Former President Clinton Named U.N. Envoy to Haiti

Former President Bill Clinton will be named the U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti today. Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary-General, asked Mr. Clinton to become the envoy to the country in order to focus on developing the country's economy and increasing its visibility in world relations.

Clinton last visited the country with Ban Ki-moon in March, where he spent time with citizens devastated by the 2008 food crisis, as well as two hurricanes and two tropical storms that damaged the country last year. Haitian leaders are hopeful that Mr. Clinton's attentions will increase the support of international donors for the country, as well as increase economic investments that will improve the country's conditions. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and most citizens survive on less than two dollars a day. ''It is an honor to accept the secretary general's invitation to become special envoy to Haiti,'' former President Clinton said in a statement to The Miami Herald. "Last year's natural disasters took a great toll, but Haiti's government and people have the determination and ability to `build back better,' not just to repair the damage done but to lay the foundations for the long-term sustainable development that has eluded them for so long.''

There are currently about 9,000 U.N. Peacekeepers stationed in Haiti, focusing on peace-keeping and development work. However, observers encourage more intentional development that will help the creation of long-term structure that will benefit the country even after the withdrawal of U.N. forces.

For more information about Mr. Clinton's appointment, please see the Miami Herald story at this link.

Race for Grace 2009!

Are you a cyclist interested in raising funds for ICC during the annual HH100 in Wichita Falls, TX? All the information you need about the Race for Grace can be found right here!

California Heights UMC Mission Education Encounter

Sunday, April 19, 2009

See all the posts from Lynne's trip at her blog on www.internationalchildcare.org.

Greetings from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We are on day 2 of our trip down here staying at St. Joseph's Guest House, having arrived yesterday afternoon. We are looking forward to our first day at Grace Children's Hospital, getting there in time for devotions. After arriving yesterday we spent time getting acclimated to the Guest House which has both a lovely view and a wonderful breeze from the upstairs patio. We began our coming together by hearing the story of Gregory who is a "graduate" of Grace Children's Hospital and learning some important info for our stay here.

Today we attended the worship service at the Methodist Church in Du Plan and enjoyed the wonderful enthusiasm of the congregation. The pastor welcomed us by translating the sermon for us as he delivered it. Afterwards, we enjoyed fellowship with many from the congregation.

In the afternoon we visited the Haitian Metal Art market where we viewed (and purchased some) so many beautiful cut-out designs made from oil drums. During our own gathering after dinner, we were able to think about the many people we have seen since we have been here and how we have been touched by their own Grace and God-likeness. We feel so fortunate to have experienced just 48 hours of this country of contrasts.

Rev. Lynne Austin

See all the posts from Lynne's trip at her blog on www.internationalchildcare.org.