Developing Leaders to Lead Like Jesus
Many Hands is working to shine a light in Haiti and Abaco. Learn about the different ways we are empowering communities by equipping and developing local leaders.
Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the challenges in Haiti and Abaco, a glimmer of hope shines through the darkness. It’s found in the hearts and minds of local leaders determined to steer their communities towards a brighter future. At the forefront of this movement is Many Hands, an organization dedicated to empowering and equipping these change-makers through innovative Leadership Development programs.
Haiti has been through a lot. From political upheavals to natural disasters, the nation has faced more than its fair share of adversity. While the political landscape has been stable in Abaco, the island is still recovering from the total destruction of Hurricane Dorian in the fall of 2019. But through it all, resilient individuals have emerged, ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.
That’s where Many Hands steps in. Through a variety of resources, most recently Lead Like Jesus, we have developed unique programs tailored specifically to the needs of our brothers and sisters in both Haiti and Abaco. Forget about dry, theoretical lectures— our programs are all about hands-on, practical learning. It’s about nurturing leaders who not only talk the talk but walk the walk, leading with compassion and integrity.

Let’s take a closer look at the Lead Like Jesus program. It is a two-part journey, each phase lasting five months. In Level 1, participants dive deep into the transformation of the heart. It’s about digging into the core of what it means to lead, exploring concepts like humility, empathy, and grace. It’s not your run-of-the-mill leadership seminar. It’s about soul-searching and self-discovery, laying the groundwork for authentic, servant-hearted leadership modeled by Christ himself.

But we don’t stop there. Level 2 takes things up a notch, focusing on the practical application of leadership principles in the Haitian and Bahamian contexts. From navigating cultural nuances to tackling common challenges like pride and fear, participants learn how to lead with confidence and compassion. And it’s not just about talking the talk—it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty, making a tangible impact in your community.

Since beginning our focus on Leadership Development in 2015, Many Hands has trained over 220 leaders and guided 26 students through Lead Like Jesus Training in the last year. But perhaps the most inspiring part of it all? The backbone of these programs isn’t some external force swooping in to save the day—it’s the local leaders themselves. They’re the ones driving change from within, proving that true leadership knows no bounds.

In two nations where hope can sometimes feel like a distant dream, Many Hands is lighting the way. Through their unwavering commitment to Leadership Development, we are empowering a new generation of leaders to rise up and make a difference. And in the end, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Would you support our leadership initiative by helping us raise $12,000 to sponsor the next 100 future leaders in our Lead Like Jesus program?
Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families. Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Grimes, Iowa, and Spencer, Iowa.
Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.

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