Haiti 2009

I went to Haiti this year with my brother James and my friend Chad. We visited an organization named Haiti Arise. Their motto is "Something in the hand, Something in the heart." They strive to give the people of Haiti the skills necessary to get a job to support their families as well as showing them the transforming power of Christ's love for them.
We went down to reach the local basketball players in Grande Goave, Haiti (60 km SW of Port-au-Prince). Haiti is 85% Cathlolic and 90% practice voodoo, so there is alot of mixing of the two. The basketball court is situated right beside one of these churches in an area of town that is quite rough. We taught the guys how to play proper basketball both in the classroom and on the court, and then on the last day played a tournament against them. During each session we also shared how Christ's love for us has changed our lives and given us true life.
After the tournament we brought them over to the Haiti Arise compound to have an "Awards Ceremony" with a meal. The guys came in expecting to be fed crackers and cheese, but we fed them good food. We heaped their plates full of Rice, Fish, Bread, and Veggies. We also sat them at the table when they were expecting to eat outside. After we ate with them we gave out certificates for completing the Basketball training, as well as t-shirts, waterbottles, and basketballs. I believe their hearts were touched as they saw the love of Christ demonstrated through us.
We also went out evangelising with the bible college students of Haiti Arise. During that time we saw 25 people come to know the Lord. I believe the focus of missions is on going to strengthen the local church to reach their own people. This focus however does not get in the way when someone says they would like to know Jesus. It was awesome to see.
One of the highlights during this time was when I was praying for people, a boy about 13 years old, who had grown up in an orphanage most of his life, and living in one of the poorest and roughest parts of Grand Goave came up to me (he spoke English) and said that he wanted prayer to live a blessed life. He wanted desperately to live a victorious life. I felt as if I was specifically sent to Haiti to pray for this young man. I prayed a blessing over him and his life and I will probably not know until I die how the Lord answered that prayer, but it was a privledge to pray for him.
At the end of the trip we also did a rice feed, where about 300 families would recieve about 3 days worth of rice. We handed it out after church on Sunday and was able to really bless the congregation.
Thank you to all who supported this trip. You gave out of your hearts being led by the Spirit of God without ever being asked. Thank you and the Lord Bless you.