Haiti earthquake relief

On 12 January 2010, a 7.0 earthquake struck the Caribbean island of Haiti, bringing widespread destruction and killed hundreds of people.

It is feared the death toll may rise into the thousands once rescuers and recovery teams are able to access affected areas.

The capital city, Port-au-Prince, was among the most badly affected locations. The Presidential Palace and UN premises were among badly damaged or destroyed buildings.

Video footage taken immediately after the quake from nearby hills, looking down on Port-au-Prince, showed clouds of dust caused by collapsing buildings, covering the city like dense fog.

Haitian Calvary International Ministries — a local partner of our U.K. affiliate WorldShare — runs schools on the island of La Gonave, located just off the Haitian mainland and a short distance from the earthquake epicentre. HCIM ministers to children and supports the growth of local churches.

On Wednesday morning, January 13, Luckner Stimphil (HCIM director) reported by phone. “A lot of people we know are dead,” he reports. “There is no contact to La Gonave, where there is no electricity. TV/radio are down.”

Haiti is the western hemisphere's poorest country. With widespread poverty, and infrastructure and communications difficulties a feature of life there prior to the earthquake due to the political and economic situation, the earthquake will be a further terrible blow to the country.

How you can help

Please pray urgently for:

• HCIM staff within Haiti.
• HCIM director, Pastor Luckner Stimphil, and his leadership team as they respond.
• International search, rescue and aid agencies in the critical days immediately ahead.

Partners International invites your donations to the Haiti Earthquake Appeal. Funds raised together with our Partnership Alliance affiliates will be channelled through partners working in and for Haiti, as circumstances on the ground allow, to help with both immediate and longer-term practical and spiritual needs.

As a registered Canadian charity responding the needs in Haiti, your donation will be matched by the Government of Canada.

Thank you for your prayerful concern and support at this time of tragedy in Haiti.

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