A TCPC Mission Group returned from Haiti just 2 days before the earthquake! A young seminarian with whom we shared fellowship in Haiti stayed on at St. Joseph's after we left and was killed in the earthquake when St. Joseph's collapsed in Petionville. His name was Ben Larson and although we knew him very briefly he made a strong impression on us as one filled with the Spirit of God. We had heard of a "missing guest" and we are very sad to hear this news, confirming that the missing guest was indeed Ben and that he has passed away. His wife and cousin, whom we also met, as we all ate and slept and shared worship together at St. Joseph's, are still in Haiti, waiting to be able to return to the states.
Among the residents and leadership of the three St. Joseph's Homes, we know of no other deaths and we know of two injured: Bill, who runs the home in Petionville, is reported to have some broken ribs and possible disc damage; TiPatrick, a ten year old boy, has some injuries as well.
Please also pray for our Mission Group who traveled to Haiti Jan 3-10. They are, as you can imagine, quite shaken, having just been there, having connected so deeply to the people of Haiti and to our friends there; even though we are safe we feel quite helpless. The news of Ben's death brings a fresh round of shock to all of us. Our young people have very compassionate hearts and they are struggling, as we all are, with all that has happened. Their faith is strong and genuine, their pain is deep, and the hope and inspiration that they received from the faithful friends in Haiti is sustaining them. They led our special prayer service on Saturday January 16.
They are: Zach Parker, trip leader; Thomas Arvin, Crystal Varner, Lindsay Walker, Emily Harris, Beth Curfman, Matt Ludvik, Kirsten Darden, Laura Whitney and Graham Givens.
Our PC(USA) denomination has three missionaries connected with Haiti, one of which lives in Virginia and has a coordination role; of the other two, Mark Hare and Sharyn Babe, Mark is safe in a rural area with his family in Haiti; but, Sharyn was injured in the quake and was taken to a hospital in Ft. Lauderdale where she is recovering. Her husband, Rodney, will join her when he can leave Haiti.
Many of our Presbyterian churches, including Salisbury Presbyterian, are involved with a ministry called CODEP and I understand that there is massive damage and perhaps loss of life in that area.
Below is the prayer said by the boys at St. Joseph's each day in Haiti:
SJ Boy's Prayer
PRAYER OF ABANDONMENT
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands,
Do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you.
I am ready for all. I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul.
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
For I love you Lord
And so need to give myself,
To surrender myself into your hands,
Without Reserve,
And with boundless confidence,
For you are my Father.
AMEN
