We are working to continue to establish a supply line for our team there in Port Au Prince. We are hearing from them on are regular basis. Monica Gautney is our main communication link with Brad Gautney who's leading the team. Everyone is doing well physically.
Our main focus is continuing to help with the the relief team we have in place, and gather information for an extended aide process. We will be very challenged to get food, water, fuel, and medicines to our workers. As, hopefully you got the MGM update, you'll know that our team is working in a hospital that had few, if any, clinicians until they arrived. By the Grace of God, they were led right to this place and countless people were there waiting to be seen.
In speaking with Roberta just before she boarded her plane to Port Au Prince, she's reminded me of the long term needs that will be present for much time to come. All those not receiving immediate treatment, inadequate treatment, and because of the poor quality of the water supply, inevitably a second round of critical clinical needs will arise. Infections, fevers,and various diseases will set in quickly. The healthcare issues will be massive and long term.
We're continuing to look both short term and long term as to how we can best help. Many of you have offered to go in with us. We continue to try to define exactly what role our folks can fill, and how to support that team with needed supplies, safety, lodging, and transportation. As you all have seen on the news, it's a huge logistical problem.
With an estimated 1.5 million people displaced, we are so thankful that our major building structures (children's home, feeding center, etc.) appear to have suffered little or no damage. That allows our attention to be focused on others.
Roberta is back in Port Au Prince. I know what she and the rest are seeing is horrible. I did get an email from Luckson, sharing a portion of it I think may be helpful in you understanding their position in helping......
From Luckson: ------Norm, it is bad here. We worked at an hospital today and it was bad. I have no words to explain what I was seeing today. I had to tell a 13 yrs old today that she was going to lost one of her eyes and it was hard. It is hard for me to be here but I wouldn't changed this for anything else in this world. The Lord is using me and everyone in our group.----------
Certainly, the Haitian people are suffering indescribably, but those close to the situation are also absorbing a lot of hurt by the critical conditions and their ability to only help so much. Even though all of our team is well trained for Haiti conditions, this situation is overwhelming. Please pray for them that they can deal with the pain in their own hearts as they help others.
God help us to help them.
Norm
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