Haiti Update

As many of you know, a mission project which we have gathered offerings for in the past is "Daniel's Lambs," the Haitian orphanage project begun by the Rev. Daniel Paul. The project is sponsored on an ongoing basis by Faith Lutheran, La Grande, OR and Lamb of God Lutheran, Lake Stevens, WA.

Haiti was struck by two recent hurricanes. Below are the contents of two emails received from Pastor Sam Wiseman of Faith, La Grande, giving a status report on the orphanage and the conditions in the region following the hurricanes. If you are able to help financially in any way, please contact Messiah's church office at 360-659-4112.

Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 8:13 AM

Subject: Rev. Paul's phone call on September 9th

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Rev. Paul called Tuesday, September 9th. I was delighted to received his call. The last time he had called was before Hurricane Ike had hit Haiti. Watching some of the weather patterns it appeared that Haiti had been hit hard by Ike. Rev. Paul said "After I called you last Friday, it rained alot (anpil lapil)--but we are OK. However those in Gonaives have more flooding. They are living on top of the roofs of their houses or the church for two weeks with no food. Some of the young strong ones have swam to land. But we can do nothing for them except get them phone minutes. We try to encourage them. Please pray for these people in that area." Rev. Paul went on to explain that there are relatives from his congregation that live in that area along with several relatives of Cliney's. Gonaives is located on the western coast between Port au Prince and Cap Haitian. The bridges to take area have been washed out, so getting support has to be flown in-not enough resources for the number of stranded people--O Lord, help us to help those in need.

Rev. Paul realizes that in Ouanaminthe they have been spared of the intense flooding and is very thankful--his whole demeanor was praising and upbeat. He did share that with the bridges out transportation in Haiti has been greatly impacted, which means food distribution is greatly reduced. Shortage of food and therefore the price of food is extremely high. I told Rev. Paul that a quarterly gift of $750.00 from Lamb of God LCMS along with another special gift of $750.00 through Lamb of God LCMS were received in the mail and deposited in his NEHLM account. These resources were very timely and greatly needed--he gratitude is immense.

The government of Haiti has postponed the opening of schools until October 6th due to the hurricanes.

The Lord be with you as you lift up Rev. Paul, his family, orphans and the other dear souls in Haiti in prayers,

Rev. Sam Wiseman

Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:36 AM

Subject: Rev. Paul's call 9/15/08

Bon jou mwen zamni nan Jezi Kri, (Good day my friends in Jesus Christ)

Rev. Paul is very thankful for the support--our prayers and financial assistance is greatly appreciated by him and the many people (30+) in his direct care. The $1500.00 that was sent last week was able to pay for food, which is extremely expensive since the infrastructure in Haiti is damaged due to Hurricanes--roads flooded, bridges out, etc.

Rev. Paul said, "Many people are bringing me their children, because we might be able to feed them. They want their children given the necessities and they cannot provide--this is very hard to have so many people coming to me. More prayers please for this and for everything!"

An service that has been started is to have a "VBS" on Sunday afternoon. (Worship services are now at the orphanage.) Lambs of God Orphanage opened their doors (gate) for a "VBS" on 9/14 and 230 children from the neighborhood were there. "We plan to do this every week--as we are able to give a little to the community", Rev. Paul said. The word of God has been sent forth those dear souls "...My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). Praise God!

This is also a good time to buy land and animals--people's personal property--since they are trying to sell whatever they have to get food. I told him to keep his eyes and ears open and let us know what comes up.

A big wind hit them last night and another hurricane is expected--Please pray to the Lord to these dears souls and to those who are receiving through this ministry.

The Lord be with you,

Rev. Sam Wiseman