Why?
Why do we do what we do? Why are we so committed to our work in Haiti? Why should people give and go and pray and sacrifice?
Since the work is so challenging in Haiti, it’s good to revisit our motivation. Otherwise, it’s just too hard. It’s too difficult. The challenges are too great in a place like Haiti.
So why do we do it? Here’s one major reason:
A family of five (mother and four children) lives in this shack in the village of Thoman. This is a picture of utter poverty, complete hopelessness and despair. And I believe with all my heart that no human should have to live like this. No child should have to grow up in such horrendous circumstances; especially not while so many of us Christians live in the houses we live in and enjoy the luxuries we experience on a daily basis.
Kathy Warren, one of our missionaries in Thoman, wrote the following about the family living in this shack: “This mom is desperate to help her children. The children are very sweet and polite. The daughter saw us coming and immediately brought 3 plastic chairs out of the ‘house’ and offered us a place to sit while we visited. This act of kindness touches my heart so deeply. They have so little but are so generous and considerate.”
I cannot imagine my mother living like this; my wife living like this; my children living like this. I cannot imagine them entering into this flimsy structure at night to somehow get some rest. I cannot imagine what happens when it rains.
What I do know is that this woman and her children are loved by God. They are created in His image. And God has blessed you and me to be in a position to help them. No, we can’t help every person in this world who is living in poverty. But we can help some. We can help this family. We can help other families living in Thoman. And I can think of nothing worse than being aware of such horrible circumstances, being in a position to do something about it, and doing nothing.
As the Bible says in James 1:2, “What good is it if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”
And what a difference it makes when our faith and deeds collide. It made a big difference for this family:
This family was living in terrible conditions in Thoman until some of God’s children came along with But God Ministries and helped them build a house that is far more sturdy and far more safe. Now that their basic need for shelter has been met they can focus on working and getting their children educated.
The Hope of the Gospel
Why do we do what we do? Because so many people in Haiti are living in squalid conditions that are not their fault. Also, because so many people are living in spiritual darkness. There is a long history of voodoo in Haiti. There is a lack of exposure to the true gospel. And as Paul wrote so long ago, “How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
We are blessed to partner with Pastor Mathurin in Thoman as his church shares the Good News of God’s love. In fact, two Sundays ago seven people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior at Pastor Maturin’s church. God is using this Pastor in a mighty way!
Photo of Pastor Mathurin preaching two weeks ago
2015
We have numerous plans for 2015. As I type this, Mike and Jann Kenney, Christian plumbers from Jackson, Mississippi, are in Thoman completing much of the plumbing work at the new Hope Center so that teams can come and minister in that village.
Mike And Jann with our cooks, Madam Chantale and Ydanna
Mike and Jann installing a sink in the laundry room
Teams, Teams, Teams
Already, we have a total of 42 mission trip weeks booked for 2015 at both of our locations – Galette Chambon (26) and Thoman (16). There are still numerous weeks available if you or your church are interested in taking a mission trip with us. Click HERE to see which weeks are still available.
Teams who come with us on mission trips will build houses, work in our medical and dental clinics, host Pastor’s Conferences, conduct Bible Studies, host VBS for children, participate in worship services, share the gospel, help with agriculture, work in our orphanage, encourage our missionaries, and help with other construction projects.
Interns
We have approximately 10 interns who will spend an extended period of time at one or both of our locations during the course of the year. Our interns are a huge help with the endless list of things to do in keeping our Hope Centers functioning on a daily basis.
New Sanctuary
We also have plans to build a new church sanctuary in Thoman for Pastor Mathurin’s church. Each week the church is packed and there is no room for others to come and hear the gospel. A church in Brandon, Mississippi has already raised the funds to build the new church building and we are excited about getting started as soon as possible.
Georgia Tech
We are also very excited about working with a group from Georgia Tech to install solar panels and inverters at our Thoman location. One of the professors form Georgia Tech and two students are going to Thoman in a week or two to evaluate the complex and then implement the plan they have been working on for some time. This plan is environmentally sound and will save an enormous amount of funds that are currently being used to purchase fuel for our generator.
Medical Clinic Expansion
Also, we have plans to expand our medical clinic in Galette Chambon to provide 4 new exam rooms and a large, covered waiting area. Currently, the patients sit on benches with no backs in an area that is not covered and the patients are exposed to the sun and the rain. The clinic expansion will also allow us to turn one of the existing clinic buildings into a place for medical records and storage of medical supplies. In addition, we will be able to use all of the other existing clinic building as our pharmacy.
These are just a few of the plans we have for 2015. We’re very excited about the many ways God will use us for His glory and the benefit of others.<BR
Finally . . .
God continues to bless our work in amazing ways. However, it takes a great deal of resources to do what God has called us to do. Would you please consider financially supporting BGM and our work in Haiti? Your gift will go a long way in helping us share the love of Christ in very tangible ways in that poverty-stricken nation.
You can give online HERE or send a check to: But God Ministries, 1440 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39202.
In addition, I ask for your prayers for wisdom and energy for our Haitian staff, our American staff in Haiti, and our Board of Directors. Can’t Wait To See What God Does Next,
Stan Buckley
Executive Director
But God Ministries
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