Page 11 Withcott Times

Page 11

Spirit Life in Withcott

God is Working in Haiti
Since Withcott church donated money to relief in Haiti, I thought you might be interested to hear what is happening.
It is just over one month since the horrifying earthquake hit Haiti on January 12. In the capital Port-au-Prince and other parts of Haiti the victims commemorated the tragedy this past weekend. In churches and public spaces many tens of thousands gathered to share their grief in hymns and prayers.
Churches and other networks in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic, supported by Action by Churches Together (ACT), are directing their efforts, towards places which to date have been unreached. This is crucial for the health and relative well-being of tens of thousands of earthquake survivors in the cities and in rural parts of Haiti, where more than 450,000 people have sought refuge. In these areas local community networks and self help groups are often the sole providers of assistance. Working with them has meant that ACT has been able to provide care and support the survivors from the moment the earthquake hit Haiti.
Conditions for most of the estimated 1.2 million people living in improvised camps and shelters remain unbearably cramped and of a poor standard. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has identified large gaps in provision of shelter and sanitation. Only 280,000 people have received some material for shelter i.e. less than 25% of the target group. Only 120,000 have received transitory shelter, much less than the 620,000 people who need it. Only 3,000 toilets have been provided to people in temporary settlements out of the 18,000 needed. Often 200 people have to share one toilet. Many leaders are struggling to know what to do next.
However, if many signs are grim, others are less so. Despite logistical challenges and many pre-existing social problems in Haiti, Tommy Bouchiba, acting country director for ACT/Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, noted that humanitarian aid is getting to those who need it. Aid pipelines are opening up and rehabilitation programs are already beginning. “It is getting better,” Bouchiba said of the overall humanitarian situation.
One reason for the improvement is due to the presence of such groups as members of the ACT Alliance. Since 12 January, the ACT Alliance has assisted more than 150,000 people, with the majority being provided with ongoing support such as water, sanitation, shelter or regular food supplies or meals. Others have received relief items such as cash or hygiene or baby kits while others have benefited from medical assistance and supplies to health clinics.
To date, Churches of Christ have donated over $115,000 to GMP for the Haiti Appeal. This money has been sent to ACT to use as needed to alleviate the terrible conditions there. God is at work through his people’s gifts to show the people his love in a time of great trauma.
(Details for this article are taken from Action by Churches Together)
The Backyard Basement on behalf of the community donated $1,000 to the Haiti Eathquake Appeal. We would like to thank everyone in the community who has supported us through donations of clothing, furniture and sales. The Backyard Basement opens it’s doors 4 ½ days a week Tuesday through to Saturday. We open approximately at 8.30 am and close around 4.00 pm. Our fill a bag with clothes for $5 has been very popular and we will continue with this for the time being. Winter is not far away and we have a good selection of winter clothing available. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful volunteers, without your efforts we could not operate. If you would like to volunteer some of your time working at the Op-shop or would like to make an enquiry please ring 4637 4891 and one of our happy staff will assist you.