Begin forwarded message:

> From: Kesner AJAX <kesnerajax@...>
>
> Subject: Partnership Program,Diocese of Haiti
> Reply-To: kesnerajax@...
>
>
> Dear Brothers and Sisters,
> I greet you at a very sad and hard time for the country of Haiti.
> I hope to give you a brief but informative update regarding our
> dire situation. We have been hit hard by a series of hurricanes,
> including Fay, Gustav, and Hanna. Hanna was particularly
> devastating, due to extensive flooding in Les Cayes, Cap-Haitian
> Gonaives, Hinche, Port de Paix, Leogane, Port au Prince, Croix des
> Bouquets, Bainet, Petit Trou de Nippes, Jacmel, Torbeck and many
> other regions. Numerous homes were completely underwater during
> the worst parts of the storm as rivers overflowed their banks,
> becoming massive walls of water. Communication is difficult or
> impossible in many locations. There is infrequent or complete lack
> of electricity, many roads are destroyed, and rivers continue to
> overflow. Many bridges are unsafe to cross due to high waters,
> debris, and possible mud slides.
> This destruction has made the day to day survival of the poorest
> people increasingly difficult. The storms have destroyed crops and
> homes, closed businesses, and prevented the people from obtaining
> clean water. Without these activities, the poor do not have the
> ability to obtain the daily money necessary for food or access to a
> healthy living situation. The destruction of the season’s crops
> will intensify the food crisis with significantly less produce
> available for sale at market.
> Haiti’s children, in particular, will be greatly affected by the
> recent events in Haiti. Not only is there civil unrest, but the
> storms have ruined the livelihoods of their parents. With no money
> to buy food and future income producing crops destroyed, many
> children will not be able to attend school this fall. In such
> desperate situations as this, families must make choices as to who
> will be saved in a flood and who will eat each day. These are
> choices no person ever desires to make but even as I write this
> letter to you, the people of Haiti face this reality.
> I would like to thank all of you for your prayers and support.
> Prayer is a powerful force against trouble, darkness, and trials.
> Thank you as well to those who are supporting us spiritually during
> this time of sorrow. Please know, too, that Haiti is also in
> great need of direct material support. The people have great
> courage and staunch hearts in the face of these events; however,
> they cannot live on courage alone. They must have sufficient food
> and clean water. Please pray and consider how you may help the
> Haitian people in these troubling times.
> May God bless you,
>
> The Rev. Kesner Ajax
> Partnership Program Coordinator
> Episcopal Diocese of Haiti
> C/o Lynx Air
> P.O. Box 407139
> Fort Lauderdale, FL 33340-7139
> Tel: 011 509 3445 3346
> 011 509 3724 8376
>
>