I asked Jim, our country coordinator of missions in Haiti, to answer questions many seem to have about the country:
We have heard all about the struggles facing Haiti today. The earthquake, cholera outbreak, difficulties in the elections. What are some other conflicts that Haiti faces that aren't portrayed in the media?
2010 was especially hard for Haiti and the media picked up on that. What is difficult to grasp for many is that the country of Haiti was in dire need of assistance even before the events of 2010 happened. What happened this past year has only added another mountain to the enormous struggles that Haitians faces on a day to day bases. Curruption, unsanitary living conditions, and low wages are just a few of the obstacles standing in the way.
What about the negative attention that some NGOs are getting? What is the reason for the negative attention? What can be done about this?
With 10,000 NGO's operating in Haiti, it is easy to see why some Haitians may be frustrated that their situation has not changed. Undoubtedly, some organizations or groups have gone about things the wrong way with good intentions. However, there are many organizations that are doing great work in Haiti and are being received with open arms by the local people. It is important for an organization to develop partnerships with Haitians, giving them authority and coming under their guidance. As much as we can think we know Haiti, we will never know it like a Haitian does. To try and step in and do "our thing" will only further the tension between the Haitian people and the people that are trying to help.
What is your strategy for doing work in a country like Haiti that has seemingly insurmountable problems?
If you come on a mission trip to Haiti with Praying Pelican Missions you will see that everything is done under the authority of the local pastor and the local church. I believe it is essential to create a lasting and trustworthy partnership with local pastors who can then guide the ministry of PPM. What I always tell my teams is that it's not our ministry, it's the local churches ministry. We are best used when we come under their ministry to assist and encourage them in what they are already doing. They will be there long after we are gone and they are the future of Haiti.
How has the organization been received in Haiti?
Praying Pelican Missions has been received with open arms and amazing hospitality. We are blessed to have partnerships with pastors such as Pastor Sampson who has guided our ministry in the community of Carrefour. We look forward to developing additional partnerships with pastors and can't wait to see where God leads.
Can one individual make a difference in a place like Haiti?
Absolutely. I heard multiple "this is why I'm here" stories this past year talking about how God used them in ways they couldn't imagine. The question isn't "can God use me?," it's "did God call me?" If the answer is yes, then you better go.
