Haiti Connection Conference (Miami) "Haiti, get up and walk"

The happy part of the Haiti Connection conference was the community of seven Haitian Hope members united in mind, spirit and joy as we celebrated the Eucharist with 250 other priests and laypeople, whether Haitian, Canadian or American.  The power of the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable!  But this was a significantly more somber group of Haitian clergy compared to other years of assembly.  Not only were the immense struggles and challenges of the past 10 months visible in the lines of their faces and in their eyes, but also remarkable was the deep confliction mounting with each passing moment as Hurricane Tomas ripped apart the only temporary homes most of their flocks had known since January.  These dedicated servants, concerned more about their beloved in Haiti than about their own safety, wanted to be with their people as they faced again untold destruction and chaos.  As members of the Episcopal Haiti Partnership, we can rest more easily knowing that the direct link we have with St. Marc's and Pere Michaud has provided an avenue for continued help to these people.  Many charities have not had the same kind of success.   Below are a few excerpts from the presentations given by Bishop Duracin (Diocese of Haiti), Lucien Bernard, (the minister of Episcopal education), and by representatives from ERD, an invaluable support for the Bishop during 2010.  Many other people made presentations but space prevents sharing all the knowledge gleaned at the conference.  Check our new blog site for other details: haitianhopemission.blogspot.com

Bishop Duracin

• The earthquake of 12 January has become the fulcrum from which we now operate and live.  Nothing is the same, nor will it ever be the same for Haiti.
• With 300,000 people dead and multiple numbers of people injured and permanently disabled, the suffering we experience has new dimensions for all of us.
• On behalf of the Episcopal Church of Haiti, I sincerely express my profound gratitude to all of those who have come to our aid and have offered us comfort and support.  Churches of every denomination from all over the world have been with us.  The situation continues to be bad but with your help we have been able to provide shelter, food and medical supplies to many of our people.
• Despite the chronic mourning of so many losses, our slogan has been, "Haiti, get up and walk."  In Jesus Christ, we must stand up amid the rubble and move forward even when we don't know how, when or where to begin.
• We have lost everything: Holy Trinity Cathedral with its historic murals and art work from the most famous Haitian artists; the educational complex with 4,000 students at its university, trade school, seminary, unique music school, and St. Vincent's school for the handicapped. 
• Because so many hospitals were destroyed, l'Hopital Saint Croix in Leogane has become a newly recognized center for medical treatment, even though much of it has been rendered unusable.  This hospital was built by Episcopalians and Presbyterians in a concerted effort to bring medical help to the rural mountainous area where Trouin is located.
• Help us rebuild the church in Haiti, because there are no borders in the church.  We are One in Christ.  Do this for the glory of Almighty God with faith, love, conviction and clear vision.  All things are brought to perfection through Him.

Lucien Bernard, Minister of Episcopal Education

• Before 12 January, the education system was inefficiently administered, with unqualified public schools led by poorly paid teachers with fewer than 50% of age-appropriate students in attendance on any one day.
• After 12 January, the education system has declined even further.
• The Episcopal Educational formation stands favorably in relation to public schools but still lacks appropriate curricula oversight and qualified teachers.
• 95% of school buildings in west (Trouin) were destroyed
• 3,972 students died in the quake.
• Migratory flux through out Haiti has changed the demographics of entire country
• 17,000 students currently have no place for pursuing studies.
• Most sites for universities, computer schools and libraries completely destroyed.
• Haitian government is not concerned about rebuilding universities.
• France, Canada, Dominican Republic, USA and Brazil have offered scholarships for students to finish higher education.

Finally, "we (Haitians) are facing many overwhelming challenges, but we want to learn to do for ourselves.  We remain strong in the faith and are deeply aware that you (the Partnership) have made every difference.  God has called all of us to work and pray together."