"Reflections of Haiti . . ."
For several years I have had the desire to go to places such as Haiti, Kenya and even the Ukraine in Russia. Recently, I received a phone call asking me if I would be interested in going to Haiti on a mission trip. I instantly said, "Yes, Yes, Yes"! I couldn't wait to get there. When I arrived in Port-au-Prince I instantly began experiencing “love and kindness” from the folks there. It remained that way for the duration of my stay. Everywhere I met a kind and loving people. All the children had “the love” radiating out from their eyes, like warmth of the sun! I felt a peace in places more noted for hostility and danger. The beauty of the mountains was so astonishing. I just stood and gazed at them for hours. The wonderful people who lived in the mountains seemed so humble and loving.
I certainly admire the commitment to the mission of God Lance and Mona has set before them. I can’t wait to become part of their project to provide a home for the orphans, a medical clinic, and a place for gathering and recreation. My prayers are that God will bless HLM so they may achieve the task of changing lives of children and families in Haiti. I have learned one truth among many, God can take my little bit and transform it into a lot. Remember what Jesus said, “When you have done it to them, you have done it to me.” God Bless!
Bobby Edwards, retired coalminer - Varney, WV
Thank you for providing me with such an amazing experience, and for changing my life through your ministry. I can't wait to go back to Haiti again soon.
Brooke Pawlak - Carol Stream, IL
It would take pages to share this experience. It was the most amazing trip we have ever taken. When you go to work for the Lord, it changes things. HE blessed our trip from the beginning to the end. HE was present in so many ways. Lance took very good care of us and we have made some lasting friendships. We pray the school will continue to thrive and that the Lord will bring HIS perfect couple to man the orphanage soon. It is such a beautiful area and we know they will be greatly blessed.
Kathy Stockert - Grand Junction, CO
If you want a great experience, you will be truly rewarded. It will touch your life forever.
Dexter Lester—Pineville, KY
I came to Haiti expecting a land of poverty and darkness because of the presence of voodoo. My first day dispelled that perception. The people in worship were beautifully dressed and had the joy and riches of Jesus in their hearts. Certainly there is poverty contrasting with the incredible opulence of the very wealthy. There are so many things I take for granted that most residents of Haiti do not have or expect.
The planted fields on the steep hillsides speak of an energy and determination to survive that surprised me. The most frustrating part of my whole stay was not being able to personally communicate with the friendly people of the villages we visited. I want to return with my husband, if the Lord allows us.
Marge Cummings, Librarian at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
We went with a desire to bless the Missionary, Lance Ware and his family of “Hope in the Light”, the children in Boucan and the people of Haiti that God brought into our lives. But we were the ones that were blessed. We hope that God will allow us the privilege to return with whosoever may come and do what we can do no matter how small and insignificant it may seem in comparison to the needs that exist, that we may share His love and His Hope.
Marilyn Bartlett, Wellspring of Life
One of the freshest memories I have is of the people themselves. Obviously very poor, obviously overwhelmed, obviously suffering, yet they seem not to have the ability to give up. Everywhere I looked people were struggling to overcome their situation. Those who somehow had the means were building, others were doing the best they could with what they had. I thought, “How many other people would just give up?” In spite of the harsh realities of life that have beset them, the human spirit is keenly alive in the Haitian people.
I came home with an overwhelming sense of guilt. I grew up poor and have always considered myself on the poor end of the financial scale in this country. My guilt after Haiti however, came with the realization that the poorest of us in this country have infinitely more than the Haitians. They have so little yet they continue to press on with hope in what appears to be a hopeless situation.
Fredrick B. Cummings, PhD., Associate Professor of Religion, University of the Cumberlands
It was a life-changing experience! When you are here, you realize how spoiled we are as Americans.
Makayla Meade, 13
Hope in the Light Ministry
"Doing God's Work in Haiti"
