Where We’re Going in Haiti

The January 12 earthquake killed an estimated 250,000 people and left over a million homeless in the capital of Port-au-Prince.

Further, over 600,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince to smaller towns since the earthquake. Churches in these outer regions, although unaffected directly by the quake, have felt its affects acutely as they have been flooded with refugees from the capital. These refugees–who often camp out in the church buildings–bring intense needs, both physical and emotional, to churches and pastors whose resources are already.

To support churches and pastors in these outer regions, CHC will be replicating the successful Churches Helping Pastors retreat in these outer areas for regional churches. These regional retreats will be organized by STEP, the local leagues of pastors, and other organizations that have asked for our involvement. Currently, we have two planned for July: one in Jacmel, to the southwest of Port-au-Prince, with Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale (July 11-15) and one in Verrettes, to the north of the capital, with Maiz, a network of Brazilian churches (July 26-30). If you are a local Haitian pastor in these regions or an organization working in these regions, please contact us.

Church Reconstructions

Based on the needs, we will either rebuild or repair churches. Based off an approach developed with Habitat for Humanity, we are partnering with Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale to donate a frame structure and tarp covering to 30 smaller churches in Jacmel. For donors who are interested in sponsoring specific needs and permanent building materials beyond the initial frame structure, direct sponsorship opportunities will be made available online.

Haiti is no longer in a state of emergency, and some form of regular life has returned to the street of Port-au-Prince. Because of the extreme poverty and lack of infrastructure prior to the earthquake, however, proper recovery is extremely complex and fragile.

Therefore, one of CHC’s core operating principles is to lead from behind. This is why we are being very careful not to rush these rebuilding plans. Haitians have to own and execute initiatives for sustainable recovery. Many well-respected NGOs are responding the same way: Plan slowly by consensus, then execute quickly through Haitian leadership. While this plan might seem slow, we are convinced it is the best way to ensure that the church in Haiti rebuild and be strong, not just until the next crisis, but for generations.