Story and Photo by the Women of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada

VIRGIL1ONT.

Haiti was the theme at the Women of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada's Fall Enrichment Day on Oct. 23, when 125 women gathered at Bethany Mennonite Church, Virgil.

Donna Thiessen from Vineland, Ont., the morning speaker, arrived in Haiti shortly before the earthquake struck. Thankfully, the Baptist Haiti Mission is high on a hill and was able to maintain some contact with the outside world. Throughout her week there Thiessen said she felt God's presence as she assisted with supplying food and medical care to as many as possible.

Heidi Wagler, a musician from Tavistock, shared her story of hope in spite of pain and hurt in her life. She referred to Psalm 27 and how she felt led to produce a CD, Healing and Hope for the Nations, the proceeds of which are directed to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to rebuild lives in Haiti.

Erna Neufeldt, president of Mennonite Women Canada, highlighted changes to the national organization's constitution that focus on reaching out to all women. Liz Koop was recognized for her five years of work on the program committee and affirmed in her new role as presidentelect of MW Canada. Diana Gallego from Toronto has also agreed to serve on that committee.

To conclude the day, Leah Reesor and Luke Keller, recent participants in a Work and Learn Team in Haiti, shared their experiences. After giving a brief history of Haiti's economic development, they showed a video highlighting MCC's current involvement there. They encouraged the women to pray and contact the Canadian government about how money promised for Haiti is being spent.