Haiti is currently experiencing an unprecedented crisis characterized by political unrest, rampant gang violence, widespread looting, and limited access to money and essential supplies. These factors are exacerbating the already dire poverty situation, making daily life a struggle for millions of Haitians. Amidst this chaos, PiFò Haiti continues to stand strong, advocating for a redefined approach to “charity” work. Since 2011, PiFò Haiti has been dedicated to forming relationships and collaborating with local communities on the island of La Gonâve, focusing on enhancing capacity rather than merely alleviating poverty. Their mission is to cultivate a Jesus-centered community where love and responsibility towards neighbors guide their actions.
The essence of PiFò Haiti, reflected in its name meaning “stronger” in Haitian Créole, is to empower future generations through education and development programs. They work hand-in-hand with a team of Haitians to support local initiatives and stimulate the economy by prioritizing in-country purchasing and Haitian-led projects. Directed by Wendy Thiessen, a passionate full-time volunteer, PiFò Haiti has consistently focused on empowering families and strengthening the local economy. Wendy and her husband Ken, who reside in Burlington, Ontario, are deeply committed to fostering a ministry of equals, breaking away from the traditional “rich vs. poor” paradigm of charity work.
PiFò Haiti’s projects on La Gonâve are a testament to their commitment. Over 500 students and 30 staff members benefit from their programs, which include tuition assistance for three elementary schools, compassion care and food programs for the vulnerable, teacher training support, and initiatives encouraging local spending. In response to the escalating crisis, they have prioritized emergency food programs, including feeding inmates at the local prison, who face starvation due to a lack of social support systems. Additionally, PiFò Haiti supports community gardens to combat food insecurity and is developing agricultural projects in fertile areas like Palma to enhance local food production and market supply.
In-country purchasing is central to PiFò Haiti’s philosophy, as it supports local businesses and prevents the negative economic impact of flooding the market with external donations. They believe that by buying supplies locally and hiring local workers, they can help build a resilient economy. Their agricultural projects, like the community garden in Anse-à-Galets and the planned large garden in Palma, aim to provide sustainable food sources and economic opportunities. As PiFò Haiti continues to expand their food programs and vocational training initiatives, they invite others to join them in supporting locally-led initiatives that promote long-term growth and self-sustainability for the people of Haiti.
Ministry Overview:
PiFò Haiti, advocating for a redefined approach to charity since 2011, focuses on building capacity and forming relationships with local communities on La Gonâve to create a Jesus-centered, responsible community. Directed by Wendy Thiessen, PiFò Haiti empowers future generations through education, development programs, and in-country purchasing to support the local economy. Their projects benefit over 500 students and 30 staff members, providing tuition assistance, food programs, and teacher training. In response to Haiti’s crisis, PiFò Haiti prioritizes emergency food programs, community gardens, and agricultural projects to combat food insecurity, promoting long-term growth and self-sustainability.
Prayer Request:
Pray for the people of Haiti and the dedicated missionaries serving there. Pray for provision, safety, and peace in the midst of their challenges.
ABOUT FGC
Friends of the Great Commission (FGC) is a registered charity with a team of skilled administrative and accounting personnel dedicated to using their talents and expertise to enable people to follow God’s calling to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. We have been providing a place for individuals, ministries and organizations to thrive in ministry. Our vision is to work together to help the impoverished, further education, and help fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.
We are passionate about helping fulfill the Great Commission. Our team of skilled administrative and accounting personnel are dedicated to simplifying ministry. We bring admin relief to our agents and projects and release them to spend more time on ministry work. Through collaboration, we provide compliance, clarity, and relief to ministry.
We welcome any Christian ministry or project to contact us to discuss how we can collaborate. We believe we are stronger together.