Central College students in Haiti for spring break mission trip
PELLA, Iowa — Two Central College students teamed up with Second Reform Church in Pella for a spring break mission trip to Pignon, Haiti, continuing work that has been done on previous trips. They worked with United Christians International, an organization that seeks to develop churches and train missionaries in Haiti. The group spent a week of their time in Haiti from March 10 through March 18.
Danielle Vesneske, a junior elementary education major from Davenport, Wash., and Ashley Kinkade, a junior elementary education major from Oskaloosa, Iowa, have both been to Haiti before.
Vesneske was deeply impacted by her earlier trip to Haiti.
“When we left in August, I knew I would be back,” said Vesneske. “I still don’t know if this is a one-time trip for me to practice compassion and grow, or if this is just the beginning of my story and life in Haiti.”
The group participated in a variety of projects, including leading Vacation Bible School, teaching seminars, pouring cement floors, helping with irrigation ditches, painting, prayer walks, food distribution, water purification and liturgical dances.
Jon Witt, professor of sociology, and retired faculty Dale DeWild, previous professor of sociology, also accompanied the group.
Central College is a four-year, private, residential, liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa, affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. Central offers a bachelor’s degree in 39 majors and pre-professional advising. For more information about Central, go to www.central.edu or call 877-462-3687.
