Hello Wai-Lam,

In Gens De Nantes (GDN) and Pignon, Haiti, we at EMCC are blessed to be connected to leaders within the AEM (our sister denomination) who are serving their communities in a variety of ways. Some provide medical care at the GDN clinic as doctors, nurses, or recently graduated medical professionals; others care for seniors and disabled people in Pignon; while others invest in children’s education and the food security of their parents and caretakers.

Each of these individuals are seeking to be like Jesus in their attitudes, behaviour, and character, in the moment while also looking to contribute to the long-term health and thriving of their communities. 

In 2019, these leaders were together to identify the resources within their communities as well as discuss the challenges that lie ahead. And, they were all able to reflect on our theme verse 2 Kings 4: 1-7. 

Some of the main takeaways from each of them included: 

“Resources in GDN can be seen as a ‘little bit of oil’ but God always gives a measure to use.”

“…there is a holistic gospel that God is calling us to.”

"God can solve the problem with the resource we have and when we use what we have to meet the need." 

The story below from Pignon demonstrates the posture in these reflections. May you be encouraged by viewing the impact of these leaders in community and the tangible change that can come from caring for both the short and long term needs of others. 

Opening Doors to the Unexpected

As a young student, Pastor Abdon recognized the need for quality care of elderly men and women, whom he saw regularly begging on the streets. He longed to do something to help. Many years later, the church he pastors at initiated a Seniors Home development proposal in coordination with EMCC and the Home opened its doors to vulnerable seniors last March. They began with seven residents and today hosts ten men and women. The infographic below describes this initiative.

One of the men, Calixte, was living by himself in a small room within someone's home. A number of years ago, he was in a motorcycle accident that left him with a wound that did not heal. After moving into the Seniors' Home, he began receiving much-needed medical attention to begin the healing process and regular nutritious meals. He shares how he is happy to be living in this new place with community.

An unusual situation came up in November. A pastor from the area, Fedaniel, knew the situation of a young man in need and was trying to assist him as much as possible. Jean Richard was living in a room in a small community. No one including Jean Richard's family was really helping him with his activities of daily living, including getting in and out of his make-shift wheelchair. The young neighbour friends around him were not a good influence, as they drank a lot. When Fedaniel heard about the home for the elderly and disabled, he inquired with the committee to see if Jean Richard would be a candidate.

He was accepted as a resident and moved in soon after. He receives healthy food daily along with nursing care. His chronic bedsores are being cared for regularly. He now has assistance transferring in and out of his bed or wheelchair.

The Home is a healthy environment in which Jean Richard can grow as a young adult following Jesus. The influences of the staff will be beneficial, especially for social interaction. The chaplain visits three times per week and visits with each of the residents as well.

Below is a picture from the day he arrived at the Home, accompanied by his pastor, his cousin and his brother.

Want to support our friends in Haiti?

Here are some open projects:

World Partners invites you to join with us in an EMCC Connected Across the Globe event on Friday February 10th (11 am EST/9 am MNT), engaging in prayer for these global partners together.

#IDW2023