Haiti has suffered a giant’s portion of hardship between natural disasters, political upheaval, gang violence, and deportations. And now, the small Caribbean country also faces a serious pending global food shortage.
Sadly, food crisis issues typically are often handled using a reactive approach to the problem. More often than not, this results in additional hardships for those most in need.
A Proactive Approach
In anticipation of the expected food shortages in the coming months, the Bright Hope team in Haiti took a proactive approach to the problem. What can we do now to help our partner communities scale up food production, so there will be provision during the shortage?
Our Bright Hope team met with the partner churches from six communities to brainstorm and pray for wisdom. Together, the churches concluded that seeds and water would be the most helpful way to curb the potentially devastating effects of the projected food shortages. Reminiscent of Joseph in Genesis 41, this proposal will aid the communities during the anticipated troubles.
Planting extra seeds will ideally replace the need to provide emergency food handouts later when food is scarce. The proposal includes supplying 635 farmers with enough extra seeds and water to increase their average yields by 40 – 50%. This increase should be enough food to impact roughly 3,300 people throughout the six rural communities!
Bright Hope asks, “How can we help?”
I love that Bright Hope isn’t just there to hand out food sacks when an emergency strikes in one of our communities. Instead, we are standing alongside our partner churches like friends or mentors. We ask, “What are you guys going to do about this upcoming food crisis? What can we do to help?”
Bright Hope is always about a sustainable solution, and this situation is no different. We can weather this storm with wisdom, planning, and partnership, just as we have many others before. So, if you’re like me and get excited about helping the poor come up with sustainable solutions, there is a way you can get involved.
How You Can Help
Please pray for the participating 635 farmers. We’re asking the Lord to provide each farmer with the seeds and water required to increase their crops and for favorable weather. Your prayers and financial giving will help raise the $25,400 needed to purchase the necessary seeds and provide access to water for this project. Together we can help Christian communities across Haiti prepare to endure this crisis and be a light to others who may not know Him.
Help Now
Learn more about Bright Hope’s work in Haiti:
Haiti’s Gasoline Explosion—Gangs Are Partially To Blame
