MAF work is vital to rebuilding Haiti

With your support, MAF was able to
 help rebuild homes, churches and
 more. 

• a

Haiti (MNN) ― Two years after a devastating earthquake crippled Haiti and killed thousands, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) remains actively involved in the rebuilding process, supporting more than 30 relief organizations with critical flights to 15 airstrips.

"We have been encouraged by the progress made in Haiti over the past year, but we know there is still a long road ahead," said John Boyd, MAF president and CEO. "It is a privilege to serve the people of Haiti daily, and we look forward to continuing our role in assisting with rebuilding efforts."

MAF currently operates three planes in Haiti and has been serving the country since 1986. They provide daily flights for relief workers, medical personnel, churches, and work teams involved in community development efforts. In a country where roads are nearly impassable and bandits threaten travelers, MAF services are invaluable.

The ministry organization has also distributed micro grants to help families and small businesses get back on their feet after the earthquake. MAF funding has allowed families to rebuild their homes and send their children to school. MAF also assisted in repairing a school, provided meals for school children, and constructed 26 small homes for those in need.

Since cholera broke out in late 2010, nearly 500,000 cases have been reported, resulting in more than 265,000 hospitalizations and some 6,800 deaths. The Haitian Ministry of Health recently reported that it expects the cholera epidemic to continue for the next two to three years as it spreads from urban centers to rural areas. MAF has aided in the ongoing battle against cholera by flying medical teams and supplies to clinics and hospitals.

While the country has suffered through some dark times, many people seem encouraged about Haiti's future.

"The country is optimistic right now about what is going on," MAF Haiti program manager David Carwell said. "We've also seen many churches and mission organizations that have been strengthened and are moving forward. We pray that MAF can be a catalyst in the process."

TouchGlobal evaluates Haiti progress at 2-year quake mark

Haiti (MNN) ― Two years ago this Thursday, Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, leaving hundreds of thousands dead.

Since that fateful day, success and bereavement, spiritual joy and questioning, health and sickness have all swept in and out of the lives of Haitians.

In a recent interview with Mission Network News, Mark Lewis--Crisis Response director with TouchGlobal, the relief branch of the Evangelical Free Church of America--was able to reflect back on the progress that has been made over the last two years in Haiti, as well as look ahead to the years of recovery still ahead.

In the days directly following the disaster, says Lewis, the EFCA was able to respond with immediate aid, including water, food, and temporary shelter. That immediate phase didn't last long, though. TouchGlobal knew they wanted to stay in Haiti long-term and quickly started working toward that end.

One of the biggest projects the ministry tackled was the creation of housing. "We were able to complete a project with some partners and got just under 1,000 transitional homes set up," says Lewis.

Working in conjunction with a number of partners, TouchGlobal was able to help rebuild a clinic, begin a community health evangelism program, provide clean water solutions, embark in teacher training, and begin building church leadership.

It's an extremely short version of what the ministry was able to accomplish in two years. No amount of description can explain the relationships built, the lives given new hope, or the joy of those meeting Christ for the first time. Much headway has been made.

So where is Haiti now? Nearly fixed? Lewis says, "Hardly."

"There are still about half a million people living in some type of very temporary shelter. That number's down from like a million and a half," notes Lewis.

Progress to be certain, but more to go. Fear is still present throughout the nation, and Lewis says many middle class Haitians he has met are still far from obtaining permanent housing as they knew it before January 12, 2010.

"The idea of actually rebuilding back to a brick-and-mortar or concrete type of structure comparable to what they had prior to the earthquake just seems like that's going to be a decade away for so many."

Lewis adds that debris removal, which has been a long and drawn out process, is only about half way to completion.

Although the physical state of Haiti as a whole may not be back to what we might think of as standard, the spiritual realm in Haiti continues to transform.

"There was a huge response after the earthquake with many, many people coming to faith, and many of them have stayed with their local church," says Lewis. "But that's provided a big challenge to the local churches in the areas of discipleship and leadership development."

That's one of three areas that TouchGlobal hopes to address long-term: discipleship and leadership development. TouchGlobal wants to come alongside the indigenous church to help train it to best reach its people.

Looking ahead, the two other areas TouchGlobal plans to focus on permanently are education and community health evangelism. Both education and health are vital to the recovery and growth of the nation. More importantly, both will serve as vehicles to share the Gospel.

In the months and years to come, TouchGlobal needs people to pray for Haiti as well as to volunteer to go the country to help with teacher training and other projects. To learn about all of the ways you can get involved with Kingdom work in Haiti, visittouchglobal.org/Haiti. 

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Concludes Deployment to Haiti After More Than 22 Months

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 7, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has completed its 22 month deployment to the earthquake-stricken country of Haiti. Chaplains first arrived in Haiti within 24 hours of the Jan. 12, 2010, disaster that is estimated to have killed more than 300,000.

More than 120 chaplains ministered in the impoverished nation during the nearly two-year-long endeavor, and those trained chaplains prayed with and comforted 35,420 Haitians and relief workers. Individual chaplains typically spent two to six weeks at a time in the country before rotating out.

"We have witnessed the best and the worst that this world has to offer as we've ministered in Haiti," said Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. "We've seen pain and grief on an unimaginably massive scale, and we've seen beauty, hope and joy in the spirits of the Haitian people that defies all explanation in the midst of such a hard place."

Recognizing the ongoing need in Haiti for spiritual and emotional support, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has implemented many of its other ministries in the country over the last several months as well, including a Franklin Graham Festival held in January 2011, a My Hope World Evangelism Through Television program that reached the entire nation through grassroots efforts, and The Greatest Journey, a special educational program for children. A Creole translation of the youth training course Dare to Be a Daniel is also in the works for Haiti.

The deployment to Haiti was the second-longest outreach in the history of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, chaplains immediately deployed to the Gulf Coast and had a presence there for two-and-a-half years until concluding the effort on March 14, 2008. 

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is a nationwide network of chaplains across 44 states that are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. Since the ministry was launched in 2002, it has responded to more than 120 natural and man-made disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and shootings.

For more information on the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, visit www.billygraham.org/rrt. For videos, photos and news articles from recent Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployments, visitwww.billygraham.org/response. Ministry updates and photo galleries are posted at www.facebook.com/BGRapidResponseTeam.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available through a wide range of domestic and international evangelism ministries. Visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAnews.

Paradis School grows faster than its walls can

Haiti (MNN) ― When you went to school, it was probably in a building, right? Even if it was small, it most likely at least had a roof, floors, windows, doors.

After the massive earthquake that hit Haiti in early 2010, the kids who even continued in school had to meet in tents. Schools had crumbled to the ground, and those that continued to operate had very few options--and certainly no walls.

Worldwide Christian Schools came into contact with just such a school shortly after the quake. "It's a school that we thought had great potential, and had good leadership near the epicenter of the famous Haiti earthquake," explains Steve Geurink.

The Paradis School needed a new building for its 169 students. WWCS found them a plot of land and agreed to help the school rebuild. To date, the school has the first of two buildings partially complete.

An interesting phenomenon happened post-quake, though: the school grew--and quickly.

"Now that we have part of the school completed--we have one building that they're now using, there are over 300 students at the school," says Geurink. "I think the potential is even greater as we work on the second phase of the construction."

The school has 300 students but only one partially finished building. The volume of students forced the school out of its temporary tent set-up even though the building has not been completed.

"The building has a roof on it, it has a floor, it has walls, and it is a tremendous blessing to the community to have the building that far," notes Geurink. "They insisted on using it because they had so many students and literally needed to use the new classrooms."

The school is growing quicker than WWCS' hired national workers can build, and quicker than funding can come in. Even though windows, doors, and other necessities have yet to be installed, WWCS is beginning construction on the second building just to get a roof and walls around the large number of students.

The second building will be another one-story building with about 10 classrooms and a kitchen to feed the kids. Another ministry has graciously agreed to install the bathroom facilities.

The bare necessities are all lining up, but windows and doors to keep bugs out and let light in are the next essentials.

"We'd dearly love to have other people assist with things such as paying for doors, windows, maybe blackboards." Geurink adds. "We need to talk about benches and seats for the children."

In the midst of the growth and the decisions to be made, it could be easy to lose sight of what's most important. But Geurink says in the voodoo-ridden region, the school's leadership is still determined to teach the Gospel message above all else and turn kids' focus on Him. The growth of the school means more lives built up in Christ.

WWCS needs more mission teams to volunteer to come and help with the buildings. They also need more resources to help finish the schools so that kids can get the best possible education and learn without distraction about the Lord.

To help WWCS with this project, click here. 

Women rescued from Haiti's tent cities

Mission Network News: "Haiti (MNN) ― The number of people living in tent cities in Haiti is down from one million, to around 600,000. However, it's not because the needs are being met. It's because health clinics and water distribution ran out, landowners and mayors illegally evicted residents, or because they gave up hope that aid might reach them. These "cities" have also become places of victimization and abuse."

Read more...

Ministry team uses expertise to craft water well repair and outreach

Haiti (HCJB/MNN) ― Nearly two years after an earthquake shattered Haiti, the country remains fragile.

International donors have fallen behind their aid pledges, which threatens to undermine stability and already-slow recovery efforts.

Read more...

Self-sufficiency a must in continued Haiti rebuild

Haiti (MNN) ― It's been well over a year and a half since an earthquake struck that would throw Haiti into more extreme devastation than the poor nation was already undergoing. Nearly 20 months later, there is finally a distant light at the end of the tunnel.

Pat Melancon, Managing Director of Disaster Response and Training for Baptist Global Response, says, "I would say we're going to be getting out of the recovery phase probably in the next six months or so, and then the country should begin to move into the rehabilitation stage."

BGR has done more than their part but continues to work tirelessly. The ministry has created some 60 projects in Haiti and has focused a great deal of attention toward housing.

"By the end of the year, we should have 1,600 homes that we've built," notes Melancon, who recently returned from a trip to build homes in Haiti. BGR has been able to reach these goals by using U.S. volunteers and Haitian work crews.

BGR has been able to provide for needs as they've come -- first for immediate needs such as food and temporary housing, then for more permanent housing. As Haiti finally moves away from recovery and into rehabilitation over the next several months, however, BGR's focus will be concentrated on making sure that Haitians steer away from dependency.

Melancon explains, "So much support has been given, and what has happened to a degree is that well-meaning groups have gone in wanting to help, but have created a great sense of dependency. It has created a dependency to the point where many of the Haitian pastors and churches do not feel as though they can do anything on their own."

BGR hopes to debunk these beliefs, both of Haitians and of Westerners. "One thing that we're hoping is that the Christian community as a whole will see that long-term objectives are very important when coming out of a disaster. Everyone's heart is in the right place; sometimes we have to think past just the immediate needs."

As BGR moves toward long-term, sustainable projects in Haiti, they continue to build up communities and churches with the love and truth of Christ. The ministry is able to provide both livelihood by building up Haitians' self-sufficiency, and life in Christ.

You can help BGR in this life-giving process by choosing to support any of the numerous projects the ministry has in Haiti. Click here to view the various ways you can help in Haiti and in other long-term projects across the globe.

Feeding center now has food

Haiti (MNN) ― Since many people have forgotten about Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, ministries working there continue meeting the physical and spiritual needs. However, red tape is causing additional problems.

For Haiti with Love has been working in Haiti for decades. They often have difficulty getting shipping containers out of customs.

Today, however, they're celebrating answered prayers.

Eva DeHart, President of For Haiti with Love, says, "After six months, on August 24, For Haiti with Love finally has a freed container of food packs donated by 'Feed My Starving Children.'"

DeHart adds, "There are still two: one tied up in customs since February, and one at sea; but we thank God that we now have food and can resume the food program for the elderly, the recovering burn patients, the disabled, and grandmas left to raise grandchildren."

For Haiti with Love demonstrates God's love to those in need by hosting a feeding program, a burn clinic, home-rebuilding program, and more.

However, the ministry isn't out of the woods because funding has greatly diminished since the quake. "We need your continued prayers and donations because there will be dock charges for the time the other containers have been delayed."

Pray that God will provide funding for those changes and for additional ministry for the Haitian people.

Poverty battled with business

Haiti (MNN) ― The launch of a new entrepreneurship program in Haiti could mean more businesses and ultimately more jobs in a suffering economy.

Christian Entrepreneurs in Action was just launched last month in Cap-Haitien of northern Haiti. This program is grooming businessmen of Haiti to better the lives of Haitians in Christ's name.

The new program is partnering with HCJB Global, Partner's Worldwide, and eight other Christian Haitian businessmen. Together, since the launch of Christian Entrepreneurs in Action, they have provided jobs for 120 people.
This isn't the first time Christians have endeavored to train other Christian businessmen in Haiti. Partner's Worldwide has worked in Haiti by holding business training conferences.

A previous Partner's Worldwide conference took place in 2009 and was attended by 300 Haitian businessmen. Attendees were able to take place in networking and workshops. All the while, they learned how to approach business and entrepreneurship with a Christian mindset.

As evidenced by the positive reception of such entrepreneurial programs, more jobs and businessmen are in high demand for Haiti. Unemployment may still be as high as 70%, according to several estimates. Additionally, 80% of the population is below the poverty line.

To fight this depressing trend of extreme poverty, Christian Entrepreneurs in Action is currently working to recruit Christian business professionals. These business professionals would mentor and train entrepreneurs, and open doors for capital to start coming in for the program.

Bringing stimulation to Haiti's economy isn't the end goal. HCJB Global's mission statement for branches in Latin America state that they hope to "communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ through education and discipleship."
Education in excellent business endeavors will do just that. When Christians can step up in the market of business for Haiti and start to employ needy members of the community, hopefully people will see their light in Christ set on the hill of business.

When others see Christians rising to high standards, it inspires higher standards in communities and makes people curious about the God who would instigate such passion in His followers.

Please pray for this newly launched program to recruit enough business mentors to train others to conduct successful, God-honoring businesses. Pray also that through business endeavors and life-action ministry, more Haitians would come to know the Christ who gives them the eternal riches of His kingdom.

Voodoo priests come to Christ in Haiti

Six former voodoo practitioners that
 have been set free. On the left is
 former voodoo priest Solivert
 Joseph.


Haiti (MNN) ― Recently we told you about a grassroots effort to dedicate Haiti to Christ. According to those who participated, God moved.

Pastor Robert Ulysse, a minister in the northwest region of Haiti, says they prayed each day at a different crossroad in the region.

According to Ulysse, "After we closed the 7th crossroad event on Saturday, a voodoo priest named Solivert Josep, came forward with his wife. They both declared that they wanted to renounce their voodoo practices in favor of the 'Living God.' We filled 3 pickup trucks with Christians and drove to the Joseph's home to remove and burn their voodoo articles.

Earlier in the week, another couple came forward to renounce their voodoo practices in favor of the "Living God." Ulysse recounts, "After the service, we went to their home at crossroad #5 to destroy their voodoo articles. They had more articles than anyone we have seen so far in this campaign. They attended all of the remaining crossroad services."

Another husband and wife who were saved out of their voodoo worship are so excited: "They have been trying to get their friends, neighbors and relatives to do the same," says Ulysse. 

In general, says Ulysse, the seven crossroad events have been a complete victory. He adds, "Voodoo keeps people in bondage through fear. Haitians, in general, fear the power of voodoo more than they fear God."
However, many people believe that anyone who would dare attack the voodoo spirits on their turf (the crossroads) would be severely punished. Ulysse says, "Some people clearly said that they would wait to see if we could really hold the services at the crossroads without anyone among us being struck dead right there."
But that never happened. They prayed that God would protect them from even the smallest incidents. Ulysse reports, "We knew that any incident could be and would be interpreted as a punishment from the angry spirits of the crossroads. By the grace of God, we ended the 7 days without even a minor incident even though over-loaded pickup trucks and busses carried thousands of people over mountainous and other potentially-treacherous roads. So our God answered our prayers."

Ulysse is praying that the psychological effect on people will help them understand God's power. 

The revival continues. Let's continue to pray to see where the Lord will lead this movement.

Tropical storm a concern in Haiti

A Compassion project in Haiti.

Haiti (MNN) ― Weather forecasters predicted as much as 20 inches of rain to hit Haiti yesterday, but it's uncertain what Tropical Storm Emily will leave in her wake. As the storm lumbered across the nation, the more than 600,000 Haitians living in tents and make-shift homes feared the worst.

Compassion International serves more than 66,000 children in Haiti. Compassion spokeswoman Kathy Redmond says, "People living in tents, living in that close proximity with still very little sanitation -- that gets a little concerning."

While there are damage reports, exact figures aren't available yet. One thing is certain, says Redmond: "A lot of these people in the community, whether they're Compassion beneficiaries or not, go to the church for their supplies."

Compassion works through the local church because it helps them be valued in their community. "These churches are transforming whole communities. Where you would have lawlessness and that sort of thing, these churches make a difference. They are giving the Gospel, and you know, there is a battle going on in Haiti--a very spiritual battle."
Since the devastating earthquake struck Haiti over a year ago, churches continue to grow.

Child sponsors are needed to help fund the ministry of Compassion in Haiti. If you can't do a monthly commitment, you can still help through another program," says Redmond. "It's called Compassion's 'Water of Life' program. And for $55, you can buy awater filtration system that can go into a child's house and supply the entire with clean water for their lifetime."

Clean water is vital to their program worldwide. Redmond asks, "How many of the diseases that are responsible for the deaths of children -- well, it's all about clean water. So, for $55 you can make sure these kids have clean water and it's in their house."

If you'd like to get involved in Compassion's work, click here.

New door-to-door evangelism program builds church body

(Photo by Nathaniel Watson)

Haiti (MNN) ― The phrase "door-to-door" could make a lot of people think of an annoying salesman. But in Haiti, more and more hear that phrase as "freedom."

The unemployment rate in Haiti has been horrific for ages, but since the deadly earthquake that hit the country January 2010, even fewer Haitians have been able to hold a job. Some estimates list the rate of unemployment at nearly 70%.

Add on top of this devastating economy a terrifying cholera scare, and many are in desperate need of hope.

Enter Baptist Haiti Mission. In the past couple of months, BHM workers have, with the support of their churches, begun a door-to-door evangelistic program.

"They organized an outreach program sharing the Gospel, going around door-to-door to different houses in the area and the community, telling people about the love of Christ, sharing the Gospel, and telling them about who Jesus is and what He's done for us," explains ministry vice president Ron Sparks.

Although a door-to-door ministry may be difficult in some cultures, in Haiti the unemployment rate actually helps make this kind of evangelism work: people are home.

"So many people do not work. They have a little garden by their home, or they just are around their neighborhood or at home a lot," says Sparks. "So there's a lot of response."

There are plenty of ministries in Haiti, but still many Haitians have never heard more than the name of Jesus. BHM workers are truly changing that as they build their new door-to-door evangelism program though.

"What these believers down there are able to share is the very real truth of how Christ in their lives has affected them, telling people about eternal salvation," says Sparks.

Now that BHM has fewer and fewer cases of cholera to address in their treatment center, even more focus can go toward these types of outreaches and toward helping to build churches for the new believing families that are born. Many are receptive to the Gospel, and the number of believers in the country has been shooting up since January 2010.

You can help BHM build church buildings and schools, reach more Haitians with the truth, or sponsor children to get food, education and medicine. It's all waiting to be explored at bhm.org.

High Schoolers Build Home Where Orphans Find Love

Orphans in Haiti are finally getting
 a place to call home.

Haiti (MNN) ― This past month, high schoolers from Wheaton Bible Church broke a sweat under the hot Haitian sun doing construction work for Kids Alive International.

Kids Alive International (KAI) encourages church youth groups to join them on mission trips to some of the most impoverished countries where the message of God's love is desperately needed.

The youth group with Wheaton Bible Church did just that. They went down to Haiti and started building KAI's very first residential children's home in that area.

Residential children's homes are used by KAI to house a "family unit" consisting of several children and a set of their own Christian house parents. In this way, needy orphans live in a the context of family, learning from their "parents" that they are indeed loved by the God who created them and that we are called to love them in the same way.

Children who live in KAI's residential homes are cared for all the way through young adulthood. Several residential homes with KAI often are grouped together to form a community. The orphans are always brought up learning about the Good News of Christ and the direct ministry of their house parents warms them with God's love.

Orphaned kids in Haiti are at high risk to trafficking and poverty. According to KAI's Web site, as many as 2,000 children are trafficked to the Dominican Republic each year. The earthquake in 2010 only added to the already more than 300,000 orphans.

Thankfully, Haitian orphans find hope through the loving arms of staff with KAI. KAI has been involved in Haiti since 2002, providing schooling and orphanages. Since the 2010 earthquake, the number of orphans they help has tripled.

KAI is currently finishing up the work started by the high schoolers on their first residential children's home for Haiti. Soon they are planning on bringing in one of their "family units" from the rented space they are currently living in.

After the first residential house is finished, they are planning on beginning construction for the second residential house in a few weeks. A service team from Summit Church will be traveling down there to help them for the start of that project.

These residential homes are able to be built quickly due to special wall construction. Two panels of wire mesh with a panel of foam in between receive a layer of plaster over top to make a wall.

Electrical work and plumbing will be done to the first residential home before plastering the house. They hope to finish these last steps shortly.

Please pray that construction would be completed soon for both residential homes. Pray that the kids living in these homes would come to know Christ through their house parents' living testimony.

Backpacks Bring Hope to Haitian Kids

Kids in Haiti need good schooling.
 But in order to get good schooling,
 they need good backpacks and
 supplies.

Haiti (MNN) ― For kids in Haiti, a backpack is more just a fashion statement. A backpack means they can finally go to school. A backpack means they have a way to carry literally all their belongings. A backpack means they have hope.

Orphan Outreach is launching Mission Backpack to bring donated backpacks and the Gospel to the children in Haiti. Backpacks will also be distributed to local kids in Florida and in the Navajo Nation of Arizona. They are partnering with Moody Radio Florida, Moody Radio South Florida and WAY radio for this evangelistic outreach.

Amy Norton with Orphan Outreach says, "We have found, in all of our work internationally, that children have to have a backpack to go to school just like they do [in the U.S.]. And they need school supplies to be able to put in it. [In] so many countries, if they do not have a backpack, they can't go to school."

The children in Haiti are no exception. Mission Backpack is working with World Harvest Missions established in Haiti to distribute donated backpacks. Norton says, "[World Harvest Missions] was so grateful to have the backpacks this past year--after we did the drive in Florida--for the children."

In the wake of tragedy, hope is hard to come by, especially for the kids in Haiti. "Things are desperate there," Norton explains. "People thought that things were so bad after the [earthquake]. But it's gotten so much worse that so many children are suffering from sickness and illness and have no place to sleep, and no parents."

The hope of the Gospel can change lives. While providing backpacks to the needy kids in Haiti, Orphan Outreach is also opening doors for the message of Christ. Backpacks will be equipped with hygiene kits, a Bible, and a stuffed bear from Family Christian Stores.

The team distributing the backpacks, as well as the staff with World Harvest Missions, keeps the focus on Christ as they minister to kids in Haiti. "All of their ministry is done with an evangelical focus as well as humanitarian aid and assistance. So the Gospel message is definitely shared with each backpack that is delivered," says Norton.

There are collections going on both in Texas and Florida. Texas drive sites are already collecting between now and July 31; Florida sites will be collecting between July 25 and August 14. They have an overall goal to have 3,500 backpacks donated by the end of the drives.

You don't have to directly donate a backpack to a collection center in order to get involved. You can go online to the Orphan Outreach Web site and purchase a backpack to donate. The cost of providing one fully equipped backpack is $20.

All backpacks will be collected by the end of August and sent down by container with a team from Florida Baptist Children's Home. The kids in Haiti will get their donated backpacks and supplies by the start of school in the Fall.

Please pray for successful backpack drives for Orphan Outreach. Pray also for the kids in Haiti who will be hearing the Gospel message as they receive their supplies. Pray that God's love would change the hearts of these kids and draw many into His kingdom.

Haiti President Thwarted in 'Wake Up' Call

Haiti (MNN) ― Political infighting in Haiti means the new president, Michel Martelly, has been unable to make good on campaign promises made in the wake of Haiti's 2010 devastation.

His first pick for Haiti's Prime Minister was rejected by Parliament. In his second attempt to fill the position, Martelly chose former justice minister Bernard Gousse as his nominee. Gousse, meanwhile, has twice delayed the filing of his paperwork until July 21, and there's word he will likely be rejected as well.

Martelly's inability to form a new government has had a direct impact on nearly everything connected to the restoration of the disaster-ridden country.

Bright Hope International is not exempt in that. In a letter from their partner, Jephthe Lucien -- director of Pignon Ministries, he writes that a full container of supplies is stuck on the docks. The container holds food, clothing, bikes and medical supplies that are desperately needed to support the ministry.

Lucien leads the work of the Jerusalem Baptist Mission. Since 1996, he has planted 42 churches with over 4,000 members and 17 Christian schools with over 2,900 students.

The Mission's economic development programs have directly impacted hundreds of families throughout Pignon. This ministry has improved the quality of life in Pignon for thousands of people. More importantly, it has greatly strengthened the level of Christian witness opportunities in these communities.

Lucien writes that, "[sic] Customs officials fear losing their jobs by approving containers not supported by the Prime Minister's office. Unfortunately, it is backward thinking and part of the corruption culture mentality."

It may take a few more weeks for a new PM to be appointed, which would push the original customs approval date until the end of this month or later. Please pray for this to be resolved.