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Haiti Family Discipleship Trip
February 11 - 16, 2016
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:43b-45
Watermark in HAITI
Discipleship Guide
We hope that you find this short term discipleship trip experience valuable for these reasons and many more:
- that this experience MOVES YOUR FAMILY beyond your usual routine of "busyness" and allows God to speak to you in a new and different way.
- that you are barraged with NEW EXPERIENCES and ideas. You will be breaking new ground and experiencing more new things in one day than in the last month.
- that you are PUSHED out of your comfort zone and humbled. You will learn that we are not in control of anything. You will be giving up privacy, certain food, routines, etc.
- that in the process of getting ready and while on the ground, you will be newly EQUIPPED biblically and theologically.
- that you will prayerfully consider new levels and ways of SERVICE when you return to your mission field where God has placed you the other 51 weeks out of the year. Life is a long term mission opportunity and every day and every appointment is a short term mission opportunity.
- that you will experience how God works ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD in other cultures and contexts.
- that you will return with a NEW PERSPECTIVE of your own circumstances and new desire to STEWARD your resources in a God-honoring way. “To whom much has been given, much is required.”
- that you will be reminded of the GREAT COMMAND (Matthew 22:36-40) and the GREAT COMMISSION (Matthew 28:16-20) and will commit to live this out more deeply when you return.
- that you will be sharpened in your ability to ARTICULATE THE GOSPEL with boldness.
PRAYER LIST
Prayer is the most important foundation for our trip. Here are some things to be praying as we prepare.
Pray for OUR TEAM that…
-we will be equipped with every good thing to do God’s work (Heb. 13:20-21)
-all spiritual, physical, and financial needs will be met (Phil. 4:19)
-we will be pleasing to the Lord in everything (1 Thess. 2:4)
-we will be united in spirit, looking out for one another with love (Phil. 2:2-4)
-our words will be full of grace and encouragement (Eph. 4:29)
-we and our families will be protected while we are apart (Ps. 91:9-10)
-we will be flexible and content in all circumstances (Phil. 4:12)
-we will be filled with compassion, kindness, humility and patience (Col. 3:12)
-we will be completely useful to the Master (2 Tim. 2:21)
-we will be light to Haiti, so Christ’s salvation may reach each person (Is. 49:6)
Pray for Haiti that…
-God will raise up godly leaders to lead and shepherd His people
-That the people will look to God as their only source of power and healing
Pray for The Mission of Hope staff that…
-God would use this ministry powerfully in Haiti and grant MOH favor in the eyes of the government and regional and local leaders and authorities
Your Fellow Travelers
Brad Aspgren
Callie Chancy
Brian Cole, Christopher (6th)
Emily Curtis, Lauren Zmolik (10th)
Adam Fish, Jude (4th)
Meredith Hall, Rowan (9th), Houston (6th)
Roger & Andrea Haynes, Mason (8th), Carter (5th), Nolan Ray (3rd)
Gigi Hornberger, Claire (11th)
Jason & Lindsey Law
Brandon Lokey, Emma (8th), Hamilton (6th)
Rebe Long
Mark & Maria Molina
Nat & Lynn Mosley, Marielle (College Sophomore)
Scott & Sally Michael, Abby (11th), Gracie (9th)
Jeremy & Mindi Patty- Addisyn (9th), Alivia (6th), Jeremy (3rd)
Brian & Ashlee Robert
Rick Wisner, April (6th)
Travel Schedule
FlightDepartArrive
AA 206DFWFeb 11 7:15amMIA Feb 11 11:01am
AA 201MIA Feb 11 12:45pmPAPFeb 112:43pm
AA 1158PAPFeb 16 9:10amFLLFeb 17 11:19am
AA2540MIAFeb 162:43pmDFWFeb 17 4:14pm
Mission of Hope Haiti – Contact Information
Mission of Hope
777 Route National #1
Titanyen, Haiti
US MOH Office – (239)-791-8125
Jessica Woodall (US office) - (239)-989-4487
Elizabeth Billingslea (MOH Haiti) – 011-509-4716-3703
Marc Lubin(MOH Haiti) – 011-509-3408-6171
Watermark Cell Phones
Scott Michael – (214)435-1395
Jeremy Patty - (573)673-0020
Karen Bundren (214)354-8804
Rick Howard (214) 537-4250
Watermark International Information and Background
Daily Schedule (tentative)
Thursday, February 11th:
Arrive at Mission of Hope
Friday, February 12th:
Morning: Work in the village
Afternoon: Strategic Village time
Saturday, February 13th:
Morning: Work in the village
Afternoon: Strategic Village time
Sunday, February 14th:
Church and tour of MOH facility
Campus Time
Monday, February 15th:
MOH campus or Village project
½ day of play at the beach
Tuesday, February 16th
Head Home!
Where We Are Going…
Brief History of Haiti
The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by Columbus in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'Ouverture. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first black republic to declare independence in 1804.
The ongoing power struggles, violence and corruption in Haiti have led to a nation ravaged by poverty. Widespread unemployment haunts the people of Haiti. More than two thirds of the Haitian labor force does not have formal jobs and those who are employed typically make less than $2 a day. In the face of such poverty, an estimated 173,000 children become domestic servants.
The massive deforestation of Haiti – caused by international industrialization and a local population desperate for cheap energy sources – exacerbates the damage of even minor storms. Without roots to hold it in place, topsoil is stripped and chronic flooding wreaks havoc on the people, their crops, and their homes.
For the many people already living on the margin of poverty, when natural disaster strikes, the effect is massive. Haiti is plagued by hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2008 alone, four major storms hit Haiti – three within a two month period. An estimated 800,000 people were affected, with almost 23,000 homes destroyed and more than 84,000 homes damaged.
On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake left approximately 300,000 dead and over 1 million people displaced from their homes. The tremors demolished the already weak infrastructure and affected an estimated three million people. Most of these people still live in temporary structures, whether make shift homes or tents. The places where many tents have been put up together are called tent cities.
Capitol City: Port-Au-Prince Population: 9,035,536 of Haiti
Religion: Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%
Note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo.
Mission of Hope, Haiti - Past, Present, and Future
Mission of Hope was founded by Bob & Sharon Johnson in Haiti, where they were able to acquire a piece of barren land just north of Port-au-Prince. Their vision was to build a mission complex that would effectively reach out and minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the less fortunate people in Haiti.
In 1998, the torch was passed to Bob & Sharon’s son, Brad, and his wife, Vanessa. As they felt the call on their lives to make Haiti their home, they became pioneers of what was to become Mission of Hope as we know it today.
Church of Hope
The Church of Hope is open to whosoever desires to come together to worship God and learn more about having an intimate, life-changing experience with Him. Over 1500 children, youth and adults come from nearby villages to attend Sunday Morning Worship service!
School of Hope
The School of Hope has approximately 5,000 students enrolled this school year in Kindergarten through High School. The School of Hope is currently in need of sponsors. Without Sponsorship, many of the students would not be able to attend school.
Hope House
There are over 65 children currently at Hope House orphanage. The Hope House provides a loving home and 24 hour care for these children. Each child is truly a blessing from God.
Village of Hope
The Village of Hope project construction is underway on the first 16 houses. Once the Village of Hope is completed the Hope House will be able to care for 240 children in 40 homes. There are also plans for a sports facility, learning center and dining hall for the Village of Hope.
Hospital of Hope
Hope Hospital is an onsite medical clinic staffed by Haitian and international medical personnel. It provides the following services to the Haitians at MOH and in the surrounding villages: Daily Medical and Ministry Clinics, 24-hour emergency room care, surgical unit, and medical wards for children, women, and men.
Clinic of Hope
The Operating Clinic Opened July of 2008. The Clinic is open 5 days a week seeing an average of 60 patients per day. It is equipped with a Pharmacy and a testing lab.
MOH Food Distribution Center
The MOH FDC provides over 60,000 meals per day through the MOH center and MOH’s feeding project, “Haiti 1.” It includes an onsite facility for receiving and sending out food to partners throughout Haiti. MOH’s goal is to create 9 regional distribution sites throughout Haiti through their new 50,000 sq.ft warehouse and ministry partner Convoy of Hope
Prosthetics Clinic
In April, 2010 just two and a half months after the devastating earthquake rocked the country Mission of Hope opened the doors to their Prosthetics Clinic. MOH sees 3 to 4 patients each week who receive a prosthetic leg and at least one patient each week comes in for a minor adjustment to their prosthetic leg.
The Prosthetics clinic at Mission of Hope is a unique opportunity for us to minister and love on the broken and hurting people of this nation. Each patient stays with us for a week in the patient ward. During their time with us they are loved on by our staff and visiting mission teams, where they experience the love of God first hand. The patients also bond with each other. They encourage each other, learn from each other and laugh together. They begin to understand that they are not alone in this battle. Lives are being transformed every day in our clinic.
Hope 500
Mission of Hope is building a community for earthquake victims. On a 200 acre property given to us by the Haitian government we are building a 500 home community. We are also rebuilding up to 100 individual homes in our local community.
Each home is 16’ x 16’ and includes an outdoor porch area for cooking. Each plot of land will include a 1,500 square foot plot of garden space so each family can grow their own food, learning to be self-sustainable. We will also provide agricultural training for each family. Each home will also have room for the family to add on to their home, doubling it in size if they choose to do so.
The families will receive their home free of charge. Each family will be required to pay a small community upkeep fee each month. At the end of their fifth year in their home the family will be given the deed to the property.
Memory Verses
Ephesians 2:8-9 (New International Version 1984)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Mark 10:43-45(New Living Translation)
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.
1 Timothy 4:12 (New International Version 1984)
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers, in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Bonus:
Romans 12:2(New Living Translation)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Suggested Memory Verses
John 5: 24 Assurance of Salvation
1 John 1:9Assurance of Forgiveness
Proverbs 3:5-6Assurance of Guidance
Romans 3:23All Have Sinned
Romans 6:23Sins Penalty
Romans 5:8Christ Paid the Penalty
Ephesians 2:8-9Salvation Not by Works
John 1:12Must Receive Christ
Romans 12:1Obedience to Christ
2 Timothy 3:16Word is God breathed
John 15:7Prayer
Acts 1:8Witnessing
Passports
Some airlines require a valid passport number before tickets can be purchased. This may mean it will be necessary to expedite your application. Please inform your Team Leader if you need to apply for or renew your passport.
Please make sure your passport is current and does not expire any less than six months after you return from your trip. If you do not have a passport, you will need to obtain one. The US government website is If you need a passport for yourself and/or child and apply by the end of the year you should have it by the end of the following month.
When traveling to Haiti, make sure you keep your passport in a safe place in your carry-on. Once arriving at MOH, carry it around with you or MOH can keep it in a safe if you prefer. Yourleader will bring a color copy of your passport in case your original gets lost.
How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
You’ll need to apply in person at the nearest passport agency (or post office) if:
- You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time
- Your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession
- Your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under 16
- Your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen
You will need the following:
- Birth Certificate original with raised seal
- Driver’s license, or positive ID containing photo, signature and physical description
- Photos, two identical passport photos. Don’t submit your own or use a vending machine. They will be rejected. Get several extra copies in case you need visas.
- Your local passport office will also levy an execution fee.
How to Apply Online
- Download passport applications Here:
- Follow directions on submitting form, additional required paperwork, and fees.
- You will receive your passport in six to eight weeks. So apply soon for this important documentation that will also be needed if your team requires visas.
Raising Support for your Haiti Trip
Many people already have been blessed by the Lord with the resources needed for this trip. However, we believe the Lord can use support-raising as a “faith builder” in your life. This is not something to be taken lightly; you can have a lot of fun mixed in with all the hard work.
Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
- PRAY. Express your total dependence on our Lord. Enlist others in your community to pray with you.
- MAKE A LIST OF PROSPECTS. Start with your community FIRST, and involve them in the process. How can they help you? Pray for ideas and list people who come to mind. Include church friends, relatives, neighbors, school mates, club and civic contacts, and your Christmas card list. How about your doctor, lawyer, dentist? Do not leave people off your list because you think they will not or cannot support you. God may have other plans. You may want to write several different versions of your letter depending on who you are mailing it to.
- RECORD AND PRIORITIZE YOUR PROSPECTS.
- SEND EMAIL or MAIL LETTER. See sample on following page.
- COLLECT YOUR DONATIONS. Collect them so you will know who to thank. Turn them in periodically during your collection period.
- MAKE FOLLOW-UP CONTACTS. Do this by phone if you can’t do it in person.
- KEEP TRACK. As you receive gifts, have a simple way to keep track.
- DONATIONS. Make on-line donations made at Feb. 2016 Family Tripor send checks to Watermark Community Church, 7540 LBJ Dallas 75251, Attn: Karen Bundren.
- SAY THANK YOU. Write thank you cards to those who participate through prayer or giving.
- SERVE GOD ON THE CAMPAIGN.
10. SAY THANK YOU AGAIN AS YOU REPORT THE RESULTS
Support Raising Tips:
- Make sure the memo line has the following information – Haiti Relief/Participant’s Last Name.
- Make sure checks are made out to Watermark Community Church. Tax receipts will be mailed directly to each donor. If checks are made to you directly, you can endorse the back of the check with your signature and write “payable to Watermark Community Church.”
- Due to IRS guidelines on non-profit organizations, Watermark will not be able to refund donations if you choose not to participate in the trip.
- Once you have collected your donations, mail your checks:
Sample Support Letter
Dear ______:
[Personal 1st Paragraph]
God has opened the door for me to go on a short-term discipleship trip to Haiti with Watermark Community Church on February 11-16, 2016. We will be working with Mission of Hope-Haiti an organization that Watermark has partnered with since the 2010 earthquake that struck Haiti. The purpose of the trip is to work alongside MOH to build and strengthen relationships with individuals and churches as part of MOH’s goal of bringing the gospel to every man, woman, and child in Haiti.