A Church’s Mourning – and Hope

Pastor Gerald Bataille looks weary.

The leader of the Tabernacle of Glory Pentecostal Church in Port-au-Prince has been working around the clock every day since the earthquake.

On this day, he’ll lead a funeral service for 30 church members killed in the disaster.  Some of the bodies have not yet been recovered from the rubble.

But right now he has something else on his mind – how to make sure food gets into the hands of the most vulnerable people.

World Relief is partnering with Pastor Bataille to feed thousands of desperate people in the quake’s aftermath.

Inside the church, 2,200 bags of rice – enough to feed more than 100,000 people – are ready for distribution.  World Relief has set up a system with the church to distribute the rice, and ensure that the food gets into the hands of those who need it the most.

Feeding the Hungry

Word gets out quickly.  Hundreds of local pastors and others have heard about the church’s food relief.  Many wait in line for hours in the hot sun in the hope of receiving some rice to take back to their families and their churches.

Meanwhile, children line up to receive hot meals of rice and beans at the church’s feeding station.  The bowl of food will likely be their only one today.

Pastor Louis Ricot has come to the church every day since the earthquake, looking for food.  “My people have nothing,” he says.  “We have no help from anywhere else…”

Pastor Ricot is one of thousands of pastors desperate to help his people, living in survival mode in makeshift shelters of sticks and torn sheets.

“It’s very difficult because there are many people in Port-au-Prince who are hungry right now,” says Pastor Michael Jean Baptiste, a church mobilization officer with World Relief.  “I thank God that we are able to serve everybody… Christian and non-Christian, because everybody needs help.”

Right after the disaster, Pastor Baptiste questioned God: ‘Lord, thousands have died… why am I not one of them?’  God gave him the answer: ‘I have given you the opportunity to live to help your brothers and sisters in this hour.’

“Pastors come to us and say: ‘I have to feed 500 people… can you help me?’” explains Pastor Baptiste.  “These people love Jesus… Jesus taught us to give to those who are hungry and it is a grace for me to serve them.”

The Church’s Hour

Pastor Bataille believes this is the hour for the Church in Haiti.

“People are seeing the love of Christ in us,” he says.  “With World Relief’s help, we’re showing people the love of Jesus, not just telling them… and their hearts are touched.  The love of Christ is something that everybody needs.  I believe this love can draw people to find hope and peace.

“I pray: ‘Lord, this is the time… it is the time for change for Haiti.’  If we will turn to God, He will hear us.  We have known so much pain, so much sorrow, but I really believe this is the time for a big change.”

Help Haiti’s most vulnerable. Click here to donate securely online.

Every Tuesday, World Relief invites you to stop for one minute at exactly 4:53 p.m. – the moment the quake hit - and pray for Haiti, the survivors, the churches and all the relief teams in Port-au-Prince. Join us for one minute in prayer - and invite your friends to do the same. Click here to sign up for One Minute 4 Haiti and get the latest prayer updates sent to your inbox every Tuesday.

Feed the People

Every $2 you give empowers local churches in Port-au-Prince to feed one person two hot meals.  Please give generously, as you are able. Click here to donate securely online.

Want to Volunteer?

In time, World Relief may be mobilizing volunteers to contribute to our response in Haiti.  To submit an application and see opportunities as they open up, visit CauseUp.

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Listen to the interview with World Relief Senior VP of Programs, Stephan Bauman who is on the ground in Haiti.