Colonel John Matear, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army's Caribbean Territory, writes: 'Our people remain strong despite their natural concerns. The ex-pat officers confirm their intention to remain in their appointments and confirm they feel relatively safe. Valiant efforts are being made to continue with ministry as normal, although travel, to the North in particular, is not possible.
'I am confident that when this current period of difficulty is over, our fine and faithful officers and soldiers will stand ready to play their part in contributing to the welfare of their needy nation for Jesus sake.'
The work is not without its difficulties, however. Reports out of Port-au-Prince confirm that in one location Salvation Army officers have had to move out of a violent community, where some people were burned alive in their homes. In certain isolated incidents, too, officers have had transport commandeered for use as road blocks.
Other parts of the Caribbean Territory are on alert to receive Haitian refugees should the need arise. In Jamaica, for example, a corps officer is heading the country's refugee response and is presently housing 30 refugees who have come ashore.
Appealing for prayer support, Colonel Matear draws attention to the plight of the Haitian cadets studying at the Army's Training College in Kingston. 'They observe with concern all that is happening in their various home communities. One cadet told me that her two brothers had to leave their family home and move to another town because death threats had been made against them.
'Thank you for your prayers for Haiti, our people and our work,' concludes Colonel Matear.
(Haiti is a division of the Caribbean Territory of The Salvation Army, with headquarters in Port-au-Prince.)
Territorial Commander, Caribbean Territory
