Journal 110
September 2004
God’s Protection
On 25 September 2004, Major Ron Busroe, Captain Minel
Pierre Fils (DYS) and Alinx Jean-Baptiste of Kindernoltife
traveled by car to Gonaives. Just before reaching the
city a large section of the National Highway #1 is covered
by water, creating a large lake. It requires a guide
to lead the way and the trip takes about 20 minutes.
News reports speak of Gonaives as a lawless, out-of-control
city. We witnessed several truck hijackings, violence,
and people selling disaster supplies they had stolen,
but we also witnessed the true spirit of the majority
of the Haitian people as they cared for each other.
Our first stop was at the home of Candidate Helene
Achelus’ mother. Since she is not in an affected
area she has opened her home to 15 people who lost their
homes. They come each night to sleep on her porch. One
young man speaks of escaping the flood waters by kicking
the zinc tile roof off in order to get out of his home.
Mrs. Achelus agreed to allow Candidate Marc Eddy to
live with her when he returns this week to coordinate
The Army’s relief effort.
The next stop was at the CARE warehouse. They are focusing
their efforts in Gonaives, but hope to be in Gros Morne
later this week. We received word that 500 people are
sleeping in The Salvation Army church and school in
Gros Morne. Major Mathieu Milfort, Port au Prince Central
corps officer, traveled to Gros Morne with some emergency
funds to assist Captain Jean Vital Cenatus in the relief
effort.
We have received no report from Port de Paix. Major
Minel Pierre Fils will fly there in order to begin the
relief effort which we are coordinating with World Vision.
On Sunday morning, 26 September 2004, at Port au Prince
Central corps the pastor, Captain Mathieu Milfort and
several members shared about their visits to Gonaives.
A special appeal was made for donations and gifts-in-kind
to be taken to the affect areas.
On Saturday, 2 October 2004, Major Pierre Fils, Alinx
Jean-Baptiste and the DHQ car mechanic escorted the
first truckload of Salvation Army relief supplies purchased
by Kindernoltife to Gonaives and Gros Morne.
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