Bringing Healing to Haiti-February 11, 2010- Intercede International

Bringing Healing to Haiti

HAITI (INS)— In partnership with Intercede’s Living Word Ministries work in Haiti, Intercede is pooling and raising support for the suffering Haitian communities after a devastating magnitude 7.3 earthquake which hit Haiti on January 12, devastating this tiny island nation and killing tens of thousands of people. 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 continue to show great signs of improvement, reports Rachel Jean, the Lataillades’ daughter. After many days, Patrick was able to recall his experience "in the hole." He said that as much as possible, he sang "God is so good."

"When I couldn't sing in English anymore, I sang in Creole," he says, tears flowing down his face. He even started to sing it again, as those around wept with him. He wondered if he would ever get out, and felt life leaving his body. Today, his body proclaims the grace and glory of God. Even His nurses and doctors seem changed as they witness his strength, courage and love. Barb and Patrick's smiles and excitement to see one another are an encouragement to all around them.

They continue to be burdened and grieved for Haiti and their people. When a nurse questioned Patrick about returning to Haiti, he smiled and said, "Why not?”

The nurse replied, "You don't have a house or any belongings! You can't go back!"

Patrick looked at her, still smiling, and responded, "God will provide. The work is not complete. Of course I'll go back."

“It's interesting to see how previous experience will help them cope with their challenges today,” writes Rachel Jean. “For Patrick, his experience in martial arts will help him with his balance and equilibrium. For Barb, her hip surgery four years ago has strengthened her upper body so she can use her walker with ease until she is ready for the prosthesis. God uses all things for his purposes. Every day, we experience a chance to share their testimony with someone who crosses our path. Continue to pray for Patrick and Barb's progressive healing, protection from infection—also Agape as he returns from Haiti soon.”

Lataillades Released From Hospital

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.

Pray for Haitian elders and the Lataillades’ recovery and Intercede’s containers and aid strategy going forward.

Intercede greatly need contributions for their recovery needs as well as the Intercede Living Word Ministries they represent simply by going to: www.Intercedenow.ca and clicking on “Help Haiti Heal” or calling Intercede toll-free at 1-800-871-0882. Everything has been destroyed and hardly any personal belongings were saved.

The Lataillades' ministry, Living Word Ministries, is a strategic church-planting and missionary training ministry focused on taking the Gospel to areas of Haiti where there has been no witness for Jesus Christ. LWM missionaries plant churches, train pastors, provide education to impoverished children and run a medical clinic and conference centre. We have received no word thus far on how their staff, clinic, school and churches have been affected by the disaster. We are considering sending, in the very near future, a short-term Intercede Mission Action Team to Haiti to bring spiritual, physical and medical comfort to the brethren in the affected areas in which LWM works. We will also bring 10 Physician Travel Packs with us from Health Partners International.

Also an Intercede Sea Container is being arranged to fill and send as soon as possible. Goods needed are listed on our website at www.intercedenow.ca/omacontainer.php?ID=5. On Saturday, January 30 there was a Special Benefit Sale and Fundraiser at Intercede’s All Nations Mission Centre in Ridgeway, Ontario that raised at least $2,300 for Haitian relief, along with many articles that can be sent in the shipping container bound for Haiti.. Please call Intercede for more information.

Thank you for your continued intercessory prayers and support of this beloved couple, the Lataillades, for the people of Haiti, Intercede and LWM. We need your prayers and help at this critical time.

Photo 1: The Lataillades’ home just after the earthquake hit.(Intercede International Photo)

Photo 2: The Lataillades family before the quake: Patrick and Barb (standing at left), son Agape and daughter Rachel.(Intercede International Photo)

120LWM

February 11, 2010