Archive for January 19th, 2010

Though there is still overwhelming need in Haiti, the good news is relief workers have been able to reach Port-au-Prince the past few days without dealing with as massive delays or outrageous rerouting as experienced  immediately following the earthquake.

That allowed for:

- a 14-person American medical team of 8 doctors and six nurses to arrive in Haiti Sunday and administer care in Port-au-Prince Monday.

- An additional 2 doctors and 5 international emergency management personnel from the U.K and Canada to arrive in Haiti Monday morning.

- 2 doctors and 1 nurse to visit an unreached orphanage and administer formula and oral electrolytes to infants and young children.

- nearly 200 people, including 100 orphans, to receive medical aid by Salvation Army doctors, nurses, paramedics and other specialists trained in medical care.

- 7,000 people to receive food in less than 2 hours from Salvation Army officers and staff. The provisions are enough to supply 1 family with 5 days of food!

Also to come:

- A cargo plane with critically needed medical and relief supplies departed for Haiti Monday evening.

- Additional planes are expected to leave today (Tuesday).

- A Salvation Army Haitian Relief Team is bringing a water filtration system that will be able to purify up to 10,000 gallons of water per day.

To help get out supplies and personnel out as quickly as possible, a Salvation Army base of operations has been set up in south Florida to act as a supply line to the country where food, water, medical equipment, fuel, and other supplies are scarce and desperately needed by both earthquake victims and relief workers.

Your financial support is urgently needed to be able to continue relief efforts. Monetary donations are our most crucial need and can be made through:

* www.salvationarmyusa.org and via PayPal
* Text ‘HAITI’ to 52000 and confirm ‘Yes’
* 1-800-SAL-ARMY
* The Salvation Army World Service Office
International Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 630728
Baltimore, MD 21263-0728
Please note that your donation is for Haiti Earthquake relief

Yesterday, FOX News aired a heart-breaking story about an orphanage called Maison des Enfants de Dieu in Port-au-Prince whose 125 babies and children were still waiting to receive help from aid workers, military, medical staff – anyone.

Volunteers and crews are working around the clock and spread thin with the overwhelming need in Haiti, but listening to this report and others, there is a sense of deep compassion for those suffering, as well as a sense of urgency as all of us viewers wish aid could be extended to all quickly as possible, especially to these orphans. Field reporter Jonathan Hunt noted that the children had no formula left and were surviving on regular milk, which was in turn causing diarrhea and dehydration.

FOX News’ Shepard Smith did a follow up story the next day, and thankfully, Jonathan reported that Salvation Army personnel heard the broadcast and brought 5 bottles of Pedialyte (which helps with rehydration) and crackers to Maison de Enfants de Dieu. The Salvation Army also returned with a medical doctor and nurse to attend to the children! Though these orphans need much help, we are thankful The Salvation Army heard and responded to the call for help.

For His Glory Adoption Outreach ministry based out of Texas is dedicated to fundraising and assisting the orphanage and helping these children be adopted into loving homes. For more information on the ministry, you can visit their website at http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org./