January 13, 2010

Missionaries Howard and Ruth Van Dam spent Tuesday night experiencing one terrifying aftershock after another in the wake of the massive earthquake that hit Haiti late on Tuesday.

The Van Dams, who serve with Christian Reformed Church World Missions, joined with their neighbors in the street to try to get some rest, because the earthquake severely damaged their home. The earthquake centered on the capital of Port-au-Prince, where the Van Dams live. The area is home to about three million people.

"The people in the ravine beside our house were praising and singing to God all night long. Still this morning we feel aftershocks but just slight ones," the Van Dams wrote to CRWM the morning after the quake.

It was reported today, Wednesday, that all North American staff serving with Christian Reformed World Missions, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) and Back to God Ministries International were spared from physical harm. The CRC does not yet have full information about the status of the Haitian personnel serving with partner organizations.

The Van Dams say the earthquake caused both of their water cisterns to break, meaning they have no running water. Walls broke outside their home and serious cracks appeared in the walls inside.

"We are now beginning to clean up our home slowly. There is a lot of damage. We're not sure if it's actually livable," the reported.

"We are hearing reports from friends and co-workers. Most are fine and we are so thankful. But we have also heard some horror stories and we are burdened. Please pray for wisdom as we decided what to do."

Tuesday's earthquake, which measured 7.0 on the Richter scale, was the strongest earthquake to rock Haiti in more than 200 years. A hospital collapsed and many buildings were heavily damaged, including the National Palace and the headquarters of the United Nations peacekeeper force. Officials reported many bodies in the streets and an aid official described the situation as "total disaster and chaos."

United Nations officials said a large number of U.N. personnel were killed in the quake. News reports estimate that thousands of others died in the quake.

"Communications were widely disrupted, making it impossible to get a full picture of damage as powerful aftershocks shook a desperately poor country where many buildings are flimsy. Electricity was out in some places," according to a news account.

As survivors clear rubble, search for loved ones, and mourn their losses, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) is providing support and preparing plans for long-term aid. CRWRC's immediate response will be to meet urgent needs for things like water, shelter and food.

"We want to get survivors out of the sun, out of the damage, and hydrated," said CRWRC's Disaster Programme Manager, Jacqueline Koster.

CRWRC is collaborating with other organizations to ensure that the aid efforts are coordinated.

Financial contributions for CRWRC's response are urgently needed. Gifts marked "Haiti Earthquake 2010" can be given online at http://www.crwrc.org, called in to 1-800-730-3490 (Canada) or sent to 3475 Mainway, PO Box STN LCD 1, Burlington, ON, L7R 3Y8.

In the US, call 1-800-552-7972 or mail checks to CRWRC, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49560.

Donations should be marked "515287 – Haiti Earthquake 2010."

CRWRC said it is not yet clear what role, if any, there will be for volunteers in the relief response. Anyone interested should in volunteering should contact Carol Sybenga at 1-800-730-3490 or e-mail volunteer@crcna.org.

Port-au – Prince is home to the French ministry follow-up center for Back to God International (BTGMI). The ministry is conducted in partnership with World Missions. BTGMI is trying to determine their condition.

Members of a delegation from the Reformed Church in America that was in Haiti at the time of the earthquake are reported to be safe and are making their way to the Dominican Republic to return home.

ServiceLink, the volunteer placement service for the CRC, has some volunteers in the Dominican Republic. Although many of them felt the trembling, they say they were not seriously impacted by the quake. CRWM and CRWRc also have missionaries in the Dominican Republic.

The CRC has setup an Event Response Team, which met Wednesday to begin to monitor the devastation in Haiti and to assess what needs the CRC and its partners and personnel can address.

Christian Reformed Church in North America