Faces

A time to reflect as 2012 draws close, while 2011 draws to a close.  What has captured your heart this year?  Who has made a difference and have I?  John, Marcel's brother is one who is making a difference.  Click on his picture to see the faces of Haiti and see if any hit home for you.

Harvest Time...

This past month brought the beginning of the harvest at Fond Baptist, Haiti.  Potatoes were coming right along.  Seeds and funds for plants continue to make it possible to keep these year round gardens blessing many in the community.  They are growing where planted, am I?

A look from the inside out

Things can be so dark inside.  Peering out the door can provide a totally different perspective.  Am I being drawn into the Light?

This "Post Office" in Haiti was most interesting.  Wide open doors, no one inside, a railing to keep one from falling downstairs but ready to fall itself.  What state am I in, hungry for the light or satisfied with ???

Do you have a Timothy?

Who is it that the Lord has brought into my life that could be a "Timothy"?  Bring someone else along on this journey, someone to carry on.  Hope for Haiti

Getting the Word out

"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."  After 12 years in Nepal, Mike joined us in a trip to Haiti sharing the Good News.  How good it is when we can share what God is doing in our lives and how encouraging it is to those that are hungry!  Share the Good News with someone today - there is a hunger out there!

Blocks of ...

In the midst of changing seasons this block of ice seemed appropriate for many of us as a reminder of temperatures to come.  While we may turn up the thermostat to keep warm, there's a assumption that heat will come in some form.  In the summer it could be air conditioning.  In Haiti realty is that to keep things cool will most likely mean purchasing ice (and only for food), that even being a luxury for most folks.  Few have access to any consistent source of power so if you are able to purchase ice that would be part of your daily routine.  Keep your eyes out along the road for the signs and piles of sawdust that cover the ice.

Leadership Conference

There is a hunger for more!  This year brought 338 participants, all leaders from all over Haiti.  4 days this past week a teaching on the book of Revelation, worship and fellowship.  45 volunteers helped take care of all the needs so that this group could focus.  There is a hunger, lets be a part and encourage these saints from many different domination's by lifting them up in prayer as they now take this message of the good news back to their hometowns.

Getting a lift

Upon occasion alternate transportation is, well fun!?  The road has ended, a trail continues on and in the dry season a shortcut up a creek bed takes us up to Lepinard just below the crest of the mountains.  For supplies to reach this area they are carried any way possible.  It's only a two hour fast paced walk but it's all up.  It makes me think of the burdens we carry, do we do it by ourselves or are we yoked with the One whose load is easy and burden light?  Like to see additional pictures of Lepinard?  Click here or on the picture.

Power to go

This picture could have been taken anywhere, anytime so it could be hard to believe that this is Haiti!  Sure enough though that is Marcel's truck and yes on that trailer is a donated generator.  National 1 between Port-au-Prince and St Marc, continues to receive improvements as can be seen with the newer asphalt.

This generator is a answer to prayer.  A few weeks ago it came into port at St Marc inside a large container with other supplies.  The group that sent the container asked for help getting it out of port and for that help donated the generator!  What a blessing this will be for some time to come.

A closer look

Look down into this cistern.  In Colmini clean drinking water is scarce.  This cistern continues to provide safe water for some of the folks in this area.  All hand built with a little help from a mission team this "keeper of the water" has blessed many.  Anyone interested in helping provide one (cistern) of a different style in Fond Baptist?  It works out to a dollar a gallon or $600 for a good cistern for the folks in the mountains.  What say ye?

Food for the body!

  Last year this cow was purchased for the people of Bataille.  Here a year later the cow is much stronger and producing nourishment for the body.  This past January a challenge was placed before the people of Bataille.  Build a trail and 5 additional cows would be provided.  As of today the funds are all in and a trail is in place.  From one cow to a small herd, soon the people of Bataille will be challenged with raising and nurturing of these animals.

Food for the soul

Camp Meeting's first year set the stage for the days to come.  In the back ground of the picture is the dirt stage and beginning rock wall.  Poles were set to support the intertwined leaves that are used to shield the sun.  Things have changed a bit since then.  Bois Neuf is a work in progress.  This second picture is a bit wider view but both are looking at the stage.  Something is going on here!  God continues to open the doors to provide for the needs, reaching out to his people.  There is a hunger and thirst within the soul, feed it!

Mission Trip 2011

Traveling in Style!  This year 62 persons traveled from the EMEVI Churches around St Marc to Les Cayes in the southwest of Haiti.  Raising their own support and joining Marcel in reaching out to their brothers and sisters around the country.  Of those that they spent time with over 40 said yes to Christ and a number of others recommitted their lives.  Funds were donated through EMEVI to help build a larger sanctuary in the Les Cayes Church as the old one will hold no more.  Something is going on here!  Want to be a part? www.hopeforhaiti.ws for more information.

What example?

This Pastor leads by example.  Far from any modern day conveniences his home is found in Bataille, Haiti.  A days trek away he comes to meet up with Pastor Marcel for the pick up.  This pick up includes food to help just one very needy rural area in Haiti.  The example?  He helps to carry 300 lbs of rice, oil, flour and other food items back home.  A pickup truck has brought these items this far, next motorcycles will continue up the mountains a bit further, then it's all by foot.  Lets continue this process about every two weeks, to reach out, meeting people right where they are at.

Chips

Yes, that's what's left of a tree, hanging over a dry creek bed.  Um hum, he's standing on it while cutting it up with a machete and a rope will hopefully allow him to pull it back up to be cut up further.  Oh, did you notice that he's barefoot and one foot is on the side that will ultimately drop!  Let the chips fall where they may.  The Lord has reminded me time and again to use what He's provided and quit looking for other tools when what is needed is right before me if I'd just look!

Yoke

Check this out!  Barefoot standing on a log, cutting it into boards, while the board is suspended off the ground!  Is there someone below pulling on that saw working in tandem?  Yup.  Reminds me of a scripture, being yoked with our Master, walking in pace with Him, step by step.

Cholera update July 2011

While visiting with Marcel this past week we discussed what's happening with the continuing Cholera outbreak.  He starts by sharing about one of the pastors who lives in the mountains of Haiti far away from any power, clinics or roads.  Travel is by foot to reach this village which is a good example of the many villages tucked away in the mountains of Haiti.  Listen in to what he has to share and pay special attention to how the community is notified when there is a need.  Care to help? Visit www.hopeforhaiti.ws

Servant Heart

How many pots does it take to feed 800+?  Not only that but to feed them while cooking outside and over a wood or charcoal fire!  Each year the ladies with a few men bless the folks that come to conference at Bois Neuf.  Now that's a servant's heart, volunteering to help cook 2 meals a day for 4 days for over 800 people.  I'm humbled.  Want to see some additional pictures of conference?  Click on the title above "Servant Heart"

Attention getter

What catches your attention?  Some things turn our heads and others we ignore.  Does God have your attention?

Wedding Bells

Building for a future.  This home is now nearing completion and will be ready for a newly married couple.  Thanks to contributions and many volunteer hands. When they are married in a week or so they will have a roof over their heads.

Anyone interested in helping to build a home or donate towards one?  We currently have one widow with 4 children (at home) in need and another widow with two children.  Both currently are "renting" a space.  One lives in the mountains and the other St Marc.  Contact us today and let us know if you would like to be a special part of their lives.

Sharing your heart

What would you share if you were asked, what's your vision for the future?  Marcel has a vision for the ministry in Haiti but mostly for the people of Haiti.  What has God placed on your heart?  Help us to be bold Lord to follow your leading.

Precious

Something we may take for granted, water.  Go to the spigot and turn it on, it's clean enough to drink, wash vegetables, clothes and so much more.  Haiti still struggles with Cholera, the news may be quiet, but the outbreak continues.  So for those that want more info, a bit of digging found a current news article that is available.  Estimates say 11,100 will die by November from Cholera in Haiti.  They still need our help!  Education about Cholera and water filters are still a powerful tool to help stem the tide.  If you would like to help, please contact us today.  Cisterns are also making a difference and there is a ongoing need at one church to replace a damaged one.  It's a dollar a gallon and we are looking at a 600 gallon cistern.  Click here for additional information regarding a cistern or click on the title "Precious" above for a news article. www.hopeforhaiti.ws gives even more information about Hope for Haiti.

Hope for Haiti Info

Questions about Hope for Haiti?  This is a good place to get a visual idea of what we do.  Notice all the children.  Many are sponsored, many are waiting to be.  Click on the title "Hope for Haiti Info" today and pick a child.

More Goats?

  Click to donate

This past week 3 churches combined forces for vacation bible school in the Glen Rock, Pennsylvania area.  My understanding is that day by day it grew.  So why a picture of a goat?  Children were encouraged that donations would be used to purchase goats in Haiti, and the donations poured in.  They will be reaching out to at least 14 families, who will soon have these gifts that have the potential to keep on giving.  Female goats are purchased and you can figure out the rest from there as the multiplication process provides for far more than just 14 families.  Consider blessing a family with the purchase of a goat, chicken or cow, a little bit goes a long way.  Only $40.00 per goat. Website click here.

Family

Graduation time.  Marcel's son Jone is now looking forward to finding a college in Michigan.  The family gathered to celebrate his High School graduation this past week.  Congratulations Jone.

Touched

Visiting a sponsored child touches both child and sponsor. A simple gift and hug means so much to the child. Reach out and touch someone special to you today.

Drawn to the Light

What is it that draws us to the Light?  In this case it was to see faces looking in.  Fond Baptist in the mountains of Haiti provided this glimpse not only of the faces but of the light.  Although hazy outside still the light shines through.  A single candle provides light that the dark cannot overcome.  Jesus is the light of the world, be drawn unto Him.

Pause

Each day holds it's own possibilities to pause, but when something traumatic happens it seems to bring us to a point of pause that was not planned.  A death of a loved one, earthquake, flooding, hurricane, tornado and on the list goes.  All of a sudden all the things of life, seem to take a back seat as we take inventory of what's important.  It's a moment to pause.  Not planned or scheduled, it just feels like, like, different.  Why is it that in our daily routine we seem to have trouble taking time to pause?  No answers here, just something to ponder.  Jesus paused along the road for a drink of water, to spend time with his Father, to pray.  Lord help me to take time to .................

Love, Life and Light

This coming Thursday EMEVI Conference starts at Bois Neuf.  The theme this year is Love, Life and Light. Local churches join the EMEVI churches for this yearly gathering that brings over 1000 people together.  Many have come to share during this time of worship, baptisms, teachings, messages and more.  This year a pastor from Tennessee will join in, lending and hand and speaking during the conference.  It all started very simply with wood posts with leaves attached for protection from the sun as shown in this picture.  A huge tarp has been set up in recent years and maybe by next year a roof will be in place as we look to the future.  The encouragement the attendees receive reaches far beyond this yearly gathering.  With most of the EMEVI churches being rural, the message goes back home for those that could not attend.  Pray with our brothers and sisters as they come together once again calling out to God.

Love, Life and Light, with thoughts from the parable of the Good Samaritan being used out of Luke chapter 10

Shoe Bags 2011

Just what are these?  We call them "Shoebags".  Filled with school supplies and simple hygiene items for children in Haiti.  Last year we kicked this off for a test run and run it did.  A wooden box on a pallet filled with donated items reached out to quite a number of children.  So the visionary that shared this last year asked are we going to do it again?  Yup, it's off and running, with groups from multiple states joining in.  The first shipment made it here last week and our ship date to Haiti is not even until the end of May!  So folks have been asking about it and this past weekend churches in at least two states shared with their respective fellowships.  If you are interested there are many different parts to this whole process, so a referral to a couple of web sites is appropriate.  www.shoebags4haiti.info or www.hopeforhaiti.ws should answer most questions or call or email the noted information at each website.  Even a new slideshow clip of last years project is available right here by following the video link on the left side of the main page.

Water Filters

All water is hauled to this mountain location in Haiti.  With the river valley below possibly contaminated with Cholera these water filters attached to buckets provide safe drinking water.  These long lasting filters are simple to use and maintain, so seeing this bucket being cleaned before use was an encouragement.  God provided many of these filters which were distributed to many rural locations and churches/schools around St Marc.  The news media has shifted it's attention away as other stories have caught their attention but in Haiti the needs have not gone away.  Want to help make a difference, not only for a drink of water but for an eternity?  Contact us and lets see where He leads.

Basketfull

Early one morning we had broken down along a high mountain trail.  Reflecting upon the fact that we had left well before sunrise to get to this point, how early had he started baking this bread?  Our paths crossed here while he paused for a break before going on to market.  Here we have bread for our bodies, what "bread" are we consuming for our souls?  This had provided an opportunity to pause and ponder, just what is it, that is feeding my soul?

Hands

Reach out to someone in need, lend a hand.  Opportunities present themselves each day, it's a choice worth making to be there, to help.  Touch is powerful, a gentle touch when someone is hurting, a hand up when someone is down.  After all He has rescued us and even brought Peter out of the water as he sank.  Washed the disciples feet, can you feel His touch?

Mountain Home

     High in the mountains of Haiti are many villages, this one being east and a bit south of St Marc.  Lepinard is home to a small mountain community where around 100 children come to school.  The community sits somewhere around 4000 feet in elevation below the peaks around that rise to over 4900 feet.  No roads, only trails, no power with the exception of a small generator at church, no running water, a spring under an hours walk away.  But cell phones yes, recharged as the generator purrs just outside on a Sunday morning.  Primitive sound system that runs off the generator for electric guitar, mic's, speakers and right next to them a "drum set" with a cymbal hanging from a rafter.  The drummer never missed a beat.  What a contrast with modern technology next to very primitive living conditions.  Bathroom, hum, wherever.  Looking to the north is a beautiful view of the valleys below and the mountain ridges to the south.  It's quite a climb from the "trail head" taking about 2 hours.  Common ground is found here as we worship, side by side with brothers and sisters in Christ.  Click on the picture or title for a few photos of this journey.  Interested in helping reach out to these brothers and sisters, let us know.

What Load?

This saddle is currently at rest.  It carries many loads up and down the mountains at LePinard, Haiti.  All kinds of vegetables and fruits, spices and cooking oil.  With no power it becomes a daily task to have fresh food available and the nearest road is about a two hour walk away.  Water comes from a spring down in the valley but it's only about an hour walk.  The reminder here is that we take the "load" off to allow the animal to rest.  Why then is it so hard, to allow the loads we carry to be set off and put aside for a time?  Reminds me of a scripture - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30) Click on the title or picture for additional photos of our trip to LePinard.

Protection

Here hangs the corn.  The critters like to eat the corn when it is left about but here high in a tree it finds protection from the 4 legged critters.  Birds are few in a land that has very limited trees and if they did come for a visit, well they might become a lunch feast...

Along the trails in the mountains this is a common sight or if you were to look around the cabbage there could be eggs stored under the leaves to help keep them a bit cooler.  Not quite what we might expect but tested and proven to keep what little they have protected.

Welcome to Haiti!

Click on the picture or title to see more photo's of Marcel's trip to Fond MaBlanc.

Feet

Yes, underneath this clump of leaves are feet.  How many steps does it take to pick up and deliver these leaves?  A visit to our grocery store takes minutes by vehicle but here in Haiti a visit to market could very well be an all day venture.  Folks in the mountain areas leave in the early morning hours (2 or 3am) to take their crops to market then return later in the day purchasing as they can what's needed back home.  Sure appreciating a vehicle in the garage at the moment.

Burden

Came across these precious children on a mountainside collecting fodder.  The biggest one not only had fodder but was also carrying a little one probably a sibling.  Generations have lived this way just to survive, everyone works and pitches in, from the oldest to the youngest.  What burden are you carrying?  "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30

Passing the stick

Our first evening in an area called Fond Baptist we were treated to a special time of worship.  This year these fellows added something to the worship as they passed this stick from hand to hand while stepping over it.  Back and forth they went and after watching we realized they were telling a story to go alone with the worship.  This is only my interpretation but it seemed that as the drums played and songs were sung they were being called to come, come into the worship circle.  They came with all they had and brought their first-fruits of sorts to offer before the Lord.  It was a moving time to draw close to our Lord and Savior.

Goats

January 10th, 2011 was market day at a location just east of St Marc.  Our team was blessed to be able to be part of watching the purchase of 11 goats then delivery of these goats to Colmini just north of St Marc.  John (Marcel's brother) is seen in the yellow shirt with backpack, bartering for a goat.  God opened the door for 32 goats and 2 chickens to be purchased and distributed this January, at least up until now since January is far from over.  Goats will be purchased for at least three of the other churches that Marcel oversees in the coming days.  During our visit to Colmini we were updated on one of the goats that had been purchased during another teams visit a few years ago.  The goat has now had 6 kids.  That's the idea, multiply and then share, reaching out to the community and beyond.

Before and After

In 2007 this child came to a clinic held at Colmini just north of St Marc.  This past Monday while visiting Colmini she happened to be along the road as we drew near to the church/school.  There was not much we could offer her as she found it almost impossible to walk let alone stand.  We prayed.  Today is a new day as was seen along the road of life.  Praise be to God!

The Moment

What will the days ahead hold for this child?  None of us know for sure.  Will this year be different than the past?  Reflecting on this moment there is much encouragement for the days ahead.  Food was plentiful, water available, arms to hold you, all these were available.  In a moment's time it can all change and when it changes who then will hold you?  Put your trust in Christ who will never leave you nor forsake you.