Far from my cozy cul-de-sac in Anaheim Hills, I just returned from a mission trip to Haiti. It was such a powerful journey I want to share with you some of my experiences. As we partner in organizations purposed to uplift and give new life to the oppressed, I hope that these reflections provide you a window into this other world.
I traveled as a team member with Empower International Ministries, a Christian organization that helps to equip pastors and church leaders in developing countries with biblical truths about marriage, family values, and gender equality. We spent 10 days conducted 2 workshops in the city of Fond-Parisien, Haiti – located 45 minutes from Port-au-Prince – serving Haitian Christian Missions. Although I’ve been home for two weeks now, I’ve yet to fully digest the experience. But here’s a ‘brief’ [I use the term loosely] synopsis:
We had an incredible journey. God protected us from any harm and illness and we were blessed by the results of the workshops we conducted with 2 groups of pastors, their wives, and other church leaders. Hearts were opened, minds were challenged, and attitudes were changed. Prayers for wisdom and discernment were answered also. Some real transformation happened – culturally and relationally – because of trusting in God. In one instance, there was such a beautiful breakthrough brought about by the Holy Spirit that we all cheered and wept tears of joy!
Working through a translator, the gals and I on the team met with the wives in the evening. We were hoping to provide a safe place for the women to share concerns about marriage issues. Simultaneous to our meeting, the men were gathered with our colleague Wayne to express what was on their minds. With concerns of the heart, I’m learning more and more that it doesn’t even matter that you can’t speak the same language. Compassion expressed in love is compassion received in love wherever you are.
Our team so enjoyed hearing the frequent sounds of music and discovered that many of our Christian hymns are also sung in the traditional Haitian church services. Among the many praise songs, I led the group in an energetic expression of “This is the Day that the Lord has Made” in English as they sang it in French. They also taught me the French lyrics to “Jesus Be the Center” and I sang it in the worship service there the following Sunday.
We made new friends with these gracious and warm men and women, and I look forward to returning to Haiti in the Fall to conduct another series of seminars. In the meantime, I’ll be boning up on my French. I’m also grateful that I got to work alongside deeply-rooted Christian leaders, Betty Prophete [host and co-founder of Haitian Christian Missions], Carrie Miles [co-founder of EIM], Wayne Pelly [ordained pastor] and Liz Guy [counselor for at-risk teens].
Although the purpose of my journey was focused on training church leaders, I was interested to hear about any issues surrounding human trafficking and slavery. I learned there are exploited minors held in brothels in Port-au-Prince and child slaves, increasing in cases since the earthquake left so many children orphaned. Unfortunately, due to the high level of corruption and in the country among other infrastructure issues, I understand that anti-slavery organizations are challenged to build alliances within the Haitian government to enforce laws and help abolish the on-going crime. I was left with the gnawing reminder that there is never a shortage of the need for advocates to speak out for those whose voices are being silenced.
Thank you for the many ways that you and your organizations serve to provide restoration for rescued victims here and abroad!
I am called to return to the foundation of my faith that tells me God’s Word is a lamp to our feet. His truthful promises remain forever. He has a plan for good and not for evil for each of us. Though his heart aches for the way his children are being abused by other men and women, you and I can provide hands, feet, and voices to make a difference in their lives. I’m humbled to know that we can play a part in helping to rewrite someone else’s story.
As I turn my focus towards upcoming commitments, I’m returning to the Skirball Cultural Center in L.A. in March and April for another opportunity to speak to the community about the issues of human trafficking and slavery. As some of you know, the Skirball has opened an exhibit, Women Hold Up Half the Sky-turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide, which has been extended to May 20th, 2012. As a Justice Advocate – Community Educator, once again I will be representing IJM [International Justice Mission], the human rights organization.
I invite you to plan to see to the exhibit in the months ahead. Check out the Center’s web site www.skirball.org for more details.
Thank you, friends, for your interest and commitment to bringing God’s light into the darkness. I look forward to remaining in touch and hope that my thoughts find you blessed. I’d also appreciate hearing how your ministries are doing!
Kristina Sachs
Justice Advocate
International Justice Mission
Empower Advisory Group Member