Our last full day in Haiti was.................full.
It began around 5am when we awoke to prepare for church in Les Cayes at 6. There was no water, which meant no flushing toilets and no showers. Thankfully everyone had showered Saturday night, except me! In typical Haitian style, we didn't leave for church until almost 7, but not to worry; they were just getting going when we arrived.
As I have said many times, worshipping here is like a taste of heaven; John's vision in Revelation of people from every tribe, and tongue and people and nation worshipping before the throne. While we couldn't understand most of what they were singing, we worhsipped together nonetheless. They did sing one song in English, and I was moved to tears.
We left Cayes church early at 8:30 to attend church in St. Louis du Sud with our kids. They are always precious, but in their Sunday best, they are adorable! What a blessing to worship alongside them! Don't know how to put it in words, but when they sing, you feel like you are in the company of angels. We were blessed. I had the opportunity to preach and as always, count it a special blessing.
We spent the afternoon with the kiddos. About 3 it began to rain so we headed to the church and sang; first our songs, then theirs. As we finished, several team members shared with the kids what the week had meant to them and then we prayed for them. As they left the church, each child got a vitamin, a snack, and a hug from each team member. It was special! Near the end, several boys broke down in tears, and so did the team. Then Pastor LaBastille's wife was crying. Even after a week, goodbye's are incredibly difficult. We tried to explain a team will return in January, Lord willing. But I am not sure what their minds comprehend. Hopefully over time, as we continue to come back, they will know how much we care.
After a quiet bus ride home, we had dinner with Samuel, our translator. Today is his 25th birthday. We sang Happy Birthday and had a cake for him. He grew up in an orphanage and said it was the first time anyone had every sung Happy Birthday for him. Afterwards, we gatehrered around and prayed for him. Louis told me later that Samuel was very blessed by the evening. He was sure a blessing to us. The week wouldn't have been what it was without his help. Hopefully he will be a regular when our next team comes!
You would have been so proud of this team. I stood back and watched them, love, serve and minister here. Our two teenagers, John and Jenna did an amazing job. The kids loved them! If they weren't kicking soccer balls around, they had multiple kids in their laps.
Greg and John S. were thinking, planning and working all week. What a blessing to have people who understand construction and site planning. The future of our village will be vastly improved as a result of these two guys being on the trip. But those skills were secondary to their love for the kids; they did such a great job of loving our children. Even when they were working, they had kids following them around, sometimes even helping!
Kelli cared for sick and scratched kiddos, while showering them with love. By the end of the week, some were looking for reasons to see the "Doctor".
Rob was always serving, anticipating needs and taking care of things before anyone could ask. He usually had a child over his shoulder or wrapped around his arms.
Brett led singing, often times in Creole. It was very impressive! He was always juggling, dancing and doing anything to make the kids smile.
Cindy, who had all of 36 hours to prepare for the trip, did an amazing job keeping us organized, preparing daily craft time with the kids, leading singing, and loving on kids. They loved her back!
Thank you for your prayers; we could not have done this without them! God is doing some really neat things in Haiti, and we are blessed as a church to be able to join Him here. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity.
We will leave on a 7:45 flight out of Les Cayes and hope to arrive in KC by 10PM. Please pray for safe and on time travel tomorrow.
Love from Haiti!
Scott
for Team Haiti
Sunday, October 17, 2010
You Won't Relent
I have Haiti on the brain. Many of us at LCF do. Reading the blogs from the team are so inspiring. Once again, God's fingerprints are all over the missions trip.
Lately, every time I think of the Haiti trip a certain song pops in my head. I am wondering if it could be the theme song for this missions trip. Do missions trips have theme songs? If so, this would be a great song choice.
"You Won't Relent" by Misty Edwards.
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
I'll set You as a seal upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love that is as strong as death
Jealousy, demanding as the grave
Many waters cannot quench this love
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
I'll set You as a seal upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love that is as strong as death
Jealousy, demanding as the grave
Many waters cannot quench this love
Waters cannot quench this love
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
Waters cannot quench this love
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
Come be the fire inside of me
Come be the flame upon my heart
Come be the fire inside of me
Until You and I are one
So, instead of a Bible verse for the day, I have a strong feeling that God is rejoicing in song just as much as the team is right now for the love, time, and effort that has been shown to the children and adults.
Praise you God forever and ever!
Amy Newberry
Lately, every time I think of the Haiti trip a certain song pops in my head. I am wondering if it could be the theme song for this missions trip. Do missions trips have theme songs? If so, this would be a great song choice.
"You Won't Relent" by Misty Edwards.
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
I'll set You as a seal upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love that is as strong as death
Jealousy, demanding as the grave
Many waters cannot quench this love
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
I'll set You as a seal upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love that is as strong as death
Jealousy, demanding as the grave
Many waters cannot quench this love
Waters cannot quench this love
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
Waters cannot quench this love
You won't relent until You have it all
My heart is Yours
Come be the fire inside of me
Come be the flame upon my heart
Come be the fire inside of me
Until You and I are one
So, instead of a Bible verse for the day, I have a strong feeling that God is rejoicing in song just as much as the team is right now for the love, time, and effort that has been shown to the children and adults.
Praise you God forever and ever!
Amy Newberry
Day 6
Day 6
Day six started out a little slow and with some uncertainty. But it turned out to be one of the fullest days of the week for the team. The plan was to leave at 8am to go to the orphanage and to leave for the beach at 10:30. There was a problem with the rides and finally our van came, we loaded everything up, and the van wouldn’t start. So we got out of the van and prayed. While we were praying, God had laid the song “This is the Day that the Lord has made” on both Jon and my heart, but before we could share it Rob shared it in a prayer. So after a few more prayers, we sang the song, “This is the Day” and gave the day to the Lord. John Skillman would say in our sharing time at the end of the day, that once we gave the day to the Lord, everything began to work out right.
After our prayer time, we found that the van was just out of gas, and we were on our way after 10 or so more minutes. We got to the orphanage quite late, but found we had 30 minutes before the bus would come, which we got to spend with the kids. When the bus came, 110 people got on the bus including the 90 kids, the house moms, Paster Labastille and his family and the LCF team. As Kelly put it, you could just tell it was a special day for kids that probably don’t have so many special days. The girls were in their Sunday best – to go to the beach!. The neighbor kids looked on as the St Louis de Sur kids got on the bus for their field trip. We made our way thru the rough, but beautiful countryside to a Haitian national park beach area. It was great to watch the kids gaze out at the views. Even packed sometimes 4 in a seat, the ride was a real treasure for many of the kids.
When we got to the beach, we all filed out and picked out a spot a little way back from the water in a shady grove of palm trees. In groups of 5 or so, each of the kids went out and waded in the water for several minutes and then went back to the shady area under the palms. There we had fellowship, just hanging out together, many of the LCF team commented that it was the companionship not the ocean that was the center of the day. It was much different than we expected kids to act at a beach.
Yesterday, God had put the boy, Marck Gerald, on my heart. He had come over to me several times, but was quiet and slightly withdrawn. He kind of smiled, but it was a Mona Lisa smile. I was hoping to connect somehow with him and I prayed for an opportunity. We had brought a shovel and buckets to build a sand castle by the water, but since we weren’t by the water, Brett and I decided to bring the water to our sandy beach under the trees. Brett went to get some water and I started digging with the shovel. Out of 90 kids, who do you think came over to ask to dig with the shovel but Marck Gerald. Isn’t God great? Marck and I built a nice castle with the help of the water from Brett and when I started making a wall across the moat that he had dug, Marck did the same for the other half of the castle. Some of the other kids decorated the wall with domes made filling sand in a half of a plastic egg and after a bunch of photos, we all jumped on the castle and smashed it to smithereens. Marck and the kids had a full smile that day.
We went back to the St Louis de Sur and showed the Jesus Film (in Creole). The new projector worked great. The kids watched intently as the story of Jesus was told. About 15 or so neighbors wondered in and saw the film also. When the film highlighted the parable of the Good Samaritan, many of the our kids talked between themselves that was the story that they had had in one of their lessons. Isn’t it neat how God weaves the message together. (Thanks Bev for preparing that lesson!) The Jesus Story shared the gospel and asked the audience to pray along if they wanted to accept Jesus as their Savior. Please pray that the seed planted tonight would bear fruit in the lives of our kids and the neighbors that visited.
At the end of the day, Scott shared that he had been a little perturbed that the day started out like it did. Samuel, our interpreter, told Scott that maybe God wanted to show us what it is like everyday for the Christians in Haiti. There are a lot of struggles, but we take joy in knowing that God is our strength. Samuel said happiness is for a time, but the Joy of the Lord is forever. May the God’s Joy fill your life, it certainly filled ours today and the day that started out weak finished strong thru God’s Grace.
We have a big Sunday ahead of us tomorrow with two church services and the foot washing time with the kids before saying the hard goodbye’s tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers.
Gregg and Jon Lehenbauer
Day six started out a little slow and with some uncertainty. But it turned out to be one of the fullest days of the week for the team. The plan was to leave at 8am to go to the orphanage and to leave for the beach at 10:30. There was a problem with the rides and finally our van came, we loaded everything up, and the van wouldn’t start. So we got out of the van and prayed. While we were praying, God had laid the song “This is the Day that the Lord has made” on both Jon and my heart, but before we could share it Rob shared it in a prayer. So after a few more prayers, we sang the song, “This is the Day” and gave the day to the Lord. John Skillman would say in our sharing time at the end of the day, that once we gave the day to the Lord, everything began to work out right.
After our prayer time, we found that the van was just out of gas, and we were on our way after 10 or so more minutes. We got to the orphanage quite late, but found we had 30 minutes before the bus would come, which we got to spend with the kids. When the bus came, 110 people got on the bus including the 90 kids, the house moms, Paster Labastille and his family and the LCF team. As Kelly put it, you could just tell it was a special day for kids that probably don’t have so many special days. The girls were in their Sunday best – to go to the beach!. The neighbor kids looked on as the St Louis de Sur kids got on the bus for their field trip. We made our way thru the rough, but beautiful countryside to a Haitian national park beach area. It was great to watch the kids gaze out at the views. Even packed sometimes 4 in a seat, the ride was a real treasure for many of the kids.
When we got to the beach, we all filed out and picked out a spot a little way back from the water in a shady grove of palm trees. In groups of 5 or so, each of the kids went out and waded in the water for several minutes and then went back to the shady area under the palms. There we had fellowship, just hanging out together, many of the LCF team commented that it was the companionship not the ocean that was the center of the day. It was much different than we expected kids to act at a beach.
Yesterday, God had put the boy, Marck Gerald, on my heart. He had come over to me several times, but was quiet and slightly withdrawn. He kind of smiled, but it was a Mona Lisa smile. I was hoping to connect somehow with him and I prayed for an opportunity. We had brought a shovel and buckets to build a sand castle by the water, but since we weren’t by the water, Brett and I decided to bring the water to our sandy beach under the trees. Brett went to get some water and I started digging with the shovel. Out of 90 kids, who do you think came over to ask to dig with the shovel but Marck Gerald. Isn’t God great? Marck and I built a nice castle with the help of the water from Brett and when I started making a wall across the moat that he had dug, Marck did the same for the other half of the castle. Some of the other kids decorated the wall with domes made filling sand in a half of a plastic egg and after a bunch of photos, we all jumped on the castle and smashed it to smithereens. Marck and the kids had a full smile that day.
We went back to the St Louis de Sur and showed the Jesus Film (in Creole). The new projector worked great. The kids watched intently as the story of Jesus was told. About 15 or so neighbors wondered in and saw the film also. When the film highlighted the parable of the Good Samaritan, many of the our kids talked between themselves that was the story that they had had in one of their lessons. Isn’t it neat how God weaves the message together. (Thanks Bev for preparing that lesson!) The Jesus Story shared the gospel and asked the audience to pray along if they wanted to accept Jesus as their Savior. Please pray that the seed planted tonight would bear fruit in the lives of our kids and the neighbors that visited.
At the end of the day, Scott shared that he had been a little perturbed that the day started out like it did. Samuel, our interpreter, told Scott that maybe God wanted to show us what it is like everyday for the Christians in Haiti. There are a lot of struggles, but we take joy in knowing that God is our strength. Samuel said happiness is for a time, but the Joy of the Lord is forever. May the God’s Joy fill your life, it certainly filled ours today and the day that started out weak finished strong thru God’s Grace.
We have a big Sunday ahead of us tomorrow with two church services and the foot washing time with the kids before saying the hard goodbye’s tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers.
Gregg and Jon Lehenbauer
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Isaiah 35:10
Today's verse centers around JOY. A joy that only God can provide no matter what the day brings.
Isaiah 35:10
...They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
*Just a reminder that the prayer group will meet again Monday morning at 6am at the church house.
Amy Newberry
Isaiah 35:10
...They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
*Just a reminder that the prayer group will meet again Monday morning at 6am at the church house.
Amy Newberry
Friday, October 15, 2010
Day 5
Tonight, our bodies are exhausted, but our hearts are overflowing with the spirit. God is providing for our needs in Haiti, as we try to help meet the needs of these kids.
"I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth" (Psalms 121:1-2).
God used all of us in a lot of different ways today, and he is really showing us the needs that each kid has here. Today the team finished putting the second coat of white paint on the inside of the Church, and John and Gregg put a solar powered fan in the roof of the kitchen, which really helps to keep the smoke out of the room when cooking, and the temperature much cooler. John said the mamas were very excited to have it, and very appreciative. Kelly, Cindy and Jenna were also able to spend some time with the mamas and Samuel (our interpretor) while the kids were in school. The shower house concrete was finished, and the drain is working as we hoped it would. The kids seem to be quite anxious to use it. They even decorated the concrete walls on the outside of the shower house with beautiful pictures in colorful chalk.
God gave us a lot of time to spend loving the kids today, because they got out of school a little early. Before singing some songs, each of the kids made an egg shaker with rice, decorated with stickers and their names. The kids eyes lit up as they all started to shake them at the same time during the first song. They were a big hit. After the kids ate their big meal for the day, we had a variety of crafts that the kids could make. Kelly, Cindy and Jenna made friendship bracelets with some of the kids, and Rob, Jonathan and I made paper airplanes with the kids (or avion in creole). John hung pictures of previous LCF trip teams on the dorm walls, and Gregg got some help from some of the boys when measuring the buildings for a layout of the orphanage. The boys really loved holding the end of the tape measure. Kelly is still seeing kids each day to assess their medical needs, and is making a lot of progress.
When playing with some of the older boys today, they wanted me to throw them in the air, just like you often see a father do with his very young son or daughter. I couldn't help but think that these older boys have never been able to have that experience with an earthly father. It really touched me to see the smiles light up their faces as they held on tightly to my shirt as they went high into the air, not certain on the first time that I would catch them on the way down. It was a moment I'll never forget, and I know that many of the team here had experiences like this today that they will never forget.
Tomorrow, the team is taking all of the kids to the beach, which is about a 25 minute drive from the orphange. For most of them, it may be their first time outside of the orphanage, and we can't wait to see their faces when they see the ocean for the first time. It will truly be an amazing day, and we know that God is going to reveal himself to these kids even more than he already has tomorrow. Pray for us as we continue to look for ways to love each kid in the way that they need, and pray that God would continue to work on the heart of each kid at the orphanage.
Brett Blanton
"I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth" (Psalms 121:1-2).
God used all of us in a lot of different ways today, and he is really showing us the needs that each kid has here. Today the team finished putting the second coat of white paint on the inside of the Church, and John and Gregg put a solar powered fan in the roof of the kitchen, which really helps to keep the smoke out of the room when cooking, and the temperature much cooler. John said the mamas were very excited to have it, and very appreciative. Kelly, Cindy and Jenna were also able to spend some time with the mamas and Samuel (our interpretor) while the kids were in school. The shower house concrete was finished, and the drain is working as we hoped it would. The kids seem to be quite anxious to use it. They even decorated the concrete walls on the outside of the shower house with beautiful pictures in colorful chalk.
God gave us a lot of time to spend loving the kids today, because they got out of school a little early. Before singing some songs, each of the kids made an egg shaker with rice, decorated with stickers and their names. The kids eyes lit up as they all started to shake them at the same time during the first song. They were a big hit. After the kids ate their big meal for the day, we had a variety of crafts that the kids could make. Kelly, Cindy and Jenna made friendship bracelets with some of the kids, and Rob, Jonathan and I made paper airplanes with the kids (or avion in creole). John hung pictures of previous LCF trip teams on the dorm walls, and Gregg got some help from some of the boys when measuring the buildings for a layout of the orphanage. The boys really loved holding the end of the tape measure. Kelly is still seeing kids each day to assess their medical needs, and is making a lot of progress.
When playing with some of the older boys today, they wanted me to throw them in the air, just like you often see a father do with his very young son or daughter. I couldn't help but think that these older boys have never been able to have that experience with an earthly father. It really touched me to see the smiles light up their faces as they held on tightly to my shirt as they went high into the air, not certain on the first time that I would catch them on the way down. It was a moment I'll never forget, and I know that many of the team here had experiences like this today that they will never forget.
Tomorrow, the team is taking all of the kids to the beach, which is about a 25 minute drive from the orphange. For most of them, it may be their first time outside of the orphanage, and we can't wait to see their faces when they see the ocean for the first time. It will truly be an amazing day, and we know that God is going to reveal himself to these kids even more than he already has tomorrow. Pray for us as we continue to look for ways to love each kid in the way that they need, and pray that God would continue to work on the heart of each kid at the orphanage.
Brett Blanton
UPDATED prayer time for Saturday
We will be meeting at 9am tomorrow morning (Saturday) at the church house to pray for the Haiti team. Please spread the word!
Amy
Amy
Psalm 105:4
It is 3am and I am awake. I fully believe that God woke me up. I started thinking about the children at the orphanage as they are sleeping right now. Hoping they are in a blissful sleep. Trying to sense their excitement as the team showers them with God's love. Praying that the team is getting enough sleep so that they can have the strength to do God's will on this trip. I fully believe that God uses our church body to be involved in this trip even while the team is so far away. He wants us to be prayer warriors.
Keep praying! God is doing MIGHTY things in St. Louis du Sud!
Today's Bible verse:
Psalm 105:4
Look to the Lord and his strength: seek His face always.
Amy Newberry
Keep praying! God is doing MIGHTY things in St. Louis du Sud!
Today's Bible verse:
Psalm 105:4
Look to the Lord and his strength: seek His face always.
Amy Newberry
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Day 4
Day 4 in Haiti has been our most productive so far in terms of our projects, which translates into the longest and hottest for us. As John, Greg, Rob and Brett poured a new shower floor for much of the day and the rest of us painted the inside of the sanctuary we were amazed we could sweat that much and still function. Pastor Scott spent hours up on a ladder while Jon, Cindy, Jenna, and I tried to get more paint on the walls than on ourselves. Kid-wise, we are almost done weighing and measuring all the kids. This will give us a good baseline in the future to assess their nutrition and health. They like the digital scale and dont quite understand why we want to know how tall they are. We are teaching them to take a vitamin everyday and have brought enough to last until the next team comes in January.
They are starting to realize that I (Kelli) am the nurse and today started bringing me their friends who needed a bandage or didnt feel good. Several have infected sores but so far nothing too serious as far as I can tell.
We also distributed the shoes and clothes that we brought for the children after their lunch...those who didn't have shoes were fitted for shoes first, then all the kids chose clothing items (shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses for church, etc). This took quite awhile to try to fit everyone, especially with the language barrier and only 1 available interpreter.
It has become a daily ritual for singing a few songs in Creole and English with the children and play-time is always a highlight! The kids love popping bubbles with Kelli, dancing and throwing the football with Brett, playing soccer and taking her camera and loving on Jenna, jumping rope with Cindy, watching in awe as the men worked on the shower, following Pastor Scott around, and listening to Jon play guitar and watching the videos on his camera.
A great experience has been getting to know our Haitian interpreter, Samuel. God has blessed us with the perfect man for the job as we need him for nearly everything. He lives 2 houses down from Pastor Lewis' house, drives with us to and from the orphanage, and eats dinner with us every night. He is definitely a part of our team, and a vital part at that.
Our team (plus Samuel) has bonded during the trip, uniting us to serve each other and serve God's purpose for us. God is teaching us many lessons to share with our LCF family and providing us many chances to experience His love and joy. It is so clear, especially here, that He is our only hope. Continue to pray for our team and the orphans that we will see Jesus' love and accomplish our mission here.
Love, Kelli Carr and Jenna Turner
They are starting to realize that I (Kelli) am the nurse and today started bringing me their friends who needed a bandage or didnt feel good. Several have infected sores but so far nothing too serious as far as I can tell.
We also distributed the shoes and clothes that we brought for the children after their lunch...those who didn't have shoes were fitted for shoes first, then all the kids chose clothing items (shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses for church, etc). This took quite awhile to try to fit everyone, especially with the language barrier and only 1 available interpreter.
It has become a daily ritual for singing a few songs in Creole and English with the children and play-time is always a highlight! The kids love popping bubbles with Kelli, dancing and throwing the football with Brett, playing soccer and taking her camera and loving on Jenna, jumping rope with Cindy, watching in awe as the men worked on the shower, following Pastor Scott around, and listening to Jon play guitar and watching the videos on his camera.
A great experience has been getting to know our Haitian interpreter, Samuel. God has blessed us with the perfect man for the job as we need him for nearly everything. He lives 2 houses down from Pastor Lewis' house, drives with us to and from the orphanage, and eats dinner with us every night. He is definitely a part of our team, and a vital part at that.
Our team (plus Samuel) has bonded during the trip, uniting us to serve each other and serve God's purpose for us. God is teaching us many lessons to share with our LCF family and providing us many chances to experience His love and joy. It is so clear, especially here, that He is our only hope. Continue to pray for our team and the orphans that we will see Jesus' love and accomplish our mission here.
Love, Kelli Carr and Jenna Turner
Acts 11:21
At the Haiti prayer group yesterday morning, there was a mom praying for her daughter while she is on this trip. She shared Acts 11:21 with us to pray over the team. Words to live by...
Acts 11:21
The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Praise you, Lord!
*Praise God that the team has internet access to blog about their days!
*Praise God for pinwheels!
*Praise God for the children wanting to be helpers!
*Pray that the weather is dry for the next two days to finish the projects
*Pray for the video about Jesus can be shown and that lives are changed because of it
*Pray that the team can show God's love to each child that lives there.
*Pray that God fills the team up with blessings beyond measure
Amy Newberry
Acts 11:21
The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Praise you, Lord!
*Praise God that the team has internet access to blog about their days!
*Praise God for pinwheels!
*Praise God for the children wanting to be helpers!
*Pray that the weather is dry for the next two days to finish the projects
*Pray for the video about Jesus can be shown and that lives are changed because of it
*Pray that the team can show God's love to each child that lives there.
*Pray that God fills the team up with blessings beyond measure
Amy Newberry
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Day 3
From pinwheels, to young boys handling the tools (yes, saws and drills) and hours spent in hardware stores (they do not look like Home Depots here) it has been an interesting day.
We tried to get out early from our guest house and hoped to be at the school by 9 a.m. but 4 hardware stores and a few hours later we got to the school about 11 a.m. We did get many of the supplies we needed to prep the shower building for a new floor, getting paint for the inside of the church and John and Gregg used their work force of 15 boys helping them to hang three lights for the facility.
After school let out, aside from the time working on projects, time was spent just loving the kids, doing Bible story time, praise songs and making pinwheels (and the video will make you smile of the children running and having their new toy spin in the wind).
The shower facility is something to behold and after a very intense cleaning we hope to put in a floor that allows for better draining...so pray for great weather so we can complete this project in the next 2 days. The painting of the church is for all of us that do not have the skill of John and Gregg (more like Tim Taylor-Home Improvement) and we hope also to complete that in the next 2 days.
It is a true privilege to be here and watch God in action with these kids and the people who support them. In 1 John 1:1, it talks about "we have seen with our eyes and what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life". It is so impactful to watch and act and know the love of God is in these children.
Thank you for the support LCF has shown our team. We are blessed to be here.
Rob Miller and John Skillman
We tried to get out early from our guest house and hoped to be at the school by 9 a.m. but 4 hardware stores and a few hours later we got to the school about 11 a.m. We did get many of the supplies we needed to prep the shower building for a new floor, getting paint for the inside of the church and John and Gregg used their work force of 15 boys helping them to hang three lights for the facility.
After school let out, aside from the time working on projects, time was spent just loving the kids, doing Bible story time, praise songs and making pinwheels (and the video will make you smile of the children running and having their new toy spin in the wind).
The shower facility is something to behold and after a very intense cleaning we hope to put in a floor that allows for better draining...so pray for great weather so we can complete this project in the next 2 days. The painting of the church is for all of us that do not have the skill of John and Gregg (more like Tim Taylor-Home Improvement) and we hope also to complete that in the next 2 days.
It is a true privilege to be here and watch God in action with these kids and the people who support them. In 1 John 1:1, it talks about "we have seen with our eyes and what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life". It is so impactful to watch and act and know the love of God is in these children.
Thank you for the support LCF has shown our team. We are blessed to be here.
Rob Miller and John Skillman
Isaiah 43:10
Today's Bible verse for the team:
Isaiah 43:10
"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me."
The team is asking prayers for the projects and the ordering of materials. That it all will go smoothly. They would also like to have good communication and interaction between the translators and the children so that the team can go deeper into talks about Jesus' love for them.
Thank you for your part in this trip... your prayers!
Amy Newberry
Isaiah 43:10
"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me."
The team is asking prayers for the projects and the ordering of materials. That it all will go smoothly. They would also like to have good communication and interaction between the translators and the children so that the team can go deeper into talks about Jesus' love for them.
Thank you for your part in this trip... your prayers!
Amy Newberry
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Text from the team
Here is a text that was received from Scott tonight:
It was a good day. Lots of assessing. John and Greg have things under control. Sand and gravel already delivered. Tomorrow we will attempt to paint inside of the church and clean the shower house floor in preparation for more concrete. Also paid to have masons finish the front of the church. Three dump truck loads of sand were delivered.
The team may post at a later time, but I thought it best to post this text update.
Keep praying! God is working!!
Amy Newberry
It was a good day. Lots of assessing. John and Greg have things under control. Sand and gravel already delivered. Tomorrow we will attempt to paint inside of the church and clean the shower house floor in preparation for more concrete. Also paid to have masons finish the front of the church. Three dump truck loads of sand were delivered.
The team may post at a later time, but I thought it best to post this text update.
Keep praying! God is working!!
Amy Newberry
Day 1 & 2
We had our first full day here in Haiti. Yesterday was a long day of traveling, but after 17 hours we made it to Louis St. Germain's house around 10:15pm. All our flights were on time, and all our luggage made it here-a big praise! Our bus ride from Port-a-Prince to Les Cayes was an exhausting and bumpy 6 hour trip, but luckily there was no car trouble and no problems with crossing rivers. Driving downtown in Port-a-Prince was very sobering, seeing all the devastation and debris from the earthquake. There are still many living in makeshift tents 9 months after the fact and the poverty is heart-breaking.
Today when we arrived at our orphanage around 10:00am, the kids were in school. After we took a look around the buildings they let the kids out for a break and we got to meet them. What sweet, beautiful children! There are still around 90 kids here, only a couple of different faces than when the last team came in June. We got to visit just a little before they went back to finish their school for the day. (they get out each day at 1:00pm) We decided on a couple of work projects that we will be doing each morning while the kids are in school; painting the inside of the church, adding a drain in the shower house, and putting an exhaust fan in the building where they cook. From 1-5pm we got to enjoy getting to know the kids and hanging out with them. We also did a craft, worked on a bible verse, and sang songs with them, they have such sweet voices! We are looking forward to seeing them each day and appreciate all your prayers for us.
Cindy Davis
Today when we arrived at our orphanage around 10:00am, the kids were in school. After we took a look around the buildings they let the kids out for a break and we got to meet them. What sweet, beautiful children! There are still around 90 kids here, only a couple of different faces than when the last team came in June. We got to visit just a little before they went back to finish their school for the day. (they get out each day at 1:00pm) We decided on a couple of work projects that we will be doing each morning while the kids are in school; painting the inside of the church, adding a drain in the shower house, and putting an exhaust fan in the building where they cook. From 1-5pm we got to enjoy getting to know the kids and hanging out with them. We also did a craft, worked on a bible verse, and sang songs with them, they have such sweet voices! We are looking forward to seeing them each day and appreciate all your prayers for us.
Cindy Davis
Safely there
I received word that the team arrived safely in Haiti. Praise God!
I do not have any details than that at this time.
Keep praying for them!
Amy Newberry
I do not have any details than that at this time.
Keep praying for them!
Amy Newberry
Matthew 18:1-5
Daily verse for the Haiti team:
Matthew 18:1-5
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."
Praying for the team to have a glorious day with the orphans and the Haitian people!
Amy Newberry
Matthew 18:1-5
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."
Praying for the team to have a glorious day with the orphans and the Haitian people!
Amy Newberry
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ready, Set, God!
God is in control of the missions trip to Haiti that will begin tomorrow. In the last few days, God revealed who He destined to go on this trip. Due to personal circumstances, two members will stay behind while another church member has quickly prepared herself to join the team. Praise God that He is the ultimate travel agent with all the details for this trip!
Job 37:5 : God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.
Pray for the team as they go in unity and flexibility to minister to the orphans in St. Louis du Sud this week.
Please pray for all aspects of this trip...from beginning to end. May Jesus be glorified in every detail!
Amy Newberry
Job 37:5 : God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.
Pray for the team as they go in unity and flexibility to minister to the orphans in St. Louis du Sud this week.
Please pray for all aspects of this trip...from beginning to end. May Jesus be glorified in every detail!
Amy Newberry
Sunday, October 3, 2010
In preparation for a trip...even if you aren't going
God is preparing the upcoming trip to Haiti on October 11-18. How does God prepare for the trip? By preparing the hearts and minds of all of the team members that are going. God also prepares the Haitian orphans and the adults as they receive blessings both physical and spiritual once the team arrives.
How does God use those of us that are not going on the trip? What is our involvement on this very important journey to Haiti? Do we even need to be involved? Proverbs 16:3 says "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." So, guess what? The exciting part about God is that He involves all of us in His plans for this world.
Those of us that are not on the physical journey to Haiti can commit to being involved to help with God's plan for the orphanage! God has given me hints to His needs for my commitment to the orphans even though I have not ever step foot on Haitian soil. Many times when I am eating breakfast, a thought about the orphans jumps in my mind. I pray right away for them. I will be teaching in the middle of the day and an image of an orphan from St.Louis that I have not ever met before will pop in my head. I pray right away. At nighttime, I look outside and wonder if the children are tucked in their beds. I pray for them. Each time I feel as sense of peace. God reminds me in my busy day that He needs prayer warriors for the orphans. Prayers that are said even without knowing the details of what to pray. God is in the details.
Whether you are reading this as part of the Haiti team leaving in eight days or whether you just have a heart for the orphans... God needs you. Ask God to help you know what to do to help Him prepare for the upcoming missions trip. There is no doubt in my mind that the team, orphans, and those affiliated with the orphanage will feel your involvement as they commit to the Lord the plans they have for the trip.
In Jesus' Holy name,
Amy Newberry
How does God use those of us that are not going on the trip? What is our involvement on this very important journey to Haiti? Do we even need to be involved? Proverbs 16:3 says "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." So, guess what? The exciting part about God is that He involves all of us in His plans for this world.
Those of us that are not on the physical journey to Haiti can commit to being involved to help with God's plan for the orphanage! God has given me hints to His needs for my commitment to the orphans even though I have not ever step foot on Haitian soil. Many times when I am eating breakfast, a thought about the orphans jumps in my mind. I pray right away for them. I will be teaching in the middle of the day and an image of an orphan from St.Louis that I have not ever met before will pop in my head. I pray right away. At nighttime, I look outside and wonder if the children are tucked in their beds. I pray for them. Each time I feel as sense of peace. God reminds me in my busy day that He needs prayer warriors for the orphans. Prayers that are said even without knowing the details of what to pray. God is in the details.
Whether you are reading this as part of the Haiti team leaving in eight days or whether you just have a heart for the orphans... God needs you. Ask God to help you know what to do to help Him prepare for the upcoming missions trip. There is no doubt in my mind that the team, orphans, and those affiliated with the orphanage will feel your involvement as they commit to the Lord the plans they have for the trip.
In Jesus' Holy name,
Amy Newberry
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