The Michigan Conference has issued an appeal for funding that will assist Haitian Assets for Peace International (HAPI) as they restore services impacted by a fire on July 6, 2021.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,                                        

July 14, 2021 | LANSING — On July 6, fire damaged part of Haitian Assets for Peace International (HAPI), in Mizak, Haiti. When the fire erupted in the wee hours of the morning, staff and neighbors of HAPI formed a bucket brigade, racing time and risking their lives to put out flames. The fire at HAPI came in the same week as Hurricane Elsa, and the assassination of Haiti’s President. To read more Fire in Mizak, Haiti impacts HAPI.   

HAPI has been long supported by members and friends of The Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church. The most recent Annual Conference offerings in 2020 and 2021 made possible the continuation of life-saving ministries of maternal newborn and child healthcare, treatment for malnutrition, education, and job skills training. Current increasing violence and political instability in the cities of Haiti have increased the need for these services as people flee to rural areas like Mizak, seeking services and refuge. For the recent Annual Conference video about HAPI, click here.   

We can join our Haitian brothers and sisters in the bucket brigade for HAPI. Our United Methodist heritage of disaster response is to assist with initial relief efforts and then to partner with those affected to support continued long-term development. Here are some ways you can help, both in the current crisis and for ongoing sustainability:

• Initial restoration estimates are $20,000. This includes facility restoration of $5,000 and cash and equipment replacement of $15,000. Any gifts exceeding this amount will go to strengthening sustainability, development, and expansion of HAPI. To give online, use the EngageMI Michigan-Haiti Covenant Partnership CCMM #3035. Checks may be mailed to the Michigan Conference Treasury, 1161 East Clark Road, Suite 212, DeWitt MI 48820; on the memo line write Fund CCMM #3035 — Haiti HAPI Recovery.
• Watch for “GROW Haiti” an upcoming virtual HAPI fundraiser in September. Giving Real Opportunities for Women (GROW) is a ‘race around Haiti’ to raise funds for girls and women for health, training, and fair wage jobs. The event will offer virtual opportunities to interact with and learn more from the leaders of HAPI. 
• Consider ongoing gifts. Haitian Assets for Peace International is an EngageMI partner project and gifts may be sent in through the Advance, click here.      

Please join us in expanding the bucket brigade. Together we can provide resources to save, restore, and sustain HAPI in this critical time.

Peace in Christ,

Bishop David Alan Bard
Resident Bishop of The Michigan Area of The United Methodist Church

Brenda DuPree and Rev. Julie Liske
Chair and Vice-Chair of the Conference Board of Global Ministries

Rev. Karl Zeigler, Conference chair of The Haiti Covenant Partnership

Rev. Paul Perez, Conference Director of Connectional Ministry

Rev. Alice Fleming Townley, Conference Ministry Consultant

Last Updated on July 20, 2021