Haiti (MNN)–Rene Preval has been sworn in as Haiti’s president. His first action was urging his divided population to unite for peace.
The scenario has been a roller-coaster ride for Christian World Outreach.
Staff were careful to avoid political entanglements so as not to jeopardize future outreach. However, it seems their ministry faces a hard challenge, says CWO’s Greg Yoder.
“We thought we were getting ahead without the political problems in the country, and then we’re hit by this. So, it just seems like one thing after another, sometimes.” The ‘this’ was an accident Saturday that caused an electrical surge to destroy their headquarters in Port au Prince.
Fires are never good timing, but in this case, it’s especially bad. CWO was due to graduate a class in mid-July. In order for the ceremonies to remain on schedule, they need to make the repairs to the building and get it approved by inspectors prior to the graduation.
The shortened deadline puts a lot of pressure on CWO to make repairs. They’re issuing a call for help. “We’re trying to get some electricians to go down so we can rewire the whole building. The immediate need is to have some people that could go on short notice, interested in serving that way, electrical supplies, outlets, switches…and then, even financing.”
What’s more, Yoder says their evangelistic work will be affected because their headquarters are heavily damaged. A church meets in their building, but because of toxic fumes released by the fire, safety officials recommended against its use.
Classes that were being held there are now either postponed or meeting elsewhere, but it’s a scramble…and a fast-growing need. “Pray”, Yoder urges, “…that God will supply, that things will continue and that through this, that His name will be glorified.”
If you want to be on a team going to Haiti to make repairs, go to: http://www.cwomissions.org/index.php
