Big Vision in Haiti

I first traveled to Haiti when I began coordinating EM's work there last July. Since then so much has changed. On the surface some of the changes might not make sense, but sometimes to move forward you must first move backward and I think this has been true in Haiti.

Josh with Yung Goddis Dave and Jacky.

A year ago we were working with an experienced pastor of a well-established Haitian Church. He provided us with access to a large facility for housing teams, and a bus for transport. He had years of experience managing local business and coordinating with American teams, yet there was one problem. It seemed that every time we tried to reach out to the community there was resistance. People were living in abject poverty all around the church, but we were constantly pressured to turn our focus away from the community back to the church even though they were comparatively very well funded.

Meanwhile we also began working with Yung Goddis, a group of young men who started as a small Bible study shortly after the earthquake. Soon they were removing rubble and then helping children in their community with education. They were young with few resources. They had no facility to house teams and not one car, let alone a bus. They were just ordinary guys living in the community.

Josh with Yung Goddis Wilson and Dave, showing off their shades.

Meanwhile it had become clear to me that my relationships with most of the Haitians at the church were contingent upon the amount of money or benefit I was able to provide. When I was giving them something they were my best friends, but as soon as I was unable to meet their expectations they changed. Relationships were like business transactions. If I give you what you want, and you give me what I want then we are friends. But with the Yung Goddis it was different. Through the good and the bad we stuck together.

In missions it can so hard to develop genuine non-patronizing relationships, but when you do you better stick with those people. We moved away from the established church, and now we partner with young men who make up in zeal what they lack in experience.

The whole Yung Goddis crew plus EM Staff-ers Josh and Chris.

I just returned from a three week trip to Haiti, and it is now more evident than ever that God is with EM/Yung Goddis and he is using these young guys. We have a big vision in Haiti. We're helping youth through education and mentoring, and we're helping families through microloans. We hope to get many donors, and rapidly grow these programs but that is in God's hands. Ultimately, it's not about outward success. It's about genuine, healthy relationships and a shared vision. It is Christ's love that makes this possible, and when our vision is conformed to his will it must happen.

You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.

View Small Team Trips

For most trips, you must have a group size of at least 6 members. Please view the Small Teams tab on each Community page or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.