It's probably just coincidence but for the 3rd Sunday running I travelled to Jacmel today. In convoy with our own truck we headed out early to take 500 tents to our church compound for distribution to those in the community that are without any shelter. We had a good journey but it is interesting to see the deterioration in the roads. Cracks that appeared after the earthquake seem to be worsening. Areas of landslide appear more often - despite the evidence of earth moving equipment and attempts to clear the route.
The Corps Officer and his team were delighted to see us and the tents were unloaded by his willing volunteers in a matter of minutes. Capt Gerson, the corps officer, has an excellent relationship with the local community leaders. In each district he works with the elder who drafts a list of those in need of shelter. Gerson then personally visits to assess the family situation and verify the need. He then calls the beneficiaries to the corps building, one district at a time, to collect their tents. Very organised and very efficient.
Our emergency team, Mike and Blaise, are very happy - although the ocean view and beach front location of their accommodation might be contributing to that! Blaise is using his local knowledge to develop positive community links. He had made an appointment for me to meet with Senator Lambert, the senior government official within the 'Department du Sud Est' region. The Senator graciously agreed to meet with us at his home. When we arrived we had to wait a while - unbeknown to us he was resting in bed and needed to dress. He is still suffering the effects of being buried for 2 days in the Parliament building in Port au Prince after it collapsed in the quake. His arm was in a sling and he was clearly shaky. Despite this he welcomed us warmly and readily. He was aware of the relief aid we had distributed in his region and the links Mike and Blaise are building with the community leaders in Decouze. As we pledged our support to him he requested that we expand our efforts to cover others districts that have yet to receive any assistance. We assured him we would do our best to respond and he, in turn, promised us the transportation resources at his disposal. We left feeling that our strategy for that area is clearly focussed and very much appreciated. The picture shows Mike McKee and I with Senator Lambert.
Tomorrow marks a new week and new team members are anxiously looking forward to managing the distribution of 180,000 meals to families in the camp and recommencing the clinic with a complete new team of staff!
If you will forgive a personal indulgence - today (Valentine’s Day) marks the 14th Anniversary of my first ever deployment - to Bosnia in 1996. That event changed my life and the lives of my family. When I set off on that day I could never have imagined the wonderful opportunities that God and The Salvation Army would allow me to have through emergency ministry.
Deployment is not often something undertaken with ones spouse or family and yet their willingness to release us and support us means they have a very special share in our ministry. On this special day of the year we pray for our loved ones at home and thank God for them.
No comments:
Post a Comment