September 12, 2008
Dear Family, Friends & Sponsors:
Just a quick note to let you know what is going on in Haiti. You may have heard that there have been some bad storms, and that Hurricane Gustav hit the Carribean this past week.
 We got reports yesterday that Jacmel, the area we do most of our work in, was hit hard by Hurricane Gustav. Our school in Raymond was washed out and it doesn't look like we will be rebuilding on that land. The school had been temporarily moved to this location as this was the second time in 10 months that this school has been hit and destroyed by a hurricane.
The gentleman who looks after our school there has recently bought some land in the same community but in a higher area. He is looking at putting up a canopy to at least have something for the children to start school ASAP. School should be starting next week, but it is doubtful it will get started for at least a couple weeks. The kindergarten at Chabin also was hit and blew half the roof off. Fifty-nine people died in the storm. Thousands of people are homeless and without food or water in that area due to the winds, extreme flooding and mudslides. We have not received reports from the other schools, but chances are they are OK as the Jacmel area was hardest hit in Haiti. Pastor Placide who has lived his whole life in Haiti, said this was the "worst ever".
 Our friend Danny Pye from Haitian Childrens Home and three of his boys were on their way home to Jacmel trying to get ahead of the storm, when they got stopped by flooding in Jacmel, they ended up swimming and walking on submerged vehicles to get home.
We know you'll pray. Jesus said "in this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world".
Sometimes we think, "all I can do is pray". But that is Power, and we can do more, that is to raise funds to feed people and help them rebuild. In Haiti the government will not step in, declare it a disaster and give the people funds to rebuild. The media in does not even mention Haiti when talking about the hurricanes. It is up to us to tell what is happening and provide funds for shelter, food & water, and in doing this, show the love of Christ to a country that is officially VOODOO.
We are heading to Haiti Sept. 23rd that's just about 3 weeks, but the funds are needed now. We will be sending some funds Tuesday to help. To give you an idea of how much a small amount of money will do, I'll put some figures below. If you'd like to help in this disaster relief, call us or hit reply after reading this email to tell us what you're willing to contribute to this urgent need. Then pop a cheque in the mail or call us we will come pick it up this weekend and add it to ours.
A large bag of rice feeding 250 people costs: $80.00 USD
Case of cooking oil (6 gallons): $56.00
Charcoal: $8.00
Beans: $36.00
A tarp to cover a home: $6.00
12 sheets of 6 ft. Metal roofing: $85.00
Case of Bottled water (24 pack) $12.00
Thanking you all in advance for your Prayerful Help in this matter.
Take care and God Bless
Miles & Rosemary Blair
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