Trip Cost: $1,500.00Haiti’s history is as dramatic as its present is turbulent. Originally known in the native Taino language as Ayiti, or “Land on High”, Haiti was a land of indigenous peoples until European exploration brought Spanish and French occupation and subsequent war between European imperialism and the native powers. European victory led to the eventual demise of the native population and the introduction of African slaves that set the demographic tone for the present nation. Haiti went on to become the first post-colonial independent nation ruled by former slaves, a remarkable feat of the time.
However, since those early days of independence, Haiti has maintained a downward trend. The nation is ranked as the least developed country in the Americas, with 80% of the population living in gross poverty while an elite minority retains extreme wealth. Nearly half of the population is illiterate, and the country is consistently ranked among the world’s most corrupt nations. The official state religion of Haiti is Roman Catholicism, which constitutes for 80% of the nation, and 15% of the people belong to various protestant churches. Voodoo is also a recognized religion, easily blending with Roman Catholic traditions. Though at times suppressed by various church doctrines, Voodoo has maintained a hold in the land. This worship of ancestors and the spirit world can rightly be linked to the nation’s ongoing struggle for survival, though modern voices seek to undermine this idea. The Haitian people continue to suffer the poverty thrust upon them by decades of economic turmoil and natural disaster. For the poor majority of the land such things as clean drinking water, electricity, and basic medical care remain unreachable luxuries.
In May 2009, a team of volunteers will travel to Haiti in partnership with local and dedicated missionaries. The plan is to simply show the love of God to the Haitian people through any way possible, whether through basic medical outreaches and feeding programs, or an up-beat VBS ministry for the children of this land. The will of the Father is that His glory, love and power be made manifest in all the earth. God is able to manifest His love and power through simple acts of kindness carried out by the hands of His people. Join the 2009 short-term team to Haiti and become part of the effort to see the return of the manifestation of God’s glory throughout this land.
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