We want to give you a update on the prayer requests we sent out last week.  I (Kendra) am also working on a more extensive update with photos to be coming soon.

After 7 intense weeks traveling in and out of Haiti at least 13 times between Samuel and I, we have been back on the Dominican side of the island for almost a week.  If I were to be honest, I would admit that this last week has been a difficult one.  Life is completely normal in Jarabacoa but our hearts have been deeply marked by all the dynamics of suffering, death, survival and victory we have experienced in Haiti.  Your continued prayer for grace for our hearts, our family and the ministry in Haiti/Dominican Republic is deeply appreciated!

Yesterday, from the Dominican Republic, we were able to coordinate the safe passage through customs and arrival of a truck with 8 ½ tons of much needed food to Port-au-Prince.  We were also able to locate 500 more filters to distribute to families living in tents for making pure drinking water.  These are made by the Baptist Mens Ministry of Texas.  These should be ready for pick-up and distribution within a couple of days.  Many aid and medical agencies seem to be pulling out of Haiti although the need may be as great (or greater) today as it was a month ago.  (Where are the highly skilled orthopedic surgeons that placed sophisticated external fixators on thousands of fractured limbs which must be surgically removed at 8 weeks (that is now!).)  Longer term Christian Community Development is going to be vital to break the cycle of poverty and rebuild Haiti.    

1.      The rains have begun in Port au Prince!  The English NGO called "Shelter Box" provides temporary housing for refugees. These are large family tents that are specifically designed to stand up well to moisture and high winds.  A couple of weeks ago, we requested 410 tents/temporary shelters from "Shelter Box."  They came out and visited our camp and work sights and approved 285 shelters upon the arrival of their next shipment.  I have maintained regular contact with them but their shipments have been delayed and they have no tents immediately available.  Because of the urgency of Haiti's shelter need, we have offered to help them get their shipments in through the Dominican Republic.  Please persevere in prayer for the quick arrival and release of these "Shelter Box" tents!

 2.      The well drilling equipment is currently in Haitian customs.  According to well driller, Curt King, customs is now asking for a high tax.  Pray that the US military Special Forces (who transported the equipment) will be able to by-pass the red tape and help get this rig drilling wells immediately!

3.      The FOHO Haitian caretaker, Elen, who was killed in the quake left behind his 3 year old son and his wife Edwine' (8 months pregnant).Edwine' is now living in a tent in PAP.  We are still attempting to get her passport and possibly a Dominican visa.  Due to the stage of her pregnancy, time is closing in.  Please pray for "exceptions" to be made since some necessary records for passport issuance were destroyed in the earthquake. 

Edwine's husband Elen was buried with the three missionaries that perished in the collapse of the Free Methodist FOHO mission building.  Edwine' and her young son Vanderlin were accompanied by no family (except the family of God) at her husband's funeral.  Please pray for peace, nutrition and healthy development for Edwine', her unborn baby, & Vanderlin her 3 year old son.

We thank the Lord that in the many hours of travel, over treacherous roads, transporting aid in and around Haiti; our 1989 Mitsubushi Montero Jeep never left us stranded by the road!  That is nothing short of a miracle - You must have been praying !  In the week we have been back, on the other hand, we have spent the better part of 2 days and plenty of pesos in 5 different specialty mechanic shops with both of our elderly vehicles. 

  As we think of our ongoing work in the Dominican Republic and the long term need to continue to make trips into Haiti, the need for safe and reliable transportation is extremely important.  We feel our jeep is living on borrowed time!!  Would you pray with us that the Lord would meet our need for a reliable newer/used van.  Used vehicles are expensive on the island but we think we could get a reliable van for somewhere between $13,000 - $15,000.   We realize there are currently many needs around the world so if you are able to partner with us in this need, we would be careful not to take for granted your generosity.   Your tax-deductible donation can be sent to "Davison Free Methodist Church, 502 Church St. Davison MI 48423"  Please attach a note stating - Luna Family vehicle.