Guiding Principles on Haiti Ministry

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

“Some other top level guiding principles from our mission stand point- our core driver is develop, empower, release.  There are some higher level things that go above Haiti that become ethos for us as a mission. That is certainly one.  The ReachGlobal sandbox describes who we are, what we do, how we do ministry.  An entry position for a consortium person is having familiarity with the sandbox. … We’ve come up with a set of values, principles that we’re applying to ministry.  We are trying to make decisions based on those values.  We need to revisit those values so we can adjust them, because we keep learning more, and we need to refine them.  Haiti is this place of paradoxes.  You try to apply the value, and but what about this situation?”

Joe Casey asked if he understood that the initiatives have to come from the Haitian people.

 “Ideally, as we develop healthy partnerships and healthy relationships,” Mark pointed out, “it is actually something that comes together.  We’re working things independently, and they come together.  It’s not our idea, not a program we’re coming to push.  There’s nothing wrong with us having ideas.  There’s nothing wrong with Haitians coming to us with ideas. It is creating an exchange in a good, healthy way.  We work together on, ‘Is this a viable idea?  How does it get pulled off in a way that brings energy into a church planting movement that’s consistent with the vision?’”  The group members speak to the idea with an equal voice, and we can test it.

Bruce added indigenous ideas that sometimes they need to be refined so that it works down the road.  Steve said the Haitians want to be at the table, so we are moving forward as a group, not as different cultures.  Bruce said there have been Haitians at the table before, but they didn’t feel they had a voice.  The Spirit works through unity, trust, and relationships.  We need a movement of God.  We don’t want the discussion to end when the American talks.

Dave Hyatt pointed out that the sandbox sets the parameters.  “Is it a great idea in this context?  Does it defeat larger aspects?  The relationships and the people around the table are critical, but the vision is more important than the folks at the table.”  If someone cannot attend or church staff changes, it should not make a difference.  Values are important.  We must maintain clarity of vision.  The other piece is that we need to raise funds to get the right people around the table for the conversation.  Haitians do not have the travel funds.

Our worldview tends to be focused on problems and fixing the problems.  That is an asset that we can bring into any context.  The real issue in Haiti is about relationships (between God and man, man and man, and man and environment).  We need to think in terms of restoration, healing, reconciliation.  Those are the dynamics that play into relationships.  It is easy to focus on initiatives, but we need to evaluate them to see if we are feeding into the vision.  We need to maintain a right altitude as a leadership team and not lose sight of the big picture.  Dave Hyatt pointed out that we need to address the heart and not the externals. 

Initiatives will affect both receivers and senders.  Some will be hugely impactful on one side and not the other and others will impact the opposite side.  We need bench marks to keep on target.  Defined results will take time over conversations.  We need to be released from the ministry model that measures success with building, bodies, and bucks. 

Bruce pointed out that the North American church needs a certain amount of strokes to feel good about what they are doing to keep going.  Dave pointed out the view current churches might have and that we need to have some freedom from some typical goals like “x” number of decisions.  They need to be released from the ministry models that says this activity equals success.  This is the measure of our spirituality.  It is a strength that we bring a level of accountability.  Dave said, “You can look at Jesus.  He wasted so much time.  What the heck was He thinking?  There’s a world to save and you’re just hanging out praying, spending time with these guys.  There are wins for us that we could not quantify going in.”   Mark summarized, “It’s about relationships, trust and engagement.  We want both.  We want to have dreams and results.  We want to try to have focused energy and be strategic with resources, yet at the same time, we want relationships.  We want to be.  One of the results can be the freedom to be and develop relationships.”  Rick emphasized that we must be in it for the long haul.  We are learning as we go and may make some mistakes.  It is a different model than the traditional model.  It is messy and may take longer.   Mark told us that with the coffee meeting, laity are stepping up and taking leadership roles and developing teams.

Jim Scott from Constance Free shared his experience with starting Global Fingerprints and the initial discussion on the area of the ag program focus.  “We knew we wanted to be involved in the area of child vulnerability and the area of ag development, yet at the time of pursuing this interest, we did not have a Haitian partner at the table. A significant part of this process flow is understanding what missional alignment looked like; what develop, empower release looked like. We did the initial definition work and held it with an open hand.  We used the term provisional, very intentionally, knowing that the purpose of this front and definitional work is going to help us as we interact with potential Haitian partners to see where there might be alignment.  When we look at the whole area of worldview development, leadership development, VA, that’s different because our Haitian partner is at the table.”  In March 2012, he shared with ReachGlobal what Global Fingerprints was doing in the Congo and they wanted Global Fingerprints to be in Haiti.  “We know that church multiplication, planting, worldview development, leadership development, these things are identified priority areas.  Second thing, not knowing who our Haitian partner would be at the table initially, we put work into understanding the essentials of alignment with our Haitian partner.  What are the matters of theological compatibility or a vision look like that reflected develop, empower, and release, and key values, practices, and understandings in the focus area?  How would we know if we are achieving missional alignment?”  He shared a document from the ag summit meeting called the river.    It was the stream of flow that leads to transformation at the individual and community level.  The banks of the river are defined by a particular area of focus (excellence in ag practices).  In Global Fingerprints, it is the reduction of child vulnerability in areas of education, nutrition, medical need, and spiritual development.  The practices define the parameters of the flow of the river.  (Ag- self sufficiency)  Farmers explained their deeply held values.  Don’t know particulars without the Haitian partners.  Key result areas are excellence in ag practices, heart transformation, and community transformation.  We seek wisdom from God on specific, realistic, measurable, and attainable goals and work towards those goals, but we also have faith goals.  Things that only God can do. We can proclaim the Gospel, but only God can convert the heart.  Only God brings the yield.

History of ReachGlobal Crisis Response in Haiti from Baltimore Meetings

Mark Lewis gave us some context for history and results.  He explained some key events that brought us to where we are.  From the ReachGlobal standpoint, it started with the earthquake which led to immediate relief and progressed to developing relationships and out of those relationships, connecting with partners in lots of different sectors locally (orphanage) and regionally (seminary).  As relationships grew and deepened, about 18 months in after the earthquake, the conversation changed from stuff based conversations (we need this) to substance (leadership, training).  We met Dr. Dorlus and Dr. McMartin about 2 months after the earthquake.  We started a deepening relationship that fairly quickly got pretty deep.

There has been so much kingdom investment in Haiti already, so questions had to be asked.  “Should we be in Haiti?”  “Should we be there for the longer term?” “Why is the culture not being transformed by the church?  That led to this study, this deepening understanding of what are the issues, and why is that not happening?  At the ten month mark, we convened a meeting in Haiti including representatives from STEP, local pastors, other ministries, Brazil, Reach Africa, Latin America, Carribean, Columbia EFC- a broad coalition of international partners, and local folks.  This led to the vision, which is not any organization’s mission’s statement, ‘to see an indigenous, disciple-making, and multiplying church, within walking distance of every Haitian, which demonstrates and engages in proclaiming the transforming power of the Gospel.’”

The Church in Haiti is Changing

The church in Haiti has changed in many ways in the many ways in the past 30 years.  Dr. Dorlus pointed out that there is “more discussion on what the church should be like” and how they can engage the Haitian culture.  The church has many more young people, and they have better trained pastors and leaders than in the past.  They partner with others now instead of just being focused on their small local area.

Dr. McMartin added that the Haitian church is taking more initiative and coordinating to further the kingdom.  They have a “compassion to help others find Christ” and “a sense for world mission.”  Not all Haitian churches have realized the application of the Great Commission for their church, but it is spreading.  An impact of the earthquake was spreading the population of Port-au-Prince across Haiti.  As they moved to new areas, they took their biblical training and ideas with them.  In addition, missions organizations, radios, biblical conferences, and S.T.E.P. create an ongoing increase in biblical principles across Haiti.

Dr. Dorlus chimed in that the way of doing ministry has changed since the earthquake.  “They must have ministry beyond the four walls, because the four walls are not there.”  Christians are asking, “What is ministry? What should the church do in the community?”  Fifteen to twenty years ago, they would not have asked these questions.  They have more partners than ever before.  The church has also developed a concern for the environment.

Devastation in Colorado

I cannot sleep tonight.  My heart is broken for the people in Colorado devastated by the flooding.  I have been praying for families, churches, and communities who have been torn apart unexpectedly.  A neighbor is found dead, people are trapped in their communities, families are in temporary shelters, possessions are lost, there is uncertainty about the future, businesses are destroyed, church members are separated by flood waters, and the list goes on.

This is a time when people need help and hope.  Access is limited to emergency personnel at this point and some communities are still inaccessible.  At this point, prayer is needed for wisdom in how to proceed.  Meetings are being held in the next few days that will hopefully result in Christians partnering together to help this devastated area.  ReachGlobal Crisis Response personnel are there helping already and equipping local churches with insights gained from other disasters.

There will be many opportunities soon to help people winterize, clean up properties, gut homes, and start the process of restoration of lives.  Perhaps you will be able to come help.  Perhaps you can provide finances for someone else to come, supplies needed to help, or basic food needs.  If you want to come with a team, e-mail crisisresponse@efca.org.  Check out the blog at http://reachglobalcrisisresponse.wordpress.com/ for up to the moment stories on what is happening in the lives of Colorado residents.  For ways to be involved, see http://go.efca.org/resources/announcement/colorado-flood-response.

Our hearts should be broken for these people, and it should affect how we respond.

Photo by Shelby Smoker

Come to Serve and Learn

 

“I may not be here to serve but to learn,” concluded Pastor Eddie Cole of Salem Church as he watched team members from his church interact with orphans on a recent trip to Peru.  He shared in his sermon back at Salem Church the importance of being humble before God and that we can do nothing for the Lord apart from the Holy Spirit in us.

As teams come with ReachGlobal Crisis Response to serve Staten Island with Salem Church, this is what makes the difference in the impact they will have.  We come to serve, but we must be humble and ready to learn through the experience.  We must allow God to fill us with the Holy Spirit so we can accomplish greater things that we could not do in our own power, and we must be open to what He wants to accomplish in our lives.

Why You Should Come Serve in New Jersey with ReachGlobal Crisis Response

A volunteer in New Jersey explained, “I get the thrill of accomplishment when I’m here.”  He talked about watching Extreme Makeover and the thrill homeowners have when they see their redone home.  “It’s a home. … to leave destruction and come back to something so renewed.”  He is picturing in his mind the joy of the homeowners when they can return to a restored home.

Another volunteer shared about her experience, “Faith moves mountains in my heart.”  She was determined to do whatever it took to serve God this week.  Feeling that she was too unskilled in construction to be useful, she was impressed that people believed in her and loved her enough to provide the finances for her to come.  The team leader explained that it was because her passion to serve was so evident.

One man told us he had gotten more out of this than he had given, but he wanted to share all he was feeling inside with others, to pass on the blessings.  He talked about the 5 loaves and 2 fish that never ran out when they were being passed out.  He said, “Our cup doesn’t get empty if we are pouring it out, but if we hold on to it, it becomes stagnant, stale, and starts leaking out.”  We are meant to share the blessings God pours into our lives and hearts.

The team was pleased with working with ReachGlobal Crisis Response.  “Logistically, you guys make it easy to bring a group down here.  You guys take care of them.”  He felt there was a good balance of work, knowledge, level of challenge, tools, and support.  “This is an organization I can count on to take care of my people so they can have an experience like this.”  The staff didn’t just tell them what to do, but they showed them out to do it.

A bond of love and appreciation was also formed with the people from the local churches working with them.  “Their faith is what brought us to them.”  The green shirts worn by the volunteers were compared to a “beacon of hope” in the community.

Faith Alone in Christ Alone

One of the things I love in New Jersey with ReachGlobal Crisis Response is sharing time.  Last night, I was blessed by both the stories of team members and stories of people from Brigantine Bible Church.  Team members found opportunities to hear needs of local residents and pray with them.  When asked why they were helping, a volunteer explained that he was “compelled as a Christian.”  An ice cream truck driver became involved with a spiritual discussion with one volunteer.  One team was blessed with a 25% thank you discount when they went to purchase lunch.

Kitty, a joyful woman from Brigantine Bible Church, shared her story with the teams.  She is from Ireland and met her husband when he was in the navy and stationed in Ireland.  They returned to live in the United States where they raised a family.  Kitty began drinking more and more, thinking she could stop at any time, but she couldn’t.  She was drinking heavily.  She tried different groups including AA, but no one could help her gain victory over her addiction.

While off work for a disability with a serious rash, she turned on the T.V. during the day.  A voice with an accent caught her attention, because she thought the speaker might be Irish.  He was Scottish and explained that he had been a seventh generation alcoholic.  This pastor explained, “You need Jesus.”  He went on to say, “There is a lady watching today.  You are very religious, but it’s not just religion, it’s a relationship.”  Kitty was very religious.  He went on to say she had tried programs, but he clarified, “It’s not a program.  It’s a relationship.”  Kitty knew he was speaking to her.  She fell down on her knees and gave her life to Christ.  She never needed another drink after that.

Kitty smoked until convicted that her body was the temple of the Holy Spirit.  God helped her give up smoking.  She had relied on pills to sleep at night, but prayed, “Lord, you rock me to sleep tonight.”  In faith, she flushed all her pills down the toilet and went to bed.  It was morning when she awakened.

Kitty and her husband had divorced before she became a Christian.  She called a friend to find a Bible believing church.  Her friend was overwhelmed at this answer to prayer.  She had been calling out to the Lord over concern for her friend, Sandy, whose husband had left her.  She prayed, “Send me someone who can relate to Sandy.”  Kitty was the answer to this prayer.  Kitty and Sandy became prayer partners and friends.

As Kitty read her Bible, Malachi 2:16 spoke to her revealing that God hates divorce.  I Corinthians 7 convicted her that she was either to remain single or be reconciled to her husband.  She started praying that God would bring her husband, Richard, back.  It took 12 years, but God saved Richard and brought them back together again.  Kitty realized that it had taken 12 years for God to make the needed changes in her life before He returned Richard to her.  Kitty said she had to become a Christian to learn to be a wife.  Kitty’s summary of her life now is “Faith alone in Christ alone.”

Kitty's house was condemned 8 months ago due to structural damage, and 2 weeks later her husband died from CJD.  She still holds firm to her faith.

Kitty and Sandy