We were introduced last night to a sample of what the rainy season is going to be like here in Haiti in just a matter of weeks. It started around 7:00 PM Thursday night and it did not let up till around 10:00 AM Friday. We are talking about heavy rain, lightning and thunder. Everything is flooded around the clinic area and especially around the supply tent. A new appreciation for boots and waterproof foot wear.
We can understand the urgency to move fast and get people a dependable cover for their sleep.
Most of what has been seen on the American news channels are the tent cities that the UN and other groups such as Rotary International have provided. The news channels are not showing the makeshift privacy units the Haitian people have put up with bed sheets tied to a stick but still no covers over heads. In the rain last night those precious Haitian people were in the open rain. I will try and upload a picture. We have discovered that food and covering has still not made it out to several areas in less than a 20 minute drive from our location here at the airport.
Four members of our team went out to an orphanage on Wednesday to assist with some construction work and survey the damage that affected several children’s dorms. The orphanage is recognized by the Haitian government but yet they still have not received any of the food that has been sent from other nations for relief. The children are living in tents that an agency from Israel has provided. The tents have been a city of refuge for the children since they are still fearful of returning to the buildings. We discovered when we arrived at the orphanage that the couple who manage the facility is from Maryville, TN. We were glad to give a Volunteer hand.
The ministry by the chaplains has really taken off to the level that Phil and Lawrence are now on 24 hour call. We are sad to learn that no chaplains will be with team coming in to relieve us.
We were told by previous volunteers from another state, the medical staff did not have time to talk. Lawrence and Phil have found that is completely the opposite from what we have found. The approach of leaving the medical staff alone did not sound right. Our approach has been to take every opportunity to share with everyone, pray with everyone and be an encourager to everyone.
The medical staff have responded with open arms and great friendships have been made. Simply asking a doctor or nurse how they are dealing with things has opened many doors for sharing Christ. As you can image we have found staff from all over America with a variety of backgrounds. Many have stood in amazement when we share how we got here and what we do back home. It is a great blessing to be able to share with a young nurse that our relationship with Jesus passionately drives us to serve humanity.
Around 5:30 AM Friday morning the charge nurse for the adult ward came to Phil’s tent and asked him to come and minister to a family that had gathered around a father that was near death. This was the first call out like this and we feel it is a great affirmation of what God is doing all around us every minute and every hour of the day.
My prayer is that God will take these words and press them on other DR Chaplains and send you over here while the door is wide open to tell people about Jesus. Alongside of Phil and Lawrence other DR Team members have been kneeling by the cots of both of many, praying and sharing about Jesus. They have been a great help and it is a break for them outside of the medical supply tent.
Thank you for your prayers
We can understand the urgency to move fast and get people a dependable cover for their sleep.
Most of what has been seen on the American news channels are the tent cities that the UN and other groups such as Rotary International have provided. The news channels are not showing the makeshift privacy units the Haitian people have put up with bed sheets tied to a stick but still no covers over heads. In the rain last night those precious Haitian people were in the open rain. I will try and upload a picture. We have discovered that food and covering has still not made it out to several areas in less than a 20 minute drive from our location here at the airport.
Four members of our team went out to an orphanage on Wednesday to assist with some construction work and survey the damage that affected several children’s dorms. The orphanage is recognized by the Haitian government but yet they still have not received any of the food that has been sent from other nations for relief. The children are living in tents that an agency from Israel has provided. The tents have been a city of refuge for the children since they are still fearful of returning to the buildings. We discovered when we arrived at the orphanage that the couple who manage the facility is from Maryville, TN. We were glad to give a Volunteer hand.
The ministry by the chaplains has really taken off to the level that Phil and Lawrence are now on 24 hour call. We are sad to learn that no chaplains will be with team coming in to relieve us.
We were told by previous volunteers from another state, the medical staff did not have time to talk. Lawrence and Phil have found that is completely the opposite from what we have found. The approach of leaving the medical staff alone did not sound right. Our approach has been to take every opportunity to share with everyone, pray with everyone and be an encourager to everyone.
The medical staff have responded with open arms and great friendships have been made. Simply asking a doctor or nurse how they are dealing with things has opened many doors for sharing Christ. As you can image we have found staff from all over America with a variety of backgrounds. Many have stood in amazement when we share how we got here and what we do back home. It is a great blessing to be able to share with a young nurse that our relationship with Jesus passionately drives us to serve humanity.
Around 5:30 AM Friday morning the charge nurse for the adult ward came to Phil’s tent and asked him to come and minister to a family that had gathered around a father that was near death. This was the first call out like this and we feel it is a great affirmation of what God is doing all around us every minute and every hour of the day.
My prayer is that God will take these words and press them on other DR Chaplains and send you over here while the door is wide open to tell people about Jesus. Alongside of Phil and Lawrence other DR Team members have been kneeling by the cots of both of many, praying and sharing about Jesus. They have been a great help and it is a break for them outside of the medical supply tent.
Thank you for your prayers
Team 2 Front Row L to RPhil Taylor, Andy Wallace, Travis Webb, Mark Walter and Tom Hite
Second Row L to R
Jeff Taylor, Don Ross, Terry Webb (Our Team Leader), Mark Partin and Lawrence Cotton
Terry Webb, Don Ross and Mark Walter from FBC Concord
Jeff Taylor and Tom Hite from Alpha Baptist, Morristown
Pastor Mark Partin and Andy Wallace, Indiana Ave. Baptist Church, LaFollette,TN
Travis Webb, Lebanon Baptist, Talbott
Bradey County Association: Phil Taylor, Lawrence Cotton
Mark Walter getting some help from Terry as the team sorts through a shipment that came in from a group of Firemen in USA.
Tom Hite helping our team leader Terry with medical supply list.
The results of an all night rain for the guys in medical supply tent.
Tom Hite helping our team leader Terry with medical supply list.
The results of an all night rain for the guys in medical supply tent.
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