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February 2, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Haiti Response: Second Phase
 “Phase Two” has begun in The Wesleyan Church’s emergency response and rebuilding commitment in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Initial appeals resulted in an outpouring of prayer, volunteerism, and sacrificial giving. Offerings through the Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund total $202,943 to date. The Board of General Superintendents expresses their appreciation for these efforts by local churches, districts, and individuals, and encourages continued faithfulness in long-term support of Haiti rebuilding needs.
View a downloadable video update from the Board of General Superintendents.
Historic Damage, Historic Challenges
Wesleyans in Haiti suffered historic damages, including the deaths of family members and total destruction of several churches and schools. Among those killed were a church member and his daughter, two daughters of one of our pastors, the son of a Wesleyan Men president, and the mother of a district superintendent. Thankfully, school wasn’t in session at the time of the quake. Otherwise, the loss of life could have been even greater, since enrollment was over 1600 students in Port-au-Prince area Wesleyan schools that were destroyed.
 Global Partners missionary personnel, led by Caribe Atlantic Area Director Dan Irvine, responded quickly when the earthquake hit. Triage centers were set up, both in Port-au-Prince and in the Wesleyan Hospital on the nearby island of La Gonave. Medical teams and relief supplies were transported to and from the mainland on the “Breezy Sea,” a boat donated by the Atlantic District. Evacuation arrangements were made for work team volunteers from the United States who were in Haiti at the time of the quake.
On-the-ground damage assessments in and around Port-au-Prince were conducted by World Hope International. Vital first-hand information gathered included damage reports about numerous Wesleyan churches and schools that will assist Haitian national church leaders, Global Partners, and WHI in determining cooperative next steps. The immediate focus of WHI will be on distribution of food, water, clothing, and tent housing. Many Haitian Wesleyans will benefit directly from this aid.
Focusing on Help 
The Wesleyan Church will be there for the long haul—rebuilding churches and schools, providing humanitarian relief, training Haitian citizens for medical care, re-connecting the community of Wesleyans, and providing structure for lives so torn apart by the January 12 earthquake.
Concentrated attention on several priorities will serve to help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives, as well as restore the Church’s mission work and long-term capacity for compassionate ministry and outreach in the country. In consultation with Haitian church leaders, a major priority will be rebuilding church facilities and schools as centers of hope and stability—an important step for Haitian families and children to return a sense of normalcy to daily life.
At least ten Wesleyan churches and a similar number of large school buildings were destroyed and dozens more were damaged by the quake. Global Partners, the Church's missions department, is urging North America congregations (or clusters of churches or districts working together) to partner with affected Haitian congregations in raising funds for rebuilding (ranging from an estimated $40,000 to $220,000 per project.)
Many will also want to support World Hope International's disaster response strategy with donations and volunteers. WHI recently announced that it will be concentrating its humanitarian relief and recovery efforts on ten communities in the quake-affected area (some of which have received little outside assistance so far). Eight Wesleyan churches are located in these communities that include:
- Jacmel
- Petit-Goâve
- Gressier
- Léogân
- Carrefour
- Martissant
- Cite Soleil
- Canape Vert Tuergeau
- Carrefour Feuille
- Delmas
 What You Can Do
The opportunity to touch Haitians with the message of hope and holiness has never been greater. This is a time when The Wesleyan Church and its partners can make an eternal impact for Christ and His kingdom.
First, and foremost, pray for Haiti, its citizens, its leadership, its ministries, and its economy. Second, support the Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund (www.wesleyan.org) or World Hope International (www.worldhope.org) with generous gifts for disaster relief efforts. Third, learn about prioritized volunteer needs and connect with work team opportunities through Global Partners or World Hope International to offer your time and talents for rebuilding.
Checks should be made payable to “The Wesleyan Church” for donations mailed to the “Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund”, P.O. Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250.
To make a credit card donation click here or call 800.707.7715. Use fund number “WM07-0005” with the description “Haiti Relief."
For Canadian donors: Relief cheques are to be made payable to "The Wesleyan Church of Canada" and mailed to 1830 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB E1G 1A9.
Donations direct to World Hope International may be made at P. O. Box 96338, Washington DC 20090-6338, or online at www.worldhope.org. Canadian gifts may be made at www.worldhope.ca.
Photos courtesy of Global Partners and the United Nations | 