There's More to Haiti

I love listening to and telling stories. So it's no surprise that one of my primary goals with this ministry is to simply, "Tell the stories." Often times when people talk about Haiti, and other third world countries, the stories tend to focus on poverty. This is understandable, because poverty is real. Very real. I don't want to turn a blind eye or downplay it in any way.

But, there's more to Haiti. So much more. And I hope to show the "more" by sharing a variety of videos, pictures and stories with you. Who knows, maybe you'll see Haiti in a whole new light.

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day here in the United States. Mother's Day in Haiti is the last Sunday in May. On this special day, I can't help but think of all the Haitian mommas I've met. The picture above shows some of the Haitian mommas that were part of the Women's Bible Study we held on my last trip. One of my favorite memories with these women was when we taught them the Macarena. Oh how we laughed and laughed. We had such a great time. It's like all of their cares (and ours) melted away when we danced to that song. I wish we had a video, but it is forever etched in my mind. These sweet women have touched my heart, and when I think about these women, I can't help but think about how this new sewing program has the potential to dramatically transform women's lives....mentally, physically and spiritually. But, not only their lives, but their families as well. I am excited just thinking about all of the God-honoring stories that will one day come out of this program.

So today we wait...expectantly...for God's plan to be revealed.

We know He knows the perfect location in Port-de-Paix to house the sewing program.

We know He knows each of the sewing program participants by name.

He knows who's going to partner with us.

He knows how the story will go.

The Haiti 323 Project Is Born

My first trip to Haiti in October 2012 was a remarkable experience. In some ways, it is hard to put into words. I felt both despair and hope. Deep sadness and great joy. Fear and peace. But, more than anything, I felt God's presence. He was there, just as He is here - whether we realize it or not.

I've visited Port-de-Paix three times on short-term trips. By going back to the same location, I have been blessed to become friends with Larry and Diana Owen, many Haitians - both youth and adults - and my fellow "Haiti Mateys" (other trip participants). It was on my 2013 trip that I felt called to do something more, although I wasn't quite sure what.

Through a series of conversations and many prayers, the Haiti 323 Project was born. The 323 stands for Colossians 3:23 which says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

I chose this verse, because it talks about the importance of working for the Lord regardless of occupation. I felt like this verse tied in nicely with the Haiti 323 Project's purpose of  providing vocational training, through sewing and apprenticeship programs, in Port-de-Paix.

The Northwest region of Haiti lacks many educational and vocational training opportunities. This project will help fill the gap by providing much needed training so program participants can secure good paying jobs to provide for themselves and their families. In addition to vocational training, the Haiti 323 Project will continue spreading the Gospel and showing God's love among the Haitian people.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]