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Doubtless you have heard some news of the massive 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti last night. Patrick and Barbara Lataillade of Living Word Ministries were in the center of where the quake hit. We spoke with their daughter Rachel this morning and learned that Barb has been taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. Rachel does not think they are life threatening but does not have complete details on what has happened to her. Patrick was trapped under their house which has evidently been demolished. Patrick was alive and a team made its way to dig him out. He had air and water but nothing else was known about his condition until he was finally dug out. Thankfully, he was able to walk around, although we have no word on the extent of his injuries. We have not received any word on the children they care for or the ministry people with whom they work.
Rachel and her husband hope to reach Haiti within 48 hours. Their immediate goal will be to get their parents the best care possible. That will likely involve bringing them back to the US where the best care is available. A key issue will be whether or not all their identification documents were destroyed in the destruction of the house. If that is the case, they will need some help getting new documents. If anyone has advice on the best way to accomplish that, please let us know and we will pass the information on to Rachel.
For now please pray that their injuries can be successfully treated, that there are no internal injuries and that they will be safely reunited with their families. Beyond that, much prayer is needed for the Haitian people. This is a nation well acquainted with sorrow. We pray that the Lord will find a way through all the grief to show new mercy to this troubled land.
Funds will be needed to help the Lataillades get back to the US, for their medical care and for addressing the catastrophic damage that has been caused. If you would like to help, emergency gifts can be given here at our website or sent to our office at PO Box 317, Greenwood, VA 22943. Hope Builders also works with Cebien Alexis and Army of Christ Ministry in Haiti. They are centered in Cap-Haitien on the north side of the island and we have not had any news from them yet. We will keep you updated as more information comes in. Thank you for your love and support for the Lataillades and the people of Haiti.
For the Hope Builders Staff,
Lance Thollander
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