Mission to Haiti

Grace Community’s Haiti Mission

Grace Community, led by our Young Adults Ministry, began our Haiti Mission in November 2010. Our mission was planned before the tragic earthquake in January of 2010 that destroyed Port Au Prince and surrounding areas. While wanting to serve those affected by the earthquake, we knew the poverty and need in Haiti spread throughout the island. We were called to Dasmas, a small town in the mountains of the southern peninsula near the city of Les Cayes. We partnered with the Methodist Church of Haiti and are serving alongside the people in Dasmas to improve the Methodist Church, the Methodist School, and the community of Dasmas.

What began as a new roof and paint job has developed into a deep love and developing relationship with the people of Dasmas. Grace Community and Dasmas are now a family, and God is using both people from Grace and Dasmas to encourage, build up, and care for the lives of the other. To date, three teams from Grace have gone to Dasmas, and every team member’s life, from 15 years old to 62, has been transformed.

This year, Grace will take 2 missions to Haiti, June 1-9, 2012 and November 16-24, 2012. All teams will be made up of 10 members, with at least 2 spots for Youth or Young Adults 15-21 years of age.

What can you expect as a team member to Haiti?

Commitment to prayer and study for the team and our family in Haiti.
Participation in any fundraisers for project funds and supporting the trip.
Trip cost approximately $1800 per person. You may ask family and friends to sponsor you, and all donations are tax-deductible. Checks need to be made payable to Grace Community UMC and write HAITI in the memo line. Mail to attn: Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill, 9400 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, LA 71106.
Team trainings, packing party, and team building activities.
Travel by plane to Haiti, by van and large truck while in country.
Team leader with #1 concern is team safety. Team leader will receive a cell phone in Haiti and will be able to make calls to US.
Lodging: guest house in Port Au Prince and Les Cayes. In church or school on cots/mosquito nets while in Dasmas.
Food: prepared by a trained Haitian who takes safety as a priority. All water is from a well, but is treated as an extra precaution. You will eat well!
Projects will vary from construction, painting, VBS, etc. We will work alongside hired Haitian workers.
Trained translators that we have an ongoing relationship with.
Your life to be changed and your heart broken and filled with what you see and experience while in Haiti.

Need more information or interested in joining a team?

Contact Dr. O'Dell @ pastor@thewellumc.com