Global Mission Team: Haiti 11/04/2011

by Major Abe Tamayo
 
What started as a mission trip to Haiti, a nation still reeling in the havoc of disaster and chaos, has transformed into a mission journey of my own heart.

Our team of eight men assembled together on the eve of February 8, most of us unknown to each other, quickly bonded through the ideals of the mission and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Eight would be strangers departed from Chicago to Port-au-Prince, endured an arduous van ride to Jacmel, a 73 mile drive which took three and one-half hours to journey through the mountains of Haiti.

Over the course of the next eight days, the team worked diligently to build four new houses as well as to rebuild the Corps Community Center (which was the equivalence of ten homes) by removing canvas walls, restructuring the frame work and building plywood walls, doors and windows in their place. The real mission, however, had little to do with construction, it was about demonstrating compassion toward a people who had nothing, and then was further devastated by an earthquake and cholera outbreak.  Our mission, as always, is people.

People such as an elderly woman, whom we affectionately nicknamed Grandma, lived directly across the street from The Salvation Army Corps Community Center, in a framed structure covered in poly tarps, no windows, no doors, and no security.  In its place now is a new home, new furnishings and, most of all, a locking door and windows, creating a home which is both safe and dry, just what ‘Grandma' needed most.

Our second home, 10'X20' was to house two separate families, each related to the other, but distinct from each other. At their request, a solid plywood wall was built in the center to create separate entrances, in essence a duplex, providing private dwellings for each family.  While each side is only 10' by 10', the new homeowners danced across the threshold, expressing their joy in smiles and tears.

The accounts of the elderly, families, children and an entire culture touched by this mission trip overflow the imagination, each expressing their gratitude with sincerity and deep affection.  The new Corps Community Center now has walls, doors and windows complete with electric lights and fans, allowing for worship, schooling and other community gatherings. Most appropriately, a rugged, 2'X4' cross was mounted on the platform wall, reminding everyone of the why of our mission--our motivation is the love of God.

Lasting Impressions
Most impressive to see was the indelible spirit of the Haitian people.  While living in primitive, difficult conditions, they all had a spirit that remains indescribable. Theirs was a joy and peace that passes conventional understanding.  It is often said that America is the richest nation in the world. While certainly a wealthy country when it comes to money, we are not the richest by far. Not when compared with a culture that is steep in family structure, simple by way of living, and thankful for each new day, greeting each other and even strange Americans with a smile and a warm greeting. 

Another reality that will remain deep within my contrite heart is this: The Salvation Army is to be commended for its grand operations, services of schools, medical clinics, children's homes, and community centers, each right where they belong, in the heart of the community they serve. The Army is truly a beacon of hope and light, shining forth Jesus in a land deep in poverty and spiritual darkness.

Having returned to the land of plenty, I have discovered a gem that has long been mislaid in America: a genuine sense of gratitude and humility. Indeed, I have come away from Haiti with much more than I could ever leave amongst its good people, for which I am most grateful. 

I hope to return soon and continue the good work which Christ Jesus has begun through each of us. 
1 Thessalonians 5:18