How much support is Global Teen Challenge able to provide and what is their role?

Each TC ministry is autonomous.  The role of GTC is to provide guidelines for opening and operating TC ministries.  After a ministry is established, GTC maintains a working relationship with the organization, but does not exercise control over it.  GTC does not fund TC ministries, but will work with Haiti TC in trying to secure funding.

This initiative seems like a different focus for a Drug Treatment organization why is Teen Challenge looking at this type of program?

Historically Teen Challenge ministries have focused on helping those with life-controlling problems.  This includes gang members, juvenile delinquents, street people, prostitutes, etc. as well as those with drug and alcohol issues.

What is the track record of President Préval and his government, is he a trustworthy leader?

The reality is that in the last 200 years Haiti has experienced 32 political coups.  While the current government seems to be working to increase stability, Haiti does not have a good track record.  This initiative recognizes the threat of political instability.  It is the goal of Haiti TC to “stay under the radar.”  We have met with organizations that have been operating for decades in Haiti with results and have only been minimally impacted by changes in power.  Historically any contracts with the government have been honored in spite of a change in leadership.  Haiti TC seeks to create a “self-sustaining” structure without any support from the government.

How much weight is being placed on the Alliance concept?  Since most ministries and outreach organizations are busy doing their own work they may give lip service to collaborating with Haiti TC, but when crunch time comes they will default to their primary mission.

Successful collaboration occurs when a “win, win” situated is created.  The goal in this initiative is to be an organizing catalyst that assists alliance partners to do what they do best; by providing trained, dedicated and educated young men needed to achieve their organizations stated purpose and mission in the context of a broader community transformation model.

For long term success students must return to a supportive community.  This sounds like it might be an unrealistic possibility.  How will Haiti TC deal with this issue?

Haiti TC recognizes that sending a student back to an unsupportive environment is a recipe for failure.  This is why Haiti TC will work with students from the same village at the same time, so that they can return together and provide each other with support.  Partnering with churches from that community to provide returning students with support will be essential.  Also, the vocational and marketable skills gained in the program will assist transitioning of students in a country with 80% unemployment.

This significant opportunity is worthy of serious prayer and consideration; however it must be recognized that it is easy to become emotionally committed and that one must go into this with eyes wide open.

Haiti TC recognized that without God, this initiative is impossible and doomed to failure.  Haiti TC is seeking to be obedient to God’s call, compelled by the circumstances that God has seemed to create for this initiative.  Esther 4:14 states, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place….And who knows but that you have come to this position for such a time as this.”

To accomplish our due diligence, Haiti TC is striving to become well informed and as prepared as possible by working with organizations and individuals well versed in Haiti.