On the 12^th of January 2010, to the shock of everybody within MAF and the world in general, a massive earthquake struck the small Caribbean island nation of Haiti.

Measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, the quake killed over 150,000 people and flattened thousands of buildings in the capital Port-au-Prince and outlying areas.

Initially it was necessary for some MAF families to be evacuated. At the same time, it became clear that a small team of strategic staff was needed in Haiti as soon as possible.

Within 48 hours a MAF team had been assembled on the ground in Port-au-Prince headed by Disaster Response Manager John Woodberry. A fully co-ordinated response effort then got underway.

Two years later, what is the situation? The story of Haiti has all but disappeared from our news pages but MAF is still actively involved in the restoring and rebuilding process with flights to 15 airstrips. Life is slowly returning to “normal” as MAF and at least 30 aid agencies continue to work together as part of an ongoing international relief effort.

“We have been encouraged by the progress made in Haiti over the past year, but we know there is still a long road ahead,” said MAF president and CEO John Boyd. “It is a privilege to serve the people of Haiti daily and we look forward to continuing our role in assisting with the rebuilding efforts.”

MAF currently operates three planes in Haiti and has been serving the country since 1986, providing daily flights for relief workers, medical personnel, churches and work teams involved in community development efforts. In a country where roads are nearly impassable and bandits threaten travelers, MAF services are invaluable.

MAF has distributed micro grants to help families and small businesses get back on their feet. Funding has allowed families to rebuild their homes and send their children to school. MAF also assisted in repairing a school, provided meals for school children, and constructed 26 small homes for those in need.

Since cholera broke out in late 2010, nearly 500,000 cases have been reported, resulting in more than 265,000 hospitalisations and almost 7,000 deaths. The Haitian Ministry of Health recently reported that it expects the cholera epidemic to continue for the next two to three years as it spreads from urban to rural areas. MAF has aided in the ongoing battle against cholera by flying medical teams and supplies to clinics and hospitals.

While the country has suffered through some dark times, many people seem encouraged about Haiti’s future.

“The country is optimistic right now about what is going on,” MAF Haiti program manager David Carwell said. “We’ve also seen many churches and mission organisations that have been strengthened and are moving forward. We pray that MAF can be a catalyst in the process.”

MAF is grateful for the response of so many generous and compassionate donors immediately following the Haiti earthquake. Funds donated then and in the aftermath of other natural disasters in recent years such as the Boxing Day (2004) tsunami and cyclones in Bangladesh help MAF to maintain a valuable, life-saving presence in those places.

The news media may have long since left in search of the next story but the reality of rebuilding lives and helping to heal the pain of unimaginable loss goes on. Thank you.

The work of MAF in partnership with 30 relief agencies is helping to restore Haiti two years after the devastating 2010 earthquake