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Just The Beginning...
 On Thursday, January 28th, 2010,
Bishop Carlton T. Brown, joined by Associate Pastor Gordon E. Williams, Elder
Vincent Williams, Deacon Jose Audel, and long time medial missions associate
Analisa Chery, RN arrived in the Dominican Republic in an effort to contribute
critically needed aid to the Earthquake victims in Haiti. The Bethel team was
also joined by the Arise and Walk Foundation Ministry team led by its director
Dr. Mark Wade.
Though a different type of trip to the area had been previously planned to
prepare for an upcoming medical missions trip Bishop Carlton Brown determined
that a team effort was required
as to go into Port Au Prince and the Carrefore locations in Haiti. Having
expanded the mission and composition of the original team, the Bethel Gospel
Assembly church family raised more than $15,000 in one short week, consisting
of financial and material support to assist the team in adding to the relief
efforts that continues to pour into Haiti from around the world. Arriving at
the border from Santa Domingo on Friday and entering into Port au Prince on
Saturday, the team was able to negotiate the delivery of a truck load of Wheel
chairs, Walkers, as well as personally target and deliver badly needed
generators to a MASH type medical unit stationed on the grounds of a police
compound next to the collapsed presidential palace.
 The team witnessed first
hand the mass destruction and squalid conditions that descended upon this
struggling but proud and vibrant people. As they moved among the people they
observed the hundreds of thousands that have taken refuge, in emergency
shelters, hospitals, makes shift tents, or even in the crevices of their
collapsed homes, Yet, at the same time they found them to be resilient and
hopeful as they braved through the heavy stench of death in the air, and
undeniable pangs of hunger and thirst that that were constant companions in
each passing days quest to rise above the rubble.
 As they
spoke to and prayed with the victims in the "tent communities" that have sprung
up throughout the city, they could not help but have an increased concerned for
their welfare once the rainy season began. With the high volume of refuse on
the streets, conditions are ripe for a major outbreak of infectious diseases
that promise to play havoc with the numbers that tally current listing of the
sick and the dead.
Bishop Carlton Brown, and his leaders continue to contemplate Bethel's future
investment in the spiritual health and physical recovery of the land of Haiti.
In the words of Bishop Carlton, " we have only just begun to make our presence
felt on the Island of Haiti. We believe that God has called us to expand our
territories to include these beautiful people, who are strong in faith, but
still in need of support from their
brothers and sisters beyond their borders. God has not condemned, but rather
God has called the faith community to action against those elements the enemy
has sent to kill, steal and destroy. In the midst of this disaster I still see
the potential, and a purpose yet to be fulfilled in this land of Haiti. Our
response to God's call is to see His glory established through every resource
He makes available to us toward this end. Our message is that IT IS NOT OVER,
WE HAVE ONLY JUST BEGUN!"
The photos you will see from our trip were taken by Shahar Azran, a renown and
greatly respected photographer whose international connections was extremely
helpful in difficult situations faced by the team. Donating his time, talent
and experience, he has provided Bethel with a photographic record that allows
us to share with you all that we have seen on what will be the first of many
interventions in store for our congregation and the people of Haiti. As you
review the photos please consider joining with us in our efforts to rebuild
this nation.
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