Haitian Priest Shares Story With Atlanta Congregation

By Jim Burress

John's Creek, GA – This weekend at religious services across metro Atlanta congregations of all faiths offered prayers for Haitians devastated by last week's earthquake. WABE's Jim Burress has more.

Here at St. Brigid Catholic Church in John's Creek Sunday's message had a personal meaning for Father Gibert Exume.

"My heart just sank."

A native of Haiti, most of Exume's family still lives there. When he learned of the earthquake, he did what many with loved ones there did he picked up the phone. No response.

" It was like an [never]-ending silence. I wanted to know, where is my family?"

Phone call after phone call went unanswered. He tried a text message. And, eventually, a reply.

"We are OK, except Serad, your niece, and so-and-so, who is my cousin, are injured."

He still waits to hear news about the rest of his family.

Although this week has tested Father Exume's faith, he said that's ultimately what's carried him through.

"Remember, God is in control. And we have to have faith. With faith, hope and love. And we know that you're well taken care of of everything."

Jim Burress, WABE News,