The Community Has Responded
Dear Friends of BEM,
It would be an understatement if I just say I was so glad for so many people's involvement in helping us to load the first container to be shipped to Haiti. I am actually overwhelmed when I start to think of the dedication and the enthusiasm of all of the volunteers coming together on a chilly Saturday morning with warm hearts and smiles on their faces to help a nation in need.
At this time it wasn't a matter of faith or denomination, it was simply humanitarian, people who were willing to help a nation in crisis. The business community has responded strongly. Our brothers and sisters from the First Baptist Church of Wallingford were there. Many of them have been to the Dominican Republic under the leadership of John Powers so they know exactly who they are helping. A brand new generator was donated through a new faithful group of friends led by Pastor Tom Walsh of Crossroads Community Church of Vernon, CT. These groups were self-motivated and heart-driven to raise the funds to purchase these much needed goods that will be a great source of help for our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
Jazz'd4Life have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. Our friend Arne and his wife Catherine have made many efforts to connect the dots, made phone calls to make sure a container was purchased as well as organizing a way for it to be shipped. Local churches have made donations as well as individuals but there a few stories that have stuck in my heart. Upon my arrival at Maplewood Storage on Saturday, I was greeted by a young man about 12 or 14 years of age. He was very enthusiastic in sharing with me about his hard work to help with the Haitian crisis and he handed me a bag with coins saying "This is my contribution".
There are many stories like this that speaks volumes to my heart. There is no way I can ever put them into words. All I can say is that even the children are moved to action on their own, gestures that they will remember for years to come and perhaps tell their stories to their children and grandchildren. Another amazing story is another young girl by the name of Valerie, a student from Rick Hill School in Wallingford, like the young man with the coins, she approached me along with her father and one of her friends with a smile on her face, holding an envelope containing many checks and a dollar bill. She says to me "Pastor Lubin, this is what I have collected from my school for your cause in Haiti." The envelope contained approximately $850.00! She had made a sign with red heart cut-outs, each inscribed with "Hearts for Haiti". Also she had personally made a presentation board with pictures of firefighters, rescue workers and others at work during the time of rescue operations in Haiti. I am scheduled tomorrow to speak at Casimir Pulaski Elementary School in Meriden. The children have been working very hard to collect money and help with the needs in Haiti. During this occasion they are preparing to present a check to BEM for over $2000.00! The reason why I highlight these 3 stories involving children is because they are country's future. Their reaction to such a catastrophic situation reflects the teaching we as parents or caregivers have imparted to them.
Our First Full Mission Trip Since The Earthquake
We are excited about this mission trip leaving from White Oak Baptist Church in Wallingford very early Wednesday morning. There are 10 of us representing 6 different congregations in the central Connecticut area, 5 Nurses, 2 EMTs, and 3 Pastors. Our task will be to bring much needed medical help to the growing population of Les Cayes, especially the refugees at the soccer field and the outlying areas. We will also be engaged in food distribution. All while we anticipate being part of the Haitian spiritually uplifting worship services. We are scheduled to be in Les Cayes for 8 days. 5 Days of medical clinic, which include 2 days at the soccer field to help the new refugees, and 3 days in the surrounding villages. We promise to keep you updated on our every move. We will send pictures and details of our daily activities.
Please keep us in your prayers and encourage your friends, family, co-workers, and social networking friends to visit bemhaiti.org. While there, you can also leave comments of encouragement for the team on the bottom of each update.
God Bless all of you, until then,
