Earthquake February 2010

by Rev. Vernon Giesbrecht

Thank you for your contribution to Double Harvest and its work in Haiti! Your heart of compassion for its people is deeply appreciated during this time of crisis. On Tuesday, January 12, the country of Haiti was changed forever. The 7.0 earthquake and aftershocks caused catastrophic devastation and multiple casualties and injuries in a wide area in and around Port-au-Prince (PAP). With a sub-standard infrastructure and a depressed economy, the country has been hard pressed to meet the incredible needs without outside help. The U.S and other countries have organized relief efforts.

Double Harvest has been in the country for almost 30 years and was uniquely poised to do its part. We are grateful to God that our project, our students and our people were safe. We are aware of four employees who died off-site. Within a couple of days we were able to fly in a team of six, including board members, to assist our Haitian staff in organizing our response. Almost immediately we began providing food, water, shelter and medical care to thousands within our reach in the nearby villages. The critical need was diesel fuel for our generators to provide the electricity on which our surgical- medical clinic and our well pumps depended. Since then and after many frustrating attempts, the fuel has become more available as we have the funds to purchase it. Soon surgical teams arrived making it possible to conduct the critical surgeries; with so many personnel, surgeries are being done around the clock in shifts. Drinkable water from our wells is being transported to points in PAP. Rice and beans, vegetables from our farm, and fish and eggs from two new projects are feeding people. Patients and those who have lost loved ones are also receiving pastoral care.

The crisis is far from over. We expect to continue to give priority to the services of medical personnel and, at a later time, invite those with skills in rebuilding damaged and destroyed areas. For now, however, we thank you for your generosity in meeting the overwhelming needs of this devastated nation and its people. “Sowing Seeds of Life” will continue to characterize our mission.