Child Hope Earthquake Relief

EARTHQUAKE UPDATE AUGUST-2010

2010-08-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to write an update since the 6 month anniversary (July 12, 2010) of the quake. I felt since CNN had us on Larry King and other media was making such a big deal out of it that I should write an update at that important anniversary as well. But to be honest it has been very hard. I kept getting stuck. As i started off looking at all that has not been done in this country since the quake hit, i found myself getting very negative and then just spiraling down into oblivion. You see, I was getting caught up in the false hopes of the world. That if our hope lies in the aid, promises, international assistance and the money that is supposed to come into this country we will always be disappointed. If all the money came in as promised, people would still be disappointed because it would never be spent the way that everyone would want it to be spent.
When I wrote my first draft, I discussed how the tent cities had become terrible places where disease and rape are on the rise and people are in no hurry to move because they now have free food, clean water, medical aid and attention. But, now that I think about it, maybe that isn’t such a bad thing. Sure there are problems and some are horrible problems that must be addressed but, at the same time, the reality is that people who were once struggling before the quake are now, with the world’s attention and assistance, getting the help they need – food, water and shelter.
If you saw us on the Larry King spot you would have caught Wyclef Jean right before us. He spoke of the lack of government response and delayed aide coming into Haiti. He was angry about the billions of pledged dollars that was never received. When it was our turn to respond we were a bit put off because we didn’t really have anything negative to say. We were just thankful that none of our children nor employees were killed in the quake. We were thankful that God has faithfully provided. We were thankful that God has done a work in our children’s hearts to seek first His kingdom and to trust in His provision and His alone – not the government’s – not the U.S.’s help.
We believe that this next generation, who are faithful followers of Jesus, will help lead Haiti out of darkness, hopelessness and despair. Repentant people who trust in and fear a Mighty God will be the ones to lead the charge to transform Haiti, not the billions of dollars in aid and the millions of new programs.
I heard a sermon today from a pastor friend that inspired me to try and write this update once again. In his sermon he referenced Isaiah 62:2-3 referring to a new name for Zion.

The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

You know how God loves to give new names (i.e, Abram to Abraham, the white stone in Revelation, etc.). Well, the pastor said it is time to get rid of the old names – “poorest country in the western hemisphere” and “voodoo cursed nation” and start looking at what God wants to do here. He spoke of the global attention and involvement currently in Haiti - the multitudes of countries that have converged on Haiti. More than 9 different countries alone were represented in the church service today. Therefore, he suggested a new name:

Gateway to the world.

A place where all countries converge to help those in need. And he followed with another name…

Blessed of the Lord.

Both of which are very accurate.
Haiti does need a new name, one that reflects the great things that God is doing and those yet to come!
We believe God’s word when He says:

…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (1Chronicles 7:14)

And the healing has begun. Our hope remains in Him:

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

We are not standing idol. Currently, Child Hope has built, rebuilt, repaired or rented homes for hundreds of people and there’s much more to come. We have provided shelter, food and clean water for suffering families. We have provided free medical care. All in Jesus’ name and giving Him the glory. And we will continue to provide the One True Hope found only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Six months later, we celebrate the faithfulness of a faithful God. We thank Him unceasingly for His favor and we trust wholeheartedly in His provision and grace. He has the power to save and transform this country without a single dollar of aid. Continue to trust and pray.

Do you not know?
Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:28-29)

God bless you.

bill manassero

2010-06-23T23:04:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from the King's Harbor Team that served with us last week:

http://www.childhope.org/gallery2/v/teamsinhaiti/kings-harbor-june-2010/

2010-05-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Some pics of a prefab house built this week

2010-05-07T13:03:00.001-07:00

Check out our latest newsletter here: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs074/1101464602267/archive/1103338146239.html

If you aren't subscribed please go to http://www.childhope.org/contact/contact.html?attn=newsletter to sign up

2010-05-03T23:58:00.001-07:00

See pictures from recent teams by clicking here: Photos from recent teams

Some recently articles about the upcoming CNN documentary
Q&A With CNN Anchor Soledad O'Brien On Her New Documentary, "Rescued"
CNN drops anchor in Haiti to film ‘Rescued’ orphans
Rescued brings stories of Haitian Orphans to life - Soledad O'Brien reports on CNN

POST EARTHQUAKE UPDATE 4-22-2010

2010-04-22T08:54:00.001-07:00

On top of launching a new school for all our children, counseling and preparing the MDL children for a post-quake Haiti, and partnering with numerous churches, organizations and missions teams assisting with our rebuild efforts, we have been working non-stop to assist quake victims. The need at the community level is tremendous and so much more is needed beyond what we can supply. Our staff is working tirelessly, first, to care for the children at Maison de Lumiere and next, to assist the children and families in the surrounding community. This effort has been non-stop since the quake and, in some cases, activity has increased significantly as the rains and people’s need for more permanent housing are on the rise.

Our top priority has been the children at the orphanage, their families, our staff and their families. As we meet their needs, we can apply more time, effort and resources to our community. We have been assisting the community since day one, starting first with our medical triage and shortly after, through providing food, shelter and whatever assistance was needed.

Below is brief synopsis of our current relief efforts and an overview of how funds and resources are being applied.

Medical Care – The establishment of our new expanded medical clinic has allowed us to treat more people than ever before. Treating those with earthquake injuries, malaria, hygiene-related diseases, stomach ailments, cuts, scrapes and other injuries, to name a few, is a regular and on-going effort for our med team. Our staff nurses, as well as visiting doctors, dentists and other health care professionals, have helped greatly in the provision of quality health care services -- all at no cost to the community. In a number of cases, we also transport patients we are unable to treat to hospitals or other medical facilities where they can get the care they need. We even delivered a baby in our clinic recently to a mother residing in our of our tent cities. Medications and med services are being provided to the community through the generous donations of our supporters. We are praying that more doctors will sign up to serve for one week minimum terms.

Ravine Families - Child Hope has long assisted the poor and destitute families in a ravine community near our orphanage. Prior to the earthquake, our children and staff would host feedings, med clinics, church services and other special programs for the ravine families. In addition, many of the children in the ravine participate in our muTch feeding program. The earthquake destroyed almost every home in the ravine community and we have been working diligently with a local pastor in the ravine to supply tarps, tents, food and clean water for over 200 people in the area. Recently, we began rebuilding homes and helping relocate people out of the tent city and into permanent, rain/hurricane-resistant housing. We also helped obtain clean drinking water for the area and are trying to get a community well dug.

One of our staff member's houses:

Reconstruction beginning:

Shelter – We have compiled and hired a work crew of approximately 20 local Haitian masons and builders who have been working full-time since our rebuilding effort began. The team includes many men from the ravine and even a few former MDL residents. The team is primarily repairing and building homes but allow assists with post-quake clean-up and other projects. In addition, working with a good friend and Christian brother Stephan Vervloet, we will soon be building permanent pressure-treated wood-framed homes for needy families. There are two different models available that we will be offering that can be customized based on a person’s lot size and personal needs. Generally, these homes can be built in one day with minimum construction expertise. Beginning May 1^st, we will start constructing 13 of these new homes for needy families in the ravine and other areas.

Renting Homes – Many families who were renting homes lost their homes in the quake as well. Landlords are not rebuilding or offering alternative housing to their tenants so many people are homeless, on the streets or in tent cities. We have set up a process to review and evaluate situations and have, in some cases, pay rents for a number of families for a one-year lease period.

Family food packets – Special “care boxes” are prepared and issued on a regular basis, especially to mothers with babies and small children. The boxes contain food items, drinking water, personal care items, diapers and other helpful items.

Other areas of assistance include:

Distribution of over 100 tents
Distribution of over 300 tarps
Distribution of Work Food Programme super nutrition biscuits and Plumpy Nut peanut butter packets.
Distribution of multiple bags of rice, beans, canned food and clean water.
Providing jobs or assisting those who lost jobs or businesses in the quake.
Helped merchants by providing micro-loans or grants for the re-start-up of their small street businesses destroyed in the earthquake

This is just a quick overview of our post-earthquake recovery efforts. We are praying for continued support in the form of teams willing to come and build houses, funding from individuals, teams, schools, churches and others willing to sponsor houses (houses sell for as low as $2,500, up to $4,500 completed painted and finished) or just commit to the monthly support of our ongoing efforts here.

Most of all, we are asking for your prayers. Prayer for those who are dealing with the loss of loved ones, jobs, homes and businesses. Prayer for our missionary team and staff who is working tirelessly to serve the Haitian people with the Love of Jesus in the face of such overwhelming devastation and hopelessness. And finally, prayer for the children of The Lighthouse (Maison de Lumiere)-- that they not lose faith, that they find their hope not in man, governments or organizations but in the Rock of their Salvation and that they find Peace and True Joy in the midst of the storm.

God bless you.

bill manassero

Press Release about upcoming documentary on Child Hope

2010-04-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Press Release about upcoming documentary on Child Hope

CNN’s Soledad O’Brien Brings to Life Inspiring Stories about Haiti’s Innocent Children

Rescued, featuring Creole translation by music artist Wyclef Jean, premieres Saturday, May 8 at 8pm ET & PT

CNN was the first news organization to report from Haiti following the earthquake that devastated the tiny Caribbean country in January. That’s when CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien began a journey reporting on Haiti’s remarkably inspiring children. Told through the eyes of two abandoned children and two American missionaries, O’Brien reports a powerful one-hour CNN documentary on Haiti’s children’s before, during and after the earthquake. Rescued premieres Saturday, May 8 at 8pm ET & PT.

After viewing an initial screening of the documentary and being so moved by what he saw, hip hop music artist and philanthropist Wyclef Jean, a son of Haiti, will provide voice-overs of the Creole translations in the program, along with award-winning Haitian novelist Edwidge Danticat.

The two children, six year old Cendy Jeune and former child slave Marc Kenson Oliphi are Haitian orphans abandoned years ago by their parents. They represent the children whose faces appear on the worldwide appeals for charity. But Cendy and Marc Kenson are among the lucky. They survived some of the worst poverty imaginable and escaped their hardship when they were taken into an orphanage of an American missionary family. They are bright, strong and full of faith. These are innocent children with promise who represent Haiti’s future. Children who one day could rewrite this small nation’s unfortunate history. That is, until the January earthquake erupts and hands them the biggest test of all.

Susette and Bill Manassero are the American missionaries who have devoted their lives to Haiti’s children. They are part of an expansive and controversial missionary community that shelters thousands of Haiti’s abandoned children. They manage the Lighthouse Orphanage, and live in Port-au-Prince with their family so that the young Haitians they care for do not have to leave their homeland. Haiti has 380,000 children living as orphans, though O’Brien learns, in a country with unbelievable capacity challenges, the term ‘orphan’ has a complicated meaning.

Said O’Brien, "From the moment I met the children at the Lighthouse orphanage, I knew I had to return to Haiti to help put a face on the hundreds of thousands of orphans living there. Not only are they incredibly strong and inspiring, but they tell the larger story of Haiti and its struggles before and after the devastating earthquake."

More information on Rescued can be found on CNN.com/Haiti. Viewers can continue to contribute to Haiti relief through CNN’s Impact Your World webpage by visiting CNN.com/Impact.

Geraldine Moriba is the executive producerfor Rescued; Rose Arce is the senior producer.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively-syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

Contact(s):

Jennifer Dargan
404-885-4638
Atlanta

Christine Pietz
212-275-8067
New York

Van Scott, Jr.
212-275-8392
New York

Some of our kids on CNN.com

2010-04-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Haitian orphans describe their hopes for the future
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/04/19/wall.lighthouse/index.html?hpt=C2

2010-04-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the trailer for the CNN Rescued documentary about two of the kids from Child Hope!

Sneak Preview of CNN Documentary

2010-04-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sneak Preview of CNN Documentary
We are excited to tell you that this Saturday afternoon at 1pm there will be a preview of the CNN RESCUED documentary about Child Hope International at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in LA. Space is limited, so please register online now at http://www.discoverthejourney.org/rescuedevent.php

If you can't make it, don't worry you can catch the documentary on CNN at 8PM EST May 8th and 9th.

"CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien meets the real children whose faces cry out for charity in the appeals following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Through the eyes of 6-year-old Cendy Jeune and former child slave Marckenson Oliphi, O’Brien tells the story of how these two children overcame a lifetime of obstacles with the help of American Christians on a mission to rescue Haitian orphans -- until a powerful earthquake delivered the biggest test of all."

2010-04-08T08:00:00.001-07:00

The CNN documentary about Child Hope will be airing next month. May 8th and 9th at 8PM Eastern Time

2010-04-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

New pictures below, we also have a new newsletter at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs074/1101464602267/archive/1103140395953.html

Some pictures of rebuilding going on at our homes

2010-03-21T22:10:00.001-07:00

For continued updates become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

Worshiping out of the depths

2010-03-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Worshiping out of the depths

by Dave Beck

In the photo is Israel, a 17-year-old resident of Maison de Lumiere orphanage. Just a month before this photo was taken, Israel had lost his business partner and all their equipment. Their business had been solidifying, and we could see Israel carving out an economically successful future for himself. However, on January 12 when the quake hit, the office building where they worked collapsed, demolishing their equipment and killing Israel's partner. In 45 seconds, Israel's future seemed to have disappeared in a cloud of concrete dust.

Now Israel's grief over losing his business partner is intertwined with distressing questions about his future and the future of his "brothers" at Maison de Lumiere. It is out of that place of heavy suffering that he worships. This photo was taken on February 12, one month after the quake, while we were engaged in Haiti's weekend of national fasting and praying.

In after-quake Haiti, there are countless stories like Israel's. The suffering is immense and ever-present. Therefore, when the Haitian people worship, it comes out of deep places in their souls. What do you see in the photo? I see worship rising up from Israel's toes and leaping out through his face and outstretched hands. I see someone praising God with abandon. I also see an uncanny resemblance of Christ on the cross. For me, this photo has become like an icon of worship arising out of great suffering.

2010-03-08T14:30:00.001-08:00

Thank you!

2010-03-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

A video from our last team in Haiti courtesy of www.joshnewton.com and http://www.heschle.com/

Josh Newton Haiti Video from HESCHLE on Vimeo.

2010-03-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

Photos By Josh Newton

2010-03-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry for getting so behind on my updates. I can’t believe it has not been since Feb 19, since my last update. It’s just that activity has increased significantly and time just got away from me.

PRAY & DONATE TO CHILE
When we heard the devastating news about Chile’s 8.8 magnitude earthquake our hearts broke. To think of the Chilean people suffering as the Haitian people have, is too much to comprehend so close together. Although the quake in Chile was more severe, it appears the devastation will not likely take as many lives. Praise God! But that is not to say it will not have long term impact for the country. There is an interesting article on why this phenomenon has occurred. Please pray that there will be no shortage of funds and assistance to help Chile at this difficult time. With the great global outpouring for Haiti, we just pray that Chile will not suffer in the aftermath.

CUSTOMS RELEASES CHI RELIEF ITEMS
We are so very thankful (Thank you, Jesus!) that the cargo items brought in by our most recent team were released from Customs. We truly thought we would not see these things (mostly construction tools needed for wall repairs and tents) for months. But, by the grace of God, all items were released within the week. Also, a special thank you to Soledad O’Brien at CNN for helping expose this crazy situation (and definitely putting the pressure on to release the items) not just for us but for many other charitable organizations in the same situation here in Haiti. Thank you for all your prayers.

FIRST TEAM
We just had our first “officially scheduled” missions team spend the week with us. They were wonderful and accomplished a great deal with construction projects, teaching, counseling, security and medical care. The Southern California-based team represented a number of churches, including our home church in Redondo Beach (thanks pastor Chris!). They began the big job of rebuilding the walls of the girls home which will likely take weeks to complete. The next construction projects will be the guest house and boys home wall repairs. We are very grateful for all this team’s selfless efforts and encouragement. Thank you all!

FUTURE TEAMS
Because of the great need, we’ve opened up our calendar for future teams to continue every other week through the end of the year. If you or a team from your church is interested in coming, please sign up at http://www.childhope.org/about/going_to_haiti_earthquake_relief.html. Our priorities are construction repairs, teaching at our new school and medical care, but we also have many other projects and areas of need for those who are interested in serving.

THE MANASSERO HOME
While the team was here they also made a careful assessment of the structural integrity of our home. Unfortunately, the news is not encouraging. Apparently, there are ground-level cracks that could result in the foundation’s eventual failure, especially as we move into the rainy season. It looks like we will have to move. That’s the last thing we want to deal with right now – expense and time-wise -- but at least we found out about it before it became a bigger problem. Please pray that we can find a home in the area with the same close proximity to the orphanage.

DOCTORS NEEDED
Please keep us in prayer as we seek doctors who are willing to come to Haiti to spend at least one week minimum serving at our clinic. The need is great. There is much follow-up with earthquake victims and new ailments resulting from the altered living conditions.

TEACHERS NEEDED
Class is in session, even though we do not have a full teaching staff. We desperately need teachers who are willing to come and serve through the end of the school year, during the summer session and beginning next Fall for the full school year. Please pray that the Lord will send godly, devoted teachers to help our kids get focused on school and get through this difficult time. If you are interested or know someone who is interested, please sign up at http://www.childhope.org/about/going_to_haiti_earthquake_relief.html

THANK YOU
We can cannot thank you all enough for your ongoing prayers and support. There is not enough room here to even begin to express our gratitude to the many who have been so supportive and diligently pray daily for the precious children at Maison de Lumiere, the community, our staff and the Child Hope missionaries here. May God bless you abundantly for all you have done and continue to do during this challenging time.

2010-02-24T22:35:00.001-08:00

Here is another CNN article on the goods being held at customs:
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/24/obrien.haiti.notebook/index.html?iref=allsearch

2010-02-24T21:59:00.000-08:00

Here is pieces of the story on the supplies being held up in Haiti with some added footage. Please share this!

2010-02-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

2010-02-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Photos by Josh Newton

2010-02-19T09:05:00.001-08:00

UPDATE 2-19-2010
THREE DAYS OF HEAVEN
Three is a significant number in the Bible. The Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Seraphin cry three times “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Jonas in the belly of the big fish for three days and three nights. The Three-fold gifts of grace are Faith, Hope, and Love. The Three-fold nature of man is Spirit, and Soul, and Body. And, of course, the most profound, the resurrection of Christ after three days in the tomb. It is a number representing divine completion. That was also the number of days recently acknowledged all over Haiti as a time of mourning, prayer and fasting on behalf of the earthquake.
We were here in Haiti, of course, during this powerful time. For us, it entailed meeting early Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning in the Ben’s (our sports center) with all the MDL kids, staff, neighbors, displaced families and friends to pray, fast, worship, read scripture, share testimonies, hear sermons, lift up praises to the Father and petition and intercede on behalf of Haiti. It was one of the most powerful, incredible experiences of my life.

Not only was the prayer and worship time at MDL incredible -- seeing our kids on their faces, passionately crying out to God or seeing the families who had lost everything, smiling, laughing, even dancing to pour themselves out as an offering to God for His glory and honor -- but it was also what was going on throughout the country.

Friday morning, after praying and worshipping with everyone at MDL, I had to drive up to Petionville (about a 15-20 minute drive) for a brief meeting. When I left the orphanage, I had my windows down and as I drove I heard something I only thought possible in heaven – constant, unceasing, intense, continuous prayer, worship and adoration -- from all over and everywhere. People joining together, singing in their tent citys, in their homes, on street corners, to offer up prayer and worship to God. Churches, sounding like choirs of angels, overflowing into to the streets. Small groups in circles on the streets prayed intently. Large groups paraded through the streets – marching and singing hymns -- reciting scripture together in unison. And the most amazing thing was the fact that the “beautiful noise” never ceased -- all the way up the hill.

Add to that the irony – this same weekend was already a celebration weekend, planned out long before the earthquake. It was the beginning of Carnival week in Haiti, the single biggest Haitian event of the year, a Mardi Gras of sorts. A time when people sing, get drunk, celebrate voodoo, march through the streets, and often get very violent. It is a week when all schools close down for the week and many churches host weeklong “family camps” to pray against the “spirit” of Carnival. To hear prayer and praises to God replacing the drunken revelry of Carnival must have been like a sweet sweet fragrance to the Creator of all.

Many say this weekend was a turning point. A miracle. A second earthquake – occurring not in the earth, but in the hearts of the Haitian people. A time of repentance and turning to the One True God.
I don’t know if that is the case but I’m praying. I’m praying that this is a major shift in Haiti. That the gods of the past will be rejected once and for all. That Truth will overcome culture. And that the people of Haiti will break the chains they sought to break over 200 years ago.

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6

Please join me in praying that this very special weekend not just be a onetime event but, instead, that it mark the launch of a new beginning for Haiti, a time where God is lifted up, first and foremost, above all, and that the people of Haiti be truly set free, once and for all, by the power, grace and might of a loving God.

2010-02-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

New pics

2010-02-13T22:20:00.000-08:00

To see more go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/verburg