Barnabas Task

Dear Bill Clinton:

Haiti is off the front page.  It is a natural thing.  Other news will take its’ place and life goes on.  The Disaster Relief First Responder stage is over.   The Olympics are here.

Haiti will now move into the new territory of starting over again.  I talked with officials from Japan while in Haiti.  They were at the border of Jimani, Dominican Republic and Haiti.  What they told me made sense.  Very matter of factly they are pulling out their medical “first responder” teams and replacing them with engineers who will help rebuild the devastated port of Port Au Prince.

There is still a need for the medical personnel.  However they will deal with infections and post-operation issues and the depth of concerns that come with trauma and physical issues.

The shift though is in process. Relief workers I have talked with are wrestling with “how to do this when this has really been done before.”  Millions of dollars have been invested in Haiti by governments and organizations throughout the world.  There is little to show for this.

Can I ask a question?  What about including the church at large to help set priorities and goals for Haiti’s future? What about being able to tap the money that has been promised by so many and allow the church at large to have a prophetic voice in the re-construction of Haiti?  I am not talking about a “back seat” “glad you are here guys.”  I am talking about a “front seat” question like, “You guys have years of experience as missionaries, have developed infrastructure, have a handle on culture and the priority of sustainability.  What could we do different?  Where is the starting point in all this?”

I know it may seem a far-fetched idea.  I am sure they would cooperate with you.  They don’t want the glory for all that happens. But I do feel missionary sending agencies could give you a perspective and voice that must be heard. I guess if we look at the response and long-term efforts after Katrina, the 2005 tsunami in Southeast Asia and other major disasters worldwide there is a strong history of what “the church” can do.

One other thing, Mr. Clinton, there is a spiritual dynamic in Haiti that needs to be addressed.  What about including this dynamic as part of the overall plan to rebuild Haiti.  Believe with me  for Haiti’s spiritual deliverance.

It is a new day for Haiti.  What an opportunity to see what God and His people can do.  I include you in that statement by the way.

I write with conviction and deep concern that this is Haiti’s greatest opportunity ever in its’ history. Perhaps there needs to be church led protocol collaborating with others, playing a significant role in decisions that effect destiny.  Is there really anything to lose?

The task is daunting. With hope, I reach my hand to you along with many others and make this one request.   Let a prophetic voice be heard for Haiti’s new day.

Bill Clinton is the UN Ambassador to Haiti.