Those in attendance described the joyous, emotion-filled two-and-a-half hour dedication service for a church building in rural Haiti as "unforgettable."

The service was a highlight for 26 Southern Nazarene University students, faculty, and staff during the May 15-24 trip to the Caribbean island nation still recovering from a devastating January 2010 earthquake.  

In the days before the evening dedication service, the SNU team, together with 15 students and sponsors from Olivet Nazarene University, put a roof on the building, built pews and a pulpit, and painted inside and out. They also conducted a medical clinic that treated 150 patients and conducted a Vacation Bible School for children of the village.
     
The 2011 SNU senior class gift was presented to the president of the Haiti Nazarene Bible College, Lucien Jean-Baptiste. The gift, an electronic keyboard, amplifier, and speaker for the Bible College's chapel, was presented by the members of the senior class. 

A brass plaque is being placed in the chapel recognizing the bonds of friendship that exist between SNU and the Haiti Nazarene Bible College. 

"I loved meeting some of the top leaders of the country. It was cool to see how excited they were to receive the gift. It was great to see how it will impact and help the students in Haiti," graduated senior Andrew Blakeman said.
--Southern Nazarene University