You can make a difference in the face of such an overwhelming tragedy through an organization you have learned to trust. Like you, Olive Branch International is intent on responding to the enormous humanitarian crisis in Haiti, following the catastrophic earthquake yesterday.
Less than twenty-four hours after the earthquake OBI participated in a conference call hosted by TECH (Technical Exchange for Christian Healthcare) with roughly twenty major medical organizations, the majority of which, like OBI, have working experience in Haiti. In that conference call, TECH asked OBI to participate as a member of TECH's Haiti Relief Coordinating Forum. Based on the discussions with other members of the TECH Coordinating Forum, OBI is establishing a Haiti Relief Fund. Three TECH-affiliated organizations are, or will be, on the ground in the next twenty-four hours to make assessments.
OBI already brings with it six to seven years experience in medically-related humanitarian relief to the impoverished nation of Haiti. In addition, OBI regularly provides support to members of Maranatha d' Haiti Baptist Church in La Saline community of Port-au-Prince, one of the poorest areas in the capital. This relationship was established in the aftermath of four hurricanes over the last six years. OBI has been in regular communication with Pastor Romain Coeurcide over these years of support. We pray that eventually he or members of his church leadership will find themselves able to communicate with us about their needs.
You might recall that the world saw similar devastation following a tsunami in Southeast Asia six years ago. Then, too, Olive Branch International was deliberate, prayerful and purposeful in its response. OBI arrived in Sri Lanka six weeks after the December 2004 tsunami and addressed specific unmet needs within the military, providing crisis-intervention counseling and addressing ways to counter post-trauma stress disorders.
Unfortunately, Haiti will prove an even more difficult nation to assist. It has no military and its police force is widely regarded as a thoroughly corrupt organization. Haiti is also the poorest nation in this hemisphere and one of the most destitute in the world. The nation has no infrastructure whatsoever and is incapable of dealing with a humanitarian crisis of this magnitude. Fortunately, our project manager for OBI's Haitian emergency response already has extensive ties within that country, following roughly a dozen trips in a six-year period providing medical support. He believes that outside assistance will be necessary in Haiti for at least a decade.
Olive Branch International is committed to directing funds to where there is the greatest need, working only with the most trusted organizations and individuals already in that country. Building on well-established relationships developed through the years, OBI has built good will and trust in Haiti. We will work with TECH, other Christian organizations and local Haitian friends to ensure all donations are applied only to programs that will make the greatest difference in providing necessary humanitarian relief.
If you are interested in helping, please write a check today to Olive Branch International, P.O. Box 748, Norfolk, VA 23501-0748, reflecting "Haitian Emergency Relief" in the remarks column. You can also use the GiveDirect form to provide a donation by credit card. ONLINE DONATION
