A family in Hudsonville that has been working to help Haiti for years is preparing to make a drastic move to help the struggling country rebuild. In January, Nate and Brenda Yonker will be packing up their home and moving to Haiti, along with their five children, ages 11-15.
“It wasn’t in our original vision, but now it makes sense,” explained Nate. “We know we’re supposed to go, and we’ll know when we need to come back.”
Since FOX 17 first featured the family in October 2011, Nate has traveled to Haiti four times. Brenda and the children have also traveled there for relief work.
Nate made the first trip there in 2006 to use his trade skills as a plumber to provide relief to poor areas. The next year, he took wife Brenda along to experience how badly their help was needed.
Together, the couple created a non-profit relief organization called Ebenezer DTC in July 2009. The goal was to provide schooling and literacy classes in Petit Grave, about 40 miles from the capital of Port-au-Prince. They’ve also been instrumental in supplying housing in badly needed areas.
After they move there in 2013, Nate and Brenda would like to expand their relief efforts even more to create a trade school and help the Haitians find jobs.
“We have a purpose and we have a calling, to fulfill that calling and that purpose is all the reward we need,” Nate told FOX 17 News. “It’s not about what we get out of it, it’s about what we’re doing, that’s what’s important.”
The family is still busy packing for the move and planning to rent out their home.
They’re hosting a pancake breakfast on Saturday, November 10th to help raise money for traveling and moving expenses.
It’s from 7:30-10:00 am at Allendale Township Hall.
For more information, clickhere.