LWML > Human Care

Human Care

Serving in Haiti

I have some friends from Christ, Orland Park, IL who visited Haiti a few years ago…….when I heard they were planning another trip in 2010 I could feel God nudging me to join the team. The March 2010 mission trip  would be serving Pastor Isaac in Jeremie by hosting eyeglass clinics and VBS activities for the children attending Pastor Isaac’s  Lutheran schools……..then the earthquake hit on January 12th.

At first, our trip was in peril……..everyone was eager to go and help. By mid February, we were told airplanes were allowed to land in Port Au Prince…….so we made haste to complete our plans by adding a medical component to our team.

On March 11, our team of fifteen including a doctor and two Pastors began our journey.

After a day and a half of traveling, we finally arrived in Jeremie into the welcome arms of Pastor Isaac. He was so happy to see us……..he presides over several Lutheran churches and schools in Jeremie as well as cares for 24 orphans in his home and knows personally the needs of his people…….the children need to learn about Jesus and scores of individuals have medical and vision concerns. Jeremie escaped earthquake damage but was the recipient of over 30,000 refugees……people were everywhere.

In all, we visited seven schools, two orphanages and held five eyeglass and medical clinics. We traveled for hours every day over bumpy and dusty roads to reach Pastor Isaac’s churches. Everywhere we went, people young and old were waiting for our team……some were waiting for hours and some had walked many miles to meet us. By the end of the week, we had fitted 300 people with eyeglasses and provided medical care for over 500 patients……..and so many children learned about God’s mercy toward Jonah!

We returned home on March 20……..a tired lot but oh so fulfilled. We had witnessed the goodness of God and saw His face shining in so many of the people. God’s church is growing in Haiti and we couldn’t help but feel that through the Holy Spirit and the efforts of our team, church membership will see even more growth.

And another trip is already being planned for March of 2011!!

Barb Copeland-Belanski
NID LWML Zone 25 President