Urgent Call for Help: Devastating Rain by Tropical Storm Raphael Hits Southern Haiti

Urgent Call for Help: Devastating Rain by Tropical Storm Raphael Hits Southern Haiti

CMSH/ Christian Mission South Haiti.INC

         760 Washington Avenue. Alton, IL 62002.

Pastor, Johnston phone 618 789 4962.

fccalton@att.net    Alix Lusma,

in Haiti Phone 509 44060584. Email: cmshmission@yahoo.com

Dear Christian Mission South Haiti Supporters,

          I write to you tonight with an urgent and heavy heart from the southern region of Haiti, where Tropical Storm Raphael has unleashed its devastating impact. Since Sunday evening, the rain has been relentless. Hour by hour, we have watched the storm escalate, with rain and flooding intensifying by the minute. As I write this, the downpour continues unabated, casting a shadow over our community and leaving many in fear of what lies ahead. The situation is dire, and our people are suffering in ways difficult to fully describe.

        For days now, homes across our region have been overtaken by floodwaters. Families, once secure in modest but beloved homes, are finding themselves surrounded by water with no clear way to safety. Streets have become rivers, homes have become islands, and with each passing hour, the threat to life and property grows. Countless families are now cut off, isolated from help, while their basic resources are diminishing rapidly.

        Tonight, I am particularly anxious for our brothers and sisters who live close to the riverside. Their homes do not have cement floors, their rooftops are covered with cloths and currently living in a vulnerable situation. We are gravely concerned about heavy landfall tonight, as rising river levels threaten the homes and lives of those living closest to the banks. The increased risk of mudslides and sudden flooding has created a terrifying reality; as entire neighborhoods now face the possibility of being swept away.

          As we brace ourselves for yet another sleepless night, we humbly ask for your prayers. In this dark hour, we cling to our faith and the hope that God will protect us. We believe that through His strength, we will endure and find the resilience to rebuild. We also know, however, that we cannot do this alone. The magnitude of this disaster requires urgent support from each of you—our extended family in Christ.

         In addition to your prayers, we are in desperate need of emergency supplies to sustain us through this ordeal and beyond. Food, water, blankets, and medical supplies are urgently required. Many of our people lack the basic necessities to survive this storm, and we are counting on your generosity to help us provide for them.

          We are also in need of assistance to provide temporary shelter for those who have lost their homes or are at risk of displacement in the coming hours. As we work to set up safe havens within our community, your contributions can help us acquire the necessary resources to give people a safe place to stay, food to eat, and clean water to drink.

           I write these words with a plea that you may understand the urgency and desperation we are feeling here in the southern region of Haiti. Many of us are terrified of what tomorrow will bring, but we hold onto the hope that you will answer our call. To be frank, we do not have the resources on hand to address this level of need. Food, water, and shelter are immediate priorities, but we are also facing the challenge of coordinating rescue and relief efforts amid the chaos that the storm has wrought.

       Please stand with us during this challenging time, not only in spirit but in action. If you feel called to assist financially or with supplies, we urge you to act swiftly. Donations can be made to our mailing address: 760 Washington Avenue Alton, Illinois 62002 which will allow us to purchase food, water, and essential supplies locally to expedite relief efforts. Alternatively, if you are able to contribute items such as blankets, clothing, or medicine, these too are desperately needed.

          Now more than ever, the people of southern Haiti need your love, prayers, and support. I ask you to remember our brothers and sisters and churches in your prayers tonight, as we face another long night of rain, fear, and uncertainty.

        May God bless each and every one of you who hears this call and responds with a heart full of love and compassion. We thank you for standing with us in our time of need and for giving us the strength to continue our mission. May His grace guide us through this storm and bring us into the light of better days.

 

With heartfelt gratitude and hope,

 

Jim Johnston                         President / Christian Mission South Haiti