God's Heart for Haiti

Jack and Cherie Minton founded Hope Force International (HFI) in 2003 based on their 23 years of experience with international relief and development. Jack serves as the CEO and President of Hope Force International, and Cherie as Executive Vice-President. Between them, the Minton's commitment to international aid has taken them to over 50 nations. The vision of HFI " to be a compassionate response to crisis and disaster" provided the platform for an immediate response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti of January 2010. HFI Founder Jack Minton was on the ground within days of the temblor and recently completed his eighth deployment to the stricken nation.

As our time in Sous Savanne commenced, there was a growing sense that the purpose of this trip was somewhat different than the trips of the past. Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the many encouraging developments in the community. Rubble was being broken into transportable and workable size. Local men from the village were busily scurrying about with wheel barrels loaded with debris to be applied to the rain damaged roads. Earthquake-resistant "Maxima" homes of plywood and block were being constructed on the very sites of destroyed homes. The spirits of the people were running high.

What we had been praying and working toward is becoming a reality. Our partners in World Relief have followed through with their original commitment to provide 15 homes -- and have, in fact, doubled that number. This is an initiative that HFI would also like to be engaged in as we look to the future.

At the same time, the voodoo temples have a fresh coat of paint and colorful yet eerie paintings appear on the outside of the buildings. In all, there are three voodoo temples and we couldn't help but notice the voodoo priests being more present; around our clinic, at the sponsorship distribution on Saturday and just hanging around muttering under their breath.

So what was different about this trip? A primary objective was to conduct a spiritual assessment of Sous Savanne and gain perspective. We had the privilege of Pastor Samuel Meletus' presence throughout the week. On several occasions, he commented on the strong voodoo presence. When he learned that around a quarter of the people openly confessed to voodoo as their religion, he said that this was extraordinarily high. Most were ashamed of voodoo in Haiti and would not admit to it. Therefore, he believes the actual percentage in Sous Savanne to be much higher.

Toward the end of the week, I asked, "How would you advise us? What do you think is the appropriate next step as we endeavor to impact Sous Savanne with the Gospel?" Without hesitation, he stated that the only hope was for there to be an active and vibrant church in the community. Overall, Pastor Samuel observed the need for a fresh infusion of spiritual life and hope in Sous Savanne, and believes that there needs to be a church planted there.

We are in the early stages of seeking the Lord and dialoguing with Pastor Samuel about this possibility. In his church, they have a defined process of mentoring and raising up spiritual leaders. He readily recommended a young man for consideration that might be ideal for Sous Savanne. We agreed that there is much to be considered and that of greatest priority is discerning God's highest and best.

Just before we left for Haiti, I was reading Isaiah 48:6-7 "From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you. They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot say, 'Yes, I knew of them.'

I pondered these verses for several days, asking the Lord for understanding and alertness to comprehend His intent. I have wondered if the concept of planting a church recommended by Pastor Samuel is a fulfillment of that word? Lloyd Ogilvie wrote something that I read on Easter Sunday: "If you consider doubt as being on the precipice of a great discovery, who among us hasn't had doubt?" Are there doubts? Yes. Could we be on the verge of a great discovery for the eternal well being of Sous Savanne? YES!!!

The message of Psalm 68 "....summon your power oh God!" reminds us that we need immense prayer support are if we are to engage at this level. I believe we are to build/rebuild ? practically and spiritually ? and that we're to be equally focused and purposeful in doing so. Thank you for your prayers and support that allow us to move forward with the purposes of God in Haiti.

Hope Force International (HFI) was created to provide a clear pathway to mobilize Christians into rapid disaster response scenarios around the world. HFI is based in Brentwood, Tennessee and is a compassionate response to the need that surrounds us at home and abroad. The vision of Hope Force International is to be a catalyst for Christians to become leading responders to the plight of global suffering.