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Haiti Task Force plans

The Michigan Area Haiti Task Force joins Bishop Bard in a call for generous contributions toward Haiti relief.

KAY DEMOSS
Senior Editor-Writer, Michigan Area

It has been a prayer-filled eight days since Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti. As reports of damage began to trickle out of the region it soon became clear that the greatest devastation had occurred in the southwestern part of the country.

By Thursday, October 7, fly-overs by Mission Aviation Fellowship reported: “The worst of the devastation is Port Salut West to Dame Marie. Jeremie is close behind and then Cayes. Each area decimated.”

MAF staff drew this map based on their aerial evaluation (red being hardest hit to yellow). According to the Circuit Superintendent there, ”Jeremie no longer exists.”

UMCOR staff already in the region began their assessment of conditions and needs once the storm abated.

Michigan learns

In the meantime, the Rev. David Hills, Chair of the Michigan Area Haiti Task Force (MAHTF), has pulled together a sub-committee to strategize around the most effective way to mobilize response to the devastation. The MAHTF has determined that the best response at present is to collaborate and coordinate with leaders of the Eglise Methodist d’Haiti (EMH) as they, in turn, work with the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

The Michigan Haiti Task Force joins Bishop David Bard in asking The Michigan Area to support the UMCOR International Disaster Response Advance #982450. The Bishop has asked that congregations take an offering on Sunday, October 16, to support Haiti.

David Hills is also in direct contact with Haitian partners on site—Bishop Gessner Paul and Pastor Chrisnel, Superintendent for the Jeremie Circuit—and UMCOR staff person, Lauren James. The intent of the MAHTF is to lay groundwork for long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts after the emergency phase is lifted. Hills’ conversations with early responders will be communicated with the many Michigan churches and individuals who have had long-term friendships and working relationships in Haiti.

UMCOR on scene

The Rev. Jack Amick serves as UMCOR’s Senior Director of Disaster Response. He reports that UMCOR is responding to the crisis in Haiti on several levels. The Haiti Field Office, headed by Azim Akhtar, has been on the ground in the country since the 2010 earthquake. With the help of an UMCOR grant the EMH has begun distributing water and food rations, cooking pots, and emergency medical supplies. The season’s crop was lost as fields were ripe for harvest when the storm struck.

UMCOR is also engaging GlobalMedic, renowned provider of water purification equipment and training. Hurricane Matthew disrupted the supply of clean water giving rise to outbreaks of cholera.

Amick stresses, “All who care about the people of Haiti are encouraged to give generously, wait patiently to serve, and most importantly, to pray.” He acknowledges the strong commitment Michigan United Methodists have to the people in Haiti.  “Your hearts have been broken as you watch reports of damage and loss in the communities to which you have given so much time, energy, and resources.” However, he asks that Volunteers in Mission not rush to Haiti during this critical time.

“Please wait,” Amick says, “until Haiti has fully transitioned from the relief phase to the recovery phase. After the survivors’ basic human needs have been met and people are beginning to resume their lives, requests for volunteer teams will be announced.”

Amick explains that visitors “run the risk of doing more harm than good,” as they unknowingly take energy and resources from host organizations which would otherwise be used to manage or support humanitarian assistance activities.

“From a support and logistics standpoint,” he adds, “the hiring of local people and the purchase of local materials is of greatest benefit to Haitians.”

Next steps

The Rev. Karl Zeigler, Detroit Conference pastor and long-time Haiti partner, says, “Yes. Our hearts are there. Emotionally, I want to be there yesterday. While that would help me, it would not help the people in Haiti. Wait along with me until the Haitians are ready to receive us.”

The Haiti Task Force’s Strategy Team will be meeting weekly to move forward communication and Michigan’s preparations for assistance.

Last Updated on January 12, 2023

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The Michigan Conference