Distribution Centres set up in Haiti | News
January 20, 2010
Just after daybreak this morning, a powerful 6.1 aftershock struck Haiti, creating panic among the people and rattling already shattered buildings. There have been many aftershocks since last week’s 7.0 earthquake, but this is the strongest. The UN reports that the overall security situation is stable, although there is localized violence and looting. As the nation continues to navigate this horrific disaster, Feed the Hungry is on the ground to meet the growing need for aid.
FTH has set up four distribution points; three in Petionville (a densely populated section of Port au Prince where some of the worst damage from the quake was found) and one in Cite Soleil, the notorious slum district of lower Port au Prince, where Pastor Astrel Vincent has dedicated years of time, treasure, and talent to lift lives young and old to new planes of promise and dignity.
Pastor Vincent has about 200 families camped in the church yard – families who were desperately poor before the disaster and have now lost the very little they had in this earthquake.
As you watch the news, it is often said that the Haitians are a resilient people. What does that actually look like? Stefan Radelich, FTH team leader of the Haiti relief effort, witnessed it like this:
“It's a mix of shock, sadness, heaviness that'll come in a flash... and then hope, faith, and joy that swells as the Haitian people erupt in prayer, and grateful, grateful praise as they appreciate what they have... not what they have lost. One mother in the med clinic lost three of her four children; in the sadness, her authentic expressions of praise for the life of one child saved is a wonder to witness. But again, there in the reality of the moment, faith trumps tragedy. Moms, dads and kids with nothing more than the tarp over their heads happy to have each other and to be alive.” (To read Stefan’s blog please log on to fthblogspot.com)
Feed the Hungry echoes the sentiment of Canadian Minister of Defense, Peter McKay, who said today, “we consider it our duty to assist in this time of need.” To this end we continue to pray for the peace and safety of Haiti, and we continue to work hard to bring hope and dignity through relief aid made possible by the generous support of willing and compassionate partners.
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