I first heard God’s call to go on the trip to Haiti when it was announced. At the time I felt like it wasn’t an option. I didn’t think there was any way my parents would agree to let me go. I prayed about it a lot. I was still struggling with whether or not I would commit to going, even though I had miraculously received both my parents’ blessings. I knew God was telling me that it was where I needed to be that summer, but I was reluctant to listen and obey. I remember receiving a call from Pastor Dave during my struggle telling me he needed to know my decision. I said yes.

I cannot explain in words the emotions I felt as I stepped onto the airport runway in Port-au-Prince. I was excited and scared but trusted in God’s protection. It wasn’t my first time out of the country, but it was my first time witnessing so much poverty. My heart ached for the people of Haiti, but rejoiced in their strength and happiness.

In the midst of all the amazing things God was doing in Ouanaminthe, one of the most impacting experiences of the trip was having the opportunity to join in their church service. Clapping along to the beautiful songs being sung by strong women and listening to Pastor Hector’s message that night was so amazing. Something greater happened that night though. There was a call for anyone who needed prayer to go to the middle of the area. The volunteers were then asked to pray for these people. I remember placing my hands on a young woman’s shoulders, and although I had no idea her struggle, I prayed for her. I prayed for her in a language she didn’t understand. God definitely gave me the words as we stood there together, and I felt secure she knew I was praying for blessings for her. It has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life.

I have yet to go back to Haiti and am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to be a part of something greater than myself again. I’m certain the next trip will be nothing like the first, but as long as God is in our midst and we are working for his glory, great things will definitely happen.

Honestly, Haiti probably never crossed my mind. At least, not until the earthquake. It was devastating to watch a country already in need be destroyed by such a natural disaster. I believe this is what initially motivated me to do something–the need of a helpless people. But, I must admit that the total opposite happened. Rather than me going to help, the Haitian people helped me.

On my first trip, it was a shock at first to see a hurting people desperate for help–immediate help. People who had nothing pushing through the doors of the ER and the pharmacy of a small clinic just to get some type of medication to help with their physical needs. Others who begged that we would take their children in hopes of giving them a hope for their futures. Still, even in their desperation, I was touched. Touched because even though their struggles were far beyond ours, they had a smile. They weren’t complaining, debating, or protesting. They were without homes, without food, without a means to improve their situation, yet with a huge smile.

I experienced joy in the midst of tragedy as I was able to talk with people, as I held children in my arms, and as I allowed God to stretch me to do what I felt I was incapable of doing– Going as a principal by occupation, yet serving as a pharmacy tech, as a person at the disposal of doctors, and as a spiritual encourager for others. I was amazed at how God took my “little” and used it for His glory.

I think in the two trips I have been a part of, Haiti has taught me that nothing is impossible for Christ. We too can be used of God to bring healing to the broken. We too can bring our offering and watch God multiply it and use it to make an eternal difference. I’ve learned that its not about occupying ourselves with accumulating “things”, but rather taking a step back and looking at what God has given us, appreciating it, being a good steward of that which we have, and using what we have to bless others.

For His Glory,

Yvette Banda

“Let my lifesong sing of Jesus.”