Hello I’m Hungry

We were warned that the moment we crossed the border into Haiti we would see a dramatic difference and feel a major shift.

Oh boy was that true!

Just feet over the border we witnessed poverty unlike what we saw in the DR – beggars, tent village after tent village, the list could go on.

During our ministry over the last week, we have been asked for money, possessions, and food several times each day.  It makes me wonder if the Haitians are used to receiving free handouts from Americans.  If so, is that actually beneficial or is a bigger problem created?

Free-handouts may be beneficial for reaching immediate needs and helping someone get back onto their one feet is great, but if it continues it could easy created dependence.

What happens when Americans leave the country, no longer feel the desire to support the Haitians, or no longer have the funds to do so:  Dependence will remain, a right will have been formed, and a more serious problem will linger.

While in the DR, our contact Raul, made it a point to teach his congregation "how to fish".  He didn't want us passing out "free fish".  During every service, a member would proudly walk to the podium, grab the microphone to share a personal testimony explaining how God provided the funds required to purchase their very own Bible!  They were being taught that hard work, personal drive, and dedication are necessary to get the things they need and want in life.

I wonder if these same lessons are being instilled into the Haitian people.

The way people ask it seems as though this important life lesson is NOT being taught.  When we're asked for something, it's more like an expectation or even a demand.  However, our answer always remains the same:

SILVER AND GOLD HAVE I NONE, BUT WHAT I HAVE I WILL GIVE, THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.

Nearly every time we're asked for money or possessions, we offer to pray for that person – some accept while others don't – we ask God to bless that person and to provide them with their heart's desires.

While walking home from the market on Friday, October 5, we passed a beggar.  He was an older gentleman; his body was thin and frail.  He was sitting on the ground with his body leaned up against the side of a building and on his knee lay a large infected wound.  As we walked by, he reached his hands out to us.  He was clearly asking for money.

We didn't speak the same language – we only speak English, he only spoke Creole – but our hearts connected.  We immediately began praying for him.  Becky got down on his level and looked him into the eyes.  We were all speaking life, hope, and truth into him while showing the love of Jesus Christ; he soon began crying!

It was obvious that he has been overlooked for quite some time.  People have written him off and would never consider sitting next to him, let alone touch him or look deep into his sweet eyes.  While we were unable to meet his physical needs, we met his emotional and spiritual needs.  That day, however, he was SEEN.  He felt special and loved.