to locate Rogelen’s sister, who lives in Miami. (Rogelen is the 15-year old who sought refuge with the 82nd Airborne after the earthquake.) His sister received word that their parents were dead, but knew nothing about her little brother. When we were able to connect them via phone, a huge celebration began that transcended the miles between them. We are committed to doing everything we can to reunite them. It won’t be easy, but as usual, God is way ahead of us. NPR was here tonight and interviewed Rogelen. NPR asked, “Rogelen, what would you be doing if The GO Project hadn’t picked you up today?” Rogelen answered, “I don’t know. I was thinking about selling myself to a family as a slave. That happens in Haiti.” NPR then asked, “What do you want to do now?” “I’d like to go live with my sister in Miami, finish my schooling and become a doctor.”
As you’re reading this on Thursday, we’ll be on our taking Johnny back home. Like Rogelen, Johnny was separated from his Mom when the earthquake hit. We picked up Johnny when he was discharged from Love a Child healing center. With some excellent directions from Johnny, we were able to find his Mom. Now his stitches are out. He’s walking without crutches, and he’s going home. This morning he told me, “I’m going to come visit you even after I get home. I will never forget you.”
Last night 13-year old Renise came to us, scared, alone, and pregnant against her will. Understandably, she was beaten down by her circumstances; couldn’t take her eyes off the ground. This morning she meekly waved to us. Later she sat by and watched our team unload a supply truck. This afternoon, Renise spent held hands with Beth “Momma” Fox. We learned that Renise has a beautiful smile. She’s a sweet, young girl.
World Vision came by today. After watching our kids jump rope, play soccer, and just cut loose a little, Sergio, their Dominican Republic Representative took my face in both of his hands and said with tears in his eyes, “This is the first time I’ve seen children having fun since the earthquake. Congratulations!”
“You should hear them sing,” I replied. “It’s a beautiful sound.” These are special children. They are the King’s kids. They are our brothers and sisters, and this family reunion has moments of great joy!
Tomorrow we will meet again with World Vision to see if we can bring hope to 17 orphans who need it. I appreciated Sergio’s affirmation, but we know the good we see is not of us. It’s the Lord, working through your giving hearts. Thank you for praying! Thank you for caring! Press on! Aslan is on the move!
Most families hold their reunion in the summer. This year, our GO Project family is having some great reunions the last week of January.
This afternoon, just hours after bringing him to our home, we were able to locate Rogelen’s sister, who lives in Miami. (Rogelen is the 15-year old who sought refuge with the 82nd Airborne after the earthquake.) His sister received word that their parents were dead, but knew nothing about her little brother. When we were able to connect them via phone, a huge celebration began that transcended the miles between them. We are committed to doing everything we can to reunite them. It won’t be easy, but as usual, God is way ahead of us. NPR was here tonight and interviewed Rogelen. NPR asked, “Rogelen, what would you be doing if The GO Project hadn’t picked you up today?” Rogelen answered, “I don’t know. I was thinking about selling myself to a family as a slave. That happens in Haiti.” NPR then asked, “What do you want to do now?” “I’d like to go live with my sister in Miami, finish my schooling and become a doctor.”
As you’re reading this on Thursday, we’ll be on our taking Johnny back home. Like Rogelen, Johnny was separated from his Mom when the earthquake hit. We picked up Johnny when he was discharged from Love a Child healing center. With some excellent directions from Johnny, we were able to find his Mom. Now his stitches are out. He’s walking without crutches, and he’s going home. This morning he told me, “I’m going to come visit you even after I get home. I will never forget you.”
Last night 13-year old Renise came to us, scared, alone, and pregnant against her will. Understandably, she was beaten down by her circumstances; couldn’t take her eyes off the ground. This morning she meekly waved to us. Later she sat by and watched our team unload a supply truck. This afternoon, Renise spent held hands with Beth “Momma” Fox. We learned that Renise has a beautiful smile. She’s a sweet, young girl.
World Vision came by today. After watching our kids jump rope, play soccer, and just cut loose a little, Sergio, their Dominican Republic Representative took my face in both of his hands and said with tears in his eyes, “This is the first time I’ve seen children having fun since the earthquake. Congratulations!”
“You should hear them sing,” I replied. “It’s a beautiful sound.” These are special children. They are the King’s kids. They are our brothers and sisters, and this family reunion has moments of great joy!
Tomorrow we will meet again with World Vision to see if we can bring hope to 17 orphans who need it. I appreciated Sergio’s affirmation, but we know the good we see is not of us. It’s the Lord, working through your giving hearts. Thank you for praying! Thank you for caring! Press on! Aslan is on the move!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Haiti Rescue Update (1/27/2010 1:53 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
We’re in the heart of Port Au Prince. If traffic is good, tonight’s GO Project boys’ soccer game will have a new star player. Rogelen is 15. He lived near Moise’s church, but lost both of his parents in the quake. As the 82nd Airborne was patrolling his neighborhood, Rogelen grabbed onto one of their legs and wouldn’t let go. The 82nd heard about The GO Project, and Rogelen is in our family now.
Rogelen claims to be quite a soccer player. I bet he’s right. He’s such a great kid! Thank you for giving him a home. Thank you for being his family.
Thank you, God, for sparing Rogelen and for the plan you have to give him a future and a hope! Amen!
We’re in the heart of Port Au Prince. If traffic is good, tonight’s GO Project boys’ soccer game will have a new star player. Rogelen is 15. He lived near Moise’s church, but lost both of his parents in the quake. As the 82nd Airborne was patrolling his neighborhood, Rogelen grabbed onto one of their legs and wouldn’t let go. The 82nd heard about The GO Project, and Rogelen is in our family now.
Rogelen claims to be quite a soccer player. I bet he’s right. He’s such a great kid! Thank you for giving him a home. Thank you for being his family.
Thank you, God, for sparing Rogelen and for the plan you have to give him a future and a hope! Amen!
Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 6:47 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
HE makes all things new…
I want to introduce you to our new sister, Renise. Renise is a sweet girl, 13 years old. Her parents died when Renise was 6. Before they passed away, they sold Renise to a family for cash. Last year on an errand into town, Renise was abducted, raped, and is now pregnant. Thrown out by the family she worked for, Renise has been living on the streets of Port Au Prince the last five months and was picked up today by UNICEF. They needed a safe, loving place for her and called us.
You have heard about our kids singing, playing, and laughing. Most of them are doing great! Their strength is a blessing and example to us. Renise is not there yet. Her wounds are too raw. She came in tonight alone and scared. She’s no longer alone, and soon, she won’t be scared anymore. Renise will soon learn she can trust us. She can trust you. This is a safe place for Renise and the child inside her. And as we love her, we will introduce her to Jesus. He can make all things new. Tonight, Renise has reason to hope. She will soon discover that she has a family; a Father who loves her greatly and brothers and sister (you and me).
I don’t know where Renise would be without your giving. On her behalf, I thank you. On your behalf, I will let her know that you love her. Thank you! Press on!
HE makes all things new…
I want to introduce you to our new sister, Renise. Renise is a sweet girl, 13 years old. Her parents died when Renise was 6. Before they passed away, they sold Renise to a family for cash. Last year on an errand into town, Renise was abducted, raped, and is now pregnant. Thrown out by the family she worked for, Renise has been living on the streets of Port Au Prince the last five months and was picked up today by UNICEF. They needed a safe, loving place for her and called us.
You have heard about our kids singing, playing, and laughing. Most of them are doing great! Their strength is a blessing and example to us. Renise is not there yet. Her wounds are too raw. She came in tonight alone and scared. She’s no longer alone, and soon, she won’t be scared anymore. Renise will soon learn she can trust us. She can trust you. This is a safe place for Renise and the child inside her. And as we love her, we will introduce her to Jesus. He can make all things new. Tonight, Renise has reason to hope. She will soon discover that she has a family; a Father who loves her greatly and brothers and sister (you and me).
I don’t know where Renise would be without your giving. On her behalf, I thank you. On your behalf, I will let her know that you love her. Thank you! Press on!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 4:46 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
We are heading back from Port Au Prince. The highlight of the day was that we found Johnny’s mom. That was no small task in PAP, especially now. We took a picture of Johnny, who we learned today was separated from his mom at the time of the quake. We wont’ forget the joy on his mom’s face when she realized that her son was alive and well. Johnny will stay with us two more days as his feet recover. On Thursday, we’ll take him home to be with and hug on his mom. Tonight, we look forward to showing Johnny the picture of his loving mom.
Beth and I have a meeting tomorrow with the Haitian head of child protection services. The situation is fluid and the rules change on a dime. No worries! We are all in! God gives us the strength to run whatever route is in front of us.
Carrie “Flow” Davidson, RN, worked the nightshift at the General Hospital downtown. While many colleagues clocked out at 5 pm, “Flow” covered four peds tents (two critical care) as the lone nurse….she’s all in!
God has given us a great opportunity to be His Hands and Feet. What a privilege to help reunite Mother and son, to help James get surgery, to care for the wounded, to welcome and love the orphaned and abandoned! We can’t do this without you. This is your work, your ministry! We love you! Press on!
We are heading back from Port Au Prince. The highlight of the day was that we found Johnny’s mom. That was no small task in PAP, especially now. We took a picture of Johnny, who we learned today was separated from his mom at the time of the quake. We wont’ forget the joy on his mom’s face when she realized that her son was alive and well. Johnny will stay with us two more days as his feet recover. On Thursday, we’ll take him home to be with and hug on his mom. Tonight, we look forward to showing Johnny the picture of his loving mom.
Beth and I have a meeting tomorrow with the Haitian head of child protection services. The situation is fluid and the rules change on a dime. No worries! We are all in! God gives us the strength to run whatever route is in front of us.
Carrie “Flow” Davidson, RN, worked the nightshift at the General Hospital downtown. While many colleagues clocked out at 5 pm, “Flow” covered four peds tents (two critical care) as the lone nurse….she’s all in!
God has given us a great opportunity to be His Hands and Feet. What a privilege to help reunite Mother and son, to help James get surgery, to care for the wounded, to welcome and love the orphaned and abandoned! We can’t do this without you. This is your work, your ministry! We love you! Press on!
Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 6:06 am CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
God continues to move for our little brother James. James has a large, deep wound on his face. While he’s fortunate to be alive, the resulting scar would follow him for life, unless someone did something BIG. God arranged it so our GO Project home at Eben Ezer is 20 minutes from a hospital called Love a Child. It’s quite a place. This morning, a plastic surgeon from Operation Smile is coming in. He will operate on James. Only God could have brought in an accomplished plastic surgeon to operate on a seven-year-old Haitian orphan. God loves James, and so do we. If you were here with us, he’d lift his arms wanting you to hold him. He recently snookered two people on our team to take him out of our recovery area and into our team’s room for a nap. He’s hard to resist. He’s part of our GO Project family now. Thank you for welcoming him into the family with us
God continues to move for our little brother James. James has a large, deep wound on his face. While he’s fortunate to be alive, the resulting scar would follow him for life, unless someone did something BIG. God arranged it so our GO Project home at Eben Ezer is 20 minutes from a hospital called Love a Child. It’s quite a place. This morning, a plastic surgeon from Operation Smile is coming in. He will operate on James. Only God could have brought in an accomplished plastic surgeon to operate on a seven-year-old Haitian orphan. God loves James, and so do we. If you were here with us, he’d lift his arms wanting you to hold him. He recently snookered two people on our team to take him out of our recovery area and into our team’s room for a nap. He’s hard to resist. He’s part of our GO Project family now. Thank you for welcoming him into the family with us
Monday, January 25, 2010
Haiti Rescue Update (1/25/2010 2:01 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
It’s a good day in Haiti, we made a new friend, Johnny. Johnny is ten. Since the earthquake, he’s spent his days at Love a Child hospital. The physician told us that Johnny might have some developmental delays. At first glance, one might think that. However, when we spoke with Johnny, we found a quick smile and a really fun guy. The world often looks on the outside. ”Johnnys” can get left behind in Haiti and in America. Johnny tells us that he does have a Mom. She hasn’t been back in eight days. We are going to work hard to reunite them. We are posting Johnny’s info to various web sites. We stay in close contact with the hospital. While we are doing all of that, Johnny will be part of our family. Safe. Fed. Cared for…he’s our friend; our little brother for now.
The medical and Longhollow team arrived today. Now that they’ve had their first decent meal in awhile, they are on to their next chapter. The medical team is going to Les Cayes tonight. Hundreds of thousands have fled Port Au Prince, and now live in surrounding areas. Two weeks ago, Cayes had around 300,000 people. Today the estimate is 450,000. It’s busting at the seams. While our focus remains caring for the orphan, Pastor St. Germaine told us that 100 doctors working for a month wouldn’t be able to address the overall medical need in Cayes. These KC docs came to minister to those needing medical care as a result of the earthquake. That’s what they’ll be doing…the only change is the people needing their skills fled. So, their next few days will be like a “Haitian house call.” They brought in their own medical supplies, and they are taking them to Cayes as well. Excellent! The need for food is still dire, which requires we use the storage/warehouse capacity we have for life necessities. After this initial food crisis is behind us (unfortunately probably months away; maybe more), we will be in a better position to receive, store, distribute clothing and supplies. That’s not the primary need right now.
Several members from the Longhollow team went with Beth Fox to pick up two more children. We met “Small Joe” (as opposed to our Joe Knittig) last week at the General Hospital by the Presidential Palace. He’s three and lost whatever parents he had in the quake. We are so excited to have him in our family. At the HHS Hospital, the 82nd Airborne called and confirmed a little guy named Popeye (not sure how it’s spelled yet, so I just went with the tried and true for now) is an orphan that needs to be discharged. How can you say no to Popeye? We’re going to get him as well. Beth’s team took a Tap-Tap ( kind of a cross between an El Camino and a tied-dyed T-shirt). Knowing Beth, she may come back with a few more . Kids abandoned at a hospital. Kids adopted into the GO Project family….because of you! We love you! Press on!
It’s a good day in Haiti, we made a new friend, Johnny. Johnny is ten. Since the earthquake, he’s spent his days at Love a Child hospital. The physician told us that Johnny might have some developmental delays. At first glance, one might think that. However, when we spoke with Johnny, we found a quick smile and a really fun guy. The world often looks on the outside. ”Johnnys” can get left behind in Haiti and in America. Johnny tells us that he does have a Mom. She hasn’t been back in eight days. We are going to work hard to reunite them. We are posting Johnny’s info to various web sites. We stay in close contact with the hospital. While we are doing all of that, Johnny will be part of our family. Safe. Fed. Cared for…he’s our friend; our little brother for now.
The medical and Longhollow team arrived today. Now that they’ve had their first decent meal in awhile, they are on to their next chapter. The medical team is going to Les Cayes tonight. Hundreds of thousands have fled Port Au Prince, and now live in surrounding areas. Two weeks ago, Cayes had around 300,000 people. Today the estimate is 450,000. It’s busting at the seams. While our focus remains caring for the orphan, Pastor St. Germaine told us that 100 doctors working for a month wouldn’t be able to address the overall medical need in Cayes. These KC docs came to minister to those needing medical care as a result of the earthquake. That’s what they’ll be doing…the only change is the people needing their skills fled. So, their next few days will be like a “Haitian house call.” They brought in their own medical supplies, and they are taking them to Cayes as well. Excellent! The need for food is still dire, which requires we use the storage/warehouse capacity we have for life necessities. After this initial food crisis is behind us (unfortunately probably months away; maybe more), we will be in a better position to receive, store, distribute clothing and supplies. That’s not the primary need right now.
Several members from the Longhollow team went with Beth Fox to pick up two more children. We met “Small Joe” (as opposed to our Joe Knittig) last week at the General Hospital by the Presidential Palace. He’s three and lost whatever parents he had in the quake. We are so excited to have him in our family. At the HHS Hospital, the 82nd Airborne called and confirmed a little guy named Popeye (not sure how it’s spelled yet, so I just went with the tried and true for now) is an orphan that needs to be discharged. How can you say no to Popeye? We’re going to get him as well. Beth’s team took a Tap-Tap ( kind of a cross between an El Camino and a tied-dyed T-shirt). Knowing Beth, she may come back with a few more . Kids abandoned at a hospital. Kids adopted into the GO Project family….because of you! We love you! Press on!
A Surgeon’s Story (1/25/2010 7:47 am CST)
We’ve got a team of 17 folks arriving in Croix des Bouquets early this morning. Most of them traveled from Kansas City on Saturday, and many of them are clinicians. They spent Sunday in Fort Lauderdale hoping for a medical missions flight to Port Au Prince, but nothing would be available for days. So, they hopped a plane to Santo Domingo at midnight, landed there at 3 am, and took off for Croix on bus. They will be caring for the children brought to Eben Ezer and some will be making the drive down to Les Cayes to do the same there. Please keep them in your prayers!
Dr. Bill Gossman, a surgeon, has been at Croix for a while now. He has performed countless surgeries in Port Au Prince and overseen hundreds of patients. He has one scheduled this morning on a young boy with head trauma. Here’s his experience: ‘It is not unusual to be the only doctor for 300 patients! The doctors here are from all over the world and the French have sent a surgical team that are now doing surgeries. The horror is indescribable. Setting countless fractures, doing amputations and putting back dislocated joints all without anesthesia for the patients. These people are in horrible pain. There are people dying all the time of infections and injuries that are too severe to treat.’ He has seen and cared for some of the worst situations. Courage in the face of calamity. Thank you Dr. Bill!
Dr. Bill Gossman, a surgeon, has been at Croix for a while now. He has performed countless surgeries in Port Au Prince and overseen hundreds of patients. He has one scheduled this morning on a young boy with head trauma. Here’s his experience: ‘It is not unusual to be the only doctor for 300 patients! The doctors here are from all over the world and the French have sent a surgical team that are now doing surgeries. The horror is indescribable. Setting countless fractures, doing amputations and putting back dislocated joints all without anesthesia for the patients. These people are in horrible pain. There are people dying all the time of infections and injuries that are too severe to treat.’ He has seen and cared for some of the worst situations. Courage in the face of calamity. Thank you Dr. Bill!
from Carrie Davidson in Haiti with Global Orphan
January 24, 2010
> we are here at the orphanage, and having a blast! there are around 125
> haitian orphans here at Ebenezer, which is a transition village. (it seeks
> to give these kids safe housing, food, clean water, etc while trying to find
> their parents. if their parents or family comes, great! we've reunited one
> family). the leadership on the team here is wonderful, but they are
> basically starting this place from scratch again, as a result of the
> earthquake. not to mention their child population has doubled in a week.
> right now the focus is obviously just keeping these kids safe (we're walled
> in, guard at the gate, armed), getting them enough food and water (haitians
> eat two meals a day...beans and rice. so thats what the kids eat and that's
> what we eat too! if we're hungry in the mean time, we snack on things we
> brought), a place to sleep, letting them be kids (they play a lot during the
> day! no schools...destroyed). during the day we make runs into Port au
> Prince to the hospitals and see if they have orphans that we need to take.
> they have no room for them. and as long as they are medically cleared, then
> they can come back here (they can come with clinic-level care. not hospital
> needs.) we also go to villages and do mini clinics ( :) that is
> interesting. :)
>
> i'm doing well. healthy and safe! i've been working here, seeing some
> mildly injured kids at the orphanage. other than that, been helping on the
> logistical side of things too...organizing a health office for them, helping
> them put together some sort of registration for all orphans that come, so
> that they have some way of tracking them. today i went into Port au Prince
> to go to church with a local pastor (me and three others from Global Orphan)
> and cried the whole trip. the devastation and destruction is unspeakable.
> i don't know what else to say about it... starting to wonder if i ever
> will. i mean, the smell alone is enough to make you sick. that's people's
> bodies rotting inside these buildings. and to see the buildings you are
> seeing on tv in real life is more emotional that i would have guessed it to
> be. like the palace. its absolutely staggering in real life. its
> horrific. what else can i say. and people are running out of food and
> water. really. as in...theres no more coming. apparently there is false
> information being relayed and being reported on back in the states that
> theres so much more food/water coming for these people, and the truth
> is...there is no way to get it here. containers can't come from the states
> to the D.R. and cross the border to haiti. apparently there is some
> breakdown there. so people that have figured ways around that breakdown
> (this orphanage) by using a crazy amount of manpower and time just for one
> container that will feed these kids for maybe a week or two are now being
> looked to to feed other people. in a very short time, no one will have
> anything. THAT is when things get really bad. riots, violence, more
> death. i don't even want to imagine it.
> there is a possibility i will volunteer some time at one of the local
> hospitals. they are terribly short on nurses. i will be overworked. but i
> can be of some help i think. right now, at night there are 2 or 3 nurses
> caring for some 400 patients. ALL ICU LEVEL PATIENTS. wow. i take 2 icu
> patients at home, and that's enough. here... no choice. or they will die.
> so if i can help at all...that is the goal. right now i'm helping a lot at
> the orphanage and so i'm tossing that idea around to them. it would mean me
> being campus for a period of 24-48 hours. here's the good part about that:
> sleeping (while not much) will be in tents. military presence is
> HUGE (10 or so of the 82nd airborne are outside gate, and i don't even know
> how many are inside. its very very safe. safest place in haiti right
> now.) i would eat MRE's. so that's why i'm even considering it. i would
> be in very good hands. we'll see. if that is the case, i'll let you know,
> and then you won't hear from me in a few days, because i won't have a way to
> email you. and i probably will only eat, sleep and work! :) it sounds
> like, though, that they are in desperate need of nurses, and especially
> trauma ICU background.
>
the UN has made a deal with United airlines where they are flying people > americans) home to the states
> after having served here for FREE. medical personnel get first priority. i
> think this is their way of trying to get us (medical people) in to meet some
> of the immense need.
>
> this morning i went to a church in Port au Prince. the actual structure had
> a back wall collapse, so they are not in that anymore, but the body of
> Christ is very much alive!! some 125 or so people came. of course when we
> arrived, they'd been having praise and worship and prayer for almost an
> hour. then we had some more praise SO COOL TO WORSHIP WITH THEM!!!! in 2
> languages at once. wow. andon the songs we didnt' know, i mean, just to
> hear these people praising a God that they KNOW loves them, and hears their
> cries. they praise Him because He is able. He is powerful, He is
> sovereign, and is not surprised by these events. Jesus is risen, and they
> truly find joy from these things. EVEN after what they have been through!
> wow. it was a powerful service. a lot of little haitian boys and girls
> stared as the white girl with puffy eyes cried during their praise time.
> note: the pastor at this church had two boys in school the day of the
> earthquake. the school collapsed. one son made it out by tearing his tie
> that was caught on something and escaping just in time. the other didn't.
> they still have not found him. his mother is going to look again tomorrow
> (like she has been everyday) because someone thought they had seen his
> booksack somewhere near. can you imagine? she just wants to find him. she
> knows he's dead. but just to find him. wow. and yet, the pastor gets up
> and delivers a beautiful sermon, preaching the gospel, and truly smiling,
> joyful. 14 people accepted Christ today at that service. God is at work
> BIGTIME.
> we are here at the orphanage, and having a blast! there are around 125
> haitian orphans here at Ebenezer, which is a transition village. (it seeks
> to give these kids safe housing, food, clean water, etc while trying to find
> their parents. if their parents or family comes, great! we've reunited one
> family). the leadership on the team here is wonderful, but they are
> basically starting this place from scratch again, as a result of the
> earthquake. not to mention their child population has doubled in a week.
> right now the focus is obviously just keeping these kids safe (we're walled
> in, guard at the gate, armed), getting them enough food and water (haitians
> eat two meals a day...beans and rice. so thats what the kids eat and that's
> what we eat too! if we're hungry in the mean time, we snack on things we
> brought), a place to sleep, letting them be kids (they play a lot during the
> day! no schools...destroyed). during the day we make runs into Port au
> Prince to the hospitals and see if they have orphans that we need to take.
> they have no room for them. and as long as they are medically cleared, then
> they can come back here (they can come with clinic-level care. not hospital
> needs.) we also go to villages and do mini clinics ( :) that is
> interesting. :)
>
> i'm doing well. healthy and safe! i've been working here, seeing some
> mildly injured kids at the orphanage. other than that, been helping on the
> logistical side of things too...organizing a health office for them, helping
> them put together some sort of registration for all orphans that come, so
> that they have some way of tracking them. today i went into Port au Prince
> to go to church with a local pastor (me and three others from Global Orphan)
> and cried the whole trip. the devastation and destruction is unspeakable.
> i don't know what else to say about it... starting to wonder if i ever
> will. i mean, the smell alone is enough to make you sick. that's people's
> bodies rotting inside these buildings. and to see the buildings you are
> seeing on tv in real life is more emotional that i would have guessed it to
> be. like the palace. its absolutely staggering in real life. its
> horrific. what else can i say. and people are running out of food and
> water. really. as in...theres no more coming. apparently there is false
> information being relayed and being reported on back in the states that
> theres so much more food/water coming for these people, and the truth
> is...there is no way to get it here. containers can't come from the states
> to the D.R. and cross the border to haiti. apparently there is some
> breakdown there. so people that have figured ways around that breakdown
> (this orphanage) by using a crazy amount of manpower and time just for one
> container that will feed these kids for maybe a week or two are now being
> looked to to feed other people. in a very short time, no one will have
> anything. THAT is when things get really bad. riots, violence, more
> death. i don't even want to imagine it.
> there is a possibility i will volunteer some time at one of the local
> hospitals. they are terribly short on nurses. i will be overworked. but i
> can be of some help i think. right now, at night there are 2 or 3 nurses
> caring for some 400 patients. ALL ICU LEVEL PATIENTS. wow. i take 2 icu
> patients at home, and that's enough. here... no choice. or they will die.
> so if i can help at all...that is the goal. right now i'm helping a lot at
> the orphanage and so i'm tossing that idea around to them. it would mean me
> being campus for a period of 24-48 hours. here's the good part about that:
> sleeping (while not much) will be in tents. military presence is
> HUGE (10 or so of the 82nd airborne are outside gate, and i don't even know
> how many are inside. its very very safe. safest place in haiti right
> now.) i would eat MRE's. so that's why i'm even considering it. i would
> be in very good hands. we'll see. if that is the case, i'll let you know,
> and then you won't hear from me in a few days, because i won't have a way to
> email you. and i probably will only eat, sleep and work! :) it sounds
> like, though, that they are in desperate need of nurses, and especially
> trauma ICU background.
>
the UN has made a deal with United airlines where they are flying people > americans) home to the states
> after having served here for FREE. medical personnel get first priority. i
> think this is their way of trying to get us (medical people) in to meet some
> of the immense need.
>
> this morning i went to a church in Port au Prince. the actual structure had
> a back wall collapse, so they are not in that anymore, but the body of
> Christ is very much alive!! some 125 or so people came. of course when we
> arrived, they'd been having praise and worship and prayer for almost an
> hour. then we had some more praise SO COOL TO WORSHIP WITH THEM!!!! in 2
> languages at once. wow. andon the songs we didnt' know, i mean, just to
> hear these people praising a God that they KNOW loves them, and hears their
> cries. they praise Him because He is able. He is powerful, He is
> sovereign, and is not surprised by these events. Jesus is risen, and they
> truly find joy from these things. EVEN after what they have been through!
> wow. it was a powerful service. a lot of little haitian boys and girls
> stared as the white girl with puffy eyes cried during their praise time.
> note: the pastor at this church had two boys in school the day of the
> earthquake. the school collapsed. one son made it out by tearing his tie
> that was caught on something and escaping just in time. the other didn't.
> they still have not found him. his mother is going to look again tomorrow
> (like she has been everyday) because someone thought they had seen his
> booksack somewhere near. can you imagine? she just wants to find him. she
> knows he's dead. but just to find him. wow. and yet, the pastor gets up
> and delivers a beautiful sermon, preaching the gospel, and truly smiling,
> joyful. 14 people accepted Christ today at that service. God is at work
> BIGTIME.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Update (1/24/2010 6:56 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
This morning, we drove through Port Au Prince, it often looked and smelled like the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Some of the worst parts of the city are by Moise Vaval’s church. We arrived at 7:30 am, and their corporate prayer had been going on for an hour by then. People sat on wooden benches that had been pulled from the destroyed church building. Consistent with Haitian hospitality, we were given the place of honor underneath the only tent they had. Just a few feet away the crumbled wall of their church lay on the ground. People came from the streets to worship. The same people who had their homes destroyed, who lost loved ones. These people sang praises to the Answer. For more than two hours they worshipped the King with all their hearts. The sun beat down, they lifted their hands in praise. Buildings fell, their belief in God still stands. Lives were lost, faith was found. After the gospel was shared, 14 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. “People are turning to Jesus” Moise said. Their hope is well placed. As they walk through the Valley, Jesus is with them. You are a part of His love here. Your gifts are being delivered. Your prayers are being answered. Thank you! May God bless your heart to help. Press on!
This morning, we drove through Port Au Prince, it often looked and smelled like the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Some of the worst parts of the city are by Moise Vaval’s church. We arrived at 7:30 am, and their corporate prayer had been going on for an hour by then. People sat on wooden benches that had been pulled from the destroyed church building. Consistent with Haitian hospitality, we were given the place of honor underneath the only tent they had. Just a few feet away the crumbled wall of their church lay on the ground. People came from the streets to worship. The same people who had their homes destroyed, who lost loved ones. These people sang praises to the Answer. For more than two hours they worshipped the King with all their hearts. The sun beat down, they lifted their hands in praise. Buildings fell, their belief in God still stands. Lives were lost, faith was found. After the gospel was shared, 14 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. “People are turning to Jesus” Moise said. Their hope is well placed. As they walk through the Valley, Jesus is with them. You are a part of His love here. Your gifts are being delivered. Your prayers are being answered. Thank you! May God bless your heart to help. Press on!
Haiti Earthquake Update (1/24/2010 1:23 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
30 children have been reportedly found by the press at 2:30 am this morning in the basement of a building. The GO Project has been working to verify, assess, and care for the kids. We may have 30 more children in our care soon. We are developing a great relationship with Hospital Generale. 8 more kids needing homes. There is such a need for what we are doing. Thank you for giving. Thank you for praying!
30 children have been reportedly found by the press at 2:30 am this morning in the basement of a building. The GO Project has been working to verify, assess, and care for the kids. We may have 30 more children in our care soon. We are developing a great relationship with Hospital Generale. 8 more kids needing homes. There is such a need for what we are doing. Thank you for giving. Thank you for praying!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Haiti Rescue Update (1/23/2010 8:04 pm CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
Some days you reap. Other days you sow. An unbelievable traffic jam in Port Au Prince made the city nearly impassable. Drivers coming to get us for appointments were stymied, so today, we did a lot of sowing. Three tractor tractor trailors full of supplies were delivered. We loaded one dump truck with close to 10,000 pounds of food for our GO Project kids in other communities. Our new friends from Nebraska, Wisconsin, and New York (Carrie, Bill, and John) arrived and provided medical treatment for dozens in a nearby community. Rob Boyer’s Haitian-genius-friend, Blanchard, even found a Wi-Fi connection for us. Eureka! Yes, you heard that right. Hello, world! The ability to communicate just got a LOT easier here.
God is enabling us to build an operational system that can care for our growing number of Haitian children, independent of how fast the overall national recovery occurs. We hope macro-recovery happens quickly, but we simply can’t wait on that or depend on that. These children are too important, too precious. They are singing again tonight. We just checked on Moliva. She was in a bit of pain and needed some meds so she could sleep. It’s such a privilege to care for them in the name of Jesus with you! We love you! We’ll be in touch soon.
Some days you reap. Other days you sow. An unbelievable traffic jam in Port Au Prince made the city nearly impassable. Drivers coming to get us for appointments were stymied, so today, we did a lot of sowing. Three tractor tractor trailors full of supplies were delivered. We loaded one dump truck with close to 10,000 pounds of food for our GO Project kids in other communities. Our new friends from Nebraska, Wisconsin, and New York (Carrie, Bill, and John) arrived and provided medical treatment for dozens in a nearby community. Rob Boyer’s Haitian-genius-friend, Blanchard, even found a Wi-Fi connection for us. Eureka! Yes, you heard that right. Hello, world! The ability to communicate just got a LOT easier here.
God is enabling us to build an operational system that can care for our growing number of Haitian children, independent of how fast the overall national recovery occurs. We hope macro-recovery happens quickly, but we simply can’t wait on that or depend on that. These children are too important, too precious. They are singing again tonight. We just checked on Moliva. She was in a bit of pain and needed some meds so she could sleep. It’s such a privilege to care for them in the name of Jesus with you! We love you! We’ll be in touch soon.
Haiti Rescue Update (1/23/2010 8:54 am CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;
Joe Knittig and Adrien Lewis left this morning for the DR. Both gave their all as servants of the King and now look forward to seeing their families who have been amazing in their support of what God is doing here. Please pray for their swift and safe return.
This morning Franzie (11 year old girl) was reunited with her Dad. We loved seeing them together! He was grateful for the care she received here, and we are grateful that God used us as a safe place for Franzie during a scary time in her life. The word is getting out that we are here, and we hope for more of these family reunions as a result. We recognize each one as a blessing and a small miracle.
This morning a one-year-old boy was brought to us with burns. 80 percent of his body was raw as a result of a post-quake accident in the home caused by a kerosene lamp the family was using, because they were without elecrtricity. Our on-site nurse examined him and was able to quickly move him to the nearest hospital. Please continue to pray for God’s healing Hand to move in Haiti. We see the pain and suffering here, but we see it through the lens of Jesus Christ, who loves us, who gave Himself for us, and who commands us to love one another. I hear our children here singing His praises in the background during their morning devotional time. A beautiful sound! Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow!
Joe Knittig and Adrien Lewis left this morning for the DR. Both gave their all as servants of the King and now look forward to seeing their families who have been amazing in their support of what God is doing here. Please pray for their swift and safe return.
This morning Franzie (11 year old girl) was reunited with her Dad. We loved seeing them together! He was grateful for the care she received here, and we are grateful that God used us as a safe place for Franzie during a scary time in her life. The word is getting out that we are here, and we hope for more of these family reunions as a result. We recognize each one as a blessing and a small miracle.
This morning a one-year-old boy was brought to us with burns. 80 percent of his body was raw as a result of a post-quake accident in the home caused by a kerosene lamp the family was using, because they were without elecrtricity. Our on-site nurse examined him and was able to quickly move him to the nearest hospital. Please continue to pray for God’s healing Hand to move in Haiti. We see the pain and suffering here, but we see it through the lens of Jesus Christ, who loves us, who gave Himself for us, and who commands us to love one another. I hear our children here singing His praises in the background during their morning devotional time. A beautiful sound! Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Big Aid – All Hat and No Cattle (1/22/2010 5:04 pm CST)
Via Joe Knittig, Live from Haiti;
Little ones – orphaned or displaced - are starting to flow in from the hospitals. Thank God.
These warriors serving at the hospitals are in a terrible position. They have these children. They’re setting bones, amputating limbs, cutting in impossible conditions. They can’t keep track of them in a sea of desparate need. Trafficers are free to waltz in and sneak out with the kids who are alone.
The hospitals and camps can’t wait for big hand wringing aid groups to formulate “strategies” in endless meetings.
We went to a Child Protection “strategy” meeting with major organizations. I kid you not… The next 4 days we can, if we choose, attend meetings for hours. No thanks. We can recognize a child left alone to die. We’d rather move NOW for that child. No meetings needed. It ain’t rocket science.
So enough!!!
We’re offering an option to the hospitals to give them the help they NEED. We’re getting the word out to them.
And now the neediest of children are coming. These are mainly little ones pulled from the rubble.
The first, a little boy with an IV and barely alive. No one knew his name. He is Patient 1013. He is in danger. Broke his pelvis and back, it seems. But he’s still fighting.
Pierre has a broken femur. Stanley will likely have his arm amputated. James has a head injury. Moliva has an infection in her leg. Franzia is scarred and disfigured. Etc…
All are beautiful. And they are bonding.
What a joy they are. Keep ‘em coming hospitals. They matter to you. They matter to us.
Little ones – orphaned or displaced - are starting to flow in from the hospitals. Thank God.
These warriors serving at the hospitals are in a terrible position. They have these children. They’re setting bones, amputating limbs, cutting in impossible conditions. They can’t keep track of them in a sea of desparate need. Trafficers are free to waltz in and sneak out with the kids who are alone.
The hospitals and camps can’t wait for big hand wringing aid groups to formulate “strategies” in endless meetings.
We went to a Child Protection “strategy” meeting with major organizations. I kid you not… The next 4 days we can, if we choose, attend meetings for hours. No thanks. We can recognize a child left alone to die. We’d rather move NOW for that child. No meetings needed. It ain’t rocket science.
So enough!!!
We’re offering an option to the hospitals to give them the help they NEED. We’re getting the word out to them.
And now the neediest of children are coming. These are mainly little ones pulled from the rubble.
The first, a little boy with an IV and barely alive. No one knew his name. He is Patient 1013. He is in danger. Broke his pelvis and back, it seems. But he’s still fighting.
Pierre has a broken femur. Stanley will likely have his arm amputated. James has a head injury. Moliva has an infection in her leg. Franzia is scarred and disfigured. Etc…
All are beautiful. And they are bonding.
What a joy they are. Keep ‘em coming hospitals. They matter to you. They matter to us.
January 22, 2010 2:37pm
There was a big need with Global Orphan in Haiti for skilled medical professionals. Yesterday Carrie Davidson from Lincoln, RN working at Bryan Hospital called and offered to go immediately. She is skilled in trauma care and had planned to go before the earthquake when her plans fell through. She was completely ready! We also received a call from someone in NY who has now paid for her trip. God was definitely in this! Today, Friday 2:30 she is in the Dominican Republic airport waiting for her ride. She will be working beside other medical people from Global Orphan Project. Please pray for her and we hope to have onging communication.
New Life (1/22/2010 8:37 am CST)
From Trace Thurlby
Last night, the second baby was born at our transitional village in Croix des Bouquets. Weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz, Maliko arrived just after midnight. It brings great joy having a small part in creating a safe place for a child to enter the world.
Took a short break from logistics and inventory management to play with a child this morning. A 2 year old named Kiki just needed to be held. She’s no different than my kids or yours. The same tears, the same beautiful smile, the same need to be loved. That’s why we are here and that’s why you give. Thank you!
Last night, the second baby was born at our transitional village in Croix des Bouquets. Weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz, Maliko arrived just after midnight. It brings great joy having a small part in creating a safe place for a child to enter the world.
Took a short break from logistics and inventory management to play with a child this morning. A 2 year old named Kiki just needed to be held. She’s no different than my kids or yours. The same tears, the same beautiful smile, the same need to be loved. That’s why we are here and that’s why you give. Thank you!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A Haiti Rescue (1/21/2010 5:13 PM CST)
From Joe Knittig;
On our way home with a sweet boy with a winning smile! Welcome Pierre Pietel. Pierre has a broken femur – now casted. We promised him yesterday that we would not forget him. When he saw us today, he lit up! Today at the same hospital, a man tired to kidnap a boy. That’s happening. And that is why the transition village makes sense. Hospitals and camps are overwhelmed. They need a safe and IMMEDIATE outlet for the Pierres. We can’t wait for hand wringers to come up with “perfect” solutions. Trust me, predators don’t tarry.
Anyway, welcome little Pierre. He has a purple tee shirt and a small black plastic bag with a coloring book and snack – all given by the docs who love him. Those are his worldly possessions as he enters the exciting journey – the rest of his life. God bless you and keep you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
On our way home with a sweet boy with a winning smile! Welcome Pierre Pietel. Pierre has a broken femur – now casted. We promised him yesterday that we would not forget him. When he saw us today, he lit up! Today at the same hospital, a man tired to kidnap a boy. That’s happening. And that is why the transition village makes sense. Hospitals and camps are overwhelmed. They need a safe and IMMEDIATE outlet for the Pierres. We can’t wait for hand wringers to come up with “perfect” solutions. Trust me, predators don’t tarry.
Anyway, welcome little Pierre. He has a purple tee shirt and a small black plastic bag with a coloring book and snack – all given by the docs who love him. Those are his worldly possessions as he enters the exciting journey – the rest of his life. God bless you and keep you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Haiti Earthquake Update (1/21/2010 3:52 PM CST)
Via Joe Knittig Live from Haiti:
Just got done w a series of meetings at UN re identifying the orphans and displaced kids in a mass of humanity. And doing so in a way to prevent child trafficing, which is a serious problem in this mess.
Went well.
We’re in a position to help provide a safe, loving environment for the little ones NOW. That’s the huge need here. Risk. Urgency. Distribution. Execution. We guaranty that’s what you’ll get with GO Project. Good’s the goal. Not perfect.
We have a follow-up at UN noon tomorrow. Pray for that, please.
We’ll keep you posted.
Just got done w a series of meetings at UN re identifying the orphans and displaced kids in a mass of humanity. And doing so in a way to prevent child trafficing, which is a serious problem in this mess.
Went well.
We’re in a position to help provide a safe, loving environment for the little ones NOW. That’s the huge need here. Risk. Urgency. Distribution. Execution. We guaranty that’s what you’ll get with GO Project. Good’s the goal. Not perfect.
We have a follow-up at UN noon tomorrow. Pray for that, please.
We’ll keep you posted.
Haiti Update: 2nd Team Engaged (1/21/2010 2:15 PM CST)
Via Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:
We are starting to understand the working systems that Mike, Joe, Paul, Alan and others so quickly established. Basically we are running a small town with basic services: security, food, shelter, childcare, medical, etc. The interesting part is doing this in the middle of a third world country ravaged by earthquake on top of language and cultural differences. While we embrace the eternal importance of this work, sometimes we have to step back and smile. Today while unloading our supply truck we discovered about a ton of salami and about 40 crates of Haitian smoked herring. No, we didn’t order that. We’re not sure if the shipping company just threw that in to thank us for our business.
On a more serious note, Joe Fox, Mike Helmuth and Paul Dennison joined us today in Haiti. Beth is leading an effort to build records on all the kids we have here. Joe and Rob are at a very promising UN meeting to help find the newly orphaned. After that, Joe will go check on a great little guy named Pierre to see if we can bring him here. Pierre was orphaned and broke his leg in the quake. Adrien has coordinated the loading of trucks for one of our partners that will feed an entire town tonight. Processes and control systems are developed to handle two hundred plus more children and to do it well.
Your giving makes it all possible. Today Moise Vaval asked if we had an extra tent. A widowed Pastor’s wife lost her house and her husband. The last week she has slept in a field. Because of your generosity, we can help her! God bless you!
We are starting to understand the working systems that Mike, Joe, Paul, Alan and others so quickly established. Basically we are running a small town with basic services: security, food, shelter, childcare, medical, etc. The interesting part is doing this in the middle of a third world country ravaged by earthquake on top of language and cultural differences. While we embrace the eternal importance of this work, sometimes we have to step back and smile. Today while unloading our supply truck we discovered about a ton of salami and about 40 crates of Haitian smoked herring. No, we didn’t order that. We’re not sure if the shipping company just threw that in to thank us for our business.
On a more serious note, Joe Fox, Mike Helmuth and Paul Dennison joined us today in Haiti. Beth is leading an effort to build records on all the kids we have here. Joe and Rob are at a very promising UN meeting to help find the newly orphaned. After that, Joe will go check on a great little guy named Pierre to see if we can bring him here. Pierre was orphaned and broke his leg in the quake. Adrien has coordinated the loading of trucks for one of our partners that will feed an entire town tonight. Processes and control systems are developed to handle two hundred plus more children and to do it well.
Your giving makes it all possible. Today Moise Vaval asked if we had an extra tent. A widowed Pastor’s wife lost her house and her husband. The last week she has slept in a field. Because of your generosity, we can help her! God bless you!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Update (1/20/2010 8:00PM CST)
Via Joe Knittig live from Haiti:
Just picked up Stanley, he is pretty banged up – asleep in Beth’s arms in the car. Pierre, 10, has a busted leg. Well have to have that set tonight and come to his new home tomorrow morning. Many more Stanley’s and Peirre’s are now alive in Haiti. I’ll check in on the little guys tonight and keep posted here.
Thanks for you continued prayer and help.
Just picked up Stanley, he is pretty banged up – asleep in Beth’s arms in the car. Pierre, 10, has a busted leg. Well have to have that set tonight and come to his new home tomorrow morning. Many more Stanley’s and Peirre’s are now alive in Haiti. I’ll check in on the little guys tonight and keep posted here.
Thanks for you continued prayer and help.
Haiti Earthquake Update (1/20/2010 2:20 CST)
From Joe Knittig, live in Haiti:
While we were at the Hospital this a.m. the Lead Administrator and Doc had us leave with a little boy, orphaned, pulled from the rubble. We had to drive 2 hrs in a tap tap holding his IV bag. Barely hanging on. Don’t know his name or age. I think he’s about 4 – he’s about the same size as my little guy, Isaac. I consider today his birthday. Pray for him. Going back to the hospital to get more children orphaned by the disaster that the hospital has and cannot house. Many are injured. Doc Bill is going to be busy. Trace and Beth have arrived and are with me now. They’re like a breath of fresh air!
While we were at the Hospital this a.m. the Lead Administrator and Doc had us leave with a little boy, orphaned, pulled from the rubble. We had to drive 2 hrs in a tap tap holding his IV bag. Barely hanging on. Don’t know his name or age. I think he’s about 4 – he’s about the same size as my little guy, Isaac. I consider today his birthday. Pray for him. Going back to the hospital to get more children orphaned by the disaster that the hospital has and cannot house. Many are injured. Doc Bill is going to be busy. Trace and Beth have arrived and are with me now. They’re like a breath of fresh air!
6.1 Aftershock Hits Haiti -Update (1/20/2010 10:00 AM CST)
From Joe Knittig live in Port au Prince:
Driving through PAP to Eben Ezer hospital, a sick boy needs immediate attention, injured from the most recent aftershock. Doctors and team are readying for his arrival back at Eben Ezer. In addition to and many other kids that are in need of help that we are bringing there. There is no room in PAP hospitals for them so we are having to begin taking these kids and help as best we can.
Continue to pray for Haiti
Driving through PAP to Eben Ezer hospital, a sick boy needs immediate attention, injured from the most recent aftershock. Doctors and team are readying for his arrival back at Eben Ezer. In addition to and many other kids that are in need of help that we are bringing there. There is no room in PAP hospitals for them so we are having to begin taking these kids and help as best we can.
Continue to pray for Haiti
6.1 Aftershock Hits Haiti -Update (1/20/2010 6:46 AM CST)
From Joe Knittig live in Haiti
We’re on our way to Carrefour, got a late start because a 6.1 earthquake hit a little while ago (Eben Ezer is fine). Entering the heart of Port au Prince now. We’ll keep you posted on further damage due to the new quake.
We’re on our way to Carrefour, got a late start because a 6.1 earthquake hit a little while ago (Eben Ezer is fine). Entering the heart of Port au Prince now. We’ll keep you posted on further damage due to the new quake.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Update from Haiti (1/19/2010 6:52 PM CST)
From Joe Knittig in Croix des Bouguets, Haiti
36 more children showed up this afternoon to the transitional orphan village we have set up, I’m in the truck with 15 more right now, That’s 87 from one devastated community (where Moise’s church is). Not sure all the kids are “orphans” as we might think of them. What I am sure of is that all are in serious trouble and are without help. We’re confident that many of these kids can be reunited with family through the church when the dust settles.
Pray for that.
We’ll pick up the pace a bit tomorrow on penetrating the make-shift refugee camps. Kids who have lost parents are flocking there. They’re just hard to get in to with the mass of humanity. The air in PAP is brutal.
36 more children showed up this afternoon to the transitional orphan village we have set up, I’m in the truck with 15 more right now, That’s 87 from one devastated community (where Moise’s church is). Not sure all the kids are “orphans” as we might think of them. What I am sure of is that all are in serious trouble and are without help. We’re confident that many of these kids can be reunited with family through the church when the dust settles.
Pray for that.
We’ll pick up the pace a bit tomorrow on penetrating the make-shift refugee camps. Kids who have lost parents are flocking there. They’re just hard to get in to with the mass of humanity. The air in PAP is brutal.
Update from Haiti (1/19/2010 3:35 PM CST)
One of the two trucks filled with water and food our field team has put to use as a cavan between the Dominican and our Transitional Orphan Village in Croix des Bouguets, Haiti. With so many images of devastation its fantastic to see real help getting to where it needs to go! No doubt that its a great deal of work to make this happen but somehow our team is making it all work well.
Also, an interesting article posted about how critical our transitional orphan village is and will be in the days ahead. Read it here>>
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100119/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_haiti_orphans
Also, an interesting article posted about how critical our transitional orphan village is and will be in the days ahead. Read it here>>
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100119/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_haiti_orphans
Live from Haiti (1/19/2010 9:00 am CST)
Our next two ‘food and supply’ trucks arrived from the DR this morning, it is perfect timing! Because, we have more children arriving at our transition village in Croix des Bouguets. Our team will be adding more and more kids because there are so many without parents, relatives, food, shelter in Port Au Prince.
Some of the team is riding is a broken down, bald tired, raggedy Suzuki to deliver food and water to a local orphanage of 151 children who are bone dry and without anything.
In addition to the desperate need for more food and water for orphans, they also need folks who will love on them and help them to recover and rejoice again. We’ll be updating our trips page on the web site with upcoming trips starting in February – they need you.
Some of the team is riding is a broken down, bald tired, raggedy Suzuki to deliver food and water to a local orphanage of 151 children who are bone dry and without anything.
In addition to the desperate need for more food and water for orphans, they also need folks who will love on them and help them to recover and rejoice again. We’ll be updating our trips page on the web site with upcoming trips starting in February – they need you.
Haiti Update from Joe--our on ground partner.(1/18/2010 10:00 pm CST)
I felt the most at risk in the wee hours of the morning. Not on the streets. Not in an aftershock. But in a truck with 10 others. We were flying on a road heading north and a horse ambled out on the road… And stopped! We rubbed that horse’s bottom as we whizzed by.
Today was a day of prep for the next wave. We’re planning to scale the transitional orphan village. A lot of planning must occur on the fly. We are ready to rock.
As I write this, the kids are playing buckets as drums, singing, and dancing.
Look, the people here aren’t thugs. Hungry? Hurting? Heartbroken? Oui. But also helpful, hopeful, and humble. Look at these kids’ eyes and you’ll see. Feel their breath on your cheek when they crash in your arms. Listen to them rejoice. There is good news. You are investing in children here and in your own hearts.
We vow to keep telling you the good news.
I’m beat. I have a chance to slip in a bit of sleep and I’m taking it. I’ll get up early and give you more substance. What’s needed for the transition village? What else is needed? What about coming to serve? All that and more.
Goodnight.
Joe
P.S. To Dan Southerland. We connected with your buddy’s orphanage in PAP. 151 kids. One of their homes fell. They have some food. But they’ll go bone dry on water by tomorrow night. We’re bringing them water in the morning.
Today was a day of prep for the next wave. We’re planning to scale the transitional orphan village. A lot of planning must occur on the fly. We are ready to rock.
As I write this, the kids are playing buckets as drums, singing, and dancing.
Look, the people here aren’t thugs. Hungry? Hurting? Heartbroken? Oui. But also helpful, hopeful, and humble. Look at these kids’ eyes and you’ll see. Feel their breath on your cheek when they crash in your arms. Listen to them rejoice. There is good news. You are investing in children here and in your own hearts.
We vow to keep telling you the good news.
I’m beat. I have a chance to slip in a bit of sleep and I’m taking it. I’ll get up early and give you more substance. What’s needed for the transition village? What else is needed? What about coming to serve? All that and more.
Goodnight.
Joe
P.S. To Dan Southerland. We connected with your buddy’s orphanage in PAP. 151 kids. One of their homes fell. They have some food. But they’ll go bone dry on water by tomorrow night. We’re bringing them water in the morning.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday eve update
A team will be leaving out of Kansas City on Saturday. If you are a doctor and would like to go please respond to this blog immediately.
You all are an amazing Nebraska GO Project family. The giving is tremendous – we are awestruck by your generosity. Please keep sharing the story – as our partner in Haiti shared last night ‘We’ll likely bring in hundreds more in the coming days, and, God willing, take care of many more than that in damaged and ravaged orphanages. If resources allowed, we could take into permanent care many thousands of orphans.’ You can make that happen!
You all are an amazing Nebraska GO Project family. The giving is tremendous – we are awestruck by your generosity. Please keep sharing the story – as our partner in Haiti shared last night ‘We’ll likely bring in hundreds more in the coming days, and, God willing, take care of many more than that in damaged and ravaged orphanages. If resources allowed, we could take into permanent care many thousands of orphans.’ You can make that happen!
The Reality of the Orphan situation
Moise’s Prayer (1/18/2010 7:30 am CST)
Moise runs one of the Global Orphan orphanages and lost his young son in the school that collapsed.
From the rubble at Jean-Marc’s school, here are the verses Moise shared;
Psalm 34:1-7 ‘I will praise the Lord at all times; his praise is always on my lips. My whole being praises the Lord. The poor will hear and be glad. Glorify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together. I asked the Lord for help, and he answered me. He saved me from all that I feared. Those who go to him for help are happy, and they are never disgraced. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear God, and he saves them.’
A Note from Joe (Joe is the director of Global Orphan)(1/17/2010 10:00 pm CST)
Last night we distributed food in PAP until 3:00 am this morning. We went to an orphanage that was destroyed, but all the children survived. They were under a tarp with no food and water. When we arrived late at night, their caretaker was praying for food. Imagine his excitement when an old beater pulled up in the middle of the night with provisions.
I had the blessing of staying with Moise at his church in a rough area of Port Au Prince. Hard hit. The church building didn’t make it. The church body sure did. The group went thru the area waking up mothers (most of whom who were sleeping amidst sewage with their children) and giving them food. Some praised God saying, “manna!” Then we all laid on the ground at the church watching choppers fly, and slept a couple hours.
This morning at 6 am, we went with Moise to Jean-Marc’s school. We know that JM’s little brother, Moise Jr., narrowly made it out. He got his belt stuck in the door. He ripped it off and escaped by a whisper. JM would never leave in front of his responsibility. And he didn’t on Tuesday. This morning Moise honored JM and the Lord. He climbed atop the rubble, and read Psalm 34: 1-7
praising the Lord always.
And the day just started…
Andrew, Paul and Pete continued their amazing work keeping the DR pipeline moving. Mike and Adrien readied for a medical team and supplies. I got to go to church with Moise. Really, we just picked up the blankets and worshipped. This group – who has lost so much – praised Jesus to a fevered pitch. They then took to the streets singing and dancing. And hundreds more joined the procession. They are so certain that Jesus is who He said, that nothing – not even the pain and stench of death – can move them.
The rest of the day was almost too much to handle.
We set up a medical clinic at Moise’s church. Instantly, we got jammed with need. Infections. Gangrene. Too much.
The climax of the day was that we launched the transition site for hurting PAP children at our base camp at Croix de Bouquet. We brought in the first truckload of 38 children tonight.
As we refine the process, we’ll likely bring in hundreds more in the coming days, and, God willing, take care of many more than that in damaged and ravaged orphanages. If resources allowed, we could take into permanent care many thousands of orphans.
The process of getting the children is brutal. There are probably hundreds of thousands of parents sleeping in urine soaked trash who’d give their left arms for someone to take their children – because the kids are fading and getting sick. We have to select the orphans and highly vulnerable children in our path, and turn away from so many. Such are the decisions to be made minute by minute. Not heroic; just tough reality right now.
Tomorrow we’ll let you know more detail on need. Here’s a foreshadow:
1. keep spreading the word and raising funds – that dictates speed and scope.
2. we’ll start planning for teams to go – needing your service here (particularly at the transition site).
3. we’ll likely need 10-15 churches, businesses, families to sponsor a village to take care of the orphans we’ll need to permanently place.
You all amaze us. You continue to move the chains. There are too many of you to thank, individually. Please, keep it up. You are making a huge difference!
Let me close with this. Praise God. We started the transition village and fed so many orphans and hurting children just today. A special day. Today is Jean-Marc’s 9th birthday.
Happy Birthday, Jean-Marc Vaval. The Lord is using you to keep us strong so that many children may live.
Joe
Moise runs one of the Global Orphan orphanages and lost his young son in the school that collapsed.
From the rubble at Jean-Marc’s school, here are the verses Moise shared;
Psalm 34:1-7 ‘I will praise the Lord at all times; his praise is always on my lips. My whole being praises the Lord. The poor will hear and be glad. Glorify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together. I asked the Lord for help, and he answered me. He saved me from all that I feared. Those who go to him for help are happy, and they are never disgraced. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear God, and he saves them.’
A Note from Joe (Joe is the director of Global Orphan)(1/17/2010 10:00 pm CST)
Last night we distributed food in PAP until 3:00 am this morning. We went to an orphanage that was destroyed, but all the children survived. They were under a tarp with no food and water. When we arrived late at night, their caretaker was praying for food. Imagine his excitement when an old beater pulled up in the middle of the night with provisions.
I had the blessing of staying with Moise at his church in a rough area of Port Au Prince. Hard hit. The church building didn’t make it. The church body sure did. The group went thru the area waking up mothers (most of whom who were sleeping amidst sewage with their children) and giving them food. Some praised God saying, “manna!” Then we all laid on the ground at the church watching choppers fly, and slept a couple hours.
This morning at 6 am, we went with Moise to Jean-Marc’s school. We know that JM’s little brother, Moise Jr., narrowly made it out. He got his belt stuck in the door. He ripped it off and escaped by a whisper. JM would never leave in front of his responsibility. And he didn’t on Tuesday. This morning Moise honored JM and the Lord. He climbed atop the rubble, and read Psalm 34: 1-7
praising the Lord always.
And the day just started…
Andrew, Paul and Pete continued their amazing work keeping the DR pipeline moving. Mike and Adrien readied for a medical team and supplies. I got to go to church with Moise. Really, we just picked up the blankets and worshipped. This group – who has lost so much – praised Jesus to a fevered pitch. They then took to the streets singing and dancing. And hundreds more joined the procession. They are so certain that Jesus is who He said, that nothing – not even the pain and stench of death – can move them.
The rest of the day was almost too much to handle.
We set up a medical clinic at Moise’s church. Instantly, we got jammed with need. Infections. Gangrene. Too much.
The climax of the day was that we launched the transition site for hurting PAP children at our base camp at Croix de Bouquet. We brought in the first truckload of 38 children tonight.
As we refine the process, we’ll likely bring in hundreds more in the coming days, and, God willing, take care of many more than that in damaged and ravaged orphanages. If resources allowed, we could take into permanent care many thousands of orphans.
The process of getting the children is brutal. There are probably hundreds of thousands of parents sleeping in urine soaked trash who’d give their left arms for someone to take their children – because the kids are fading and getting sick. We have to select the orphans and highly vulnerable children in our path, and turn away from so many. Such are the decisions to be made minute by minute. Not heroic; just tough reality right now.
Tomorrow we’ll let you know more detail on need. Here’s a foreshadow:
1. keep spreading the word and raising funds – that dictates speed and scope.
2. we’ll start planning for teams to go – needing your service here (particularly at the transition site).
3. we’ll likely need 10-15 churches, businesses, families to sponsor a village to take care of the orphans we’ll need to permanently place.
You all amaze us. You continue to move the chains. There are too many of you to thank, individually. Please, keep it up. You are making a huge difference!
Let me close with this. Praise God. We started the transition village and fed so many orphans and hurting children just today. A special day. Today is Jean-Marc’s 9th birthday.
Happy Birthday, Jean-Marc Vaval. The Lord is using you to keep us strong so that many children may live.
Joe
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday evening -- moving children from Port au Prince
Right now our Global Orphan partners are driving trucks from Port Au Prince to Croix de Bouquet filled with children who will be cared for at the new Orphan Village there. They shared it was tense and very emotional finding all these little ones scared and alone. It is a new beginning. More to come.
Orphan relief and rescue update
We are entering a new phase of our work in Haiti. Everywhere the team goes, they encounter numbers upon numbers of children wandering around – lost, vulnerable, hurting emotionally and physically, not knowing where to go or who to turn to. The refugee camps are ‘tough places’. We're going to create a transitional Orphan Village in Croix de Boquets for orphaned and displaced children. The purpose – to care for them while we work out their future. For some, they might be re-connected with relatives. For others, they might stay with the church family, and for others – we will need to build homes for them in Haiti. This village will also include newly widowed mom’s with children who need help for their kids for a time. We don’t know how many we’ll encounter, and feel this will be significant.
What can you do? A lot! Immediately, we need to get tents, mats, generators, more food, water and medical supplies to Croix for all of these children. Right now, that means we need funds to purchase them. Please Please give generously to our Haiti Relief Fund – 100% will go to this. In the next weeks and months we'll need clinicians and people who love kids to go and care at this village – we'll post more about this in the weeks ahead. We’ll have specific supply needs and will look to churches and groups to be able to fill containers with needed supplies that we’ll ship – more later on this.
And, please keep praying – it is impossible to overestimate the power of your prayers for these children and our team!
What can you do? A lot! Immediately, we need to get tents, mats, generators, more food, water and medical supplies to Croix for all of these children. Right now, that means we need funds to purchase them. Please Please give generously to our Haiti Relief Fund – 100% will go to this. In the next weeks and months we'll need clinicians and people who love kids to go and care at this village – we'll post more about this in the weeks ahead. We’ll have specific supply needs and will look to churches and groups to be able to fill containers with needed supplies that we’ll ship – more later on this.
And, please keep praying – it is impossible to overestimate the power of your prayers for these children and our team!
Newly orphaned children
Our partners and facilitators of our orphan home spent the night outside in Port-au-Prince. Today they will be figuring out how to set up a transition center for newly orphaned children. I can't even imagine the trauma these children have just gone through, seeing and knowing family have just died, and they have no one. We are so happy Joe Knittig and Mike Fox are there. You can be assured they are bringing in every child they see that needs help.
Continue to pray diligently for the Heaton's daughters and all the children at their orphanaga, for Jamie and Ali who are caring for them. They need food and water and the US government to give the final OK for them to leave.
Continue to pray diligently for the Heaton's daughters and all the children at their orphanaga, for Jamie and Ali who are caring for them. They need food and water and the US government to give the final OK for them to leave.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Update: Our partners on the ground in Port-au-Prince
Our partner facilitating support and care to our orphans plus another 1600 children are on the ground now in Port-au-Prince. After flying into the Dominican Republic and loading 2 trucks yesterday with food and water they are now trying to make deliveries to all the kids. This is very difficult of course because roads are blocked and gas is in short supply. We know that the kids in one of the orphanages in Port-au-Prince will be moved because of rubbage and stench. The pastor that ran this orphanage had a son attending school when the earthquake hit. We just got word that they believe he has gone home to be with Jesus. The family is asking for prayer.
We still know that our orphans at Fayeton are ok, but again food and water will be in short supply and at a premium for them too....plus just getting it there will be extremely difficult.
Please continue to pray for the relief efforts and encourage anyone to donate at our Website. The greatest need now is funds to purchase food and water. Please contribute to our relief fund to support this.
We still know that our orphans at Fayeton are ok, but again food and water will be in short supply and at a premium for them too....plus just getting it there will be extremely difficult.
Please continue to pray for the relief efforts and encourage anyone to donate at our Website. The greatest need now is funds to purchase food and water. Please contribute to our relief fund to support this.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Answered Prayers & Prayer Requests
ANSWERED PRAYERS :This update in at 6:16PM from our partners in Haiti. Dony St. Germain ( the Pastor that oversees the orphanages ) made it to Port Au Prince today. He states that our homes and children in Gonaives are well. Praise the Lord ! Please continue to pray as he also shares that the devastation in Port Au Prince is "horrific with dead bodies on the ground, people sleeping in the streets, no water and no food." The destruction of the infrastructure in Port Au Prince will have a negative impact on the ability to provide food and water to our children in Gonaives. Prayerfully this situation will improve quickly.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
This recent update on the Heaton children.
Status on children and nannies is unchanged. They are out of food and water and in need of shelter. Anderson Cooper of CNN is on his way trying to find the children. When he does he will put the precious faces on the news for their families here to see them and connect Jaime and Ali with their families.
People back here have private airplanes willing to pick them all up if Washington can make it happen to get them out of country.
PRAYERS:
Prayers needed that Mr. Cooper finds them soon with supplies. Also that it hits major media outlets and the story is picked up and broadcast as far and as wide as possible.
Pray that God moves the hearts of those in Washington to cut through the red tape and at least get those children out of there.
Pray for continue protection of the nannies and the children. Everyone is running out of food and water and in parts riots have started only matter of time before they start there.
We serve an AMAZING GOD!! Only He could have made this all possible! So praises are indeed needed. Please help us in continued prayers to bring everyone home safely.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
This recent update on the Heaton children.
Status on children and nannies is unchanged. They are out of food and water and in need of shelter. Anderson Cooper of CNN is on his way trying to find the children. When he does he will put the precious faces on the news for their families here to see them and connect Jaime and Ali with their families.
People back here have private airplanes willing to pick them all up if Washington can make it happen to get them out of country.
PRAYERS:
Prayers needed that Mr. Cooper finds them soon with supplies. Also that it hits major media outlets and the story is picked up and broadcast as far and as wide as possible.
Pray that God moves the hearts of those in Washington to cut through the red tape and at least get those children out of there.
Pray for continue protection of the nannies and the children. Everyone is running out of food and water and in parts riots have started only matter of time before they start there.
We serve an AMAZING GOD!! Only He could have made this all possible! So praises are indeed needed. Please help us in continued prayers to bring everyone home safely.
Heaton update
The Heatons were co-founders of The Nebraska Global Orphan Project. So many of you are asking about the news about the two girls (ages 2 and almost 8) the Heatons are adopting, who are currently in Haiti. The Heaton girls were actually in an orphanage in Port-au-Prince awaiting adoption. (This is not the same orphanage that we support that has 250 children.We still have not received word on those children.) The Heatons have received word that the girls survived the earthquake. They are currently with the two American women who run the orphange. Scott and Kristin have been told that they are not able to be in the house they were currently living in and that they do not have food and water. They have been told that Anderson Cooper from CNN, who is currently reporting from Haiti has heard about the American women who run the orphanage and the dire situation they are in. Reportedly he is making his way to this orphanage to try to help. In addition, the Heatons are being interviewed this afternoon by Channel 7 out of Omaha and Channel 8 here in Lincoln. Many of you will want to know about this and tune in to see what they are doing to try to get help to their girls.
Earthquake in Haiti
The Nebraska Global Orphan Project was very saddened to learn about the most recent natural disaster, a massive earthquake that happened on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 12, 2010. We have such a love for Haiti and the people there and have gotten involved with financially supporting an orphanage called Fayeton with 250 children. We visited this summer in July and came back and made our committment to these children for $150,000 per year for the next three years. Our hope is that the orphanage can be self-sustaining after three years as the children get older and can become involved in economic development. At this time we have not been able to confirm their safety. They are some distance from the epicenter of the earthquake and we are hoping and praying that they are alright. Even in normal circumstances food and clean drinking water have to be delivered to them on a weekly basis. With the conditions in Haiti this may be a challenge at this time. You can see video of these precious children on our website at www.theNebraskaglobalorphanproject.org
Our partners from Kansas City, The Global Orphan Project (formerly C3) are en route to Haiti to check on all of the children they are responsible for in Haiti, (just over 2,000) and to provide assistance wherever they can. Joe Knittig is one of those people en route. They also traveled to Haiti to do first-responder efforts after the hurricanes in 2008. They will most definetely run into more orphans that will add to their numbers just as they did after the hurricanes.
Once they get to Haiti and are able to travel around to the different orphanges we will start to get information back that we can put on our blog to keep everyone informed and up to date. We have had so many asking the status of the children and this blog will be the easiest way to communicate with everyone who is interested. As we know more we will post more. Thank you your interest in the safety of these precious children.
Our partners from Kansas City, The Global Orphan Project (formerly C3) are en route to Haiti to check on all of the children they are responsible for in Haiti, (just over 2,000) and to provide assistance wherever they can. Joe Knittig is one of those people en route. They also traveled to Haiti to do first-responder efforts after the hurricanes in 2008. They will most definetely run into more orphans that will add to their numbers just as they did after the hurricanes.
Once they get to Haiti and are able to travel around to the different orphanges we will start to get information back that we can put on our blog to keep everyone informed and up to date. We have had so many asking the status of the children and this blog will be the easiest way to communicate with everyone who is interested. As we know more we will post more. Thank you your interest in the safety of these precious children.
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