For several years Trinity Lutheran church members have shared a partnership with the congregations of Bonne Nouelle Episcopal in Bigonet, Haiti and St. James Episcopal in Minneapolis. Shown during a March visit to Haiti with members of the sewing and tailoring class taught by Madame Kerline Noncent are Louise Robinson, Liz Coldwell, Kathi Johnson, Pastor Kris Garey and Ruth Anne Olson.
For several years Trinity has shared a partnership with the congregations of Bonne Nouelle (Good News) Episcopal in the village of Bigonet, Haiti and St. James Episcopal in Minneapolis. A lot has been learned, and the learning expanded this March when Kathi Johnson, Pastor Kris Garey, both of Hovland and Ruth Anne Olson, a part-time Hovland resident, joined other St. James members to visit Bigonet.
What an adventure! Many people would ask ahead of time, “what are you going to do?” The answer, “spend time with people” seemed inadequate, but became true as the group met open arms and homes and learned from people whose lives are exceedingly difficult.
One specific part of the visit was bringing fabric for the newly initiated “sewing and tailoring” vocational class established by the school in Bigonet. Many people from Hovland, Cook County and the Twin Cities gave fabric and sewing items.
The partnership expanded—an example is the quilters of Bethlehem Lutheran in Grand Marais offered fabric, then the congregation helped with funding for the school in Haiti. More lives working together.
You can see photos, art objects from Haiti, and hear some of the adventure stories that accompany such a trip at a presentation at Trinity, 4957 E. Highway 61 on Tuesday August 19, 7 p.m.
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