Jose Morelos

I have ministered throughout the Central, Caribbean and South America for almost 20 years. The last 10 years with International Cooperating Ministries (ICM). During that time I have developed close and lasting relationships with pastors and evangelical leaders in those areas. In partnership with these leaders and ICM we have built over 30 churches in the Dominican Republic and over 20 in Haiti.

When the earthquake hit Haiti, my thoughts went immediately to the pastors in that nation and to those in neighboring Dominican Republic. I knew that while the earthquake hit in Port-a-Prince its affects would be felt all across the country and into the Dominican Republic, especially in border towns, such as Elias Pinas.

Our church members at Point Harbor Community Church (PHCC), sensing the terrible nature of the disaster, have been moved and want to help. Therefore, we immediately contacted those leaders in the Dominican Republic for which I have known for years. As I have talked to them during the last few days it is clear that the biggest needs are medical. PHCC and other churches in VA are responding to those needs. Next week Tom Tuttle, Executive Pastor of Point Harbor, and perhaps others, will be traveling to the Dominican Republic carrying resources to purchase medical supplies in Santo Domingo. I will travel ahead of them to get a closer look at the needs and to prepare for their arrival.

The plan is to load up a truck with medical supplies and to take the supplies to the border towns, or maybe across the border into Haiti. Some of the churches will be used as medical centers and ease the load on some of the overburdened hospitals. But we have no illusions. We know that any assistance we bring is miniscule to the overwhelming needs. We also know that the problems will be there for years, well after the media crews have left town. Therefore, part of our trip will be to establish the basis for a continuing partnership. We wish to show the love of Christ to those in need by working through churches in the area. By establishing a partnership with them we will strengthen their presence in their communities and open doors for their life of witness to their people. We wish to support them, remembering that they are the ones who will toil day in and day out, for many years to come.