Letter from Gene Gentry on Haiti Relief

Dear Friends:

I feel that you pastors I talked to on Tuesday (LLC) and others that want updates on what is going on can benefit from this update.  Some of the details are not pleasant but there is progress being made and the start of a vision of what teams might be doing.   If someone is interested in going with a team from the Northwest feel free to contact me either by phone 509-276-6561 or e-mail at gentrydp@wildblue.net or mail at 27302 N. Spotted Rd., Deer Park, WA  99006.

I talked to Herb Rogers, a close friend and former missionary to Haiti, last night (February 24).  Herb has been in Haiti for two weeks and will be there for another 8 weeks doing what needs to be done in preparation for people /teams coming for reconstruction.  Before continuing I will quote Angela Sudermann (read below), who is responsible for volunteers through International Ministries.  She sent this to people considering going to Haiti.

Blessings,
Gene Gentry

Hi everyone,
I wanted to keep you up to date on the rebuilding phase for Haiti.  As you know, International Ministries is committed to work with our partners in Haiti to fulfill their long term strategy.  Rebuilding Haiti won’t be just buildings, and it won’t be just sending money.  Your talents, resources, and passion for people are needed!  Herb Rogers, retired missionary in Haiti, and Special Assistant for Haiti now, is in Haiti now to assess the situation, talk to the Baptist Convention leaders, and check the situation out for himself.  We will have a much better idea for what is needed, when, and where as he works with the leaders in Haiti.
While you are waiting, do some “friend raising” – gathering prayer, financial, and moral support.  Email me dates you are available.  The initial groups will likely be digging latrines, moving rubble, and building water supply systems.  The conditions will be rainy.  The earth is still unstable, and Herb reports that they are still reviewing how soon they should rebuild permanent structures. We received a report of a kidnapping of aid workers this morning, so security is an issue. This information is not to scare you, but to let you know what is ahead, remembering rebuilding Haiti is not about putting up structures, but about rebuilding lives.    So if God is calling you to Haiti, we will help you get there !!
Blessings,
Angela
Angela Sudermann
Coordinator, Volunteers in Global Mission
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482
1-800-ABC-3USA (222-3872) ext. 2164
610-768-2164
fax 610-768-2088

Back to information I gleaned from Herb, some in response to questions.

Regarding Medical people.  — They need to have a current certificate. Kristy Engel coordinates medical people.  Also would be useful right now are trained trama phycologists.  Medical interns might have a possibility of working along side of Dr. Steve James.

When rebuilding starts permits will be granted.  The government is not yet granting permits partly due to continuing tremors.  In the last two days there have been two # 4 tremors a day.

Cleaning up is not for the weak in spirit.  They are still finding arms and legs in the rubble.

On a very positive note: there is a medical clinic in Upper Limbe, near the Northern Haiti Christian University.  It is full these days.  It is fulfilling an important need.  For the moment they are treating earthquake victims free of charge.  Many people have come from the south (Port-au-Prince) to be with family.  American Baptists are also helping people /families with an overflow of family coming from the south with food and shelter.  Students are also being transferred from schools in the south to schools further north so that they can continue their education.