Hope for the Children of Haiti Earthquake Update
January 25, 2010
The following update includes the latest news from HFC and an overview of the prayer meeting last Friday night, including specific prayer requests.  

We have been overwhelmed by the number of generous supporters who have given to HFC in the past two weeks - raising almost $100,000!!  

Your support is incredible and will go far in meeting real needs on the ground in Haiti.  Thank you for your generosity and support.
 
Monday Night Update 1/25
We were able to have a long conversation with the kids tonight. They were in high spirits! More laughter echoed in the background as they urged us not to worry about them. Argentine said that she talked with someone from Boston today, which was encouraging to her since she knows so many people from Boston. 
They said they were sad to say goodbye to their three brothers who have already moved to their adoptive families in the US because "they are our family."  Although this was hard for them, they are also happy for the boys and they started considering what those who are able to come to the US may be able to do, sharing dreams of college and meaningful vocations.  They are remaining hopeful and considering how God will use this tragedy to empower them to grow and serve Him, wherever they are.

Prayer Meeting Overview 1/22

On Friday night a group of about 50 members of the HFC community gathered in Acton, MA for a time of worship and prayer.  It was a sweet time as we saw the body of Christ came together. One of our former students, Paulkenson Sinelien Simpson led singing and Myriam Dol Laird also attended.   

We were encouraged to hear that some adoptions that have been in process for over 2 years are being expedited and that the children are on their way to the United States to be united with their families.   

Some of the prayers that were lifted up and we ask you to continue to bring to the Lord:

·  Praise the Lord for being our Fortress, Stronghold and Deliverer and for His protection of all our children. 

·  That from this tragedy God would provide new opportunities to rebuild Haiti for His glory.

·  That Haitians would unite in peace and solidarity of purpose to rebuild Haiti.

·  That gangs would lay down their arms for tools to join the rebuilding.

·   There would be a spiritual awakening in Haiti and among those who are moved to help. 

·   That God would protect and strengthen all the aid workers faced with so much tragedy (specifically Keziah Furth, a former HFC Intern and nurse).

·   That God would quickly unite the adoptive children of HFC and New Life Link (NLL) with their waiting families. 

·   That the leadership of HFC would be united as they undergo a discernment process regarding our role in rebuilding Haiti and the future of our non-adoptive children.

·   That the Lord would continue to protect our children and secure the buildings from further damage.

·   That Dr. Bernard and Claudette would be strengthened and renewed that they would not grow weary as they deal with this tragedy on the ground.

·   That God would renew His call on each of us and strengthen us to do His work, wherever He calls.

 
Thursday Night Update 1/21

The children are doing well! Tonight we spoke with the boys.  They said, "Even though the earth shook again on Wednesday morning, everyone is safe."  They again affirmed that no one has been sick or hurt. 

Our call was cut off before we could hear many more updates, but we are glad that the Wednesday morning earthquake did not cause additional damage.


Another significant note - Dr. Bernard confirmed this evening at 9:30pm that the first HFC child who was in the adoption process was en route to the States - Bernadin!  His adoptive family is thrilled.  We pray for all the families who have been advocating for the children to come home to their adoptive families.  May God give us strength, wisdom, and patience.
 
Wednesday Night - No Update 1/20

We are sorry to report that we were not able to get in touch with the children after many attempts tonight. We will send word tomorrow when we hear from them. 
 
Tuesday Night Update 1/19

We talked to the kids (1/19/10) - they are still doing well! They have enough water and food, they are healthy and unharmed. It has been raining there. They have been staying within the girls house and sleeping in the yard there.


When asked how we could pray for her, Argentine asked for us to pray that they would see God's strength in this situation. They also asked for prayer for their neighbors - that they would be safe and also that they would know God's peace during this hard time. It is encouraging to hear them be so outward facing in this hard time. When they can, they have been helping translate for some of the rescuers and helping out their neighbors.

We are so thankful to have gotten through (communications are still difficult) and that they are well! It's amazing that during this difficult time, they are so encouraging to speak with - a true reflection of their character. 
 
Monday Night Update 1/18


The kids were so thrilled to get to see Kez!  She was able to post some pictures this evening of her time there today.
 
She also shared an incredible story - She said "Miraculously, every single child was safe. Bernadin and Youdemie were talking in the girls' courtyard when the quake struck. The neighbor's wall, beside HFC, started to fall on Bernadin who was frozen in place. He would have been crushed if Youdemie, brave wonderful Youdemie, had not pulled him to safety. Likewise, Wislandy was playing in the courtyard and barely missed being buried. We are blessed."

The kids are spending the days at the girl's house and are staying at the seminary at night. They have sufficient water and food and are healthy and encouraging each other.  They were so thrilled to see Keziah.

We will be in touch about trips to Haiti - medical and disaster relief professionals are the priority right now. There will definitely be significant work to do in the coming months, and it is so encouraging to have so many people wanting to go help as soon as possible.

 
Monday Morning Update

Keziah Furth, one of the interns and an incredible friend and advocate for the HFC kids just went to visit them in person this morning (1/18/10). She reported that they have enough food for a month as they are still able to access the main building. They have sufficient water, although please pray for safety as the adults seek out more water in the coming days. She said that they are playing with and encouraging each other as usual! Thank you everyone for your ongoing prayers and support!
 
Sunday Night Update 1/17

We spoke with the children earlier tonight. They reported that they are all doing well. They have plenty of food and water. They are still sleeping outside but have enough blankets. They are continuing to help others with them in the gated seminary area.
It is encouraging to hear this, but please continue to pray for their safety. Please pray for the peace and strength of each of the children, the staff, Dr. Bernard and Claudette. Thank you for your ongoing support!
 
Saturday Night Update 1/16

We just spoke with the kids tonight. Logistical limitations have made it difficult to maintain consistent communication with the HFC family in Haiti, however, we are thankful that we were able to connect with them tonight. The board is planning on communicating with them on a daily basis and we will post updates here so check back frequently.

The kids are well and are resting at the seminary, which is a barricaded area with green space and a basketball court. They are under the supervision of Lamarre (a long time HFC staff member) and other workers as Dr.Bernard (orphanage director) works his hardest to get to them.

They are safe and they have enough food and water. No one is sick or hurt - praise God - although they are tired. As is their nature, they have even been taking time to help others.  Thank you all for your ongoing prayers.
 
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Get Involved!

Although there are many unknowns on the road to recovery and restoration in Haiti, however, we do know it will be a challenging and long process.  
As HFC continues to identify how we can be used in this tragedy to serve Haiti, we will rely on the support of generous volunteers like you!

If you are interested in volunteering your time here in the states or planning a trip to Haiti in the coming months, please email us at meg@hfchaiti.org. 
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