“I am calling, because on TV, you said to call for prayer.
I need an orphanage for me and my sisters.
Our parents died in the hurricane.”
Genevieve age 18; sisters ages 16 and 14
February 1, 2009
Dear friend,
Before the New Year began Yvonne and I traveled to Haiti’s fourth largest city Gonaives. There we witnessed the aftermath of the past hurricane season. Since September international aid organizations and Christian non profits have fed, sheltered and clothed the victims of Fay, Gustave, Hanna and Ike. On the day we arrived police with bully clubs were forcing the break down and removal of temporary tent shelters. Thousands of homeless Haitians were being turned out to a city void of housing, jobs, schools and farmland. President Preval would arrive the next day for independence celebrations.
Yvonne and I interviewed children, parents and elders about their current needs. One young father told us he would go to his neighbor’s home and ask if his family could live in his yard. Many told us they had no place to go. Our footage was dramatically emphasized by the treeless mountains surrounding Gonaives and the clouds of dust from the now dried mounds of mud. It was not the Good News our Creole Christian television show focuses on; but it was a story that must be told.
As I complete the production of La Bonne Nouvelle’s Gonaives show, I am moved by the tragic tales of Haitian life. Last night the show’s prayer line rang in our bedroom and a young girl, Genevieve hurriedly told me of her need for an orphanage. She asked me to call her back as her prepaid phone minutes ran out. She told how another sister had drowned in the storms and the youngest was missing, though she had called once. Ashamed to beg, the young orphan shared the sisters were sleeping at different friends’ and all she wanted in life was the opportunity to finish her education.
We spent days in prayer seeking an orphanage for the girls. Sadly the US economic collapse has reduced donations to Haitian orphanages so new children are being turned away and many are forced to reduce the quality of care in order to keep the children they have. To date we have not found a place for the three girls. We are asking you to send a donation that we will personally deliver for their care and schools.
When the prophet Isaiah pronounced judgment on Israel he was grieved. IS 22: 4c Do not try to console me over the destruction of my people. The prophet Jeremiah wept for the judgment of Israel. LA1:16 For these things I weep: . . . my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed. James gives us God’s final word on mercy rejoicing against judgment:
JA3:13 if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. . . if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
Your gift to Haiti for Christ is an act of mercy to the people of Haiti. Your support is tax deductible and will be acknowledged. Please make a notation on the check what amount is designated for the three orphan girls. They will receive one hundred percent of this. Thank you and may God’s mercy abound to you.
Visiting the fatherless,
Joel and Yvonne Trimble
ytrimble
