Teach

 

“Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, ‘Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children’” (Deuteronomy 4:10).

As you watch the video, notice the sounds. Separated by a thin sheet, the sounds come from the classroom next door. These children don’t complain. At least they aren’t in the outside classroom without a chalkboard or walls. It’s not the ideal situation to educate, but it’s important for the children to learn even with distractions and without desks.

Some Haitian kids don’t have the funds to pay for school. Public education is not free in Haiti. It doesn’t use the gospel in its foundation. The poor quality often has parents looking elsewhere, or nowhere, and the child never learns to read or write or do math.

Hope for Haiti provides children with the opportunity to learn. Sponsoring a child gives the kiddo a uniform, a meal, and education: the chance to support themselves for a lifetime. The sponsorship also gives them the chance to hear God’s words so that they can learn to revere the Lord.

God recognizes the need for people to learn at a young age because it stays with them for the rest of their lives. He even encourages us to learn and grow too, so we can teach the younger generation.

Do you find yourself learning? Do you take the time to apply the lessons? Will the younger generation learn from your example? Consider sponsoring a child. Perhaps a younger person around you will also sponsor children when they see a picture of your sponsor child on your refrigerator. Perhaps your prayers will bolster the kids in this video to stay in school, even with the distractions. Perhaps your gift of education will inspire them to become teachers, live in the land, and teach their children about the goodness of our Father.

By Mollie

Oct 2013 News

It's happening!

     October 30th thru November 1st Leadership Conference will be in full swing. This year it will be held in the new building at Bois Neuf allowing the 400+ attendees to stretch out a bit. Want to see the new building and where it's at? Click here. Please remember to pray for the attendees who come from all over Haiti as well as the teachers.

     Travels to the states. Marcel traveled to Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Alabama visiting supporters and

friends along the way this past month. So many contribute in so many ways it's hard to report it all, so, just a

couple notes of interest for now.

     Churches in Colorado, Michigan and Alabama have made and are making it possible for the building at Bois Neuf to come together. Checking out the slideshow mentioned above with the realization that this just would not be possible were it not for the body of Christ all coming together, each with their giftings.

     A clinic in the mountains? Yes it has begun. For many years now it has been a desire of Marcel's heart to

be able to minister spiritually, emotionally and physically to the needs of those around him. From our standpoint the original clinics started not many years ago seemed to meet some very basic needs. When no health care is available even those basic needs are huge. Last month a building in the mountains became the newest addition for clinics. Much work both from stateside and in country all came together as the first (in this location) clinic was held as well as teaching for midwives. This coming week the second clinic will be held with more improvements to the building as it also becomes a place of refuge. If you would like to see some of the progress to date, click here. , here you will also find a link on the photo or title to a short video.

     Beyond the mountain clinic work continues to bring to completion a new church/school building. No big deal except that you reach this location by foot. This coming January plans are for a roof to be set in place. A church in Kansas and Tennessee have partnered with the folks there to encourage and walk with them,

marveling at all that God is doing. More on this may be seen by clicking here.

     Next year is filling up fast with groups from Kansas, Tennessee, Colorado and Alabama already in process looking at dates. Not to mention Camp Meeting in April and EMEVI's mission trip scheduled in August going to Belladere, Haiti. Just a couple photo’s, one from this year’s outreach in Gonaives. www.hopeforhaiti.ws 

Waiting

“Gideon replied, ‘If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.’ And the LORD said, ‘I will wait until you return’” (Judges 6:17-18).

Haitians live by Haitian Time. When you say that church starts at 9 a.m., Haitians will show up any time within the 9 o’clock hour. They can be there at 9:50 a.m., and say, “I am here at 9. It is not 10 o’clock yet.” Few options for electricity exist in Haiti, so the lack of clocks and alarm clocks also accentuates their timing.

An American learns patience, rest, and how to wait while in Haiti. As our example, God waits too.

Gideon just learned God chose him to lead his people against the Midianites who have mistreated Israel. He’s given his excuses, and God remains firm that Gideon is a mighty warrior. Gideon’s reaction is in line with his culture. He hopes to prepare a sacrifice in acceptance of the charge given to him.

And God waits for his return.

Even though God is outside of time, he waits for us to return to him. He allows Haitian time to exist. What in your life do you think God needs to put a deadline on? What feels like it has to fit within your schedule? Is it worth living out God’s example of Haitian time and waiting for it to be ready? Commit to give God an offering. He’ll wait for you.

By Mollie

Celebrate

War Cry

“Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry” (1 Samuel 17:20).

David left early. He loaded up, set out, and did has he was told. When he got to camp, the army was ready for battle.

The annual camp conference is happening. Most Haitians had to leave early, some traveling by foot for hours to attend. They’ve loaded up, set out, and are prepared to do what God tells them. They’ll join the army ready to do spiritual battle for their country.

As part of that army, will you help them? Ask the Lord to ready their hearts, strengthen their minds, and protect their families. Let’s join them this year, even from far away, shouting the war cry.

By Mollie Bond

Reality

Hope for Haiti Newsletter April 2013

Lets just call this reality.  Something to think about  anyway.  Have you ever done something and later the light came on to reveal something that was right before you the whole time?  Welcome to my world, next time maybe the light will come on first.

A few years ago a request was brought before us to see  if there might be an interest out there for sponsors to walk with children from Bataille.  Simple enough and we prayed.  Yes, we moved forward and photo’s were taken, names were gathered to match the photo’s and it all began.  School in this area was started back up about that same time and it was obvious that this need was great.  90% of the adults do not read or write in this area and if things stay the same there’s little hope of that changing.  So we embarked on this journey and started to process the information that had been collected.  Somewhere along the way the names and photo’s did not all line up.  Let me explain, the information about the children had been collected and shared by the people at Bataille.  Then it was sent on to another person for “processing” and something seemed out of place.  Further investigation proved that we needed to look further into this so we did.  Updated information was gathered and still something did not add up.  A copy of what was collected was sent with a team to Bataille so that both photo and name were together to make a positive id.  Finally it looked like all was well.  If only that were true!  Next trip an attempt to acquire birth dates and simple bio info came up as a priority.  A teacher at the school took the info and hand wrote all the names and birth dates, for those that had it recorded.  Back home once again and as this information was being recorded it became apparent that many of the names had misspellings.  So just what is going on!?  Remember the light coming on?  In a land that time had pretty much forgotten and the people were even called “The Forgotten One’s” things are just different.  Many of the people go by nicknames such as “Let it go” and “When he was good”, few have recorded vital statistics, Most cannot read or write and I had expectations of clear and accurate information to share with those that would sponsor children!  Go figure.  So here we are today with more children sponsored at Bataille than we imagined, a school that started with 30 children in October 2010 and is now over 250 and growing.  This has been a humbling season and a great season to see all that the Lord is doing in a land that once was Forgotten.  Maybe you would like to sponsor a child there, just come with foreknowledge that the “information” may be sketchy but the photo’s and children are very real as well as the need.  Check them out here Bataille Children.  Or check out the children at the other schools, Bois Neuf, Colmini or Charrette.

Lots more going on right now with preparations for Annual Conference at Bois Neuf.  The building is in full swing this week with roofing going up.  Walls will come at a later date as well as a concrete floor.  This, though, will be the first year the conference will be held under a permanent roof with the addition of a tarp for the small section that will wait completion for a future date.  Over 1000 people gather each year for this time of worship, teaching, baptisms and more.  Photo’s of the current work are available right here, Bois Neuf Building.  Please pray for Marcel and the EMEVI Team as they work towards this goal.

Lots more at the website www.hopeforhaiti.ws - saintmarchaiti@gmail.com - Art R.

Rebuilding

“I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work” (Nehemiah 2:18).

Until April 7, a group from Colorado is at Bois Neuf. For anyone who wants to go to Haiti, it begins with someone telling about the goodness of God. God speaks through the person telling you about their trip. Then, the Holy Spirit moves and stirs within the people who hear. They link arms and start rebuilding, doing the good work.

Are you listening? What good work might be getting your heart excited? What would you like to rebuild? A good place to start is sponsoring a child through Hope for Haiti. Visit The Children tab to start rebuilding a child’s future.

Or maybe you are hearing about the Colorado team. Another response to hearing is to pray. Will you join us and pray for the team, their health, and the people they will come in contact with today? We look forward to hearing about the gracious hand of God on them. Let’s rebuild together.

By Mollie Bond

2013-02 Newsletter

Hope for Haiti Newsletter February 2013

    Here we are already into February.  What will the days ahead hold?  First a glimpse back then we will see what’s on the horizon.

    Month’s of donations gather in a garage piled high creating a path of their own.  At some point it all needs to go, so for this collection January 4th was departure date.  Delivery from Chattanooga to Charlotte where this photo was taken and then transfer to a larger truck which has made the journey to Florida and now is at Port in St Marc, Haiti.  Yes the truck too. We are blessed by some dear friends that saved us space in this vehicle for this crate and file cabinet.  Just meet up with them and all the rest is covered.  Thank you Lord.  Here it is Feb 1st and already the seeds are starting to sprout in the garage as new donations have started to arrive.  Have something you might like to contribute?  Maybe another saddle like this or a similar one to bless the ministry in the mountains.  School supplies, Shoe Bags, Pillow Case Dresses, Heavy Duty Pots and Pans, Tools and more, could be part of the next shipment, it’s up to you.  For more information click here and send us a note or wander around the website for ideas.

    The calendar is filling up.  Later this month from the 19 to the 26th a team will join Marcel with a trip to the Matheux Mountains, Fond Baptist and then down to Bataille.  The school building being built, block by block.  Made on site, these concrete blocks being set on a firm foundation.  250 children waiting for a roof and to be able to move from the outside in, coming soon.  Care to help?  

    The end of March another team is headed to help with the continued building at Bois Neuf.  From our standpoint things may look like they are moving slowly but God’s timing and ours so many times do not match up.  The Conference building will bring new meaning to the annual EMEVI Conferences (sometimes called Camp Meeting).  It all started with an area of dirt just outside the the Church at Bois Neuf.  Coconut Leaves provided the first few years covering to shield from the sun but still little protection from the rains.  Then tarps and even now some of those are still being used.  Not a big deal that is until you have over 1000 people gather each year with meals being prepared for most twice a day.  It’s a big project that is well underway, if you would like to contribute let us know.  Conference this year runs April 25th to the 28th.

    June will bring a team to connect with some sponsored children and possibly track one or more over the years.  There is also the possibility of having clinics, but that is to be seen yet.  No shortage of opportunity here just praying for workers.

    Well that’s a bit of what’s happening at the moment, more may be seen at the blog, facebook or google + and of course the website has lot’s more to check out.  Ever consider sponsoring a child?  There are a lot to choose from, visit them at Hope for Haiti.

Please join us in prayer for Marcel and these teams and we strive to honor the Lord with these opportunities before us.

Blessings, Art for Hope for Haiti saintmarchaiti@gmail.com or 423-892-7227

Here's a few of the photo's to go with the letter.

One At A Time

“So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.”  Genesis 6:23

Noah did what he was directed to do by God.  He didn’t debate, or excuse, or ramble.  He just did.  How?  One at a time.  One board at a time, one nail at a time, and one step at a time. 

This roof, built in 2010 was built one at a time.  One bucket at a time.  One person, handing off to another.  One at a time.  What has God put in your heart to do?  Are you debating the issue?  Are you overwhelmed at the enormous task?  Be comforted in knowing that God will hand it to you, one at a time.

By Mollie Bond

November 2012 Newsletter

Click on the image above for a larger view.

Madame Philip

Marcel shares a testimony.

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.

Completion

“Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.”  1 Chronicles 29:16-17

David handed the blueprints to Solomon, and prays for the completion of the temple.  God provided the resources for a safe place for the Israelites to come.  God will do the same for the Haitians at Bois Neuf.  Although the building is not complete, we have faith he will supply the three tresses needed.  He will provide a safe place that will shield his people from rain and sun.  Will you echo David’s words and joyfully praise God for this outdoor auditorium?

EMEVI Blog

by Mollie Bond

Hope for Haiti

Clinic Days.  This past month Dr Susan and Nurse Vonie teamed up for multiple clinic's around the St Marc area.  Not many years ago clinic's were only a dream.  Now with Nurse Vonie weekly visits to some of the EMEVI areas are a realty.  The Lord opened the doors wide to meet the needs of His people as they have cried out for help.  Clinic's are happening multiple times a year as some gifted Dr's have made this a priority in their lives.  Care to help support this ministry?  Let us know at Hope for Haiti.  Like to see some additional photo's of the clinic's to include the twins?  Click here

Hope for Haiti newsletter May 2012

     “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

     Camp Meeting has just come to a close. Each year a tremendous amount of work and preparation goes into this with teams from EMEVI and the states joining together as one body. Anyone could become weary..., you might even feel like your standing in a hole? Read on -

     Here's what Marcel had to share about Camp Meeting. It was more than we ever thought it could be. The worship, coming together, preaching, ordinations,weddings, baptism's, new decisions for Christ, provision from the EMEVI churches. A speaker/preacher from the Haitian parliament who works in the Gonaives Department coming to share with adults and children, encouraging the children to jump higher than the stars and even then if you fall you will still be with the stars – in other words pursue your dreams to their fullest. Enough food was donated to share with the community and Pastor Marc representing Colmini brought not only the largest pig and numerous eggplant but included a cow for the feast. Teachers came to share about taking care of the environment, and soil, also a Doctor about how to better take care of families and still another person about the economy and how to start a small business and then how to manage it.

Then it was shared to continue to pray but also to act on what God is leading in!

                                        

     The fruit is evident of what God is doing here, one life at a time, and, there is hope. It may start by standing in a hole and continue on by standing high in the rafters. Whatever your part, stand firm in the Lord. There's more to this story and some photo's as well. 5 more trusses to erect here, at Colmini a goat pen and shelter, at Charrette completion of their school, children to be sponsored. It may seem daunting as there is all this and so much more, let's not grow weary as we stand with our brothers and sisters cheering them on and doing our part to lift them in prayer...

Photo's from Camp Meeting found here

     Tomorrow a couple will join Marcel for a week, then some travels are ahead.  June and July brings teams from Michigan then the end of July into August a team from Kansas + . Later in August it's time for EMEVI's in country mission trip, this year to Port-de-Paix. 

Please continue to lift Marcel and his team up as they continue to reach out with the love of Christ.

Blessings, Art Rousseau for Hope for Haiti – www.hopeforhaiti.ws