During the past fifteen plus years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of a Christian mission team to serve a remote mountain village, LoTore, on the island of La Gonave, Haiti. Initially, I resisted this call to serve until, I believe, Jesus exhausted my excuses and I felt I had to go. I had many fears such as: the food, the loss of my “first world” creature comforts in a “third world” country, the potential of contracting an infectious desease, and the physical rigors. To my great amusement, Jesus relieved these fears with protection, comfort, and a great joy and happiness I cannot explain.

Since LoTore has no electricity or clean running water, our treatment for these people has been very basic – eliminate pain and infection. Initially, the dental treatment consisted of extracting painful, abscessed teeth. This continues to be the main form of treatment fifteen years later. People literally are in line to be treated before we wake up at daybreak. Some people have walked or ridden a donkey all night to be seen the next morning. During the past ten years, we have tried to help the children with preventitive measures such as fluoride treatments, and packets of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.

We have expanded our services to LoTore in many other facets. Through the assistance of All Saints Church and other benefactors, we have helped the local community construct a school building and a church. We are currently assisting the school by paying teacher salaries, and training teachers with instruction and supplies. We have an eye clinic, pediatric clinic, OB/GYN clinic, and an adult medical clinic. Moreover, we have an animal clinic and provide assistance for agricultural improvements. As you can see, God has truly blessed this mession effort.