Kingdom Builders Update | Haiti
Ministry Partner Visit | Haiti
Meet Barry Gray, a member of Radiant Church and founder of Real Hope Haiti. He joined me on this past trip to Haiti and I’ve asked him to share his experience.
We recently returned from a Radiant Impact trip to Haiti. During our time in Haiti we were able to connect with three ministries with whom Radiant has partnered; New Roots Haiti, Children of the Promise, and Real Hope Program. Each of these ministries has its own unique focus, but they all are working to make generational impacts on communities while having eternal impacts on lives by being the hands and feet of God. The majority of our time was spent working alongside Haitian workers and the staff of New Roots Haiti to finish the construction of an office. As an individual who is mildly handy, but definitely not skilled in the trades, I faced feelings of inadequacy and lack of valuable contribution to the project as we started our first day of work. However, those feelings quickly subsided as relationships were built, obstacles were overcome, and laughter was shared.
Although the main focus of our time with New Roots Haiti was focused on building the office, we were also able to witness first hand their impact in the community. Their land cultivation, butcher shop, and grain mill are impacting the community through education, jobs, and environmental impact. At the same time their community center, soccer program, and sincere relationships with individuals and businesses in the community are beacons of light that provides hope and shares God's love with those who desperately need it. However, as we witnessed their impact, asked questions, spent time together in scripture, and shared personal stories with each other and our Haitian friends it was very clear that God was using the trip to work on each of us as well. In a country where you are forced by the slower pace of life to slow down, you find yourself with time to reflect and spend time in conversation with God.
When we traveled to Children of the Promise you could clearly feel God's presence. It was difficult for me to not be emotional while we were there. The dedication and compassion demonstrated by their staff was humbling. Their commitment to keeping Haitian families together, educating the youth, and caring for the severely handicapped children with genuine love is a true reflection of Christ. The Bible calls us to love others, encourage one another toward good, and share the word of God. I don't know that I have ever been somewhere where I have felt that more than while touring the foster homes at COTP. Although our time at COTP was limited, it had a huge impact on me personally. I now know why Radiant has chosen to partner with them.
…as we witnessed their impact, asked questions, spent time together in scripture, and shared personal stories with each other and our Haitian friends it was very clear that God was using the trip to work on each of us as well.
The majority of our time in Haiti was spent in the northern part of the country. However, we spent a brain rattling and bumpy three hours traveling over the mountains and down to the central plateau region to spend time with Real Hope Program. We were able to attend a training session where RHP shared entrepreneurial and spiritual information with families who are trying to lift themselves out of poverty by having a small business. Real Hope Program uses small business loans as a way to help families financially and share God's word. On our second day in Pignon we were able to visit many of the small businesses of RHP participants. Time was spent admiring their businesses, hearing about their challenges, encouraging them, and praying over them. Although we were able to use some manual labor to help these amazing ministries, witness their passion, and build lasting relationships, God used this trip to speak to each of us personally.
