Good intentions are not sufficient. We can have the best of intentions, but if we choose not to play by the rules, it will get us in trouble. I have been following the story of the church group who attempted to transport a number of young earthquake refugees from Haiti across the border into the Dominican Republic.
News reports indicate that the group could be charged with human trafficking. I am not there, so I don’t have all of the facts. The church group appears to be comprised of well-intentioned individuals who were attempting to do what they felt was the right thing under the circumstances.

Good intentions can get us into trouble. I am writing from the perspective of having served in ministry in a law enforcement context for over 20 years. My conclusions about this matter are also shaped by having a relationship with a children’s home in Mexico for several years. I am not inclined to sit in judgment on the folks trying to reach out to the Haitian refugees, but my experiences in the above-mentioned areas have taught me some difficult lessons over the years.
Here are three:
1. As Americans, we do not have the right to enter other countries and disregard their laws.
I would love to bring several kids from the children’s home we serve in Northern Mexico home with me. I know several families that would gladly take one of those children as their own. I think they could provide a wonderful home for a child. If I brought a child home, I think Mrs. Knox would forgive me. Who would not want a precious addition to the family? But the Mexican and U.S. governments would not be so forgiving. Adopting a native Mexican child is a tedious and often expensive process. There are laws. There are rules. Church groups are not above those laws. I don’t care how good our intentions happen to be…

2. We create problems for all humanitarian groups when we show disregard for the rules.
I want to be perceived as being credible by the Mexican government when I travel to the children’s home to conduct medical and dental clinics. The only way to maintain credibility is to play by their rules. Some of their rules are silly. It is unwise and hurtful to all people-helping groups when I show blatant disregard for the laws and regulations.

3. Even during a time of crisis, advance planning is still a good idea.
Law enforcement chaplains are trained to eliminate as many unknown or unpredictable factors as possible during a crisis. The crisis itself has already created enough unpredictable issues that cannot be controlled! Good planning, thoughtful actions, and a general non-anxious presence are important elements to consider when serving in an environment that is in an uproar.

I am reminded today that good intentions will get us in trouble if we fail to take other things into consideration. Again, my intent is not to judge the church group in Haiti. I appreciate their desire to serve those in desperate need. And I know that I have a lot to learn when it comes to working outside of the country. Their recent arrest reminded me of the importance of good planning, knowledge of local laws, and cautious leadership. I hope the whole situation has a positive outcome. There is a lot of work to be done in Haiti. But church groups must serve in a credible manner. I hate playing by the rules, but it is a necessity if our intention is to accomplish good things over the long haul.