Haiti (MNN) — Haiti is caught in a painful rotation: disaster,
donation, dependency. Each new tragedy, the most recent being Hurricane
Matthew, demands of Haiti what little it has. Relief funds flood into
the nation as long as the disaster is still fresh in minds around the
world.
And yet, long after a crisis has faded away, they continue to look to
foreign aid to survive their daily lives. That’s largely because little
has been invested in the long-term development and sustainability of
this impoverished nation.
Joe Richter of FARMS International says that to Haitians, depending on what others are willing to give is a method of survival.
(Photo courtesy of FARMS International)
Richter says, “This is a very sad thing for the people of Haiti and
it’s very damaging to their self-worth, their dignity. But it’s an easy
thing to fall into that trap.”
Relief aid is necessary, and so are resource programs for the poor.
But when provisions are given with no movement towards sustainability,
the recipients start to feel like they cannot do anything to help
themselves.
“It becomes a vicious cycle and it eventually will harm relationships
between the donors and the recipients. And this is the sad part about
it — you see it go through a honeymoon stage and everything is
wonderful. And eventually, more and more demands are put on the donor,
and if the donor can’t keep up, sometimes those relationships break down
and the people move on looking for another donor that can help them in
their needs.”
It’s not just individuals who adopt this practice, either. Even
churches have, for many years, depended on Western assistance to
function. Richter says this means parishioners in Haiti are less likely
to tithe since the needs of the church are already funded.
“It also discourages evangelism because God says where your treasure
is, there your heart is also. And if your treasure stays in your
pocketbook, that’s where your heart is. If your treasure is in the
Church and the evangelistic efforts of the Church, and you’re supporting
that, your heart’s going to be there also and it’s going to be your
heart’s desire to see people come to know the Lord.”
(Photo courtesy of FARMS International)
In this way, outside help that isn’t actually empowering the Church can actually inhibit the Gospel.
FARMS International believes there is a way to help that empowers
Haitians to be financially self-sufficient. First and most obvious, they
can be taught how to utilize the options, opportunities, and resources
around them. Second, they need a starting point and a chance. For FARMS,
this takes the form of microloans.
Their small microloan project in Haiti functions as it does around
the world. A committee connected to a local church is in charge of
selecting Christians families with legitimate needs who want to start or
improve their own business.
These interest-free loans have been incredibly successful in helping
families get to their feet and then give back in a way that benefits
their community and the Church.
“We have seen that over and over again in the FARMS program where
people have given generously to the churches, income has gone up,
outreach has increased, things they need for the church have been able
to be purchased locally. And, the people really appreciate what FARMS
does for them,” Richter says.
(Photo courtesy of FARMS International)
He says with a program like FARMS, the image of a poor beggar holding
out their hand for donations is reversed. The people they work with and
have supported are now tithing to their church and improving their life
conditions. Furthermore, Richter says, they are praising God for the
grace He has given them.
“It’s such a refreshing thing to see in Haiti — that type of dignity
in the believers. And I would hope to see that ethic and that way of
helping Haiti expand.”
Richter explains their operation in Haiti is small compared to the
great needs this nation possesses. However, it is also a profound
example of what can happen when people give with intentionality, love,
and respect. It is combining generosity with thoughtfulness.
“Even though Haiti sometimes looks hopeless, it’s isn’t. There are
things people can do to improve their situation when given a chance, and
that’s what FARMS is all about.”
To learn more about the FARMS loan program, and to make a donation, click here.
Please pray for their work to expand in Haiti, and that the
organizations there would see a need for long-term sustainability and
community development.
Source: Mission Network
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