Before I went to Haiti I knew very little about the ministry we were going to help and the work we were going to do. Well now, as someone who has spent a week with this organization, I seriously cannot say enough good things about Global Outreach, the people that run their mission, and the work that they are doing in Haiti. It is absolutely incredible, and I’m so honored to be a teeny, tiny part of the beautiful story God is weaving in that area.
Dinnertime quickly became the favorite time of day. The food was fantastic, of course, but also because of the great conversation. Each evening the full time missionaries would eat with us and share their story of how God moved in their lives, brought them to Haiti, the work they are doing here and their vision for growing the ministry. Hearing their stories was like listening to characters in the Bible — there were so many amazing tales of protection and visions and incredible ways God is moving in this country. There are two older couples with kids back in the states, one family of six, one family of four, one older single lady, and one younger single girl.
Here is one of our beautiful cooks. They made the best food!
Every time I was overwhelmed by the poverty or hurt in Haiti, I was immediately encouraged to see a way in which Global Outreach are meeting those needs. Here is a very quick overview of their programs, how we helped, and a few photos. :)
Burn Clinic
My initial question when I heard there was a burn clinic was — why is there a clinic just for burns? That was until I realized that everyone cooks their food over an open fire, so there are a lot more accidents and burns. They care for other ailments, but the majority of their help is for burn wounds. The clinic opens every morning at 7:30, and the ladies got a chance to help assist wherever was needed. One of the major ways we helped was by loading our suitcases with donations. There is a huge issue with importing anything into the country and it can take months for things to go through customs, so they rely heavily on short term trips to bring as many donations as possible.
Feeding Program
About 60 elderly people (or their kids/grandkids if they can’t make it) come to the gates of Global Outreach every Monday to get a weekly supply of food. We passed out beans, rice, oils and spices while we were there.
Well Drilling
If you don’t have water, you don’t have life. And many Haitians (a lot of them children), will walk miles to bring water back to their families. Global Outreach has drilled over 300 wells in the area, and we drove by a few in the community. On our last day a few of the men in our group helped repair one while we were there.
Schools
Global Outreach partners with a school in Titanyen by providing supplies and assisting the teachers. We brought a ton of school supplies with us, and a few of the guys built three desks which will seat 12 kids. We visited the school, but the kids weren’t in school since it was Easter week and they were out on break. Although a few kids were there helping their mom/aunt. :)
Church partnerships
They are very involved in the local churches in the area and help by preaching and offering support when necessary. Teaching and training the Haitians to lead is important for the missionaries. A few of the churches in the area are in the middle of building a large building, and we were able to tour the structure. It’s going to be beautiful!
Orphanage partnerships
They also partner with a few orphanages in the area. Those kids deserve their own post, so more to come on that. :)
Conference center, camps and facilities
The land and facilities that Global Outreach has is pretty impressive and used year-round for Haitian school teachers, pastors, health care workers, project directors and kids. There are enough accommodations to feed and sleep hundreds at a time. They host camps each summer for Haitian kids, and it is one of the few places in the area with running water and electricity, so it’s like a vacation! They also provide housing for other organizations and groups. There are so many non-profits and NGOs in the area, so missionaries, relief organizations, adopting parents and many others are welcome to stay on their property. Samaritan’s Purse used their land for three years doing disaster relief after the earthquake. Our group painted the outside of three homes at the edge of the property to be used by future missionaries and intern groups.
We also got to hear about their vision for expanding and bringing kids across the country for soccer programs and ministry growth. They have some seriously awesome plans for helping people and creating a haven in the midst of such a painful country. I loved every minute working alongside with them, and am so thankful for the generosity and influence I see them having in the country.
Wow, thanks for sharing can’t wait to hear more!