16th Episcopal District News Update No. 6 – 2010 Haiti Earthquake Relief
AME Church Family:
In less than five days it will be one month since a devastating earthquake hit Haiti and forever changed the lives of our Haitian sisters and brothers. The 16th Episcopal District family pauses now to thank the African Methodist Episcopal Church and her leadership for the outpouring of prayers, love and giving which continues to be extended on behalf of the Haiti Conference as well as the people and families of Haiti. The emergency and immediate needs forces are yet on the ground and restricted entry into the country is still the order of the day. This restricted protocol prohibits us from getting into Haiti to provide the necessary support and make an accurate assessment of restoration needs.
As you are aware, the 24 hour television coverage has disappeared and Haiti is no longer the lead story that keeps its tragedy before the public. However, the fact remains, Haiti has suffered a great tragedy, and to rebuild it will take all of us. You have kept us in your prayers and we are grateful. You have sent donations through the AME Church Finance Department and /or Global Witness and Missions or directly to the 16th District. We thank you for your generosity. You have expressed your selfless interest by volunteering your time to come to Haiti to help with the recovery effort; or asking to be placed on the “Adopt a Haitian Family” list; and offering to send materials and supplies.
During the next several weeks Supervisor Claytie and I, along with the Presiding Elders, Pastors and Lay leadership of the Haiti Conference, will complete an assessment of the communities impacted by the earthquake. Subsequently, we will prioritize areas for relief and rehabilitation in partnership with SADA and Dr. George Flowers. Teams of AME Volunteers from across the Connection and the 16th Episcopal District will be integral in the long-term recovery of the church communities in Haiti. Opportunities will soon be available to come and help in meaningful ways.
In the short-term, we, along with SADA, two AME doctors from the Dominican Republic, and a host of national and international relief organizations and technical specialists have been addressing the immediate needs of providing emergency aid of food, water, shelter and medical care.
While we have a first glance report from Presiding Elder Mehu, shown below, on the status of our families, churches and schools, we are still seeking assessments and needing professional evaluations to determine the extent of all the damages. Until this evaluation process is completed, suitable projects and assignments for volunteer teams wishing to contribute to the recovery effort cannot be identified.
Please continue to communicate with us your interest in volunteering for the recovery effort to Sis. Winifee Charles-Lawrence - winifee@yahoo.com ; or Sis. Sandra Pyke-Anthony - sandrapykeanthony@ymail.com ; or Sis. Madelyn Johnson - madjohnson@msqpc.org. We will contact you concerning the recovery projects as soon as they are identified. Commercial flights into Haiti are currently suspended (latest projection which changes daily, is February 26th) and all non-government sanctioned travel into Haiti must be done via the neighboring Dominican Republic.
Thank you again for continuing to pray for Haiti and to support us in this time of great need as we work together to build a “NEW” Haiti.
Blessings and Peace,
Bishop Sarah Davis
