Connect 2 Ministries

I have blogged about my 2012 and 2013 trips to Haiti in the past: learning about identity and contentment through Peter, picture updates of Peter, and depending on God's strength instead of self. 

About a third of the kids who attended

My life circumstances changed so dramatically over the past two years that I did not keep up with the ministry in Haiti that hosted my trips, although I continue to reflect on the people I met and the lessons I learned. As part of merging our lives, Ben and I began attending a new church together in April of last year. I was surprised and gratified to find out Conejo Church sent members to the same host ministry in Haiti. Similarly to my experiences, God used the heartbreak and hardship of Haiti to change and grow these people from our church. One of the men decided to host a fundraising lunch for Connect 2 Ministries. It just so turns out that the founder of the Haiti ministry lives 20 minutes away from our church and was able to come and share between his frequent trips. We were able to attend and support through money and prayer. (Let's get real: good wishes don't buy food or diapers.)

This kid used the googly craft eyes to become "four eyes"

Usually when you give money to an organization working internationally you are putting your trust in that organization's leadership and reputation without having the chance to see the projects on the ground. I think it's really cool that 1.) I was actually able to be onsite and meet the orphans and churches supported by this ministry and 2.) Even though resigning from my former job meant no more trips to Haiti, God actually brought the head of the ministry to my church for the very first fundraising lunch he's ever attended!

The kids got pretty comfortable after three days. 

Here are some pictures from my second trip. Most of them are from a VBS in a newly built church that is essentially the host of social services in the town just outside Port au Prince. I have also attached the flyer I made for our church's fundraiser. After visiting orphans and people in tent cities, I can share that a little really does go a long way, and I challenge you to forgo a luxury this week (dinner, movies, Starbucks, new dress) and give that money to Connect 2 Ministries or another organization that is helping people living on the margins.

Our team visiting a tent city

Another four eyes

Three friends