Healing in the Wake of Hurricane Mitch

When Hurricane Mitch brought devastation to Honduras last fall, we knew we had to do something; our work in Central America has created ties to children, families, and relief workers that mean a great deal to us.

The first thing to do was to make contact despite disrupted communications. We did. Delores Williams, one of our liaisons, was able to e-mail us from northern Honduras and vividly described the desperation of families who had no food, water, shelter, or clothing and were coping with disease as well. Our response was to send volunteer Carole Pettijohn to Honduras with six tubs of medical supplies; she was able to escort two children on her return.

Then we had to let you, our supporters, know what was needed. Grand Rapids radio personality Gary Allen, one of our board members, offered to talk on-air with someone who could give an eyewitness account of what was happening. After a lot of persuading, Delores agreed, and on a November morning she gave Gary heart-rending facts about families she knew who were struggling to survive. Gary asked her what the most critical need was. The answer: clean water. Water systems were destroyed in mudslides; rivers and streams were polluted; disease was rampant. Delores estimated that $1000 would restore the water system for one village.

That was all it took. Our phone started ringing within minutes. A young man called from his car, asked directions, and drove over with the first check. Someone else canvassed a neighborhood and collected enough to sponsor a village. In the end, scores of you responded, and we were able to provide water for nine villages. A triumph!

But we weren't through. During our e-mail exchanges, Delores mentioned that she knew of an orphanage for HIV-positive children where there would be no Christmas celebration, because in Mitch's wake, the Sisters who ran it were using all their resources just to feed and clothe the children. Again, we spread the word, and again, you responded. A pair of faithful supporters offered to pay for toys and medicine, and the next day there was a joyful shopping spree at Toys R Us and Meijer. Shopping carts were filled to the brim with toys and undies for the kids and with kitchen towels, hot pads, soaps, and lotions for the Sisters. American Airlines helped us deliver these presents in time for Christmas. Airline employees Captain Kevin Smith, Jackie Bryant, and Ana Kinese worked very hard to make that happen.

And believe it or not, this healing gift was so great that there were more than enough toys for the original orphanage, and the extras were given to another orphanage, previously overlooked, where the children otherwise would have had no Christmas presents.

Your generosity is such a blessing. Thank you!