Back2Back staff serve the orphan child worldwide in varied positions. Whether serving abroad or in the U.S., each missionary fulfills a unique role in the ministry, leveraging his or her God-given abilities for the Kingdom of God. This month, we chat with Back2Back Haiti directors, Brent & Anna Fudge in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
How do you serve with Back2Back?
I am the on-site director for the new Port-Au-Prince, Haiti Back2Back office. Anna (my wife) and I look for new partners to come along side and help provide for the children in their care. We officially began in March of this year with our first mission group and have not stopped, as more and more groups are lining up to see what we can do together to bring the Lord’s provision.
Why did you decide to begin serving with Back2Back?
Anna and I took a look at our lives and realized God built us for working with kids and construction. We wanted to find a place God could use us and, after walking through Scripture, we found that God speaks specifically about caring for widows and orphans. Soon after, God prompted Back2Back to reach out for someone to start a new site in Haiti. God used the connection with my father to bring this opportunity to our lives.
What part of your job are you most passionate about? Why?
I am passionate about showing others what God is doing here. It’s tangible and measurable! We have so many stories to share. Groups come down, and kids are seeing blessings come from their faithfulness in serving. We are exactly where God wants us. It’s awesome to be able to say that.
I am holding off on my passion for construction until the time the Lord needs it. We are going to be building a new campus, and I have a strong passion to use the vision God has given me and the training I have to create a space that will bring His peace and glory. The campus would serve the staff and guest needs, be a possible resource for other ministries, and benefit the children we serve.
What is something God has shown you or taught you over the past year through your experiences with Back2Back?
When Jesus gathered his disciples, he walked the docks. He gathered fishermen and tax collectors, not CEOs and kings. God gathers workers, not based on what they have to offer, but rather on their willingness to serve and be instruments of His hands. When we devote our time to seeing Him and His power work through us without our pride, all that is left standing is His glory. What I am capable of and what He can do through me are two different things. I can say I have a construction degree, training in using managerial skills, and I am built for this job. But, that is the wrong perspective. It is more accurate to say, “I am a lowly factory worker and Christ called me, equipped me. His work is successful because He wills it.” I ask, “Where do you want me to go today?” And he says, “Go here.” So, I go. I ask, “What do you want me to do with this group?” And He says, “Do this.” So, I do it.
The results are incredible. I cannot claim responsibility except for being obedient. The orchestration of people, work, prayer and how things have fit together are not outcomes I can claim. It’s difficult to express how much I thought I was going to fail, and for some reason, I find His success through every aspect of what has happened here in Haiti.
I cannot wait to return to the States and share with everyone what He’s done here. The stories, the redemption, the last minute close calls, the indescribable moments, and the times I wanted to run when His strength kept my feet planted.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I love bucket lists. I love hearing about the things others dream to do. I have many. I want to climb Kilimanjaro. I want to cage dive with great white sharks. I want to stand at the base of the Himalayan Mountains. There are others, but it’s a sample of my bucket list that is ever growing.
HAITI OPEN HOUSE
To hear more about Back2Back Haiti, please join Brent & Anna Fudge at the Haiti Open House on September 26 at 6:00pm at Hope Church in Mason, Ohio. To RSVP, email Jenna at jschroeder@back2back.org or by phone at 513.754.0300, ext 1719 by September 19.