“Those wishing to assist in Haiti relief efforts should be aware that despite their good intentions, travel to Haiti will increase the burden on a system already struggling to support those in need on the ground. Those wishing to volunteer their services are advised that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are reporting that their capacity to absorb additional volunteers is limited. Cash donations are the most effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti.”

US Department of State Travel Warning, June 24

When I was in undergrad, one of my best friends was hospitalized with a collapsed lung. We were blessed with a large community of friends who individually came to visit as soon as they heard the news. I was among the first to visit him at the crack of dawn; others started trickling in shortly after I left. Throughout the day, his hospital room became a revolving door of visitors—people who came to cheer him up, shower him with gifts, and pray for him. Soon enough, the doctors noticed that his recovery rate was slowing from the exhaustion. The blessing had become a curse. And somehow, I was stuck with the responsibility of asking visitors to no longer come.

I now find myself in a similar situation. One of the gut reactions so many individuals and churches have had to the earthquake in Haiti is, “How do I get over there and help?!” I’m going to ask that we pause and ask ourselves, “Is that the best way for us to help Haiti?” In some cases, the answer is a clear “Yes.” However, in many cases, the answer is a disinclined “No.”

These are difficult things – difficult to say, difficult to hear, and difficult to accept. But unless you are bringing a strategic skill set that is indispensible to Haiti, please reconsider going. With two-thirds of Haitians unemployed, there is plenty of general labor available. Additionally, each person who goes means an extra body and mouth at a time when housing accommodations and drinking water are scarce. That one extra accommodation may better benefit a homeless Haitian or a skilled foreign worker. A much more strategic contribution for your church would be to donate the money from your group to employ local Haitians to do work you were hoping to do.

With that in mind, Churches Helping Churches is going to rebuild the local churches with as much paid Haitian labor as possible. This not only meets the objectives of rebuilding the houses of the Lord, but it attacks poverty in a smarter way – through employment rather than handouts. Think about it: that worker now gets to purchase a snack from a street cart, that cart owner now gets to pay for his taxi ride, the taxi driver now… so on and so forth. That ripple effect contributes much more to the Haitian infrastructure than a week of free labor from an American would. It’s not a perfect model, but it’s better. What’s more, that local Haitian worker has now been introduced to a church. After having worked on a church alongside church members for a month, he or she just might be more inclined to check it out.

The Lord has gifted some of us in such a way that we want to be on the front lines and in the trenches. Sacrificing that immediate desire and that experience may be one of the best ways that we can serve Haiti’s recovery from the earthquake in the long-run.

So now, the burning question: How can you help?

1. Cash: We don’t need clothes, we don’t need books, we don’t need blankets. We need cash. Of the $5.3 billion that has been pledged to Haiti by foreign governments, only 2% has actually been given, so there is a great need for liquid assets on the ground. Any creative ways that you can use to raise and donate money will help build up the local church and employ local Haitians. We’ve posted CHC banners and graphics should you need them for fundraising purposes.
2. Prayer: Please join us in the prayer, “Lord, multiply our efforts, ideas, and money.”
3. Skilled workers: If you are an experienced architect or general contractor and are interested in volunteering, please contact us.

This response is specific to today’s relief landscape in Haiti. We’re not against short-term missions, and I don’t want to deflate the compassionate energy that the Lord has stirred up in us. I am pleading for us to prayerfully reconsider and redirect how that energy can be better channeled toward a new Haiti.

The truth in love,
Tom

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24

Up to this point, STEP has been our original partner in this mission and the institution through which we’ve been operating in Haiti. CHC is pleased to announce that we’re now partnering with STEP financially by awarding the seminary a $100,000 recovery grant. These key improvements will enable STEP to resume classes at the Port-au-Prince campus and continue to train pastors this fall.

“The conference helped me to understand better those who need my help in difficult times.” Jacmel Marigo

“This conference should continue through the country. It offers a great opportunity to spread the gospel and help pastors who find it difficult to answer to the needs of the times.” Petit Goave

“I am definitely better equipped to face actual problems. Thanks for the American brothers who came in these difficult times. Thanks.” Croix des Bouquets

“Thanks for your care… The methods used to make sure we learned ‘faith, hope, and love’ applied in the social context is quite appropriate. Being young, I hope to see this more often.” Foret des Pins

“I have learned much to help me with my trauma.” Anse-Rouge

“Thanks for this training ministry. Meeting with other leaders was excellent.” Saint Marc

“This retreat was so important. Wish we had more pastors.” St. Jean du Sud

“… I see I need to develop a great capacity to listen to others, with much attention… Thanks CHC and best wishes in the LORD.” Port Salut

“This conference should be for schools, churches, government officials. I have discovered my weaknesses and mistakes as a shepherd. I hope to receive more reading dealing with different catastrophes.” Bainet

“It was a good time of reflection. I have learned new ways to handle problems efficiently and how to listen to those suffering. My faith has been strengthened.” Bassin General

“I have been suffering a lot–headaches, unjustified fatigue, stress. At last this week I am really strong. The Spirit of the LORD is with me. Please do more of this kind of retreat.” Port-au-Prince

“I have been much impressed by the practical aspects of faith, hope and love. Thanks for all.” Petit Goave

“I received more than I expected. The subjects are quite appropriate: new vision, new approach to ministry. Repeat this retreat in other departments.” Jacmel

“Highly needed… wish we had more time.” La Palmiste

“Can’t wait to share with my friends. I became a de facto counselor on trauma for my church, now I am better equipped… need to have more for young people…” Cayes-Jacmel

“Thanks, thanks for your efforts. Please follow up. I understand the word of God better and how to use it in time of need.” Desjardines

“This conference was a compass for me. My ministry should improve.” Azile

“This conference [unpacks] things I knew little about. I see changes I need in my life, my behavior.” Cap-Haïtien

“May the Almighty bless you. He was the One leading you to this fruitful and blessed training ministry.” Saint-Marc

“Great retreat. Cannot go but forward. Thanks CHC, Thanks STEP and others who helped.” Anse Rouge

“Very touched. I will be more efficient in my new ministry. I will surely apply soon so many things taught.” Port-au-Prince

“It is comforting spiritually and mentally to understand disasters better from a biblical perspective. Wish to have more support for the sessions. Congratulations. Keep being strong in the LORD.” Carrefour

“I did not know before how to handle extreme crisis situation well. Now I am better-equipped to help not only my church but my community and my country in similar situation.” Jacmel

“Thanks. This seminar was good for young leaders like me.” Code de Fer

“This seminar changes my opinion. I understand better the role of leadership in distressful situations.” Port-au-Prince

“You were simply sent but God.” Petite Riviere de Nippes

“Very relevant, timely. Thank you CHC, STEP and others. I did not understand what had happened in Port-au-Prince, being from the South. I learned much about ministry in critical times of natural disasters. Thanks to the American team.” Camp Perrin

“This seminar was a motivation for me to be opened, keeping no secret to churches. It has challenged me to be a true pastor, to be honest about own struggles, pain and grief.” Liancourt

“Great. Do your best to get more pastors next time.” Les Cayes

“A real big gift. Great to add to what I already knew. The first day was hard on me. I am glad I stayed. A week of great spiritual blessing and great fellowship. Wonderful.” Arcahaie

“Hope to receive the materials not cleared by customs… Great to understand better natural phenomenon and God’s role…” Les Cayes

“I am becoming a new person. Great teaching, great teaching on counseling.” Baie-de-Henne

For more words of gratitude from the pastors and photos of the retreat, see this post. Thank you all for your support of CHC’s mission to rebuild the Church in Haiti. Know that the work continues there as we begin to replicate this retreat and the teaching sessions in other parts of the country, and we’d ask that you prayerfully consider continued support and prayer.

Churches Helping Churches from Acts 29 Network on Vimeo.

Pastor Scott Thomas of the Acts 29 network interview’s STEP President Jean Dorlus on the state of the Church in Haiti after the earthquake and the need to plant more churches. As Pastor Jamie said, Jean is a “brilliantly gifted man.” And he has an awesome faith in the power of the gospel for Haiti:

Jean: Out of the earthquake, a lot of people have come to know the lord, a lot of people. So some churches are growing … and then there are no buildings for quite a few of them, so ministry is taking place beyond the four walls. … The Lord is moving how we can go out there and partner with the Lord. So basically the Lord is already ahead of us, it’s not that we are seeking–
Scott: This didn’t take him by surprise did it?
Jean: No, no, not at all, not at all. He has all of this planned, he knows what he’s doing. We do not know all of the steps, we only know the next step. But I feel like this is a great time for a great harvest.

CHC is partnering with Acts 29, along with Harvest Bible Fellowship and the Timothy Initiative to consider supporting the church-planting needs in Haiti, particularly in the aftermath of the quake. For more, read this update from Tom Kim.

Tom explains the mission of Churches Helping Churches, why he was initially drawn toward it, and the promise of Jesus that guides that mission.

The following is a letter from Frantz Morisset, one of the retreat’s organizers. Frantz is a Haitian pastor and scholar who lives in the states.

Grace to all of you.  It was one month ago when we were on our way back to the US after spending the week in Haiti.  I am taking advantage of this occasion to say thank you for your marvelous work in my native country Haiti.  Thank you, in the names of the Haitian pastors in the Diaspora and of those who participated in the May pastors retreat. Rather than using my words, let me share with you a few of the hundreds of written comments from Haitian pastors at the retreat.

The Pastors in Their Own Words

“This conference has comforted me… It challenged me to help my community and my country… I am now committed to comfort not only members of my own church but to go beyond… Thank you LORD, you have sent me what I truly needed.” (Les Cayes)

“I was satisfied with my work and concern for church members before the conference … Now I see the need to love, to love more for a truly biblical ministry… I will assist the members of my church in a better way and be available to answer their questions” (Bois Pin, La Gonave)

“Thank you. The subjects have stimulated me to want more seminars. Thanks to the TEAM. May God continue to bless CHC.” (Delmas)

“The conference is changing my life and will change the way I used to lead the church. I am better equipped to administer it, to develop it spiritually, socially and economically… (Cote de Fer)

“Thanks to the conference, I have new friends and contacts… new direction”. (La Gonave)

“Thanks. I have learned to listen to others… I see the importance of counseling… my duty to help other leaders in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ… Please, make plan to invite more people next year…” (126 Gros-Morne, Gonaives)

“Thank you CHC and STEP for the beautiful initiative. It was a week of training and encouragement and meeting other evangelical leaders” (Arcahaie)

“I have been comforted and will go back to share it… I see the need to be transparent to all, in all good conscience.” (Port-au-Prince)

“Thanks. I knew I was a servant of God… I learned that I need to develop it further for the harvest of Christ.” (Port-au-Prince)

“I have new vision, new attitude…I see the need for character change… Congratulations for such an important conference… I hope to see another one.” (Cerca-la-Source)

“Thanks for your efforts and your sacrifice to help us spiritually so to bear fruit, much fruit in the growth of the gospel in Haiti and be useful to others… May God bless CHC, the teachers.” (Charlotin)

“Thanks for this initiative… I have learned much to help my pastoral ministry… I need radical changes in my life… For sure, I am better equipped to help people in my community and especially those in the tent cities.” (Port-au-Prince)

“I did not want to come to Port-au-Prince… But I am glad I did, especially to witness the attention that our brothers from overseas showed toward us Haitians… The small groups were so edifying, so profitable… an ambiance of good brotherhood (fellowship).” (Les Cayes)

“I can summarize that it is the work of the Holy Spirit.” (Petion-Ville)

“Thanks! Thanks! Thanks CHC! I was so discouraged looking at my future and that of my family. Now, I have a better understanding of God and natural disasters. It is good to see there are people who love me… I need help for my family, they are suffering and I cannot help much. I was alone but now I see there are people who think of me… Thanks.” (Carrefour)

“If you can afford it, please have another conference in 3 months.” (Kenscoff)

“My understanding of the word of God has been reinforced… I have more enthusiasm for my pastoral ministry in my community… May God bless CHC and preserve/protect you from now and ever.” (Port-de-Paix)

“This conference challenges me to have more love, more tolerance, and more compassion for others. As I reflect on the love of the teachers for us, Haitians, it challenges me to do the same… Thanks.” (Aquin)

“I have a new vision for love, hope, and am more committed to plant new churches and get involved with my team in tent city ministries and assistance to victims.” (Cayes)

“I am better prepared to work with difficult people… Have this conference next year in the South and Grand’ Anse.” (Maniche)

“I have learned that I must be engaged in the tent city ministry… (Cayes)

“Good to learn about group counseling vs individual counseling… secular vs biblical counseling… Want to learn more. Plan to have more of this type of conference.” (Petit Goave)

“I appreciate the way the American brothers in Christ cared for us… (Ville des Coteaux)

“I always like new ideas… better understanding of the word of God… Thank you God. Thank you CHC.” (Port-au-Prince)

To be continued …

“Mesi” is Creole for “thank you,” a derivative of “merci” in French.

When you’re heading into battle you want good men fighting alongside you and great men who rise above the rest as servant leaders. Through Churches Helping Churches, I met such men In Haiti.

Jean Dorlus is a brilliantly gifted man. At the Churches Helping Pastors retreat, he knew exactly how and when to exhort, teach, and crack a joke with the 250 Haitian pastors present.

Jean is president of the seminary that hosted us, STEP, which basically means he does a little bit of everything. At the conference he led worship, he taught the men and challenged them to be on mission in the tent cities, he played the role of diplomat when the men got restless, and he brought a lot of levity to the room after long days sitting in uncomfortable chairs.

As we talked I could see the lingering pain on his face as he said, “When you knew someone who died in a building, it isn’t just a building anymore.”

Wadestrant Jean “WaWa” Baptiste has a profound story. His father was a witch doctor who would torment his son. After WaWa came to know Jesus, his father kicked him out of the house, and he moved in with some missionaries and celebrated his first birthday party at the age of 22.

A lot more could be said about WaWa’s story, but after many years he is now dean of students at STEP, and his 71-year-old dad has accepted Jesus and sits in on his son’s seminary classes.

When I visited Port-au-Prince, WaWa walked and drove us around the city for hours, sharing stories from the quake and about Haiti in general. We drove by the dry-cleaning shop where his wife was during the quake. He wasn’t able to contact her for hours, but she survived yet was deeply saddened by the collapse of a seven-story school around the corner.

Jacques Louis is the business manager for STEP. For the pastors retreat, he was responsible for housing, feeding, and translating materials for over 200 people.

In addition to his role at the seminary, Jacques pastors a church and leads a wonderful family of a wife and three kids. His 5-year-old daughter isn’t in the photo (above) because they sent her to live with friends in the U.S. for a few weeks—partly because the aftershocks were very frightening to her, and partly because Jacques had to help manage STEP’s temporary housing (tents city) for 3,000 people following the earthquake.

Finally, I’m grateful that Thomas Kim is leading the Churches Helping Churches effort. He organized the Churches Helping Pastors retreat in Port-au-Prince, and, with tact, grace, wisdom, and service, he is forging meaningful church connections that are resulting in more lives changed by Jesus.

Each of these men has had a life-altering experience that began January 12, 2010. Jean, WaWa, and Jacques are living in the immediate reality of a broken country, but, by God’s grace, maintain a really stable grasp on their identity, hope, and security in Jesus. These men are good soldiers on the frontlines of ministry: pastoring pastors, equipping leaders, and discipling people out of a deep, tested, and evident love for Jesus.

Find Pastor Jamie on Facebook and Twitter.

There were logistical challenges to the retreat. They turned out just to be another awesome time to be reminded of how big our God is. Here, Tom talks about this from the retreat in Port-au-Prince.

Further, over 600,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince to smaller towns since the earthquake. Churches in these outer regions, although unaffected directly by the quake, have felt its affects acutely as they have been flooded with refugees from the capital. These refugees–who often camp out in the church buildings–bring intense needs, both physical and emotional, to churches and pastors whose resources are already.

To support churches and pastors in these outer regions, CHC will be replicating the successful Churches Helping Pastors retreat in these outer areas for regional churches. These regional retreats will be organized by STEP, the local leagues of pastors, and other organizations that have asked for our involvement. Currently, we have two planned for July: one in Jacmel, to the southwest of Port-au-Prince, with Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale (July 11-15) and one in Verrettes, to the north of the capital, with Maiz, a network of Brazilian churches (July 26-30). If you are a local Haitian pastor in these regions or an organization working in these regions, please contact us.

Church Reconstructions

Based on the needs, we will either rebuild or repair churches. Based off an approach developed with Habitat for Humanity, we are partnering with Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale to donate a frame structure and tarp covering to 30 smaller churches in Jacmel. For donors who are interested in sponsoring specific needs and permanent building materials beyond the initial frame structure, direct sponsorship opportunities will be made available online.

Haiti is no longer in a state of emergency, and some form of regular life has returned to the street of Port-au-Prince. Because of the extreme poverty and lack of infrastructure prior to the earthquake, however, proper recovery is extremely complex and fragile.

Therefore, one of CHC’s core operating principles is to lead from behind. This is why we are being very careful not to rush these rebuilding plans. Haitians have to own and execute initiatives for sustainable recovery. Many well-respected NGOs are responding the same way: Plan slowly by consensus, then execute quickly through Haitian leadership. While this plan might seem slow, we are convinced it is the best way to ensure that the church in Haiti rebuild and be strong, not just until the next crisis, but for generations.

More children and and life in the tent cities,
along with the rest of the Port-au-Prince set.

A Haitian Dorothy, her yo-yo toy, and friend