Our first team of 14 men returned from Haiti March 8 after serving three weeks with the Friend Ships ministry.   Few ALERT teams have had the variety of ministry in serving that these men did over the course of their time of service. Upon arrival in Miami they assisted in the packing of crates, shrink-wrapping skids and the loading of shipping containers for shipment to Haiti.

Once the ship Integrity was loaded they began their three day voyage to Haiti, with each man given a particular on- board assignment which included assisting in navigation, four hour watches, engine room oversight, galley work and a number of other tasks related to sea travel. The journey was not without its’ challenges as a majority of the men experienced the “joys” of sea sickness and toughing it through the rough waters.

Upon arrival God’s hand was at work in mighty ways. The government of Haiti is notorious for its corruption with unscrupulous customs agents looking to cut a deal. This made the unloading of supplies cumbersome and laborious with endless (and needless) inspections and questions, coupled with the unpacking and repackaging of much of the goods.

On more than one occasion the crew paused and cried out to God to intervene and then saw Him respond in powerful ways as He changed the heart – and demands of the authorities.

Land duties consisted of assisting in the shipment of supplies from ship to the base, setting up security fencing, and the distribution of goods. Those men training in our paramedic program had a number of opportunities to assist in the nearby hospital and a mobile clinic. They experienced such joys as assisting the physician in the delivery of a baby girl, as well as the sobering reminders that in many cases medical care is simply limited to the distribution of medication, an encouraging word, and a prayer.

The team also had the opportunity to tour part of Port Au Prince and see first hand the devastation that has taken place and the poverty the nation lives in as a whole. It is difficult to put into words how a nation can survive with so little. The average income for a resident of Haiti is $2.00 per day, with many surviving on less. We have much to be thankful for in our nation and it does cause one to ask if we too could indeed  be living with much less for the sake of God’s kingdom and others with so great a need.

The impact this trip had on our men was great and a number of them hope to return in the near future. Plans are being made to send a second team sometime in the near future and Lord willing other teams as the nation begins moving into a rebuilding mode. We thank God for such ministries as Friend Ships and Samaritan’s Purse for providing the food, shelter and a base for us to work out of in Haiti and look forward to partnering with them in the future.

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