Why do you have a heart for Haiti? Shortly after the earthquake in 2010, a friend gave me the book, The Hole in the Gospel by Richard Stearns. It literally changed my life. The generally narrow view from the American church is often void of the call to tend to those in real poverty. I believe God’s Word says to preach the Good News and offer a hand-up. This message is reinforced in the Bible over two-thousand times.

Why do you have a heart for Haiti?  My exposure to Haiti has been through my involvement with Haiti Gospel Outreach over the years. Their dedication and passion for the people of Haiti is nothing short of impressive, and I feel honored to be able to lend my skillset to the team. I haven’t (yet) had the privilege of visiting Haiti, but hopefully our actions can help usher in the Kingdom; in Haiti as it is in Heaven.

 

Why do you have a heart for Haiti? I remember my first trip to Haiti in January of 2013. It was sobering and humbling. I asked myself, “Why did God allow me to be born in the U.S., and these people to be born here?” I didn’t earn it or deserve it. My husband and I have often said to ourselves and our children, “We are blessed to be a blessing.” The need for development and discipleship is obvious in Haiti and we wanted to help if the Lord would lead. This was the start of a new chapter in our lives – to serve the Lord as we serve His children in Haiti.

 

Why do you have a heart for Haiti? I have a heart for Haiti because of I John 3:17-18 which says, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” This mandate went out to the early church and is certainly relevant still today. My heart’s wish is for the Lord to grant us favor as we serve our Haitian family with love, dignity and God’s truth.

 

Why do you have a heart for Haiti? I believe that I am responding to God’s heart for Haiti. My wife and I have served as career missionaries in several third-world nations and our hearts have been pierced by the plight of corruption filled countries and the suffering of the poor inhabitants in these places. Only Christ offers a solution that can change a nation. We want to be a part of bringing that change.

Why do you have a heart for Haiti? Scripture speaks to the heart, commanding the needy and marginalized be cared for. Visiting Haiti for me has confirmed the needs in a broken and complex country. HaitiGO speaks and acts upon a Biblical mandate to serve, love, provide a course of direction that feeds the hungry, trains students, cares for orphans and leaders, speaks the gospel in practical daily ways and sets individuals on a path of hope. The Biblical pattern of seeing a book of Acts, scriptural church planting, growing, meeting, training up, disciplining, and taking care of the less fortunate, is in place and being worked out in Haiti with the healthy partnership of stateside churches and ministries that come to encourage. It is refreshing and healthy to be a part of what God is doing and to come alongside Him as he works and we marvel.

Why do you have a heart for Haiti? It is always easy to see the hard things that are Haiti. Poverty, corruption, hopelessness, and hunger among them. When I have learned about the history and culture of Haiti, I have seen beautiful people, wondrous places, and a rich and complex history. I see God’s presence, timing, sovereignty, and generosity every time I see ministry happening in Haiti. It is amazing to experience God work through the magnificent people of Haiti, in spite of the spiritual challenges that surround the island, and I am excited to see how God will use his Haitian followers to further his Kingdom in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.

Why do you have a heart for Haiti? Ericlee Gilmore was my best friend and I had the privilege of watching and supporting him carry on the legacy of his grandparents and their work in Haiti. Ericlee’s love for the people of Haiti and his tireless work to help the ministry before his death in 2014 has always inspired and challenged me.  I too have come to love the people and nation of Haiti and feel a calling to participate in the work of the Gospel there.  By being a part of HaitiGO, I am able to pray, support, and encourage our Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ and see the Gospel heralded.