HAITI Update ~ A note from Greg Prairie, Executive Director

March 19, 2010 ~ Our efforts to assist with the much needed relief for the people of Haiti have begun.  Last week we met with Rev. Wilson, a Haitian National  and pastor of Eglise Communion De La Manne Evangelique D'Haiti, WI (Manna Fellowship Evangelical Church of Haiti, WI). I had been in Haiti with Pastor Wilson when the earthquake struck. During his visit here with us last week, he informed us that there are a great number of people who are "Coming Back to God" in his country.  Yes, their needs are great and the obstacles are tremendous, but the opportunities for God's people to help, encourage, and reach out to our brothers and sisters right in our own backyards are amazing and unimaginable.  We're excited for how God will use us!!  Pastor Wilson's church in Petionville and his various satellite locations are in great need of resources including medical supplies and care, food, clothing, psychological and counseling needs, etc.  Eight weeks now since the earthquake, there is still much rubble that has not been cleared away.  Their church building is no longer safe to use and they are meeting outdoors!  Most families in this area have lost everything and are living in tents, including some of the pastors from the church.  Rebuilding of homes has not yet been approved by the government as they are still experiencing regular aftershocks.

Touch the World is sending 3 teams from May through July to assist Pastor Wilson and his 1100+ member congregation with their needs, as well as their satellite location in the area of Jacmel.  Anyone with medical, psychology or counseling abilities would be very useful on these teams, but also anyone who just has a heart to minister and reach out to our dear brothers and sisters in this poorest country in the western hemisphere is welcome to sign up.

To sign up for a group trip, or to set up a group trip through TTW with your group, go to the top menu under "Short Term Missions" and point to "group trips/current trips/Haiti".  You may also contact us at haitirelief@touchtheworld.org.  We would welcome your financial contributions as we seek to bring encouragement and relief to Pastor Wilson who is on the ground and in the trenches, working tirelessly in the strength and joy of the Lord to bring God's hope and love to his people.  Please send your check payable to "Touch the World" to: Touch the World Ministries, 1 Maple Street, Allendale, NJ 07401 ATT: HAITI Relief

View Pastor Wilson's testimony (click here)

Isaiah 43:18-19

"Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past,

See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."  (NIV)