North Carolina Baptists are formulating their response to the earthquake damage in Haiti Jan. 12. International news sources report widespread devastation with perhaps thousands of deaths.

N.C. Baptist Men has several partner organizations in Haiti and N.C Baptist Men’s Director Richard Brunson is coordinating with them to formulate the best immediate response. Long-term response will be developed in the coming weeks.

There are no long-term Southern Baptist International Mission Board personnel in Haiti. Six workers affiliated with the Florida Baptist Convention work there.

As of Wednesday morning (Jan. 13) the airport is closed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Brunson said a team is on standby, ready to go. That team consists of one doctor, one paramedic, two EMT’s, a water purification person, and three additional helpers. Private air access is being considered.

“We will need many volunteers in the near future,” Brunson said.

Email your skills, contact information and availability to coordinator Gaylon Moss or call 800-395-5102 ext. 5606.

Those who can provide funds for relief efforts in Haiti, a nation racked for years by chaos and non-functioning government services and coordination, can make a check designated for Haiti disaster relief payable to NC Baptist Men and mail it to NC Baptist Men, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512.

“Pray for the people in Haiti and pray that we will be led to minster in the place that God wants us to be,” said Brunson.