Concordia students serve on Haiti mission trip

Published by Concordia University, Nebraska 8 years ago on Wed, Aug 19, 2015 10:26 AM
The Haiti mission trip team includes (from l-r): Dr. Van Vahle, Karlee Romine, Edwin Izumigawa, Sarah Weishaar, Danielle Jarvis, Elisha Scheiber, Kara Weishaar, Alexander Scheiber, Erika Neugebauer, and Naomi Pfeil; not pictured: Joshua Weishaar

Concordia University, Nebraska students embarked on a mission trip July 27–Aug. 11 to serve Haitians by helping in medical clinics, teaching English and equipping the citizens to continue to rebuild their lives after the 2010 earthquake. 

“Our hearts are in Haiti, and we are ready to serve our Lord by caring for his children,” said 2015 alumnus Alexander Scheiber, a returning mission worker to Haiti, before the trip. “God is continuing to open door after door for us, which is so comforting and reassuring that we are on the right path.”

The students, joined by Seward, Nebraska, physician Dr. Van Vahle, helped run a medical clinic each morning for the town of Thomassique where they performed some basic exams, gathered medical supplies and conducted research to educate the community members on healthy living so they can continue leading healthy lives long after the mission team leaves.

“Our mission is to stop the enabling and start empowering the people of Haiti,” said Scheiber. “With the Lord's help, we want to teach them skills and give them knowledge on how to live better lives, using their own hands and minds.”

The team also taught English lessons at a local school and worked with the town’s volleyball team to improve their skills and boost the town’s morale around the team.

The first trip of Concordia students to Haiti occurred in 2013. The team holds weekly devotions and regular fundraisers throughout the year to bond and make the trip a reality 

“The best part is that we are seeing connections being made, not only within our team, but also within the Seward community and beyond,” said Scheiber. “We want to see our brothers and sisters in Christ again and see how God has been working in their lives since our last trip.”

Students who participated in the trip include (alphabetical by state, city, last name):

  • Joshua Weishaar, senior, Salinas, Calif.
  • Sarah Weishaar, freshman, Salinas, Calif.
  • Edwin Izumigawa, alumnus, Pearl City, Hawaii
  • Naomi Pfeil, senior, Hiawatha, Iowa
  • Karlee Romine, sophomore, Topeka, Kan.
  • Danielle Jarvis, alumna, Hamilton, Mont.
  • Erika Neugebauer, alumna, Gering, Neb.
  • Kara Einspahr, alumna, Seward, Neb.
  • Alexander Scheiber, alumnus, Seward, Neb.
  • Elisha Scheiber, freshman, Seward, Neb.
  • Dr. Van Vahle, Concordia campus and Seward community doctor

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