Dear Friends,

The disastrous earthquake in Haiti has left those of us with Haitian roots numb with grief. The rubble-covered streets in the news images are the streets I grew up on. For many of us, it is like 9/11 all over again, except with over 10 times the loss of life and a much larger logistical nightmare to overcome. 

I hope you will join me in moving from spectator to activist - because we can help our Caribbean brothers and sisters, and they need it now more than ever.

Hearts & Hands in Haiti is an initiative to get relief, medical care, and supplies to missionaries and relief workers already in Haiti. These missionaries were committed to Haiti before the earthquake, and they will be there long after the TV cameras leave. They know the people, the culture, the language, and the situation on the ground, and are already leading the relief efforts at this time. If we can get them on their feet we will truly be helping from the inside out.

Hearts & Hands in Haiti is an emergency initiative of Shunem Ministries, a 501c3 non-profit that provides support and care to foreign missionaries. Shunem is a ministry I believe in, and is managed by members of my immediate family. I am so grateful for the global relief efforts heading towards Haiti to alleviate the suffering of the masses in Port-au-Prince. However, Hearts & Hands in Haiti intends to target the support and care of those missionaries already on the ground, and we are already getting requests for help. 

CNN reported that the majority of missionaries and NGO workers that were offered US Military flights out have refused - desiring instead to make their lives matter when they are needed the most. Although I wish I could be there right now to dig through the rubble alongside them, I believe that this initiative is a wiser place to start. I beg you to do the same.

All contributions are tax-deductible and checks should be made out to Shunem Ministries, with "Haiti" designated on the memo line. Send to: Shunem Ministries, PO Box 1422, Noblesville, IN 46061. Please help get this word out as you remember - and please pray for the precious people of Haiti.

Sincerely, 

John Vermilya
L'Union Fait La Force