In the photo above, Radio Lumiere1 (Radio of Light) director Varnel Jeune (yellow shirt on the left) meets with radio station staff.  Since the earthquake on the 12th, most of life in Haiti is happening in the open air.  Radio Lumiere staff still are waiting for structural engineers to assess damage to the building.

in the meantime, equipment has been provisionally repaired and Radio Lumiere is back on the air.  Radio is used to meet important needs in Haiti that might surprise us.  Now, during recovery from the earthquake, basic health information is being broadcast, as well as important emergency response information.  Even during normal times, Radio Lumiere is used by the church for training church leadership and Sunday School teachers.  With nearly nationwide coverage, Radio Lumiere, is an important source of information for all Haitians.

During this crisis, Radio Lumiere is also a source of hope and comfort.  Director Varnel Jeune is doing special programs of meditation and prayer.  At the moment that marked one week since the earthquake, Pastor Jeune held a special radio service commemorating the moment the disaster hit.  Radio Lumiere also is doing a lot of open-microphone, allowing people to come and tell their stories and request help.

They are now also beginning to do news and announcements. One recent announcement was about the availability of buses provided by aid organizations for people wanting to leave Port au Prince for other parts of the country.  Some people who wanted to evacuate had begun to panic.  Local buses and trucks were being dangerously overloaded with people who wanted to get away.  News that evacuations are being done in an organized manner will help people leave more safely.

Radio Lumiere also has Voice of America’s Creole news back on.  It is a very well-rounded news service with good reporting from all over Haiti and particularly the capital.

Radio Lumiere, the AM station, and Stereo 92, the FM station, have tremendous needs to stay on the air.  World Team, and other organizations, are working together to keep them broadcasting.  One critical need is for diesel fuel to keep the generators running since city electricity is out, probably for a long time.

1Radio Lumiere is a ministry of MEBSH, World Team’s partners in Haiti since 1936.

Photo and reporting by Paul Shingledecker