Calvary Chapel Port-au-Prince
We have a story from Calvary Chapel Port-au-Prince where they have a church, school, and orphanage. All three buildings were destroyed in the earthquake - but God was so gracious in that none of the children or staff were killed. Please pray for them as they have cleared an area for the children to sleep. They are currently sleeping on mats and blankets outside. Also pray that they will be able to get water and food for themselves and for the children at the orphanage.
Betty and Bastia - Calvary Chapel Hinche, Haiti
Bastia and I were both in Port au Prince when the earthquake took place. Bastia dropped me off at a grocery store to do some shopping while he and our friend TiJean went across the street to get their hair cut. Within 10 minutes of being in the grocery store, I felt the floor start to tremble. I remember thinking, “This feels like an earthquake, but Haiti doesn’t have earthquakes”. As I looked up, the ceiling tiles were trembling. Underneath me, the trembling increased where I could not stand, so I knelt down on the floor, covered my head, and prayed. The trembling increased and the lights went out. It was pitch black everywhere. I heard people screaming and the sound of people trying to run to get out of the building as ceiling tiles fell and things fell off the shelves. All around me, I was aware that things were falling, but nothing touched me. The tremors stopped, and the first thing I tried to do was try to call Bastia from my cell phone. No answer, just a recorded message in Creole. Same thing the second attempt. I was aware that there was a woman behind me. “Are you OK?” I asked. “Yes”. I said, “Don’t be afraid, Jesus is with us.” I told her to follow me, and with the light of my cell phone, we carefully and slowly began crossing the debris to exit the building. As I exited, I looked everywhere for Bastia. And then, right there in front of me, there he was along with TiJean. I cannot explain the relief and joy to see his face.
Bastia had a more harrowing experience. It was a huge cement building and he and TiJean were sitting in the barber chairs when the tremors began. TiJean fell on the way out, but got out before the building collapsed. Bastia was not able to get out and a huge slab of cement fell down right above him and stopped right above his head. I personally believe Gods’ angels were holding up the cement to not crush him. He saw no way to get out, but then found a hole to crawl through and escaped. This morning, when we drove by the same barber shop, it had totally collapsed, and Bastia would have died if that had happened while he was in the building. Once out, he and TiJean came immediately to find me.
We are praising God continuously for His protection and deliverance. Thank you for all who pray for us. God has a plan and nothing will stop it.
The situation in PAP is severe. Many people are trapped in buildings of which almost all are made of cement. This morning there were wounded, bleeding people everywhere, and dead people on the streets who were covered with a shirt or sheet. There was little vehicle traffic and literally thousands of people walked the streets looking at the damage and searching for their loved ones.
One hospital was completely destroyed. We took a truckload of injured people to the hospital. There was hardly a place left on the hospital grounds to even put them. The hospital was full and there were no medical personnel seen outside. One beautiful young girl was dying before my very eyes as the young man with her looked at me and said, “She’s dying.” There were cries and wails of pain everywhere.
Schools throughout the entire country are closed till further notice. The presidents’ house has been destroyed as well as the police station, hospital, schools, many businesses, homes,etc.
No one here ever recalls Haiti having had a severe earthquake like this. In Caneille and Hinche, light tremors were felt, but no damage. The light tremors hit Caneille and Hinche before PAP, and the people of Caneille said they were praying for us fervently and relentlessly.
We arrived back in Hinche this afternoon and are trying to stock up on food, gas, and culligan water. Everything originates from PAP and we expect prices to skyrocket and things to be unavailable.
Please continue to pray for us and Haiti, especially those impacted by the earthquake. God is sovereign, God is good, and He has a plan for each one. We pray for many to be saved through this present affliction. Thank you for your love and prayers. We are living proof that they make a difference. To God be the glory! Sorry we are not able to respond to each one of you individually due to the overwhelming number of e-mails we have received. We are so blessed to be loved like that!
With grateful hearts, Betty and Bastia
Pastor Jay in Port-au-Prince
Beloved,
Yesterday was extremely stressed as we began to uncover debree and get reports of those who died. We have incurred great loss and my heart is heavy with grief. The father of my God child has died. Pastor Estins youngest son has died. Pastor Kenold's wife has died. Long time teacher Mr. Mark died...on and on. Staff and friends are all burying their dead.
I have a way to send out American staff today and will do so. I will stay until..... I could use 2-4 men to come in and labor in support. I must know them, they must be submitted and they must be able to tough it out with little to nothing..... Let me know....Please keep us in prayer.
At present we are coordinating with organizations to get relief on the ground. Very busy. Very overwhelming. . The busy ness is intense but It does keep you from thinking on the negative and pushing to what God wants to do. We're now coming into the time where we will have no fuel, no water, no food, no electricity. People are starting to get restless. Pray we can find these essentials. If any one has a handle on fuel from government recourses let me know.
I'm receiving many of your emails, be patient and will try to respond. 187 emails yesterday. For immediate help from the average person... Send a love offering to the office. We have massive rebuilding to do.This will all take time. I'm thank ful for the response we're getting but remember when the story goes cold on Fox and CNN, we'll still be here rebuilding.
Love you all,
Pastor Jay