Video for expatriate Haitian Nazarenes

Brooklyn, New York

Friday, January 29, 2010

USA/Canada Mission Strategy Director Oliver Phillips has facilitated a video message from Haitian-American leader Luc Pierre communicating the challenge and response of the Church of the Nazarene in earthquake-ravaged Haiti to both the North American Haitian Nazarene community and the global church.

Pierre is a Nazarene Theological Seminary graduate, pastor of one of the largest churches on the Metro New York District (New Jerusalem Haitian Church of the Nazarene), and an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn, New York. He is also the chairman of the Haitian Strategic Readiness Team, elected by his peers.

To view the video, click here (YouTube) or click the play button in the picture window of this article.

Also, Pasal Permis, Haitian Mission director for USA/Canada, shares the following message:

"On behalf of my compatriots in the Diaspora as well as those who are in Haiti, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your prayers and your quick and generous response to the plight of the people in Port-au-Prince and in many other cities of Haiti who are suffering as a result of this massive and monstrous earthquake that destroyed many lives; and for sure that will leave a permanent psychological scar in the lives of those who have experienced it.

Just as Haitians all over the United States have been very appreciative for the effort deployed by the United States government to alleviate the dire condition of our brothers and sisters, a level of response that has proven us to be right by choosing this country to be our own and for our children; a country we plan to contribute to and remain productive citizens of.

So we, the Haitian Nazarenes, have felt the Global Church of the Nazarene and its district offices across USA and Canada have proven to live to its core biblical principle of being missional and compassionate in nature by responding quickly, massively, and generously throughout their churches to help those affected and hurt by this quake.

I remember vividly how I felt couple hours after the quake, my heart was very heavy, troubled, and confused for some time.  I also remember how many people have inundated my phones, cell and house phone, with show of concerns, prayers and supports, by stating that they are willing to do whatever they can to help.

 People across the Southern Florida District have been a source of inspiration and a knit family just as stated in the mission statement that "we are a family, rich in culture and heritage." This kind of support has been reported to me by Haitian pastors of other districts across United States and Canada.

What a great church to belong to!

No wonder why by nature that Haitians are die-hard Nazarenes. They always have good memories of the church in Haiti; they always want to work tirelessly for the Kingdom in this great church called the Church of the Nazarene.

I must report to you that, by the time you read this letter, I will be on my way to Haiti via Dominican Republic traveling with a team of medical doctors and nurses.  My trip, which is supported by the Southern Florida District family, is made with the objective to assess the need and logistic for future and subsequent mission trips that can target the much needed area in order to provide a holistic ministry that can bring difference in the lives of the least and the lost, and in the lives of damaged ones in particular."

Permis requests prayer as he and others coordinate relief efforts for Haitian people in their recovery and rebuilding efforts. 
--USA/Canada Mission Strategy

 

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