Local Missionaries to Travel to Haiti

DUBOIS---Hope Missions DuBois had a trip planned to the Dominican Republic to finish a school they built there last year, but when they saw the devastation in Haiti after the earthquake in Port Au Prince, their plans changed. They raised $6,500 to buy food and water, but they soon realized that the greatest need there is basic shelter. “They’re saying six weeks from now they’re going to come into their rainy season, and if you can only imagine what some of these people are going to have to go through who are just surviving right now under a blanket or a towel,” said Hope missionary, Kevin Ferra. They contacted Coleman, who offered to sell them eight-person tents for $75 dollars each. They’re sold for $180 in stores. Hope Missions DuBois bought 100, which they will deliver along with the supplies at the end of the month. “The supplies that we’re bringing is going to mean for these people between life and death for a lot of them,” said Hope missionary Lena Ogershok, “The area that we’re going into there has not really been supplied yet with anything. I know that they’re desperate for the food.” But all the missionaries say they get back so much more than they give. “When you can see the happiness and the smiles on these people’s faces over the smallest things, and you just know they don’t have a thing, it is just such a blessing to my heart, and to me, it shows me there’s things in my life that I don’t really need,” said Ogershok. The group will fly to the Dominican Republic on February 26. From there they will buy supplies, pick up the tents, and drive a truck to Haiti. They are still raising money for more supplies and to help with shipping costs. If you would like to help, you can visit any Savings and Trust Bank branch in the Clearfield or Jefferson County area with a check made out to Hope Missions DuBois. For more information, call the Tri-County Church of God at (814)371-0727.