HFI Mourns the Loss of a Dear Friend

Tragedy has struck the small, close-knit village of Sous Savanne, Haiti. Joseph Jean Charles is Hope Force International's man of peace and advisor for projects in the village and has been associated with HFI for nearly two years. Joseph and his children have suffered the sudden loss of wife and mother, Marie Charles, in an automobile accident only minutes away from her home on November 16.

"Our hearts have been heavy with the depth of emotion engulfing us as we heard the news from Haiti," Hope Force President Jack Minton said. "This tragedy has made us realize how much of our heart has been given to this family and community. Regardless of linguistic and cultural differences, the bonds of relationship run deep and now the pain does as well."

Not only has Joseph served as head of the village association and in effect the Mayor of Sous Savanne, he also works as a teacher at a local school. He and his wife have four children ages thirteen, ten, eight and five. 'Madame Joseph' sold goods at the local market several days a week.

Reports of the accident explain that there were three motorcycle taxies involved and two of the drivers were injured. An oncoming truck with a trailer, attempting to pass slower traffic in front of him, was driving in the lane of an oncoming Mack truck. In order to avoid a head on collision, the Mack truck swerved over to the right, consequently hitting Madame Joseph who was getting off one of the motorcycle taxis. She died at the scene.

Joseph was called about the accident while teaching at the school. When he arrived on the accident scene, in the midst of about 100 people milling about to see what had happened, Joseph was able to receive the details of the wreck from police. Among those officials initially present were Sri Lankan United Nations peace keepers and the United Nations police. Rene Lako, leader of HFI's work in Haiti, was also on the scene. He served as a translator between Joseph and the Sri Lankan officials until local police arrived.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Joseph and his four kids who are now confronted with the reality that his wife, their mom really is not coming home again," Rene said. "Yet we are grateful to know she has passed on to a better life, a life with her Creator and Savior."

The entire community has been affected by this unexpected and tragic loss. Madame Joseph had several relatives living in Sous Savanne and was well known by many of Hope Force's team members.

HFI has been witnessing a strengthening of the village of Sous Savanne since aid and relief efforts began in the village following the earthquake that destroyed much of Haiti. This bond is now being seen once again as much of the community has come together to mourn the loss of one of its dearly beloved members.

"Joseph is a follower of Jesus and must now draw from the God of all comfort and wisdom as he leads his family and community through this time of great loss," Jack said. "Please join us in praying for Joseph, his children, family and friends."