Pastor Jeremy Stephens

Haiti Day 1

 We are a results-riven culture.

 This afternoon we wound our way out of Port-Au-Prince, and I found myself wondering what it would take to “improve Haiti.” Not much has changed since I was here a little over a year ago (save the airport—that was vastly improved!). The same tent cities are here, the same trash that was in the street last year was still here, and the same masse of people sitting idle in the streets are still here.

There must be some way to improve the quality of life here in Haiti while allowing the people to retain their character. It would be wrong to expect Haiti to be America with nicer beaches and warmer weather, but is it wrong to want things to be “better” here?

Most of the world sees Haiti as a nation in need of charity. They throw money and resources in their direction with the hopes that it will improve. However, most countries did not find improvement through economic stimulus alone. Countries also need time to develop. The United States did not become a superpower immediately. It started as a nation of shop owners, tradespeople, subsistence farmers, and pioneers. Through the process of rewarding hard work and creativity, our country developed rapidly.

I think Haiti is better served through the process. That’s why I like what we get to do on this trip. We work with individuals and teach them how to live improved lives. We train them to be healthy and provide tools to achieve that health. Ultimately, we bring these things representing the only true change-agent: Jesus Christ. He is really the only one who brings lasting change in the lives of individuals and nations.

Pray for us this week. One of the things I’m trying to be mindful of- what is God doing in me at this moment? Pray that we all walk through this time in Haiti while practicing the presence of God.