Help Haiti
Jan 13, 2010
I`m certain none of us are unaware of the devastation in Haiti. The immediate question, though, in most of our minds is, What can we do? The easiest answer is to pray and provide financial support, but the more difficult question is how and to whom can we give? It`s not difficult to raise money where a genuine and significant need is apparent, but getting the money directly to those in need isn’t always as simple. The best scenario is to know someone – and fortunately we do – Kim Holtegel. Kim is part of the Vista leadership team (her husband, Brett, is one of our elders). Kim also leads the orchestra during the Christmas program / Easter service and periodically plays keyboard with the worship band. Kim’s cousin Brad, and his family, are with an organization called Mission of Hope: Haiti. Brad is Director and President, and you can rest assured they are providing and organizing ministry and relief as we speak. There are many ways that you can support the enormous needs in Haiti right now, but if you’d like a direct connection with an organization we can vouch for I suggest you give to Brad. If you have any difficulty at all with their online giving mechanism, just write a check to Vista (memo: Haiti) and we’ll get it there for you. Above all else, pray for the people doing God’s work around the clock right now to comfort and care for the broken and broken-hearted …
January 14th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Thought you might be interested to know…Brad was not in Haiti when the earthquake struck, but he is being dropped in by helicopter today… Also, if you have personal connections with other agencies and/or ministries that you would like to highlight for people to consider supporting, just add some contact information here…
January 15th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
From Brad’s wife, Vanessa, this morning…
Brad got in around 3:30 there and hit the ground running. He has been in planning meetings for hours. He did a few skyp and phone interviews. One that I have heard is on stjoechannel.com The interview that Bob and I had is on there too as “feeling the shock miles away” I think Brad’s pops right up as breaking news.
I am headed to the city to be with the staff and volunteers there today but will have my computer and keep you posted.
Love you guys. Thanks for your prayers.
VJ
January 15th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
This is so comforting knowing we have a place to give and we can be assured the $ will go directly to the ones who need it most. I typically give to the Salvation Army during times like these. I like knowing it’s a Christian organization that has the will of God in mind when donating, helping, doing outreach, etc. To give a quick $10, just text ‘Haiti’ to 52000. It’ll charge your phone bill. Simple as that!
January 16th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
In response to Jen’s comment, I heard on the news this morning that any donation you make that goes on your phone bill takes approximately 90 days to get to the organization. The monies you designate don’t get released until you have actually paid the phone bill in which those charges appear.
January 18th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Good info, Rene. Didn’t know it would take that long. I’ve just read several places that texting technology has been a great way for text-happy teens and twenty-somethings to give quickly and easily – and an amount that is manageable at those young ages.
January 19th, 2010 at 2:01 am
Thank you for your prayers and caring so much for Haiti!
We are rejoicing in the fact that our North American Staff and all the children in Hope House Orphanage are safe. However, Mission of Hope has around 150 Haitian staff and the earthquake hit in a location where many of them live. Please pray as we have not yet heard from them all.
What has happened is unfathomable! Incomprehensible and the people that we love and have tried to help for years have to start over. We have always prayed for New Life and a New Haiti in Jesus name but never thought it would happen in this way. These people need HOPE now more than ever. We will do whatever it takes to show them that with every touch and every meal and every sip of water. It is our desire that each person will know it is by the Grace of God that we can offer them what they need. They won’t leave our land without knowing who Jesus is and that they have walked on Protected, Blessed and Holy ground when they entered Mission of Hope; the only place that we’ve seen in miles that is 100% still intact. Thank you Jesus!
Even in the face of turmoil God will be glorified!
We know that you will continue to pray. Our entire staff and their families are so encouraged by your love and support. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Brad and Vanessa Johnson
Mission of Hope, Haiti
January 19th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Dear Friends of the Mission of Hope,
As many of you heard while Brad was in the Dominican Republic waiting on his flight to Haiti earlier this week he was able to meet and have a conversation with Geraldo Riveria. He also prayed with him and shared his heart for the people of Haiti. Geraldo and the Fox team has had a reporter with Brad following him in Haiti today. They tell us it should air on the Fox News Channel either at 5:00 p.m. tonight or on the Geraldo at Large program this evening at 9:00 p.m.
We also have word that Brad will be on the NBC national news Tomorrow evening but are unclear on what time that is to air.
Thanks for your continued prayers for the people of Haiti!