The Companion Diocese Relationship Committee met monthly throughout 2004. At our meetings we made plans for additional pilgrimages, mission trips, an English as a second language tape program for students in Haiti and student exchanges. The intense political crisis, hurricanes and floods in Haiti during the past year have, however, prohibited any “hands on” mission or ministry and restricted communication almost entirely. During this time we have been made profoundly aware of the political unrest including armed gangs now reportedly roaming Port-au-Prince and other major Haitian cities. Further, it seems the Haitian government has been ineffective in restoring or maintaining order or in addressing the rapidly deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation in the country. In addition, the administration of justice in Haiti appears deeply flawed and highly suspect. We are aware of numerous letters that have been written by Congress and church leaders to the President of the United States and to other U.S. government leaders asking for urgent attention to this situation. In addition to the political unrest, we know that the latest storm, Hurricane Jeanne, killed more than 1,500 people and left 200,000 homeless in Gonaives, Haiti.
In the meantime, we have written a mission statement for our work, prayers for our Companion Diocese to be used by the congregations in our diocese, raised $2024.00 in Lenten offerings and coordinated a 5K Run/Walk Awareness Fundraiser for ministry with Haiti. The 5K Run/Walk was held at Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington on December 4, 2004. 97 runners/walkers from both the local community and from throughout our diocese entered the race. An additional 25 people from throughout our diocese helped with this event. The race generated $3,823.00 and disbursed $1,000.00 for costs associated with the race. The remaining money will be used to support our Diocesan Ministry with Haiti in a variety of ways. The Lenten offering was sent to Food for the Poor to be used for ministry with the University Episcopale D’Haiti at Port-au-Prince.
Currently, we are coordinating our efforts through the Society of St. Margaret in Haiti and Food for the Poor to use funds to help the Diocese of Haiti meet some of the urgent and ongoing needs. We encourage people and congregations to contribute regularly to the Ministry of the Companion Diocese of Haiti. Make checks payable to Diocese Lexington and mark them for the Companion Diocese Ministries.
Finally, we ask congregations to use the Companion Diocese prayers regularly in worship (available on our Diocesan website) and we hope that as opportunities to do “hands on” mission work become available that the people of our diocese will be ready to help.
The Rev. Janet M. Dunnavant, Co-chair,