Making a difference in Haiti

"I learned a lot of things from you and your team â€¦not only about medicine -- but about love and how many people care for others."

These words were excerpted from a note written by Jacob Baptiste (a fifth-year medical student at the Haitian Academy) -- a note that meant a lot to the St. Luke's UMC congregation in Indianapolis and the Timmy Foundation. Jacob's thank-you note was sent following a medical mission in October when nine St. Luke's members accompanied the Timmy Foundation on a humanitarian mission to Haiti. The mission was made possible by a fall fundraiser for the Haitian Academy that netted more than $56,000. The Timmy Team included physicians, nurses, an EMT, a lab technician, a pharmacist, computer consultants, therapists, a preschool teacher, an International Studies graduate, pastors, three college and two high school students.

During the six days, working with medical students, they set up a pharmacy (with donated medicine), set up and ran remote treatment clinics at various sites, purchased and distributed food items to the orphanage and ministered physically, emotionally and spiritually to hundreds. Kay Walla, chair of World Missions, speaks of a continued commitment to the Haitian Academy project. "We will carry the picture of the orphans ever in our hearts," said Walla. "And we will remember the love of 21 Americans, whose backgrounds, opinions and religions vary -- but who joined together in a common cause to bring medicine and love to God's people in Haiti."

Based on information provided by work team members.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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