January 12, 2010 Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Devastates Haiti
We Will Never Forget
Star of Hope, with the generous outpouring of help from donors, immediately began our assessment, evaluation and planning our response. Haiti staff reported substantial damage to a number of our projects. Our staff all knew missing friends and some lost family to the disaster. But they did more than could be asked. God blessed their efforts.
Four years later, Star of Hope has repaired, strengthened and replaced school buildings in seven communities. Our donors have provided for two church buildings which have been completed and a third which is under construction now.
Several StarTeams, volunteers from the USA and Sweden, assisted In Haiti. Emergency medical, personnel, emotional counselors, spiritual counselors and construction volunteers all played a part in the recovery.
Today you see joy on the more than 3,500 children attending Star of Hope supported schools, a noticeable change from the fear seen four years ago, when their childhood was taken.
On November 30th, I visited the mass grave memorial site at Titanyen, Haiti. It is a simple mound with the kreyol words, we will never forget.
Pastor Jean Samson Pierre, from our project in Rigaud, Haiti wrote and shared his heart. As you read, remember that English is not his language. This is not a translation, it is his words:
Haiti / Rigaud, we feel that we are not alone
Four years ago! On January 12, 2010 Haiti was devastated by a large earthquake. We recorded 250,000 deaths. Thousands missing, injured, maimed and one millions of people displaced. Habitable houses, government buildings, churches, schools collapsed. A black moment for very poor countries that already knows a lot of misery before this great earthquake. All countries, say better all nations stood around the Haitian people. Humanitarian aid arrived from everywhere by international organizations. A great love was manifested in the hearts of many people who believe in natural helping despite the global economic situation.
Haiti was never alone because this country is often hit by natural disasters but through relief organizations we could stand. On the occasion of this sad anniversary we want to thank all those who in one way or another contributed their support to the pain of the Haitian people.
We extend our special thanks to all the staff of the Star of Hope International, Star of Hope U.S. Star of Hope Haiti, who has effective management of donations for the Haitian case. Let me mention the names of those who have endangered their own lives to be able to help (Barry Borror, Mr. Antonio Boursiquot Ms. Myrtha Dor and others that I haven't mentioned.
Our thanks to our dear donors who gave the family economy in order to bring hope to a people have a painful knee bitter catastrophe. We will be eternally grateful.
We feel accompany because you. Yes we are not alone. In Haiti /Rigaud we continue to give the bread of instruction to hundreds of underprivileged children. A hot meal every day helps children in their learning. Books and clothes, school bags are distributed free, the school buildings and the church was rebuilt, a drinking water supply system was implemented in the framework of the fight against cholera.
Thank you a thousand times Star of Hope
Rev Jean Samson Pierre
Remember our Haitian brothers and sisters this Sunday.