As told from David and Amy Schmid, missionaries to Haiti.

It’s been two weeks since the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, many people here have referred the passing days as AE or After Earthquake which in sense shows how life-changing this event has become for many of us. You need to understand that this catastrophe has not just affected the capital, Port-au-Prince but the entire country. Haiti is roughly the size of Maryland so the effects of the earthquake were felt all over the country.  Two major towns in the south of the country, Jacmel and Aux Cayes had major destruction as well.

The only building on the mission campus to collapse was the Bible School building that was built in the 1940s out of essentially packed earth.  Other buildings have suffered  structural damage but for now they are standing.  Our missions’ (Crossworld) Crisis Management Team is now on the ground and helping coordinate aid.

The missionaries and staff at the Bible college are housing at last count almost 3,500 people consisting of 600 families – 2500 adults and 1600 children. These refugees all camp out during the night and go out  in search of aid during the day. Some aid is coming to the campus, although its not from the government. Most aid is coming from other missionaries from around the country. These missionaries are about 100 miles away and each delivery is taking between 10-12 hours to deliver, so each delivery is a real blessing. We are making due with what we have and have made contact with several aid organizations in an effort to relief some of the needs represented at the campus. We are attempting to set up a landing field for a helicopter in the soccer field, but have not yet been able to have helicopter contact.

In spite of all the destruction around them, many of the people seeking refuge on our campus are singing hymns and praising God.  On Sunday, we had a service in which a number of people came forward to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ.  It was a time of singing, praying and rejoicing in God’s provision of protection.

Please be praying specifically for the following:

1. For safety from looting and theft. Many who are looking for aid and not finding it are turning to crime.

2. For wisdom on part of those giving aid. This is a disaster on a scale that many cannot imagine.

3. Pray for the safety of the rescue workers and medical teams who are still struggling not to be overwhelmed by the needs present.

Follow their story here.

Do you know a missionary or have a family member in Haiti? Send their story here and let the word out. Prayer works.