Mission of Hope Haiti Carried Out by Locals

Haitian boy who just received eye surgery

Hill Country Bible Church in Austin is one of many pieces of the puzzle making up a larger help effort for the people of earthquake-shaken Haiti.

Its pastor, Tim Hawks, wrote an update to his congregation about the relief efforts taking place by central Texans, which includes doctors, missionaries, registered nurses, and the countless others who have donated supplies and money.

He writes via Facebook, "I cannot begin to tell you all the "only God could do this" events that
have happened over the last several days regarding our relief efforts in Haiti. Each time something new happens, I just stop in my tracks in utter amazement at how God has connected the right people with
the right skills at the right time to bring about miracles in Haiti."

The church joined Mission of Hope Haiti, comprised of various organizations like Texas Orthopedics, St. David's Hospital employees, and Travis County Medical Society.  Friday, nearly half a dozen people from these groups returned home, met by their families and friends at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.  Saturday, 11 more from the same mission came home as the next team leaves for Haiti.

But this is just the beginning.  Chris Merrell, Hill Country Bible Church's Global Outreach Pastor, said teams will be forming for the next several months to fly on chartered planes to Haiti.  They will each spend one week there, and return home for the next team to fly out.

Amy Baker, the church's communication director, also said the tons of supplies, literally, collected for Haiti was just delivered in the past few days.  Other supplies are still being collected also.  Hawkins said money is definitely welcomed, and buys items like microscopes, X-ray machines, surgical instruments, and meals.  If you'd like to help donate, Mission of Hope would like to hear from you.