The original vision of Haiti Teen Challenge grew out of visits to the Port au Prince prisons, streets and orphanages almost two years ago. The team experienced in only a small way how Haitians struggle to survive each day with little hope for the future. The sights, sounds and smells of this real world experience moved them to share the story on their return. Several members of the Minnesota Teen Challenge Board were moved enough to say yes and join in obedience to this call.

The response to a call from God is often characterized by a feeling of being undone, broken or inadequate to the task. And yet, the only ONLY response is to say “yes Lord”. Elanor Turnbull, a modern day missionary, who has served with her husband for fifty-eight years in Haiti, said it best.  When asked, what compelled her to serve she said – “obedience”. The overwhelming call to obedience in service wins out over human shortcomings. And so it is with this call to Haiti Teen Challenge.  “Here am I send me”

The first trip set the course for return trips to those streets to find partners, seek council, and pray for guidance on how to move and shape the vision. Haiti Teen Challenge is called to seek out young men (16-22) from the streets, gangs and churches of Port au Prince and see them transformed by the Power of God to become godly leaders at home and in the market place.  This target group is the least served by non-governmental organizations (NGO’s).  For many Haitian young men each day stretches out before them as an endless road without hope for tomorrow; unemployment, hunger and despair are their only companions.  Some of these young men may make poor choices joining gangs or wind up incarcerated for long periods for even the most minor offenses sharing and caged in a cell with dozens of other youth with little hope for release.

Our way to accomplish this mission of transformation is to bring several young men from the same community into a safe environment, immerse them in a spiritual discipleship program, train them in basic life, vocational and leadership skills and then through collaboration with alliance partners enable them to gain expertise in the areas of food, water, housing and healthcare.  Trained and with a purpose to serve, these graduates return together to their neighborhood and church to bring transformation to their communities.

There are many partners on the ground in Port au Prince asking; when will Haiti Teen Challenge be here?  Will you join us in this journey to make a difference in the lives of these young male youth?  Will you believe in them enough to give them a chance for Hope in the future of a nation?