
Due to civil unrest, lack of inoculations and vaccines, and strategic planning on the ground, we were not able to go into Haiti until July of 2010. I went with a contingent of 7 other guys down to Haiti to help with the rebuilding efforts. We built about 6 temporary structures while we were down there, unloaded 450 five gallon buckets of food off of a shipping container, and had the opportunity to minister to many Haitians in word and deed.
When I left that small island, I had no anticipation or excitement to go back. I truly felt that it was going to be a one-time trip for me. The hospitality and facilities that the Southern Baptist provided were great, as was the team that I was a part of. However, I never thought that I would be going back. Around the 18th of November, I felt the Lord tugging on my heart once again to lead a team back to Haiti. With the churches support and encouragement, I am putting together a team to go back to Haiti June 12th—19th, 2011.
I am as excited as I have ever been before. This will make my 5th foreign mission trip. I went to El Salvador in 2001 to aid in Earthquake rebuilding efforts. I led teams in 2005 and 2006 to Jamaica to build a house and a church. As mentioned I served in Haiti this last summer. My heart is in serving my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, wherever He calls me. So I am being obedient to that call and GOING…
What we will be doing while in Haiti, is aiding in the Rebuilding efforts. So far the Southern Baptist have built 40 concrete block homes, with a plan of building 1,000 by August 31st, 2011. It is my understanding that we might be assisting them in these building efforts: Possibly doing some site preparation, some sub-assembly work, as well as assisting the Haitians in building.
I would like to ask you for two forms of support. First and foremost, I need your prayer support. It has been reported that up to 80% of the Haitian’s practice Voodoo. It has been a country with a very dark occult past. However, since the earthquake, many lives have been changed and transformed. The Baptist have reported that over 140 new churches have been established since the earthquake, and more than 140,000 people have accepted Christ into their lives. Secondly, I need your financial support. It will cost me approximately $1,500+ to go back down to Haiti. Since I already have my passport and vaccines, I will not have that extra added expense.
The Haitians are in much need of assistance. Just because it is not popular on the news any longer, does not mean that the need has diminished. They have been struck with cholera outbreaks, as well as civil unrest during political elections. Would you be willing to help me in support? I am sending this letter out ahead of time, as some people might still be looking for ways of making year-end tax donations. All donations are tax-deductible. If you are not able to provide financial support in tax year 2010, then I would welcome it when you could in 2011.
Make Checks Payable to:
Shelbyville First Baptist Church
Mail Checks to:
Greg Jacobs
3005 Falcon Court
Shelbyville, KY 40065
If you would like to watch a video about the Rebuilding Efforts in Haiti, please click on the following link below:
http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc.nsf/pages/haiti-dr-response.html
If you would like to see pictures from my 2010 trip, please click on the following link below, then on the tab entitled: “Haiti”:
www.GregoryTJacobs.com