“Mwen remen ou” (Creole for “I love you”) is a phrase that goes a long way in Haiti at the orphanage my wife Ericka and I served as site leaders a few weeks ago as part of the HOPE Youth Corps (HYC), a program of HOPE worldwide. Three teams have gone so far this summer.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." - John 14:18
We lived in an orphanage of over 70 children in Ganthier, Haiti. This is approximately a one hour drive outside of the capital Port-au-Prince. In some ways, the facility may be seen as a microcosm of the country. There are many immediate needs such as clean running water, steady electricity, disease and security just to name a few. We were able to spend quality time with the children, worship with the Church in Port-au-Prince as well as visit areas affected by the 2010 earthquake.
Many of the orphans lost their families because of the earthquake, others are there having been victims of abuse. Each child hungers for love and compassion in this environment where one can easily feel entirely alone. While we were there, the HYC volunteers not only lovingly served the children, we were also able to implement a curriculum in a classroom setting to teach the children many spiritual lessons. Some of the classes were about Jesus‘ love, heaven and what family means. (See Video below)
One of hundreds of locations where thousands live in tents throughout Haiti due to the 7.0 earthquake in 2010.The children greatly enjoyed drawing what they imagined heaven to look like and doing arts and crafts as part of the lessons. In turn, the they taught us Haitian Creole, how much energy they have (they often wore us out!), and the value of love.
Our primary goal was to share Christ’s love with them and help them understand that though we come and go, God’s love will remain. We often prayed with them and were able to reinforce the biblical lessons throughout our stay.
On a larger scale, the country is still going through many challenges such as dealing with Cholera, obtaining basic needs such as running water, electricity and living in a safe and secure environment. While we visited the capital, we witnessed considerable damage that remains untouched. The tent cities, where literally hundreds of thousands live throughout the region, extend far and wide in many areas.
In spite of the difficult task of repairing the whole country, the faithful Haitian brothers and sisters in the Haitian Churches are a beacon of hope. We had the joy of spending time with them and many of us felt as though we witnessed the pages of the book of Acts come to life right in front of our eyes. The love, joy and spiritual conviction of our brothers and sisters in Haiti is inspiring. So far, after the earthquake, there have been over 200 baptisms and restorations and at least 15 marriages!
Jorel and Junie Claude serve as leaders for the Port-au-Prince Church. Junie shared with me that with a sisterhood of approximately 250, they recently had an attendance of close to 700 for their Women’s Day event!
Please Pray for:
2) To finish building School of HOPE Haiti in Bodarie. Since 2004, they have been working to complete this school and you may find out more information here: haitiansupport.org
3) For the Cholera Problem: During 10 months, there have been over 6,000 people who died from Cholera in Haiti. The problem is continuing.
4) Pray for Them to Obtain Grants: Funds are needed to continue to work for the communities and the disciples who have many basic needs. Pray specifically for the poorest among them. Such needed funds will determine the future of HOPE in Haiti.
5) For the Country: For the political leaders have wisdom from God to know how to manage Haiti and to lead the country for and to God.
The time spent serving in this beautiful country with the HYC was incredible to say the least. The needs are many and there is still a long way to go before many get back on their feet. The lives of each HYC volunteer was deeply affected and many changed forever. We were able to share God’s love with the orphans and several have kept in touch with the children. Lastly, the faithfulness, joy and love of the Haitian Church is strong and a great example to the kingdom of God around the world. Keep Haiti in your prayers, and if you ever have the chance to go, take it.
Chris Haddock
2011 HYC Haiti 3