Bismarck teens experience heartbreak and call of mission

Bismarck teens Alex Cleary and Sara Bolme knew going to Haiti would be life-changing, and so did the McCabe UMC members who supported their mission trip to Haiti this summer.  With three adults and Director Rick Jost, the teens battled extreme heat to build 110 ovens for a future seminar. The 2-day cooking seminar had to be postponed because of the unrelenting heat.

Photo: Sara Bolme (l) and Alex Cleary were warmly welcomed for worship by the children at L’Eglise Methodiste de Mellier in Haiti. Sara hopes that other teens catch the vision.  “We could really use more young adults to help with the project. Being exposed to such a beautiful country with such beautiful people is life changing.” (Photo courtesy of HSOP)

Haiti Solar Oven Partners Advisory Board member Karen Workman, who mentored the young women, said, “It is obvious from hearing the girl’s comments that the spark to serve in mission has been ignited in their hearts.”

Sara came home with a new view of Haiti’s challenges.  “Haiti was a really awesome experience in general, but one trip isn't enough to solve all the problems in Haiti. The people are really hard-working and resilient, but they could use more help.”

Alex says she’s determined to return as soon as possible. “I've always known that I have a heart for mission, but this trip secured that fact, and now I know for sure that helping people in third world countries and bringing them to Christ is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing.”

Photo: Jeanne Milcar, HSOP Production Manager, coaches Alex Cleary how to build a solar oven as Sara Bolme waits her turn. “The people of Haiti touched, and then broke my heart. They are so happy amidst their never-ending struggle just to get by. I look forward to going back sometime soon,” says Alex. (Photo courtesy of HSOP)