Local man tends to ministry he founded in Haiti

Riverview, Florida - Many Americans are caught in the earthquake aftermath. One local man is 80-year-old Jim Speicher. He's in Haiti attending to the ministry he started 25 years ago called Haiti Gospel Ministries.

"I have to admit I was scared. I was at the computer when the shock hit, " Speicher writes his son in an email. David Speicher, pastor of South Bay Community Church in Riverview, says his father sent three emails within four minutes as the earth shook.  "We're experiencing strong after shocks," writes Jim.

Photo Gallery: Devastation in Haiti

"He tires easily. I'm concerned he's going to overdo it. He's doing exactly what he's called to do right now," says David about his father.

The town of Cay-Jacmel is about 20 miles south of Port-au-Prince along the coast, not far from the epicenter. The town of 2,000 people has one paved road and one open market.

"Everything hit the floor just like on the news. The building swayed at least a foot and half," explains Jim. He adds, "Several dead many buildings down."

David says his father describes the public schools are in rubble and so are the public buildings and people's homes.

David's father tells him the Haiti Gospel Ministries' medical buildings, church and school buildings remain standing. "I know why it's God and his protection what I would consider a place people come get ministry and help," says David.

The school has closed and is being used to help feed the town and offer shelter.

As help arrives in Port-au-Prince the concern is assistance won't get to out lying areas soon enough. That's why Haiti Gospel Ministries is accepting donations to help rebuild the town of Cay-Jacmel.

"100% every penny nothing to administration or for salaries every dime goes to the people down there," reassures David.

As for his father, Jim is choosing to stay and help. "His words were they are my people he loves these people and he's not leaving. His desire is to care for them meet their needs as much as possible," says David. "I'm proud of him."

His concern now is the long term help the Haitian people will need. David would like to see the bay area adopt a town in Haiti to help with the rebuilding process.