Aug. 20, 2010

Source: HCJB Global (written by Sheila Leech and Harold Goerzen)

Ever since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, HCJB Global Hands has been involved in various medical relief efforts in the country. The first team to leave Quito for Port-au-Prince was on the ground, helping victims within 72 hours of the quake. The second team followed a few weeks later.

"Since then we've been looking for opportunities to partner with likeminded organizations and serve the people of Haiti with Christ-centered medical care," said Sheila Leech, HCJB Global's vice president of international healthcare.

"Much has been written about the difficulties in Haiti and how hard it has been to get help to those who most need it," she continued. "By partnering with Samaritan's Purse again, an HCJB Global Hands team will be in action in Haiti from Aug. 28 to Sept. 11."

The eight-member team will be working in the notoriously dangerous community of Cité Soleil in the capital city's metro area where Samaritan's Purse has a full-time presence at a basic medical clinic. The clinic is operated by Haiti Outreach Mission, an outreach with a number of interwoven local ministries, including a local church and a school.

The team will be comprised of three nurses and four doctors led by Alex. Two of the physicians are Ecuadorian residents at Hospital Vozandes-Quito.

"There will definitely be a spiritual side to the ministry we do," Alex said. "At patient registration when we check their weight, height and vital signs, there will be a question on the check-in sheet asking for prayer requests. I'm sure the Lord will help us use this question as a springboard to talk about spiritual matters."

The mood of the team was upbeat as members convened for a briefing and orientation. "We see dark places as places where we can shine brightest," said one team member when someone referred to the spiritual darkness that hangs over the nation of Haiti.

Team members prayed fervently for the people of Haiti and thanked God for open doors to show Christ's love through physical touch and healthcare. They also prayed that He would open blinded eyes to the truth of the message that would be shared.

"The Global Hands staff believes that Christ's love can be shown in unique ways as they minister to the sick and hurting," Leech remarked. "And that's why they're heading for Haiti ? again!"