FBC mission team gets stranded

A week-long mission trip turned into a waiting game for the 14 Russellville First Baptist Church members who left June 30 for Haiti. Their return flight was scheduled for July 7, but unforeseen circumstances in the foreign country delayed that passage by three days.

Six adults, two college-aged young adults and six high school girls went on FBC’s Haiti mission trip with the goal of helping and ministering at the Faith House Orphanage in Jacmel, part of ESPWA (HOPE) Ministries. For a week, they were able to achieve that goal.

“I know they were able to minister to several hundred children while they were there,” music and senior adult pastor Bert Fowler said.

Bro. Patrick Martin said throughout the week his team was able to interact with about 300 children through the orphanage and the Vacation Bible School the team held.

“I’m so proud of this team. They’ve really troopered on and done a great job,” Martin said.

Part of their work in Haiti consisted of construction at the orphanage, on which Martin said the team worked really well together, with no complaining or arguing.

They held two VBS days – one at New Perspectives Church, which was when they were able to reach the most children, Martin said.

“We were able to share love and the gospel with them, which is why we’re here,” he said.

Along with sharing the gospel, the team gave out prepared food bags with items like spaghetti, rice, oil and beans. Martin said about 350 food bags were distributed.

The team members’ plans took a dip Saturday, however. They were preparing to leave at 7 a.m. when they were told there were blockades on the only road from Jacmel to Port-au-Prince, where the airport is located.

“We knew there was potential for unrest in the country, but we didn’t know it would escalate so quickly,” Martin said.

Riots and protests began to break out across Haiti, which caused the blockades and flight travel to be stopped. The riots and protests were a reaction from the Haitians to their government enforcing a fuel price spike.

FBC’s team was safe, though. According to Martin, the team’s lodging was walled and had armed security, and it was about 27 miles from the airport.

“The team has stayed really positive,” Martin said. “I think they’re going stir crazy more than anything. I know some were disappointed that our departure was delayed.”

After rebooking their departure flight with Delta Airlines more than once, FBC team members were able to get a flight out booked for July 10.