Pastor Kirk Baker with his wife, Jennifer Baker. Photo provided by Friends of Borgne
This month, Friends of Borgne (https://friendsofborgnehaiti.org/) welcomed Pastor Kirk Baker to work with them in supporting education in Borgne, Haiti. Pastor Baker joined the First Presbyterian Church of Honeoye Falls (https://www.firstpresbyterianhoneoyefalls.org/) in 2018. Previously, he lived in the People’s Republic of China from 1988 – 1992, teaching English to university students as a tentmaking missionary. He also traveled back and forth to the Yucatan for three years as part of a team that worked with local churches to establish safe-water plants.
Friends of Borgne worked on a similar water project, especially to educate residents about safety techniques with water to prevent disease spread.
When interviewed he said, “I do feel that, given our nation’s historical relationship with Haitians, there is work we can do together to support their self-determination and quality of life.”
In 2011 Honeoye Falls became a Sister City with Borgne, Haiti where volunteer-led Friends of Borgne, a 501 (c) (3), provided financial support and teacher materials for schools in Borgne. Friends of Borgne supports schools, teachers and a library carried on a mule that travels over the rural paths of the region with books. In addition, Friends of Borgne purchased treadle sewing machines (electricity is unreliable) and supported a program to train people to sew. They were able to make masks for local residents to protect them from Covid 19.
Pastor Kirk will provide his special chili recipe as one of the options at the Carnival of Soups on February 27, 2022 that Friends of Borgne will host to provide funds for the education programs.
Friends of Borgne will be at the Mendon Community Center, 167 N. Main Street February 27 from 10 AM – 2 PM, or until the soup is gone. People can drive into the parking lot where a greeter will take their 16 oz soup order which includes a small loaf of bread and their $12. A volunteer will then fetch the soup and deliver it back to the car. Distance, masks and respect to not come if you are sick will be appreciated.
