Teen Mission U S a Inc

In 2008, Teen Mission USA organized a partnership with Kendell and Yvrose Johnson in the village of Dufailly, located 40 miles from Port-au-Prince in Central Haiti.  Kendell Johnson was part of Teen Mission’s first-ever short-term mission trip to Haiti in 1985.  He fell in love with Haiti, married a Haitian lady (Yvrose) and later returned as a full-time missionary.  When Kendell’s health declined in 2010, it was agreed, with Kendell’s blessing, that the work in Dufailly, Haiti become part of Mission Journeys/Teen Mission.  Kendell passed away in September 2010. 

The work, however, continues in Dufailly.  In February 2009, one of Teen Mission’s teams helped construct a concrete block church building; home of Dufailly Christian Church.  Today, the church averages approximately 85 people each Sunday.  In the fall of 2009, Dufailly Christian School began with 25 children and 3 teachers.  There are currently 190 students enrolled in primary education with 5 teachers and a headmaster.  In addition to a church and school, in the fall of 2010, a feeding program was started for the children who attend Dufailly Christian School known as 'Harvest for Haiti' (http://www.harvest4haiti.org/).  Since that time, individuals, churches and business members have gathered in the Fall of each year to help pack these meals for Haiti. Enough food is packed at these events to feed the children of the school through most of an entire school year.

Besides food and education support, the mission in Dufailly has provided a primary preventative health care event once a year for the children and adults of Dufailly and surrounding areas.  At these events, a nurse, and other team members examine adults checking their heart, lungs and blood pressure, as well as evaluating signs of iron deficiency and malaria.  Children are provided with doses of worm medicine, vitamins, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.  Those who require it are given basic medications such as Tylenol, iron and antacid tablets. 

There are many challenges to overcome for the people in Haiti and obtaining appropriate and affordable healthcare is one such challenge.  Approximately 6.5 million Haitians live on less than $2 per day.  Healthcare is unavailable for 70% of rural area residents and for 50% of urban residents.  When the poor become sick, there is little or no affordable care.  Haiti has no system, no formal structure, and no plan, at least, not one that has been implemented, to address this need.

Realizing the overwhelming need, the mission is in the process of completing a Medical Clinic on the grounds in Dufailly, which can help hundreds of rural Haitians to receive much needed medical treatment.  In addition, the long-term vision would allow, through the volunteer services of medical professionals and the potential use of telemedicine, to provide an extended level of care for those adults and children requiring more comprehensive attention for chronic diseases.  Overall, the clinic would establish a continuum of care for vastly improving lives and allowing for another opportunity to share faith in Christ to those who need care.

We need supporters to come alongside and help to support Dufailly Christian Mission and the various work that it does for those in Haiti.  We have a Medical Clinic building, but we are still in need of medical equipment and supplies to bring this part of the mission fully up and running.  We appreciate any support you may be able to give for this cause.

God Bless!