Summer 2020 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Supporters of Water4Haiti,
As our world struggles with evil, trying to overcome the good and blessings we have, it has been a rough and sad year. Haiti has not avoided any of the sadness either. Starting in the Spring of 2019 riots broke out for several months protesting the corruption in the government. Schools were closed for the whole year, businesses were burned, people killed and a shortage of food. Then the pandemic of Covid invaded the island. Medical treatments are at a premium even when there is no unrest. Social distancing is impossible and still many people do not believe that a virus even exists, so there are few precautions taken at all.
The shack where the family was living
One of 16 wash stations, this one at a school
During the protests our workers could not travel far from our compound as a road block might be laid across the road and they could not return home. So, our fellows took this opportunity to continue to serve the Lord by serving their community by delivering fresh, safe water to the community for hand washing and sanitation. Our town of, 10-15,000??, is divided into 16 sections. Each area has its own ‘mayor’. The mayors came to W4H and said, “You are the only ones who can help us, will you help?” Each mayor purchased a plastic 50 gal. barrel and installed a spigot and set in their area. They asked if we would keep the barrels full of water so the people in each area could wash their hands, a novel idea in a meat market. We naturally said yes and started to deliver water 3 times a week to the barrels. We had already purchased 26 five gal pails and installed spigots for the same purpose. After the route is completed, the team heads out for the afternoon of normal close by well repair. We provided Clorox and soap and even gave seminars in the proper way to wash one’s hands. We will continue this service until the crisis has passed.
A close up of the dwelling and several children
The first of April Sammy called and said he had found a family of 9 ‘living’ in a corn stalk lean to on the side of a mountain. Now, our fellows are used to seeing poverty each day but this was a terrible deal. The roof leaked during rains and water ran onto the dirt floor under the walls and the family had to stand in dry spots during a rain. The family had lost the room they were renting as they got behind in rent and were evicted. The father, who is in poor physical health, gathers wood during the day and sells it for cash to purchase food. Sammy was very emotional when telling me the story and asked, “Isn’t there something we can do to help”? We posted the story on our FB page and as a side project we would build them a little house. Within 15 minutes I had received pledges of nearly $1000. By the time you receive this letter the family should be moved into the house with a tin roof and concrete floor. The dimensions of the house are 12’ x 14’. About the size of a bedroom. There are 7 children in the family.
Roofing the new house
We still continue to repair wells as needed but any new wells are being put on hold, as we are a small business like so many others and the Covid has definitely effected our donations, and rightly so. The Lord will get us through but we are being very careful with our funds. W4H is pleased to announce the development of our new web site. I know you will find it exciting, fresh and informative. Just go to <water4haiti.com> and enjoy.
3000 years ago Isaiah (41: 10), speaking for God, told the people of Israel, “I have chosen you and will not cast you out, fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. I think this is a good reminder for all of us. We each have our fears and concerns but the Lord promised, and what He says is good and true.
Sincerely,
Chuck and the W4H Board