LiveBeyonder Spotlight | Chris Hatchett

How many LiveBeyond mission weeks have you served on? I have been on two mission weeks –a medical mission in October 2014 and an ESL mission in June 2015. Share how you got involved with LiveBeyond. Dr. Vanderpool visited with leaders of our church, and I volunteered to lead the first group down there.

What’s your favorite part(s) of the mission week? It is so important to me to get out of my comfort zone and serve others. I can do it (and need to) at home as well – but getting away and serving in Haiti brings me back to things that are most important in life.

Share one of your most memorable experiences or encounters in Haiti. My first trip, I got to drive the Jac with Loubens (a LiveBeyond translator). I will never forget driving into the Larat community and seeing the mass of people waiting for us. We loaded the truck way past what I thought was possible and began driving back. On the way back to the compound, I heard singing from the back, and realized they were all singing “How Great Thou Art”. Another experience is just the amazing blessing it was for my whole family to return with me on the second trip. It is great to see my kids now sponsoring students in Kè Pou Timoun – and every time I see the picture of us on the wall in our living room – it takes me back to Haiti!

There were eight months between the two mission weeks that you served on.

Did you see LiveBeyond’s impact change over the course of that time? The biggest difference for me is the atmosphere of worship that surrounds the compound. The baptisms – but also just the worship with the staff each morning. The spirit was completely different from the first time I went to the second time. More hope – less despair. What keeps you coming back to Haiti with LiveBeyond? The people. Not only the people we get to see and serve like Maize, Annette and baby Hope – but the people we serve with – like Leubens. He has become a lifelong friend.

How have the people of Thomazeau have changed your life? I have been deeply impacted by the fact there is that type of poverty and despair in the Eastern Time Zone! We have made it a priority to support the Maternal Health program – and I believe I know have a purpose to get as many people as possible to Haiti. We want to participate in the work, support the work financially, and encourage others to join us.

LiveBeyonder, Chris Hatchett, is the Campus Minister for The Hills Church in North Richland Hills, Texas. His first trip with LiveBeyond was in October 2014, and he is now a passionate supporter of our ministry.

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