"Sometimes to have peace, you have to make war" stated Gesner Paul, President of the Methodist Church of Haiti. He elaborated that sometimes there are social norms and behaviors that need to be challenged. New and healthier patterns of behavior need to be modeled and adopted to truly progress towards Shalom.

Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI) is the first Latin American 'Communities of Shalom' (COS) initiative, in partnership with Drew University COS and as a 'sister' COS with the Grand Rapids District COS. The focus of the first 'Shalom Zone' is the HAPI Peace Park. The  park is utilized by 500 Peace Pals, the 'Faith in Action' Methodists of Mizak congregation, local scouting and feminist movement groups, community Bible study and United Methodist Volunteers in Action.

HAPI's current local leadership consists of six individuals. HAPI COS training engaged a broader group of community representation.

Joshua Clough, an intern with Drew University, delivered eight units of Shalom training, using the Shalom Acrostic as a guide to teach the basic principles of Systemic/Sustainable change, Health, Healing & Wholeness, Asset Based Community Development, Love for God, Self & Neighbor, Organizing, and Multicultural Multifaith collaboration to nearly 30 participants. Joshua said that the participants "asked good questions." He continued, "Haiti is a fatalistic culture, where everything is accepted as 'God's will.' They question-but were interested in-a theology that encourages them to creatively engage and organize their environment, to be active participants in their own development."

Annie Allen, a national trainer for Drew University COS, alongside Franck Aguilh, a United Methodist Elder of the New Jersey Conference and Haitian native, also did community assessment work and training with HAPI COS. They observed the social norms of which President Paul spoke, including the tendency prevalent in Central American cultures to look to one community leader to be the 'benefactor' of the community and to make all decisions on behalf of the community. This is a throwback to the plantation system. There is also a strong 'culture of dependency' in Haiti, particularly in the relationship played out between "white people" who give and Haitians who are passive recipients. Annie stated, "This passivity is a symptom of the culture of dependency, which prevents leadership development and creative collaborations within the group."

Franck added, "The cultural psychology of the 'What's in it for me?' needs to be attacked aggressively with Biblical images that replace personal gain with commitment to the 'common good' to bring about change in attitude, and understanding of SHALOM. Trust needs to be built up."

In addition to the important internal 'shifts' that need to occur, ongoing training support will continue in group empowerment, organizational development, project management, communications and interpersonal relations. Rev. Aguilh retired from parish ministry July 1 to devote his time to ministry in Haiti in the education of children and training adults in marketable skills. HAPI is working closely with Rev. Aguilh to see how we might utilize his gifts. In addition, Angelica Laudermith, former campus minister at the University of South Dakota, will be serving as an Individual Volunteer in Mission to HAPI. Angelica has completed certification in Communities of Shalom.

HAPI is committed to "seek the Shalom of the countryside" in Haiti, working hand in hand, praying and dreaming together. We're learning that we all need to challenge ourselves to embrace new 'scripts' of interaction that empower communities to be agents of change in their own land and to experience God's 'Shalom.'

~Valerie Mossman-Celestin, HAPI US Executive Director

There was a fabulous article in the July/Aug "Response" magazine. To read it online just click here.

Sometimes you just have to react instead of following your normal course. Tremers continue to happen. Home rebuilding is still continuing but our focus returns to helping Haiti so they can do even more for themselves. We are transitioning back to our business and community development in Mizak and have many new things to share as we work to empower those in Haiti.

Many teams have been on the ground and new long term volunteers are getting acclimated. The HAPI Staff is doing amazing things as they decide their business and community future. More details coming very soon!

We thank you for your prayers, contributions and support and please remember that Haiti is still in devastating circumstances so we still need your partnership to bring them holistic, sustainable change!

One new item is the community creative bazaar. See what beautiful things people in the area are making!