March 2004

With the increased news coverage of Haiti, a number of folks have been inquiring about Sharyn and Rodney’s whereabouts and safety. There have also been numerous questions about effects on community and project area.

We are presently bouncing between the Washington, D.C. area and Altoona (Tyrone), Pennsylvania. After 16 years plus of living in Haiti, we really no longer have as many family ties in any given area. We have brothers, sisters, and children scattered throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Deleware, and Maryland. Historically we have used the D.C. area and Tyrone as “home base.” Rodney’s sister lives outside Washington and his father is in Tyrone. His father recently had a serious stroke and has been placed in a rehab/nursing home. He is showing remarkable progress but still has a way to go. Until the time of the stroke he was able to live alone. For several years we have also used the D.C. area as “home base” because of airline connections. Additionally, Rodney’s sister has a large home where we can crash as we travel and store our suitcase with our U.S. wardrobe.

We have had minimal news from the CODEP project area. What we have gleaned thus far is that this section of Haiti is not experiencing the massive civil disobedience and looting occurring elsewhere. We have specifically heard that our home/office/ compound is still okay. With the incredible amount of supplies stored there for use in the many outreaches CODEP does, that has been a real piece of good news. Because it is still dry season, much of the work our cooperator/farmers do cannot be done. However, tons of fish continue to grow, a quarter million trees in family nurseries are being cared for, and schools continue to function. As the people await our return, they do not sit idly wasting their time.

Months earlier, we had arranged to participate in a church mission conference in North Carolina. Just about the time conditions began to rapidly deteriorate politically in Haiti (mid-February), we came to the conference. We had hoped to drive to Pennsylvania to visit my father for a couple days and then planned to return to Haiti in the beginning of March. As rebels gained more control and lawlessness became more widespread, the U.S. government strongly advised foreigners to leave Haiti. In a matter of a few days, looting became widespread and near anarchy ensued. American Airlines suspended flights and U.S. Marines were sent to protect some Haitian government facilities as well as the embassy.

Like many other missionaries and church groups who had expected to be in Haiti, we eagerly anticipate a calming in hostilities while waiting here in the States. And while waiting here, we do not sit idly wasting time but continue to pray for the people and land of Haiti. We pray for security, renewal, peace, real leadership, and that through this suffering, they will learn where to look for their Hope. During these times of disruption and soaring food prices and shortages, they would be able to find the Sources of all good things. And finally we pray that very soon we would be able to again return to minister among these poor—God’s chosen people.

As Presbyterian missionaries, we are working under the invitation of the Episcopal Church of Haiti. The Bishop of the church, the Rt. Rev. Zache Duracin, continues to oversee more than 185,000 members during this tumultuous period. Continue to pray for his safety and leadership as well as the safety and comfort provided by the Episcopal Church. Rev. Duracin is a personal friend, and each Sunday we worship with a small Episcopal congregation near our home at L’Acul.

While we are Stateside, it is easiest to contact us through email: codephaiti@yahoo.com We will be traveling, visiting churches in this area but using the Tyrone area as home until we learn more. Thank you for praying with us for the Haitian people who have endured so much already.

In Christ,

Rodney & Sharyn

The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 136