Haiti Outreach Ministries (HOM) began 27 years ago as a bible study in Cite Soleil. A young Pastor, Leon Dorleans had a dream that he could make a difference in the poorest slum located in the western hemisphere.
I met Leon in Turkey on a tour of the early churches; he was charismatic, faithful and passionate about his ministry. I had spent a number of years working with global ministries, and I was hoping Kairos would find a mission partner. Only God’s presence and plan can explain how a chance meeting with a pastor half way around the world would lead to a powerful experience for many within the Kairos Community.
We did not know what to expect on the first Kairos trip to Haiti. The ministry had grown into facilities at three locations, each with a church, a school, medical care and a clean water source. It quickly became obvious that the need in Porte Prince was overwhelming and in many ways hopeless. The team quickly concluded that the children were the hope for the future and first priority. Before the team left Haiti we decided that we would personally provide support for one of the pre-k classes at Cite Soleil. Today the Kairos community continues to support over 40 children in that class.
It is difficult to fully put into words the joy of joining with Christian brothers and sisters in another part of the world. We have now made more than 10 trips to Haiti. Each time we have friends that we look forward to spending time with as we work on projects, share meals and worship together. Leaving your comfort zone is a difficult decision but the impact on your life is unforgettable and undeniable. Traveling with others from the Kairos community is such a great way to deepen relationships and share in each other’s lives.
There is no more basic call than to join in mission with God’s people in another part of our world. For me it has meant new friendships with people that I could not have possibly known in any other way. Being open to God’s call has opened the door to incredible relationships. I have been the beneficiary of God’s grace by simply joining in his work, not with a plan or a purpose, but rather with just an open heart. If you have not been part of a mission trip take time to do it, if you have you probably have feelings like mine, so let’s do it again! I’d love to tell you more about our next trip scheduled for January 26-31, 2018. Feel free to send me an email if you have questions.
As a family, Jo and I feel joining in God’s work in the world has been the most rewarding experience of our lives and faith.
Jim Ditzel