Celebrate

Many Faces of one Woman

     She drives a hard bargain.  The trail that leads up into the Matheux Mountains just southeast of St Marc Haiti has many treasures along the way.  This precious woman sells food items just outside her gate right along the trail.  Over the years we have visited her many times enjoying the bartering and her all expressive face.  She's not a bit camera shy and enjoys working her trade and the interaction with people.
     What do others see when they look at us and our expressions?  Might it lead them to Truth?  The fruit of the Spirit is... (Galatians 5:22 & 23) do others see that?  Something to ponder.

A thought from 2012

2012 Thoughts

                                                               

If For No Other Reason!

Not knowing his name I will call him John and share this story as my failed memory keeps it. A day before the earthquake on January 12, 2010 in Léogâne, Haiti, (the epicenter), John felt compelled to move to the mountains and to do it now. He owned little, so that same day he headed out. His journey finished at Fond Baptist where there is no running water or power. News travels slowly to Fond Baptist but in time the destruction of the earthquake on the 12^th reached John. His former home, Léogâne, was hit like never seen before. John pondered this. Why was he spared? It’s a troubling thought but answers escape him. It’s a deep seed planted.

Fond Baptist is something like a county in the mountains with farming and gardening dotting the landscape.  Few travel here from outside but a vibrant community exists within. Lack of education and poverty are ever present and survival is pretty much day to day. Small "communities" crisscross the mountainsides clear to the river basin below, one of which is called Bataille.

Bataille lags behind modern culture about 150 years. It’s rural, rugged and remote, even lacking access by any type of vehicle but change is coming to Bataille because it, or more accurately, its people, tug on the hearts of many. Education is slowly coming to Bataille.

So, for two years John sought a purpose or reason for being spared and for whatever reason eventually made his way down the mountain to Bataille. He wondered why he made the trek.

The day he arrived was October 12th, 2012, a day that also brought a small team to Bataille. They helped build a new school and stood alongside a Pastor who managed to bring a generator, projector and laptop computer. Also some time ago this Pastor acquired a Creole version of a 3 part Billy Graham presentation called “My Hope”.

John arrived when the team showed the third video and, towards the end, rain chased most back to their homes that provided at least some shelter from the moisture. John hung around though. He briefly shared his story and knew that the questions he had been wondering were answered that night.

Eternity changed that day as another soul, John, took a step of faith to walk with our Lord and Savior. There is much rejoicing in heaven and here on earth as we have seen a miracle!

If Hope for Haiti has been drawn to Bataille in this season to save one man’s soul, it is worth it.  This would not be possible were it not the Lord's nudging and your response to make a difference.

Thanks for making a difference!

This is just one story of many from 2012.  Much more is available online as it happens throughout the year.  Blessings,

Before and After

You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.  Is. 25:4a

This is the church at Fond Baptist.  You’ll hear the speaker because the lack of electricity means the sound of fans can’t cover their voice.  You’ll be able to sit without worrying about sunburn.  But most importantly, this building provides shelter from judgment, fear of the future, and a lack of hope.  Help build the spiritual church of Jesus, but also know you are helping build more literal churches like this one.

By Mollie Bond

Leadership Conference

      The book of Hebrews in 3 days!  Could be like a drink from a fire hydrant.  Over 300 in attendance, representing 83 different churches from all over Haiti.

     37 attendees stayed at Bois Neuf, food was prepared for everyone in attendance by the volunteers and 16 young people helped with cleaning and logistics.

Hurricane Sandy disrupted the plans for many to come while 75 that were not registered showed up to fill in the void.

     Many homes were lost in the mountain area around Fond Baptist due to the hurricane and the current building at Bataille had it's walls washed away once again.  Looking to replace them now with metal roofing to hold things in place until the new building is completed.  Please pray for these folks as they once again gather the little they have and put up some type of shelter.

     Bouncing around here a bit, so, back to the conference.  A group stayed one extra night so Marcel took the opportunity to question them regarding what they had learned.  Easily they shared what was learned bringing much encouragement to Marcel.

Thank you for your prayers!

hopeforhaiti.ws for more information.

Walking with a child

These are a few of the children at Fond Baptist Church/School that are sponsored.  Through sponsor's they have material for new uniforms.  So many children in these rural areas never have an opportunity to go to school, and many of the areas in the mountains have very limited access to any school.  Thank you sponsor's for blessing these children through your prayers and support.  Who knows we may be looking at the next leaders of this area or country that will make a difference for an eternity?  Keep the prayers coming!

Transformation

While at Fond Baptist market this past week, Marcel caught this image as these guys were reforming this pick head.  First the heat then the transformation.  Sometimes we may feel we are in the fire, could it be in preparation for a transformation in us?  Click on the photo for additional images from market day or visit www.hopeforhaiti.ws .

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?