April 27th, 2010
Haiti in Crisis from My Camera
In Haiti, much of the crisis involves those things which most of us in America take for granted. For example…
Shelter – Thousands upon thousands of people are living in makeshift shelters. This creates huge problems when it comes to disposal, sanitation, and personal safety.
Food – This involves the ability to afford and access food as well as the means for preparing it.
Education – There is no public education in Haiti. Only those who have access to and the ability to afford private education are able to pursue it. This represents a very small percentage of the population. Here are a fortunate few experiencing school under some makeshift canopies.
Infrastructure and Environment – Along with all of the obvious destruction, the earthquake also destroyed what there was of a drainage system in parts of Port-au-Prince. It’s creating unsanitary flooding in some of the lower regions.
Safety - There are many buildings that are still standing but with little to no real foundational support. As can be seen by the picture of this precious little girl, this creates a very dangerous reality for people. And yet, they don’t have the resources or equipment for taking these buildings down. In some circumstances, they’re actually choosing to plaster over the cracks and continue using them.
Jobs and Income – Though many of the people are working both creatively and hard, for most, the economy is such that there is very little reward for even the best of efforts.
Family – Many families are led by single parents…often women. The earthquake created even greater instability. Many parents were killed leaving over a hundred thousand kids orphaned. This then puts a huge burden on other families trying to absorb the children. In the home below, (which was about 12 x 12 with very little ventilation making it like a sauna), this woman was housing 8 people, including 2 children orphaned by the earthquake.
Solutions to these problems won’t be easy. But, in my mind, two things are essential to make solutions possible. The first is genuine hope. The second is leadership with integrity. Though not easy to find in any culture, these two characteristics can be found in the church of Jesus Christ…when it’s working right.
At NorthRidge, we’re praying and working to find leaders with integrity in the church in Haiti that we can partner with to unleash hope.
Categorized: Christian Living |
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cherilans
Brad, thanks for sharing thesepictures from Haiti! Such overwhelming scenes of devastation and hardship. They really tell the story of the suffering there. I’m so glad you went there and saw the truth of the situation and were able to interact with the people and see the pockets of joy. In my opinion, He is there amidst them, just waiting to hook up with us, His hands and feet, to bring hope as you said. Praying for the link to made with the church of integrity there – and that they will be revealed soon…
Lynn Kelley Soss
Perhaps there is someone in Florida, who has relation in Haiti, whom could be recommended to lead out an effort with integrity in that country. Church partners in that state could be contacted. It is all about networking.
Joean Jaco
I’m praying for Haiti. Leadership with integrity is not hard to find but something happens along the way and they start thinking that they deserve more rewards now rather than waiting for richer rewards in heaven. However I still have Hope!
Lorie
I’m praying for Haiti. Thanks for sharing.