Bear with me as you read this

You’re not going to like this, but it is important to understand.

Why do we always think that our ways are better? We tend to think that with God, but we also think that with others. “If only people would do it my way, everything would work out.” If you’ve never thought that way then you are better than me.

I have heard so many people ask me how we can make Haiti like America. And everyone seems shocked when I tell them that is not what I want. This applies to most 3rd world countries when people from 1st world countries enter. While we know that our passport country isn’t perfect, we tend to think that it is better than the country that we are discussing. In my personal experience, I am so glad that Haiti is not like the US. Is Haiti perfect? No. But like I said, neither is the US.

Culture is a beautiful thing. They say that we have different levels of culture. Some of which we can understand and explain to others. Some of which we can never change and an outsider will never understand. I learn something new about Haitian culture every single day. But I also know I will never fully understand it. That is just the way it is. Thankfully, I am blessed to work with and for Haitians that can help me to understand the culture. One of the things that we always point out to teams is that difference in culture can even change the way that you share the gospel. The gospel stays the same but the way you pass along the information can change. We even see this in the Bible, Jesus shares parables with different groups of people in different ways so that they may understand the Truth.

I’ve been reading the book “Peace Child” by Don Richardson. It was recommended to me by a friend and I also encourage others to read it. In the book you can see that the missionary has problems in the beginning sharing the gospel because he is trying to share it in the same way you would with an American. It doesn’t work. In fact, in one instance as he is sharing accounts from the Bible the people begin to revere Judas as a hero. As he learns more about their culture, he learns how to share the Word with them and they begin to understand and accept Christ. I have personally seen people do the same thing. They continue to share the gospel in the “American” way and cannot seem to reach people.

If we truly love others and want to reach them for Christ, should we not learn about them first? The great thing about having a relationship with Christ is that it is a relationship. God does not simply say, “okay, you’re good” and leave it at that. He continues a relationship with you. In order to have a relationship with someone you have to know them. Personally, I find it easier to share the gospel and minister to people that I have a relationship with. The trust is already there, they know that I am not simply pulling their leg. And even after sharing, you must maintain a relationship. Cross-cultural relationships are hard. There are so many things that you will never understand about each other. But the important thing is that you try. I say all of this to say, it is important to understand people’s culture in order to truly minister and witness to them.

I have become so frustrated with the things that I hear and see amongst missionaries and other foreign aid as they enter Haiti (and other countries). It hurts my heart to see people continuing to do things exactly as they would in their passport country. It bothers me to see the things that people send in an effort to “help”. If you personally know of a mission or missionary, ask them what is needed, they will tell you. If not, donate money to a trusted organization that will truly get things into the hands of the people. Why money? Because there are things that can be bought here! And wouldn’t it be great to help out the economy? I know that you want to give what you can. If you don’t have anything you can give, don’t forget how important prayers are. And share the info with others who my be able to give.

Now, I know that I may have hurt some feelings. And I may lose some followers. I am sorry if you are that offended. I just want people to understand. There was a point in my life that I did not understand and I continue to struggle and make mistakes. I am thankful to have learned some and to be continuing to learn.