I just had an interview this evening with Jean Elmera, preacher for the Delmas 28 Church of Christ in Port-au-Prince. This 650-member congregation has been very mission-minded and has helped start 62 new congregations in central and southern Haiti over the past 20 years. In 30 seconds during the earthquake, their 3-story meeting place and Christian School was completely destroyed (see before/after photos below).
Jean told me that 36 people perished when the building collapsed. These were neighborhood nursing students taking a nursing class at the building. In addition, 15 Christians died in their homes in the earthquake. As of now, there are 311 homeless Christians meeting in 3 groups in central Port-au-Prince. One group is camping without tents in Jean Elmera’s yard, one group camps at Jean Elmera’s brother’s yard (Pierre Andre Elmera), and the other group camps in front of where the Delmas 28 Church of Christ building formerly stood.
About 300 Christians have been injured and there are 500 church members total who need food, clothing, and shelter. A temporary medical relief station has been set-up in Pierre Andre Elmera’s “camp” staffed with U.S. medical volunteers from churches of Christ congregations and Hope for Haiti’s Children.
Last Sunday, each of these 3 “camps” had worship services and 17 people were baptized into Christ! Jean reports that many want to turn their life to God since He is their only hope for this life and eternity.
A group of Christians today were carrying away the rubble from the church building — hoping that they can begin a gospel meeting Sunday on the Delmas 28 Church of Christ property — even without a building.
A fund has been established at the Britton Road Church of Christ to purchase medical supplies, food, water, and shelter to our fellow Christians in Port-au-Prince.
Checks should be made payable to: Britton Road Church of Christ
Earmarked for: Haitian Christian Earthquake Relief Fund
Please mail to:
Britton Road Church of Christ
Attn: Ron Bever, Elder
2520 West Britton Rd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
