We’re thrilled that Craig and Christi Gabhart have returned to Haiti and are continuing their vital work with Many Hands for Haiti in Pignon. Their dedication is inspiring, and their leadership ensures our programs in agronomy, education, healthcare, and more are flourishing.
How is it that time can seem to stand still and then it races past quicker than a blink? This is certainly the phenomenon of time that applies to us right now. We are back in Haiti, now returning to the ministry work there. This plan has been a long time coming, filled with prayer, conversation with the incredible MH Haitian staff, and collaboration with the MH Board.
The emerald embrace of rainy season greeted us as we touched down in Cap Haitien on May 23rd. It’s a sight that fills the Haitian soul with joy, a sign of life-giving water nourishing the parched land. This return to Haiti, after a period back home in the States, is both a homecoming and a new chapter in our ministry journey.
We’ve been deeply inspired by the strength and dedication of the MH Haitian staff. During our absence, they held the fort with unwavering commitment. Their resilience is a testament to the Haitian spirit, a spirit that refuses to be broken by hardship.
Yes, there are challenges. The mention of increased reliance on Voodoo practices highlights a deep yearning for answers and solutions. But amidst the struggles, we see an opportunity to shine the light of hope through Jesus Christ. He is the answer, the one who offers true and lasting peace in the midst of life’s storms.
Our mission is to walk alongside the MH staff, encouraging them to be agents of love in their communities. Witnessing the transformative power of Christ’s love is our core purpose. Just as 1 Peter 4:7-10 reminds us, love covers a multitude of sins and brings communities together. This love will be the cornerstone of our ministry.
Haiti is a land where resourcefulness reigns supreme. The “degaje” approach – “make do with what you have” – is a constant reminder of the Haitian spirit’s ingenuity. From the classic seesaw reinvented with rocks to the sturdy bridge repair, Haitians find solutions despite limitations.
Elanie is a young mother participating in our First Thousand Days program in Jean Boule. Her story embodies the unwavering spirit of the Haitian people in the face of immense challenges.
Last year, we at MH4H accompanied Elanie to the hospital in Hinche to address a very enlarged goiter in her neck. The process was arduous, filled with test after test to prepare her for surgery. Imagine the emotional rollercoaster – finally reaching a point where a solution seems near, only to discover during the very last step that Elanie was pregnant. Surgery would have to wait.
Fast-forward to 2024. Elanie’s beautiful baby is now 7 months old, a testament to her strength and the support of her family. She is pictured here with her grandmother on the left and my dear friend Eliamene in the center. However, Elanie’s health concerns haven’t vanished. She’s scheduled for surgery this coming week to finally address the goiter.
Eliamene has been a pillar of support throughout this ordeal, navigating the complexities of the healthcare system alongside Elanie. Here’s where a seemingly insignificant detail becomes a stark reminder of the daily struggles Haitians face. The baby bottle pictured below, purchased from a nearby shop, has its markings upside down. It’s a small symbol of the resourcefulness required to get by, but also a glimpse into the limited access to basic necessities.
MH4H is committed to supporting Elanie during this crucial time. We’ve provided her with a small amount of baby formula and the upside-down bottle to ensure her baby can be fed after surgery. It’s a classic example of how hard life can be in Haiti, where challenges permeate every aspect of daily existence. Yet, Elanie’s story is also a testament to the unwavering spirit and the deep well of resilience that resides within the Haitian people.
The Haitian church’s response to life’s hardships is truly inspiring. The lyrics of the songs sung at the Agape Church resonate deeply: “Holy Spirit, I need you now…” and “I need Jesus, I need Jesus now…” These are the words of a people who find strength in their faith, a faith that carries them through the darkest of times.
Our return to Haiti is filled with a renewed sense of purpose. We invite you to join us on this journey as we witness the incredible resilience of the Haitian people, share the transforming power of Christ’s love, and empower communities to thrive. Stay tuned for further updates on our experiences and the inspiring stories we encounter along the way.
About Many Hands:
Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families. Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Grimes, Iowa, and Spencer, Iowa.
Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.
