Helping Hungry Haitians

Article originally appeared in the Mission To Children newsletter of September 2002.

“I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.” What would it take for a hungry Haitian mother and her children to decide to follow Jesus? Sometimes it’s as simple as meeting their physical needs.

Rice, beans, and cooking oil...doesn’t sound like much of a gourmet meal, does it?  By the look on these little Haitian children’s faces, you’d think it was. This food distribution program for the “poorest of the poor” serves little children and their mothers who live in the appalling Port-au-Prince slum. Most of these moms are uneducated. Jobs are hard to find. Violence and crime have increased and fear hangs over the city like an invisible cloud. 

Our partners in Haiti offer hope to these destitute families with a food distribution center where they are allotted staples enough to feed a mother and her children for one month. Even though the food program is of vital importance, there is more to it than nutrition. The emphasis is on presenting “spiritual” food to the women and children who come. The morning begins with devotions—singing and a short Bible lesson. Sometimes, the recipients actually pray for the donors who provide money for the food they receive.  This meeting ends with an opportunity to place their faith in Jesus Christ. Many who come to the feeding center decide to follow Jesus. After the Gospel presentation, food is distributed to each family.

One time, a woman brought a letter of thanks to the director of the feeding center. This lady was providing for 5 children. She was father, mother and grandparent for five orphan children, whose parents had been killed during a political coup. The monthly “Survival Pak” brought great encouragement to this “family” of six.

For $25 you can provide a “Survival Pak” of supplementary food for a family of four that will sustain them for an entire month.