As a volunteer American medical worker in Haiti, I've had many opportunities to observe different missionary groups drifting in and out of the country. (You can always tell which direction they're traveling, BTW. Kind of funny) Some come in loud, billboard-like shirts, announcing their arrival, obviously expecting their presence to be acknowledged and appreciated. I'm immediately suspicious of high profile religious groups. Whose attention are they trying to attract, exactly? They bring and often flaunt their privilege with them in the way of creature comforts to maintain them during their 'visit'. It is, unfortunately, the arrogant, ‘we have arrived’ attitude of some of these salvation-slinger types that have the rest of us very nearly apologizing for insensitive Americans wherever we go. I, personally, am of the opinion that many groups that come into the country are only there to indulge themselves in a self-gratifying religious safari. That, and because there's no one to stop them from imposing themselves on communities that desperately need relief from anyone that can offer it. Some areas are in such desperation, they'll endure whatever doctrine that's thrust upon them if it means they'll get vitamins for their children. It is rude, presumptuous and arrogant for any group to come in to 'help' disadvantaged people for the sake of gaining a platform from which to pontificate (and then leave), feeling satisfied once back home that they have educated the poor, misguided natives.
I was raised in a manner that holds to the idea that you give witness to your faith by living example. That the giving of ones' self should be without strings attached. I don't have to wear a shirt that announces that I'm doing God's work. If I’m in Haiti (on purpose, after all), doing what I can to improve the conditions there, I’m doing God’s work. Period. I don't need to say it out loud enough so that someone will hear. Anyone that voluntarily and REPEATEDLY goes to Haiti to help his fellow man, knows that the most effective and efficient way to accomplish anything there, including setting Christian example, is to roll up your sleeves, shut your mouth and get dirty. I guarantee the Haitians will thank God for you then.
If I were to give (unsolicited) advice to missionary groups looking to 'do good' in Haiti, it would be to get close enough to hold the hands of those who are in despair and look them in the eyes. Promise them you'll remember them when you're back home in a safe place and you won't forget that they need you. You can pray with them IF they ask you to. (you can pray privately for them if they don't). Fight for them when you get back to where there are resources enough to share, and then be sure to actually share them. Remember their names and faces every time you're in a warm, clean bath. (You can pray for them then, too.) The missions shouldn't be about how YOU feel about what you're doing for the Haitians, but more appropriately, what they stand to gain by the time you spend with them. You can tell them all day long that Jesus loves them, but you'd better back it up with groceries and antibiotics. They'll love Jesus more if he sent you with malaria drugs and shoes. If you've done you're job effectively, you'll be the one who’s more improved as a Christian than the people you're trying to ‘convert’. They have nothing to prove in order to be deserving of the kingdom of heaven. If you are in Haiti because you have something to prove or you need validation, quietly remind yourselves that "your rewards are in heaven" and please don't rely on the Haitians to make you feel good about yourselves in the meantime. They have enough to worry about. – thanks for letting me vent.