Deploying teams to Haiti
A multi-cultural, multi-national team of Free Methodist denominational leaders are currently strategizing how, together as the body of Christ, we will provide disaster relief while keeping everyone’s safety and security in mind. The team’s foremost desire is that our efforts honor our Haitian brothers and sisters by working with them and not around them. Our leaders want to put their best foot forward when you land in Haiti in order to honor your time, talent and the resources invested in the recovery following the aftermath of the earthquake.
Your safety and security is a priority … as is the safety and security of our Haitian brothers and sisters!
Church leaders are jumping in to help, but jumping in with their eyes
wide open and with the goal of being biblically sound in their approach to
strengthening the Haitian Church for the long term, and being strategic in
planning for immediate needs. As a connected church we’re different than an aid
organization. We’re a church! We’ve
worked in Haiti for over four decades and there is great wisdom to draw from in
our Haitian church leadership.
There’s only room for one Savior …
… and that’s our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heroism has its place, but serving with Christ-like humility is what really matters. Not everyone can be the first to respond, but everyone can respond first by seeing through the eyes of others. Your service is valued. The deployment timeline will be in cooperation with the receiving facilitators and coordinated through VISA Ministries.
The Body of Christ
The Free Methodist Church in Haiti is 15,599 members strong. The Church is deeply committed to evangelism and seeing Haiti turn its allegiance from satan to Christ. It’s probably safe to say that if you’re reading this page, you’ve never experienced the kind of relentless spiritual warfare our Haitian brothers and sisters have faced, or expended the kind of energy it takes them for the activities of daily living.
When you go to Haiti, try putting yourself in the shoes of our Haitian brothers and sisters and consider the ramifications of corruption and the flood of foreign aid that for many seems to always miss the mark. Consider the plight of rebuilding and what it means when your only hope is in the Lord because nothing else is a sure thing.
There’s a very informative and eye-opening book entitled When Helping Hurts which you may find helpful as you ponder the magnitude of the crisis in Haiti and consider the implications of the actions we take as a team, now and long into the future. See the sidebar for a link to resources from the When Helping Hurts authors.
Your presence will be an encouragement
Haiti has been plagued with several natural disasters in recent years and each time relief efforts have been launched, but it’s your presence that will be an encouragement to the people of Haiti and if channeled appropriately, will empower them as they help direct our efforts.
Collaboration is the key
You are being invited to participate with the Lord in rebuilding lives. After the news media is gone, after the aid agencies have left, the Free Methodist Church around the world will continue to stand by our Haitian brothers and sisters and your commitment to help for the long haul is valued as well.
We will meet the most critical needs of the church first
Please note the Free Methodist Church Response Plan ABCD written by Bishop David Roller on January 19, 2010.
The priority for brick-and-mortar relief will be given to rebuilding schools and housing for Haitian leaders. The priority for medical work will be channeled through Dessalines Hospital
The Church needs you; Haiti needs you
Could it be the Lord is calling you to assist in responding to the greatest disaster in the Western Hemisphere? Could it be He had you ready for this moment? If so, know that many people around the world are praying for the efforts you will be contributing to Haiti. May this trip be a blessing for you and to the Haitians who will be impacted by you helping Haitians heal.
To God be the glory, great things He will do through you!
Will you consider going to Haiti to help? Please register with VISA Ministries using the form below.