Haiti Update
Mon Mar 8, 2010 23:45
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In Jacmel, the national water truck has not come for more than a week
the people living on the streets were in serious trouble, desperate for
water to drink. Our water purification system was in Cap-Rouge, but I
sent for it, and last night we provided clean water for 200
families! Everyone was so happy, especially mothers who were able to
give their babies fresh clean water to drink.
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Another blessing through the generosity our our donors. Special thanks
to all who gave and are giving.
Yesterday, we were supposed to distribute some of the items that arrived
in the boxes from Canada in a little place called K.Michel, not too far
from the school in Cap Rouge. The news spread far and wide, and so many
parents and children came, for safety we had to cancel it and change to
another distribution place. Instead we had it today at the school, we
still had hundreds of people coming out, just to get something for their
children and for themselves. Thanks be to God we were able to serve more
than 400 families including, boys and girls. One pregnant woman
shared after received a blanket and a tarp, “I will sleep warm tonight,
yes I will sleep warm tonight.” Others are happy for nice pair of shoes
and for clothes. Everyone says: ‘thank you for thinking about us’
Dr. Martin and Mrs. Martin, I was thinking of you today, knowing how you
worked so hard for these boxes to arrive here, but you must be happy now,
many have been blessed.
I would like to take this opportunity to express thanks to our faithful
donors for giving so much to help at this point in time. Thank you because,
as a result of your gifts, many will and are sleeping warm tonight.
Thank you for helping The Arms of Jesus to Reach the needy and the suffering
in Haiti.
Wilson Maitre,
AOJ Director.
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Haiti Update
Thu Mar 4, 2010 23:30
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After the earthquake, one of the major problems we faced in Haiti,
and in Jacmel particularly, was drinking water. It was very difficult
to get water to drink. Water was available, but it was very expensive,
20 Htg for less than a liter (about 55 cents) and many families
could not afford to buy even this small bottle of purified water.
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For the children it was desperate. Can you imagine? Two year-old children
so thirsty and not able to get water to drink? . When I was informed of
the situation, I shared it with Dr Martin, the president of the Mission,
and immediately he made arrangements to release funds to buy 500 gallons
of water from the Dominican Republic and then he ordered a water
purification device which would provide a gallon of fresh water every
minute.
The unit arrived safely and now the mission is has it’s own water
purification system and is now able to provide water for many families
in cap-rouge and other communities.
This is exciting because now purified water is available for everyone!
Children who would have faced death because of drinking unclean water,
will now live, because we have provided them with pure clean water.
Today, was really exciting. We announced that The Mission has his own
water purification facility, that water was available and people came
from everywhere to get pure clean water.
It is a miracle. To have a water purification device in a rural area,
in such a difficult time is a miracle. The water purification system has
just been installed and in a short time over 150 families has tasted the
water and said it was good and now they have confidence that their
children will not get sick by drinking it.
I would like to express our thanks to Dr Sam Martin, for sacrifices he
has made to get the water purification device here so fast, our thanks
to all donors, we could not get water and clean water to drink without
your contributions, your gifts. I want to assure you, Heaven is taking
note of your love for the needy.
May God bless, you have many many lives.
Wilson Maitre
The Arms of Jesus Haiti Director.
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Haiti Update
Thu Feb 25, 2010 15:00
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First, a few facts worth noting:
- Only hours later, a quake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale sent people rushing to the streets of Port-au-Prince, particularly in its devastated centre, the local Radio Metropole reported.
- PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico (Reuters) – The death toll from last
month's devastating earthquake in Haiti could jump to 300,000 people,
including the bodies buried under collapsed buildings in the capital,
Haitian President Rene Preval said on Sunday. "You have seen the images
you are familiar with the pictures. More than 200,000 bodies were
collected on the streets without counting those that are still under
the rubble," Preval told a meeting of Latin American and Caribbean
leaders in Mexico. "We might reach 300,000 people."
- That would make Haiti's earthquake one of the most lethal natural
disasters in modern history, more than the 200,000 people killed in
the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.
- The population of Cap Rouge is growing daily as families move
back from the Cities – this increases the needs in the area where
we work!
Secondly our Update:
- Our Director and his family are living in a makeshift Home –
using tarps! This is an indication of the dedication and sacrificial
service of the AOJ Team.
- Wilson reports that it has been so hard to hear the cries of
people – people who have lost everything, people crying out for food
and water.
- The smell is the City is awful, not only are people living on
the streets, but dying on the streets!
- As a result of your generosity, The Water Purification system
has arrived and cleared customs!! This should be working within a
few days providing 1 gallon of clean water every minute!
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We have distributed (since our last report) the following:
- 12,000 lbs of rice;
- 2000 lbs of sugar;
- 860 litres of cooking oil;
- 200 lbs of corn meal;
- 250 packages of spaghetti;
- 673 tins of milk;
- 156 lbs of Rika fish;
- 13 boxes of pasta tomato;
- 200lbs of yellow igname ;
- 70000 gallons of purified water;
- over 200 warm blankets
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We have started rebuilding homes!!! And will continue building until
funds run out.
Please remember the need growing daily, Haiti may not be in the news
as it was a few weeks ago, but let’s keep Haiti and it’s people in
our hearts!
Dr. Sam martin
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Haiti Update
Tue Feb 16, 2010 20:00
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New Case Files of children from Haiti who need sponsorship desperately.
If you feel you can help, click on "The Children" in the Navigation Bar
(to the left).
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Haiti Update
Sun Feb 14, 2010 21:45
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Great news from Haiti:
500 gallons of fresh water and 500 meters of material for blankets arrived safely
in Jacmel late last evening, but it was not easy getting them there.
Our associate from the Domincan Republic reports:
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Hello Pastor Sam good morning,
Yesterday afternoon at 4:30 PM we left to Pedernales, the Dominican
town in the border with Haiti closer to Jacmel. It was a LONG trip,
the truck we had was not able to run like my 4 runner so we had to
slow down and took us 6 hours to get there. The door to enter into
Haiti was already closed, the Commander General of the DR army told
us there was no way he would let us cross the border so late because
of the danger on the other side of the Fence. We in fact witness how
a man was being rob just meters away from us, it was scary. Silo a
Haitian Man who is Wilson's Contact was talking to me all the way to
Pedernales, he was waiting patiently for us from 6:00 PM , he came
with two other helpers.
The conclusion was we had to leave all the water and the fabric at
the army station for the night. I just talk to Silo few minutes ago
and he is already in the boat on his way to Jacmel with everything.
I returned To Santo Domingo right away and got here at about 4:00 AM.
I need to be in Santiago this afternoon for a Team that is coming to
do some work. Your friend Ernest Taylor is leading it.
Thank you for making me part of this great opportunity to help the
Haitians. I will let you know when the tents are available!
Much Blessings
Nelson
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Haiti Update
Sun Feb 7, 2010 23:00
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As we anticipate another busy week in Haiti, please be advised that
your support last week enabled AOJ to distribute some:
- 7,500 lbs of rice
- 2,000 lbs of sugar
- 600 liters of cooking oil
- 1,400 Large bars of washing soap (for health)
We have also started reconstruction of homes:
We have been given clearance for work to begin on 10 homes. A master builder
is now on-site and will work with families to re-build their homes,
this as a result of your help!
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Dr. Sam Martin, President AOJ
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Haiti Update
Wed Feb 3, 2010 15:00
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The earthquake that hit Haiti, particularly Port-Au-Prince, Leogane,
Jacmel was devastating! The situation we found ourselves in was
incredible. People’s homes were destroyed and everything was suddenly
shut down. It was very difficult to get food and water, in fact it
was almost impossible. The needs were many and urgent.
Once the Mission office in Canada was informed about the situation,
funds were made available immediately to the office in Jacmel and I
was able buy food, water and other basic needs to help the people.
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I should mention that Cap-Rouge is a rural area not too far from Jacmel,
where the need is great and where poverty adds to the disaster, is
totally dependent upon The Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission. No other
organization, as yet, has reached the area and our Mission is the only
organization that is doing food distribution and offering help since
the earthquake.
The people of Cap-Rouge are very happy, and I am proud of what AOJ has
done, is doing, and is going to do! The people of Cap-Rouge are very
thankful to the people of Canada for their love to them.
Since the earthquake, AOJ has provided food for the people sleeping
on the streets of Jacmel and has distributed food and water to those
people. AOJ has identified over 700 homes destroyed in Cap-Rouge and
surrounding area that need to repaired and/or rebuilt. AOJ is planning
to do what it can and is hoping to distribute tents to a number of
families soon.
The number of people being fed each day is growing, and as the AOJ
Representative in Haiti, I want to express my thanks to each and
everyone for their loving contributions and donations. Without your
help Cap-Rouge would be in serious trouble, but because you cared,
the people have been blessed.
Cap Rouge loves you Canada because you care!
Wilson Maitre
Cap Rouge/Jacmel,
Haiti.
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Haiti Update
Sat Jan 23, 2010, 11:45 AM
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Overcoming many problems, our Director in Haiti, Wilson Maitre,
managed to get through to us by cellphone with a status report:
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Situation remains difficult and dangerous
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Yesterday there were two aftershocks and they have been told to
prepare for more, even major ones.
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People are still living on the streets and in fields; they expect to
be living outside for a long time.
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There is no acurate casualty count in Jacmel, but it is believed
a University School, with approx 300 students, collapsed killing all,
but this has to be confirmed.
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All of our staff and children in Cap Rouge are safe, but many of the
sponsored children's homes have been severely damaged
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All our staff, although shaken, are working hard to meet needs.
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Because of the remoteness of Cap Rouge, no one with aid has appeared
there yet. The population is estimated to be 30,000 plus, all of whom
are extremely poor and are scattered over a large rural area.
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Pastor Maitre spoke to a Canadian Soldier, but was told to go to the UN
representative. So he is trying to find someone from the Canadian Relief
Team that can help.
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AOJ, under the direction of Pastor Maitre, has begun a 'Food, Milk and
Essential Items' distribution program, not only in Cap Rouge, but also
in Jacmel.
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Our staff are out today assessing needs.
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Our directive to the staff is simple and clear:
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Go where the need is
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Do what you can
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Provide what you can
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We are putting all of our donated dollars to work.
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Dr. Sam Martin, President AOJ
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Haiti Update
Wednesday Jan 20, 2010; 1:00PM
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Jacmel - Haitian port city shattered
[Source: The Miami Herald]
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We give thanks to God that real contact was made with Wilson Maitre
our Haiti director; he confirmed all that you are seeing and hearing
on the news. He is still pretty shaken, still not in his home. But he
is out seeking to help where needed.
We have given him the go-ahead to purchase food,
water and whatever else is needed and he will begin distributing it
in Cap Rouge, and in Jacmel - where ever there is need, so funds
received from donors will be going out quickly.
Hopefully the rebuilding of homes can begin soon also and that
contact can be made with the Canadians on the ground for additional
help. Keep praying!
Dr. Sam Martin
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Watch Video
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Haiti Update
Tuesday Jan 19, 2010; 4:00PM
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Canadian Forces head to port town of Jacmel
Canada's disaster response team in Haiti will focus its aid efforts
for the earthquake-ravaged Caribbean country on the port town of Jacmel,
Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche says.
Laroche, speaking from Port-au-Prince alongside Canada's ambassador to
Haiti, Gilles Rivard, said the Disaster Assistance Response Team has
been asked by the Haitian government to focus on the town that lies
about 30 kilometres southwest of the capital of Port-au-Prince.
Laroche said he travelled with Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive
to see the damage in the town of 40,000 — a popular tourist destination
— and saw that the hospital was half destroyed by the quake. The road
into Jacmel has been cut off from the rest of the country since last
Tuesday's quake, making delivery of aid difficult.
Canadian ships HMCS Athabaskan and HMCS Halifax, loaded with relief
supplies, were just north of Haiti early Monday. Laroche said that
while Athabaskan will move to west of Port-au-Prince, Halifax is bound
for Jacmel.
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Jacmel lies about 30 kilometres southwest of the Haitian capital of
Port-au-Prince. (CBC)
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Logistical issues at Jacmel port
Defence Minister Peter MacKay had earlier said the region faces other
logistical challenges. The airport, little more than a runway, is
capable of landing a Hercules aircraft but not the larger CC-177
transports, he said.
The town's port, while not unusable, is still not equipped to handle
a ship the size of the two Canadian vessels arriving Monday, meaning
supplies and personnel would have to be ferried from the ships to the
port, he said.
Jacmel is also the hometown of the father of Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean.
However Dan Dugas, a spokesman for MacKay, said the governor general
had no hand in the decision, which was made based "on the recommendation
of the brigadier general on the ground."
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[Source: http://www.cbc.ca/]
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Haiti Update
Monday Jan 18, 2010; 6:00PM
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Greetings! And thanks so much for all your prayers and support.
Today we give thanks to God for His faithfulness and for the generosity
of His people!
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Dan MacTeague, MP, is working tirelessly on behalf of the family in my
Church, and making people aware they can help Haiti through AOJ - what
a blessing he is!
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Safe Haven Worship Centre - my own Church, rallied so sacrificially
yesterday with a special offering for Haiti - God bless the most
wonderful people in the world.
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St. Paul's on-the-Hill Anglican Church also raised a special offering -
what precious people they are! For years they have reached out through
AOJ to the children of the world!
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The couple who called to their travel agent to see if they could cancel
an upcoming vacation they had planned and paid for - so they could
support the Relief through AOJ. God bless them for trying! What an
encouragement.
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The folks who have been dropping by the Mission to give their donations
- God will truly bless them!
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Many other churches, families, individuals who are planning to help us
– we give all the praise to God!
There has been no word from our contacts in Haiti today, so please keep
praying.
Dr. Sam Martin, President AOJ
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Haiti Update
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"Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to
everyone--especially to those in the family of faith." Gal. 6 v 10
Perhaps this evening, my mind will ease in that we know our Director,
his family, our staff and the children of Cap Rouge are safe! However
the task before us is one of reaching out to the poor through the
provision of life's basics, water, food, blankets, clothes and in the
repair and hopefully the rebuilding of homes in Cap Rouge.
As people all over the world respond in such generous ways, this
letter is to our brothers and sisters in Christ, to Churches and
those whose hearts have been touched and who desire to help! As
a Mission, we do not have heavy administrative costs, we try to do
what Jesus would do and it would be a blessing if you, your Church
would consider doing something special to help us meet the needs
that are growing moment by moment!
Our Director is trying to get to Cap Rouge to asses the needs, and
we will, with your help, respond quickly and effectively. Please
share this with your Church, your family and friends, business
colleagues and help us let Haiti see the love of God in action.
Prayerfully in Christ,
Dr. Sam Martin
The Arms of Jesus Children’s mission
10:00 PM January 14, 2010
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Haiti Update
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Thursday Jan 14, 2010 8:00PM
Great news!
Wilson Maitre, Director of AOJ Operations in Haiti, finally managed to
make contact by cell phone. Despite widespread devastation in Jacmel, where the mission
is headquartered, he reported that all of his family, mission staff and school
students in Cap Rouge have survived the earthquake. However, many people have either
lost their homes or they have been severely damaged. There is much work
to do. Let us all pray that funds will become available to begin the long
job of rebuilding. Let us also praise God for his great mercy.
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Wilson Maitre, Director of AOJ Operations in Haiti
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Haiti Update
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Children in Port-au-Prince[BBC World News]
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 World News
Disturbing photographs of Port-au-Prince devastation
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Haiti Update
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Destruction widespread in Haitian town of Jacmel
WASHINGTON, January 13, 2010 (AFP) -
The earthquake that devastated Haiti's capital also caused widespread
destruction in the resort town of Jacmel, south of the capital, a
witness said Wednesday.
"It is a complete devastation here. Personally, I am lucky to be alive,"
said Emmet Murphy, head of the Haitian office of the US non-governmental
organization ADCI/VOCA.
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Downtown Jacmel, Haiti - as it was before the quake
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"I was driving back to Jacmel in the mountains when the entire mountain
seemed to fall down all around me. People were panicking, a building
collapsed on the roadside and a huge dust plume raised from the valley
floor.
"Seconds later and I would have been crushed by an avalanche that
blocked the road and I had to abandon the car and continue on foot,"
Murphy said in an email obtained by AFP.
The resort town lies south of Port-au-Prince, which was devastated
Tuesday by a major 7.0-strength earthquake.
"Jacmel is a disaster zone. Many houses are collapsed or severely
damaged. Everyone was on the streets when I got to town. There must
be many deaths judging from the way the houses collapsed and given
the poor construction practices and materials," Murphy added.
"In addition to many houses collapsed in Jacmel town, one hotel
called the Peace of Mind hotel collapsed completely and we fear that
many perished. This is on the road to our office in a place called Meyer."
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Haiti Earthquake
A major earthquake hit impoverished Haiti yesterday (Jan 12, 2010),
toppling buildings and burying residents in rubble. It was feared
thousands could be dead. The capital Port-au-Prince was covered in a
pall of grey smoke with the screams of the trapped and the cries of
the living echoing into the night.[National Post, Jan 13, 2010].
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According to Canada's Governor General Michaelle Jean, "This natural
disaster has hit a country with an extremely fragile infrastructure,
where many buildings are already unstable and where living conditions
are often very difficult." I fear for its people," Ms Jean said.
"I would like all Haitians to know that they are not alone and that
Canadians will respond to this emergency."
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Her Excellency Michaelle Jean
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Port-au-Prince on a "normal" day
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As of 11am Wednesday Jan 13 2010, AOJ has not been able to contact
Wilson Maitre, Director of Haiti Operations.
We ask you to pray not only for him and his work, but for all that’s
happening in Haiti. Jacmel and Cap-Rouge, AOJ's centre of operations
in Haiti, are not in the immediate area of the earthquake,
but at this time we stand ready to do what we can.
AOJ joins with Her Excellency Ms. Jean in expressing concern and sympathy
with those who are suffering through this catastrophe. If you are
moved to make any kind of contribution towards relief of the victims
of this disaster, AOJ will ensure that it gets through to the most needy.
Contact us:
by phone (905-831-3646)
Email: aojchildmis@rogers.com or
send a cheque directly to:
The Arms of Jesus Christian Mission Inc.
P.O. Box 10, Pickering, On, L1V 2R2, Canada.
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New Co-Directors for Guatemala
As you may recall, earlier this year we lost the services of our
co-directors, Rafael and Claudia Araneda tragically, both of whom
perished in a light-airplane crash in Guatemala City. Canadian
missionaries Steve and Sandra Tharakan, serving in Guatemala at the
time of the accident, selflessly stepped up to the plate, accepted
the role of interim co-directors and brought order to what might
otherwise have been a chaotic situation and the Mission in Guatemala
continues to bring comfort and relief to the underprivileged children
living in the small towns and countryside surrounding Chimaltenango.
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Luis and Diana Rodenas, with Esteban, Jackie, and Pablo
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It is with a great deal of pleasure and relief that we can announce
that the board of directors of AOJ has approved the appointment of
new co-directors to Guatemala; and Pastor Luis and Mrs. Diana Rodenas
have graciously agreed to join AOJ in order to serve the Lord as faith
missionaries. Luis and Diana are Guatemala nationals, currently living
in Guatemala City with their three college-aged children.
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The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission was honoured by The City of Pickering.
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On Monday evening 25th May, Dr. Sam martin, the founder of the Mission received
a special award from the City in the form of a special medal, award pin and
certificate. This in recognition of the impact the Mission is making all over
the world in the lives of children. The award was presented by the Mayor of the
City, Mr. David Ryan.
This the second time the Mission has been recognized in this way
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Mission Haiti 2009
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The Arms of Jesus Mission team installs solar-powered lights in Cap Rouge, Haiti
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Mission Haiti 2009
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The Arms of Jesus Mission donates The Proclaimer, a solar-powered talking bible to the school at Cap Rouge, Haiti |
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Watch Video
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Kariobangi Youth Center
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Please pray for the children of Nairobi.
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Watch Slide show
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Vidalena y Angel
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The story of how two abused children were saved by The Arms of Jesus Mission in Guatemala.
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Watch Video
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David, Alicia and Helen: Te Alabare Mi Buen Jesus.
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David, Alicia and Helen sing the popular song I Will Praise You My Good Jesus, at the Arms Of Jesus Children's Mission School in Parramos, Guatemala
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Watch Video
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Magda:
A true-life cinderella story about growing up on the Guatemala City Dump
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Watch Video
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