This excerpt from Second Mile Ministries blog by Amy Syres discussing how supporting local business in a country like Haiti may be the most helpful form of aid.

"We attended a conference today that supports this statement. 300 Haitien business people were signed up for the conference and key players from major and minor NGO's were also in attendance. The theme of the conference was to "Buy Local." A major way to boost the economy and drive Haiti out of it's food deficit is to support projects that's encourage food production within the country of a Haiti. NGO's have two options. They can ship food and building materials into the country or, they can purchase Haitien products from Haitien vendors an action that lifts the economy and creates a demand for jobs. It's an important concept. It's a bit revolutionary. If business persons and non-governmental aid agencies alike can jump on board, this trend will push Haiti in the right direction.

The partnering organizations which sponsored this meeting are lobbying for the creation of 100,000 new jobs in Haiti by 2020. So what's new two years later? Well, some of the tents have been folded up or discarded and some of Haiti's boldest and brightest are making their entrepreneurial debut. After the conference we witnessed these men and women courageously showcasing their services and goods to major international organizations. Exciting stuff."

Read the full blog post here.

Several weeks ago we received an email from the friend of some faithful supporters of IYT.   Her daughter was starting a new ministry in Haiti, and it was suggested that we might want to connect and possibly work together on some business ideas.

First of all, this is EXACTLY the kind of connection that we hope to make!  Friends who are familiar with the work we do, telling their friends, seeing an opportunity, and playing the most important role:  CONNECTOR.  God uses people.  He lets us be a part of the work He is doing.  And when we ACT on opportunities, we become the instruments of His hands!  Amazing!

We met with Jenn and Amy over bagels and coffee and immediately saw a spark in them.  Their plan to open a healthcare facility in Cap Haiten, Haiti was not only ambitious but inspiring.  They were in the beginning stages of forming their ministry and we were honored to be able to counsel them and offer some assistance with their formation.

Second Mile Ministries will build the "House of Hope", a facility where they will minister to sick and malnourished children and empower their families through healthcare education and small business opportunities. 

At IYT we plan to provide consulting during the building phase of "House of Hope" and possibly hosting a short term trip to help with the construction.  We are also working closely with Second Mile Ministries in developing business opportunities for the people of Haiti.