Location: Haiti
Size: 10- 18 individuals per team
Number of Teams: 4 - 5 for the 2009/2010 season
CRCNA Ministry Involved: CRWM and CRWRC
Project: Working with Sous Espwa (Haitian for “Source of Hope”), a combined ministry of the Christian Reformed Church in Haiti (CRCH), CRWRC, CRWM and their partner organizations, in assisting local people in building projects at the ministry centre.
Time Commitment: 9 - 14 days in Haiti, plus 10 - 15 hours of reading, orientation and preparation before departure.
Dates Opportunity Is Available: Groups may choose from any period during the months of November 2008 through April 2009. Some opportunities are also available during the summer, dependant on staff vacation times.
Purpose: To facilitate mutual exchanges of resources and experiences between CRWRC/CRWM’s North American supporters and the Christian community in Haiti. Help build relationships and form new partnerships between supporters, local Haitian communities and missionaries so as to continue the work of building God’s kingdom.
Specific Responsibilities:
1) Work alongside local labourers and volunteers on building a community ministry center
2) Build relationships with the community by staying open and flexible to the culture around you
3) Live and worship with the community during the project
4) Complete recommended reading and participate in orientation meetings before leaving for Haiti.
5) Provide CRWM, CRWRC and the community with an evaluation of the project;
6) Complete evaluations and share your experience with your church and/or supporters.
Qualifications:
1) Open to individuals 16 years of age or older as part of a Christian church group, and are a Canadian or US resident
2) General construction experience in the areas of brick-laying, painting, carpentry, concrete or general handy person – preferably one or two experienced construction workers per team
3) Ability to do physical work in a tropical climate and sometimes under rustic conditions
4) Willingness to work under the leadership of the community
5) Conversational Spanish helpful, but not necessary
6) Be compassionate, respectful of other cultures, and emotionally stable;
7) Flexible, adaptable and able to view life with a sense of humor:
8) Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and/or churches to give to your opportunity
Budget: The following estimated budget (in US funds) is based on a per person cost.
• Materials Fee Donation: $750 (based on 10 people)
• Meals, Lodging, In-Country Transportation: $450 (based on 10 days)
• Airport departure tax: $30
Total estimated in country costs per person: $1230US
Other Costs to include, but will vary with each team/participant
• Airfare to Port-au-Prince, Haiti
• In-Country transportation-$100 - $150 per day for van rental (varies with each team, depending on project location)
• Out of country medical and travel insurance
• Vaccinations
• Passport
• Spending money (recommend about $200)
Benefits:
1) Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
2) Fellowship with and build new relationships with the local community;
3) Serve as an encouragement to Christians in Haiti;
4) Partner with CRWRC/CRWM staff, learn about their work and encourage them in their efforts to serve the people of Haiti;
5) A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
6) Through the efforts of your service and partnership, help make a difference in assisting the Haitian church in spreading the Gospel;
7) Develop a personal perspective on poverty, missions and community development
8) Learn about the history and culture of Haiti;
9) Gain satisfaction of seeing how your prayers and contributions to CRWRC and CRWM have impacted communities in Haiti;
10) Assist in educating and raising awareness in North America of the
social and political situation in Haiti;
11) Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.
Support Services Provided: ServiceLink, CRWRC and CRWM agree to provide:
- orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers, local community, and Haiti staff;
- pre-trip orientation is required
- consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available;
- opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done;
- recognition in various communications to supporters.
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact us today at volunteer@crcna.org.
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