The first predominantly African-American congregation from Florida to minister in Haiti since the Jan. 12 earthquake returned to Tampa consumed by a kinship of hearts and spirit.
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When church members, several of whom claim Haitian descent, first heard the devastating earthquake had rocked the tiny nation, they quickly mobilized to collect food, clothing and other essential supplies. They also accepted financial offerings.
Hands-on ministry came next.
Arriving in Port-au-Prince in late June, the eight mission volunteers could easily have been overwhelmed with the earthquake's aftermath--the desolation of collapsed buildings, the stench saturating the air, the crowded tent cities that had become home to unnumbered multitudes.
Instead, the group was encouraged, said their pastor, by the "resiliency of the people" and their "openness to the Gospel."
Calling their experience "bittersweet," Singletary said the needs were palpable.
Source: Margaret Dempsey-Colson, Florida Baptist Witness
