By Daniel Piotrowski
editor@jacksonvilleprogress.com
The River of Life Christian Center in Rusk is working to acquire a tent for a church with a congregation of 800 in Haiti.
River of Life’s Robert Corbell said Pastor Jean Chenet told him by phone that he was OK, despite being in an area hit hardest by the earthquake. Chenet said the church is cracked and unsafe, but he would like to have a tent.
The church lost 12 members to the quake, and the toll keeps rising in Haiti as they have not found everyone yet, Corbell said. The River of Life is pursuing a 40’ x 100’ tent or donations to purchase one at a cost of about $9,800 plus about $4,500 for shipping.
Corbell said Chenet was in a “war zone” but was happy. About 20-30 people were saved Sunday morning.
“I believe this is the beginning of a revival. People are coming to Jesus,” Corbell said.
He said the people of Haiti, where about 80 percent practiced voodoo, are understanding that the old ways have not produced happiness and are turning to God. The rebuilding process will be “astronomical,” he said.
Corbell and missionary Mitch Clay, of Gun Barrel City, will travel to Haiti in April. They will provide encouragement, food, water and funds. He said they would also like to start a concrete block company to provide jobs for the people.
“We are looking for ways to help them get started and become self-sufficient while helping them spiritually,” Corbell said.
Anyone who would like to help their effort can send checks to the River of Life, 677 S. Dickinson Dr., Rusk, TX 75785. They have a special missions account so donors can write Haiti under memo on their checks.
For more information, call 903-683-3132.
