Retaking Eden

My Dearest Macy and Mark,

I was so happy to hear the news that you have undertaken the greatest adventure, which is to fulfill God’s purpose for your lives. A Masters Commission is a wonderful avenue to learn and grow in the knowledge of Christ. I am somewhat concerned that your education there may lack the balance necessary to transition smoothly into a foreign mission’s post. Because of this concern and many others, I entered into fervent prayer on your behalf. I am agreeing to your request for mentorship through written discipleship training, and I am convicted that sharing our experiences in hope and faith will help you seamlessly transition into missionary life in the third world.

Lesson 1: Why

So You Want to Be a Missionary

It has been said that Haiti is the most difficult mission field in the world. Quite frankly, I was skeptical of this claim, considering the horrific conditions in the slums of Southern India, the demonic presence in Northern India, the omnipresent danger in the Middle East, the drug and sex trafficking in the former Soviet Union and Southeast Asia, and let us not forget all of sub-Saharan Africa with the child soldiers, diseases, and widespread starvation. How could this little island nation be more difficult than all those places? Half of all missionaries in Haiti leave within their first six months; 80 percent within the first year. Sadly, only 5 percent make it past five years.

With the exception of the child soldiers, Haiti has all the problems found in those other regions and more. Most obvious is the relentless physical toll exacted on one’s body here. A myriad of pathogens maintain a continuous assault through air, ground, water, and food. Outside the major cities, adequate supplies of clean water, quality protein, and variety in vegetables is a struggle. The heat and humidity are oppressive, draining energy reserves and preventing restful sleep.

The emotional toll is no less damaging as countless problems arise daily. The need is so great it is overwhelming at times. We were taught that we should allow others to participate in our ministries and that we were denying people the blessings that come through giving. However, very few people ever respond to the needs we present. You cannot adequately explain the conditions there. Most people would never believe that living situations could be this bad.

For me the tragedies are the most difficult to endure, usually followed by months of vivid nightmares. Burying children gets old very fast; likewise the constant cries for food from the malnourished children. Murder, rape, and sexual and physical abuse are all too common in our community.

We have created a safe place here at Project Eden for the hundred-plus children we look after. Yet it never seems like enough. Currently, we are in the process of repairing the swings and building a shower for the kids so they do not have to bathe in clear view of the public highway. A dozen or so children are in need of books for school and have been sent home and/or beaten, even though we paid their tuition in full.

The spiritual assaults are by far the worst, daily trying to push us to the breaking point. Whatever it takes to stop your ministry will be thrown at you, including death, which is just as effective as having you quit. There are nine primary spirits that came from Africa during the slave trade, and they are painfully apparent. Anger, sexual perversion, alcoholism, suicide, and fear are the five that are the most obvious in the native population; combined, they create an extreme oppression that permeates the atmosphere. Pleading the blood of Christ and His love is by far the most effective weapon against this oppression.

We recognize all these attacks—physical, emotional, and spiritual—but the most difficult attack to overcome is loneliness. The culture is so foreign that no matter how much love we pour into the children, it can never replace those we love at home. I believe Haiti is the most difficult mission field on Earth simply because it is the loneliest place on Earth.

Why stay? you may ask. The answer is simple. If you are, were, or will be a parent, would you leave your child if you were suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Of course you would not! God called us, sent us, and gave us several hundred children who think of us as second parents. The fight is so hard because the reward is so great! If this were easy, I would be worried that we missed God’s will. The truth is that we are right in the thick of it, in the trenches, fighting hand to hand, as we were always meant to. This country belongs to Satan, and if necessary God will take it back the same way Iwo Jima was taken, one foxhole at a time!

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I wrote this during our second year of full-time service in Haiti, when we were in the thick of the battle. It begs the most important question for you both—why? Your why must be divine purpose. And you not only must be fully cognizant of the why, but be fully committed to the why as well. Please pray, and when you can earnestly respond with your why, we will continue your training.

In His love,

Pastor D