Former Disciples missionary to Haiti addresses the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti and the faith of the Haitian people.
By Charlie Wallace, Minister of Congregational Relations
We have all seen the images on the television of the destruction of Port-au-Prince in Haiti. The loss of life is at 250,000 and continues to rise. One half of the 2.5 million Port-au-Prince residents are living in the street. The rainy season has almost begun, yet the Haitian people remain strong because of their faith. Months after the 7.0 earthquake, the people still huddle together in solidarity.
My wife Ruth, son John and I served as missionaries in Haiti from 1999 to 2002. We lived just two blocks from the Caribbean market that collapsed, taking the lives of more than 75 persons. The national headquarters of our partnership church, National Council of Spiritual Church of Haiti (CONASPEH), was also destroyed. The building housed an elementary and high school, theological seminary and nursing school. Unfortunately, twenty nursing students and teachers lost their lives on January 12, 2010.
A week after the quake I had the opportunity to meet with 21 Haitian pastors at the Good Shepherd Christian Church in North Miami, Florida. The pastors came together to share their pain and solidarity. One by one, each pastor stepped forward and shared his or her family loss and uncertainty. Without exception, each pastor had lost a loved one in the earthquake and had at least one extended family member who is now homeless. In the midst of the pain and loss, there was a commitment to rebuild and support their people. Their cornerstone is Christ, and on that foundation the church and its people will be reborn.
