By Beth Guckenberger, Co-Executive Director
Ronaldo is a kind and generous friend, a respected leader among his peers in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He is thoughtful and curious for what God has next for him. During a recent visit, I had a meaningful conversation with him. He was answering a question I had posed about his future. He shared he had a long time dream to own his own recycling business. Ronaldo seemed shy about it, so I tried hard not to overact. I was there visiting with a small team of people, one of whom owns his own recycling business, U.S. Shredder.
I invited Bill over to talk with us and then left them alone. As this young man continued to pepper Bill with questions, I marveled that God had brought someone in his path who could offer specific counsel. When Bill returned to the u.S., he researched recycling companies in Haiti and found a company called Haiti Recycling. He reached out and offered to give them advice for their operation and procure them discounts on equipment if, in return, they would consider hiring Ronaldo for a job.
In January, Bill traveled back to Haiti, where Ronaldo was now serving as an intern with the recycling company and new opportunities for partnerships between Executives Without Borders and Back2Back were explored. There are doors being opened that will provide strong community contacts, ongoing funding, job creation and strategic partnerships. This is a story not over yet!
If you are interested in learning more about how to be involved with Back2Back Haiti or specifically with this relationship, please let us know! As always, we are listening and responding as God opens doors and connects people. To learn more about partnering with us, contact Brian Bertke at 513-754-0300, ext 1708.
Beth Guckenberger is the mother of a bunch of biological, adopted and foster children. She and her husband, Todd, direct Back2Back Ministries. Beth is the author of several books on the journey of their life abroad.