A Terrible Loss of Young Lives
Etienne’s son, Fed Dani, and a friend died in an accidental drowning in Zangalis at a church youth picnic event on Saturday, August 30th. This is a tragedy beyond words.
Fed Dani was just going into 12th grade. He spoke fluent, accent-less English, was a 4.0 student and Etienne’s best friend and partner in Passion For Haiti. He went with Etienne on most all of his trips to help farmers. Fed was going to be an Agronomist and join his Dad in Passion for Haiti.
Fed was musically gifted and loved singing and playing many musical instruments. He loved cars and motorcycles and all machines. He was a delight to be with and very loving and respectful of his elders.
We will hold a dinner meeting on Monday September 8th for dinner, time in prayer, reviewing moments from the video of Fed Dani’s funeral, and discussing the future. Szechuan Kitchen, 15450 Boones Ferry Rd, Lake Oswego. Dinner starts at 6pm and the meeting follows at 6:45pm. Zoom will go live at 6:45. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82148090506
Jim sent the following message to Etienne’s family, and it was read at Fed Dani’s funeral on Tuesday, Sept 2nd:
Fed Dani was first introduced to us as a brand new baby in Cayes. We have had him visit us in the US and were fortunate to visit him in Haiti many times over his life. We helped him and talked with him many times over the years on the phone. He always demonstrated his love for us and has been such a remarkable little boy grown into an impressive young man. We have seen many very sad things happen in Haiti – earthquakes, hurricanes, and many other tragedies – but this one has hurt our hearts like no other thing we have experienced, and we are leaning on God to please give us some peace to bring relief for this incredible hurt. My friend Etienne has sacrificed so much of his life for Haiti; my deep sorrow is that this tragedy has come to him. We cannot change what has happened, but I hope we all can reach out to my friend and give him something of ourselves to help him with this very difficult future he faces without his son Fed. We pray to God for help, for Etienne and for the soul of Fed Dani.
In Jesus’ name,
Jim Shaw, on behalf of your Oregon supporters
In addition to our prayers and emotional support, Etienne is in need of funds for Fed Dani’s funeral and other unexpected expenses. We are accepting gifts to Etienne for this purpose and will transfer them to him immediately. We have also created a memorial fund in Fed Dani’s name inside the Haiti Ap Grandi charity that will support selected programs run by Etienne. You can give* to either fund by clicking this link, or you can any of the Donate buttons on this website.
*Contributions for funeral and other personal expenses are not tax-deductible. Donations to the Fed Dani Fund may be tax-deductible, depending on your tax status.