Record 100-year quake hits Haiti, and Jacmel suffers death and destruction that touches everyone at Hosanna Ministries. Click here to view photographs taken by a fellow missionary in Jacmel. Click here to view a CNN video report (please be patient, as the video may take a moment to download). We will post additional photos from Jacmel as they become available.

As the great earthquake shook this tiny island of Haiti, the future of this country changed forever. It will never be the same. Could it be that this monumental tragedy shows that God is at work in the hearts of men, women, and children in Haiti? At Hosanna Baptist Church God has provided a tremendous opportunity if we can respond quickly. First, it is a great silent testimony that all of our buildings remained intact and basically unaffected by the initial quake and subsequent aftershocks. Second, our buildings are available to be used as safe havens for the injured and displaced, not only in Jacmel but also those of our sister churches, including the new church in Lavanneau. This gives us an opportunity not only to provide relief to our precious saints but also to serve and witness to thousands of locals who are looking to Hosanna for understanding as to why this is happening and the hope that can come from it.

Pastor Dieupie reported that over 45 salvation decisions were recorded the week after the earthquake. Based on Sarah's first-hand report on the damage in Jacmel, the Board of Directors has adopted the following plan to raise funds for the people in Jacmel and more specifically the ministry of Hosanna Baptist Church, Schools, and Seminary. This project of mercy will be called

Operation Hosanna Hope (MFH Disaster Plan)

1. The first priority is to get funds to Hosanna Baptist Church as it operates as a triage center and provides relief to the injured and homeless of the church and community. Funds are needed for medicine, food, water, and diesel fuel for the generator that will provide the electricity for the medical teams. This will open up a great opportunity to witness as our believers meet needs and demonstrate our great Hope.

2. The second priority will be to reinstate the committee (made up of the deacons in Hosanna Baptist Church) that performed so well during the four hurricanes that struck Haiti. These men were able to determine true needs, and Mission for Haiti provided food, water, cement, concrete blocks, and metal roofing to those truly in need instead of handing out cash. This committee was especially careful to seek out the widows, orphans, and homeless. Further they followed up to make sure the materials were used properly.

3. The third priority will be to develop a follow-up program, to be headed by one of our pastors, to make sure that the Gospel continues to be presented to these new contacts outside our church family. This pastor will continue to be responsible for any continuing needs that arise from this situation, which needs are sure to present themselves for a long period of time. Obviously, this will be a monumental project. We are only one small ministry, but we feel compelled not only to agree with Pastor Dieupie regarding the need but also to make whatever effort is necessary to allow the Lord to use Mission for Haiti according to His will. We cannot do it in our own strength. God will have to use co-laborers to come along side of us, but it will be the Holy Spirit who will direct as He sees fit.