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.

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.