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Helping Haiti Part II: Local Disaster Relief Team Visits Ravaged Country
March 7, 2010
Today we have the second installment of a three-part series “North Escambia: Helping Haiti”. We are taking you to Haiti through the eyes of two area men that just returned from a disaster relief mission. We will hear about their work in Haiti in their own words, and we’ll see the country through their eyes via their photographs. We will also look at how you can be a part of the effort to provide relief in the earthquake ravaged country.
Today, in his own words, Drayton Smith from the First Baptist Church of Cantonment describes his recent Pensacola Disaster Relief team visit to Haiti. Monday morning, we will learn how you can do you part to help Haiti. The photographs that accompany this article were taken by Smith in Haiti.
On February 8th I received a call from Florida Disaster Relief wanting a group of four to travel to Haiti for building inspection and Chaplaincy. They wanted us to leave on the 12th. I could not leave that soon so we left on the 17th. At that time no flights were able to go into Port-Au-Prince so we flew into the Dominican Republic. On the 18th we traveled to Haiti by bus. A trip that was about 200 miles would take all day. The roads are inferior to say the least. We left around 4 a.m., as the sun peaks over the mountain range we can see the banana plantations along with the sugar cane fields.
As we approach the border things become very chaotic. It is very crowded and large trucks with supplies are blocking the road way. Our driver goes in to take care of all the paperwork and we are on our way again. The roads continue to be very crowded for quite some time. Check points are set up all along the way. As we get closer to Port au Prince congestion gets worse. We see many military vehicles from all over the world. The streets are filled with people. Some selling fruits and vegetables, others begging for money. All along the edge of the roads we see tents and temporary shelters made from scrap lumber, tin, tarpaulins bearing names like USAID, RED CROSS, and other symbols and emblems. We approach our destination where we will be calling home for the next week. It seems to be in tact. Running off of batteries during the day and a generator to charge the batteries at night. Across the alley we see a home that has collapsed and hear of a 2 year that has lost their life from the falling roof. This hits home with me, I have a two year old.
As we get up on our first day we visit with local pastors who welcome us with open arms and somewhat of a smile. We inspect several homes and churches that day. We find out that everyone is petrified to return back into their homes, even if they are safe to go in. “What if it happens again?” That seems to be the question everyone asked. As we pray for those and try to minister to them, we struggle to find the words to say, “its going to be okay.” Its hard because we do not know when and if another quake will happen. Everyone knows someone who lost someone.
As the week progresses we meet several new friends from all over the US. They all have come as part of the SBC Disaster Relief. Some are doctors, nurses, pharmacist, others are building inspectors and Chaplains. Each having left their families, jobs and homes to minister to those in need. Over and over I recall the scripture Matthew 22:34-40 “love the Lord and love your neighbor as yourself” (paraphrased). That is what we are doing, Haiti is our neighbor.
During the week we spend time with parents who have lost children, children who lost parents. We met one lady whose daughter had been kidnapped for seven days before the authorities were able to catch the criminals that took her. We continue to hear the stories of people losing everything. One lady shares of her daughter in nursing school where 300 nurses perished wqhen the roof collapsed. We see where a small hole has been dug out when a 26 year old boy lost his life. I hear from the parent of a nine and three year old who lost their lives. That’s the hard part for me, what to say to these parents.
There is no equipment at all, men are removing rubble and tearing down buildings with make-shift tools and bare hands. Carrying rocks and busting down walls. It is taking hours and days to do what we could do in just a few minutes in the states with our technology and heavy equipment.
All we can offer is hope, 1 Peter 5:7 states “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” And Philippians 4:19 “My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” What can your offer was our question, Jesus was the answer.
While we were there we heard chanting from the voodoo and heard the loud speakers of the Satanist wanting the churches torn down. We kept our eyes on Jesus and shared Him when we could. That was the best comfort for them. (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)
During the nights when the aftershock and tremors would wake us up I would remember the scriptures in Psalm 18 and Isaiah 24 where it speaks of the earth shaking. My mindset was to go and help and be a blessing to the people of Haiti, the blessing was for me. I thank God for how He opened my eyes and provided and protected me.
Photos by Drayton Smith, First Baptist Church of Cantonment, for NorthEscambia..com, click to enlarge.
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