A Missionary’s Mission Statement Revealed

James 2: 14-17:

"What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you say to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep well fed' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, by faith itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

What does this say to you? Read it… let it sink in. How does it apply to you? As you may have noticed, this verse is the header to this blog. What could be a better Mission Statement to a missionary?! It’s easy to lose sight of the task at hand when you’re faced with the many emotions that overwhelm you. Beyond the emotions are the doubts and hurdles that take hold of you. These are the times that this verse can be a light in the darkness. It’s a reminder that helping your fellow man isn’t meant to be easy but it is necessary.

Preparation is more than packing your bags and clinging to your passport. Preparation takes soul searching, prayer, research, team meetings, doctor’s appointments, family discussions, financial planning, supply purchasing, travel planning, and so much more. As in life, these preparations don’t always go as planned. There are only so many hours in the day and so many responsibilities that require your time. (Keep in mind that we don’t get paid to do this. This all happens in our free time.) Where do you place your attention each day? There is no perfect science to balancing your life between your responsibilities and the calling God places in your heart. Defeat starts to close in on you and doubt plays with your mind. These two go into play while you find yourself in the field as well. As a mother, I found it very difficult to keep thoughts of my own children separate from the faces of the children we saw each day. The devastation lingers and creates a feeling of hopelessness. You wonder how far your current deeds will carry. Can you really make a difference? Are you truly a key player in bringing hope and opportunity to a community so deeply wounded?  

Then, that moment comes along. Smiles from the children that love you already, just because they know that you are there for them! The open arms of an elderly woman who is thanking God for you and won’t be satisfied until she has hugged you tightly! Witnessing the walls come down in a young mother who only wants to know that she is doing the best thing for her children, and being confirmed by your smile! The happy work of a man with a shovel in his hand because, for the first time in a long time, he feels like a proud provider for his family! The reality of your hard work comes to light! These are the seeds that you are planting. Positivity, hope, strength, opportunity … separately, these are just words. The actions behind these words make them tools! Actions make them affective!

Missionaries have a strong calling in their heart to act. It is due to this calling that we can take your kindness, love, and support, and give them life in a world very different than our own! We do it because deeply rooted in our souls and tied to our hearts is the message found in James 2: 14-17.

"What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you say to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep well fed' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, by faith itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." 

Thank you again for reading!!

~ Genia 

Ways to give:

Mail check and/or words of positivity to:

Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church
C/O: Haiti Fund - Genia Davis
5152 Braselton Hwy
Hoschton, GA 30548 

or

See the PayPal Giving Widget to the right! Your personal information is safe and secure. You can even donate anonymously!

Contact me at gmdavis81@gmail.com for more information!

As always, thank you for your support!! 

Are You the Way Out?

It's been a little while since my last post. Funny how time has a way of getting away from you. With a full time job, three children, a husband and all that comes with it, your focus constantly shifts to the things that are immediate. As I think about this with a warm cup of coffee in my hand, comfy sofa under my tush, and Wipe Out on the television, I am reminded of how easy my life really is. Haitian life is so very different.

A home in Momance, Haiti.

Haitian Dirt Cookies. (made with real dirt)

Imagine a day when your only chore is simply to survive. You don't have a job because employment opportunities do not exist. Your stomach aches with hunger and you are weak. The last thing you ate was a simple piece of bread, two days ago. You do not find comfort in your home because your home has missing sections of roof, holes in the floor, and crumbling walls. Yet, other Haitians still consider you one of the lucky ones! You still have your limbs and health, though you don't know for how much longer. Your housing consists of more than plastic sheets and you can, at least, remember the last time you ate. Yet, you all have one thing in common. Each of you hopes for an opportunity. You know that money will only go so far and that in your country's current state, no amount of money will be enough to make a difference. The deficit is too great. BUT... If someone could give you the tools... If someone would show you the way... If someone would have a little faith in you... You could find your way out! You could build the future of Haiti! 

Who could that someone be? Where would that someone come from? What could that someone do? 

Back to reality... 
You can be that someone! The hope and faith comes from YOU! Your step in faith can change the life of many more than you know! While they may never know your name, they will know that you are their supporter. Your donation to our mission trip fund, assists in sending almost 30 Missionaries to Haiti to help with medical, housing, and educational needs. Please look into your heart and give as fully as you feel God's call. If you cannot give at this time, your prayers and positive words are always appreciated! Our work is an extension of your support!

Ways to give:

Mail check and/or words of positivity to:

Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church
C/O: Haiti Fund - Genia Davis
5152 Braselton Hwy
Hoschton, GA 30548 

or

See the PayPal Giving Widget to the right! Your personal information is safe and secure. You can even donate anonymously!

Contact me at gmdavis81@gmail.com for more information!

As always, thank you for your support!! 

~ Genia 

 

Operation Love The Children of Haiti

Children gather around to watch as fluoride treatments are performed.

Our mission trips aren't only focused on visiting Momance to build a school and performing mobile medical clinics in the Leogane area. We also visit orphanages to offer our assistance in collecting medical data and, of course, to play with all the awesome little ones! They are so joyous and beautiful! Last September, I had the extreme pleasure of visiting an orphanage run by Operation Love the Children of Haiti! I thought it was only appropriate to share them with you!

This amazing organization is headed-up by the most humble and giving woman I have ever met. Her name is Jasmin Martinson. She loves these children so deeply that she left the comfort of her home and family in Florida, for the less desirable location of Haiti, to ensure that the orphaned children of Haiti knew what it was to be loved and cared for. She and her husband, Greg Martinson, founded OLTCH in 2008 and have been dedicated to the children ever since. Children in her care receive daily meals and medical treatment, as well as an education, which is very difficult to come by elsewhere. Jasmin is very focused on preparing the children for brighter futures. Personally, I was amazed at how well the children understood English and could speak to us! This was all possible because of the love and dedication that Jasmin has shown to them. There were over 40 children in the orphanage the day of our visit and Jasmin could tell you all about each one of them! I have 3 children and often confuse them for one another! Imagine my astonishment!

Me holding one of OLTCH's angels.

Operation Love The Children of Haiti is also focused on helping children find their new homes. They assist in placing children with families that are called to adopt. You can visit their website to learn about how they are working to do good things in the lives of these children. 

OLTCH does depend on the kindness of volunteers. During our visit, our group obtained each child's height, weight, and head circumference to help them understand how the children were growing and help identify which ones may be at risk for other health concerns. We also provided fluoride treatments in an effort to help improve and protect their little teeth. Upon our departure, we left all of our documented information with Jasmin for other groups to reference and for her to keep on record. 

Visits like this are made possible by supporters, like you. This June, we will return to OLTCH to followup and offer our time and energy for any needs that we may be able to fulfill. All of the materials we bring with us are paid for by us or provided by donors. Will you help us do as much of God's good deeds as possible? Every little bit counts. Please see the Paypal widget to your right, to donate. Your information is 100% secure! 

Visit OLTCH!

Operation Love The Children of Haiti is in no way affiliated with this blog. Everything written above is from my own personal opinions and from information provided on their website. If you are interested in learning more about this beautiful organization, please visit them at http://www.operationlovethechildrenofhaiti.org/#!. You can even make donations to ensure that the meals and medical treatments continue!

Thank you for reading!!

~ Genia

A Program Worth Noting

It's been a little while since my last post but it's because I have something in my heart that is so difficult to put into words. This is especially true when I know that you cannot see my face or hear my voice to know how deeply I feel about this topic that I will soon post. 

In the mean time, I want to share this amazing program with you. While visiting in Haiti, we had the opportunity to meet up with a key representative of Children's Nutrition Program of Haiti. Along side this amazing group of people, we are able to share information and bring help to those that need it. They recently started a blog and I am thrilled to share it with you! CNP (Children's Nutrition Program) sees that Haiti's children are the future and they are compassionate about doing what they can to see that these children flourish. Below is a link to their blog. Please read, even one post, to see what good there is in the world! They post to be inspiring, not depressing, so don't worry about the guilt trip that so many people fear, where charities are concerned. There's nothing to lose and a new view of another part of the world to gain!

Thank you for reading!

~ Genia

What are waiting for?! Check them out!

http://cnphaiti.blogspot.com/

The Words of a Friend

My testimony isn't all that you should hear. These trips touch each of us differently and I really wanted to share what a good friend of mine had to say about going on two mission trips to Haiti. She said so much that I find difficult to put into words.

A Visual Experience

Here is a video comprised of our experiences in Haiti, complete with member commentary. Words do not do these mission trips justice however this video does. The only thing that I feel is missing, is the helmet cam view of our journey through the river! Watch and enjoy! God bless!


~ Genia

What do you do as a Missionary in Haiti?

Me in one of the orphanages. It was HOT in there!

In our one week stay in Haiti, last September, our group visited 2 orphanages. During both visits, we collected medical data, such as each child's height and weight, and provided fluoride treatments and medication to help with a type of worm infestation that is common in Haiti. This information was given to the orphanage directors in the form of scales and percentages to help them obtain a better understanding of what the overall health was for their children. The most important work we performed in these orphanages, was not really work at all!! We played and colored and sang songs with the children! It's very uplifting to see them smile!

Mobile clinic being provided in a remote village.

Most of our time was spent in villages to provide a mobile medical clinic. Our medically trained members assessed each person that visited us. We saw several cases of hypertension which can be fatal when left untreated. Our group came prepared with several donated medicines and vitamins that helped us help others! A couple of very generous donations of Crocs,  provided shoes to two villages! In working with another group, we were able to perform a well dedication for a brand new well in Momance! In honor of this important occasion, we educated everyone on the importance of washing their hands and supplied them with bars of soap. The way they lined up, you would have thought that we were handing out money! It's amazing how the seemingly simple things, which we take for granted, can make so many so very happy!

Families lined up to receive their free soap at the well dedication!

In Momance, there was a need for a school. The children there understand that without an education, they will be unable to find work that will pay them enough to support their families. Only about 50% of Haiti's children will ever be enrolled in school. Of those, about half will graduate the 5th grade and of those students, less than 5% will graduate high school. With this understanding we have paired up with several other missionary groups to build a school in Momance! While we were there providing medical clinics, another part of our team created the layout and foundation of a new school! As you are reading this, one of our partnering groups is working to complete the school! With your help, I will be able to see this school completed and assist in the setup of the learning environment!!

The foundation of a new school is marked!

As you can see, we work very hard to help. Yes, it is easy to get discouraged but when you stop and think about the fact that you get to leave while they stay and try to merely survive, you find strength to carry on. You know that they can have a better life and you see that it is appreciated when they smile at you and hug you warmly!

Thank you, again, for reading!!
~ Genia