Following the major 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, John Marvin and Eric Ivanitsky decided to help in the disaster relief effort. Joining established relief aid agencies, the two WMS representatives quickly booked their flights and packed their bags for the devastated Caribbean nation in hopes of helping in any possible way.
John was contacted soon after the earthquake by the nonprofit organization Convoy of Hope to deliver food and supplies to the people. He felt compelled to help as soon as he heard about the natural disaster, but when the relief agency asked for his help specifically, he knew he wanted to go to Haiti. “I know that not everyone can go, but I felt I had to do something.”
John worked in the Caribbean doing disaster relief during hurricanes George, Jose, Debbie, and Lenny, as well as after the volcanic eruption in the island of Montserrat. He also brings an understanding of the Haitian culture through his involvement in Haitian church ministries.
Eric Ivanitsky decided to serve after John talked to him about his plans. “The people of Haiti are in a very desperate situation and I would like to go and do whatever I can to help them in the healing and recovery process,” comments Ivanitsky. He will be working with the Mennonite Central Committee, a nonprofit charitable organization focused on relief, development and peace.
Even though the two are going through different organizations, John and Eric will be working together to get much needed food, water and medical supplies to the people.
More blogs to come from John and Eric while in Haiti.
Eric and I are getting ready to fly out early Monday morning and we greatly appreciate all those who have sacrificed to send us and who have agreed to pray for us while we are in Haiti. Please continue to pray for the people there.
Eric and I have been getting last minute items ready (shots…I got 6) and trying to gather extra medical supplies that we can take along with us.
This morning I got some good news! Before coming to Western I pastored a church in Portland and we had a Haitian church as a part of our ministry. Pastor Felix wanted to go desperately to help in the efforts, but saw no way to get there. Last night, someone stepped up and said they wanted to try and help to send him. It will be such a blessing to have him on our team to be able to interpret and to be with us until we link up with the others who are in need of help.
- John
We prayed for you guys during Chapel yesterday, and I’m making a point to pray with my students before each of their final exam periods. We trust in God for the rest!