Ministry Partner:
Mission of Hope for Haiti (www.mohhaiti.org)
Their vision: “As an organization following Jesus Christ, Mission of Hope exists to bring life transformation to every man, woman, and child in Haiti. We desire to serve the nation of Haiti, and see lives changed.”
One of my favorite parts of their ministry is called “Indigenous Mobilization.” Their mission extends far beyond being a North American organization there to bring relief to Haiti. They strategically develop Haitian national leaders to carry Jesus to their own nation. They are very passionate about giving them the tools they need to essentially take ownership, care for, and love their own nation. Because of this, Haitians were at the forefront of every ministry we did. North Americans didn’t get the credit as some sort of savior coming to rescue them from poverty. The credit went to God as the Haitian leaders worked and met needs out of several local village churches. That model of a church was beautiful to see. And the trusting relationship between the village leaders and the families was awesome.
Town:
Titanyen, Haiti
What did daily ministry look like?
Construction, painting new houses (for families who were still living in a tent from the earthquake 5yrs ago), VBS for the MOH orphan kiddos, and lots of village time. Village time was two-fold. First and foremost it was about building relationships with the families in several different villages around Titanyen, Haiti. Second, we were responsible for gathering data (sort-of like a census) so that MOH could identify and better meet the needs of the communities. Along with this census, we gave a basic community health presentation and were able to assess the health needs of each family. These communities had many active Christians in them, so whether or not they knew Christ, we were able to encourage them in their faith, listen to their own stories, field any questions they might have, and love on them with the love of Jesus!
Some of my favorite moments:
Village time was my favorite (and also most exhausting) part of this month. The Haitian culture is very open and inviting. They are focused on relationships and love to tell life stories. I loved being able to spend quality time getting to know those sweet families and encourage them in Jesus!
Housing:
We were so blessed to have dormitories with bunk beds. Actual beds! Several nights I pulled my mattress out onto the breezeway, set up my bug net and slept outside since it was quite a bit cooler and the wind was nice.
Bathrooms:
Cold showers, actual toilets.
Food:
I can’t complain about any of my food these two months! We had hot food for almost every meal. Oatmeal, cereal, FRUIT, pancakes, french toast for breakfast. PB&J for most lunches. Various pasta, cheese bread, VEGGIES (thank the Lord), soup, fried chicken, and dessert almost every night.
Off-Days:
We didn’t have as much down-time this month, so when we did have off days, I was exhausted! So, on our designated “beach day” I decided to use it for a day of rest/packing. Sometimes rest is just better than beaches 🙂 But I’m sure I will see some beautiful beaches in Costa next month!
Challenges:
Spiritually and emotionally this was a pretty challenging month for me. I think that is one reason I’ve had trouble writing a blog. I keep trying to figure out how to write it in words and make a blog out of it, but it hasn’t happened yet. So, in the right timing, it will. I’m just being pushed and being made uncomfortable in alot of ways, but I have also never felt God’s love in such a tangible way.
What I’m looking forward to about next month:
Next month is the first time I am at a ministry site with only my team of 6 people. I’m excited to be a little more independent and have then opportunity to really get united as a team apart from the group!
