Disaster Response Sustains Haiti Hospital through Recent Crisis
Hospital of the Church of God in Haiti.
By Mark Fulton
Responses to crises vary wildly. In February 2019, a faction of the general populous of Haiti responded to economic and governmental crises with a long period of violent protests and roadblocks, leading to advisories from the US Embassy, to all people, to “shelter in place.” In the midst of the uncertain times, the Hospital of the Church of God struggled to continue its normal daily functions.
Several of the staff were sequestered in the hospital for several days, caring for patients who managed to make it to the hospital through the fray. Responding to the crises, some of our staff physicians and nurses, who could not physically go to the hospital due to roadblocks, found replacements who could walk or use motorcycles through back roads to help care for patients. Medicine was difficult to access, and what was found was often elevated in price, as was fuel for the generators, the hospital’s source of electricity. The staff’s response to this crisis is truly laudable, as they went above and beyond to assure patients had the best care that could be provided.
The extra staff pay, the increased cost of supplies, and the inability of patients to pay anything during this time of crisis caused significant financial stress for the Church of God hospital. After explaining the situation to the Church of God leadership in Anderson, Indiana, the response was to assist the hospital in surmounting this financial obstacle. Without this assistance from Church of God Ministries Disaster Relief, the quick return to the daily provision of life-changing medical and spiritual care of the hospital would have been a difficult prospect.
Responses to crises vary wildly. We are so blessed to be part of an organization that responded quickly and with compassion for the problem at hand. We are truly thankful for the Disaster Relief team that helped the hospital continue to function in the midst of crisis.
How one responds to one crisis may help avert another. We believe that was the case in this situation. We pray that God’s name be glorified and that each crisis we face, we respond to with his grace and his guiding wisdom.
Donate online at www.jesusisthesubject.org/disaster-relief. Or, mail your donation to Church of God Ministries, PO Box 2420, Anderson IN 46018, and write “Disaster Relief #45.04502” on the memo line of your check. In crises where an immediate response is critical for relief, Church of God Ministries advances funds in anticipation of a gracious outpouring of donations from churches and individuals. Such advances are made from a limited Disaster Relief Fund maintained by Church of God Ministries for emergency response to disaster. Disaster Relief contributions are utilized to bring relief to those affected by disasters worldwide. Thank you for your support.
Mark and Kathy Fulton serve as Global Strategy missionaries to Haiti. Learn more, and discover opportunities for support, at www.chogglobal.org/team/mkfulton.
