Haitian Orphan Crisis

Passing along what was sent to me because of “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless.” Isa. 1:17


March 3, 2010
Dear Family & Friends,
We wanted to pass on a great opportunity in which you can help legally confirmed Haiti orphans get what they most need – life-long, loving parents and families through adoption. Please take just a moment to read and act on the below.
In Christ,
Tim & Angie Sliedrecht
http://sliedrechts.spaces.live.com

URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED
On January 20 we sent a request to US Representative Pete Hoekstra to draft a bill that would expand the current Humanitarian Parole Policy to include “category 3” Haitian orphans. The category 3 orphans are defined as those legally confirmed as orphans eligible for inter-country adoption prior to the earthquake but did not meet the specific criteria announced by Department of Homeland Security. Prior to the earthquake estimates put the number of orphan children at 380,000. Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Hoekstra, H.R. 4603 the Haitian Orphan Placement Effort (HOPE) Act was introduced into the House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 16th.

http://hoekstra.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=170189
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.4603

This is a plan that provides permanency to orphaned children that are clearly documented which is the ultimate goal and not really possible in Haiti. The orphanages are being inundated with new orphans that have been produced by the earthquake. Therefore, by allowing adoptable
children to gain permanency with qualified American families, existing orphanages will have more capacity to care for the newly vulnerable children.

Here is how you can help:
ADVOCATE
1. Get the word out. Forward this e-mail to friends, family, and church leaders.
2. Contact your US Representative and US Senator. Ask for their support of H.R. 4603 / HOPE Act.
3. Help us find a sponsor. We need a US Senator to sponsor a “Mirror Bill” in the Senate.
PRAY
It goes without saying that in order for this initiative to happen it will require God’s intervention. When we pray for the safety and rescue of “the least of these” we are praying in harmony with God’s will.

"I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong." (President George Washington)

Grace + Peace,
BILL TERPSTRA
HAITI ORPHAN TASK FORCE
ph.616.893.7996
bterrpstra@handsofhopeintl.org