When: July 26 – August 2, 2008 (Saturday to Saturday)
            Due to civil unrest the July trip will not take place.

Why:

1)    To continue the building of relationships and cultivating vision for partnering with El Shaddai Ministries International (the Haitian Ministry arm of MNA) in preparation for more long-term, extensive ministry in Haiti.

2)    To encourage and provide assistance for the ongoing ministry in Haiti.

3)    To give pastors, leaders, and laypeople in CMP churches an opportunity to experience first hand the exciting and exponentially growing ministry of the gospel in Haiti.

4)    To cultivate a greater spirit of unity among the churches of Chicago Metro Presbytery (CMP) by cooperating in missions ministry together.

5)    To spiritually encourage and challenge the members of the CMP churches with a vision and passion for the work of mission in general. 

6)    Our current relationship with New Hope Haitian Community Church of Chicago (PCA) makes Haiti a natural mission focus for the CMP.

 What: The following are services we anticipate providing on this trip but specifics will be determined based on those who step forward and their gifts and passions:

1)    Medical Ministry Team.

2)    Children’s’ Ministry Team.

3)    Preaching and Training Team (to preach in various Haitian church plants and training for Haitian pastors, elders, and deacons).

4)    Construction Teams (of schools, orphanages, churches, etc).

5)    Sports Outreach Team (soccer and/or basketball).

 Who: Anyone 15 years and older. Children as young as 10 have attended but we believe it’s important to set a higher age limit for this first trip.

 Cost: Approximately $1,200 per person. This includes:

1)    The cost of airfare from Chicago to Miami and back (about $300) to Port au Prince and back (about $400), to Cayes and back ($126) as well as the airport fee in Port au Prince ($14.00).

2)    The cost of food and housing in Haiti ($350).

 There is a Project Fee of $3,000 which goes to the purchase of materials for our ministry in Haiti which will we seek to cover through donations from churches and individuals. This fee is due in June.

 In addition, Hector Mardy and one leader from his church will come with us to serve as interpreters and to build our relationship with him and New Hope Haitian Church. We will also seek to cover their costs ($2,400) through special donations. 

 Timetable and Deadlines:

1)    Joint meeting of all CMP Missions Committees on Thursday, Feb. 28 where this opportunity will be presented and discussed.

2)    Meetings with various interested churches (sessions and/or missions committees and/or small groups) Feb-April.

3)    A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person due by Memorial Day (May 26) which serves as a commitment by the participant.

4)    The rest of the cost by Independence Day (July 4).

5)    It is also expected that everyone going on this trip will participate in two Orientation/Team Building/Prayer meetings before the trip – likely one in June and one in July. We will attempt to hold one such meeting at New Hope Haitian Community Church in Chicago on a Sunday afternoon so that we might also worship with them at their evening service.

 Participating Churches of the CMP (so far):

1)    Naperville Presbyterian Church

2)    Trinity Presbyterian Church (Hinsdale)