This month I asked the Rev. Daniel Layden, rector of St. Alban’s, Fort Wayne, to share about his experience in Haiti as a part of the relief effort following the devastating earthquake earlier this year.

While I am on the subject of mission, I am pleased to announce that Camp New Happenings, our camp for the children of prisoners, was named a Jubilee Ministry by the Episcopal Church, the second such ministry in our diocese.

Yours in Christ,

+Ed

My Trip to Haiti

On Sunday May 16^th 2010, I learned a lesson I will never forget. There I stood in the ruins of Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on the Sunday after the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord. I walked with a few others from our mission team through the rubble. We found what appeared to be the sacristy. On the ground we saw the diocesan shield for the Diocese of Haiti. Then something amazing happened. Coming from behind the rubble of the building we could hear music and a priest boldly proclaiming the gospel. We heard a great multitude praising God. My soul has seldom been touched so deeply. Their faith reminded me of a saying from a wise priest, “The Church is what you have left after the building is gone.” I always thought this to be true, but I never thought I would experience such profound faith.

Shortly after the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12^th 2010, the executive pastor of the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne called me up and asked me to help lead a mission team to Haiti. My hand shook as Roger Reece talked, but something deep within me decided to say yes. I was glad I did.

It was clear to me that God was guiding this journey from the beginning. I was fortunate to be the coordinator and chaplain of a group of twenty-two people, mostly medically trained, from all different churches in the Fort Wayne area. We went to Haiti from May 11^th through the 20^th. The focus of the mission trip was medical relief. In six days of clinics we saw and treated over 700 people. Most of these people had never or rarely seen a doctor. Many were dealing with complications from the earthquake as a result of living in a disaster area for the last four months. It was amazing to watch trained people set up clinic in tough situations and help so many. Further, it was incredible to be a part of such a diverse group of Christians who all had servant hearts. I certainly reflected deeply on when Jesus prayed that we be one as He and the Father are one. Through the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne we hope to continue to develop this mission ministry. In fact the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne is in process of developing a sister relationship with a group of churches in Haiti called “Mission Sociale Des Eglises Haitiennes” or “Misseh” for short. Like the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne, “Misseh” connects many different Christian denominations and networks through collaborative ministries.

The most amazing aspect of this mission trip experience was encountering the Haitian people. The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is one of the largest in the Episcopal Church, and it is easy to see why. They have an unshakeable faith and courage that is a tremendous witness of God’s love to all. Their road ahead is not easy. The story of this earthquake has fallen from the front pages. However, our support of our brothers and sisters in Haiti should never falter. I pray it does not.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Dan Layden

P.S. Images of the trip can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucP8NDrdcUg