Dec 10, 2002 3 min read

I recently returned from a trip to Haiti. It was my fourth trip to this impoverished country. While there I had the privilege of working with Pastor Cebien Alexis, senior pastor and founder of E.B.A.C. Mission and Theological College. In addition to overseeing 120 Haitian churches, Pastor Cebien also directs an orphanage that is home to 90 children. I have known this gracious, intelligent, industrious gentleman for 20 years, and I am amazed and humbled by his dedication and love for the Haitian people. He truly lives what he believes, devoting his life to making a difference in the lives of people who struggle to survive in heartbreaking, deplorable conditions. Most of us would not want to spend even one day on this small island country where one of the biggest memories you leave with is the smell, yet where Pastor Cebien, in his faithfulness to his God, has felt led to dedicate his life.

There is a local aspect to Pastor Cebien’s work since two Fayette County residents play a huge role in his ministry. Alice Wise and Kathy Gouker, who have directed the orphanage and overseen its daily operation for 26 years, spend 10 months of the year in Haiti. The compound now includes a recently built school where the children learn English in addition to standard curriculum and vocational skills.

Pastor Cebien is currently building a college for 300 students, which is in great need of computers and that is the purpose of this letter. God has led me to try to make a difference and help these people become more self-sufficient. I trust that there are people in the area who appreciate the magnitude of this outreach opportunity and will become excited about being involved.

I know the generosity of the people of Fayette County, and I am hoping and praying that some of us could find it in our hearts to donate a few new computers to this worthy project. The reason I am asking for new computers is due to the cost of transporting them to Haiti – 95 cents a pound plus Haitian customs charges. Also, the lack of computer parts and repair technicians in the area makes it impractical to send used computers.

For your information, I have enclosed a copy of the letter I received from Pastor Cebien. I can be reached at the Calvary Baptist Church, 724-439-0301, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and in the evenings at my home, 724-583-1160.

Chris Ziemkowsky

Uniontown

Passengers, not driver, to blame

This is in reference to the Greyhound bus driver who said he was taking the bus to the Taliban.

I don’t know if you’ve ever been on a tour bus when some of the passengers constantly harass the driver. I have, and I have never been so disgusted in my life.

I would suggest these passengers try driving the bus. I envy their skill in maneuvering such a large vehicle in dense traffic. So shame on the hecklers.

E. E. Clark

Point Marion