MERCY TRUCKS HAITI
Roy Dixon and Jeff Colker before Roy began the
journey to Haiti.
Once again God has moved in mighty ways to expand our
reach as we launch another Mercy Truck ministry.
On January 12, 2010 the island nation of Haiti was
struck with a catastrophic earthquake with a
magnitude 7.0. Its epicenter was approximately
25 km (16 miles) west of Port-au-Prince, the
capital of Haiti. By January 24 the United States
Geological Survey had recorded at least 52
aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater. The
International Red Cross estimated that about three
million people were affected by the quake; Haitian
President Rene Preval stated on the 27th of January
that "nearly 170,000" bodies had been counted. The
New York Times reported on January 28 that 20,000
commercial buildings and 225,000 residences had
collapsed or were severely damaged. The human
suffering will continue for longer than anyone is
willing to guess.
Within days following the disaster, calls were made
for specific needs to aid the immediate rescue
efforts as well as the continuing needs that will
face this devastated nation. YWAM, which has been
operating in St. Marc, Haiti, since 1991, began
communications with Mercy Trucks about launching a
long-term presence in Haiti. It was agreed that Mercy
Trucks would provide a vehicle and much needed
medical supplies and equipment allowing YWAM Haiti to
facilitate medical teams not only during this
critical time, but long after rescue teams and
emergency responders have returned to their
respective nations and the Haitian earthquake has
faded from the front pages.
Beginning immediately a Mercy Trucks team in Hexham,
England began sorting and preparing supplies and
equipment. Meanwhile 3,500 miles away in Lebanon,
Pennsylvania final preparations were being made on a
converted ambulance that is designed for maximum
flexibility in service. Within days, two pallets of
specifically needed medical supplies were being
shipped to London for a flight to Pennsylvania. Roy
Dixon, the founder and director of Mercy Trucks,
decided to oversee the transportation to Haiti and
launching of the ministry. On January 29, 2010 Roy
arrived in the US where he was met by Jeff Colker,
Director of Mercy Trucks Americas. The 28-foot
ambulance was packed with the supplies and Roy has
begun the 20-hour drive to South Florida where the
vehicle will be loaded onto a ship for the final
journey to Haiti.
So many have already given of their time and finances
to make this journey a reality. British Airways along
with freight services and customs personnel have
blessed this effort with their support. We invite you
to follow Roy’s journey on our site and join us
with your payers and financial support of this new
and very special Mercy Truck location.
More information on Mercy Trucks, our vision and
mission, our locations and details on giving can be
found at www.MercyTrucks.org
Mercy Truck packed and ready for Haiti