Grace Corps was Started in 1996
In 1996, Grace Corps was commissioned by God to start a ministry that will make the schools in Haiti real mission fields, by promoting Christian Education throughout the nation.
In 1998, we were still simply providing toys to children limiting ourselves to having them to peak at the immensity of God’s Love and the wonder of his kindness. This, we think, we have done with fervor and passion. Many of these children are living in the poverty stricken slum of Carrefour.
While working as a teacher in China, I encountered a simple yet eye-opening moment that sparked my passion for Agriculturalism. One day, I noticed a neighboring house with watermelon rind—something most would consider waste—neatly placed on its roof. I couldn’t help but wonder: What were the locals using that watermelon skin for? This curiosity led me to explore the untapped potential of everyday “garbage.”
Fast forward to my return to Haiti, where I observed a stark contrast. Here, items that could be repurposed or transformed were simply thrown into the garbage basket. This observation made me realize that much of the waste we see is not inherently worthless—it’s the result of a lack of education and awareness about how to transform these by-products into valuable resources.
Take, for example, the abundance of mangoes in Haiti. With 153 varieties available, mangoes are a staple in our communities. Yet, most of these fruits end up rotting or even clogging the city’s manholes. Imagine if we could harness their full potential! Beyond being a delicious fruit, mangoes can be transformed into a variety of products:
Vinegar: Fermenting mangoes can create a unique, locally produced vinegar that could enhance culinary dishes or serve as a natural cleaning agent.
Sugar: By processing mangoes, we can extract natural sugars that might be used in cooking and baking, offering an alternative to imported sweeteners.
Dried Snacks: Drying mango slices not only preserves the fruit but also creates a healthy, portable snack that can be enjoyed year-round.
Purees and Jams: Transforming mangoes into purees or jams adds value by creating products that can be sold locally or even exported.
Similarly, consider avocados. In Haiti, we typically eat them and discard what isn’t consumed. However, avocados hold much more promise than just a fresh, creamy treat. By extracting avocado oil—a process common in many parts of the world—we can unlock a resource with numerous applications:
Cooking: Avocado oil is highly prized for its health benefits and high smoke point, making it an excellent cooking oil.
Cosmetics: Its nourishing properties make it a valuable ingredient in skincare and haircare products.
Medicinal Uses: Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, avocado oil can contribute to dietary supplements and natural remedies.
These examples illustrate a broader truth: Waste is not a fixed state but a missed opportunity. With the right education, what we discard can be transformed into products that enrich our diets, stimulate our local economies, and protect our environment. By learning to see value in what others consider refuse, we can foster a more sustainable, self-reliant community. This is the heart of Agriculturalism—the art of turning garbage into gold.
Let’s pray that Haiti is about to know its brightest day after the darkest hours, the grimmest nights of its history. God has not forgotten the land. Oh! Yes it is hard to believe that right at the present moment, but His faithfulness endures forever and, praise God! It doesn’t go up and down with our unstable feelings. In spite of it all, we have good reasons to believe that God is in charge. He has proven Himself over and over. He will again this time.
