As of this writing, it has been a year since a 7.0 seismic earthquake shook the core of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding region causing the death of more than 200,000 Haitians and leaving over 1 million homeless. At the time, our hearts were moved by the magnitude of this tragedy and our minds questioned how we might respond in terms of ministry. As a congregation we joined other Baptist churches in giving generously to the relief efforts and then we followed up by sending "Buckets of Hope" by the hundreds to the people of Haiti. Our relief efforts were funneled through existing Baptist churches in Haiti which we helped start and with which we have partnered and been associated since the mid 1990's when Florida Baptist adopted Haiti as a mission field in our global backyard.
Much of the success of our relief efforts are due to these pre-existing relationships as partners in missions between Haitian Baptists and Florida Baptists. Another words-our infrastructure was already in place when the crisis occurred.
So what has happened since January 12, 2010 in terms of our ministry efforts? Well, it is an amazing story!
Florida Baptists and Southern Baptists generously gave over $7,396,232 to the Haitian relief effort. In addition, 150,000 "Buckets of Hope" were shipped to Haiti. As of December 2010, all but 10,000 had been received in Haiti and were being distributed at a rate of 10,000 weekly. Also, 65 tons of rice and 20 tons of beans have been purchased and distributed. Keep in mind-all of the supplies are distributed through our Baptist churches in Haiti.
Fritz Wilson, one of our Florida Missionaries on the ground in Haiti, reports that the Haiti earthquake "spurred the largest international response in Southern Baptist disaster relief history." Three medical teams per week, on average, were deployed in the months which followed the disaster. In addition, 350 temporary shelters were built with materials from Samaritan's Purse ministry.
During the relief efforts of the past year, our Baptist churches in Haiti, which are partnered with Florida Baptists, did more than provide physical relief. They seized the opportunity to share the gospel and lead 165,213 Haitians to Christ and to start 272 new churches which brings the total number of churches affiliated with Florida Baptist in Haiti to 1162. These are truly amazing results-to God be the Glory!
But the story continues...We have now moved from the relief phase to the recovery phase.
Currently, Baptists are overseeing a massive construction project which employs 200 Haitians as contract workers and uses materials from Haiti so as to provide jobs and stimulate their economy. It is expected in the coming year or so that we will build 6000 homes. In addition, money has been allocated (in partnership with the Haitian churches) to help rebuild 186 churches damaged in the earthquake. Financial support will continue with supplies such as the rice and "Buckets of Hope," water purification systems to fight the cholera outbreak, medical teams and medicine, and administrative support. This is an ongoing effort and would not be possible without the generosity of God's people. But that doesn't mean we will be asking for special funds in the future.
Here's why-and this is an important point you need to hear: Your tithes and offerings through FBC Pompano week after week and our seasonal mission offerings (such as Lottie Moon) are the funds which provide for this ongoing ministry in Haiti and our other amazing mission efforts around the world. Last year Southern Baptists international missions resulted in 506,019 baptisms and 24,650 new churches. When you bring your tithes and offerings to the church a generous portion of this is given through the Cooperative Program and funds missions around the world (including the on-going work in Haiti).
I'm glad to be part of a missionary church which gives to God's work and participates in evangelism and ministry around the world. How about you? In this we can rejoice!
Devotedly your Pastor,
Ron