When an earthquake in a country more than 3,000 miles away made national news in January 2010, Deacon Bernie Filzen took it personally.
The 73-year-old, who helped start two nonprofit organizations in both Illinois and Arizona, has a passion and a purpose for his investment in the people of Haiti. The Mesa resident has spent nearly half of his life providing resources and hands-on support for Haiti. He has visited the country every year since 1982.
“It’s hard to find words to describe the optimism and power of the Haitian people,” Bernie said. “Their attitudes and gratitude for the smallest of gestures is overwhelming. I keep going back because I see a need, and the heart of these people is immeasurable.”
Bernie’s passion for helping others developed at a young age. During a church event in the early 1980s, a friend challenged him to think about service on a broader scale.
“A good friend of mine encouraged me to participate in a mission to Haiti,” Bernie said. “I didn’t realize then how much that first trip would impress upon me the importance of global service or my desire to continue to support this country decades later.”
That encouragement grew into support for an Illinois-based organization called the Haiti Mission Connection. Decades later, the now retired banker found himself in a parallel situation through a personal relationship he formed in his Arizona parish.
“I met Art Brouillard, the president of Action By Christians (ABC) For Haiti, at a church event a few years ago,” Bernie said. “It’s humbling to know there are people from all walks of life who share the same passion for helping neighbors in other countries.”
The pair never could have predicted their friendship would provide the foundation to form a local nonprofit organization in support of a country almost 3,000 miles away. A little over a year ago, ABC For Haiti was formed in response to the devastating January 2010 earthquake, which affected more than 3 million Haitians and killed more than 300,000 residents.
“Sometimes, when I talk to people about our organization, people ask, ‘Why Haiti? Why not help those right in your own back yard?’” Art said. “I believe God wants us to help our neighbors across the street as much as he wants us to help our neighbors across the world.”
Today, with the backing of ABC for Haiti, Bernie’s support for the Haitian mission has included providing both personal and group fund-raising resources to support immediate and long-term needs. This includes funding for educational scholarships and construction projects, as well as food and clothing drives. Along with Art and other ABC for Haiti members, he also has provided on-site support for basic needs, such as repairing churches and installing water filtration systems.
“The country faces shortages with some of the most basic human needs many of us here in the United States take for granted,” Bernie said. “Many students want to learn, but their families can’t afford to pay for their schooling. This is one of the resources we support year after year.
“The country’s water is in a huge state of peril, as well,” he continued. “Poor water conditions lead to disease and death in a country that clearly doesn’t need another challenge. That’s why we’re so focused on purchasing and installing as many water filtration systems as we can.”
When Bernie and Art make another trip to Haiti in mid-October, the team plans to install as many as 125 water filtration systems in rural areas, where resources are significantly scarce. The primitive one-bucket systems enable residents to filter clean water for basic needs, such as cooking and bathing. During their visit, Bernie and Art will help install the systems, as well as teach residents—through an interpreter—how to use them and practice good hand hygiene.
“When the plane lands every year, I find myself very emotional. The Haitian people are individuals I’ve come to know and respect,” Bernie said. “I really wish there were words to express my appreciation and gratitude for these experiences every year. I plan to keep going back as long as my health will let me.”
About ABC For Haiti
ABC For Haiti is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which provides recurrent support for the residents of Haiti, particularly those in rural areas. The organization was formed on Aug. 6, 2010, following one of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. ABC For Haiti’s core activities include sharing resources for basic needs, such as emergency food supplies, purchasing and installing clean water systems, developing trade schools and providing sponsorships for students. For donation information, please call (480) 981-8236, or visit www.abcforhaiti.com.