Preparing the Foundation
September 12, 2011
"We sense God's heart is very much moved for the people of this nation," explains Rene Lako. "There have been small improvements since last year's earthquake but a lot still needs to be done. On our arrival in Sous Savanne, we were welcomed by the community leaders and taken around the village; this was a very special time. It was wonderful to see so many of the faces of the children in the Child Sponsorship Program on the monthly food distribution day."
Hope Force is forming teams of Reservists and volunteers to help provide assistance to the people of Sous Savanne who are struggling to regain livelihoods and sustain their families in the face of last year's disaster. The published dates are as follows:
- Nov 5 - 12
- Nov 13 - 20
- Dec 3 - 10
- Dec 11 - 18
- Jan 14 - 21
- Jan 22 - 29
"We would love to have as many of our HFI Reservists as possible plan to join us and save up for a trip to participate in the work of Hope Force in Haiti," Rene continues. "We need individuals, churches and companies to rally behind these efforts to make it work. Whether it is a personal involvement on the field or a financial gift, it is going to make a big difference in Haiti." Click here for deployment details.
Besides the Lako's involvement in the village of Sous Savanne, they have been busy trying to find the best team house as well as locating a vehicle. Both are costly and although Haiti is a developing nation it is not a cheap nation in which to live and work. Transportation is particularly costly when renting vehicles so the pressing need is for funding to purchase a used 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Please click here if you would like to donate to this need.
Hope Force continues its commitment to Sous Savanne as the focus of relief efforts in Haiti. Some of the sponsored children's families are no longer living in a disaster relief tent, and through partner agency, World Relief 18 transitional houses have been built.
"The Spanish Red Cross and our partner, World Relief, have been active in building homes," said Rene, "yet others are hoping they, too, will be able to get a better living situation. There are another 200 family units still on a waiting list who could benefit from a house. The water well is working at the moment, it is still rainy season so the river has water as well, but of course this is not drinkable. To be involved in continuous health and water education is another part of our mission. There is also the ongoing need for mobile medical clinics with the emphasis on teaching basic community health components plus medical consultations."
Hope Force continues to assess the educational needs of the children in Sous Savanne and the team has visited three of the schools in the area so far, which covers the majority of the children. The next phase is to determine precise cost for education at each school along with support costs such as books and uniforms.
"Want to join us in an exciting new adventure? If you have a willing heart to serve and do not mind hard work, there is a project we can involve you with. Please join us and help make a difference in Haiti."
