Medical Mission, Haiti
Image: Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts

Haiti

*** See our new website addressing the special needs of Haiti. Click on haititaskforce.org. ***

It’s tempting to see the hundreds of people waiting to see us at the beginning of every day, as well as the tremendous need around us as too overwhelming. However, Jesus taught us to see each individual and to care for each person as though he or she were the Christ. I have no hopes of making changes in Haiti- I just hope to provide good care and hopefully ease the suffering of the one person that I have before me. - Emilie Hitron, M.D., Christ Church, Needham

As most people are aware, Haiti has significant need. It is considered the poorest nation in this hemisphere. However, Haiti is also experiencing tremendous political turmoil, periodically making it unsafe for church-related travel. The Rt. Rev. Jean Zache Duracin, Bishop of Haiti, has occasionally recommended that churches not travel to Haiti during political unrest. That said, churches interested in continuing relationships or developing relationships can contact Pere Ajax (kesnerajax@yahoo.com) in the Diocesan offices. The website for the Episcopal Church of Haiti is http://www.egliseepiscopaledhaiti.org

The Diocese of Haiti offers a mission conference called the Haiti Connection, which is an excellent opportunity for churches to learn more about mission programs in Haiti and how they might get involved. The 2008 conference is being held in Port-au-Prince in November (12 – 14). If you have an interested in working in Haiti, you might want to consider attending. http://www.haitiepiscopalconnection.org

Although it is not recommended that churches consider travel to Haiti, the need is still great. If you and the Haitian diocesan leadership determine it is unsafe to travel to Haiti, you’re encouraged to continue to discern how you might support Haiti through the work of others such as the Sisters of St. Margaret ( http://www.ssmbos.com ), who have been working in Haiti since 1927, as you discern your own community’s active engagement in God’s mission.