How One Family Is Transforming Haiti
Faith and Cycling
Some of the most impactful ministries begin in life's most difficult moments. For Ben Baugh, founder of Hope for LaGonave, a heartbreaking family tragedy became the catalyst for a ministry that has been faithfully serving Haiti for nearly two decades.
Ben recently joined MFI pilot Clark Zen in the cockpit aboard our DC-3 on a flight to Haiti, where he shared the remarkable story behind Hope for LaGonave and a unique outreach that is bringing people together through the simple joy of cycling. Hope for LaGonave was established after Ben's brother, Paster Matt Baugh, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident while serving in Haiti in 2006. Matt's passion was to train local pastors and church leaders and bring biblical education to the remote communities of LaGonave, and after his passing, Ben and his family felt called to continue the work God had placed on Matt's heart. "God used tragedy to redirect my life," Ben shared. "He took my focus off the temporary things of this world and placed it on His eternal purposes." Raised in Haiti as the son of missionaries, Ben and his brothers grew up speaking Creole and developed a lifelong love for the Haitian people. Today, that love continues to shape every aspect of the ministry. What began as a personal hobby has become an innovative way to share Christ and raise awareness for ministry in Haiti. Inspired by the beauty of LaGonave’s rugged terrain and his passion for cycling, Ben launched the Tour de LaGonave, an annual memorial ride honoring his brother while celebrating the people and landscape of Haiti. After several successful test rides, the annual event is a way to bring local cyclists together with others from around the world to promote and experience Haiti in a meaningful new way.
For Ben, the event is about far more than bicycles. "Every rider has a story," he said. "Cycling is something that connects people across cultures, and we want to use that connection to point people to Christ." For the past 18 years, Missionary Flights International has partnered with Hope for LaGonave, providing safe and reliable transportation for missionaries, supplies, and ministry teams serving Haiti. Ben described MFI as an essential partner, comparing the ministry's aircraft to those that once carried soldiers into the field. "You help deploy God's workers where they're needed most," he said. "Without MFI, so much of this ministry simply wouldn't be possible." One message resonated throughout the conversation: ministry is not about promoting one organization over another. It is about working together to advance the Gospel. "When we're united in Christ, we're on the same team," he said. "It's not about building our ministry. It's about building God's Kingdom." Through every challenge and every opportunity, Hope for LaGonave continues to demonstrate that God can bring lasting hope from life's deepest sorrow. Ben reminds us that the storms will come, but in Jesus Christ we have an anchor that holds.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Missionary Flights International is honored to partner with ministries like Hope for LaGonave as they faithfully share the love of Christ throughout Haiti.
