The LCF Haiti team will be leaving Monday, April 4 through Monday,April 11. Please pray as they prepare for the trip. Many are feeling the stress of getting ready for a trip with the the to-do list for home, work, school, and a mission's trip. Several of the team members are feeling a little under-the-weather. Please pray for their health to improve as the week goes on. Even with all of the preparation and last minute details, one thing is for certain... the team members are ready to give hugs to the children and to have fun getting to know them!
Here are the Prayer times that will happen daily while the team is on the trip:
(All prayer times are at the LCF church house)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8pm-9pm
Wednesday: 6pm-7pm (before Family Gathering)
Saturday: 9am-10am
Sunday: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Team members that are currently planning on going on the trip:
Andrea Weir
Tyler Weir
Kelsey Heuer
Gregory Heuer
Linda Novak
Lisa Nishimura
Jewel Callahan
Aubrey Callahan
Travis Kreutzer
Brandi Kreutzer
Scott Hickox
Drew Matthews
Sara Matthews
We are asking for prayers for each team member, the children as they enjoy the team's visit, and the adults that are involved in the ministry in Haiti.
We will post more as the trip goes along.
Amy
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
April 4-11: Next LCF Haiti trip
LCF has a Haiti trip planned for April 4-11. Please pray as the team and the LCF leadership prepare for the mission trip.
Even if you are not able to go on the trip, you can donate much needed items for the children: Crocs (children, youth sizes), coloring books, and play-doh. Please bring the items to the Haiti tub located in the Multi-purpose area. I can already see the smiles on the children's faces when they receive the items! Thank you in advance for donating.
Please be praying for the team, the orphans, and the Haitian adults and organizations that are involved in the St. Louis du Sud orphanage. May the trip be a blessing to the people and children of Haiti as well as for the LCF team members.
Job 37:5: God's voice thunders in marvelous ways. He does great things beyond our understanding.
Blessings,
Amy Newberry
Even if you are not able to go on the trip, you can donate much needed items for the children: Crocs (children, youth sizes), coloring books, and play-doh. Please bring the items to the Haiti tub located in the Multi-purpose area. I can already see the smiles on the children's faces when they receive the items! Thank you in advance for donating.
Please be praying for the team, the orphans, and the Haitian adults and organizations that are involved in the St. Louis du Sud orphanage. May the trip be a blessing to the people and children of Haiti as well as for the LCF team members.
Job 37:5: God's voice thunders in marvelous ways. He does great things beyond our understanding.
Blessings,
Amy Newberry
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 7
Always the hardest day on our trips, the day to say goodbye.
More than most, this day was a roller coaster of emotions. From the joy of worshipping with our children, to the sadness of saying goodbye. From the grief of seeing two dead men lying in the road to the pleasure of dining with Moise Vaval in his home and worshipping at his church to end the day. Wow. Those are the cliff notes, read on if you want the more complete version……………..
We left for St. Louis early so we would have a little time with the kiddos before church. We knew we would have to leave immediately after church, so wanted as much time as possible.
From the moment we arrived, the looks on their faces told us they knew. The children are learning, they know the last day is hard. We hugged and took lots of pictures before church started. As always, it is a joy to worship with our orphans. A group of them sang a special song during the service. Everyone on the team had the opportunity to share something with the congregation. There is no doubt the children and the church there know how much we love them, and that an entire church in the US is supporting them. Thank you!
Leaving is bittersweet. Cameron’s French, which has been a blessing all week, was a curse for him on the last day. He hears the children begging us to stay. As difficult as it is, we realized that they are understanding relationship. They are experiencing love, which has always been our goal. It doesn’t make the leaving any easier, but does give us hope they can understand the love of their heavenly Father.
We were on the road to PAP by 11:30, with hopes of stopping at Marie’s (the lady who rescued our June team from the river!). We arrived at Maries about 1:30, but she was not there. She had left for the states just a few days before. We did see some of the staff who had served us in June, and Cameron left pictures for them from the river experience. It is so neat to see how God has allowed us relationships with people around Haiti. It is exciting to think how many we might have years from now.
On our way to PAP, we passed a terrible accident. Two young men were lying in the street dead. It was a vivid reminder of the life and death realities in Haiti. People here are far too accustomed to tragic death. I wondered how long the bodies had been there, would an ambulance come, would they get a funeral, would their family even know? Life in Haiti is hard.
When we arrived in PAP, Moise met us and led us to his home. Moise is the Global Orphan Project country director who was featured on 60 Minutes after the earthquake. His son, John Mark was killed in the earthquake. Moise is an incredible man of God, and what a treat to spend a few hours with he and his wife, Françoise in their home. She prepared a wonderful meal and the fellowship was sweet.
We then had the opportunity to visit his church. The church was destroyed in the earthquake, but the congregation has rebuilt it, and it was dedicated on the one year anniversary of the earthquake, January 12. There were thousands at the dedication service. This was the first Sunday to worship in the new building. What a blessing to celebrate God’s goodness with them. While we could not understand the songs they sung, it was easy to worship with them. Their dependence on the Lord shows in their worship, it is real joy. I had the opportunity to preach, what a humbling experience. It was one of those experiences I will never forget. During the service, the power went out for a minute or so, and God was faithful to just keep us going. Moise prayed to close the service and people were giving their lives to the Lord. The Holy Spirit is moving in Haiti. Thank you Lord for a glimpse of that to give us hope as we return home.
We spent the night at the Global Orphan Project Inn and will head to the airport shortly for our trip home. We are excited to return to families and friends, and to share our experience with others, but a part of us will always remain here. God has used Haiti to change us. I am praying He keeps changing me.
Thank you for all your prayers. We have definitely felt them. God was so good to us on this trip. To Him be the glory and honor and praise.
Blessings
Scott
For Team Haiti
More than most, this day was a roller coaster of emotions. From the joy of worshipping with our children, to the sadness of saying goodbye. From the grief of seeing two dead men lying in the road to the pleasure of dining with Moise Vaval in his home and worshipping at his church to end the day. Wow. Those are the cliff notes, read on if you want the more complete version……………..
We left for St. Louis early so we would have a little time with the kiddos before church. We knew we would have to leave immediately after church, so wanted as much time as possible.
From the moment we arrived, the looks on their faces told us they knew. The children are learning, they know the last day is hard. We hugged and took lots of pictures before church started. As always, it is a joy to worship with our orphans. A group of them sang a special song during the service. Everyone on the team had the opportunity to share something with the congregation. There is no doubt the children and the church there know how much we love them, and that an entire church in the US is supporting them. Thank you!
Leaving is bittersweet. Cameron’s French, which has been a blessing all week, was a curse for him on the last day. He hears the children begging us to stay. As difficult as it is, we realized that they are understanding relationship. They are experiencing love, which has always been our goal. It doesn’t make the leaving any easier, but does give us hope they can understand the love of their heavenly Father.
We were on the road to PAP by 11:30, with hopes of stopping at Marie’s (the lady who rescued our June team from the river!). We arrived at Maries about 1:30, but she was not there. She had left for the states just a few days before. We did see some of the staff who had served us in June, and Cameron left pictures for them from the river experience. It is so neat to see how God has allowed us relationships with people around Haiti. It is exciting to think how many we might have years from now.
On our way to PAP, we passed a terrible accident. Two young men were lying in the street dead. It was a vivid reminder of the life and death realities in Haiti. People here are far too accustomed to tragic death. I wondered how long the bodies had been there, would an ambulance come, would they get a funeral, would their family even know? Life in Haiti is hard.
When we arrived in PAP, Moise met us and led us to his home. Moise is the Global Orphan Project country director who was featured on 60 Minutes after the earthquake. His son, John Mark was killed in the earthquake. Moise is an incredible man of God, and what a treat to spend a few hours with he and his wife, Françoise in their home. She prepared a wonderful meal and the fellowship was sweet.
We then had the opportunity to visit his church. The church was destroyed in the earthquake, but the congregation has rebuilt it, and it was dedicated on the one year anniversary of the earthquake, January 12. There were thousands at the dedication service. This was the first Sunday to worship in the new building. What a blessing to celebrate God’s goodness with them. While we could not understand the songs they sung, it was easy to worship with them. Their dependence on the Lord shows in their worship, it is real joy. I had the opportunity to preach, what a humbling experience. It was one of those experiences I will never forget. During the service, the power went out for a minute or so, and God was faithful to just keep us going. Moise prayed to close the service and people were giving their lives to the Lord. The Holy Spirit is moving in Haiti. Thank you Lord for a glimpse of that to give us hope as we return home.
We spent the night at the Global Orphan Project Inn and will head to the airport shortly for our trip home. We are excited to return to families and friends, and to share our experience with others, but a part of us will always remain here. God has used Haiti to change us. I am praying He keeps changing me.
Thank you for all your prayers. We have definitely felt them. God was so good to us on this trip. To Him be the glory and honor and praise.
Blessings
Scott
For Team Haiti
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Philippians 4:8-9
This is the last day there for the team. The team most likely is feeling many emotions right now. Please be praying that the goodbyes that they say today will be filled with joy and not sorrow. The tears of the team and the children will be full of joy and hope and not sadness. Please pray that the children and the adults in the village will develop a deeper bond with Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Please pray that God stirs their souls.
Specific prayers for the team today:
1. Pray for their last few moments with the children and Pastor and his wife along with the mamas, and all of the adults that the team has been in contact with.
2. Pray for safety of travel as they drive back to Port au Prince today.
3. Pray as Scott preaches this morning and then preaches at Pastor Moise's church tonight. Scott specifically asked for prayers that God use him to speak His message to the people. We also pray for Scott to have the stamina to preach tonight after a long drive.
4. Pray for safe travel home tomorrow. On-time and smooth airline connections would be awesome :)
5. Pray for the team as they re-enter the States. Pray that God will show them just what they should do with their memories of this week and make their world around them a better place just by finding their purpose in You in their day to day living.
Today's verse: Philippians 4:8-9 (Beautiful verses)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
*Amy
Specific prayers for the team today:
1. Pray for their last few moments with the children and Pastor and his wife along with the mamas, and all of the adults that the team has been in contact with.
2. Pray for safety of travel as they drive back to Port au Prince today.
3. Pray as Scott preaches this morning and then preaches at Pastor Moise's church tonight. Scott specifically asked for prayers that God use him to speak His message to the people. We also pray for Scott to have the stamina to preach tonight after a long drive.
4. Pray for safe travel home tomorrow. On-time and smooth airline connections would be awesome :)
5. Pray for the team as they re-enter the States. Pray that God will show them just what they should do with their memories of this week and make their world around them a better place just by finding their purpose in You in their day to day living.
Today's verse: Philippians 4:8-9 (Beautiful verses)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
*Amy
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Day 6
Salutations,
Hebrews 12:2-3 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning the shame and set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
This verse spoke to me (Tami) as we prepared to go out into the city of St. Louis to invite people to the Jesus movie. Every person we met was welcoming and truly happy to talk with us. We have been told several times by our interpreters that our presence in Haiti is encouraging to the people. It is mind boggling to think that our presence is so welcomed by those we interacted with. The villagers were so warm and open to invite us into their space and let us in return invite them to be with us at the church. Pastor and his wife, Venice accompanied us during this time of going out in to the town. Amy Newberry sent us the verse from Mark 1:38-39 where Jesus is preaching in Galilee and instructs his disciples to go out into the towns. We all felt that is what we were doing today.
A huge highlight of this trip is that the children are asking for previous visitors by name. That is such a huge honor in the Haitian culture, when one is not present and asked for in conversation they are verbalizing that they care for you.
Yesterday we finished and opened the library which the children have been enjoying. When we returned to the orphanage this morning you could hear the sounds of laughter and toys buzzing. After a while, some of us began to wonder where two of our members disappeared only to find them in the midst of approximately 50-60 children in the library observing them play. Thank you all for bringing so many smiles to their faces.
Prior to leaving the orphange for the day, we got to teach hand washing and wash all the children’s hands. Similar to when Jesus washes the disciple’s feet in John chapter 13. There is something to be said when you humble yourself and wash another’s hands, you feel more like you are channeling Jesus. You could see the children relax and enjoy us clipping their nails, washing with soap and water and rubbing in cocoa butter. Oh yeah, we also prayed over each child during the special one on one time.
Randomness from Team Haitian 2011.
"I'm not the smartest tack in the shed."--Tami-after a long days work
"Ma'am you are in a third world country anything can happen"--Bob American baggage claim man
“Du...Rag. Look du-rag! I spoke Creole. What does that mean? (As it sits below a photo of a man wearing one on his head)- Tami
“ I thought after the second time he would be whatever.” Erik- after tuna left his hand for the third time and landed on the Haitian next to him.
"Don't take a picture of my beef bourguignon"--Tami saying and Janese thinking
“Hey baby, I Love You!!- Random Haitian man’s proclamation to Joelle.(prayers being anwered???)
"Our driver is from Son-of-a-Mango?"--Jake (that would be Santa Domingo)
“Did you say..Girls we have a long drive to Port au Prince to eat more apples.” Janese- the slightly hearing impaired member.
"That just gets my Goat!"- Tami
Tami, Janese, Erik, Cameron, and Jake
Hebrews 12:2-3 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning the shame and set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
This verse spoke to me (Tami) as we prepared to go out into the city of St. Louis to invite people to the Jesus movie. Every person we met was welcoming and truly happy to talk with us. We have been told several times by our interpreters that our presence in Haiti is encouraging to the people. It is mind boggling to think that our presence is so welcomed by those we interacted with. The villagers were so warm and open to invite us into their space and let us in return invite them to be with us at the church. Pastor and his wife, Venice accompanied us during this time of going out in to the town. Amy Newberry sent us the verse from Mark 1:38-39 where Jesus is preaching in Galilee and instructs his disciples to go out into the towns. We all felt that is what we were doing today.
A huge highlight of this trip is that the children are asking for previous visitors by name. That is such a huge honor in the Haitian culture, when one is not present and asked for in conversation they are verbalizing that they care for you.
Yesterday we finished and opened the library which the children have been enjoying. When we returned to the orphanage this morning you could hear the sounds of laughter and toys buzzing. After a while, some of us began to wonder where two of our members disappeared only to find them in the midst of approximately 50-60 children in the library observing them play. Thank you all for bringing so many smiles to their faces.
Prior to leaving the orphange for the day, we got to teach hand washing and wash all the children’s hands. Similar to when Jesus washes the disciple’s feet in John chapter 13. There is something to be said when you humble yourself and wash another’s hands, you feel more like you are channeling Jesus. You could see the children relax and enjoy us clipping their nails, washing with soap and water and rubbing in cocoa butter. Oh yeah, we also prayed over each child during the special one on one time.
Randomness from Team Haitian 2011.
"I'm not the smartest tack in the shed."--Tami-after a long days work
"Ma'am you are in a third world country anything can happen"--Bob American baggage claim man
“Du...Rag. Look du-rag! I spoke Creole. What does that mean? (As it sits below a photo of a man wearing one on his head)- Tami
“ I thought after the second time he would be whatever.” Erik- after tuna left his hand for the third time and landed on the Haitian next to him.
"Don't take a picture of my beef bourguignon"--Tami saying and Janese thinking
“Hey baby, I Love You!!- Random Haitian man’s proclamation to Joelle.(prayers being anwered???)
"Our driver is from Son-of-a-Mango?"--Jake (that would be Santa Domingo)
“Did you say..Girls we have a long drive to Port au Prince to eat more apples.” Janese- the slightly hearing impaired member.
"That just gets my Goat!"- Tami
Tami, Janese, Erik, Cameron, and Jake
Mark 1:38-39
Set your phone alarm today or kitchen timer or put sticky notes everywhere like I do...
Pray at 2pm as a church body at the church house as God is having the team work full speed for His glory today. This will be the first time that I can recall that the video of the life of Jesus narrated in Creole will be shown to the people in the village. With Satan full at work in Haiti with voodoo, this is a HUGE opportunity to share the hope that only Jesus can give.
Today's verse: Mark 1: 38-39
Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else-to the nearby villages-so I can preach there also. That is why I have come. " So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
This verse has pressed upon my heart since early yesterday morning. Satan has gripped many in Haiti to believe in evil. Yet, Jesus promises that He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Pray that Jesus becomes a bright light to many today.
*Amy
Pray at 2pm as a church body at the church house as God is having the team work full speed for His glory today. This will be the first time that I can recall that the video of the life of Jesus narrated in Creole will be shown to the people in the village. With Satan full at work in Haiti with voodoo, this is a HUGE opportunity to share the hope that only Jesus can give.
Today's verse: Mark 1: 38-39
Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else-to the nearby villages-so I can preach there also. That is why I have come. " So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
This verse has pressed upon my heart since early yesterday morning. Satan has gripped many in Haiti to believe in evil. Yet, Jesus promises that He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Pray that Jesus becomes a bright light to many today.
*Amy
Friday, January 14, 2011
Day 5-Pineapples
“Just abide in God's pineapple...” a famous quote of the day. Thanks Jake!!
No really, we must abide in God’s love and live out His greatest commandment. John 15 explains the vine and the branches and how a branch remaining in God’s love will bear much fruit but one who strays will be unproductive. It is easy in our modern day world to be distracted and to gradually decrease the amount of time in the word. I tend to then wonder why I am seeing unanswered prayers. Being convicted of this, I realize I am not always turning to the Vine or Christ to help prune me so I may bear fruit. Yes sing with me now as the song is going through my head too.
It is so refreshing to see two young men growing and maturing. It reminds me so much of how my walk with Christ was beginning at the same season of life that Jake and Cameron are in. Seeing these guys grow and on fire for the Lord and soaking up His word is amazing, a great reminder for all. I am enjoying seeing their zeal for God. Seeing this, I am also convicted on how God wants me to slow down, reduce the distractions, and quench my thirst. Being so focused on the distractions, I have been neglecting my vine.
Last night, I was compelled to turn to Mark chapter 5, and to my surprise, for numerous reasons. The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ teaching on laying a foundation of moral and ethical living that is unachievable without Him as our center is so convicting. God has shown me in my quiet time here in Haiti that I have not fully given Him full reign over some aspects, i.e. thoughts of inferiority, reconciliation.
One I will share with you all is that I have felt lacking as a medical professional to even help the children here and I know of others that are much more suited for this. This lie has been so repulsive that in order to “Kill the bug,” I must surrender everything to God and ask the Holy Spirit to heal and show truth. I have started this process and am in awe of the peace that floods in and my thirst for His word continues to grow. I have noticed that I want to read the word when I wake and when I prepare to sleep. Every night, I have been going to sleep with a song or a portion of a lyric replaying in my mind. In your presence, I Surrender All, and I trust in you Lord to name a few.
Now that I have been so openly vulnerable I am moving on to what today brought. When we arrived to the orphanage, the children were still in class and we knew we had some projects to get done. Since we didn’t have our bags for the first few days, we couldn’t accomplish those tasks till today. Pastor Scott, as we call him, painted the front of the church while Janese and Tami finished applying a second or third coat of paint in the library that we started yesterday. Jake and Cameron bounced back and forth doing whatever needed to be done. I, being so ADD, started to finish organizing the clinic, helped Janese and Tami for a little, helped Pastor Scott, and bounced back to the clinic.
Once the bell rang for the kids to have their snack and a little outside free time, we had numerous little hands slip into ours, smiles flashing all over the place and kids hopping into our laps and arms. I with the help of Tami, Cameron, Jake, and Samuel (our interpreter) finished obtaining assessments on the children and continue checking back on a few kids and mamas that needed some interventions. I will say that I am so grateful for Janese’s phone, which has now been changed to our phone. Janese was able to obtain software to help me with the interventions, prior to leaving the United States, which has proved useful.
Since I was in the clinic for the majority of my time today, I will say that I did miss the VBS session today as well as Joelle giving her testimony to the children, which I heard was an amazing one.
One last thought:
We came to Haiti to love on orphans as Paul stresses in James, rather the orphans demonstrated God’s greatest commandment, Love. Seeing these children run to us, hold our hands, and give us kisses, is like God showing us a little preview of what eternity will be.
Erik
for Team Haiti
No really, we must abide in God’s love and live out His greatest commandment. John 15 explains the vine and the branches and how a branch remaining in God’s love will bear much fruit but one who strays will be unproductive. It is easy in our modern day world to be distracted and to gradually decrease the amount of time in the word. I tend to then wonder why I am seeing unanswered prayers. Being convicted of this, I realize I am not always turning to the Vine or Christ to help prune me so I may bear fruit. Yes sing with me now as the song is going through my head too.
It is so refreshing to see two young men growing and maturing. It reminds me so much of how my walk with Christ was beginning at the same season of life that Jake and Cameron are in. Seeing these guys grow and on fire for the Lord and soaking up His word is amazing, a great reminder for all. I am enjoying seeing their zeal for God. Seeing this, I am also convicted on how God wants me to slow down, reduce the distractions, and quench my thirst. Being so focused on the distractions, I have been neglecting my vine.
Last night, I was compelled to turn to Mark chapter 5, and to my surprise, for numerous reasons. The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ teaching on laying a foundation of moral and ethical living that is unachievable without Him as our center is so convicting. God has shown me in my quiet time here in Haiti that I have not fully given Him full reign over some aspects, i.e. thoughts of inferiority, reconciliation.
One I will share with you all is that I have felt lacking as a medical professional to even help the children here and I know of others that are much more suited for this. This lie has been so repulsive that in order to “Kill the bug,” I must surrender everything to God and ask the Holy Spirit to heal and show truth. I have started this process and am in awe of the peace that floods in and my thirst for His word continues to grow. I have noticed that I want to read the word when I wake and when I prepare to sleep. Every night, I have been going to sleep with a song or a portion of a lyric replaying in my mind. In your presence, I Surrender All, and I trust in you Lord to name a few.
Now that I have been so openly vulnerable I am moving on to what today brought. When we arrived to the orphanage, the children were still in class and we knew we had some projects to get done. Since we didn’t have our bags for the first few days, we couldn’t accomplish those tasks till today. Pastor Scott, as we call him, painted the front of the church while Janese and Tami finished applying a second or third coat of paint in the library that we started yesterday. Jake and Cameron bounced back and forth doing whatever needed to be done. I, being so ADD, started to finish organizing the clinic, helped Janese and Tami for a little, helped Pastor Scott, and bounced back to the clinic.
Once the bell rang for the kids to have their snack and a little outside free time, we had numerous little hands slip into ours, smiles flashing all over the place and kids hopping into our laps and arms. I with the help of Tami, Cameron, Jake, and Samuel (our interpreter) finished obtaining assessments on the children and continue checking back on a few kids and mamas that needed some interventions. I will say that I am so grateful for Janese’s phone, which has now been changed to our phone. Janese was able to obtain software to help me with the interventions, prior to leaving the United States, which has proved useful.
Since I was in the clinic for the majority of my time today, I will say that I did miss the VBS session today as well as Joelle giving her testimony to the children, which I heard was an amazing one.
One last thought:
We came to Haiti to love on orphans as Paul stresses in James, rather the orphans demonstrated God’s greatest commandment, Love. Seeing these children run to us, hold our hands, and give us kisses, is like God showing us a little preview of what eternity will be.
Erik
for Team Haiti
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