St. John's Episcopal Church
Established 1830
146 1st Street, at the corner of Liberty Street, Troy, New York
Partnership with the Church of the Holy Spirit, Lascahobas, Haiti
[Latest news on top]
The Middletown Thrall Library has put together (and continues to update) a web site with a list of resources
"About Haiti, Earthquakes, News, Emergency and Charity Contact Information, More"Messages from Haiti Regarding St. John's Haiti Team, Lascahobas and the Earthquake of January 12, 2010
1/22/2010
I heard again today from Fr. Milor who continues to worry about the stability of the church. The children are very afraid and many families are staying close to home. Mona is doing fine - the baby is due in March. He is very grateful for all the is being done to bring aid to Haiti. Catholic Charities has delivered food and cartoons of milk (that does not have to be refrigerated) to the school. There are many folks walking out to the towns outside of PaP. The new hospital run by Partners in Health is treating people who have made it out to Lascahobas. There is great concern over infection and disease.
Tim spoke to Cindy today. The team has arrived in the DR amidst a lot of confusion but was able to make their way to Port-au-Prince today to locate the children of Good Faith Orphanage. There is concern because it has been reported that orphanages are being robbed of the supplies that are delivered to them by the relief agencies. Cindy's team plans to bring only one or two days supplies to the children each day they go to see the children. She is expect back in the US on Tuesday. -- Linda1/21/2010
I heard from Fr. Milor Medela a short time ago. Even though this 2nd quake or aftershock was further south, Lascahobas felt it with much concern. Fr. Milor reports that everyone is very fearful and afraid to leave their homes. The church structure has been shaken badly with much cracking and he is very concerned about the building. As a report previously, the church vehicle has been destroyed as it was being repaired in Port-au-Prince. He reports some contact with aid agencies but nothing has come as yet. They are conserving what they have but refugees from PaP are arriving to stay with family members in Lascahobas or just stopping in the fields outside of town.
Also if you were watching the news tonight, Cindy Schmehl and two members of her non-profit "To Love a Child" are headed back into Haiti with supplies for the Good Faith Orphanage (I got the name wrong before) in PaP. Please pray for their safe travel. One of the members of the team is Jude Jerome, a Haitian by birth who still has much family in Haiti. They will go in through the DR and return on Tuesday. Cindy and Jude were interviewed on Channel 6 about the trip.
In addition, St. John's Haiti Mission Committee wants to thank you for your generous donations. We have sent the first check off to Episcopal Relief & Development and will be sending another shortly. Our Team has begun discussion on how best to help our friends at Lascahobas in the coming months. We are planning an evening event in the next few weeks so that you can hear first hand from the team of their experience. We urge that any gifts you might like to send be given to agencies who are on the ground now...agencies who have the ability to load food meds and water on planes to get into Haiti. While clothing, and other items will be needed in the future, it is very difficult unless you can carry them yourself, to get them there. This information comes directly from the Bishop of Haiti, Jean Duracin.
Many of you have asked for more information..... I recommend you check the Wall Street Journal Website. There is an amazing interview with Bishop Duracin. His description of what has happened to the diocese will bring tears but........with amazing grace he reminds us that "God is with us in the good as well as the bad days" and urges us to pray for Haiti.
Please keep up those prayers. -- Linda
1/20/2010
Bad news the morning....about 6am there was another large earth quake in Haiti. It may be aftershock....some 6.5..but the news is calling it a quake. It apparently outside of PaP by about 35 miles so we are figuring that Lascahobas probably felt it very much. Trying to get through. Cindy is putting together a small band to try to get to the Good Will Orphanage in Port-au-Prince which we care to deeply about. All the kids survived but are in desperate need. She has a team of three medical folks preping to leave tomorrow. Please keep them in your prayers. Her non-profit "To Love A Child" is sponsoring the trip. More later went the reports come in.
Pray continually as Deacon Sandy says............ Faithfully, Linda
1/16/2010
The Team is on Delta flight to arrive at JFK at 5pm.....Should arrive at RPI at 8:30-9pm. NOTE............TIME OF ARRIVAL..............We will be meeting the team at 2021 15th Street. (corner of 15th and Peoples Ave.)
1/15
Cindy has just had a call from Fr. Milor.....
He was able to get into Port-au-Prince and has returned to Holy Spirit. Mona's family is safe and Wiggins' girlfriend also. Sadly, the vehicle we had purchased for the church was being repaired in PaP and was destroyed by the earthquake. In addition to the Trinity Cathedral complex, the university is gone. He notes his concern that "many people have begun and will be going into the countryside so they will all have to prepare. Much help will be needed in the future."
I spoke to Katie Mears of Episcopal Relief & Development this morning. She is on her way into Haiti via the Dominican Republic. One of her tasks will be to work with parishes outside of Port-au-Prince to help them cope and help refugees. She has asked our help in Lascahobas since we have had a presence there for some time. Funds will be available she said in the next month or so to assist. She knows about our Solar Project and has applauded our work. She is a great gal. I met her several years ago. We must pray for her as she has a very big mission ahead.
Faithfully, Linda
P.S. the Daughters of the Kings (me too) will be at the Spiritual Life Center for the next 24 hours on Retreat we will be praying continually for Haiti. Take a minute every hour or so today and do the same. The Prayer does not have to be fancy..."Jesus help Haiti" works. -- Linda
[Earlier] More news has reached us.
The Haiti Mission Team is now safe in a hotel in Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic where they will wait to get on a plane on Saturday morning. Hot showers and sleep was greatly appreciated.Bill Daniel got through on his cell and reported that Fr. Milor has been unable to contact his wife's family and was going to attempt to go to Port-au-Prince to try to find them. This is particular hard for Mona, his wife pregnant with the couple 2nd child. Our friend Wiggins who has been of great support to us during our visits will travel with Fr. Milor. Wiggins is worried about his fiance and her family since he has not heard from them since the day of the earthquake. There is great concern about how they will get through but you can surely imagine how worried they feel.
We still have no word on where the Sisters are at this time. The convent in Boston reports that they escaped the convent when it fell. We understand that there is soccer field at one of the large schools in PaP where tents have been set up to try to care for the injured. It is believed that a number of folks from the Cathedral complex have gone there.
Cindy Schmehl has still been unable to find out anything about the orphanage she visited last fall. She had expected to visit the children this weekend on the trip that has had to be postponed due to the earthquake. So she continues to attempt to get in touch with our contacts for information.
We expect the Mission Team will arrive at RPI about 5pm on Saturday. We will send confirmation of the time on Saturday morning. Please consider coming over to welcome them back.
The Mission Team will gather for a short meeting on Sunday to consider a number of issues and requests.
Linda F. Stevens
1/14/2010
Friends, The Haiti Mission Team is on the way to the Dominican Republic. Cindy Schmehl has been working tirelessly and has secured a Delta flight for Saturday. We will let you know when they will arrive at RPI because many of us want to be there to meet them.
We have heard through Episcopal Church News the following:
- Holy Trinity Cathedral, Holy Trinity School, Bishop Duracin's residence, the Convent of the Sisters of St. Margaret and St. Vincent's School for Handicapped Children have been destroyed.
- The Sisters are reported as unhurt. Also the Rev. Oge Beauvoir (Dean of the Cathedral) and his wife Serette are alive and have gathered with other survivors at the university football field.
- It is still unknown the status of the Foyer - the old aged home operated by the Sisters.
The Haiti Mission Committee and all of St. John's is anxious about our many friends in Haiti. We are so thankful for the safety of our team. As you have heard from the news reports, immediate needs in Haiti are water, food and medical supplies.
Many have asked how to help. We have been consultation with the diocese and other charitable sources and we are warned that the best way to help now is to send monetary donations to reputable aid organizations that have a presence in Haiti.
Therefore, St. John's Haiti Mission Team will be sending money $1,000 immediately to Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD). If you would like to help it is our suggestion that you use this organization of the Episcopal Church. You can do this two ways.
First, you can sign on to their website: www.er-d.org
You can use your credit card to donate. BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE FUND "HAITI" ....
Or you can send a check to St. John's Church. Make the check to St. John's Church with the words "Haiti Relief" on the memo line. We plan to send a check to Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) later next week with any donations.
The Haiti Mission Team is grateful for your prayers.
Linda F. Stevens
The following was received 3:46AM,1/14/2010 from Cindy Schmehl:
Thank you so very much for all your calls, letters and concern during this very tense and critical time in Haiti. As you know a devastating earthquake struck southern Haiti Tuesday afternoon resulting in a significant loss of life as well as the destruction of thousands of homes and businesses.
I can report that the mission team consisting of my husband, Tim Schmehl, Bill Daniel, Jude Pierre, Andrew Chung, Gloria Condon and Alex Worcester are safe. They were working on a solar project 50 miles north of Port au Prince. The team definitely felt the impact of the earthquake as well as all the aftershocks. Throughout the first 24 hours we were informed that the earliest we could get them out of the country was somewhere after the 21st of January. Thanks to the efforts of Jack Norton at Holidays Travel we were able to get all seven members of the team booked on a flight out of the Dominican Republic on Saturday. Jack has also helped us secure hotel rooms for the team there. The team will begin their journey out of Haiti and into the DR today by car. Please continue to pray for their safety as yet another segment of their unbelievable and unexpected adventure begins.
I wish we could tell you that the children and adults in our programs are safe and well, however, we have not been able to receive word. My mind continues to return to November when I was there last. It was a time of such happiness and hope as we fed the children, sang with the children and presented them with toys, personal hygiene supplies, sweets and educational supplies. Since November a painter had been hired to paint the dining room and we were to paint colorful murals on those walls next week as another team traveled to Haiti to continue work at the orphanage. Our plans were to put in a roof top garden and to take the children to the beach--a first time experience for some of the children. My heart is heavy with sadness and worry as we continue to wait for word on these beautiful children.
To Love a Child is dedicated to providing the supplies and services to help those whom we have come to know and love as family. I will continue to post updates on our web site and attempt to reach our friends in Haiti.
So many of you have asked what you can do to help and I ask that you spread the word about our organization. There are a number of fundraisers being created with flyers being sent out very soon:
- January 30th A benefit at Northern Lights
- March 5th An Island Getaway Experience at A Peaceful Place
- February 25th "Jumpstart Your Creativity" Workshop and a "Champagne Jewelry" Sale
- at the Historic Grooms Road Tavern (to benefit both Haiti and Zimbabwe)
- March 14th A pancake breakfast - location TBA (to benefit both Haiti and Zimbabwe)
We can also use your help at any one of the fundraisers above. And, of course please spread the word that monetary donations will be greatly appreciated. We guarantee that the proceeds we collect will go directly to those who are in so much need. Most importantly, please continue to pray for our fellow brothers and sisters in one of the poorest countries of the world. They need our help now more than ever.
Thank you again for all your care and concern.
Cindy
1/13/2010
Friends,
We have had several calls now from Tim Schmehl and the team in Lascahobas. They are fine and Holy Spirit has only a little cosmetic damage. They suffered through a number of after shocks and apparently are still feeling the shaking.
The major concern at this time is how they will get home. The airport in Port-au-Prince has lost the tower and in coming is all they are concerned about now because the need is so very great. If you have seen the news you know that death toll could run to a half million. Cindy Schmehl has been working hard on transportation; the team will be driven over the mountains to the Dominican Republic and will fly out of Santo Domingo on Saturday. Delta Airlines has guaranteed their seats.
The team should arrive at RPI on Saturday around 5-6pm if all goes well. Cindy and/or I will keep you posted since many of you have asked if we were going to meet them; the answer is yes!
We have word that Bishop Duracin and his wife are safe but they have lost their home. The Catholic Archbishop was not so fortunate and is apparently dead. We also hear that the cathedral has sustained considerable damage. We have not heard from the Sisters of St. Margaret and I have a call into the mother house in Boston. I will let you know. We are worried for Sister Marie and Sister Marjorie and Mother Fernand, principal of the Cathedral School, and the children of the music school.
We will keep you posted. Please pray for Haiti.
Faithfully, Linda Stevens
1/12/2010
I have finally gotten through the busy circuits to speak to Tim. The team is all well and safe. They did feel the earthquake and estimated it to be about 5.5 where they are. The building they are staying in is fine as well as the church and school.
There are many prayers more prayers needed now with such a disaster.....
I will keep you all updated on the team and others in Haiti as information comes in.
Cindy Schmehl, via e-mail
New Year Message from Haiti Partnership
Dearly Beloved in Christ:
I would like to begin by thanking all of you on behalf of the Diocese of Haiti for your prayers and support the Partnership Program. Because of your powerful support, we have been able to grow and thrive throughout the nation.
Among our many blessings this year, Haiti has been spared from natural disasters, hurricanes in particular. We thank you for all your prayers in this area especially.
2009 has been a very successful year for the Diocese. Your heartfelt generosity has allowed children to attend school in record numbers and to receive a meal at least three times a week. More people have received medical attention through our clinics, men and women have been trained in various professions, several churches, schools and clinics have been constructed or rehabilitated, and many of our centers have been functioning very well in spite of the limits we face in satisfying everyone.
We also have been blessed with new partners who are beginning to work with us in Haiti. We know that many of these new partners are joining our efforts to bring about the Kingdom of God because of your good examples and your testimony on our behalf.
Moreover, our projects continue to move forward, including providing clean drinking water and reforestation to restore this land, all of which are starting to provide excellent results.
With the support of The Rev. Lauren Stanley, who began serving here in August, our communications are becoming more efficient between foreign and local partners.
The Diocese has been blessed by all of your visitations in 2009, and we look forward to your continued visits in 2010. Your visits not only reflect your commitment but also symbolize grandly your sacrifice, generosity & love for the people of Haiti.
I send you warm greetings from all the people of the Diocese of Haiti, along with their wishes for happiness, wisdom and prosperity in these holy seasons of Advent and Christmas, and on the occasion Christmas and New Year's. We wish all of our existing partners, and those still to come, a prosperous 2010. May God Almighty continue to support you in all your projects, and spread his abundant blessings on your family, and all families and your entire nation.
Your servant in Christ, The Rev. Kesner Ajax, Director
Mission Team News
As 2010 is upon us, St. John's Church Mission Team prepares to leave for Lascahobas, Haiti, on January 5, 2010. Please pray for their safety and success. They are led by Tim Schmehl and Bill Daniel.
They travel -- 8 strong -- to install solar panels at the School at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. These will provide dependable electric power to a large segment of the school. In addition, it will allow the charging of batteries for the operation of computers and cell phones.
When this mission was envisioned last April, we had no idea that we would be able to accomplish this. But God provided, GE gave us the solar panels (shipped them as well), and RPI students (member of the RPI Chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World) provided all kinds of advice and support. The college itself donated 10 laptops and the students programmed them for the high school students at Holy Spirit. Donations came in amounts that we never thought would occur and the mission has become a reality. Thank you all for your support. The Mission Team feels truly blessed.
The 8 member team is comprised of 3 engineers, 1 professor and 4 students. God Bless Them. -- Linda Stevens
Fr. Milor Medela visits
The members of our parish got the opportunity to visit with the priest at Holy Spirit this summer. Fr. Milor brought a special gift – a beautiful painting of the last supper painted by a Haitian friend. It is on display in the library. [Click on the picture for a larger version]
Haiti Mission Team Returns
By Cindy Schmehl, Team Leader
Our team of five left the United States on November 4th after the spring mission trip was canceled due to violence within the country, after two hurricanes hit Haiti head-on, and amidst reports of continued insecurities throughout this tiny nation. We knew we had many prayers and best wishes traveling with us including the strength and presence of God to keep us safe and guide us. We were excited for our journey to finally begin.
Upon arrival at the airport in Port au Prince, the capital city of Haiti, we were warmly greeted by Pere (Father) Milor and his cousin Wiggins. We were immediately immersed in the utter chaos and desperation of dozens of men trying to earn a living by carrying our luggage and helping load it into two awaiting vehicles. Our bags were filled with medicines, medical supplies, educational supplies, personal hygiene items and many other basic essentials for our projects. As we pulled out of the parking lot young boys pressed their hands and faces into the windows of our car begging for money or food.
It was gratifying to see the vehicle that our parish purchased in great working condition and being such an asset to Pere Milor. Traveling in the vehicle from Port au Prince to Lascahobas was an adventure. We left the crowded, busy streets of the city and entered a brand new highway that wound its way into the mountains with spectacular views. We traveled on portions of road that were under heavy construction and then onto roads that were rough and rocky. Throughout the entire three hour journey we passed many local people carrying their wares by foot or by donkey.
Arrival at the Church of the Holy Spirit and school was exciting. Curious children watched as we unloaded. The girls looked so pretty with ribbons, bows and barrettes in their hair and the boys looked so handsome. All pupils looked smart in their school uniforms although at closer look many were in need of mending. The children warmed up to us quickly and before we knew it they were touching our hair and hugging us. Even though our team did not speak Creole we found that a smile and a hug went a long way. By the end of our trip the children were sitting on our laps and telling us “I love you.”
Our days in Lascahobas went by quickly. Bill and Edge spent hours investigating the water and sanitation situation. They followed pipes and researched the water sources. They watched the rains that came at the end of each day and evaluated ways of collecting this most precious commodity for daily use.
Carol, Dawn and Cindy spent most of their time serving food in the canteen each day. Food was cooked by several volunteers from the town and our team delivered the hot meals in giant tubs to each classroom and distributed it by hearty platefuls. Most meals consisted of rice, beans and either sardines or sausage. During recess they taught the youngest children dances such as the hokey pokey and ring-a-round the rosy.
The team visited each classroom and noted the significant needs: structural walls, repair of holes in the cement floors, painting, and roof repairs. We were pleased to find a “computer room” however without electricity and proper hook-ups it was useless. It was equipped though with desks and computers of different makes, models and ages. Pere Milor told us of the need to construct two additional classrooms as currently the school is using some of the rooms of the parish house.
Age appropriate gifts were distributed to the over 400 pupils in grades K-12. The oldest received personal hygiene kits and others received flutes, jump ropes, journals, pens, balls and other toys. The children loved their gifts and we even observed some of the youngest ones fast asleep at their desks while clutching their new items.
Mass on Sunday was conducted by Pere Milor and was simply beautiful even though we did not understand Creole. The team distributed pocket crosses and coins to the congregation as well as a photo and letter from the Daughters of the King and a cross for the church. Immediately after mass the entire congregation was fed a meal of rice, chicken, plantains and coke. Needless to say, everyone was very appreciative of the gifts and the hot meal.
Evenings in Lascahobas were quiet. We had dinner with Pere Milor followed by reading, journaling and lights out at approximately 9:30 p.m. when the generator was turned off. Throughout the evening we could hear the playing of the flutes we handed out in the classrooms. Mornings started by 6:00 a.m. with crowing roosters, beeping motorbikes and trucks, and the movement of people heading off to market with goats, pigs, calves, bananas, tobacco and other saleable items.
Other highlights of the trip included Edge traveling by car, motorbike and dugout canoe with Pere Milor to a distant annex church for several baptisms. The team also visited a Partners in Health Hospital which delivers care for both common conditions like diarrhea, pneumonia and childbirth that often prove fatal for Haiti’s poor and malnourished and for more complex diseases like TB and HIV/AIDS. We also had the opportunity to visit another mission church (there are 6 missions under the care of the Church of the Holy Spirit).
Our entire experience in Lascahobas was wonderful. The staff which cared for us so lovingly were strangers when we arrived but more like family by the time we left. We were all so grateful for their hospitality including the preparation of delicious Haitian foods.
The last few days of our trip were spent in Port au Prince at the Haiti Connection Conference. The Haiti Connection is an Episcopal based organization that provides information and support to individuals and groups who collaborate on cultural, educational, medical and spiritual projects throughout Haiti. The St. John’s mission team was privileged to be at this conference with over 150 other participants representing 23 US states. All attendees were involved in partnership programs with schools or churches in Haiti. Daily sessions focused on a variety of topics to include education, health, nutrition, water and development. The team also visited the Sisters of Saint Margaret Convent, The Foyer Notre Dame (a home for the elderly) and St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children. Carol and Cindy attended a Daughters of the King breakfast meeting where they met other Daughters from the USA as well as Daughters from newly established orders in Haiti.
Daily sessions focused on a variety of topics to include education, health, nutrition, water and development. The team also visited the Sisters of Saint Margaret Convent, The Foyer Notre Dame (a home for the elderly) and St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children. Carol and Cindy attended a Daughters of the King breakfast meeting where they met other Daughters from the USA as well as Daughters from newly established orders in Haiti.
Many new friendships were made as we all learned, listened and dedicated ourselves to come together to help and support the people of Haiti. The team is anxious to share their stories and photos of their trip with you and they are most thankful for your continued support and the multitude of prayers that made this mission trip such a success. They also bring home a message that our brothers and sisters share across our country, C’est ensemble (together we can)! We can embrace the people of Lascahobas, and we can continue our legacy of supporting the projects that make a difference in the lives of the poor and under privileged.
Haiti Mission Updates; from Linda Stevens
November 17, 2008
Our Mission Team has arrived home tired but safe...airport struggles aside, they report amazing experiences.
The week in Lascahobas was difficult, joyful, amazing, and filled with great blessings. Much as changed in Haiti in the last year and the team is eager to share the news. Pere Milor sends his blessings to you all for the wonderful gifts. the Children were thrilled with the school supplies and other gifts. Sunday before heading for the airport - they attended Trinity Cathedral services lead by Bishop Katherine. The team had shared wonderful moments of prayer and service. They thank you for all your prayers.
November 11, 2008
Word has arrived from our Mission Team. After a long trip today back to Port-au-Prince with Cindy, Carol and Edge riding in the back of a pickup...the team is back safe to the Hotel Montana for a bit of rest and preparation for the Bishop's meeting which starts tomorrow.
"We are all in good shape although tired from some very sleepless nights. It was hot, humid and the mosquitos were fierce. We also had roosters crowing all night and dogs fighting on the streets right outside our room. But everything was wonderful. The interaction the teachers and kids was terrific. The children are beautiful and we love them so. Carol and I had some emotional moments leaving this a.m. Father and his staff were very good to us. The rental vehicle was much more than expected but the money is working out. "I expect some additional info in the next couple of days about the Bishop's meeting. Keep our friends in your prayers.
November 7, 2008
Perhaps you have heard of the terrible tragedy that has come to a school in Haiti that has collapsed. some 30 children are reported dead. I wanted to relieved your minds that this incident occured nowhere near our Mission Team. They are now out on the high plateau at Lascahobas and arrived safely.
The school which collapsed was located in a suburb of Port-au-Prince called Petionville. It is located not far from the Hotel Montana. In Haiti some 80% of schools are operated by the churches. This school was a government school....greatly overcrowded, and frankly in a wreck of a building which stood next to a canal or creek. I saw it when I was there last year and remember remarking to Sister Marie that it seemed in bad shape. The foundation I suspect was undermined by the flooring. Surely we need to pray for these families. Many parents in Haiti realize that their children must have education in order to prosper and will do anything to make sure their kids get to school.November 6, 2008
Friends, Please spread the word and pray for our Mission Team in Haiti! At 8:30pm last night I received a call from Pere Milor in Haiti that our Mission Team had arrived safely.
There was a small amount of excitement during the stop over in Miami - yes Miami not Haiti - when it was discovered that two of their 14 bags had been lost. But the mission bags turned up and all was safely acquired in Port-au-Prince. The team will stay over night at the Hotel Montana and begin their 6 hour (hopefully not longer) trip out to Lascahobas. They will stop at the market in Port-au-Prince to buy water and food stuffs for the lunch program they will run while at Holy Spirit School.
The first hours of the trip will involve traveling up to the high plateau where the roads are pretty good but as the trip progresses, the vehicles (a pickup truck and SUV) will make their way over rough mountain roads. Their lunch stop will be in Mirbelais and then on to Lascahobas.
As I get further bulletins, I will let you know.
Faithfully, Linda Stevens
