The Beauty of Haiti - A Spin of the Globe

A Spin of the Globe is a series compiled by Praying Pelican Missions Mission Coordinators and Advocates. Within our individual blogging, most readers only get a narrow glimpse of PPM and our world-wide ministry. Between us bloggers, we realized we never speak much to countries we don;t have experience in - so we are Spinning the Globe. We hope through this series, you can experience another country within (and even outside) the world of PPM and get a taste for ministry that is unique and powerful, in every location. We pray you are blessed. We more details about all of our domestic and international locations, visit PPM Trip Locations.

Eric is a co-worker of mine serving as a Missions Coordinator in Haiti, along with his lovely wife Bethany. I hope his words inspire and ignite a desire in your hearts to love and serve the people of Haiti. Check out Eric and Bethany's blog for more info on their work in Haiti and life as missionaries.

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The Beauty of Haiti by Eric Richardson

What comes to mind when you think about Haiti?

Ask most people this question, and they're likely to reply with stories about a devastating earthquake, widespread political corruption, and significant risk of violence and danger. And, to be honest, that's to be expected if all you hear about Haiti is taken from the news.

The  problem with listening to what most people have to say about Haiti that most people haven't been to Haiti.  Those that have, often will tell a different story. One of the best parts of being a trip leader in Haiti is getting the opportunity to see the eyes of our teams open as they experience a Haiti that they never imagined existed.

~Beautiful Views~

Most people don't realize that the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic, is basically made up of mountains that rise up from the Caribbean Sea. Between the beautiful mountain views, the gorgeous white sand, and blue water, it really is one of the most beautiful places I've had the privilege to visit.

Ask any of our teams who have stood on top of the apartments at Good Shepherd Orphanage and taken in the view of the mountains in the bay and I'm sure they will agree that the combination of the blue ocean, mountains across the bay and salty breeze is unlike no other.

~Beautiful People~

There is something about Haiti draws people back. It's mysterious in a way. I have both experienced this personally and have heard it described by those who have visited Haiti in the past, even decades ago. I believe part of this desire to return comes from the hospitality and incredible spirit of the Haitian people.

Ask any of our Haiti teams about the highlight of their trip. I can say with great confidence that the relationships they make with our Haitian staff will easily be in the top 3. They truly are the glue that holds our ministry together. Whether it be learning about their culture, hearing their passion for Christ or serving alongside them throughout the week, they make a lifelong impact on your heart.

~Beautiful Faith~

One of the biggest surprises that our teams find when they visit Haiti is that it is a country full of people who have an unshakable hope and faith in Christ. Since the main religious activity an American typically hears about is voudou practices, many of them are blown away by the revival that is taking place in the country.

Haiti is a place where, like our friend Sister Mona says, “You can physically touch Christ. You can feel His hands upon your life.”

And it is so true. This palpable and very real presence of Christ is what you can’t grasp by just listening to the news or reading the newspaper. You’ll have to come and visit to experience it. And when you do, you’ll see that there’s a revival happening in Haiti.

If you've never been to Haiti, I invite you to come and have your world view changed. And once you've been here, return home and share the good news:  that Haiti is not a place of darkness, but rather a place of beauty, where God is at work and hope is alive. Visit our Haiti trip information page for more info on our trips, or contact us to learn about how you can be involved with a trip to Haiti.