The latest update on the Haiti situation includes the HOPEww team's arrival, disciples still missing, survivor stories, and volunteers to help contact disciples in Haiti.

See the other stories on Disciples Today for more information.

We are happy to report the answered prayer that Dr. Mark Ottenweller (HOPEww) and Stanley Dumornay (NYC) were able to fly into the Dominican Republic on Saturday and drive across the border into Haiti on Sunday. Although the border was officially closed, they managed permission to cross, and in spite of thieves and growing chaos, they arrived in Port-au-Prince. They are there to help the disciples in the Port-au-Prince church, as well as survey the situation in general. Big thanks to HOPEww, Angel Martinez in the Dominican Republic churches, and our ICOC congregation in San Francisco for financing the flight and basic relief items. It is very encouraging for the disciples to be linked up with the outside world.

Mark set up a clinic and began to treat people on the spot at the church property. About 110 people are camping out on the property, roughly half of them members of our church. Of the 311 members, 200 disciples are still unaccounted for. 12 have died. People are still in shock by the chain of events. They have endured broken limbs and collapsed houses. A few of the children have lost most of their family. It is a heavy time, but also a time of hope. The church was very excited to see the food and medicine. Some wept openly when they saw the boxes of supplies. Mark and Stanley arrived on Sunday, right as the existing food stores were running out at the church property.

One plan being discussed is the evacuation of the Port-au-Prince church to another city unharmed by the earthquake. Banks, stores, and electricity still function there. We have a medium size church there also.

Nadia and Joseph Ojo are setting up a network so that Haitians in the USA can contact the disciples there to check up on their relatives. Click here for more details. Thanks Nadia!

The two big dangers facing the disciples there are

1. The spread of disease. Sanitation is terrible right now, and many people are too weak to fight off the flu, not to mention cholera or typhoid.

2. Crime and looting are on the rise. It could become very dangerous in Port-au-Prince. Especially for people with supplies. WE ALL NEED TO BE PRAYING!

While it is almost impossible to get supplies shipped in from the states, we can all donate cash to HOPEworldwide. Please give, either to a church-wide special contribution, or personally at their website. www.hopeww.org.

Mike Taliaferro

ICOChotnews.com