NAMPA, ID (ANS) -- The January 12, 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, killing tens of thousands, with hundreds of thousands of others either injured or homeless, is "an immense tragedy," says John Boyd, President and CEO, MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) USA.

John Boyd (Photo courtesy of MAF).

Boyd, who is himself a pilot and flew MAF planes in Haiti for two years, writes in a ministry update to MAF supporters, that Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, is in chaos.

"Communications are inoperative or extremely limited. The already weak infrastructure has been badly damaged. Buildings have collapsed, entire neighborhoods are gone, and many homes left standing are uninhabitable. Thousands of people may have been buried alive in the rubble, and await rescue," says Boyd.

Boyd states that some reports say that all hospitals in the stricken area have either collapsed or been severely damaged. Doctors and nurses are treating the injured in makeshift tent hospitals, or in the open sun.

He writes that medical supplies have already been depleted in many locations. "People are desperate. It’s truly a gut-wrenching situation," he said.

"Within a few hours of the quake, MAF Disaster Response manager John Woodberry was dispatched to Haiti," said Boyd.

"By the time you receive this emergency letter, John will be there with staff from the MAF Haiti flight program, evaluating damage and quickly determining needs. He’ll be issuing firsthand reports and helping to formulate how MAF can respond in the most effective ways, relaying all back via satellite phone."

In his ministry update, Boyd says here’s what we know for sure, thus far:

1. MAF has seven staff families and three aircraft based in Haiti. These aircraft work out of the international airport, the primary point of entry for emergency aid that is pouring into the country.

2. All U.S. MAF staff are safe. Sadly, one Haitian MAF staff member may be dead, and three are still missing.

"Pray for them and their families. Nonessential personnel and family members have been temporarily withdrawn," Boyd writes.

3. Aid is pouring into Haiti.

"But with roads and bridges likely destroyed or impassable, efforts to deliver the aid may be severely hampered, especially to the more remote areas. Many fear that medicines, food, blankets, and safe drinking water will be left sitting at the airport or on docks," said Boyd.

4. MAF has served in Haiti since 1986.

"Staff know the culture and are highly regarded. MAF has a strong presence and is often the first choice for many government agencies and nonprofit organizations, especially when communications and transportation are needed. Some of these agencies and relief groups are already asking MAF for help, especially to reach the inaccessible areas. The MAF hangar at the Port-au-Prince airport is currently being used as a logistics point for some of these organizations," said Boyd.

5. In previous disasters, such as the deadly South Asian Tsunami of 2004, MAF was called upon to help in the ways he described, and far, far more.

"I expect that MAF involvement in Haiti will also be substantial for many months and years to come. Lives depend on the ability of MAF to respond. An enormous job awaits. This is why MAF has established the MAF Haiti Disaster and Recovery Fund," Boyd explained.

Boyd continued: "In the days and weeks ahead, I will be updating you as information arrives. Please refer to www.maf.org for the latest status reports. Most importantly, let me hear from you today, if at all possible, by sending your generous gift. As always MAF is committed to the highest level of integrity in using whatever you can send.

"You may remember that I flew MAF planes in Haiti for two years. My heart breaks for the Haitian people. Please join me in asking the Lord to mercifully comfort those who have been injured or have lost loved ones. Pray that God will open many opportunities for MAF and the Gospel to make a difference in the lives of thousands of hurting, desperate Haitian people."

Boyd concluded: "This situation is indeed urgent. There is already a shortage in MAF budgeted income due to the recession. We can only respond as partners of MAF give and pray."

Those interested in supporting MAF's work in Haiti can give at www.maf.org  or by calling 1-800-FLYS-MAF (359-7623).

** Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent of ANS, is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649,at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can donate online to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Chief Reporter