A major earthquake hit impoverished Haiti yesterday (Jan 12, 2010), toppling buildings and burying residents in rubble. It was feared thousands could be dead. The capital Port-au-Prince was covered in a pall of grey smoke with the screams of the trapped and the cries of the living echoing into the night.[National Post, Jan 13, 2010].

According to Canada's Governor General Michaelle Jean, "This natural disaster has hit a country with an extremely fragile infrastructure, where many buildings are already unstable and where living conditions are often very difficult." I fear for its people," Ms Jean said. "I would like all Haitians to know that they are not alone and that Canadians will respond to this emergency."

Her Excellency Michaelle Jean

Port-au-Prince on a "normal" day

As of 11am Wednesday Jan 13 2010, AOJ has not been able to contact Wilson Maitre, Director of Haiti Operations. We ask you to pray not only for him and his work, but for all that’s happening in Haiti. Jacmel and Cap-Rouge, AOJ's centre of operations in Haiti, are not in the immediate area of the earthquake, but at this time we stand ready to do what we can.

AOJ joins with Her Excellency Ms. Jean in expressing concern and sympathy with those who are suffering through this catastrophe. If you are moved to make any kind of contribution towards relief of the victims of this disaster, AOJ will ensure that it gets through to the most needy.

Contact us: by phone (905-831-3646) Email: aojchildmis@rogers.com or send a cheque directly to: The Arms of Jesus Christian Mission Inc. P.O. Box 10, Pickering, On, L1V 2R2, Canada.