Mission Trip to Haiti

Hello friends and family. I hope this finds you well. I have recently had the honor of being been picked as one of the twelve individuals from my church to go on a mission trip to Haiti. This is a big deal to me, so please take a minute to absorb these few words.

Since you are reading this you obliviously know me but I want you to know me better as a devoted Christian man in his mid thirties. (Yes, 36 is still mid) That's a bold statement I know, but thank God for grace, right? I am a SERVANT. My gifts are a strong back, strong work ethic, building relationships, and a heart to want to love unconditionally. I have felt led for several years now to get more involved in mission work and leaving a life changing footprint for many to hopefully follow like my grandfather (Bill Powers) did. I have been lazy when it comes to making this happen. It has been one those things where I have prayed and prayed but have done nothing but talk to a few inspirational friends. Now is my opportunity and I almost let it slip away. I literally turned in my application for this trip at midnight of the deadline. Therefore, this opportunity is very confirming this is where God wants me.

So, where, why, and what will we be doing in Haiti?

Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the world (only half the population is literate) whose rich history is also filled with violence, oppression, and the most recent devastation of the 2010 earthquake. Haiti, roughly the size of Maryland is located in the Caribbean and shares the western half of the island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic. Our group will be working with a Haitian Episcopal priest, Father Fritz Valdema (Pere Val) and his wife Carmel who have been in long relationship with our church's Bishop, TJ Johnston. TJ introduced the leaders of our church to the Valdemas and they were immediately moved by their story and commitment to the Haitian communities they serve. We are excited to be able to come along side them and join in on this long-standing and thriving ministry. Pere Val oversees 6 churches and schools, all located in a suburb 45 minutes from the capital, while Carmel has been a practicing nurse (for 28 years) and has established nutrition programs that benefit young children. She has also been instrumental in creating clinics where healthcare and medicine are provided at little or no cost. Together they have created several strong communities where physical and spiritual needs are met, making the church central to each community. We will be staying in this community. In our time in Haiti, we will support the Valdema's ministries in a variety of ways. There will be many opportunities during the week to use all the gifts that God has given me, but the main areas of ministry will be focused on medical and construction related to the church. We will also get quality time to play and interact the people in the schools, clinics, and church communities. Haiti has a bad reputation of practicing Voo Doo rituals and not being a Christian nation. Some would turn their nose up to this, but in my eyes, it is even more of reason for me to go and try to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

Our trip is planned for February 15^th thru 24^th 2014. I am modestly asking for your support both spiritually and financially. Big things are going to happen on this trip. I feel like is going to be transformational for me, our group, and the communities we are going to help. If you do feel led to support financially you can do it a couple different ways. You can donate directly on this site or send a check made payable to my church Trinity Anglican Mission and mailed to 2270 Defoor Hills Rd Atlanta Ga 30318. Please add a note to whom it is regards for. The church will make record and you will receive a receipt for tax deduction.

Thank you for reading and supporting from the deepest depths of my heart!!!

Tim White