Destination Haiti: I Need Your Support

UPDATE [11/18/2011]:  Well folks, look like I won't be making this trip.  I was unable to come up with the funds required.  Thanks, again, for all of your support and prayers.  For now, I'm still reaching out to make an impact in mission field here in Houston, TX.
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As you may be aware, the nation of Haiti is still struggling to recover from the massive earthquake that took the lives of over 220,000 of its residents in January of 2010.  Many were left homeless and countless children were orphaned, as their parents perished in the devastation.  Then there are those who have struggled to survive, amidst the cholera outbreak, due to the lack of clean water, a quality sanitation system and the lack of proper medical treatment.

These are just some of the conditions that the general population face on a day-to-day basis.  Not to mention, the deplorable and inhumane conditions of many of the prisons.  Imagine a cell filled with 80 prisoners, that was originally designed to hold only 12.  Many of these prisoners are detained for months or even years before even going to trial or being charged with a crime.

Here is a quote from a recent article posted by Pastor Mike Ward, who has visited Haiti on several mission trips already:

"In a land where misery is common, Haiti's jails are uncommonly harsh, hidden corners of darkness rarely seen by outsiders. In one month several years ago, 11 inmates died in the Penitentier National, the nation's largest prison. Some died from malnutrition and lack of sunlight, the rest from tuberculosis and AIDS.

There is no medication at the prison clinic, and little medical care. Beds are in short supply, and only the inmates with influence get assigned one. Other patients crawl onto any available space, and that often means a cold cement floor. The men who become too sick to treat are put out in the courtyard, where they die, often alone."

Please refer to this Fox News story to see further information about some of the prison conditions and some of the current efforts to bring change.

I will be traveling to Haiti with a mission team from our church, Grace Church of Humble, December 7 - 11, 2011.  We will be partnering with a local ministry to meet various needs and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Our goal is to help meet some of the immediate needs of those that we can assist and give them hope and let them know that they have not been forgotten.  Our current schedule includes a visit to a local school and to one of the local prisons, among other places.

The cost of my trip is $1,500, which will cover travel, accommodations, transportation and all meals while in Haiti.  The philosophy of our ImagineNations campaign is all can PRAY, many can GIVE and some can GO.  Therefore, I solicit your prayers, first and foremost, as we prepare for this journey.  Secondly, I ask for your financial support.  No amount is too small!  Even a gift of $5 can make a tremendous difference.

I will definitely be contributing some of my personal finances towards this effort, but I cannot do it alone.  Besides, I know that you too will be blessed, as I return and share the wonderful testimonies of God's goodness and miracle working power in the lives of those that will be touched through your generosity.  Not only this, but there will be stories yet untold, revealed only in heaven, of the profound effects that your outpouring of love and compassion will have had on the eternal destinies of those who will answer the call to salvation.

All donations are tax-deductible and, for your convenience, can be made online through the secure website for Grace Church.  If possible, please make donations by November 15, 2011.  Please follow the instructions below:

1. Go to http://www.gcofh.com/.
2. Click on the "Give" link on the menu bar, located under "GRACE CHURCH"
3. Under "Donations" click "Humble Campus"
4. Login or create a login (this is for your protection and to ensure your donation is recorded properly)
5. Enter the amount of your donation
6. Click "Continue"
7. Enter the amount of your donation again, in the box next to "Humble-Special Off."
8. In the box containing the words "Optional Description" type "Herbert Poole - Haiti"
9. Click "Continue"
10. Click "Add New Payment Method"
11. Enter required payment information
12. Click "Submit Changes"
13. Verify your information
14. Click "Schedule Gift"

For tracking purposes, please copy your Receipt # and email it, along with the amount of your contribution to herbert_poole@hotmail.com.  Thanks so much for your prayers and support.  May God continue to bless you richly, in all that you do.

Much love & blessings,

Herbert Poole