Where we are today is because of something done yesterday. Jesus knew it was He who sent Him that merited the glory. In John 8:54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the One who glorifies me.” Jesus came because of who sent Him.
This month, New Missions celebrates 29 years of serving in Haiti. However, as I reflect back, the ministry began long before 1983. When I was five years old, I remember moving into the church that my father was pastoring. Down the side hallway of the church apartment my mother would slip into her prayer closet. She was praying for a country far away—India. Specifically, it was in the town of Vandalur, outside of Madras, where we funded the building of a church. That was our first overseas missions effort, and I am thankful for this history that changed our lives. This was the spark of missions in our family. I honor this history.
Not long after the India mission project, my father took sailing lessons and began reading about the Caribbean.
He soon learned about the island of Hispaniola and how the western third of the island was Haiti. Haiti was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere—and that broke his heart. He began to take mission trips to Haiti in the late 70’s. On one of those trips he was inspecting a project he was supporting and realized the only way to do something that will make a lasting impact is to have a physical presence.
For three years, we looked at oceanfront land in Leogane. My father asked God what he should do, and as he was walking along the waterfront, he felt God say, “George…go with it!” So, on those simple words, we made the decision to begin our mission to Haiti. On January 6, 1983, my father and mother moved our family to Haiti, where we lived in a tent for three months on the very land where we built our first church and school. I honor that history.
The history of any organization is much deeper than the eye can see. The countless hours people gave—plus the tireless years of labor—make up a history that is truly significant. I remember serving in Haiti with missionary Tony Dorval. I recall us driving into rural villages across the Leogane Plain to deliver food for the schools. Tony was assigned to the village of Ti-Riviere. Today in that village, there are two full-time staff who prepare a hot lunch each day for the school children. Haitian leadership has been equipped and developed over the years. During the early years of our ministry, we had numerous missionaries who sacrificed their time. I honor their history.
In your life, who can you honor? Our steps are ordained by God, and daily we are on a mission. Your mission field is right where you are, and wherever you go is a new mission field. Our mission is not just about us—but what (or who) preceded us that makes it possible for us to serve today. Take a moment and look behind you…see who has been a part of your history.
~Tim DeTellis
Tim and Sheryl DeTellis in Haiti visiting with their sponsored triplets, Manoucheca, Magdala and Mackendy.
Thank you! The past 29 years have been a journey of significance and it has been possible because of your prayers and gifts. We truly love what we do! Serving others is a joy and privilege—especially when we see God changing lives forever.
Serving together
Timothy DeTellis
P.S. This year, may we ask God to give us moments to make history by serving others.
