Help recovery efforts in Haiti

The Rev. Burnet Cherisol, associate rector at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, Port St. Lucie, is praying hard for Haiti, while working to funnel aid to the earthquake-racked country.

"I saw Haiti, the situation is terrible," Fr, Cherisol wrote to the Diocese of Central Florida's clergy e-mail list Jan. 13, the day after the earthquake. "The country is devastated."

Of special concern to Fr. Cherisol, originally from Haiti, is the fate of students and former colleagues at Institut Mixte Pere de Montfort, the school he helped found in Port au Prince. The school was destroyed in the earthquake, and at least one student was trapped inside, news reports said.

“Fortunately, school was over for the day when (the earthquake) occurred,” Fr. Cherisol told Channel 5, WPTV. “But six students live at the school, and someone reached one of them who said he was alive, but he couldn’t get out.”  

“I’ve been calling all (Tuesday) night and (Wednesday) morning,” said Fr. Cherisol, “but I can’t find anyone in Haiti who can tell me about (the school). Communication is very difficult.”

The collapse of the communication systems in Haiti has Haitians living in Central Florida struggling to learn details about their friends and relatives there.

Bishop John W. Howe has sent out an appeal to Episcopalians in Central Florida.

"We will be receiving any contributions for the people of Haiti and forwarding them to Episcopal Relief and Development.  Please pray and  give," Bishop Howe wrote clergy. "The Episcopal Bishop in Haiti is Jean Zache Duracin (he goes by Zache), and his wife is Marie-Edithe.  Please do hold them in your prayers."

The Rev. George Conger, a member of the Diocesan Board and writer for several Anglican and secular publications, reports that Bishop Duracin survived the earthquake, but his wife was injured and their home destroyed.

Fr. Conger also said the cathedral in Port au Prince has been destroyed as has the convent of the Sisters of Saint Margaret and the church College of St Pierre. A number of churches have been destroyed. Details are slowly emerging.

Bishop Howe cautioned those interested in sending materials or traveling to Haiti to help rebuild that their presence in Haiti at this time might tax an already overburdened country.

"If you or any of your people are interested in being part of a mission trip to help with rebuilding (when the  time for that is at hand) please coordinate with Chuck Dunlap our Disaster Coordinator," Bishop Howe wrote to clergy.

Send donations to the attention of Chuck Dunlap, the diocese's disaster-relief coordinator, 1017 E. Robinson St., Orlando, FL 32801.