Editor’s note: The Judsonia, Ark., church has long been involved in humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The following email from minister John Kachelman relates to their efforts. For more information see the Judsonia church site.

Dear brethren,

Thank you for your responses and eagerness to help those in great need. In an effort to keep you updated on developments in the relief efforts that we are coordinating for Haiti I am sending you this information. As you work to collect items to help please be aware of how your efforts will bring glory to God through His Church. The efforts and energies of the local church will highlight to the community the practicality of the gospel!

Currently we have 6 40-foot cargo containers that will be shipped into Haiti by the US government. These will be loaded with:

  • 90,000 pounds of enriched rice
  • 44,000 pound of a rice/soy casserole like that we shipped into Iraq
  • Thousands of family buckets and personal hygiene bags

We have collection points for the family buckets/ hygiene bags/shoes/food in:

  • Henderson, TN (Roy & Jan Sharp are the POC)
  • Columbus, MS (Kathy Cadden, Operation Ukraine is the POC)
  • Judsonia, AR (John Kachelman is the POC)

We have located brethren in Haiti that can secure us the necessary Consignee that will receive and distribute these commodities through the Lord’s Church. Our consignee is “Hope for Haiti’s Children.” Plans at this point are for the commodities to b distributed through the Lord’s Church that is in Delmas. These brethren have a prove record for disaster relief and responsible reporting. The brother that we have received high commendations on for directing the effort is brother Pacius.

Pacius is introduced to you in this four-minute You-Tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2qzyEp2h0U

Haitian Christian Development Project is an organization registered by our brethren that work in Haiti. The You-Tube video gives you a brief introduction to the work being done. Dr. David Smith (Little Rock, AR) has been doing short-term mission wok in Haiti for many years. Brother Smith has noted, “People are being forced to leave Port au Prince, and they are returning to their original homes throughout the country.  Since Gonaives is one of the larger cities, and because of Pacius’ 20+ year association with the church in Delmas  and with many friends and relatives from Port au Prince, scores are looking to Pacius and HCDP for help.  The farm will have to change its role for a period of time and will turn into a City of Refuge.”  The HCDP farm is uniquely equipped to offer a safe place to meet the needs of people that have been displaced.  At the farm are latrines, a good well, and a secure area.  In addition, Pacius intends to use this as a teaching opportunity.

Those who are putting together the family buckets and personal hygiene bags have asked for a list of items to include. I have asked several who have knowledge of Haiti to give me a suggested list. The results are below. These are only suggested and you may think of items not included. The ruling consideration is to ask, “What is a practical item that is needed in this emergency situation?” The plastic buckets will be very useful long after the contents are consumed.

Since the email this morning there has been constant communication regarding our involvement. We have been assured 44,000 pounds of food in MN! We are still assessing the best ways to insure that all relief supplies/food sent by us will maintain integrity to our mission.

Please Note: No religious, military, or political items are to be placed in the buckets. If you would like to include a picture of your family and a BRIEF message of cheer to the Haitians who will receive the buckets/bags that will be fine.

Thank you for your help!

John

REVISED.DO NOT SEND FOOD ITEMS IN BUCKETS.

Family Buckets-Use a large plastic bucket with a lid to pack items as these:

  • Soap
  • Hand towel or small towel or washcloth
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Skin lotion
  • Sanitary pads
  • Vaseline or baby oil
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Small comb or hairbrush
  • Disposable razor for men
  • Small pack of tissues or wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment and Band-aids
  • Peanut Butter
  • Plastic cups/bowls
  • Matches (Small Boxes)
  • Candles
  • Metal stirring spoon (plastic handles melt when used over a fire)
  • Metal spatula
  • Smaller bucket inside large bucket (icing buckets work well, cool whip tubs (include lids))
  • Plastic containers with lids (plastic coffee containers with lids, butter tubs, cool whip tubs, etc) Plastic containers with lids are good for storage to keep grains dry and bugs out of their food

Personal Hygiene Bags-Use 1-gallon zip lock bags to hold these articles:

  • Soap
  • Washcloth
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Skin lotion
  • Sanitary pads
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Small comb or hairbrush
  • Disposable razor for men
  • Small pack of tissues or wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment and Band-aids

John L. Kachelman. Jr.
Judsonia Church of Christ
P. O. Box 422
Judsonia, Arkansas 72081
Mobile: 901-626-4538
Home: 501-279-2598
Office: 501-729-3004

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