With our “Courage in Crisis” campaign at the end of last year, many of you helped us navigate the new reality in our area after gang violence, scarcity of food/ medications, and the reemergence of cholera disrupted our community. Your sacrificial donations kept our programs strong and uninterrupted, supplying IV fluids for cholera treatment, extra for increased food distribution with AK-1000, and our clinic and Rescue Center are now powered by new lithium batteries! God used your thoughtful gifts and sincere prayers to touch many lives in a distressing time.
The crisis in Haiti continues even now, so at the close of this year, we are asking that you prayerfully consider partnering with us to “Persevere in Crisis.” To persevere means “to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.” As believers, we persevere by clinging to Christ, hanging with the work He entrusts to us, abiding in Him to be empowered for such a time as this. This fallen world and our weak vessels supply us with ample opportunities to fear, doubt, and lose heart, but thanks be to God, He is an ever-present help in time of trouble. Hebrews 6 shows that those of us who take refuge in God are encouraged to embrace the hope that is set before us, and that we treasure this hope as an anchor for our soul! A hope both sure and steadfast, on the firmest and most trustworthy foundation there is. A hope, when we fix our eyes on it, that can allow us to consider it joy as we endure trials and persevere through hardship.
Real Hope for Haiti’s mission is to deliver hope for this life and the life to come through compassionate medical care, quality health education, intensive malnutrition interventions, active community development, and Gospel-focused outreach, in the love and name of Jesus. Here is how your donation works to enable us to persevere in crisis:
1. Cholera – Cholera is surging in our area once again. Last year we opened our Cholera Treatment center in November, successfully treating hundreds of patients prior to closing it again in April as the need ended. When patients began showing up again with suspected cholera in October of this year, we once again opened our CTC and are striving to provide quality care. We are presently receiving between 10-20 patients daily. Including IV fluids, ORS, medications, and the additional 24-hour staffing required, the estimated cost is between $6000-$8000 per month.
2. Malnutrition – In the first 6 months of 2022, prior to the current crisis, the malnutrition rate of our pediatric patients under 5 years old averaged in the low 40%’s. It is currently averaging in the low 60% range. We have an increased number of kids in both inpatient and outpatient programs. We are thankful they are producing medika mamba again in country, as it is a primary intervention and produces tremendous outcomes for the fragile children in our care.
3. Chronic Diseases – Several medical facilities in our region were forced to close due to various reasons related to insecurity. This resulted in an increase of patients coming to us to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and more. This, coupled with another mission in Haiti that historically shared a large volume of medications with us suspending operations, has led to a significant increase in medications we purchase in country.
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT WITH OUR $25,000 MATCHING FUNDS CHALLENGE
One of our faithful supporters generously offered RHFH a $25,000 match to help us rise to the challenge of these additional unanticipated costs. All funds for the match must be donated to the general fund. Gifts that will be included in the match are donations above and beyond a donor’s 2022 contributions and all donations by new donors.
So many of you have persevered through incredibly challenging times with us before. Your grit and determination to hang with the Haitian people through the ups and downs of RHFH’s ministry saves lives, preserves families, strengthens communities, honors God, and brings Him much glory. Thank you!
