Last Thursday I arrived in Haiti with a team of friends from Christ Community Church. For several years now our church has supported the Presbyterian Mission in Haiti, founded by Haitian national Charles Amicy. In addition to a growing body of churches this mission has opened six schools, an orphanage in partnership with Lespwa Worldwide, and is attempting to launch a medical clinic and coordinate sustainable economic development intiatives. The earthquake has impacted a significant number the mission's family, with churches and schools in Port Au Prince, Cabaret and Fovo; and the main compound containing housing for lots of staff and the orphanage in Messailler.

Most of our team was there to provide encouragement and work on the generator and construction. The reason for my visit was to scout in preparation for shooting a series of promotional films later this spring.

Charles and his family, the compound staff, and the Lespwa crew are doing amazing work and I am proud to now count them among my friends. To continue striving in Haiti for a better future despite the current situation, even before the earthquake, is a noble thing indeed. Haiti as a nation has, in my opinion, completely gone to hell. The few good things that happen are, and will continue to be, the result of God's continued mercy and the extraordinary efforts of those called to minister in what appears to be a hopeless situation. That was how I felt before the earthquake. Now, more than ever,  Haiti will need the prayers and efforts of the world.

Charles, his family, the Lespwa crew, and everyone at the compound survived with only minor injuries. Many of the pastors, school administrators, teachers, and members of the larger mission family are seriously injured or missing.

About noon on Monday I left Haiti with the rest of our team. A big part of me wishes I was still there, helping any way possible, or at least documenting a few of the amazing and horrible stories happening. Nonetheless, this is how I saw Haiti in the last days before it was shaken.