Austin Church Members Strive To Assist In Haiti

The devastation that recently occurred in Haiti is truly heartbreaking, but it is always good to know that there are numerous caring people who are willing and able to take time away from their own lives to help the lives of others. For many of these people, however, the helping hand was stretched across to the people of Haiti well before the earthquake struck.

"We do various projects there," said James Brinkman, who is a member of the North Hills Community Church in Northwest Austin as well as a real estate agent at Cantera Real Estate, when speaking of the many missionary trips he has taken to Haiti. "Going into the last trip, I was frustrated thinking, are we doing enough? Are we doing as much as we could?"

Brinkman had already made plans to travel back to Haiti next week. This was before the devastating earthquake hit. Due to the disaster, Brinkman's trip may be put on hold - despite the fact that he now wants to be there more than ever.

In order to help the people of Haiti recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake, numerous organizations are taking monetary donations rather than "in-kind" donations such as blankets and other supplies. Monetary donations are preferred, as the cost of shipping supplies is too great. When it comes to monetary donations, however, even $5 can go a long way toward helping the people of Haiti, as $5 is worth a lot more in Haiti than it is in the United States. On a national level, the American Red Cross is hoping to raise $1 million to send to Haiti.

"My heart stays broken for that country most of the time anyway, and this just compounds it," said Brinkman said in an interview with KVUE. http://www.kvue.com/news/Austin-area-churches-sending-help-to-Haiti-81367607.html
. "If I could have hopped on a plane last night, I'd be there."

Brinkman and others from his church have visited Haiti through Reciprocal Ministries Incorporated. While there visits have focused on the village of Les Abricots, which is located on the other side of the country from where the epicenter of the earthquake occurred near Port Au Prince, the church members are still concerned about the safety of the villagers they have come to know.

"It's very heartbreaking to see," said Keith Abbott, who is the pastor of Brinkman's church and has also visited Haiti five times in the past. "I feel like these are brothers are sisters. These aren't just people in a country far away. They're people I've personally connected with, and so it matters. It really matters."

Abbot goes on to say that the people of Haiti need more than just money during these devastating times and that our assistance to Haiti needs to extend beyond just helping them recover from the recent earthquake that has left the country in ruins.

"Prayer, to pray for the people of Haiti, they're a beautiful people. They need our prayer not just now, but always," said Abbot.