“I’m Glad You Are Here”

The congregation of Central Christian Church in Springfield, led by Reverend Carl Ruby, invited Haitian-Ohioans to worship together in their house of God.

Viles Dorsainvil, head of the Haitian Community Help & Support Center, attended the service. “It’s important to be here because we’re Christian — despite everything, we worship in good times and bad times,” he told the Associated Press. “I’m relieved that I’m in the presence of God. It’s therapeutic.”

Church members passed out thousands of palm cards around Springfield. “I’m glad you are here. Christ loves you and so do I,” read the message in English and Kreyol.

The article also quotes Bernardette Dor, a pastor at The First Haitian Church.

“We are united. It is time for good to stand for good. This time the city of Springfield, Haitian people, asked the Lord to stay together to fight for good ... America is a great loving country, and American people care for people.”