The news from Haiti is bleak:

“more than 1,000 died and another 1,000 were missing after heavy rains last weekend triggered mudslides and flash floods…For decades, peasant farmers have chopped down trees to make charcoal for cooking; water runs off the denuded hillsides, taking the topsoil with it…Swollen rivers burst their banks and engulfed Gonaïves, a port city of 200,000. On September 22nd, half the city was still under fetid water and a thick layer of mud…To make matters worse, many parts of the country are not under the government’s control…Armed robbers and kidnappers appear to act at will.”

I received this in an email today from Gretchen Devoe from Lifeline Christian Mission, the group I went to Honduras with in 1994 and Gretchen & I went to Haiti with in 1995:

Not since hurricane Mitch hit Honduras several years ago has Lifeline been involved in such a necessary and important relief effort. Then you responded by donating more than $100,000. We need your help again, this time in Haiti.

As you’re no doubt aware, hurricane Jeanne has struck with a vengeance. Nearly 1100 Haitians are known dead and that total is expected to double. The worst of the death and destruction has been wrought in the north and especially around the city of Gonaives. Lifeline has ongoing church and school work there in addition to various other mission and staff “family” relationships.

We’re currently completing plans to begin the first phase of our “Haiti Relief Assistance”. We have the vehicles and staffing personnel available and standing by. As soon as roads are passable, we’ll begin by providing food, water, bedding, clothing, cook stoves, fuel, utensils and of course spiritual and counseling assistance for those suffering these great losses.

A moderate supply of food is already “on hand” in our Haiti warehouse and can be used in this emergency situation. Additionally, two containers with thousands of pounds of peanut butter are in route. They shipped in August but have been held up in the Bahamas because of other recent hurricanes and tropical storms; they should be back on the high seas soon. Several thousand more pounds of peanut butter is on hand in our Westerville warehouse and will be shipped as funding permits.

We’ll have another peanut butter drive later to replenish our normal weekly ministry needs. Note: Please do not send more peanut butter at this time. The “Replacement Peanut Butter Drive” will be planned and announced later.

The priority now is to receive monies to purchase other needed supplies and meet transportation expenses. We need your prayers and generous financial support as plans are being put into motion. Mark your checks “Haiti Relief Fund”. Thank You.

Your “most appreciative” ministry partners,

Bob & Gretchen DeVoe
Lifeline Christian Mission
184 Olde County Line Road
Westerville, OH 43081-1034

So first of all, pray that God pours his mercy and grace onto Haiti. And if you’re able, send money. If not to Lifeline, then to New Directions International or the Red Cross or any other organization providing relief to Haiti.