Greetings from Haiti and the Dominican Republic
God is doing great things here. In very different ways than we expected, but amazing things non-the-less. We just got back into the Dominican Republic this afternoon. We drove out 3:00 am Tuesday [6 Apr] and went to bed after midnight. It felt like 2 days in one. We visited downtown [Port-au-Prince] Haiti and it was everything and more than the news had said. In some ways we only got a taste. But, the devastation is like nothing we have ever seen, nor likely will. The presidential palace was being demolished and some clean up efforts have begun. But at the same time the relief stage is passing and daily life is the new normal. Things may not actually change much now for many years. Markets are up and running. The tent cities are huge. Some over 10,000. and many may live this way from now on. Haiti is a strange place. I have never seen more scripture and Christian references on buses and businesses anywhere in the world. But, it seems like it is just “good luck charms” for protection.
The people are quick to speak of Jesus, but the corruption is so deep that it is difficult to know who to trust. There is a Mercy Industry here. There are hundreds and hundreds of orphanages and they all seem to be vying for resources. There is much to be said about it. It doesn’t seem like people caring for orphans are bad people, but it is clearly a business. People go around and recruit for orphans. There are thousands that are not really orphans.
But the poverty is so great people would send kids there for an education and regular food.
But the thing we are so encouraged by is the Dominicans who are coming to serve and organize aid distribution. This group has such a solid gospel and heart for hurting people that we are a bit blown away. We are very like minded with Josue Raimundo who serves the DR churches and the Haitian churches. We came back early because we feel like key connections here are more important than seeing sites there in Haiti. We had a great contact with a missionary named Tony Jones who can help us set up pastor training. We had a great visit to one place with a place for a potential orphanage work. Tomorrow we will meet with Angel Castillo.
We need discernment more than ever and are confident that he is putting some key pieces together.
Our hearts are all good. God is growing us in ways we didn’t expect and we are really enjoying each other.
More later,
For Christ’s Praise
Dan [Faith Bible Church, Spokane WA]
For the Team