Our Mission
Living Out Our Faith
We see man’s need for eternal salvation; a salvation found only in Christ Jesus as paramount to any other essential or required life ingredient, need, or problem. We are created to seek our God, to worship, and to live eternally. Our first obligation is to share the “good news” of Jesus Christ found in the Gospels. No matter if you place your faith in Christ or not, the Bible tells us that one day we will all stand before Christ. One of the Bible’s greatest truths is that if we truly turn to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, God forgives our sins and gives us the gift of eternal life. We no longer need to fear death, hell or judgment, because Christ endured the Cross for all of us. As the Bible says, “He forgave us all our sins” (Colossians 2:13).
Discipleship
In the same way, the Bible tells us that someday each of us will stand before Jesus; if we have denied Him and refused to follow Him, we will be judged for our unbelief. Jesus will say, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). These are sobering words, and they should make every one of us stop and be sure of our commitment to Christ. If we know Christ and truly follow Him then our salvation is already assured. We’ll still stand before Jesus; but not to be judged for our salvation. Instead, we will stand before God to be rewarded according to our good deeds. If we profess to know Christ or be His follower the Bible says, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). These too are sobering words, reminding us that we are accountable to God for the way we live out our life as believers.
Making disciples for Christ and teaching them to train others; multiplies the outreach for Christ as we are called to do. Our first goal is to help train and advance those who profess to be followers of Christ toward maturity in their faith and understanding. How are we going about this?
1. Building Relationships… Trust, love, and relationship are important first steps toward gaining greater understanding. Our first goal is to genuinely show and exhibit the love of Christ in action. Listening is an important skill to have, only then can you be heard.
2. Presenting the Gospel… In all cultures professing faith and truly living for Christ can look or be very different from one person to another according to their understanding. In our discipleship class and study it is important that one has already trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior, and He is Lord of their life. If one has not made this decision, our course will have little meaning as spiritual matters can only be fully understood by those that are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 2:14
3. Experiencing God… Jesus said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out rather my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own”. John 7:17. The seven realities of God are taken Biblically.
4. Classroom Structure… This class is for those who are ready to grow and begin to teach others. Our goal is consistent with our overall philosophy. We will equip others that they will ultimately assume leadership in this class and multiply followers of Christ. This class will meet weekly. We will use a Bible translator in the beginning to facilitate this class. Each disciple will be presented with the study guide in Kreyòl Ayisyen, Kreyòl Bible, and a rechargeable light bulb to allow for the daily home study.
The question is: "What is God’s will?"
“The Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working. I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all he does. Yes, to your amazement He will show Him even greater things than these.
John 5:17,19-20
5. Cross Cultural Development… It is one thing to be told Jesus loves you, and that other followers of Christ care about and love you too; but when they show up and share Christ with you, love on you, and give you their time… you know it is true. Part of this program will involve some of you coming to the classroom via Zoom. We want to build relationships, understanding, and love in Christ. When we start enrollment, you will be given an online opportunity to join us if you have signed up for the Newsletter. It is important to note that all participants will agree that the only “currency” available here is the love of Jesus!
Sewing & Tailor
As Jesus traveled; he performed miraculous healings and met the people’s most urgent physical need. Many of us see a third world country like Haiti, mired in abject poverty and we immediately go to work trying to figure out what is the single most important action to provide life giving and lifesaving transformation. It is a normal response to a sea of pain and suffering. As Jesus walked and taught the bible says; He saw the crowds, He saw their urgent need both spiritual and physical. When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He taught them, He brought healing, and He fed them…
Sewing & Tailor
Our sewing and tailor program is one that provides an international level of skill. We know that the unskilled labor market is saturated, while skilled technicians are in demand. This program provides a “hand up”, an opportunity to gain and become self-employed, employable, and employed in an essential and “in demand” trade. Early on those who excel in this trade will begin to see the fruit of their dedication to their study and training in the form of salable goods. A general overview is described below.
Components include:
- Basic aptitude assessment for class formation
- Introduction to the Trade
- Measurements and Terms
- Hand stitching
- Production of salable items
- Design and Pattern making
- Cutting fabric
- Machine Sewing
- Alterations / Fitting
- Clothing
- T-Shirts
- Marketing
- Online Store
Preparing today to begin in Spring of 2024
Screen Print Shop
We believe that education and opportunity can enable an individual or a community to thrive and to plot a course toward a future where shared dreams and goals become realities. Our faith calls us to form goals founded in partnership with the culture we strive to empower. The opportunity created must be important to, meaningful for, and sustainable by those we serve; true transformation. We don't believe a community can ever rise above poverty if they don't have access to modern day technology and skills.
All too many failures occur when the opportunity is either not properly defined, the vision is not sustainable, and / or the community does not see the value in it. We require partnership with accountability; anything less is a disservice to those who provide and also to those who receive. Partnership is mutual love in action; accountability is the obedience to God’s plan. Empowering Partners strives for a future where all people feel empowered through opportunity to chart a course forward that includes dignity, justice and a shared sense of community.
Screen Print Shop
Skills learned in this trade coupled with employment and opportunities including entrepreneurship can lead to many avenues of opportunity. We have learned that there is great demand from variable sectors for quality screen print services in Haiti and our US partners. Our center will be full service, offering in house artwork design and creation. We will stress dependability, quality, and support the Haitian economy through our material and supply purchases. Skills to be gained in this trade will be computer aided art design, purchasing and marketing, screen printing skills, production management, accounting, and sales.
In this trade individuals will learn specific skills to be part of a team. It is our desire that over a length of time everyone involved will learn all aspects of the business. A general overview is described below. This trade is in our Online Store.
Components include:
- Basic aptitude assessment for skilled training
- Introduction to the Trade
- Measurement and Terms
- Assessing our Strengths
- Artwork Design
- Screen Development & Exposure
- Inks / Color
- Printing
- Multi-Color Printing
- Setting & Drying
- Packaging
- Wash Out
- Diverse Apparel
- Product Pricing & Sales
- Accounting
- Delivery & Shipping
Carpentry & Woodworking
“Empowering Partners is dedicated in its goal to create sustainable opportunity for those living in a world where dignity, justice, and mobility is not always present for all people. We believe the most pressing need for the world is the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ with its eternal impact and making disciples of all nations as Christ instructed us to do. Through Christ's love, mercy and grace, we extend opportunity, a true “hand up” in partnership with joint accountability so that individual lives, communities, and nations may be transformed."
We believe that those we serve must have a vested interest in the projects or the programs that create a greater quality life or add value to their community. As Jesus traveled and taught, he healed physical affliction and suffering as He offered the gift of salvation to all that would follow Him. These same teachings have guided us at Empowering Partners throughout our formation and will continue as we navigate the road ahead
Carpentry & Woodworking
Throughout the world’s history this has been a vital trade that touches so much of the life we live. Throughout most of civilization since the beginnings of creation, woodworking has provided comfort, shelter, transportation, safety, and in so many other ways! Even; Jesus in his early years, it is supposed from Mark 6:2-3 that he was, like his earthly father, Joseph a “carpenter”. Skills gained in this trade will vary from roof and truss production, cabinetry, furniture, and contracting. A successful candidate will early on begin to benefit from his or her labor. Once again this program will teach international level skills and be tethered to the demands for quality goods and services within Haiti and even across the globe.
In this trade individuals will learn specific skills to be part of a team. We believe it is essential that our methods and equipment aligns with what is currently being used in the world , as well as the Haitian Building Code. A general training outline is provided below. Products from this trade may be available in our Online Store.
Preparing Today to Begin in Spring of 2024
Components include:
- Basic aptitude assessment for skilled training
- Introduction to the Trade
- Measurement and Terms
- Assessing our Strengths
- Equipment & Tools ID
- Tool & Site Safety
- Design
- Woodworking
- Salable Items
- Cabinetry / Doors
- Haiti Building Code
- Roof Construction
- Building Construction
- Contracting
- Pricing & Sales
- Accounting
Empowering Partners
How can we do better together?
We believe that those we serve must have a vested interest in the projects or the programs that create a greater quality of life or add value to their community. We believe that it is important that we all evaluate the value, acceptance, investment, and activity in creation of development in a project by the local people we serve. Unsustainable projects litter communities throughout Haiti, often by some of the largest and most trusted organizations. Be wise…
1) If the project or activity does not have acceptance, “”buy in” from those you are serving it will not be sustainable. That does not mean it may not be a worthy undertaking; but it will not be sustained, maintained, or passed on to others by those you intend to serve. At EmpoweringPartners this is a critical underpinning.
2) We believe that those we serve must have a vested financial or “sweat” equity interest in the projects or the programs that create a greater quality life or add value to their community. EmpoweringPartners requires partnership with accountability; anything less is a disservice to those who provide and also to those who receive. Partnership is mutual love in action; accountability is the obedience to God’s plan.
3) We; EmpoweringPartners strives for a future where all people feel empowered through opportunity to chart a course forward that includes dignity, justice and a shared sense of community.
4) We believe that training in an appropriate occupational skill and the presentation of opportunity can enable an individual or a community to thrive and to plot a course toward a future where shared goals become realities. EmpoweringPartners knows that the opportunity created must be important to, meaningful for, and sustainable by those we serve, providing true transformation. All too many failures occur when the opportunity is either not properly defined, the vision is not sustainable, and / or the community does not see the value in it.
Abject Poverty
What is abject poverty?
First defined in 1995 by the United Nations, abject poverty is the most severe form of deprivation to basic needs and services that an individual or household can suffer. It is a form of poverty where there is a severe lack of food access, safe drinking water, basic sanitation, healthcare access, and even shelter. Some definitions of abject poverty also include a lack of educational resources or information as well. Abject poverty is not dependent on income levels alone.
Severe food insecurity:
Below Poverty Line:
Unemployment:
Unskilled Labor Market:
Saturated
Anyone who has spent almost any amount of time in Haiti, can be overwhelmed by the desperation, hopelessness, and lack of basic human needs and necessities. In the third world the statement that a person or family has “nothing” takes on a very literal meaning. It is natural that most of us would see the world through our lens, our filter. What does “nothing” look like in the third world, a place like Haiti where our brothers and sisters live? For many; daily life in Haiti is a life devoid, (definition is entirely lacking or free from) of basic infrastructure, sanitation systems, electricity, internet, clean accessible water, basic healthcare, personal transportation, basic nutrition, education opportunities, adequate shelter, and a set of trade or technical skills.
As Jesus walked and taught the bible says; He saw the crowds, He saw their urgent need both spiritual and physical. When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He taught them, He brought healing, and He fed them…
If the gospel teaches us anything about Christ it should be that like our Father, His love for us is evident in His compassion for the crowd, the poor, the infirm, the weak, and the lost. As Empowering Partners moves forward in the world Christ is our teacher, our example for meeting urgent physical need. Our God has compassion for those that have a heart for the poor, conversely, He has condemnation for those who ignore the poor. If Christ is in us, we are living for Him; we will reach out with a loving “hand up” to those in need. As we invest our time and come to understand all of the “forces” that drive poverty; we often are enlightened to a very different point of view. In time we see how the world often with good intention further exacerbates and sustains the plight of those who live in it. Individuals who live in abject poverty are often faceless, voiceless, and powerless. Empowering Partners continues every day to gain better understanding of the problem and provide true partnership with joint accountability.
A quote from; Daniel Jean-Louis; Haitian Entrepreneur, Author of “From Aid to Trade”, and a Voice in “Poverty Inc.” makes the statement… we believe it rings true as those we meet and serve in urgent spiritual and physical need are not different from us. They share a common desire and strive for a future where all people feel empowered through opportunity to chart a course forward that includes dignity, justice, a shared sense of community , all while yearning to live in eternal satisfaction with a loving creator. Amen….
