Heavy Heart

My heart is broken for the people of Haiti. I've gotten where I can hardly watch it on the news but I don't want to turn away because that in itself seems almost disrespectful. The devastation is unimaginable. Ever since this happened, I have been praying about what to do, how to help, where to send money. There are so very many worthy organizations that do such a great job - Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse Ministry, Compassion International and of course, the Red Cross. But today I got an email from our very own Gainesville based, Helping Hands Missions founders Drs. Richard and Brenda Kowalske. Both are medical doctors from Gainesville who, up until about seven years ago had private practices here in our town. Then they felt the Lord calling them. Big time calling them - into full time mission work. They began their work in Bolivia and have recently began work in Uganda. However, they travel all over the world as medical missionaries. D and I have had the opportunity on several occasions to sit down privately and discuss their mission work with them. Their energy and enthusiasm for what God has called them to do is incredible. I wish I could tell you the impact they have had on the people in these countries. It would take hours. It is amazing. If you're interested, their website is: http://www.helpinghandsmissions.org/.

Richard and Brenda are leaving for Haiti with their team on Monday, January 25th. They are currently looking for medical professionals from our area to join them, medical supplies, and oh have mercy, search and rescue personnel. Can you imagine? Please allow me to share a portion of the email we received today:

"Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help cover team expenses, medical and other supplies. Besides medical supplies, we will be taking in search and rescue equipment such as pry bars, rope, etc. We will be working in the capital, in about a 5-mile radius. One of our target sites and our contact is at an orphanage just outside the capital. Our requests are for:

Emergency financial support
Medical personnel – doctors, nurse, EMTs, etc. If they are able to come for just a few days, we could probably arrange this also.
Search and rescue personnelMedical supplies: first aid, bandages, gauze, surgical tape, anti-bacterial, Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc. (no clothes, shoes, toys, etc.)

Remember we are going into areas where conditions are unknown; most likely we will deal with dead bodies, and many illnesses. So bottom line, there is risk involved. We will be following all safety protocols, however, there are many unknowns.
Although we will be doing humanitarian work, we will be sharing about the love and hope of Christ."

May the Lord bless them and keep them. May the Lord show them His kindness and have mercy on them. May the Lord watch over them and give them peace. (Num. 6:24-26)