A.B.L.E January 2017 team: Albert Yoon, Lawrance Kim, Ken Lee, Kenny Lim, Johnny Kim, Jonathan Min, Brian Chun, Howard Choy
On January 12, 2017, A.B.L.E. sent 7 Korean-American business missions minded brothers into Haiti on a 4 night, 5 day mission to help equip current and future Haitian business owners in the city of Léogâne. A.B.L.E. would provide micro-financing loans to 50 pre-selected Léogâne candidates. In addition, the team would hold a two day business training seminar covering entrepreneurship, business ideas, marketing, and bookkeeping. Our prayer would be that God would use these seeds to build future leaders of excellence in Haiti.
The team was housed at the home of Missionary Kim and his family (wife and daughter, age 11). In addition to being fed, we were encouraged by their hospitality, courage, work, and stories.
“To belong to Jesus is to embrace the nations with Him.” -John Piper
The A.B.L.E. team prepared and conducted a 2 day seminar and workshop on Friday and Saturday in the city of Léogâne for the 50 selected Haitians. This project was in partnership with Project Stepping Stone and the city of Léogâne. Seminars through translators were done in 5 sessions during the first day.
Session 1: Assess Yourself as an Entrepreneur – Brian Chun
Session 2: Develop Your Business Idea – Kenny Lim
Session 3: Assess Your Market & Marketing Plan – Johnny Kim
Session 4: Bookkeeping – Jonathan Min
Simultaneously, across the street, Howard Choy and Ken Lee provided some consultation to the Léogâne police officers and city officials. On the second day, we separated into smaller groups and exercised the information provided the previous day. Some had questions, many shared. The team was able to share Christ and some their own stories of how God has been faithful to them in their own journeys. We concluded as we celebrated in their future accomplishments. A.B.L.E. provided the attendees with micro-loans in partnership with Project Stepping Stone and city of Léogâne.
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” -William Carey
During the duration of the trip, the team visited and prayed over a future hospital site in Léogâne, an abandoned sugar mill plant, and Titanyen, the burial site for the earthquake victims. We were also able to take clean water to a village that has no water resources.
At first glance it can be difficult to see how a nation such as Haiti can arise from its’ sufferings. Then you see the people, you see the children, you see their faith, their love, you begin to see God and His love for His people. For Sunday Worship we had the opportunity to attend an extremely large Haitian church. It was majestic, and you knew God was smiling down at each person.
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me” -Proverbs 8:17
Johnny gave a heartfelt testimony. Brian spoke from the book of Joshua and challenged the congregation to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid or discouraged.
I believe each one of us wished our team could be together in Haiti for a bit longer. The bond you create with other brothers when partnering with God to do His good work is priceless. What God can show you and how He can open your heart in just a few days is humbling.