Hope for Haiti: January 2011

Friday, January 28, 2011

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

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

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.

Friday, January 14, 2011

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!

Monday, January 3, 2011

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.

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.

Hope for Haiti...

a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, located in Glen Rock, PA, with administrative and logistic functions being handled in Chattanooga, TN, works with the ministry EMEVI (Evangelical Living Water Ministry of Haiti). Marcel Destine oversees EMEVI which includes 7 churches, 5 of which are also schools, and are located in and around St Marc, Haiti. We pray this may be used to get the word out to those whose hearts are being tugged on, to come alongside some of the poorest people on earth. Hope for Haiti raises support through sponsorship of children which helps provide for schooling, meals and supplies for schooling. EMEVI info. You might want to check out the video clips for a further explanation of the ministries of EMEVI and Hope for Haiti.