MULTIPLY

We lost power last night just before I could post the blog. Sorry for the lack of communication.  We are currently in the Fort Lauderdale airport.  Below is the blog from last night.  Also the January 10th blog was written by Kelsey, sorry I forgot to sign my name.

We started the week with Amy sharing Mark 8:1-10 emphasizing the word multiply. As usual, God was spot on speaking through her.  We have all had moments this week when the word multiply has struck us.  We were lessened to 7 people a few days before take off and while John and his skills have been missed, God's sovereignty is overwhelming.  I felt our appreciation for the inner workings of the children's home was multiplied as a few of us learned how to do laundry and witnessed how hard the mamas work. Our love for the children multiplied each day we spent with them.  Janese saw the impact of the school multiplied as the teachers embraced kinesthetic learning.  Frustrations were multiplied as Micah and Rick struggled through construction projects, but the joy of the children multiplied when we turned the lights on.  The bond between LCF and Haiti as well as the number of people working were multiplied as we worked together shoveling rubble and cleaning up the community.  The bond between LCF and SDLG was multiplied as we worshipped with them throughout the week and sat in on their leadership meeting this afternoon.  Our love for each other and the Vavals multiplied as we laughed and fellowshipped this week.  Our love for God and His work among the nations multiplied as we have been humbly included this week.
Thank you for your prayers.

With love & and for the kingdom

Kelsey

Acts 17:24-27: Update from Janese

Today's verse:

Acts 17:24-27

²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

Update from Janese via text:
Power, internet, and water have been very intermittent lately.  The earthquake service was 4 hours.  It was filled with great joy.  Much healing has occurred since last year. Praise God!  Micah spoke last night and did a great job. The sermon was from an American pastor that is a missionary from Brazil.  SDLG often seems like the UN for Jesus.  We love it.  Thanks for all your prayers and support.

Friday we went out of the gates of SDLG and cleaned up trash from the streets and the open drainage ditches in the neighborhoods around the church.  When we first began, we joined a small group of men from the church that had already started.  People were curious and a few said "good job" but none joined us.  Halfway down the first street, some kids started to join in.  Then a few adults.  By the third street, more Haitians than Americans were participating.  Some Haitians were giving others a hard time for letting the Americans work when when they were not.  Moise was very pleased of this outcome.  

The orphans got new shoes.  I don't know of any more precious words than an orphan saying "thank you" from the depths of his heart after being fitted for new shoes.  One little guy just kept running laps around the yard in his new fast and protective shoes.  At the close of the Anniversary, the congregation and children danced with joy.  We were blessed to be able to join them.  Great day in Haiti.


*On a sidenote:  I learned on the news last night that the unemployment rate in Haiti is 70% .  I didn't realize it was that high.  Pray for God's intervention with the governmental policies to help Haitians become employed and educated to create a positive future for Haiti.

Blessings,
Amy

Limited internet and power this week

Good morning,
Janese texted me to say she will try to blog what the team has been doing some time when she is at the SDLG church this morning.  Power and internet have been intermittent.  If she is not able to blog, she texted me to tell me to update the blog with what the team has done.  Bonds are building between the team and the local Haitians, not to mention those adorable children at the SDLG children's home.  If she is unable to blog, I will update as best that I can so those reading can continue to rejoice and pray for God's powerful glory being shown on the trip.

Blessings,
Amy

Haiti Earthquake Anniversary today

Today (Jan. 12) is the actual anniversary date of the earthquake in Haiti.  Thank you, Bev, for the correction.

Continue to pray for the people of Haiti as we all know that an anniversary of any kind of loss is thought of in the days before, the day of, and the days after.  May God heal and restore especially during this time.

Blessings,
Amy

Isaiah 26:12

Today's verse:

Isaiah 26:12 (NIV)
Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Pray that the team experiences the joy in serving, the peace of God's provisions, and the encouragement of forming new bonds with the Haitian children and adults.

The last prayer time is at 7 pm tonight. Call 415-8508 for information.

Blessings,
Amy

Esther 4:14: For Such a Time as This

Please continue to pray for the team as they search and live out God's plan for this week.  They are a dedicated team to seeking and searching God's will.  May God give them a sense of a peace that He is beyond thrilled at their efforts.

A special reminder that today is the 3rd anniversary of the earthquake.  Please pray for the Haitians in general.  Please pray a special prayer for the Vavals because this is the day that their son perished in the earthquake on this day.  Unimaginable losses to be remembered today.

Today's verse:

Esther 4:14

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

This team was meant for this year, this month, this week, this day, this hour to be in Haiti serving God and loving the orphans through hugs, service, and smiles. 

*Haiti prayer time:  7 pm Saturday at my house.  Call 415-8508 for information.  

Blessings,
Amy

God is exalted!

In the midst of our confusion and feelings of inadequacy and lack of progress, God is exalting himself among the nations (Psalm 46:10)! The day started with great fun playing with the children from school during their break.  Some kids figured out that they could jump on my back by standing on the railing; we hit the ground once, but having six kids hanging on you at once is totally worth it! After break Ashley scraped paint off the floor in the children's home.  Rick and Micah (with some help from the women) attempted to install the pedestal sinks but discovered that the plumbing was inconsistent, which resulted in a road block.  They would not admit it, but they have made great progress amidst several road blocks.  The men also installed the utility sink after Rick re-plumbed it.  It is not yet functional but it is in place and will be functional tomorrow! Tami and I screwed light bulbs in the children's home.  Peterson and Orlondo were in the bedroom when I screwed in the first bulb and tried to convince me to get down from the bed but then I flipped the switch and the light came on.  An unforgettable grin came across both of their faces and they ran to give me a huge hug.  We do not work the praise of men, but praise from orphans for light bulbs is powerful.  The kids seemed a bit more tired today so the play time was less intense but that resulted in lots of time simply loving on children.  A little boy whose name I cannot pronounce was hanging out in the children's home this morning.  He didn't engage with anyone so I went over to him and he kind of sat on my lap.  Then he looked at me, looked down, looked at me, then peed his pants.  Orlondo, who is 10, jumped into my arms at noon when school got out.  He placed his head on my shoulder and was asleep shortly after. I rotated between holding other children in my other arm.  I always feel so unworthy to have the privilege of holding orphans like that because they are so near to God's heart.  Orlondo held tight until it was time for us to leave the children's home around 3:30.  Erica had a couple children nap on her lap as well. Micah spent a good portion of the day at a hardware store again but progress is coming.  Today was Janese and Erica's last day of teacher training.  It has been a great learning experience.  The teachers were excited about adding teaching tools to their classrooms.  Janese felt like the teachers' appreciation and excitement level increased throughout the training and resulted in a deep feeling of partnership with the school.  The women tried to decorate the teacher's rooms but struggled getting anything to stick on the walls.  The frustration was slightly overwhelming but the verse of the day was a great encouragement.  The team had a great time of reflection on the day and attempts to better anything possible tonight.  God willing, the men will finish some projects in the children's home while the women move rubble tomorrow morning.

Psalm 71:14

Today's verse:
But as for me,  I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

The team is having an amazing trip!  Praise God!

Blessings,
Amy

Bonjour from Haiti!

Today we had the privilege of serving the "Mamas" (the caretakers of the orphans) by learning how to do laundry.  Mama Jina taught Kelsey, Tami, Ashley and Erica how to properly remove stains by scrubbing with a ball of soap. We washed and rubbed the clothes several times before they were laid out to dry. We were humbled by the Mamas patience because we had no idea what we were doing! They spoke a little English, so we got the opportunity to talk to them and figure out more of their background. It was a very enjoyable experience! The process was very rigorous and we now have a new found appreciation for our washing machines and our mothers! In the afternoon, we held a VBS, where we had a bible story, snacks and a craft. The children loved the necklaces we made, but their favorite thing is Play Doh. This occupied them for hours!

While we were doing this, Rick and Micah were out buying supplies for construction. This is not an easy process, so it took them all day. They were disappointed in the things that they accomplished, but it is no easy task to negotiate and buy products in Haiti. They started to hang wires in the classroom for the students to put their artwork on. The Haitians love to have their rooms decorated, so we are sure they will love this! Their project was interrupted though because we had church tonight. A friend that is staying at Moise's, Pastor Don, talked during the sermon and did a lovely job presenting the gospel. About thirty minutes into the service, all the children from the orphanage came running into the church. They all came and sat down next to us and they were fast asleep by the end of the service. How wonderful to be able to share those precious moments with the children.

The verse that we meditated on today was Acts 2 25-28. The verse talks about possessing a joyful heart and rejoicing through all circumstances. After church tonight, it was evident that nobody does this better than the Haitians. They love being at church and worshiping Jesus. It was incredible to come alongside our fellow brothers and sisters and worship one God. Even though the service was in another language, it was extremely powerful.

Needless to say, everything is going very well here in Haiti! Micah has a cough, but other than that everyone is healthy and happy to be here. We appreciate your prayers and we urge you to continue praying for the Vaval family, the students, and the orphans!

 Bonne Nuit!
 Erica and Tami 

Acts 2:25-28

What a blessed report from Haiti.  I think their Twitter is a struggle to use, but they will blog.  I will keep everyone posted on texts as well.

Today's verse:  Acts 2:25-28
David said about him: "I saw the Lord always before me.  Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.  You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in our presence.

Prayer group is tonight at 7pm and on Saturday at 7pm.

Blessings,
Amy

The Choosing of the Seven

Good evening from PAP!   Janese shared a verse with us this morning that was powerful and a nice way to start our day....Acts 6: 1-6 - The Choosing of the Seven.  As we all looked around the breakfast table chatting, we were reminded that we are all here to serve and within each of us is our own gift we bring to Haiti that God has graciously given.  We want others who have never been on a mission or to Haiti to be encouraged and reminded that we don't have to specialize in something like medicine, teaching, etc., but that we each harvest our own special and unique qualities that are needed here.  As we looked around the table at the 7 of us, it was evident that we were there for a very purposeful reason that God has planned.

We made it to the church/children's home this morning with an incredibly flexible and unbinding plan of action for our day. Janese and Erika worked on finalizing their teacher training and performed day one of three of the curriculum training.  Rick & Micah evaluated a variety of needed construction projects to assess cost feasibility and which could be accomplished on our trip.  The rest of us gathered up shovels and buckets and hauled away rubble and rock from the church's grounds where they will eventually pour concrete.  It was amazing to see the help that assembled after we gathered up our tools and started working.  Moise said it had been a struggle to get volunteers to help him move the rock, but when they all saw us dive in, 7 people turned into at least 12!  God is good!

After lunch, the guys went on their trek to get supplies that we'd put on the list.  Janese and Erika worked with the teachers for about and hour while Kelsey, Tami and myself went to go meet the children and play with them!  OVERWHELMING JOY!  These children were SO excited to see us!  They flocked to us and were so excited to hug on us and hold our hands! We got the bubbles out and kicked the balls around for awhile.  We had a few of the children sit on our laps for about an hour just wanting me to hold them, rock them, and love on them. The love these children have in their hearts is indescribable. It's amazing what quality time and attention can do for our hearts and theirs. It was an amazing first day of discovery, increased awareness, and the challenges and blessing we will have the privilege of experiencing this week!

Psalm 119:35 "Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight."

Good night and God Bless!
Ashley

Bondye si bon!

All seven of us and all of our luggage arrived safely in Haiti as scheduled.  We were all surprised at how smooth customs and the whole airport experience went.  The airport looks great! For those of you who have been before, the chaos was at an all time minimum! Kristi, Moise's oldest daughter, met us at the airport.  We picked Francoise up at SDLG then headed to the Vavals for a delicious dinner followed by dessert! Micah, Ashley, Erika, and I played soccer with Junior then I had the privilege of being beaten by Moise is a short game. Your prayers are much appreciated.  I am confident that the Lord has something good in store for us this week and we don't want to miss any part of it.  The plan thus far for tomorrow is to asses the construction type projects and do some teacher training, and I'm sure God has some surprises in store for us!

With love & for the kingdom

Kelsey

Mark 8:1-10: Multiply

The team has safely arrived to Haiti.  They do tweet during their trip, so be sure and follow them on twitter this week.

Today's verse: Mark 8:1-10 
This passage focuses on Jesus feeding 4,000 with just 7 loaves and a few small fish.  Jesus gave thanks for the small meal and then the basket of food overflowed to feed 4,000 people. 

God impressed upon my heart the word "multiply".  When you are praying this week for the team, please pray that God shows them that even though they think they are small or ill-equipped or that the supplies are limited or if they feel like they are not making a difference, that in fact their efforts will be multiplied by God.

Blessings,
Amy

** Prayer times will continue to be at my house.  They are Wednesday 7pm and Saturday 7pm.  Call 415-8508 for directions.

January 7-14, 2013: Psalm 46:11

A team from LCF will be going to Haiti this coming week.  They will be teaming with Moise and Francoise and helping in any way possible with Source de la Grace.

Team members:  Tami Davison, Janese Brown, Kelsey Heuer, Erica Carr, John Skillman, Rick Woods, Ashley Kohles, and Micah Kohles

Prayer needs:  pray for the health and safety of the team members, that they will have translators during the week, pray for necessary supplies and needs to be met, and most importantly, pray for the Holy Spirit to intercede minute by minute for the team to know the direction God wants them to take each day

Prayer times:
A prayer vigil will be held on Monday (7th), Wednesday (9th), and Saturday (12th) at my house (Amy Newberry) at 7pm each of those evenings.  Please call 415-8508 for directions.  We live near LCF.

Verse for the trip: 
Psalm 46: 11:   The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.


Blessings, 
Amy

Worthy is the Lamb to be Praised!

Sorry to have not written the blog Thurs night as planned.  Then we wrote this blog last night (Friday) but couldn’t get internet at DFW, so here it is today . . .

When we got home from the SDLG Children’s Home (Thursday) after eating supper at the church and saying our goodbyes, the Vaval family surprised us with a delightful time of fellowship and delicious Haitian pastries, cakes and ice cream!  We thanked them for making us feel like family this week, for welcoming us and all the LCF teams with open arms and hearts!

Thursday was another full day, hitting the 95+ degree mark most of the day with 100% humidity!  We ladies met with Francoise to ask her about needs of the Children’s Home.  She is the “one in charge” as Moise puts it, and it is obvious that she is loved and respected by the caregivers, the cook/laundry helpers, and the kids themselves.  We (through your giving) were able to help with school books for the 14 boys, with necessary cooking utensils & pots, and left the funds to have their carpenter build shelves for the kids to each have a cubby hole for their belongings. 

By the way, KeKe (the little girl, whose mother is paralyzed, and was dropped off by her half-brother early in the week with a small purse filled with her belongings) is adjusting to her new life.  She is healthy, and is satisfied with her new friends.  But her sadness still seems to be just below the surface.

Heidi found out in conversation with James (15 year old who speaks a small amount of English) that his family all died in the earthquake 2+ years ago, and to his knowledge he is the only one left.  He previously played on a soccer team and, after his home was destroyed, actually lived in the soccer club for a while, until IBESR (Haiti Family Services) placed him in a home, then let him come to SDLG 3 weeks ago when they opened their Children’s Home.  He is happy to be there but misses his family and soccer.  He appears to be a very talented soccer player, but the thing that really stands out about James is his tender serving heart.  He quietly serves the other kids before he eats, and provides a calming touch or word when little arguments break out among the boys.  His eyes are a touching combination of kindness and sadness.  Please pray for him.

Mark & Matt completed the pulling of electrical wire in the school (at least as much as we purchased), under the enjoyable and excellent direction of Opelco, who we’ve worked with before and look forward to working with again.  Joe constructed, set up (in the home’s concrete front yard) and joined the boys in using the wood soccer goals made from available scraps on the property.  They were definitely a hit!  These boys went through 2 soccer balls in one week!  Not kidding!  Joe, Matt & Samuel went down the street, at James’ advice, and bought the home 2 street soccer balls (which should last until January!). 

With one of our Bible stories/skits yesterday, Drew played Jesus as He welcomed the children and blessed them.  They loved being the aim and focus of the story and then eagerly let us lay hands on them and pray for them “Haitian-style” (out loud and simultaneous), then Samuel interpreted as Jesus (Drew) prayed for their precious young lives and hearts.  

 
















The Holy Spirit was very present there on the tile floor of the front porch, in the 97 degree heat, as the rice cooked over a fire, and the goat bleated loudly nearby.  It all felt very right!  Bondye se bon!  
















Giraud (pronounced by us as “Geo”, principal of the school and right-hand man to Moise) told me last night that Creole is the only language with a word for God that actually means “Good God” rather than just God.  So “Bondye se bon” literally says “Good God is so good!”  We can learn much from our Haitian family in Christ about true thankfulness.  It was a blessed week! 

With much gratitude,

Bev

Behold the Lamb and Live in Response

The gospel is awesome!  No matter what country you set foot in, it is the most important truth that can be shared and received. As Mark exclaimed in his prayer tonight at church service, "Thank you, Jesus, that you are the one true hope of the world!"

John the Baptist told his followers when he first saw Jesus: "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Jesus, we want to behold you every day and serve you in response. We hope that you were honored today . . .

Today, we beheld the Lamb and experienced the gospel in all the details. It's only by God's grace that we can live and move and act as his children and serve Him. The gospel binds us together as family in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are the sons and daughters of the King, and that means we are brothers and sisters with members of SDLG. (By the way, we are officially family now that Matt drives on Haiti roads and Sara has a Haitian hairdo!)

Sharon and the crew experienced sisterhood on a whole new level today as she taught a group of Haitian women how to sew. (In case you hadn't heard already, we brought quilts made by LCF women for the kids at SDLG. The LCF ladies displayed the quilts during women's ministry on Monday, and the SDLG ladies asked if they could learn how to make them!) Ten women from SDLG showed up to learn! They were so overjoyed to learn a new skill, and they already plan to serve a family that is in need by making a quilt for them! In Sharon's own words, "It couldn't have gone any better!"

Mark, Matt and Opelco finished the electrical wiring for 4 of the 5 rooms on the lower level of the school. Tomorrow they should finish as much as we can do with the wire that we have! It truly is a joy to hear all over campus the echo's of Matt's Creole accent put on English words ("water" is "wat-air"), Opelco's instructions in Creole, and Mark's endearing laughter! They are working really hard and enjoying one another's company!

(Davidson, Matt, Opelco, Mark, Joe)

Bev and I got four quality hours with Moise today to talk about some important matters. We are continuing to form a deeper bond and partnership with our dear brother and with SDLG. What a privilege to spend such quality face-to-face time! God continues to be sovereign over all the details of our trip (why would we expect anything else?).

The other six enjoyed acting out the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) for the children. Mark relished his role as the man going down to Jericho, especially when James and Emerson (two of the boys) got to beat him up, acting as the robbers in the story. Joe got to be the test dummy as we taught the kids about hygiene (brushing teeth, washing hands, and using the toilet). I think Joe himself learned some lessons that he can take back home. Football and parachute were also a hit!

At church tonight, I had the privilege to preach again. We walked through Romans and talked about the common identity and common mission we have with SDLG through the gospel. I focused on Romans 12:1-2 and urged all of us to offer our lives in view of God's great mercies in the gospel. If you haven't read Romans for a while (or even if you have!), go read it with a heart of gratitude and it will basically be the same as you being there tonight, for the preaching at least . . . for the other elements, you just had to be there, but I'll try to explain . . .

The body of SDLG sang a song of blessing over us at the end of the service. As Moise continued to sing, Joe Knittig from Global Orphan Project (what a joy to see him today and worship together . . . he is sleeping here with us tonight) prayed over us and LCF. Also, the rest of the Haitian believers in the sanctuary prayed simultaneously, a beautiful chorus of Creole cries to our King. We were very humbled.  Mark offered a powerful closing prayer for the service, and Matt offered a beautiful benediction (they really were powerful and beautiful . . . I had goosebumps!). What an honor to worship cross-culturally with partners in the gospel.

Man, so many other details the Lord worked out today: Another girl, Nadine, came to live at the children's home. Sara got to sit down with Dr. Archer to go over our health assessments with the kids. It was Samuel's birthday and we sang to him. Matt, Mark, Joe and Opelco made another trip to get wire (on Monday it took 4 hours and today it took less than an hour, and the store was cheaper!). God is so good!


Drew & the Team

Prayer time cancelled for Thursday

The blog reports have been amazing to follow.  The team has done such a wonderful job of explaining what God is doing there through their hands and feet.  God is definitely alive and active!  Praise Him!

Unfortunately, I will need to cancel the Thursday night prayer time at 7pm.  Please continue to lift the team up in prayer as they journey back to Liberty on Friday.

Blessings,
Amy

Loving like the Lamb

Another HOT and humid day in Haiti! We are slowly getting used to nonstop sweating. We experienced the Colonel as our driver for the day, Matt did a great job adapting to the special Haitian way and the back row only hit our heads on the ceiling once. We had lots of projects in progress today.  Our very own Mark and Matt electrical crew partnered with Opelco to put up 5 new solar powered lights on the property and finished pulling wire. 

We had our second sweet little girl join the orphan center in the morning. Neika is also 5 years old like KeKe. They loved coloring and eating snacks along with a huge plate full of beans and rice. They soon were holding hands and had become friends before too long.

While the kids were in school Sharon the expert quilter had Bev, Heidi and Sara at work cutting fabric and patterns in preparation for the women's sewing fellowship tomorrow at 9am. The women have never quilted and really look forward to learning. We are still praying that the Lord will provide all our supplies for the morning such as making sure we have needles, pins, and thread. We'd appreciate your prayers but trust the Lord has a special time planned. 

We were so excited when the bell rang at 1 and the kids got out of school. We had a sweet time of teaching them 2 songs, acting out the prodigal son, and making pin wheels to celebrate the younger sons return. Somehow our poor acting skill kept the kids' attention. We were amazed to see how intently they were listening!! Our prayer is for the story to sink in and for them to know they have a Father who loves them so much. We are looking forward to sharing again tomorrow. We are sensing the Spirit at work in their hearts. Moise told us that most of the kids are street kids and we are surprised to see how quickly they are opening up to us. Pray for us as we hope to have more individual conversations with each child over the next 2 days.

We had a great team meeting tonight hearing reflections from multiple people on how our hearts are being broken in Haiti and challenged that we have a role to play in spreading the good news.  From atop the school house we physically can see a picture of Psalm 8:3-4 "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?"

We look out in the distance from the school and see what God has made, a beautiful country with gorgeous mountains and oceans but then we look straight down and get take a closer look we see poverty, trash, a crowded mess that man has made and then we become extremely grateful that the Lord cares for us, mankind. He pursues a personal relationship with us and shows us his love in order that we may Glorify His Great Name!


Sara on behalf of Team Haiti

Working Hard for the Lamb

A new day with lots of expectations . . .

Mark and Matt fixed doors and knobs at Moise's house. Later,  Mark, Matt, Moise, and Opelco (on-site electrician) went shopping for electrical supplies. Mark, Matt, and Joe were able to start cleaning out the plaster in the electrical boxes.

The ladies spent the morning with Giraud (school principal) delivering school supplies. His reply was, "Dis' is very gooood".

Sara, aided by Heidi and Drew, did medical assessments on the boys at the SDLG Children's home. She found them in relatively good health, which is amazing since most of them had been living on the street.

The ladies shared with the SDLG women's ministry about the quilts. The women were excited and wanted to know if we could teach them how to make them. So, we are all meeting on Wednesday at 9 o'clock for quilting lessons! Please pray for our time together that we would be able to complete a 4 square piece that they can use as a trivet or potholder.

A little girl named Keke (kay-kay) was dropped off at SDLG by her brother. She will be the first girl at the home. Her mother had suffered from a stroke. Please pray for her as she is very scared.

We are all doing well and trying to stay hydrated. Thank you so much for your prayers!

For His Glory,

Sharon & her scribe (Joe)

Worship of the Lamb- Haiti Style

What if we had church for 8 hours on Sundays at LCF?  What if it was 97 degrees with no A/C and all the men wore slacks and dress shirts? What if we blasted the neighbors' roofs off with our music?  What if we danced in the aisles, not caring about our image as we worship the King?

I pondered each of these questions throughout the day today.  I'm not putting forth SDLG as the world's best church or the Hatians as "better" Christians than those in Liberty, MO, but I am willing to let myself be challenged by these thoughts.


We woke up to our alarms at 4:30 AM this morning, 7 out of the 8 of us not really knowing what to expect.  After maneuvering the dark streets of PAP, we pulled up to Source de la Grace to the sound of loud intercessory prayer.  Much music followed, some planned and some spontaneously scheduled into the service by the Holy Spirit.  Walking up to the stage to preach, I felt unworthy.  Especially tonight as I preached on Job, I felt unqualified to teach about God's wisdom and justice to those who have truly experienced intense suffering.



But God's Word is inspired and penetrates hearts in every century and within every continent, country, and culture.  Praise Him for his inerrant, powerful, God-breathed words of life.




We met the 14 boys living at the SDLG "Center" (the name for now until Moise and Francoise give an official one) this afternoon.  Delightful young men!  What a joy to hug them and see them smile. Joe was their favorite (surprise, surprise).  We enjoyed dancing, soccer, writing names, bubbles, licking granola bar wrappers, and black jack gum (ask Mark - it was fun while it lasted!)







Also, last night, we gave the Vavals some birthday gifts that we had brought for them.  They were very appreciative!


 (Pictured: Sara and Kristie Vaval)



Tomorrow we plan to do some health assessments with the kids, organize school supplies with Giraud (school principal), and continue our electrical analysis of the property.  The ladies will meet with the women of the church for women's ministry at 3:30 PM.  Please pray for these things.

More to come tomorrow . . .