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Interview with Mission of Hope’s Rachel Durban
Mission of Hope has been part of our charity directory here at The Good Beginning for a long time. We admire the work they do and are especially proud of their recent response to the devastating hurricane in Haiti. We recently had the chance to connect with
Rachel Durban of
Mission of Hope and chat with her about her work for this pioneering organization. Enjoy!
What led you to working for Mission of Hope?
I first heard about Mission of Hope: Haiti in January of 2010 after the devastating earthquake decimated Port Au Prince. For as long as I can remember, I had wanted to serve internationally, and I signed up immediately when my church announced a mission trip through MOH for spring break 2011.
What is it about their mission that resonates with you?
The vision statement of MOH is, “As an organization following Jesus Christ, we exist to bring life transformation to every man, woman, and child in Haiti.” The reality of holistic transformation is something I have been privileged to see from the front lines as we pursue God’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual design for every man, woman, and child. The focus on the value of each individual person, created in the image of God, resonates with me.
What is your favorite thing about giving back?
My perspective on multiple things has shifted over the several years of living in Haiti. I forget where I read it – probably on Pinterest if we’re being honest – but I once read a quote that said if you have the resources, you should build a bigger table, not a higher fence. I believe that our life was created for so much more than building our own individual “kingdom”. We are invited into a story that is much larger than our own and that reality comes to life when we are serving other people.
Do you have any encouragement for engaged couples who want to give back through their wedding?
I cannot think of a better way to begin a marriage than by serving other people. There is deep joy to be found when thinking of others more than you think of yourself. Inviting your family and friends to serve alongside you as a married couple is an invitation for your guests to experience this joy as well.
What work is Mission of Hope doing currently to help with hurricane recovery?
In collaboration with USAID, Samaritan’s Purse, the US military, and the HaitiOne network, MOH has mobilized approximately one million pounds of food, water, tarps, and emergency medical supplies to many of the hardest hit areas throughout Haiti via boat, helicopter, and land vehicles. In addition to food and supplies, we have mobilized medical care into the rural areas. We are committed to a long-term plan of relief, recovery, and sustainability. Stay up to date at www.mohhaiti.org/relief
If you would like to support Mission of Hope through a registry with The Good Beginning you can do so here.
Rachel is a follower of Jesus who loves people, laughter, coloring her hair, string lights, sun flare, photography, tattoos, coffee, and The Office. She’s a born and raised Texan who recently returned after living in Haiti for three years. She likes to pretend she speaks Creole, but really she just laughs while stumbling through the few Creole phrases she’s picked up over the years.
