Mission Trip

Dear Family and Friends,

We arrived in Cap Haitian on February 4th. We had an ambitious two weeks planned.
The first week we encountered lots of rain, (anpil lapli) which put a damper ( no pun intended on the work we had planned. The roads were very muddy.
It all worked out. Gods plan, was for us to spend time with Pat and Clark and work at the mission house. The guys laid tile on the bathroom floors. A system was designed to allow us hot water in our showers and had some great fellowship with Pat and Clark and each other.

On Friday, Judy and I met with the youth at Pastor Joseph Saintil"s church. Judy challenged them to know what they believe and why. Also, talked to them about friends and the pull of the world. At the end we showed " Fire Proof" they loved it, lots of cheers, discussion amongst themselves and applause. It was really cool to watch them. They do not have very many opportunities to watch a DVD.

Saturday we held a Pastor and wives conference. Judy was wonderful. God was at work through her. She taught on relationships, marriage and again challenged them from the Word of God. We had a meal and then shared the movie " Fire Proof" It was amazing. There was laughter and you could feel a buzz in the room during certain parts. At the end they asked Judy for her notes and would like a copy of the movie to share with their leadership. Each year the conference gets better. They are so hungry for good material on relationships and marriage. The pastors shared how much they appreciated the conferences and the material we share with them. They are looking forward to next years. I am hoping to get more Pastors to come down and come along side of some of the faithful men of God. The ladies also enjoyed the topic and agreed that even their husbands needed to hear some of the material Judy challenged them with. The first Sunday the team attended a Haitian church. It was totally spirit led. Tears shed during the worship time for some it was an amazing experience. Even though they sang in a different language, it was powerful and you could sense the Holy spirit moving through out the team and church. It is a wonderful experience and I believe a taste of what heaven will be. Lots of singing and praising going on!
The second week we spent time in Terrier Rouge with Pastor Noel and Marie. We have worked with them for about 10 years now. We have a medical clinic started there. We also do some medical work in the village of Ouvre. We had to hike to the village of Ouvre. It took us about 2 hours the first day. There was so much mud it made the going slow. The cheers and smiles of the children when we arrived made it all worth while. The team fell in love with the people and the children there. Two days we saw patients, mostly children that were relatively healthy. Thank God! A couple of the men worked on a school project that we have worked on for the last couple of years. Pastor Noel is putting a second story on a school for the older students. Les, Leroy and Luke and Marven worked along side of the men. Relationships continue and it is obvious a brotherly love is forming with the men. One of the men " Roden wrote to us once and said "Friendship is like a flower that becomes more and more soft and tender with each passing year". Luke has become very fond of one of the men. He shared it reminds him of his old mill right he worked with for years. Les has gained their respect and is considered one of them. He has a difficult time talking about them with out a few tears welling up. We had others on the team that shared bible stories with the kids, did games and skits at a couple of schools. One couple made a solar cooker. He showed them how to make it and then cooked some chicken. It only took 3-4 hours in the direct sun. He was hoping to encourage them to build these cookers and see the value in using the sun for cooking. The second week we had 2 more men join the team. It was one of our friends and his son-in- law. They spend the week videoing the work in Haiti. Ryan interviewed many of the nationals. During the interviews he would ask how short term missions have impacted their lives or the work they are invloved in. Our friend Phil had spent time in Haiti about 20 years ago with his Father- in-law. There mission was to share a story about HOPE in Haiti. We are seeing changes, slow, but it is encouraging to see the work people are doing. There seems to be more gardens, things are green and more animals roaming around.

The team was great. Exactly what you need in a team. They were flexible, willing to do anything you asked of them. They were warm and loving to the children and our sisters and brothers.

On Valentines day we had a Banquet. We had over 50 couples. There were some teasing going on , a word on love and marriage. Lots of smiles and twinkles in the eyes. It was wonderful to see the couples together. The pastor mentioned to us he did not know some of the husband and wives. So many times he only sees one or the other and does not see them together. The Haitian couples are not overly touchy, feely with each other. One thing they did was have the men sit on one side of the church and the ladies on the other. Then they would call there name out and the husband and wive would stand, then they would join each other. Sometimes, the husband would walk over to the wive and other times the wife would walk over to her husband. As the time went on they started to get a little more comfortable and had some fun with it. One wife just strutted over to her husband and they were laughing and she laid one on him. It was so funny. So then, it started each of them would kiss when they got to each other. I hope you can visualize this. It was so good to see them enjoying one another and spending time with each other. The pastor said it isn't something they do. Well.. it was such a hit, they want us to have another one next year. How can you say NO.... Guess there will be a trip next year around Valentines. We'll make it even better for them.
Many nights the team would share about there day and we would delve into the bible. Our friend Marven shared in Matt.21;21-22 Assuredly, I say to you, If you have faith and do not doubt, and say to the mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea, it will be done, and whatever things you ask in prayer, believing you will receive.
It sparked lots of discussion, prayers, and thoughts through out the weeks I believe we all grew a little closer to God and our trust in God was demonstrated many times with different situations we all went through. They showed compassion and courage. God knew exactly the team he wanted and needed to get his work done. His Assignment and he allowed us to be a part. Praise God! I hope you have enjoyed the stories. If you want to join us some time on a short term mission trip just give me a call. It is life changing.
Oh yes, I wanted to share. Ever since I have been a Christian I have wanted a Life verse. I have prayed about it and have searched the scriptures and not just one has jumped out at me. But,.... this trip God showed me the one. I love it and am so excited to finally have a life verse. Hear Goes...
Gal 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.