Outstanding in Oakville: Danielle Endejan

Danielle Endejan has just graduated from Missouri Baptist University with a degree in religious education with a focus on counseling. Much of her training was in the classroom, but the most influential experiences of her education were in Croix Des Bouquets, Haiti, where she has done mission work for the past four years. She plans to return next year as a team leader.

As a freshman in college, Endejan traveled to Haiti with a group called Mobilizing Students that sends groups of students all over the world with members of their team.

Endejan’s missions to Haiti involve building homes for the people in the rural village of Croix Des Bouquets under the guidance of Pastor Gary Hyppolite. Hyppolite was educated in the United States and then returned to help his homeland.

“Most of the people there do not have houses to live in, but rather tin lean-to buildings or tents issued after the earthquake. It is common for a family to save money for many years to buy a piece of land, but they have no money to build on it," Endejan said. "It literally takes years and years to save enough money to build a simple structure, First, they save to buy cinder blocks for the outer walls, but the inside has to wait. Our team can build a simple house in six days, which is unheard of in Haiti.” 

Mission trips can be expensive, therefore fundraising for the building project is ongoing. Most of the building supplies are purchased locally, in Haiti, but some are sent from the United States. According to Endejan, Hyppolite is able to make the most of each dollar contributed.

“If you want to help, donating to Bethel Mission Outreach is an excellent way to be sure your money gets where it is needed the most," Endejan said. “The funds for the travel and building materials come from donations from churches, organizations and private parties.

Endejan was able to contribute a small amount this year, but most of the money for her travel expenses was freely given by members of her church and other churches around the St. Louis area.

Endejan emphasizes that her work in Haiti has been a life-changing experience for her. The next year after first visiting Haiti, she changed her major to religious education and she plans to pursue a master's degree at Covenant Theology Seminary.

“It is very difficult to explain the living conditions and the extreme poverty in Haiti to people who have not witnessed it firsthand. The experience changed my perspective for the rest of my life,” said Endejan. “Each time I go, I always wish that I could stay longer.”

Hyppolite’s plans for Croix Des Bouquets include building 39 more houses like the one constructed last year and three or four orphanages. The prototype house is a 15’ by 15’ house of cinder blocks. Such a structure might provide shelter for a family of eight to 10 people.

“The need is so great. I was very disappointed after returning a year after the earthquake and not seeing any significant improvement in the living conditions of the Haitian people,” Endejan said.