Lifeandhopeforhaiti

In Summary:  A group from AMEN (the Adventist Medical Evangelism Network) headed by Dr. Larry Rahn of Tennessee, and Dr. David Catalano of Florida) need additional health care providers (physicians, dentists, P.A.’s, NP’s, nurses, and non-medical ancillary personnel) to join a group traveling to Haiti at the end of February, 2010. We are hoping and praying by then the situation on the ground will allow us to safely arrive, move about the countryside, and function as we have many times before in our particular area of interest.  

There we will provide medical and dental services, distribute clothing and toys, and deliver health talks on sanitation, simple medical treatments, avoidance of infection, and healthy diet.  A strong spiritual message of hope and healing will be emphasized in the evenings for all patients and locals who wish to attend.  We will be based in two areas. 

Locations:  We will concentrate on an area 90 minutes’ drive north of Port-au-Prince, some distance from the epicenter of the January 12 earthquake, where existing facilities are still largely intact.  

1) La Digue-Mathewx (outside of Arcahaie).  We will operate out of a new medical clinic recently opened on a compound run by the Children’s International Lifeline.  Lifeline is a non-denominational Christian relief organization which schools over 1000 and feeds over 1500 children daily in this location alone.  Some of the team have been here every year for nearly a decade and know it is a very clean, self-contained, gated, and guarded compound with decent accommodations including bottled water, dorm-like bedrooms and private showers, and nice eating rooms.  A small church is in the compound. Vegetarian/vegan meals are provided upon request from our team’s American chef.  This is a wonderful place to see the fruit of God’s providence working through a dedicated Christian staff for two decades.

2) Montrouis (about 20 km further north).  Our base of operations will be the Eden Garden Orphanage, an Adventist facility that has recently expanded with a medical clinic building serving the local population of children and adults.  The American sponsors of this orphanage were present during the quake and have confirmed it is safe to work there.  A small church is located inside the compound.  You will be amazed at the progress this ministry is making, and the 50 or so orphans will tug at your heart and soul.  Lodging will be provided by a local resort (the old Club Med Haiti), which has been converted to a nice hotel—that (normally) includes A/C, bath and shower in each room, and restaurant with safe and clean meals.  Vegetarian/vegan meals will be available at the orphanage as well.  

All of these facilities are accustomed to power outages and are completely self-contained with generators, their own wells, and bottled water.  Satellite internet is usually available in addition to the cellular network which was damaged during the quake.  WiFi satellite internet allows calls via Skype, TruPhone, etc.

Dates:  February 28 to March 7, 2010.  East coast team members will typically want to leave home very early on Sunday (2/28) and fly through JFK, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami, to arrive by 4:30 PM that day.  West coast team members will need to leave home on Saturday night (2/27) or earlier.  Some may choose to overnight in the U.S. and arrive in Port-au-Prince with everyone else.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO ARRIVE IN PORT-AU-PRINCE BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4:30 PM ON THE 28^TH.  The group returns to the Port-au-Prince airport by 8 AM on Sunday, March 7, 2010 in order to catch flights beginning at 9:40 AM. 

Cost:  About $ 900 to $1000 for those coming from the Midwest or Eastern US, including $400 for local transportation, food and lodging; perhaps a little more for those traveling from the west coast.  Those needing assistance with travel arrangements should call the trip coordinator, Dee Hilderbrand, at the number below.  

Local Arrangements: upon arrival in Port-au-Prince, our hosts will greet our entire group.  The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA Haiti) whisked us through customs in the past and they have agreed to help us again.  Then private vehicles (e.g. vans, cars, and crew cabs) will take everyone directly to their respective compounds some 60 to 90 minutes from the airport.   

Although a valid passport is required for travel to Haiti, no visa is needed for U.S. citizens.  We recommend everyone register online with the State Department (https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs). 

Immunizations:  Please check with your health care provider or local health department for recommendations, or visit: 

 http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/mamerica_carib/haiti.html). 

If You Are Interested in Joining Us:  Please contact the trip coordinator, Dee Hilderbrand, at: 

c/o Three Angel’s Broadcasting Network (3ABN)

P.O. Box 220

West Frankfort, IL 62896
  USA

Phone: 618-627-4651 (Office) or 618-218-2565 (Cell)

Fax: 618-627-2726

Or, Ricky Kearns, Mission Coordinator 

c/o Adventist Medical Evangelism Network

HC 65 Box 3

Pie Town, NM 87827

314-779-4492 

Donations: 

If you are unable to join us but wish to help with the thousands of dollars we will need for medicine, please send your tax-deductible donation to: 

Haiti Medicine Project

Adventist Medical Evangelism Network

HC 65 Box 3

Pie Town, NM 87827