Haiti Day 4: Outreach Update Part I (Christian views on disability)

June 25, 2010

On Tuesday, June 22nd, the Elim Haiti team assisted Jean-Claude with a food distribution to members of the Jacmel community.  The well-orchestrated event was truly a testament to how well Calvary Church reaches out to Haiti’s poor.

Maxim, Calvary Church’s Program Director, organized the food distribution.  In order to make sure that aid is distributed evenly and fairly to all of Jacmel’s poor, Maxim has assembled a list of 500 families in need.   Each food distribution reaches 35 families, and rotates through the list.  For example, if families 1-35 were reached through Tuesday’s distribution, the one on Wednesday would begin with family 36.

Each family on Tuesday’s distribution list was given tickets.  Their ticket granted them entrance into the church.  Once inside, Jean-Claude explained what items were available in the box.  He demonstrated the proper useof Purell hand sanitizer, and explained that it should be used before food preparation.  Jean-Claude also explained that Elim’s adults with disabilities assembled the Kids Against Hunger food packs.  The Haitian women smiled and nodded; they understood that Elim’s adults had reached out to help and minister to their families.

Each family received a box containing: Kids Against Hunger rice packs, Purell hand sanitizer, spaghetti, tomato sauce, fruit flavored protein powder, Clorox bleach, beef stock, dried vegetable soup mix, and a pair of Crocs shoes.

With such a full array of food and necessities, the boxes were quite heavy.  Even with the weight, the women hoisted the boxes onto their heads!  They walked home; even the smallest women easily balanced them on their heads.

It was incredible for the Elim Haiti team to see the final link in how the Elim HOPE Packs and the Kids Against Hunger program creates fulfillment multiplied.  Elim adults, who are so proud of their work, lovingly assemble the Kids Against Hunger food packs.  With generous contributions from Elim HOPE Packs supporters, the food and school supplies are shipped to places like Haiti.  As the final link, these packs are distributed directly to those who need them the most: families in poverty.

One look at the smiling faces of the recipients shows the incredible impact a small gift on our part can make to those in need.

 

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