Miracles-So proud of Joy In Hope

photos courtesy of Leann Pye;)

Dearest family in Christ,

It is very humbling to see how God has moved mountains in Haiti. The faith of our people on the ground, doing everything they can--the faith of the people (Stateside) who are doing their best to get Joy In Hope what they need in order to help the people. The week began with 75% of the buildings damaged. These were the UN's statistics given mid-week last week,
1,785 homes completely destroyed 4410 homes partially destroyed
87 commercial businesses destroyed
54 schools destroyed
24 hotels destroyed
26 churches destroyed
5730 families displaced

Death count approaching 3,000

Most of the community was sleeping outside, fearful that their homes were damaged. We understand many had ventured indoors when this morning's 6.1 aftershock rocked Jacmel once again. There was no report of anyone hurt in this afterschock.Both of the orphanages as well as our Boy’s Home are in good shape. The Pye's, the Mangine's and the Riegel's dove into all sorts or earthquake relief projects. They did all they can, cleaning out the Rue Petion house, in order to get all the supplies possible in order to help the people of Jacmel(only 25 miles from Port Au Prince). Our understanding is that Hands and Feet Project has been working with them as they have brought all the relief they could to the people of Jacmel. JIH has also been trying to locate missing loved ones from different people in the United States. We have heard all sorts of reports from thankful and relieved relatives in the United States. As the week continued, the North Carolina headquarters for Joy In Hope has been able to make significant connection, getting supplies flown into Jacmel via the Dominican Republic as well as Puerto Rico. Joy In Hope team on the ground have even begun manning the Jacmel airport, directing flights, checking passports, doing crowd control, and even talking to the press. They have even gotten supplies delivered to Christianville, a medical facility in Leogane. They have had their hands full and we are very proud of their efforts there. In Christ's name, they are definitely making a difference.

Our boys are safe and began this crisis time at the Mangine orphanage then joining their families in the mountains of Seguin. Mackenson was in the north of Haiti when the earthquake struck and he is safe. Lucette and her family are safe as well as our beloved elderly folk. All of the people that we were concerned about are safe and being helped. Still, our hearts are sad for those who have lost so many. Nixon's father was checked on by our team on the ground and he and his family are fine. There was significant damage done to his home but we feel better knowing that JIH staff in Jacmel are getting him and the people there so much assistance. Christ is truly shining in Jacmel and hopefully all of Haiti. We Praise God for that.

Nixon and I have remained State-side during this time. We do not know why but we are doing everything we can from here, to raise awareness as well as funds for Joy In Hope so that they may continue in this long rescue and rebuilding effort. Much attention has been drawn to Port Au Prince but areas like Jacmel have had to fight to be helped. We want to help be the voice for the people calling for help in our area. Joy In Hope continues to need your help. It is going to take a long time in order to get the people of Haiti where they need to be.

JOY IN HOPE.ORG

JOY IN HOPE-FACEBOOK JOY IN HOPE

Earthquake Relief - Donate at http://www.joyinhope.org/donate.asp and select "Immediate Needs" (or mail checks to JIH - Earthquake, 2731 NC Hwy 55 #251, Cary, NC 27519) to help provide much needed food and supplies to those affected by today's earthquake.

Nixon and I would like to keep busy continuing in the effort to raise funds and awareness for the people of Jacmel, Haiti. Please let us know if you have any connections to platforms where we would be able to speak at. Nixon and I have had the opportunity to do a t.v. interview as well as speak to a few other groups of people. Immanuel School has launched a fundraiser for Joy In Hope. They hope to raise a large amount of money by the first week of February and then that money will go directly to Joy In Hope in order to help the people of Jacmel, Haiti. We want to do as much as we can though, so please spread the word for us.

Nixon and I can be reached at 915-269-4406 or 915-449-0861.

Our flight was scheduled for the 20th of January but planes are not flying into Port Au Prince, we have rescheduled our flight for the 25th of January. Today we called the airline once again and that flight will not go out either. We are exploring the options of flying out to the Dominican Republic and then flying to Jacmel from there but we have to see if that is a possibility. If it is God's will, we hope we will fly out next week.

Please follow our blog at reachinghaitiforchrist for more frequent updates on the amazing things Joy In Hope is doing for Christ in Haiti.

In Him,

Sandra and Nixon Altidor

Jeremiah 29:11