Embarking on mission trips to Haiti marked some of the most spiritually enriching moments of my life. It was during these journeys that I truly felt aligned with God’s calling, embracing the directive from Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
As a new believer, I sensed a divine pull towards missionary work, even before fully understanding what that entailed. A conversation with a friend led me to 13forHaiti, an organization dedicated to spreading the gospel and supporting church growth in Paillant, Haiti. Eager to serve, I joined their efforts, ready to contribute in any way possible.
First Impressions and Cultural Immersion
Prior to our departure, our team convened to prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually. We reviewed past trip experiences, discussed our upcoming roles, and received practical advice—like not expecting hot showers in a developing country.
Upon arrival in Haiti, nerves accompanied me as I navigated customs and stepped into an unfamiliar environment. Our translator guided us from Port-au-Prince up the mountainous terrain to Paillant. The journey revealed stark realities: makeshift homes constructed from tarps and metal, streets lined with garbage, and many individuals lacking basic necessities like clean clothing and footwear.
Settling into our accommodations, we shared meals of rice and black bean sauce and outlined our plans for the week ahead.
Serving and Connecting
Over four separate week-long trips, I engaged in various acts of service: washing children’s feet and providing them with new shoes, distributing food to the hungry, gifting Bibles, praying with locals, delivering medical supplies, constructing school benches, and playing soccer with children—offering them moments of joy and normalcy.dawnzauner.com
Participating in the local church’s activities, including a women’s Bible study group facilitated by a translator, I discovered shared struggles and faith experiences with Haitian women, despite our differing backgrounds and languages.dawnzauner.com
Reflections and Spiritual Growth
Each trip deepened my understanding of Haitian culture and strengthened the bonds formed with the community—connections that continue through social media.
These experiences underscored a universal truth: regardless of cultural differences, we all share a fundamental need for God’s grace. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Go and Make Disciples
The command to “go and make disciples” in Matthew 28:19-20, often called the Great Commission, is a clear mandate from the risen Christ: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
For the believer, this is not merely an individual call, but a church-wide responsibility grounded in God’s sovereign plan to redeem His people from every nation. Mission work is the practical outworking of this command—sending, supporting, and participating in efforts to bring the gospel to those who have not heard. It reflects our obedience to Christ and our trust in the Holy Spirit to regenerate hearts through the preaching of the Word. We go not in our own power, but under Christ’s authority and with His enduring presence: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mission work, then, is not an optional extra—it is central to the Church’s calling and an expression of God’s love to the world.
Mission work serves to bridge the gap where worship is absent. In our comfort zones, it’s easy to overlook the spiritual needs beyond our immediate surroundings. I encourage those who are able to venture out, share the gospel, and witness the transformative power of faith in diverse communities.
Dawn Zauner 