Haiti Disaster Relief Mission Trip Update
(Updated January 27, 2010)

We continue to be saddened by the disaster in Haiti. Thousands of orphans wander the streets, many remain homeless or fearful to re- enter their homes, and many are still medically at risk and without food. The problems continue to be serious and long -term help will be necessary. Jesus told us that when we feed someone we are actually serving Him (Matthew 25:40). We at Pathways are committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus here at home and around the world! Anne and I plan on going and hope to bring many of you on the trip.

I am so glad to see that you indicated an interest in going to Haiti on a mission trip! As we gather more and more information, we realize there will be a lot preparation involved in order to maximize our impact in a short time spent there. Thanks for your patience while we organize and strategize!

We have communicated with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention about our willingness to go. Our church is in line, recorded in their database, and will be notified with further details when trips are scheduled. Our career missionaries are on the ground in Haiti, assessing the needs and opportunities where groups like ours could be of greatest assistance. As of today, we do not have a solid date for the trip, but project that it will most likely occur during the summer. PLEASE NOTE: This will not be a trip for the faint-hearted, but for those who are in good health and are willing to work hard in humid, hot weather.

Below are some first steps that you can take right away.

1. Pray!! Ask God to speak to you about whether you should go, or help someone else go. Ask Him to give you a heart for the people of Haiti.

2. Sign up for Disaster Relief Training. This will be held March 25th-27th at Saddleback Community Church. We are not sure if the class is all three days or one of the three…but we’ll find out! Classes include: mass food distribution, clean up, heavy equipment, and chaplaincy. For more information click on the following link to the California Southern Baptist Convention website: http://www.csbc.com/article223801c3034906.htm . You can sign up for the training by sending an email to Pathways@pathwayscommunitychurch.org and put Disaster Relief Training sign up in the subject line.

There will be a $50.00 certification fee for the class. We will be taking a group to Orange Co. for the training. More details will be shared as we receive them.

3. Apply for Passport Book (NOT passport card). Get started asap on this as it can take up to 6 weeks for processing, and costs $75. This process can be started thru travel agencies, or the post office. Here is a helpful link: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html

4. Immunization: update or receive current shots for tetanus, hepatitis A (or immune globulin -IG) and hepatitis B.

5. Save your Money: The total cost for the trip is unknown at this time, but it would be wise to begin saving money toward it now. The estimated total cost will be in the range of $1000-$1500 per person. This could be more or less depending on the mission board’s ability to arrange for group travel at a reduced rate.

We will keep you updated as we receive further information. At some point, we will call a meeting of those interested to begin initial planning for the trip and answer questions.

Anne and I are personally very excited to go and feel moved by God’s Spirit to go! Ask the Lord to confirm in your heart as to His direction for you.

Blessings,
Pastor Phil