I’ve been very humbled and blessed to spend some time today with Salonique Adolphe, who’s the director (and one of the founders) of Living Water Christian Mission in Gonaives, Haiti. I’m so impressed by, and appreciative of, people like Salonique who have given their lives to serve on the mission field. And he serves in an extremely poor country with no modern buildings or homes, a place where most people get around on foot or by bicycle, and a place where the cost of eating out for just one meal is equal to the cost of eating at home for a whole week or longer. I have to admit I felt guilty driving him around in a decent car, and ordering coffee and tea at a drive-up stand, and getting custom artisan style pizza superfast. But I also felt very blessed, even (dare I say) rich? I may not be wealthy by American standards, but in comparison to most people in Haiti, I’m rich indeed. And, in more important ways, I might call Salonique the richest man I know.
As Living Water’s website describes, the first decade of the 21st century brought major natural catastrophes to Gonaives, Haiti. There were hurricanes Jeanne (2004), Hannah (2008), and Ike (2008), which claimed thousands of lives of people and animals. The hurricanes also destroyed or damaged thousands of homes, farms, and businesses. Yet the people refused to give up or be defeated.
Under Salonique’s direction, the mission operates three churches and assists three others. They also provide two elementary schools, one traditional high school, and one high school for adults. Many of the students need sponsors to provide meals and an education. In addition, they operate a farm and a school for people to learn a profession. Eventually, a seminary will be built on the farm land (the seminary currently meets at one of their other schools). What’s more, Living Water provides a health clinic for many in the neighborhood who would not otherwise receive health care.
Salonique knows Jesus and he understands the blessing of serving Him and reaching out to help others come to know Him. Salonique lives by very humble means, in a very poor country, and he’s one of the richest men I know. Of course, he’s not rich financially or materially, but he has received the true reward of giving up everything for the cause of Christ, and knowing that God will provide for his every need.
I would encourage you to support this ministry if you’re able. To learn more, to sponsor a student, or to donate to help with God’s work in one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, please visit livingwaterchristianmission.org.
Troy Burns