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Often the question is posed, "Why Haiti? What can you hope to achieve with a country so impoverished and seemingly hopeless?" This is when the starfish story springs to mind....
For
over a decade several Episcopal churches in the greater Charleston area have
worked with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti to support missions to La Gonave,
Haiti. La Gonave is an island of about 100,000 people off the coast of
Haiti. There are 10 Episcopal churches in each of 10 villages with the main
church in Anse-a-Galets. One Episcopal priest, Father Alexander Soner, is the
head (and only) priest overseeing all the village churches and church
schools. In May, Christ Church spearheaded a medical mission to the small
island of La Gonave off the mainland. A makeshift clinic was set up in the
school at Gros Mangles where for three days nearly 300 people received much
needed medical and dental attention. Three doctors, including two
internists and a pediatrician, a dentist, and support staff worked tirelessly in
third world conditions - no electricity, no running water, with all medical
and dental supplies hauled in by truck.
Christ Church through its community outreach program, has formed a partnership with the Church of the Holy Spirit in Gros Mangles, am impoverished area two hours down the coast from Anse-a-Galets to financially and spiritually support Fr. Alexander Soner and people of Haiti. Over time progress can clearly be seen in stronger schools with growth from 200 students to over 2,000 now, more teachers and supplies, and perhaps more importantly, children are moving on to higher education, and in one young man's case, law school.
Each visit produces results and gives great hope that through focused and consistent efforts we are able and give back So to answer the question "How much difference do we hope to make?" The answer is "We made a difference to one."
If you would like to help support future missions to Haiti, please make a donation payable to Christ Church Haiti Fund. For other ways to participate contact the Outreach committee at Christ Church.
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