Message from Dad

Here's an e-mail I got from Dad in the middle of the night. It was sent to the World Relief Board, so I figured it was okay to post it in it's entirety.

Greetings of love, in Christ Jesus.


Following the earthquake on Tuesday afternoon, we are safe and have comfortable accommodations here at the S.E.E.D. Institute in Les Cayes, Haiti. Frantz & Doris Clotaire have cared for us very well during this very stressful time, and this very agonizing time for the Haitians. We have been here a week, as we came to assist with the S.E.E.D. student graduation last Saturday. We were to leave Haiti yesterday morning (Wednesday, Jan 13) but due the earthquake happening the evening before, were not able to get out. If God would give us an avenue to assist the Haitians in any way, we would be glad to stay longer, but realize our best efforts are prayer for them, which we could do at home. Therefore, a journey home would be best.

Sue felt the first quake and first aftershock while visiting at Brother Jan & Sister Val Gutwein's home. Frantz and I were traveling on the rocky road from S.E.E.D. to MEBSH at the time, so we felt only the "normal" road vibrations. Later, Sue & I were together at our guest quarters & felt several of the rest of the 33 aftershocks. The quaking and movement of these very substantial concrete structures was most unsettling. The Haitians here in Les Cayes were very disturbed with the quake, and yesterday (Wednesday), most were staying at home. The S.E.E.D. school was closed for classes, the road traffic was light, and even few of the roadside markets were open. There was one large house near the center of town that collapsed, but otherwise we know of no structural damage in this area.

As the city of Port-au-Prince was so heavily destroyed, and possibly 100,000 people lost their lives, our fervent and frequent prayers have been for their physical and spiritual well-being [and for them] to trust in the God who not only created this planet and their lives, but wants to give them all of His love and hope. We know your prayers are the same.

We would appreciate our prayers that the work team and other brethren here who have plans to exit would be able to get back home in an expeditious manner.

In His service,

Bob and Sue Beebe

Their main concern now is getting home. I know God will work it out, but I'm trying to do my part and make sure I do all I can on this end. We'll keep you posted!