Moved by the plight of the devastated poor after the January earthquake that shattered the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, Sean Clynes of Windsor Park Baptist decided to make a difference.

Sean, a first year university student, approached Mercy Ships proposing a variety concert for Haitian aide. As a result, a dozen young people helped to bring hope and healing to Haiti through The Windsor Event. They worked in areas from sound and projection to parking and serving refreshments.

Support came from local business, which donated spot prizes. Opportunities to make an impact on a personal level inspired young and old alike to participate.

Sean received the encouragement of Senior Pastor Grant Harris to organise this event. Windsor Park Baptist has a strong connection with the hospital ship Charity, with several members having served onboard.

Erik Schilperoort, Senior Pastor of Royal Oak Baptist Church, was MC for The Windsor Event.

“It was a huge privilege to help Mercy Ships remind people to not forget about Haiti but to continue to take action,” said Eric. “I was thrilled to see so many people come out to support the relief effort! It’s my prayer that God will multiply the impact of all funds raised to help Haiti rebuild after this terrible tragedy.”

Featured in the concert were the acoustic members of Atlanta Fall – fresh from Parachute – who donated all sales on the night from their newly released, self-named EP to the cause.

Rock musician/songwriter Peter Woolston presented a high energy performance and debuted his song “Hope on My Horizon,” dedicated to Mercy Ships for their work with the forgotten poor.

The $1200 received at the event went directly to Mercy Ships Disaster Response and Assessment teams working in Haiti.

Mercy Ships New Zealand Director Graeme Walls said, “We have teams on the ground in Haiti that are going above and beyond to try and establish a safe and sustainable base of operations. These efforts have been largely successful, but also face massive challenges and frustrations.

“We need the Body of Christ to pray for supply lines to become more open to allow resources to reach those in need. We need prayer for the security issues threatening the Haitian people as well as the non-government organisations working there. We need God’s protection for the lost and orphaned children at risk as soon as a crisis like this happens. The Disaster Relief Teams and Assessment Teams are exhausted. They need our prayers.”

The execution of Mercy Ships Disaster Response – supported by Windsor Park and coordinated out of the International Office in Texas – will continue for many months in order to address the needs of the people of Haiti to provide sustainable relief alongside local partners. Doctors, nurses, construction workers and water engineers will work in long-established partnerships and the local church in order to restore Haiti.

Anyone interested in Mercy Ships Disaster Response Teams can contact the Auckland office on (09) 950 4303, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.mercyships.org.nz.

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:

Mercy Ships, a Christian charity, is a leader in using hospital ships to deliver free world-class healthcare services to the poor in developing nations. It was founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens.

The volunteer crew onboard the ships have performed more than 1.7 million services with a value of about $NZ950 million and directly benefited more than 2.2 million people in more than 70 ports.

All volunteers pay their own way allowing surgeries, dental work, well drilling, and other services to be provided free of charge to the most destitute in West Africa’s most impoverished nations. New Zealanders are among the 1500 crew and staff from 40 nations serving as volunteers, raising their own financial support. Mercy Ships has 14 national offices, including one in Auckland.

Notable statistics:
• 41,000+ life changing surgeries such as cleft lip and palate, cataract removal, straightening of crossed eyes, orthopaedic and facial reconstruction
• 361,000+ people treated in village clinics
• 206,000+ dental treatments
• 14,900+ local health care and professional workers trained, who have in turn trained many others in primary health care
• 1050+ construction and agricultural projects, including schools, clinics, orphanages and wells