This week (Jan. 6-13) Hosanna Lutheran Church will again be sending a team to work and minister in Haiti.

Haiti has made the news recently with stories of gang violence as they continue to wade through a mire of political and social upheaval.ÝThis is Hosannaís third trip in the past four years.

Led by Pastor John Bjorge, the purpose of the trip is to share the good news of Godís love with those who live in the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

ìGoing to Haiti always serves as a value-check for me.Ý It makes me ask whatís really important.Ý It makes me think about how materialistic I can be and how blessed we are here in America and how with such blessing comes so much responsibility to share what we have been given with those in need,î Bjorge said.

The team plans to serve alongside Hosannaís missionaries, Dr. Steve and Deb Andersen, both of Forest Lake, and to experience the grace and hospitality as well as to witness the incredible faith of the Haitian people such that the team could become advocates of Haiti back here in the Forest Lake Area.

For most Haitians, daily life is a struggle for survival.

Many in Haiti are malnourished and the rate of diseases from intestinal parasites to HIV/AIDS is extremely high.Ý

With only one doctor for every 10,855 people, poor medical care is widespread.Ý Because of recent hurricanes and flooding as well as the governmental instability, the needs of the Haitian people have never been greater.Ý

ìMy wife and others are always a little nervous that we go to a place such as Haiti with its random violence.Ý Yet, when youíre there you realize that most of the people are just trying to survive.Ý Theyíre not interested in politics or whoís to blame for their problems.Ý They want to know where their next meal is coming from and theyíre just so thankful that weíd take the time to come to be with them and to encourage them,î Bjorge said.

It is Hosannaís hope to provide a tangible expression of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ and minister to the whole personóboth physically and spiritually.

Since 2000 Hosanna has been the primary support of Dr. Steve and Deb Andersen and their ministry to the peoples of southern Haiti.

Steve is the Medical Director of Sante Lumiere Hospital and Clinic located in the southern Haitian port of Les Cayes.ÝIt serves a population of 60,000 Haitians providing a broad spectrum of services in family medicine.ÝSince 1947, this full service clinic has treated more than one million Haitian patients.

The clinic is located on a mission compound known as Citi Lumiere.ÝIn addition to the clinic, the compound is home to a dentistry, a rehabilitation clinic and brace shop, a Bible School, the Bernice Johnson Vocational School, several churches, and a Guest House.

In the past, Hosanna has brought a medical team which set up a remote hospital in the mountains of southern Haiti.Ý

This yearís trip will be a work group.ÝThe team will be working at the clinic and hospital for one week and is led by Pastor John Bjorge of Hosanna.Ý Other participants include Ron Moore, Rick Bahnemann, April and Mark Dietz.

The Goals:

1. To bring a loving Christian witness to those who are hurting, thus making visible the invisible Jesus.

2. To bring a skill or willingness to serve the Haitian people at the Sante Lumiere Clinic.

3. To encourage and support the Andersens in their work on behalf of Hosanna and in service to the Lord.

4. To enjoy the Haitian people, culture and hospitality as well as to experience daily life in the Third World.

5. To then be an ambassador of the Haitian plight to others here at home upon your return, thus getting others interested in ministering to, praying for, and serving the Haitian people.

ìMy greatest joy in going to Haiti is the opportunity I have to worship with the Haitian people.Ý Each year Iím asked to preach with the help of a translator.Ý I love doing that, but even more so I love to hear their exuberant singing and to see their profoundly deep faith.Ý It really touches my heart!Ý They minister to me,î Bjorge said.

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Forest Lake Times
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