Haiti Earthquake

As if things were not hard enough for the people of Haiti, the country was rocked by its most powerful aftershock yet.  Our assessment teams are safe and all are in Port au Prince. This is a huge praise, due in large part to your faithfulness to pray for their travel. Now we ask you to “draw near the throne of grace” and pray for them as they navigate the damaged communities, survey the needs, and prepare to develop a response plan.

The assessment team includes personnel from NAMB, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, BGR, and IMB. These men and women are meeting with the Haitian Baptist leaders, local pastors and government officials. They are also connecting with personnel from our faith partners, such as Samaritan's Purse and Operation Blessing, in an attempt to understand the real and immediate needs as well as the long-term needs. Unlike the first responder organizations that bring search and rescue teams and medical personnel, Southern Baptists are committed to the long haul. Our plans not only address the urgent needs of today but the long-term need to rebuild the community of faith and help the people of Haiti rebuild their country. 

Photo: (front to back) Bruce Poss, disaster relief coordinator for NAMB, and Coy Webb, Kentucky state disaster relief director, are in Haiti as part of the assessment team that is surveying the country in preparation for the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief response.

It is clear that medical, emotional, and spiritual care are priorities along with food and shelter. One medical team (AR) has been deployed, more teams expect to be mobilized in a few days, communication equipment is being prepared, and chaplains are on alert. Staff in Haiti and here at home are working to get plans in place to provide for teams once they arrive. Reports today are that the port will need one to two weeks, at least, to get back in operation.  The airport continues to struggle to handle the traffic moving through it, and roadways are still blocked by collapsed buildings. Many groups working in Haiti for the past week are crying out for supplies, sometimes life-saving supplies. The logistics of opening supply lines is critical to success and is one of the priorities for our planning team. All avenues are being explored to ensure volunteers will have the supplies and equipment they need.

Several state directors reported they have been contacted concerning a possible need to support locally where Haitians are being brought into the US temporarily. Others described opportunities their churches have had to minister to the many Haitian communities here.

Late yesterday our teams in Haiti reported they have seen much of the countryside and are formulating plans for how we can best serve the Haitian people and meet needs that are going unmet by other organizations. They ask for your continued prayers as they seek God’s direction. Pray that they will be able to connect with all of the leaders and resources God has prepared to assist Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers in bringing the hope and peace of our Lord and Savior to the people suffering in Haiti.

Read more about the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief effort in Haiti.

American Samoa

Rebuild is underway in American Samoa. Teams will be small in number due to housing and logistical support capabilities. Teams of five will include well-seasoned, construction-oriented individuals that are able to teach the Samoans their trade. The plan formulated in partnership with FEMA calls for our teams to work with several American Samoan apprentices. This will not only help the work progress at a faster rate but will provide an income and marketable skills for the Samoans.

• An AZ team arrived January 17 and will work until February 4. 
• A NC team will serve from February 4-February 21.
• Teams are needed for the first two weeks of March.  
• A UT/ID team will serve from March 14-28.
• A SBCV team will serve from March 28-April 11.
• A second UT/ID team will serve from April 18-May 2.
• A CA team will serve from May 13-31.

There are still opportunities for skilled construction teams to serve in American Samoa. State disaster relief credentials are required. Individuals and teams wishing to serve should contact their state convention office.

Southern Baptists are asked to pray for the people of American Samoa while the eyes of the media are focused on Haiti.

Donations to the Hawaii-Pacific Baptist Convention American Samoa Relief Fund can be made online through the NAMB Disaster Relief Donations website by selecting Tsunami Relief on the donation form.

Read more about the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief effort in American Samoa.

2010 Awards Nominations - Deadline is February 1, 2010

Southern Baptist Disaster relief is seeking nominations for the 2010 Robert E Dixon Award, Joel W. Philips Outstanding Achievement Award, and Distinguished Service Award. Please click here to find an explanation of the awards and to make your nominations.

Support Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Efforts

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief responds to disasters across the US and around the world. Donations are fully tax deductable and 100% of all gifts are used to meet the needs of hurting people in the wake of disasters. Donations can be made online, by phone (866) 407-6262, or by mail - checks should be made payable to "North American Mission Board" and sent to Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543.