Earthquake in Haiti

Empower Ministries International’s Response

A Personal Message from President/Founder Ron Pearce:

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 – 4:53 pm

Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, was hit by a 7.0 earthquake, the likes of which have not been experienced in that country in 200 years. Felt as far away as Cuba, the quake devastated the tiny country, where 80% of its 9 million people live below the poverty line. The nation is still trying to recover from four hurricanes that hit the country in 2008 killing 800 people and leaving thousands homeless.

Effects of the quake are still coming in, with every report worse than the last. An estimated 3 million people have been affected by this quake. For this nation visited often by natural disaster, the effects are catastrophic. Buildings have collapsed and with each aftershock, even those that were still standing and damaged continue to crumble. The death toll will no doubt continue to rise. The needs are immense.

The quake’s epicenter was only 10 miles from the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Even at this early stage in assessing the damage, reports were released that the presidential palace, a hospital and the UN headquarters were among the numerous buildings “left in ruins” along with other key buildings, the airport and untold numbers of individual houses. We learned immediately that at least one Bible School collapsed and two young students were killed. Pastors have lost their churches along with any Christian materials they may have had. Affected believers will have lost their houses, their belongings and probably their livelihoods.  

Our Plan of Action

Empower Ministries International has been working in Haiti for 3 ½ years with a national church network that operates throughout the country. Immediately upon hearing this news, we were in contact with the network leader and set up a plan to help the believers in Haiti. Our focus will be on helping believers, Bible School students, pastors and their families, and Christian leaders.

Because of our connection with the National Church in the country, we are able to deploy help immediately. We expect to be able to provide funds within 36 hours to our contacts in the country so that essential items like food, water, and clothing can be purchased and given to Christians in need.

A Turning to God

We have seen time and again that when disasters strike around the world, that is followed by a turning to God. Like in Burma almost two years ago, we expect that God will use this tragedy to open the hearts of the people in Haiti to His love. Therefore we are providing not only the supplies, but also 100,000 French New Testaments (which include details on how a person can receive Christ as Savior) and evangelistic materials are now being prepared in order to share hope with these suffering people in this time of need.

I often remind our partners and those who hear me speak that God is not surprised by anything that happens in the world. This earthquake did not catch God off guard. You will be encouraged to know that He started the wheels in motion for providing for the people of Haiti in advance. Our partnership with the National Church is one evidence, enabling us to move quickly and effectively, reaching the people in need with the essential items they need now. In addition, just four days ago I met with a man who told me his passion is to provide 100,000 New Testaments for Haiti. We put that desire of his into motion at that time, so the plans were already in place to get a large number of Scriptures into this country – God knew how much His Word would be needed in the weeks and months to come.

Compassionate Assistance Leading to Evangelism

Empower Ministries International’s work and mission is always to reach out with the Gospel. Sometimes, opportunities arise that also call for us to provide compassionate assistance which demonstrates God’s love and provides an opening to share the hope found in Jesus. Just like in Burma, we will be praying that God will use this disaster to bring many souls to salvation in Jesus Christ.

Can You Help?

Today, just hours after the catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti, I am asking you for two things:

1) Please pray earnestly for our brothers and sisters, and for the Church in Haiti. Even as the reports continue to come in, it is clear that suffering is everywhere. This is the time to undergird the Church in prayer so that they can reach out with the love of Christ. Pray for the believers as they minister God’s love to those around them. And pray that through this period of testing many will accept Christ.

2) If you can help financially, or if you know of others who can, please contact us as soon as possible. We will be using any designated funds that are received, to help believers, Bible School students, pastors and their families and Christian leaders. This financial assistance will provide for their immediate needs and empower them to reach out with the love of Christ.

Many times in such situations, Christians are on a secondary list for government and foreign aid. They will be on the top of Empower Ministries International’s list.

It is rare that I come to you with such a direct “ask”. Today is one of those days. Because of our contacts and the national believers on the ground in Haiti, we have the ability to distribute this aid within hours. The situation is desperate – lives are at stake. Souls are waiting to be rescued.

Therefore, if you can help, please call as soon as possible. If you prefer to mail in a check, please call and let us know of your gift and we will forward your pledge immediately to our network in Haiti in order to help as many as possible as quickly as possible. If you wish to help through a credit card donation, please give online or by telephone 24 hours a day at 1.800.575.1863.

Many, many thanks.

His bondservant, Ron Pearce

For the lastest update on our work in Haiti, email us and request: Situation Report: Haiti