A Common Goal

Not certain my frustration levels can handle a blog but here goes.

Watched Haiti Alerts as we sat at Sue's bedside listening to her machines bring her back to us, and wandered just what will "bring Haiti back"? Bring Hiaiti back "to what?" More of what has been? More hunger? More chaos? More oppression by world powers and well meaning NGO's? Must Haiti "come back" or is there a possibility of "going" forward?

Church leaders and friends in Haiti, have wished us blessings for a New Year and prayers for our crisis. Sue's illness in December initiated a journey home through the Dominican Republic we felt was assisted by the 100 prayer angel's in our luggage. Since hurricanes of 2008 there have been over 1000 angels sold for $20.00 each to fund industry on south la gonave. Still available, the sale of angels funds wood workers and APG, the developing industrial group.

We greet 2011 with gratitude for those who help us "market" and those who purchase and pray with the angels for the broken people of the world.

In cooperation with Service Chretian D'Haiti and AAPLAG we trained 18 community leaders to plan and implement industrial groups. A goat park and fishing cooperatives, plus assistance for agriculture groups has grown out of the training. A meeting was held Dec 29 to 30th, with leaders from SCH and AAPLAG. These meetings reinforce early training, and help community and church leaders understand the value of working together for the good of all.

Each participant invests either money or labor to

join a group and receive training and resources. APG is growing and we hope soon to provide assistance for office space, internet
and transportation beyond a motorcycle to enhance the relationship with AAPLAG and GBGM and Methodist projects on La Goanve. The expansion includes water projects and recognition by local government and other NGO's and Hiatian agencies working to improve life and living conditions on the island.

We have learned the greatest progress is directed by Haitians who want a better life and help with the hurdles of history, geography and climate. We experienced greatest progress when there was cooperation between related entities that share common goals.

As we look forward to future development on La goanve, especially the remote south side we feel God has guided us to resources and agencies that share our same mission. These common goals enhance and strengthen the Haitian Methodist Church and other denominations in Christian mission for the people of Haiti.

Years ago the Haitian Methodist Church was part of Service Chretian D'Haiti, and today the Sec. of the EMH Committee on Development serves on the Board of Directors.

The President of AAPLAG, Wilter Ocule, and the Director of Service Chretian, Peter Graff provide wisdom and assistance for us. The group is highly respected and this association has made possible advances we could never do alone.

I believe Haiti can only move ahead, when the Haitian voice is heard and respected by the world, and things get done the "Haitian way". Haitians working together utilizing their unique resources of ingenuity and endurance can rebuild. The world providing information and technology to confront the elements that put mountains on every horizon, will reach a common goal of a new Haiti.