Dear Co-laborers,
While our hearts break for all the loss and calamities in Haiti, we are thrilled at the way the Lord’s people, churches and individuals stand behind us and are trying to do all they can to assist us. What a comfort it is to us to have the whole IPM body (our mission board) mobilized for the cause of Haiti and the Sauls. We highly appreciate those who have called, emailed, are praying, giving, and offering their help. We regret that we are unable to reply to all the emails. Some thank you letters to churches and individuals whom we visited during our last trip to the US are long overdue and we apologize. May God show His goodness to you as you show yours to men that they might glorify Him.
Thank you for all your prayers, your concern, and all you are doing to help us and the Haitian people. Instead of sending a formal news letter, we decided to inform all of those who want to know about our situation by means of question and answer:
1) How are we doing in Haiti?
All four of us (Lucien, Maude, Royden and Danielle) are doing fine by the grace of God.
2) Where were we when the tragedy occurred?
We had just arrived in Port-au-Prince from Bassin and three of us (Lucien, Royden and Danielle) were on our way to buy food while Maude was at the house. We were about to turn into the parking lot of Caribbean Supermarket, when at the last moment we decided to go to another place first, to buy cheaper eggs. Caribbean collapsed during the earthquake, and we would have been inside, had the Lord not directed us away from it. When the earthquake happened, our truck was thrown in the air and nearly flipped, while the four-story building a few feet behind us fell to the ground. In the confusion, we ran from the car to higher ground, but once the shaking had stopped, we returned to the car. We rushed to get home and check on Maude, thinking that there was no hope, as we saw buildings after buildings collapsed.
3) Why were we all together?
Because of limited resources, we have been sharing the same house both in Port-au-Prince and in Bassin and the same truck for transportation.
4) What happened to our house?
Amazingly, the house in Port-au-Prince has no major damage, apart from minor cracks.
5) Are we living in the house?
Just like most people in Port-au-Prince and many other cities, we have been sleeping in the yard for fear of aftershocks. A week after the earthquake we attempted to sleep inside for the first time, squeezed close to the front door. In the middle of the night, Royden suddenly woke up and shouted, “IT’S SHAKING! IT’S SHAKING!” But it was just a nightmare. We attempted it again last night, eight days after the earthquake. This time it was not a nightmare. We had to rush out when the 6.3 aftershock shook our house in the early morning hours. Sleeping under heavy concrete roofs is no longer feasible. Our intention now is to look for a tent. But again, we must think of thieves with guns who are free to terrorize the city.
6) How are we doing for food and water?
The day after the tragedy, we were fortunate to find a place where we could discreetly buy some food that we shared with some families. The folks at Double Harvest were also so generous to us, giving us eggs, vegetables, water and some cash ($510.00) to share.
7) Can we receive and share supplies from abroad?
We are not able to get to the Port-au-Prince airport to haul supplies. It is a problem for even the UN and US Marines to transport and share supplies. If people suspect that we have supplies at our house, we will become a target for those who are desperate. That is also the reason why we hesitate to give out our physical address.
8) Were there any fatalities amongst our family?
Maude’s brother has still not been found, and we know of three other relatives who have been killed so far. We also have many friends who were killed by the earthquake.
9) Have we been able to help any survivors?
Since the day after the tragedy we were in the street trying to help those we can, until it became too dangerous, with dead bodies and crowds trying to invade those helping. We have also been discreetly sharing the money that we had with others in need. Not even a penny is left of the money we received from Double Harvest.
10) What about the work in Bassin?
Praise God there is no physical damage on our campus. But all the schools, including ours, were asked by the government to close. Different preachers from all over Haiti are calling to ask what our plans are, but it will take awhile before anything can be possible.
11) Will the tragedy directly affect our ministry?
Pastors in Haiti are considered as fathers and the churches as reference points for all. People who previously fled the countryside because they could not make a living are now forced to return with their hands empty, no jobs, and no homes. Our burden is now heavier with the increase of souls, as well as stomachs who are hungry and searching for relief.
12) How are Royden and Danielle doing?
Going from the USA to Port-au-Prince was already quite an experience. Going from Port-au-Prince to Bassin was an even bigger experience, facing the reality of a mission field. Before the earthquake, at least they had a bedroom with privacy, but now having to sleep in the car for an indefinite period of time has been quite a shock. But they are strong, considering it a time of learning, knowing that there are many who are supporting them in prayer.
13) Are we afraid for our lives?
We may sometimes feel worried and worn, but the same God who holds the whole world also holds Haiti. He has already shown us that He is with us, so we will rely on His promises and continue to serve Him as He leads us.
14) How can people help?
Though all kinds of supplies are needed, the best way to help is to send funds to IPM. There is no way that we can attempt to distribute supplies to people, as that is too dangerous. However, we work with other pastors who are able to discreetly distribute financial assistance to survivors. Supports related to the circumstance should be specified either by:
“Haiti catastrophe relief” “Royden Saul special gift” or “Lucien Saul special gift”
15) Are there any specific needs?
Some needs like a new truck and building have already been approved by IPM and are waiting to be met. In spite of difficulties, we are hoping to continue with our different ministries: churches, school, children’s evangelism, Bible school, youth ministry. However, it is urgent that we give relief to survivors that we can.
16) Special prayer requests:
• That people may turn to the Lord during this time of trial
• That the Lord will protect us from getting sick as medical attention is a major problem
• For our safety
• For wisdom as we try to help others
Sincerely Yours,
Lucien, Maude, Royden and Danielle
Thank you for your prayers for our Christmas outreaches. We had visitors at all of our events and we are so thankful for these opportunities. SNOW! Our girls had a great time in the recent snowy weather building snowmen and making snow angels. We are also grateful for the opportunity to meet several of our neighbors and their children who also were outside to enjoy the snow.
