So You're Back, Now What?

The best part of being away from Haiti for six months for support-raising and education is that we had time to ask questions. What is working? What could work better? Since we have come back we have identified some areas to focus on. One of our highest priorities is starting a discussion with our Haitian colleagues about the subject of servant leadership. This biblical concept is not well understood by many leaders in Haiti as the dominant concept of leadership is somewhat authoritarian and self-serving. This reality can be seen throughout the public and private sectors of society. Unfortunately, the evangelical church (which lacks a strong hierarchical structure like the Catholic church) continues to be ravaged by leaders who refuse to submit to correction and input from others. Pray that God would provide willing ears and open hearts as we begin this discussion. Secondly, we have begun a new era in local church construction projects in which the national church leaders of our partners will work more closely with donors like SON-BEAM to plan and execute projects. Pray that God would provide patience and determination for both parties as we begin a construction project in Vila de Woz (see above). Third, by God’s grace we are going to dive back into our leadership training ministry with renewed vigor. The most pressing challenge of the church in Haiti is how to engage and develop young men and women to be the next generation of community and church leaders. In order to make this a reality, education and experience are obviously required. But what you may not know is that in a society where elders are respected (like Haiti), young leaders can not develop without the approval and blessing of the older generation. Please pray that established leaders (see above) like Madam Solange (the women’s ministry director) and Pastor Bellizaire (the regional director of Thomassique) will own the vision of raising up a new generation of young leaders. We know God will bless these goals!