Reports have continued to come in from our teams in the field of the slow progress towards a relative ‘stability’ within Haiti. Though reaching normalcy is a long way off, the small steps are a sign of hope. From children returning to a makeshift school, to hundreds of thousands more meals being delivered, to Haitians gathering to worship God, there is a hope that is real and sufficient that continues to provide workers with strength for the day and victims with reason to believe there is a tomorrow.

Though we all wish Haiti could have been spared from the unfortunate disaster that struck January 12,  the world continues to use the moment by moment opportunities in the situation at hand to bless and support Haiti through ways seen and unseen. Below are a few photos of soldiers, workers, and worshipers whose roles in the disaster all vary from one another,  but ultimately they are united in the goal of rebuilding a stronger, more stable Haiti one day at a time. Who knows, the disaster may just be an unlikely step in the process towards a better future for the citizens of this island nation.

The Soldier and the Cross

Providing security in keeping with the United Nations Mission in Haiti of which The Salvation Army’s relief efforts are a part, a soldier of the ubiquitous 82^nd Airborne is seen in front of the now unsafe and unusable Corps building as he and others in his unit arrive to survey security for  major food distribution and other security needs of  Salvation Army personnel and  those earthquake victims who have so far been registered by the Army’s assessment teams.

Keeping Watch

Salvation Army disaster workers are seen directing military personnel of the, it seems ,“everywhere all the time” 82^nd Airborne to food and water distribution location in advance of the arrival of the United Nations/Salvation Army convoy.

The New Face of Emergency Disaster Services

Mask and sunglasses provide appropriate protection from the dust and sun of a Haitian afternoon for Salvation Army Emergency Disaster workers.

The Corps is Not a Place. It’s a People.

Haitian Salvationists are seen in typical spirited, joyful worship in the courtyard outside the unusable Corps in the shade of a gigantic cashew tree.

The hopeful spirit of the Haitian Salvationists is an example of the hope of which we read in God’s Word “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Jeremiah 29:31 NIV

If you would like to stay up to date on The Salvation Army’s efforts in Haiti, you can visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.