Association of Christian Truckers

Haiti Relief Update 2-10-10

“God help us!” Those were my words… time and time again as I surveyed the toppled buildings and concrete mountains of rubble stretching for miles along Haiti’s streets…a warzone of destruction wrapped in the unmistakable stench of death. Far worse than the images I’d seen on TV.

Desperate and hungry people, many still dazed by the 8-second earthquake that rocked their world on Jan. 12^th, road the streets trying to survive another day. The most basic necessities of life…food, water and shelter…have become luxuries.

For us, this disaster is very personal. We have dear friends and family in Haiti, our ministry’s first mission outreach 57 years ago. Over the years, more than 300 churches have been planted, 10,000 children are being educated in our schools and 5,000 fed every day. A second generation of leadership has been raised up and is carrying on the work.

Last week, we traveled to our main headquarters churches in Haiti, and our hearts were broken to discover most of the churches, schools and homes are destroyed or damaged. Decades of hard work and sacrifice…gone in 8 seconds! Miraculously, our leaders and their families survived, as well as the boys and girls in both our orphanages. But they’re living in boxes and tents, their homes and possessions gone.

Yet, in the midst of this crisis, I have never seen such faith.

The Gospel has deeply penetrated the darkness of this island nation, once steeped in voodoo and witchcraft, and even in the midst of their loss these people are singing praises to God! Their faith is strong.

But they need our IMMEDIATE help…and WE HAVE A PLAN!

Eight Regional Distribution Centers

We have established eight Regional Distribution Centers to receive shipping containers or other bulk deliveries of relief aid throughout Haiti. Many organizations are generously sending relief to the nation, but are having difficulty getting it into the hands of needy people. We’re already set up to do this! Our Distribution Centers are walled, gated and secure church properties with honest, capable leadership. We are sending 40’ shipping containers to these locations and will offer the help of our Centers to any other churches and organizations that want to send bulk supplies to Haiti.

Supplies are being collected at Christian Retreat’s HAITI RELIEF COLLECTION CENTER. Our mission compounds in Haiti have been turned into massive makeshift tent cities with thousands of survivors seeking refuge. So we need tents, tarps and sleeping bags, along with basic non-perishable goods, clothing and personal hygiene items. Another way to help is to join our “Compassion in a Pail” project, filling a 5-gallon pail with basic necessities for a family. A business donation of 1,000 pails has launched this project and we are distributing these to individuals, churches, school and organizations along with a list of suggested items.

Haitian Orphans at Christian Retreat

We are working through the proper government channels to receive up to 100 children from our own orphanages, boys and girls, here at Christian Retreat. It’s heart-wrenching to see them living outdoors right now…because the buildings are severely damaged and need to be repaired or rebuilt. We feel responsible to bring these children to Christian Retreat temporarily while these repairs are made—and possible look into the adoption process for some of the orphans.

We Need Cash Donations

Frankly, that’s what we need most. We are receiving generous donations of relief supplies, but shipping and logistics are expensive. Also, we need to put cash into the hands of our leaders in Haiti for gasoline, equipment repairs and various incidents that are being donated.

I’m writing to you because I know you care. THANK YOU for giving your BEST gift of compassion today. YOU are a part of this proven ministry, and we must take care of those who depend on us for their very survival. We have been in Haiti for 57 years…and will continue to be there long after CNN has gone. Please fill out the response sheet and return with your gift, and include your prayer requests.

For the sake of the Gospel,

Phil Derstine