UPDATE: Hurricane Ike nearly past

It looks like Hurricane Ike is mostly past us now.  We had thunderstorms with a fair bit of wind and rain.  Nothing like what we had with Hanna though.  We are thankful that we are safe and dry here in Kaliko.

We have continued to hear reports of flooding and damage in other parts of Haiti, though, and this leads to some important matters for prayer.  Please lift up the brothers and sisters we work with on the island of Lagonav as well as the other missionaries working toward a reformed and presbyterian church here in Haiti.

Churches on Lagonav

• There was some flooding of houses in the Plenn Mapou area where we have a church.  12-14 people sought refuge in the house of the one of the church leaders.  We are still awaiting detailed reports on the damage.
• Pray particularly that the crops would bounce back and that the loss would not be great from the torrential rains.  Many families rely on the harvest for food and to sell at market.

Esaie Etienne & family working with Mission to the World in Gonaives:

• flooding in the city of Gonaives was very extensive with several hundred deaths reported and the possibility of many more.  It was difficult for the United Nations to get in because the road was blocked by floodwaters.  Pray that the necessary aid will continue to reach those in need.
• we heard today that Esaie and his family were airlifted out earlier this week after the catastrophic flooding of Tropical Storm Hanna.  We praise God they are safe, though they will have lost many possessions.  Pray that they would be encouraged despite the difficult circumstances.

Charles Amicy working with Mission to the World in Cabaret:

• much of the main mission compound outside Cabaret was flooded overnight with extensive damage to walls, buildings and vehicles.
• I spoke to Charles this morning.  He had sought shelter on top of their generator building with 8 feet of water in the compound and 4 feet of water in his house.
• Pray for families in the churches.  It was confirmed that at least 3 children were swept away in the flood from the rising river.  This is a very difficult providence.
• Do pray that the work would be able to go on despite much effort that will have be expended to get the church, school, and orphanage going again.

During our time of worship here at home this morning I reminded our family what God promised after the great flood in Noah's day:

"I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh." (Genesis 9:13-15)

Thanks for lifting us up before the throne of grace along with our brothers and sisters here in Haiti.

Finally, just a reminder as you watch news reports coming out of Haiti.  It is easy to get Gonaives and La Gonave confused.  Gonaives is a large city about 2 hours north of our home here in Kaliko.  Gonaives is where the extensive flooding occurred during the recent storms.  La Gonave, Ile de La Gonave or Lagonav is the island where the OPC is currently working, lying just off the central coast of Haiti in the Gulf of Gonave.