Deadly Earthquake Strikes HaitiHAITI (Intercede News Service)—A massive earthquake, with 7.0 magnitude, has hit the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The death toll from the quake is estimated at more than 200,000. Thousands of homes have been damaged and destroyed in this impoverished country.The quake was the strongest to hit the country in more than 200 years. Most of Haiti's nine million people are desperately poor, and after years of political instability, the country has no basic construction standards.
The leaders of Intercede’s Living Word Ministries work in Haiti were severely injured in the January 12 earthquake, but are receiving medical care.
The latest news from the Lataillades is very serious. When they were airlifted by the Canadian Air Force to Florida, doctors determined that both needed immediate surgery. Barb Lataillade's right foot was amputated halfway between the ankle and knee. She has been upbeat but is still in a state of shock. Patrick Lataillade's condition turned out to be much worse than first thought. He was rescued after being trapped for 18 hours within the ruins of his home outside of Port au Prince. His right arm had to be amputated at the shoulder.
Patrick and Barb have now been released from the hospital and are learning to cope with the pain and the reality of physiotherapy, and learning to deal with missing limbs. Both are in surprisingly good spirits and can’t wait till they can return to Haiti. Their son Agape and their Haitian pastors are meanwhile helping with the ministry coordination.
Mayette, located about 150 km south east of Port au Prince was not as severely affected. All of their central ministry is located there and none of the medical clinics or teaching centres were damaged. Praise God!
The preliminary news from the areas where the Lataillades serve including Mayette and Demeline is that these areas were not hit as hard by the quake and that the clinic and conference centre were alright. The same was true of the children sponsored through Living Word Ministries.
YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
To make a gift of goods for our shipping container for Haiti, click here:
Financial Gifts to Haiti Container should be designated as follows: 002OMA-02-103 comment line: “Haiti Container”
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