For Immediate Release
January 14, 2010
Earthquake in Haiti
NEW YORK—Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide are expressing deep concern for the victims of the devastating earthquake that took place in Haiti on January 12, 2010. Many Witnesses have made particular inquiry about the welfare of their 16,000 fellow worshippers in Haiti after learning of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck about 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince.
Although direct communication to Haiti remains problematic at this time, preliminary reports are starting to be received at the Witnesses’ world headquarters in Brooklyn. The branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Haiti at Santo, near Port-au-Prince, reports no injuries among their personnel and no major structural damage to their buildings. Additionally, communication was established with Witness missionaries, and no injuries are reported among the missionaries or the traveling elders among Jehovah’s Witnesses who were visiting congregations in the affected areas. Sadly, preliminary reports confirm that 52 Witnesses lost their lives in the earthquake; that number is expected to rise as more reports are received.
Witnesses around the world are offering their assistance. The Witnesses’ relief efforts are currently being coordinated from their world headquarters in Brooklyn with the assistance of the branch office in the Dominican Republic, providing practical help and spiritual comfort for the victims. More detailed information will be provided as it becomes available.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been actively promoting Bible education in Haiti for over 80 years.
Contact: J. R. Brown, telephone: (718) 560-5600