Harvest

It may be December but here at Fond Baptist the harvest is coming in.  Early next month there is the potential for another harvest, a harvest of men, women and children.  While a team visits in January arrangements are being made even now to show the Jesus Film at Fond Baptist.  Pastor Tony shown in the picture oversees the Church/School here.  The harvest is plentiful, please pray with us for more in the days to come.
Click on the title or picture for a link to additional pictures.

Prayer and Fasting

Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Haiti.  Almost a year ago their world was turned upside down from an earthquake. Estimates vary widely on the losses, most all say well over 200,000.  Most that were displaced are still in tents.... then the rains came.  Cholera now catches our attention with estimates of around 2500 losses and so many more sick.  In the picture here, the people gathered in St Marc and, all over the country for a time of prayer and fasting this past February.  God's people have and are responding, making a difference, let us not grow weary in doing good, but stand firm in the faith.  Lives are being changed and touched and it's not only in Haiti!

From the Heart

As an encouragement to those in an area affected by the Cholera outbreak the churches gather together for praise and worship.  Special music being a part as these precious ladies share "From the Heart".  Colmini is in an area of desert just to the northwest of St Marc, Haiti.  Water being precious all over Haiti, is even harder to come by here.  Basics of how to avoid Cholera are being shared all through the churches and here in Colmini a cistern continues to provide clean drinking water.  Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters just a few hours south of Miami, Florida.

Change in the air

Here at Bois Neuf the building continues.  The red roof of the old school will at some point just become a memory.  Classrooms in the left of the picture will soon have windows and doors.  The space to the right now has a roof and out of the picture further to the right the initial foundation has begun for the main part of the new school.  As the Lord continues to open doors the building continues.  More importantly the building in the lives of the children through education and being introduced to our Lord.  So many are pouring into these opportunities making this a reality for change for the days ahead.  In Jeremiah 29:11-13 the Lord speaks that he has plans, a future,  and hope for you.  Call upon Him, pray, come to Him, He will listen.  And we need to seek Him with all our hearts.  We can and are being an extension of His love and an encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Haiti.  Praise be to God!

Translation

Marcel's ability to translate opens so many doors of opportunity.  Here he translates for Pastor Kent at a recent conference in Bois Neuf. 
This past January 2nd Marcel sent a note regarding the ministry and where his heart is at.  Were it not for this ability to translate, hum, what would we have heard or understood from this note below?

Sat, Jan 2, 2010 at 4:58 AM
Subject: Wishes

We want to encourage you — no matter what circumstances you are facing, remember that God is ALWAYS for you and NEVER against you, and that every good gift is from above. His Word says He desires true "wealth and honor and life" for you (Proverbs 22:4)!

 We are expecting 2010 to be the greatest year ever for our ministry.  We are believing that God will use us to take His message of hope to people who have never really known His goodness. People need hope, yet far too many live without it. With your help, We want us to be there, offering the hope found in Jesus Christ to people in their time of need. Together we can help them find their new beginning.

Happy New Year to all of you!

EMEVI

Pastor Marcel Destine
Haiti

Education

This past week 289 pastors/leaders gathered for a time of continuing education.  The focus was on 1st, 2nd and 3rd John and "Love, Light and Life".  A church from Colorado brings the training which reaches far beyond the EMEVI churches.  A hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with our Lord continues to grow.  It's almost as if the Lord were saying peace be still even in the midst of a Hurricane.  To God be the glory.  Additional pictures may be seen by clicking on the picture or title "Education" above.

Clean Water

Water in the desert is welcomed any time.  First came an attempt to drill a well here in Colmini, a dry hole it was.  Much prayer continued and an underground cistern, about 5000 gallons in size, was built to collect rainwater off the roof of the church/school.  Much of the time this has supplied clean water for the students and families that are part of Colmini.  Today is a different day and with the need for clean water being of even greater importance with the Cholera outbreak, water is being delivered.  A delivery only costs about $70.00 US and helps many, many families in the area.  Each time I go to the spigot there is a reminder that it's not this easy in much of the world.  Want to help?

Hope

A smile speaks volumes.  This young lady in Colmini has received a Shoe Bag as well as school books.  Smiles are contagious, are you smiling as you look at this?  Progress may seem slow from our standpoint but what if you were walking in her shoes and for the first time you have received a "gift", how would you feel?  I see Hope here.  "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11  Click on the title "Hope" above for additional pictures.

Shoe Bags Delivered

Marcel's latest visit to Fond Baptist brought a surprise for many children.  A bit difficult to see in the picture are cloth bags that were hand made then filled with school supplies as well as soap etc.  Many in the states contributed to this project making a difference for these children and their families.  Simple items we might take for granted are new found treasures for these recipients.  This very well is the first time they have had their own pencil or ruler.  Even a special bag to carry these or other items in for many days to come.  God continues to provide, to Him be the glory.

Finishing Touches

We have watched from afar the building of a few houses from the foundation up.  Dadie and Tijean's new home is very simple but with some loving touches to finish it.  Currently building continues at Bois Neuf School and towards the end of October another home will be started.  Rock has already been gathered and delivered, now for the person power to "raise the roof" so to speak.  People are always watching what we do and here is another witness of God's love to a hurting world.

Mission Trip Hinche

Travels this year took Marcel's team past this beautiful reservoir.  They took time to stop at the dam seeing probably for the first time where much of the power is being generated from for Saint Marc and well beyond.

Caravan?

2 Vehicles

 

66 People

Food and supplies for a number of days.

Tight quarters

All the dust you can eat

These folks are on a mission!

Headed to Hinche.

Not all travel is this comfortable as you can see from the previous post.

Pulling in the same direction

It seems we have come to a crossroads.  One wants to go this way and the other, well hum.  When we carry each others' burdens and are all pulling in the same direction....   This years in country mission trip brought 66 Haitians from the Saint Marc area to Hinche.  Thankfully they were pulling together for the same destination and the Lord opened the doors.  Food was cooked and distributed, medications passed out, prayer and fellowship as well as sharing His word.  47 made commitments to the Lord, got to know that brought a party in heaven.  All pitched in to make this trip a reality and through donations to EMEVI, 10% was set aside to reach out beyond, helping to meet people right where they are at.  To God be the glory!

Steel

Steel and a lot of it.  The next phase of the building process here at Bois Neuf includes rooms upstairs which will include multiple classrooms and the extension of the building with more classrooms.  The foundation here is a visual image of the education the children will be and are receiving.  Go deep, build with strength in such a way that when the storms of life do come, and come they will, you will still stand firm.  As these children are taught to be good soil and teachable a firm foundation in the Lord is being set.

Enlarge the place of your tent,...

This is a time to make room to expand as the Lord has opened the floodgates.  Now to continue at His pace, and in His direction, that He would be glorified!  Even before the earthquake the building was being dismantled as it was no longer safe.  The church still stands in good shape (with the red roof) and now once again the children will have classrooms that will protect them from the elements.  The new building is a work in process and has exceeded anything that could have been imagined.  We serve an awesome God!  An Upper Room of sorts or a place for the "Profit" to stop and rest has already provided space for those passing by.  Lord grant us ears to hear, a willingness to follow and boldness to proclaim You to the ends of the earth.

Simple as a bench

The materials here are for some simple benches.  From here they traveled as far as the road leads then were hand carried for miles into the mountains to the remote church at Bataille.  Fairly simple yes?  These are the first benches ever in this location, so from sitting on the dirt floor of the church these benches were quite something.  A few wood posts had been set in the floor with something like a 2x4 attached so the children had something to work with during school, but a real bench!

The chair I sat in this morning while at church sure felt comfortable, hum.  Just one way donations are making a difference in simple ways.  Oh, by the way, a church from Kansas not only provided for these but even sent a team to help with the building of them.

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17

Growing through prayer

Just outside the building continues,... here inside additional "foundational" blocks were being set.  Pastor's training encouraged these leaders, to put into practice what was being taught.  Not to just talk the talk, but to walk it out.  The previous post "Still Growing" holds true here as well.

A team from Kansas is currently at Bois Neuf working on the physical building outside and also holding a medical clinic right where this picture was taken, inside.  A church, a school, a clinic, a place of refuge, it's all His!

Still Growing

Block by block the classrooms at Bois Neuf take shape.  This weekend a group from Kansas will have a hand in the continuing work here.  Please pray for the travelers as they make their way to St Marc/Bois Neuf.  They will visit a rural area for two nights, could be considered a camping trip to Bataille.  Materials for benches have already been delivered, these will be a first for this much forgotten area of Haiti.

Time

Almost 10 years ago there was a dirt stage on the left and a fallen down building to the right.  Through the years the Lord has opened the door for not only the stage but now the beginning of a new school building.  In the past few days a mason visited for a brief training and donations have provided for an additional 1000 concrete blocks to continue with the school building.  There is more to this story as it continues to unfold day by day.  A team from Kansas will be headed to Bois Neuf outside of St Marc the end of this month and the day they return another team from Michigan flies in.  Many hands both visiting and contributing are making this a realty.  Did I forget to mention right now a Pastor's training is going on at this location for 38 pastor's?  Please pray for Marcel and his Haitian team as well as the folks that are visiting.  Next month a team from Haiti will go on an in-country mission trip to Hinche, last year they visited Jean Rabel with 69 in their team.

Remembering

Taking time to pause and reflect.  We are told to remember.  Do not forget.  Here we are at His table once again, as we drink the wine and eat the bread, remember He is in us.  The invitation is before each of us to come, so come, but remember from where we have come.

The Cost of a Home

Volunteers, a few paid tradesmen, a family in need.  Families struggle to put a meal a day on their table so having a reliable roof over their head is pretty much a dream.  The transformation continues, one family or individual at a time as the body of Christ reaches out in tangible ways to help meet basic needs.  One gives from their abundance another through a labor of love, combine these and others' that pitch in and His body is encouraged to take another step. Funds for this home were provided by donors, Haitian volunteer workers with a few paid tradesmen are making a difference.  These homes cost $3945.00, basic yes with protection from the elements. Imagine how this family feels as well as others as they move from tents, tarps, living with relatives or just out in the open to a simple but sufficient home.  More are planned for the days ahead and the Lord continues to open the doors as He brings workers into these fields.  Please continue to pray, it does make a difference.

Shoe Bags headed south

Imagine all the hands that have made this possible.  For this box to be filled and today taken to a trucking company for delivery to Florida then on a ship to St Marc.  So many have contributed from the making of the bags to filling them with supplies and beyond, what a blessing.  Clicking on the title will take you to a link with a few additional pictures.  Thank you for reaching out with this bit of encouragement, showing Hope.

School Children in Georgia

Marcel shares at an elementary school in Georgia through an invitation to talk about Haiti and what has been happening.  Three groups of children about this size came during the morning to ask questions and learn a bit about Haiti.  These curious attentive children were drinking it all in, trying to comprehend just what happened these past months.  What a blessing these children are.  Some of the teachers brought in extra school supplies to be taken back to the EMEVI Schools.  Someone asked just yesterday does this small amount that I'm sending make a difference?  The answer is yes it makes a difference and when the body of Christ reaches out this way it is touching far more lives than we could ever have imagined.

Camp Meeting 2010

God is calling and the people are responding!  This years Camp Meeting at Bois Neuf found 35 that came forward to be baptized.  Preparation for this years meeting included an addition attached to the stage.  65 people worked on this addition for about 2 months prior to the meeting, many were paid and all received a meal during the day.  Jobs, food, encouragement not to mention 2 homes that were built since the earthquake.  The list goes on and on.  Words that have been shared to describe what has been happening are, partnership, participation, their heart is in it, everyone contributed, spiritual success, the Master is calling!  Marcel shares this is an answer to prayer, God gets the glory!

Camp Meeting 2010

Each year EMEVI Churches gather for Camp Meeting at Bois Neuf, which starts Thursday and will run through Sunday May 2nd.  This year a new addition has been added to the right of the outdoor stage to help with the needs not only for this time but for the planned new school building as well as the church.  This event reaches well beyond EMEVI as the community around Bois Neuf and into St Marc also join in, bringing over 1000 to worship, praise, hear testimonies and teachings and more.  Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Haiti as they not only celebrate but continue to struggle with the needs that are ever before them.

One step at a time

Scrap metal is collected and sold to purchase chicken's, goat's and this is a first, cow number 1. The pastor from Bataille is reviewing the receipt for this purchase after Marcel met him and they visited the market at Fond Baptist.  In the days ahead funds will supply another cow to help out in Bataille where they will be tended and used for milk, cheese etc.  Goats have already been purchased and are being raised at Colmini and soon chickens will fill "Jim's Chicken House" at Bois Neuf.  A little over a year ago donors purchased goats and delivered them to families which is an answer to prayer and it seems that the stage was set. One step at a time... All praise to our Savior!

Making a difference

Jobs help to encourage, provide income, funds to purchase goods, which then reaches out to others.  These jobs are possible through the outpouring of love as many are reaching out to encourage our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Our faces are not seen, our voices not heard but the love is felt and is making a difference. 

This is making a difference, just ask one of those that is receiving a touch from God.

Everyone helps...

The building continues and everyone is pitching in.  One bucket at a time with the concrete, passing it up the line, pour it out and in time this step in the process will be completed.  Soon another family will be blessed with a home.  When we see our brother or sister in need, what do we do?  Seeing the hands of the "body" working together to meet the needs does not allow you to stay "clean", it takes work.  Who has the Lord placed in your path that is in need?

Church at Le Pinard

Ever wonder where the churches/schools are that Marcel oversees?  There are seven of them Bois Neuf being his first and the most accessible right along National 1 between Saint Marc and Port-au-Prince.  The others are all rural going from the desert to the foothills, mountains and a river basin.  Charrette and Le Session being in the foothills, Colmini the desert, Fond Baptist and Le Pinard in the mountains and Bataille the river basin.  The church in the photo above is at Le Pinard and if you would like to see the others just click on their name.  A map may also be viewed by clicking on the title "Church at Le Pinard".

Foundation...

January 2005, plans were drawn up for a new school building here at Bois Neuf, Haiti.  March 2010 steps are being taken to "stretch the tent pegs" and move forward in faith to lay the foundation.  Many volunteers will start this process now and in the months ahead work teams will come to help to lay block upon block.  Prayer has already laid the foundation and now we see with our eyes how the Lord is responding.  Currently the children meet in make shift classrooms which have been a blessing in the interim.  Pray with us for this project to come to completion allowing not only the current students to meet here but to open the doors to many others.

Hope for Haiti the story

Hope for Haiti was Incorporated January 25th, 1993 and is a registered 501(3)(c) non profit organization that was established on January 23rd, 1995. Jon and Diane Seitz as well as Tim Whorl founded Hope for Haiti with the intention of “Promotion of giving and contributions to provide relief for needy Haitians”. Hope for Haiti was founded in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. In 2008, most of the administrative and logistical services were moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee with Jon and Diane still providing oversight for Hope for Haiti from Pennsylvania.
In 1990 Jon and Diane Seitz planned a trip to Haiti with their daughter. Just before their departure their daughter came down with Chicken Pox and plans were changed allowing a door to be opened. Their travels went forward but with a empty seat as their daughter stayed home. On the flight into Haiti, their first, the passenger that filled that seat would forever change not only their lives but many others as well. Being their first trip into Haiti this passenger was concerned that they make the connection at the airport and the journey had begun. They swapped contact information and the rest is now history in the making. 1991 brought another trip back into Haiti for Jon then in 1992 Tim went with Jon and talk started about setting up this ministry. While visiting in 1992 the conversation was started about the possibility of child sponsorship for helping insure that children be able to attend school. After arriving back in the states the paperwork was drawn up and filed to incorporate Hope for Haiti as a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation. The trips continued and after seeing the needs from year to year at Bois Neuf Church/School their contact invited them to a nearby community called Charrette. Charrette sits above St Marc in what might be called foothills with a partial view of the bay below. This had opened another door and the tent pegs were about to be expanded. Hope for Haiti's focus had been primarily with Bois Neuf and now it seemed good to reach out beyond there. 1998 there was a stirring going on and a community that was mocking the people of the church saying “where is your God?” was about to change. Charrette church would soon be meeting inside a building instead of under a tree. A trip was organized and planned and in 1999 a Youth Group from Pennsylvania brought much encouragement by working right alongside their brothers and sisters in Christ building what is now the Church/School at Charrette. This was the beginning of a new season for Hope for Haiti and how it would be challenged to continue to reach beyond anything that could have been imagined in those early days. Working alongside a Pastor and Friend that is passionate about God and helping others has and is making this a labor of love. The ministry in Haiti “Evangelical Living Water Ministry of Haiti” or EMEVI has now expanded to include 7 churches and schools with around 1200 students. Today Hope for Haiti continues with it's mission to Promote the giving and contributions to provide relief for needy Haitians. Many have come alongside and through their generosity people's lives are being touched and changed. Teams continue to go providing encouragement and hands to help. Buildings are being built, jobs are created, medical clinics and of course children are being sponsored and educated. Remember that empty seat on the plane? Well Marcel Destine continues to touch many lives and is making a difference. You never know when that divine appointment may come or where it might lead, that is still a work in process.

Shoe Bags 4 Haiti

 

 Click here for additional info

A cloth bag and some basic items can help to make a difference.  Hope for Haiti, with your help will be sending these bags filled with items for children in and around the St Marc area of Haiti.  Around 1200 students from 7 schools will be recipient's of these bags.  Churches and individuals are already in process of making bags, gathering items, donating good used jeans to be used for bags, even building a website to help get the word out!  Reach out today, joining in this hands on process of blessing these children.

Food Distribution

Marcel was able to pick up a number of Ready Meals and distribute them from Bois Neuf to help families that were displaced. Over 200 are in the Bois Neuf area many staying with relatives and church members during this time of transition. Please continue to pray for wisdom and endurance for Marcel and his team. We may not see as much from the news these days but the needs have not gone away.

A Nation coming before the Lord

Here in St Marc, Haiti many thousand gathered estimates are 20,000. This is the second day of gathering to bow before God. It's this way throughout the country! Please pray with the Haitians, walking side by side with our brothers and sisters. Will we continue to reach out to those in need that the Lord leads us to? Is He calling you?

Prayer and Fasting

Join Marcel and EMEVI in prayer and fasting as they lift up Haiti and the leaders, to hear God's voice and to respond to His leading. Today through Sunday will be a time of prayer and fasting then they will be sharing God's word through Wednesday of next week, please pray for an anointing upon those that will be sharing.

UN Application for food

Yesterday Marcel took his turn in line turning in an application for relief supplies. These supplies will help with those mostly outside of Port-au-Prince that moved away after the Quake.

The Days Ahead

The plans were already in motion and the needs although hard to believe are even more now than before. A new school building for Bois Neuf as the old one had been falling apart and was already partially torn down for safety reasons. A team has been formed and will go to assist with this building project in late July. Between now and then preparation has begun, clearing and leveling the area for the school.
Just above the school, land is cleared and a "Chicken House" is being built. These projects are providing jobs and much needed income and will provide continued income and food in the days to come. The school provides much hope for the future as the children are educated and they get to see first hand how a simple Chicken House helps provide for the community around them.
Relief efforts have not ceased and will continue for some time to come. These simple projects may help a broken people and land see hope for the days to come.
Hope for Haiti is reaching out through folks just like you to help with the purchase of chickens, goats and most recently a cow. Not just for consumption but to help with eggs, milk, cheese etc. If you've made it this far, click on the picture or title "The Days Ahead" for more pictures.

Still Standing

Recovery continues and will for far longer than we may want to think about. This gate is a reminder of those still standing and the continued day to day needs that were there before and are still there now.
This past Saturday Marcel performed two weddings at Colmini and almost in the same breath he shared that he used his truck for funeral transportation. Yesterday Marcel's brother was scheduled for surgery, have not heard if that actually happened yet. 7 Churches still depend upon his leadership as well as the schools. EMEVI schools are scheduled to reopen February 8th. 3 Camps for refugees have been set up in St Marc and for this time Marcel feels the need to reach out to those still in Port-au-Prince. Requests continue to come in each day for help....
Please continue to lift up Marcel and those in Haiti in prayer, a few specifics are:

1. For physical strength and wisdom
2. To help those that the Lord leads him to
3. For his brother and the surgery
4. For the new couple living with Marcel

Still standing and in need, and life goes on... A chicken house to be built, foundation work at Bois Neuf, visits to the mountain churches/schools, going to the bank (can be an all day process), and the list goes on...

Standing alone or?

When you see old growth trees in Haiti they stand out, almost to the point of seeming out of place. This handful of trees near a road of sorts, going to Fond Baptist reminds me sometimes our brothers and sisters are left standing alone. It should not be this way but many feel alone. Lets keep our brothers and sisters in Haiti knowing they are not alone

Sentinel

This fort stands as a sentinel in the mountains near Fond Baptist. Around 200 years old it has stood with little maintenance and even today old cannons lie about the fort. Any roofing has long since decayed but still the walls stand. As Haiti starts the process of rebuilding may it be built on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, the one that will not be moved. Lets pray with the people that this will be a new day moving from the poverty to the abundance that comes through knowing and walking with our Lord.

For such a time as this

It may be a drop in the bucket of needs but each smile reminds you someone is being touched. Continued delivery of water and crackers is possible because of so many of you donating to this need. Clicking on the picture or title above will take you to this days photo journal. Were it not for donations this past year this might well not be possible. The truck being used was made possible as the Lord brought many alongside to replace one that was a daily "work". So many things have played into this it brought to mind "For such a time as this" as the Lord was preparing the way. Please continue to pray for Marcel and the EMEVI group as they meet the needs face to face.

Water, Crackers, etc distribution

Yesterday started early for Marcel. Number 7 in line at the bank meant getting there at 3am, a little behind his schedule. The first day the bank has been open since the quake brought 100's to the line by 10:30am when Marcel finished his transaction. Then another blessing after getting 5 gallons of diesel the day before, he was able to fill his truck which opened up the possibilities for today. Water, crackers and more were purchased to take for distribution in Port-au-Prince today. Thank you for helping to make this possible, reaching out to those in need that are not so close to other distribution points in Port-au-Prince. Please keep Marcel, his team and the Haitians in your prayers.

Transistional Day?

Damaged Bank building but still standing in Port-au-Prince.






Western Union was open today with a line of about 500, but the bank delayed opening until Thursday. Marcel plans on being in line at 2AM!

Quake this am was felt in St Marc, Marcel is ok, ask him about the "rat in the vanity" next time you get a chance : )

Marcel's brother Elyse went to Bonne Fin on January 11th and John is with him. Elyse was scheduled for surgery today but it has been postponed until the 27th at this point. So Elyse and John have been in the South West part of Haiti since the 11th away from their families. The hospital they are at is fine. Bonne Fin is just northeast of Les Cayes.

At church tonight Marcel shared:
Stand firm in difficult times
Ephesians 6:13
Allow Gods word to come alive in our lives
God uses these challenges to stretch us
Remain faithful
Fight the good fight
We are growing and maturing, live the abundant life He has for us.
All recited the 23rd Psalm to close.

Please continue to pray, they feel His presence so close and Marcel says they see God's hand moving.

Thank you from Marcel, he appreciates the messages and notes very much.

Somber

Continued water distribution, devastation, helping with moving folks to St Marc...


Marcel: I am doing good,tired some,trying to take it easy a little bit
Art: Good, many are asking how you are doing.
Marcel: I was able to help with some stuff today at the hospital in Saint-Marc ,I gave them some pain medication,Surgical dressings,Gloves,they are in need of a lot of other stuff like surgeon's caps,boots,stitches,braces for neck,sterilize gloves all sizes
Art: I will send out the info regarding medical supplies, some that have contacted us are working with Terry on sending supplies. Suspect that will take some time to arrive though?
Marcel: we are very thankful for what we can do here for God with your help,we are so blessed.
Art: Amen, we are blessed.
Marcel: We are going to buy a lot of food to distribute to the people because I talk to the Mayor in town today ,he said the most important things that we could do now is to provide those folks with some food,there are three places in town for refugees ,some are over at the hospital,YWAM compound and maguana motel,those people were asked to evacuate Port au Prince,and most of them do not have a place to go to and it is the same for almost every other city so, we have many fish to fry here.
Art: Ok, I will send out that word. Will EMEVI schools continue, we have heard that the National Schools are closing for the rest of the year?
Marcel: We are yet to find out what the governement want us to do,I think they might end up taking two months to build enough tent to accomodate the condition of the students in PAP and start from there all the way through August,so no summer this year,that is what I think they need to do. I meant no summer break. In the meanwhile we will have the kids come with no unifrom next week to talk with them and their parents to really know how to aproach this.
Art: Ok, we will pray with you regarding this. Any specific prayer requests we can send on?
Marcel: Pray for order,and comprehension from the victims as the US soldiers distribute the food and that God gives us wisdom to make good decision everyday

Monday update and photo's

Click on the title "Monday update and photo's" above if you would like to see additional photo's. The most graphic one's have been removed. Last night Marcel shared a few comments that are shown just below:
1/17/2010 late PM -
Marcel: People are in need of food,medications and shelters

Art: Is food still available in St Marc or the surrounding areas?

Marcel: Yes,we can find food to buy in our area

Art: OK, so funds are the best way for us to help at this time.

Marcel: It is really up to you guys because more money we have, more help we can provide.

Marcel: We have 100 bags of water of 50 units each
Marcel: in the truck ready to go in the morning

Art: Wonderful, and you are headed back into PAP?

Marcel: Yes,I plan to leave at 5:00 AM to get back early enough to participate in a funeral of one of my cousin's daughter that was victim of the earthquake in PAP

Marcel: Let us believe together that God takes complete control of the situation in Haiti, to where the government become what it is suppose to be.

Sunday News

Marcel says he cannot grasp what is before him, from what he sees about 75% of Port-au-Prince is destroyed, private homes, government buildings, ministries and churches. There is no telling how many are buried under these piles of rubble. The Social Affairs Government Building is the only one he sees still standing. Bodies are everywhere and the smell is now overwhelming. At least three of the senators are dead, numbers of others missing. As of last night no rain has fallen which is good for the recovery efforts.

Watching the International Organizations there is little to no organization to what they are doing and of course there is no help from the Haitian Government. Their (Marcel and his team) main focus has been on trying to keep as many alive as possible in and around Port-au-Prince and this week they will focus more on St Marc as people have been encouraged to leave Port-au-Prince and many are coming to St Marc.

Marcel took Saturday and visited a local radio station in St Marc where he was able to send out his last e-mail but more importantly he was given time on the air to share some hope and encouragement for the people of Haiti. The scripture he used is from Isaiah 1:1-5 - He told them it is time to come back to God! Marcel asked for prayer coming from thoughts out of Leviticus 26 which shows the contrast between Obedience and Disobedience.

Wednesday through Friday Marcel and a team made 1 trip each day to Port-au-Prince taking water and what they could to distribute. He says they have funds enough to purchase water for one more day. He plans to work with the Mayor in St Marc as so many will be seeking food and shelter. Tuesday night right after the earthquake many people came to the church at Bois Neuf and slept outside of the building on the ground. One large Hotel that is being built in St Marc did sustain damage but did not fall as of yet. There is talk of building small homes to help house people and also setting up camps in St Marc.

All of the churches he oversees are fine. In Fond Baptist there were homes destroyed.

Fuel is still available but is being rationed in St Marc, distribution is the problem at the moment. The bank at St Marc has been closed since the quake. From what Marcel understands it is because of security and they hope to have enough security back in place Monday or Tuesday and the bank will be open again. (With that in mind we are looking at sending a wire transfer Tuesday as soon as we get the word.)

Another dear friend sent a note this morning, Illioney St Fleur, he and his family had just moved to Port-au-Prince. It took three days of digging but he has confirmed that his wife Evodie was buried in the rubble and is with Jesus now...His daughter is fine.

January 16th update from Marcel

Hello Brother,

I have been so busy lately helping with this chaos that happen here in Port au Prince,We think God that we were able to provide three truck loads of water and crackers to some of the victim's ,what we have done so far is just a drop of water in this ocean of distress and suffering,hundred of thousand of people are left homeless sleeping on the street,we thank God for nor letting it rain during those days, dead bodies are all over the place,as of this morning they believe they have buried over 50.000 peoples and yesterday I could see so many more on the street decomposing and the smell is terrible,not counting so many others that are still under the rubble and the debris.People are ask to return to their home town.like here in Saint;Marc we start seeing a massive return of our folks,I came back with a truck load of people yesterday and the day before last.Our hospital here in Saint- Marc is over loaded with patients,we have used so far all of our financial resources in providing help for the people.we thank you for making it possible ,I must go now,Please pray for my internet system to get back in service soon and pray that the people that are still alive understand that God is trying to get their attention and that they would make the right decision to turn to their Master.

As soon as i can I will e-mail you some pics

Sincerely!

Marcel!

Quake news via St Marc, Haiti

Marcel has been able to send out one note since the quake. All is well in St Marc at least from initial reports. His internet and phone services are all out so for this time he is dependent on finding others that do have service. We will keep updating this as we have news.