John and Dawn Denton have served in international ministry for many years, and they are faithful partners of Connect 2 Ministries. As we recognize World Humanitarian Day, we asked John and Dawn to share their thoughts on gospel ministry and serving in an international context.

Jesus gave us instructions at the end of Matthew to “go and make disciples” (Matt 28:19). Some might be called primarily to go to their neighbors or city, while others are called to go to the nations as well. Some of us do something in between. Our family has been blessed to share a small part in the disciple making that has happened in Onaville, Haiti. It has been a rich opportunity, although I think we have received much more than we have given.

Our church in Simi Valley became connected with Connect 2 Ministries back in 2014. We first joined a team in 2015, and we were able to go with our three children. The first thing we noticed in working with C2M is that all ministry flows through the local church in Haiti, led by local leaders. This strategy has proven to be incredibly important over the last few years as we have not been able to send teams, but ministry has still continued. People have still been fed, children rescued, communities cared for physically and spiritually, medical clinics operating, and the pastors have been trained and mentored. All that, even without teams being able to go and serve.

Practically, the number one challenge would be the language barrier. But we have loved building relationships with many translators over the years. Seeing the poverty so many Haitians live in every day is not easy either. It’s hard to come home after that, look at the material blessings we have, and not think of the people in Haiti. It also brings perspective to the “first world problems” so many of us get consumed with.

Even more, there have been so many blessings in serving. It has been wonderful getting to know Pastor Poyis and see the growth of his church and ministry in Haiti. It is a blessing to see, spend time with, and worship alongside believers in a totally different context. Seeing what it is like for these people to have the joy of Jesus in their lives is especially powerful, because He truly is all they have. We have also been blessed to have our children, who are now adults, go on trips with us and serve over the years. It is also very encouraging to see the growth of the church compound in Onaville. Knowing that nine different churches from the US had a hand in building that compound is amazing; different denominations, all serving together as one church—the church Jesus intended us to be.

We encourage others to go any chance we get. I think the most helpful thing has been to share our personal experiences. People like to hear about your experiences and to be encouraged to join a team and go themselves. It is less scary if they can hear it from people who have been in the context of a relationship. We have had so many people from our church participate on teams over the years. Our church has definitely become missions-minded due to all our Haiti experience.

We have missed taking teams the last few years, but our church still cares for Haiti and the people we have built relationships with. We still pray for and financially support C2M and the ministries in Haiti, the kids, and the pastors. We are praying for the day when we can be with them again in person.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who give of their time, energy, and resources to support gospel ministry in Haiti. This World Humanitarian Day, we remember our own call to serve as Christians in the world, looking to Christ as the perfect example of selfless care for others.

Visit our website for information about how you can partner with us.