Charlotte resident wants to return to his homeland, Haiti

CHARLOTTE — Countries like Haiti are already suffering from devastating damage as Hurricane Matthew barrels toward the Bahamas Tuesday.

The storm is to blame for at least five deaths in the poverty-stricken country as torrential flooding wiped out key bridges, roads and phone communication.

Local missionary Jason Edgerton is in Haiti as part of a team whose members are trying to dig themselves out to provide aid.

Meanwhile, Actionnel Fleurisma, a pastor from Haiti, is worried he won't be able to leave Charlotte to go and help too.

“We are very eager to be home,” Fleurisma, a Charlotte resident, said.

He's anxious to return to his native Haiti that's been pummeled by Hurricane Matthew.

His relatives there are safe although surrounded by devastation.

“Thousands of people have been brought to shelters no food, just suffering, suffering,” Fleurisma said.

Powerful winds from the storm destroyed homes and crops.

Edgerton is there and witnessed the destruction first hand.

“We had 12-14 hours of continual rain, flood water and mudslides,” Edgerton said.

Edgerton works for aid organization Samaritan's Purse and is part of the team working to help with recovery.

“We know that people are in need of plastic for temporary roofing, hygiene kits and water and to be able to serve 2,000 households,” Edgerton said.

Fleurisma plans to head home Thursday and is hoping that flights won't be canceled.

Please pray for them and God can make a way because he always makes a way where there is no way,” Fleurisma said.

Cox Media Group