Plans are coming together for my upcoming trip to Haiti. I will be flying out of Philly on May 23, joining up with two of our team members, and flying into Port au Prince out of Miami. Thankfully, most of my shots from the Cambodia trip are applicable to Haiti! At this time, one of the biggest needs we have is for a prefabricated structure to be built at the STEP seminary location. Their main building, as seen in this picture, was destroyed in the earthquake, so we need a larger structure to accomodate the 200 pastors who will be attending. Churches Helping Churches is close to securing a contractor , so please pray for God to provide.
Haiti is a country that even before the earthquake was in a bad way. The population is about 9 million and ranks 88th in population. Life expectancy is 61 years and compared to the world it is 181st. AIDs is 2.2 per 100,00 which makes it 28th in the world. Health care is scarce and is definitely sub-standard. The literacy rate is about 53%. In terms of poverty, 80% live under the poverty line, and 54% live in abject poverty. Since the earthquake, many people have either fled the country, or have been displaced to other parts of Haiti. Many of these displaced people live in tent cities. These tent cities range in size from 800 to 15,000 tents in size. Regarding religion, 80% of the country is Roman Catholic, and 50% practice vodoo. Crime and violence are very prevalent, and the Haitian police are understaffed, poorly equipped, and unable to respond to most calls for help.
So, as you can see, this is one needy country. Please pray as we finalize our preparations.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul
Haiti is a country that even before the earthquake was in a bad way. The population is about 9 million and ranks 88th in population. Life expectancy is 61 years and compared to the world it is 181st. AIDs is 2.2 per 100,00 which makes it 28th in the world. Health care is scarce and is definitely sub-standard. The literacy rate is about 53%. In terms of poverty, 80% live under the poverty line, and 54% live in abject poverty. Since the earthquake, many people have either fled the country, or have been displaced to other parts of Haiti. Many of these displaced people live in tent cities. These tent cities range in size from 800 to 15,000 tents in size. Regarding religion, 80% of the country is Roman Catholic, and 50% practice vodoo. Crime and violence are very prevalent, and the Haitian police are understaffed, poorly equipped, and unable to respond to most calls for help.
So, as you can see, this is one needy country. Please pray as we finalize our preparations.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul
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