A Work and Witness team from the Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Church of the Nazarene was putting the finishing touches on rebuilding a clinic in Haiti last Saturday morning when tragedy struck.

Paul Dennis, a 52-year-old known for his love of helping others, was hurt in a construction accident and was not able to recover from his injuries. He passed away shortly after the accident despite receiving immediate medical attention from doctors who were part of the team.

Fergus Falls pastor Steven Hoffman was part of the Work and Witness team and was present to counsel team members. The group, who was in Bleck near the Dominican Republic border, conducted outreach projects later that day before returning Sunday to Port-au-Prince as scheduled.

They returned home to Minnesota on Wednesday.

Dennis recently served the Prairie Lakes District as Nazarene Missions International president and deputation coordinator. He was Minnesota's NMI district president for a year before the Dakota and Minnesota districts became the Prairie Lakes District. 

He is survived by his wife Lori, who did not make the trip, and two children, Meghan (Hunter) Matt and Jeremy (Beth).

The Dennis family asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Work and Witness, Church of the Nazarene. For information on how to donate and for an opportunity to sign a guest book, click here. 

Prayer is requested for the Dennis family and members of the Fergus Falls team.