Haiti update
Friends–
Some of you have expressed particular concern about the two villages St. Andrew’s has supported, Figaro and Gros Morne. We have had no direct word about them, but both villages are far to the north of Port-au-Prince–a 6 or 7-hour drive–and we have reason to hope that they suffered little or no damage. On the other hand, the two schools we have supported, St. Vincent’s
School for the Handicapped and Holy Trinity Music School (home of the Petit Chanteurs, who have visited Maine) are both in the capital and have likely suffered grave damage. The timing of the quake gives us hope that the schools were both closed at the time, but of course, all of those living in
the capital were at risk.
What we do know is that, given the magnitude of this disaster, of the 9 million residents of Haiti, probably virtually everyone suffered some kind of loss, be it family, friends, or property. We continue to pray for all of Haiti and trust God to help them find light in the darkness.
As I mentioned yesterday, we are urging all who can to contribute to Episcopal Relief and Development, the Episcopal Church agency that is already on the ground in Port-au-Prince and able to provide direct aid with your help. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CHECKS FOR HAITI PRESENTED AT SUNDAY’S OFFERING SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO “EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT,” and
we will forward them directly to ERD. I do hope you will present them at the offering, however, rather than sending them independently to New York,
so that we may reach out together as a community of faith.
Faithfully,
Frank