Haiti and Open Door Church

Unbelievable things have already been going on this year well beyond the borders of our Seminole Church campus! As horrific as the devastation in Haiti has been portrayed on TV, nothing can really come close to conveying the reality of what it’s been like for the people who are actually living it. We’ve received first-hand accounts of the utter despair and destruction that is now Haiti from two of our pastors who were there on the ground just days after the first quake shook everything apart. Their accounts of the desperate need there have launched a campaign here that has spread like wildfire. We are one among many wonderful ministries and organizations who have rolled up their sleeves and begun to organize aide, but we also seem to be uniquely positioned to help in some extraordinary ways here at Seminole, due to our connections with Open Door Church near Cap-Haitian.

Displaced people by the thousands are flooding daily into Cap-Haitian, the second largest city in Haiti. This city is expected to double in size in less than a month’s time. At present, our clinic, which in my estimation is providentially located in this specific area, has been turned into a make-shift hospital, and our ministry center has been transformed into housing for the doctors and nurses who are serving there. However, these displaced people are not only physically wounded with desperate need for medical care; they are also obviously homeless and starving. With a fresh water supply that is nearly non-existent and a rapidly growing orphan population, simply put, the needs are many, and the needs are great.

Thankfully, our pre-existing relationship through Open Door Ministries has afforded us the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Like so many others, our church has sprung into action, with other churches in our area eager to jump on board. Currently, we have in the works a plan for organizing a dozen churches in our area to each prepare and ship 5000, pre-packaged meals this Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th. These meals will be distributed directly to those in need to offer immediate relief. Anyone who is interested in helping out with the food packaging and relief effort can find out specific dates and others ways to help at the Open Door Haiti website opendoorhaiti.com.

Upcoming Events

In addition to our continued support for our friends in Haiti, we do have some other dates to keep in mind for upcoming events on the church calendar.

Monday, February 1st, begins another round of “Girls’ Night Out” until March 22nd. All the grown-up gals are invited to participate in some light-hearted, friendly competition while enjoying some heartfelt conversation on topics that are truly relatable to women.

Wednesday, February 3rd, we will observe our First Wednesday Communion Service together with an expanded time for worship and some extra time in prayer for our Haitian friends.

Sunday, February 7th, the Superbowl Party will be held — a favorite annual tradition. Things kick-off at 4:30pm with a tailgate cookout! Bring along your best tailgating eats for the first hour of outdoor fun while cheering for (or even bravely joining) a game of flag football. Doors open at 5:30 to move the party inside where we’ll watch the big game on the big screens in the auditorium! Pack some shareable snacks to tote inside for the main event.

Thank you, again, for your outpouring of love for those in Haiti. Your generosity, help preparing meals and countless prayers are making a real difference.

God Bless,

Pastor Jerry