presentation for mission trips
DESCRIPTION
Mission of Hope Haiti E4:12 and Band of Brothers July 15 - 22, 2015TRANSCRIPT
Mission Trip To:
H a i t i S u m m e r 2 0 1 5
E4:12 Mission Trip to ...
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ADDRESSING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
• Where would we be going and why?
• Where would we be staying?
• Would it be safe?
• When would we go?
• Why go on a mission trip?
• What work would we be doing?
• What else would we see and do there?
• Who will be leading the trip?
• Who can participate?
• How much will the trip cost?
• So…what do we do now?
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"The earthquake didn't just affect people physically, but it affected the lives of millions of Haitians as a whole: mind, body and soul," said Brad Johnson, President of Mission of Hope. "Mission of Hope has shown that long-‐term transformation and effective rebuilding are possible but require a holistic approach and not just immediate relief."
WHERE? COUNTRY – HAITI Why Haiti? With a population of over 8 million people,
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti has the third highest rate of hunger in the world, Behind Somalia and Afghanistan. Famine like conditions
plague many parts of the country. Almost 90% of the people have average ANNUAL incomes that equal less than $500 in US currency. And more than 80% of Haitians
are unemployed and live without running water, sanitation, or electricity.
The earthquake, which occurred on January 12, 2010, registering a 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the country of Haiti, a few miles outside the capital of Port-‐Au-‐Prince. This devastating natural disaster killed over 200,000 and left over 600,000 injured or homeless, struggling to find the basic resources needed for survival making the need. The effects
of this devastation, make the need that much more tremendous – even now, four years later.
LOCATION – MISSION OF HOPE (MOH) HAITI Why Mission of Hope? Mission of Hope was founded by Americans, Bob and Sharon Johnson, of Ind iana. In 1989, they were able to acquire a piece of barren land just north of Port Au Prince. Their vision was to build a mission complex that would effectively reach out and minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the less fortunate people in Haiti. In 1998, the torch was passed to Bob and Sharon's son, Brad, and his wife, Vanessa and their family – as they felt the call on their lives to make Haiti their home.
Because MOH had been established over ten years before the earthquake struck, there was an understanding of the culture, partnerships had been established, and trust had been built. MOH’s location, just 37 driving miles from the earthquake's epicenter, enabled their staff and volunteers to respond to the critical needs of Haitians most impacted by the disaster. MOH delivered more than 15 million meals to Haitians in the aftermath of the earthquake, while evolving as an organization to meet ongoing needs, treating thousands of injured Haitians through its on-‐site medical facility and establishing a prosthetic clinic, still in operation.
Currently, the Mission of Hope Complex sits on 76 acres of land. Approximately 1,200 children are enrolled in the School of Hope, the Hope House Orphanage houses and cares for 65 children, the Clinic of Hope treats between 70 and 100 people each day and the Hospital of Hope is in the works. MOH and its partners are committed to building homes for 650 displaced families and, to date, over 400 of these stable, concrete homes are already occupied. Over
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600 adults, youth children come from surrounding villages to attend the Church of Hope. In addition, the Mission of Hope assists close to 200 children in four other orphanages in nearby villages through the Feed A Child program. MOH also contributes to the local economy by employing over 150 Haitian women and men.
MOH’s funding model reflects their dedication to give directly to Haitians to transform Haiti themselves. Remarkably, for every dollar donated to MOH, 97 cents is directly contributed to programming. The effectiveness of Mission Of Hope is unmatched in Haiti.
WHERE: Where would we be staying? Mission teams are housed at one of the Mission of Hope campuses. Each campus has rooms with running water, ceiling fans, bathrooms, and standard electrical outlets.
Would it be safe? Safety can never be guaranteed -‐ in any country, state, or province which may be visited – nor can it be guaranteed if you remain in your home town, for that matter. However, with Haiti being a third-‐world country travels can sometimes pose a higher risk. With this said, security and safety are the utmost concern for Mission of Hope. MOH is fortunate in that their Executive Director, St Marc Jean Lubin, worked for the US Embassy in Haiti for more than three decades. He is well-‐informed and is very knowledgeable concerning the true situation on the ground in Haiti. If there is ever an instance when he thinks we need to postpone trips or get teams out of the country, he will not hesitate to make that decision. Furthermore, Mission of Hope is a gated community located in the foothills – out in the country and not in a highly populated urban area. (See www.mohhaiti.org/trip_faqs for further information.)
One of the Mission of Hope campuses.
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WHEN? When would we go? The summer before the E4:12 girls’ senior year of high school, summer of 2015 (specific dates to be determined). This time-‐frame has been chosen for three main reasons:
1 -‐ We have a number of athletes and performers in the E4:12 group who may be hoping to receive college scholarship offers for their particular sport or activity. That being the case -‐ camps and showcases, which take place over the course of the summer before the girls’ JUNIOR year, will be essential. The chance of our girls having time available for a mission trip will be much better during the summer before their SENIOR year.
2 -‐ Experiencing a mission trip to a third world country in the months before the girls begin their senior year of high school could offer life lessons and perspectives which could be tremendously beneficial as our daughters finish their high school careers and prepare to go off to college or begin their work lives.
3 -‐ Planning this far in advance will give us more time, as a group, to raise funds and help off-‐set the cost of the trip.
WHY? Why go on a mission trip? Statistics and Facts – A century ago, virtually all missionaries had to commit to years of service. In more recent years, the “short-‐term mission trip” has emerged. These journeys, typically lasting from a few days to several weeks, allow people to put faith and compassion in action by traveling to areas of great need to serve the poor or disadvantaged. A 2008 study from The Barna
Group shows that most of the people who embark on such trips describe them as “life-‐changing.” In fact, three-‐quarters reported that the experience changed their life in some way. The most common areas of personal growth that people recall -‐ even years later -‐ include becoming more aware of other people’s struggles (25%), learning more about poverty,
justice, or the world (16%), increasing compassion (11%), deepening or enriching their faith (9%), broadening their spiritual understanding (9%), and boosting their financial generosity (5%). Others mentioned the experience helped them feel more fulfilled, become more grateful, develop new friends, and pray more.
Despite increased accessibility and personal benefits, most Americans have never experienced a short-‐term mission trip – just 9% of the general American population and only 11% of church-‐goers. Some population subgroups were more likely
than average to participate in short mission trips: adults under age 25, residents of the South and the West, college graduates, political conservatives, and people who are associated with a faith other than Christianity. The most active group of people in terms of short-‐term trips was evangelical Christians (23% of whom had taken such a trip). In contrast –
residents of the Northeast, members of the Catholic church, and political liberals were among the least likely to go on mission trips. One surprise from the study was that upper and upper-‐middle class individuals were no more likely than lower-‐middle and lower class adults to have participated in a short term mission trip.
Personal Reasons and Experiences – From Lori: “I have never been on a mission trip. I have believed that when the time was right and God wanted me to go, He’d ‘let me know’. I have been feeling very led to pursue both the domestic (NYC) and international (Haiti) mission trip on behalf of our E4:12 group. My husband, Steve, has been very supportive and feeling similarly led. In the over fifteen years since we became followers of Christ, many of our friends and family have taken mission trips. I have contacted some of them and asked them to respond to the following question – for you.”
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"I would encourage you to take part in your group's mission trip because…"
“…it is honestly an experience you will never forget. I know everyone says that, but it's true. Going to Haiti was extremely fulfilling, humbling, and encouraging. The people there have nothing - but give everything when it comes to faith and family. The Haitian people showed me what true faith and unconditional love look like. The picture is of a boy named Ada that I met and although he didn't know it, he specifically taught me humility. His family had close to nothing but he kept saying how grateful he was for what God had given him. I would highly encourage you to go. You won't regret it.”
Laura LaPastora - Senior, Avondale HS Avondale High School Mission Team Mission of Hope Haiti - December 2010
“…It changed my life. After my week at Mission of Hope, I discovered home in Haiti. My relationship with God was rocked to its core and I left Haiti with a deeper and stronger relationship with Him.”
Megan Sack - Freshman, Michigan State Avondale High School Mission Team Mission of Hope Haiti - November 2013
“…it develops you into a person who thinks of and truly cares about others. We all grow up thinking primarily of ourselves with a self-centered outlook. Being aware of a world that is different than yours, people who look and live differently than you, and realizing your place (one of privilege and GREAT responsibility to others) is central to maturing into a caring adult and Christian.”
Mitzi van der Harst – Troy, MI Compassion International Group Tour Compassion Child Center Haiti – March 2012
“…it was incredibly eye opening for me. It is so different to actually experience something like the situation in Haiti as opposed to just seeing it on the news all of the time. It is amazing and humbling to be a part of the work that Mission of Hope is doing to improve the lives of Haitians. I am so glad that I was able to intern for them and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Andy LaPastora – US Air Force Enlistee Initial visit with Avondale HS group, Dec 2010 Mission of Hope Intern, June-August 2011
“…it will change your life. Friendships made on mission trips are forever. There is something about serving others in the name of Jesus that will GLUE you to others that share your experience. The experiences are unmatched. I believe that your life will change forever before you ever leave home because of your desire to serve in His name!”
Rachel O'Neill – Brownstown, MI Little Dresses for Africa trip Gambia, Africa - 2011
“…while you initially think you're going to help the people in the country you're visiting (and you do) you end up getting way more out of the experience by finally understanding why you were given the gifts you have and how great it feels to use them to help others! Also, going with my High School age daughter really opened her eyes to how blessed we are and how much stuff we have that we really don't need. She came back with a whole different attitude and a renewed commitment to help other less fortunate than herself.”
Frank Ryde – Lake Orion, MI Kensington Community Church in Orion, MI La Carpio, Costa Rica – July 2012
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“…God calls us to be his hands and feet to those in the world who are in need – and it will change your life.”
Karen Nicholas – Shelby Township, MI Kensington Community Church in Troy, MI Kenya, Africa - 2013
“…it makes you realize that kids are kids - no matter where you go! Children just want to be loved, cared about, play games, hear their names spoken, receive a heartfelt hug, and a loving smile. Children in poverty just want to be loved like all kids want to be loved! Poverty is something that can be studied in a class, but the only real way to understand it is to live amongst the poor.”
Beth Cooley – Plymouth, MI Life Church in Canton, MI Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage Dessalines, Haiti – October 2013
Nicholas Naseef – sophomore, Oakland University Crossroads Methodist Church – Ashburn, VA Bensonton, Jamaica – July 2010
"…every person in the first world should experience life in the third world in order to understand just how lucky they are."
“…I never really understood or appreciated what it meant to live in a ‘nation under God’ until I experienced the culture of a nation where that was not the case and where, at times, I sensed and discerned that void and the darkness that comes from it. I have always lived with a light and a sense of protection that I wasn't really even aware of - and I appreciate it much more fully now."
Amy Wade – Lake Orion, MI Faith Church in Rochester, MI Jamaica – February 2010
“…it is an opportunity for obedience that brings us closer to the heart of Christ. You have been blessed (both materially and in a saving relationship with Christ) in order to be a blessing and by stepping out to serve the lost and broken you are being that blessing and coming closer to the heart of Christ by actively becoming His hands and feet in a broken world.”
Bethany Ellis - East Greenwich, RI Georgetown University Graduate International Justice Mission Intern Frontline Church Trip – Arlington, VA Mission of Hope Haiti - March 2013
“…I am so excited for you girls to be able to have this opportunity... it is an experience that you will not want to pass up. After having the amazing privilege of going twice, part of my heart is still in Haiti. God can use each one of you to love on a child, help clean up or build a home, or to encourage an adult. Honestly, I wish I could go with you! J
Ericka Seidel – Woodside Bible Church Staff Student Ministries Admin and Intern Woodside Bible Church in Lake Orion, MI Mission of Hope Haiti – April, 2013
"I would encourage you
to take part in
your group's mission
trip because…"
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“…as far as missions trips go, I was of the generation where the idea of sending your high school or college student out of state or country was really starting to catch on. Throughout high school and college, I went to a number of places: - 2000 Denver, Colorado - public service, and street evangelism. - 2001 Mexico – helping in food pantries and home building. (It was in Mexico that I saw people in poverty for the first time, and experienced international worship for the first time.) - 2002 South Africa - children's ministry work. (I have since been back five times.) - 2003 Rome, Italy - Street evangelism, and encouraging Campus Crusade’s long-term staff in Italy. - Plus other domestic mission trips as a youth leader.
“…My wife, Jenny, and I and each of our three daughters (Sammie, Steph, and Stacy) have gone on mission trips outside of the US and I would highly recommend this for parents of high school students for several reasons: First, participating in the great commission of spreading the Gospel dramatically strengthens their faith and helps them see how God does His work through them. Second, the exposure to life outside of America shows a stark contrast between our world and the rest of the world, giving a perspective that cannot be fully appreciated through the media or the Internet. Third, the service aspect is a humbling experience that instills the value of helping others, which will stay with them throughout their lives. Finally, mission trips are life experiences that are very impactful on college applications as differentiators that show depth of character and present evidence of service to mankind that colleges highly value.”
Alan Bosma – Marietta, GA Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, GA Peru and The Dominican Republic
The number one thing that I can say about my experiences, both stateside and abroad, was that I was able to enter adulthood with a global perspective. It is so easy for a young woman in our country - growing up in southeastern Michigan - to have a narrow under- standing of what the world is actually like. Many of us are given so much, filled with expectations of marriage, children, a fulfilling career, purchasing our own little ‘McMansions’ someday, etc…and we assume that the rest of the world is in the same boat we are. For me, traveling around the world (with money I had earned or fundraised - not given to me by my parents) at a young age helped me keep my head on straight. I was able to make decisions – not based on what other people's expectations were for me - but based on what God had created me to do and was calling me into. I have been able to deal with the ups and downs of life with joy and hope because I know that the picture perfect life that we dream of as Americans is not what life is ultimately about. It has allowed me to be more generous and compassionate with what I do have and to constantly be thinking about how I can impact, care for, and love those around me instead of just trying to take care of myself.”
Amanda Sadlier – mother of five, church planter Hope Tots/Kids Director - Hope Church NYC Sadlier family – South Africa and (more Sadliers) New York City
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WHAT? What work would we be doing? There is still much work to be done in Haiti, post-‐earthquake. The week’s activities would be planned by an experienced MOH Mission Trip Coordinator. The specific itinerary would be received upon arrival to the mission. Activities would consist of light construction work (such as painting) and children's activities at the MOH facility or with a local church in a surrounding village.
What else would we see and do there?
Ground transportation provided by MOH, called a “canter.”
Haitian cuisine is kréyol cuisine – a mixture of French, African, Spanish and indigenous cooking methods. Rice and beans (dire ak pwa) are a staple. Vegetable and meat stews are popular, too. Goat, beef, chicken and fish are complemented with plantains, cabbage, tomatoes and peppers.
schools
earthquake-‐caused amputations
street vendors
church services
typical campus room
A team
doing the dishes
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WHAT: Both beautiful and heartbreaking sights.
Wahoo Beach Resort, where we would get to spend one full day.
A more common sight in Haiti.
Those with new homes after losing theirs in the earthquake.
Those still living in tents – four years after the earthquake.
Children who have shelter, food, and care because of MOH.
Children who, as of yet, do not.
Sights you would never see at home.
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WHO? Who will be leading the trip? Team Leaders: Steve and Lori Naseef
Pre-‐Mission Trip Advisor: Karen Nicholas, Local/Global Outreach for Kensington Community Church
Pre-‐Mission Trip Mentor: Todd Henderson, experienced MOH mission team leader (has been to Haiti thirteen times)
Who can participate? Our mission trip will be considered a “closed” group, specifically for E4:12 – as opposed to an “open” group which is made available to the public via the Kensington Community Church website. Each of the girls in the E4:12 group and all family members (parents, siblings, etc.) are invited to be a part of our E4:12 mission trip team.
Is there an age limit? MOH’s minimum age for participating as part of a mission team is six years old. Any children twelve or under who are part of the team must have their own parent or guardian serving as part of the team as well.
HOW MUCH? How much would the trip cost? Estimated MOH mission trip cost breakdown is as follows:
• Airline flight: fluctuates between $850 and $1150 (flights are the greatest expense)
• MOH's fees are $575 – which includes food and ground transportation
• Food and supplies teams are required to bring from home to MOH -‐ $25 to $35 per person
• Approximately $250 for team expenses throughout the week, divided among team members
• Team t-‐shirt -‐ about $7 or $8 per team member
Estimating trip cost to be $1800.00.
How can we afford this trip, especially if more than one family member is interested? • We will pray for guidance and wisdom for all aspects of the trip, including fundraising. • Through the E4:12 and provideInc relationship, we will initiate various fundraisers with the E4:12 girls (ideas welcome!) • Mission team members will be encouraged (but not required) to send sponsorship letters to friends and family members.
SO…WHAT DO WE DO NOW? Please share this information with your daughter, or perhaps discuss as a family. Please gauge your initial interest and contact me via email at [email protected] to let me know the following ASAP. Note – expressing interest does not OBLIGATE you in any way. We just need to begin to get an idea concerning possible mission team participation:
1 -‐ Your E4:12 member’s initial interest level: 2 – Names of additional family members interested (if applicable) and their initial interest level:
very interested interested somewhat interested not interested Thank you! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or input. Sincerely, Lori Naseef
Karen Nicholas Kenya -‐ 2013
Todd Henderson with daughters adopted from
Haiti -‐ 2013