Greetings my friend!
I trust this finds you well and blessed by the Lord. I am sending
this to you because perhaps you have participated in the ministry of Pathfinder
Mission in some form over the years….Mississippi, Jacmel or Jeremie Haiti, or
perhaps with us here in Texas. Or you may have an interest in the BLOGS I write. For the past 4 years we have been based
out of Pasadena, Texas (think Houston) serving families who have been ravaged
by hurricanes, tropical storms, and winter storm freezes. This week we
began work on our 37th home repair for this year in the Houston metroplex.
At the same time, we have continued to support work in Haiti through
partnerships with Haitian pastors and U.S. based organizations – building homes
in the mountains and supporting schools.
I am certain you know about the earthquake in Haiti last month. At least 2,207 people were confirmed killed as of 22 August and more than 12,000 injured. At least 136,800 buildings were damaged or destroyed. UNICEF estimates more than half a million children were affected. That was followed by a tropical storm in the same area. I am also certain that you are aware that the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in July. Haiti is in turmoil having received a left, a right, and an uppercut. All of that in the midst of the COVID epidemic.
Our dear friend and partner in the Gospel, Pastor Marc Cloveus, who leads Christ for All church in Jacmel Haiti, contacted me about a trip he had organized to help bring food and comfort to the people in Camp Perrin. No matter the country, typically resources and aide are focused on the larger population centers after a disaster. Camp Perrin is a smaller community, on the way between Jeremie and Les Cayes. Pathfinder has always focused on the more rural areas in Haiti – the forgotten areas, so I was immediately interested in what he had to say. Pastor Marc told me about a pastor and his family in Camp Perrin whose home was destroyed in the earthquake. There is not home owners insurance in Haiti – the country does not have a FEMA or Corps of Engineers to turn to after a disaster. The country lacks infrastructure. So, to the point, when a family loses their home – there is no capacity to replace it. In Matthew 25, the question was asked of Jesus, “Lord when did we see you?” His answer, “When you did (or did not do ) it to the least of these, you did (or did not do ) it to Me.”
Pastor Marc and Pathfinder Mission have agreed to help some families rebuild their homes. Homes that will be more earthquake resistant. Homes that are not made of fragile cement blocks. When complete every home will have a toilet and a simple rain catch system. And of course, each house will be wrapped with a Gospel bow.
Pastor Marc is taking a small team of builders this weekend to assess the pastor’s home and provide an estimate on the cost of the rebuild. My initial estimate is $1500 to $2000. But that is more of a mark on the wall until the true cost is known. I am not asking you to provide the total cost of a home, unless the Lord should lay that on your heart – but I am asking you to help in some way. I don’t know how many homes we will rebuild. I do know that where God guides, God provides.
Please pray about joining us in this effort. Helping Haitians to help Haitians. I have included a link to our website’s donation page or you can send a check to the address below (write Haiti Earthquake in the memo field). Let me know of your decision by sending me a private message. God Bless You.
Pathfinder
Mission
4808
Fairmont Parkway, #302
Pasadena,
TX 77505
Charley
Charles Elgin | Executive Director
Pathfinder
Mission
No comments:
Post a Comment