I'm sorry for the silence in such a tumultous time of tragedy. We have had back to back to back meetings in Orlando while the mind-numbing devastation has invaded our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Bishop David Roller, who provides executive oversight for our Haiti ministry, has been on the phone and email non-stop for the past six days. He has been interviewed by national networks and congressmen as the Free Methodist Church is one of the largest denominations in Haiti. More than 14,000 members fill dozens and dozens of churches. We have about 30 churches in Port a'Prince alone. Amazingly, none of the pastors perished in the quake. However, one pastors wife has sustained serious injuries. We are most certain, however, that many have lost their lives among our church attendees.
You have likely heard that three missionaries (all short term missionaries) are presumed dead and two were injured in the collapse of the FOHO building. Additionally, the caretaker of the facility, a wonderfully kind gentleman, also perished in the building's collapse. The FOHO building is an FM center rising to four stories which collapsed to a pile of rubble. Our conference just concluded two days before the quake and more than 65 residents were staying in the second and third story dormitory. Katie Zook ( a young missionary from Arlington, WA) survived the collapse as did Jack Munos an older gentleman who lost his wife, Jeanne, in the collapse. Katie and Jack are both in critical condition, but the physicians in Miami trust that they will make full recoveries.
Churches throughout the U.S. and Free Methodists around the world have been volunteering to help. The best we can do at this point is pray and give. The death total is expected to more than double due to injuries associated with the quake and illness as a result of poor conditions and decaying bodies. The recovery phase is complete. We now have an advance team who will be going in this week to assess damage and prepare us for the development and rebuilding phase. Physicians are being deployed right away. Our hospital is four hours from PAP and provides a safe haven for medical treatment.
The extent of the damage and loss of life is mind boggling. The FMC raised more than one million dollars in the relief efforts for huriccane Katrina. This is estimated to dwarf that need. I have heard from around the U.S. that many churches have not only displayed the videos posted on our website, Helphaitiheal.org., but have already been raising significant funds.
If you have folks that want to enlist in a rebuilding team, please enroll through the VISA department of the Free Methodist Church on our website.
Keep praying. The Haiti church is still rejoicing even as they mourn. Let's join them in both.