Three months ago, parishioners at Olive Knolls Church in north Bakersfield were providing humanitarian aid on the ground in Haiti.
"Many of our kids have been there, and so we're telling them just to remember and to continue to pray for their families."
It was the message Pastor Jason Evoy delivered to his youth group Wednesday evening at the Olive Knolls Church.
One day after seeing the destruction and devastation caused by the 7.0 earthquake.
"I was pretty shocked and stunned, we have close relationships with people that are there," said Evoy.
In November, the church sent a team to Haiti, improving people's access to food, and clean water, even opening the doors to a new church.
"I've seen Hurricane Katrina, I've seen tsunami on the news, but this one really hit home." said Josiah Jones who travelled to Haiti with the church last year.
I have friends it Haiti that are being affected right now," said Jones.
For Melissa Thornton it was hard knowing the people she had helped now face life or death.
"I broke down in class, said Thornton, "I could not believe this is happening, they live in a third world country and now to go through this."
The church is planning another trip to Haiti, hoping to bring the good will of Bakersfield, and hoping to help rebuild the country and repair lives.
"When we are able we are going to go we have a doctor ready to go, I'm ready to go to do whatever is needed and asked of us to get resources and fly there," said Evoy.
The group still needs donations for their trip.
They also need supplies like food, water, and clothing they hope to be on the ground in Haiti as soon as possible.
If you are interested in helping the church help the people in Haiti, call 399-3303 or log onto
www.oliveknolls.com.
