Do You Desire to Make a Difference?

Our History

The first Bless Back team was mobilized in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010. A group of 22 medical providers and volunteers from the Charlotte area worked tirelessly treating critically injured patients. Struck by the lack of available healthcare infrastructure, they returned with a vision for an organization that could invest in basic medical care to bring relief to those who were suffering. For our medical providers, it opened the door for them to fulfill their calling in ways they had always dreamed.
After meeting the initial crisis care needs, Bless Back recognized that it was time to transition to long term, sustainable projects. The focus expanded to education and economic development, based on goals that would bring lasting impact to the communities we serve, which now includes a site in Nicaragua.

Our Leadership

Lisa McCloy
Lisa McCloy
I have served on short-term missions to Haiti since 2001, and then joined Bless Back on the initial trip after the 2010 earthquake. I love serving with Bless Back because we are committed to “doing” short-term missions differently.
Dalissia Grothe
Dalissia Grothe
In 2014, God called my husband and I to Haiti for our honeymoon after learning about BBW. It was such a wonderful, life-changing experience, I have been involved since! I am honored and humbled to serve on the board as the event coordinator.
Mike Johnson
Mike Johnson
Over my 10 trips with Bless Back, I have watched the organization deliver disaster relief and come alongside strong local partners developing communities. Serving with talented teammates will reorient you, reminding you where your “true north” points.
Carmen Teague
Carmen Teague
Serving with BBW has been an incredible joy and privilege. Every time I see the resilience and beauty of the Haitian people, I am humbled. God’s face shines through their faces and touches my heart!
Kristine Butler
Kristine Butler
Kristine was previously involved in Guatemalan missions, but a move to the Charlotte area prompted her to pray for a new leadership opportunity within a local group that served Central America. While volunteering here as a physical therapist, she began to follow BBW on social media. When the Nicaragua Country Director position opened in 2019, she jumped right in, leading trips and spearheading the development of our new Community Health Promoter program.
Ron Pedemonte
Ron Pedemonte
Ron’s involvement with Bless Back Worldwide began when he accompanied his wife on a BBW mission trip to Nicaragua in June 2015. God had big plans. Starting with that trip, the BlessBack Business Academy was born and quickly developed. Ron is the Founder and Director of the Business Academy, which has a dedicated staff of 4 talented, local Nicaraguans.
Mike Harvey
Mike Harvey
Mike joined our board in 2021 as an at-large member after volunteering with BBW since 2011. He has been on several trips and has helped manage our warehouse for many years. His skills as a pharmacist continue to be invaluable to our medical initiatives. He comes with many years of mission experience, from managing a remote clinic in Peru to serving in an international health administrative position with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Our Partners

Our partners are the key to our ministry. We have cultivated relationships with organizations that have deep ties in the communities where they serve, are open and accountable, and have proven effectiveness. Because our partners are embedded locally, they are best suited to determine what the community truly wants and needs. They provide the cultural understanding and practical considerations that become the deciding factors when choosing projects.
Bless Back is sensitized to the need to implement our plans in a way that is both inclusive and respectful of the local population. We recognize that every person has been gifted with various talents and resources, all with unique value and purpose. Any investments we make are intended to enable both the giver and the recipient. Our partners become the conduit through which our volunteers can serve and support as local leaders transform their communities from within.

Our Partners

Los Rayos de Esperanza
In Nicaragua, Bless Back partners with Los Rayos de Esperanza. “We recognize that a brighter world will only come as we shine God’s love upon His people and illuminate the Gospel message through practical acts of service and ministries that contribute to long-lasting, life giving change.”

NAOMI HEIDORN
Mission of Hope International
Mission of Hope International is our in-country partner for Haiti. “With guidance from the Holy Bible, we hope to impact communities by establishing and growing evangelical churches and ministries, leadership training, education, healthcare, agriculture, employment opportunities, alternative energy sources, micro-financing, food and water distributions, disaster relief efforts and other operations for hope and change.”
LEXIDAN & RENÈE EDMÈ

Upcoming Events

Please continue to check back for updates

Trip Calendar

Teams available to Haiti and Nicaragua

Chili Cook Off

February 2019, Lenny Boy Brewery