Update From Haiti

January 22: An Update from Haiti...Plus a New Baby Named Israel

I am writing you from Haiti. The scale and scope of the destruction here is beyond imagination. Nothing you have seen on the news can capture the incredible devastation that I have seen in person. With the death toll already approaching 200,000, relief authorities fear tens of thousands more will die without food, water and medical care.

Israel has stepped into the gap with IDF medical teams. On their first day in Haiti (even though it was the Sabbath Day) they rescued eight students from a flattened university in Port-au-Prince. The full field hospital is now up and running, staffed with more than 40 Israeli doctors. They can treat as many as 500 people each day.

One highlight of the first week was the birth of a baby boy at the Israeli field hospital. His grateful mother said she would name the child Israel in honor and appreciation of the generous Jewish people who came to her aid. There is still so much that needs to be done. Every day I see the need growing greater. We must act now!

God has instructed me to go to the members of the Jerusalem Prayer Team and lay this challenge before you. Though this is not our normal mission, the human tragedy is so vast. We cannot be like the priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan who avoided the man in need instead of helping him.

I am certain you feel as I do. The thing that is so burdening me is that these precious people are a part of the family of God. He died for them; He loves them just as much as He loves you and me. That is why I had to come here to Haiti to help.

I thank God for the 950 Jerusalem Prayer Team members who have responded to this urgent crisis. There is still time for you to make a difference with your donation today. I am asking you to light a candle with me today, and be the voice, the light, and the hands of the Savior to those in the darkness.