GREENE — A local family’s church mission to Haiti was cut short after the country’s presidential elections were canceled and rioting began.
Phil and Navana Kern, along with their teenage daughter, Alex, were on a mission in Haiti to help build a church and provide clothing and medicine to local orphans.
They spent two weeks in the country, experiencing the culture and the people, as well as working hard to encourage the church construction.
The Kern family is part of the Greene Christian Community Church in Greene.
The church is a tightly knit group whose members were more than happy to welcome the family home at its weekly service on Sunday.
During the church service, the Kern family recounted their trip, including traveling to Haiti, the slight culture shock and the joy they felt helping over 100 children who needed clothing and medicine — and some candy.
Presidential and legislative elections were scheduled for Jan. 24 in Haiti, during the Kern’s mission visit. Then the decision was made days before to cancel the election, just as previous elections have been canceled there.
Then the rioting began.
Unfortunately, the embassy advised the Kerns to leave the country for their safety after the rioting began, so the trip was cut a few days short.
“It was scary when we left,” Navana said. “It wasn’t safe at that point.”
The Kerns explained that the night the riots began, they heard gunshots and loud booms, which they later learned were tear gas canisters exploding. A police officer was shot only two blocks from their hotel.
“This is reality; we lived it,” Phil said. “We have a lot to do if we want to continue to help these people.”
Despite the frightening situation, the Kerns said they were still glad to have gone.
“It made a huge impact on the people of Haiti, it brought them hope, which they desperately need,” Phil said.
Another family from the Greene Christian Community Church is scheduled to start a mission trip to Haiti in March, but it may have to be postponed if the situation has not improved.
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