Trinity Response to Earthquake in Haiti

January 14, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Just this past Sunday, we welcomed into the Body of Christ, through the sacrament of Holy Baptism, young Maxwell Bilou Desert, a 9 year old whose family only recently moved here from Haiti. As of the present time, Guy, a family friend, has learned that his grandmother was killed as were both of Maryse’s (Maxwell's mother) grandparents. Maryse’s mother has multiple injuries but apparently doing okay, while Guy’s son has multiple broken bones. There is no further information about their conditions. Guy's wife and five children in Haiti are believed to be okay. Both of their family’s homes, in Port-au-Prince, were destroyed by the earthquake. Guy is presently working on strategies to get their family members over to this country. We will keep you informed in due course about how we may be of assistance to them.

Yesterday, Bishop Smith announced that the Diocese is sending $5,000 from its emergency funds to Episcopal Relief and Development for assistance in Haiti. I am making a special appeal to you, the members of Trinity Episcopal Church, to assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti who are desperate for food, water, shelter, clothing and medical care.

 I am asking the Vestry to approve the open plate (non-pledge) offering for the remainder of the month to go to Episcopal Relief and Development for assistance in Haiti.

 I am asking those who attend worship services on Sunday to make a generous offering in addition to your weekly support of parish activities to go for additional relief. Make checks payable to Trinity Episcopal Church and put in the memo line, “Haitian Relief.” We will forward the money to Episcopal Relief and Development on your behalf. (You may go online to donate directly if you prefer at http://www.er-d.org. )

 Please keep Guy, Maryse, Maxwell and Medjine in your prayers, along with their loved ones and all who are experiencing mourning, suffering and loss at this time. We will keep you posted with updates as we learn them.

Thank you for your anticipated generosity of spirit.

Your brother in Christ,
Don+