A team traveling from Pennsylvania to Haiti was in the Fort Lauderdale airport yesterday when a gunman began shooting in the baggage claim area of Terminal 2. The group of seven from Myerstown, Pa., were headed to work with the Young Lights Church that is part of Breathe Partners, a cooperating ministry in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.
Dan O’Deens, founder and executive director of Breathe Partners, reports that the group was about 200 feet from the situation but never in danger. The Patrick Kreiser family from New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church, Myerstown, Pa., was part of the group, according to Keith Shearer, pastor.
O’Deens talked with the group several hours after the incident.
“After feeling like victims being rushed to the Taramac at gunpoint and 5 hours later they were just let back inside,” he reported on Facebook. “They were told their checked bags would not be going to their destination and would be screened and then sent back to their home address. All of their trip and ministry stuff was inside. We will work with them. They are safe. Exhausted and in need of process and rest. Please pray for them. They were about 200 feet from the situation. Not near the gunshot. We rejoice for their safety. Pray for the Breathe Team as we now get to minister to them as well.”
The group has made the decision to go ahead with their trip. Stephanie Taylor, Compassion Corp coordinator for Breathe Partners in Haiti, will meet them upon their arrival. Prayer is requested for them as they process the event and work to encourage the churches in Haiti.