Haiti relief pair 'amazed' at the destruction

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville-based safety and security consultant Hal Lowder and Logistics Expert Chief Phil Chovan have returned from a trip to earthquake-devastated Haiti.

"Our initial mission was to assess the area and needs of the
people we are helping in Haiti," Lowder said. "At this time we have a Pastor on the ground that has 35 churches that have all been destroyed. We are looking at
establishing immediate plans for return as well as long term plans."

The team was able to tour several of the churches, schools and facilities the
church operates. At this time, the immediate needs are attempting to
stabilize newborns and mothers.

"We have newborns and mothers sleeping on asphalt. The mothers are having problems because of dehydration, dysentery and are not able to provide mother's milk. I have 3 children that I am concerned about until we return that may not make it until we return. We are praying that they can stay alive until we get back."

Lowder said he wanted to stay longer "but we ran out of supplies, so it is better that I am here to coordinate the return trip. Our first goal is to get a military tent, revival tent or some shelter to get these kids out of the sun. It was in the 90s and the mothers had no water. I have some formula, baby bottles,
droppers and water that I want to get back in and some cots so I can get
these moms and their kids off of the ground."

Both Chovan and Lowder said they were "amazed" at the devastation. Between them they have nearly 60 years in emergency management and combat experience and they
both said this was the worst of anything either has seen. Both stated
that their lives changed dramatically from this trip.

"We need to get back and get this clinic established so that some of these children may live."

The devastation was so great that at times it took four hours to travel four
miles.

"The large agencies are having problems moving services away and into
the field. Some of the smaller teams like us and Dr. Kowalske (in Haiti as part of another Gainesville-based mission group) are moving lighter, faster. The large organizations are like trying to 'parallel park' tractor-trailer. It can be done; it just takes a little time to move something that large."

For more information contact Hal Lowder at 770-287-7694 or
[email protected] or eaglewatchministries.com