By WGGB Staff

LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WGGB) -- The First Church of Christ in Longmeadow has had a special bond with the people of Haiti for more than a dozen years, so the local congregation felt a personal blow when an earthquake caused much destruction and death on the island.

The church's involvement has been more than financial, as a number of people from the church have traveled to the country, including Mary Friedman and Mark Pohlman, who spent time in Haiti in November.

Pictures on the wall of the church depict friends in Haiti, including translators, young missionaries and even a boy that had been adopted. All are safe people at the church said Friday.

However, the school to which the church had a connection had collapsed, and it is presumed nursing students in the building at the time are dead.

A special service has been planned at the church for the people of Haiti Sunday.