The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy Chaplains are providing pastoral support for the American citizens flying from Haiti into the Charleston International Airport to be repatriated to the United States. According to Rob Dewey there are up to 20,000 American citizens currently living in Haiti who have legal status here. “There are around 30 to 60 individuals coming per plane,” says Dewey. “And we expect this to go on for several weeks.” As of Thursday afternoon, February 5, four planes loads of passengers had arrived, with Chaplains meeting each plane. Some of those arriving are relief workers with medical training who assisted in Haiti following the earthquake.

After Rob assisted one couple February 4 and received the following thank you message:

"We were fortunate enough to go to Haiti (as relief workers) and fly into Charleston airport on February 4, 2010. As we were waiting in Haiti for a plane we were overwhelmed to say the least, as far as we knew, we were on our own getting home. As we stepped off the plane in Charleston we heard that there was a welcoming committee. We thought to ourselves, that can't be for us!

When we walked into the room with desks set up and had someone walk up and ask us "What do you need?" Thatfour word phrase made all of the feelings of being overwhelmed go right out the door.

A special thanks needs to go to Chaplain Rob Dewey, he went over and above the call of duty. Being from Ohio, I thought that "Southern Hospitality" was something of fiction, but yesterday and last night I realized that it is VERY TRUE.

All in all we are sending this e-mail to tell everybody involved, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! And thank you Chaplain Rob for showing us such a great night.

Thanks again,
Joe Kelly and Nycki Ralstin"

Read an article about the repatriation effort in The State Newspaper.

The Rev. Dr. John Barr’s new “Waylaid by Light,” comes with 45  readings and makes an excellent devotional.  The books are available for $10 each, plus shipping. Download an order form. John is the Rector of Holy Comforter, Sumter.

Bishop Allison and Whitney T. Kuniholm, President of Scripture Union/USA give Devotional High Marks:

The Rt. Rev. FitzSimons Allison, Retired Bishop of South Carolina, says:

Whitney T. Kuniholm, President of Scripture Union/USA, says:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11-12

As you know the recent earthquake in Haiti has been devastating for many Haitians. Many of our parishes have made mission trips and established ongoing relationships with the Diocese of Haiti, with Bishop Duracin and with congregations and ministries there.

This past year several of our parishes have made trips there and our Diocesan ECW sent 100% of its outreach funds in 2009 to CHAP (Christian Haitian American Partnership) nutrition program to feed the hungry in this already poverty riddled country. This morning we have heard from Sue Brunson, our Diocesan ECW President that our ECW ministry partners there are physically unharmed but, because homes surrounding theirs suffered extensive damage, they are afraid to enter their home.

I have also received an email from The Reverend Rob Dewey that he and Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy
will be mobilized to assist in the recovery work. Likewise another ministry located within our diocese, and with important relationships with our parishes, is Water Missions International. They also have a team on the ground in Haiti to help restore clean drinking water.

Because of such ongoing relationships and ministries I hope many of our members will want to assist in this current crisis. May I suggest that there are a variety of ways to help at this time: Of course one way, and perhaps the best, is through Episcopal Relief and Development. They will work directly through Bishop Duracin, the Diocese of Haiti, and with the various parishes and ministries there--some of which your congregations may have partnered with in the past. Another is through Water Missions International or even Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.

Of course some of you or your parishioners may have direct contact with ministry partners in Haiti and have already made appropriate contacts and assistance. Please include such concerns in your prayers and appeals on this Second Sunday of Epiphany--this very season the Church has often chosen to highlight the mission of Christ, the Gospel and the Church to the desperate needs of the world.

Yours in Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord,

The Rt. Reverend Mark J. Lawrence