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The Whole Gospel for the Whole Person
MIA BlogSpot | February, 2010
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February 26, 2010
Posted by Steve McGeePastor Varnel Jeune is the Director General of Radio du Miere, the radio station of the Evangelical Baptist Mission of South Haiti (MBESH). Radio du Miere broadcasts the Gospel to 95% of Haiti. The station’s studio and office, which are in Port au Prince, were destroyed in the earthquake.
As soon as the dust began to settle from the quake, Pastor Jeune knew that he had to get the station back on the air as quickly as possible. People needed to hear the words of hope in Jesus Christ that can bring comfort in times of tragedy. But all of their equipment was in the rubble of their offices, and they had no place to go.
Almost immediately, Pastor Jeune and other employees of the station dug through the debris and found enough of their equipment undamaged to resume broadcasting. Next they cleared an area in the yard beside their building and set up an open-air studio. Within hours of the Radio du Miere was back on the air, sending over the airwaves the good news of hope in Christ. It was an amazing feat of determination and perseverance.
The next critical concern though was how to care for the staff. The homes of every member of the station’s staff were also destroyed. Staff members gathered on the grounds of the station. Pastor Jeune was faced with how could he fed and shelter the station’s staff. He sought out help from other Christian ministries.
El Shaddai Ministries International has provided food. Some days those there is no food for the staff. With nothing else available Pastor Jeune erected stick and sheet enclosures to give staff members some shelter. Yet, in spite such horrific circumstance Pastor Jeune and the staff of Radio du Miere have kept the station on the air, broadcasting messages of hope and comfort.
On February 15, MIA Haitian Director Bresile St Germain and Director of Theological Education Barry Smith met with Pastor Jeune and others from MBESH and the Union of Evangelical Baptists of Haiti (UEBH). Bresile and Barry brought tents, medical supplies and cash with them MIA. One of the tents, some of the medical supplies and cash went to help Pastor Jeune and his courageous staff. But the situation remains urgent.
Pastor Jeune reported that unless they receive more help they soon have to discontinue broadcasting. The need is for money, to pay expenses for the station, food and shelter for the staff and a large tent to cover the open-air studio before the rainy season comes.
MIA has committed to help Pastor Jeune and others continue to minister the Gospel of Jesus to people in such great need. MIA continues to collect contributions which will be used to purchase tents and food. We will also continue sending our staff and volunteers into the country to work alongside Pastor Jeune and those standing for Jesus.
We need your help. To contribute visit our Giving Page or mail checks to MIA, PO Box 571357, Miami, FL 33257. To volunteer to join and support or medical team call 305-234-7855.
February 22, 2010
Posted by Steve McGeeMIA’s Haitian Director Bresile St. Germain and Director of Theological Education Barry Smith were recently in Haiti for three days for meetings with pastors and to assess the current situation.
Bresile and Barry met with eight pastors, four each from Union of Evangelical Baptists in Haiti (UEBH) and Evangelical Baptist Mission of South Haiti (MEBSH). Between them these two denominations represent more than 700 congregations and they have been associated with MIA for over 35 years.
The situation for many of the members of these churches continues to be dire. Between these two dominations hundreds of members were killed and thousands injured, many of whom have still not received medical assistance. More than 3,200 families are homeless, most living in makeshift shelters made of sticks and sheets. All but a small handful of church and school buildings in the Port au Prince district were destroyed or damaged beyond use.
The pastors are attempting to help the members of their congregations. They have set up feedings stations, though some days they have no food. They are channeling whatever medical supplies they get to the most severely injured of their people – this is in spite of having lost their own homes.
For the pastors though, the most important thing they are doing for their people is continuing to preach the gospel. Because the church buildings have been destroyed churches are holding worship services in the streets. Tens of thousands of people are joining these open air services. Thousands have professed faith in Jesus. One pastor told me he praises God for the earthquake because so many people are coming to Jesus.
MIA wants to come alongside and support these pastors in their time of need. We are asking our donors to contribute funds to purchase food, medical supplies and tents. We plan to send medical and work teams. We are also providing pastoral assistance to encourage the pastors and church leaders as they labor in such difficult circumstances.
We need your help. Send contributions to MIA, PO Box 571357, Miami, FL 33257. To volunteer to join a medical or support team call 305-234-7855.
February 11, 2010
Posted by Steve McGee
February 7, 2010
Posted by Steve McGee
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