A Renewed Call for Missionary Change in Haiti

Sometimes when I am in Haiti I feel like I'm cleaning up from the destructive effects of Europeans imperialism. That , along with Western colonialism in my opinion, has in many ways contributed to generational, systemic oppression in this country.

I'm not sure Western, missionary efforts have helped to undo this either. While much church-based aid has come into this country, it is said that if all evangelical statistics were compiled, the entire population of Haiti world be converted to evangelicalism several times over.

We know this is not the case. One only see the abject poverty of collective body and spirit in Haiti to recognize that the way the Good News is proclaimed here is not exactly working.

Clearly something is wrong. There is systemic corruption that is perpetuated politically, economically, and religiously as well.

For me as a follower of the way of Jesus, there is a responsibility to work for social justice and change. Giving clean water and food, providing education, and assisting people to help themselves are key elements of reversing the unfortunate consequences of Western colonialism and ineffective missionary work.

I believe part of this happens when we offer the poor the opportunity to think for themselves. When we give people the permission to think different about God and life, they are more easily able to experiment and change the ways that are not working.

For me, this happens every time I am able to speak in a Haitian school or church and effect the mindsets that keep the culture on bondage.

This morning I taught 22 Christian leaders from a psychological and spiritual perspective how to break familial, systemic oppression. The thoughtful and provocative questions they posed demonstrated to me again that Haitians are ready for a different perspective on life and God.

I'm grateful that the Haitians with whom I work are fearless in their efforts of working for a change of mind.

You can probably tell by this post, I am challenged this weekend. In my opinion, post-earthquake Haiti needs more than another evangelistic crusade. She needs more than another handout from white missionaries. She needs innovative, spiritual thought that will honor the Haitian culture while empowering the people to change their Land.