Partnership with the Haitian Baptist Convention:10 of my Favorite Things!

Assumption #1:  For cross cultural mission teams to function with integrity, there need to be local partners who determine their own needs and goals, and set the agenda for the team's work.

Assumption  #2:  While we could just "send the money" for projects instead of paying for ourselves to go, this would not develop a sense of solidarity and connection.  By making financial contributions for construction and medicines AND going to work with them, we demonstrate that we care in a powerful way and build ongoing relationships.  We are also changed and these relationships grow, the value of which cannot be measured in dollars

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE 

HAITIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION

1.  The Haitian Baptist Convention is well motivated, follows through on their visions, and is getting important things done for the betterment of their communities!
2. They have built a 3 story school, that includes a day school and an orphanage, computer, tiling (ceramic), and sewing classes and a therapy center for children with physical disabilities
(with the help of major funding from Baptists in Hungary, Virginia, and around the world).
   [Needed-  Ongoing funding for the therapy center and other programs.  Pediatric Therapists -    
   especially PT and OT volunteers to provide additional training to Therapeutic Aids working with
   the children.]
3. They will soon be launching a Nursing School, with a very dynamic and well qualified director.
    [Needed-  Equipment and textbooks for the school- e.g., BP cuffs, stethoscopes, a resusci-Annie
    mannequin.]
4. They want to create a chicken farm to provide food for the orphanage and the parishioners managing it - and perhaps funds for ongoing programs.  We have been invited to work with them on this project...
    [Needed-  Funds for the building and the chickens / participants to help with the building / people
    knowledgeable about environmentally sound farming practices.]
5.  The Baptist Convention has just initiated contact with the Haitian branch of Heifer Project International.  They hope for the participation of members of their churches in HPI's education and farming.
6. The Concorde Baptist Church has an English Club that is nurturing very good English Speakers - a valuable skill in Haiti.  Four of the students served as interpreters for this year's mission group.
    [Needed: Young Adult English Books that would be acceptable in a Conservative Christian
     Church environment.]
7. In response to our concerns about medical follow-up for patients seen by our medical teams, 5 of the Convention's Churches are instituting a "Parish Nurse" or "Health Promoter" program.  The nurse in each church will keep a list and follow up on patients seen by the team who need additional medical treatment or medications.  In the case of financial need we will work together to attempt to provide needed care.
    [Needed: Funds for medications and medical follow-up.]
8. Our partners there arrange for comfortable, safe, guest houses for our stay, enclosed in a secure compound.  We are served safe and good food and lots of bottled water.
9. We are transported safely through traffic, over poor roads, and through an unsettled city.
10. Our partners are gracious, hospitable and faithful people!