Oh man, the last day is drawing to a close.
During debrief this morning we prayed over the evangelical speaker that was coming to a soccer field near the base. There was an estimate that over 100,000 people were expected to come, and we prayed for more. We prayed for people who planned on having a negative influence through stealing or fighting would get rocked and come to know the Lord along with everyone else that attended, and that the Light of God would shine into those people through the speaker.
This morning we went to Lookout Point, which was unbelievable. We could see practically the entirety of Port-au-Prince from the viewpoint. As we looked out over the city we had been serving, we sang pieces of Days of Elijah and Every Captive Free over Haiti. We also prayed over the city, declaring that it has been claimed for God and that the year of jubilee is at hand here. We prayed out peace and the continued raining down of the Spirit of God. Please continue to pray and intercede with us. After our brief session we bought souveniers, mastering the art of bargaining in the process.
On the way to and from Lookout Point, we truly learned about Haitian traffic. Police officers were trying to direct traffic, but only ended up slowing down roads that would have run smoothly if people had been left alone to drive. On the way back from the Point they had closed off the road we had used to get to the Point, which ended with us a bit lost. We drove down some back roads and ended up witnessing a half-collapsed building left over from the earthquake and half-finished homes and other buildings. Eventually a local pastor, Pastor Eric, who was travelling with us, had to ask directions from a nearby family. We ended up driving through a small lake and a gravel pit, but made it back to base safely.
After lunch we headed to an orphanage in Sarthe started by Pastor Reynolds. There we played with the kids, both boys and girls, coloring, playing soccer, talking and making paper airplanes. It is an unfinished building at the moment, but it is going to end up being a two-storey building along side a space that will become as the church, which in part is the sleeping area for the kids right now.
Before and after our visit to Sarthe, we got to stop by the Foursquare church we have been serving this week to say goodbye to the kids and staff we wouldn't see at the base. It was hard to say the least, and we will continue to pray for and remember those children for a long time. It was fun to see God bringing them joy and working through us to show them the love that they need.
During debrief we worshipped and gave each other communion as a reminder and a continuance in our service to each other and our unity as a team. Dan shared the top ten fantasies of returning from a mission trip, and we discussed what to expect while we're processing through what happened this week at home. That said, please continue to pray for a rise in joy and patience in God's timing while we process, and for Him to move through us even in the airports we visit on our way home.
Thank you all for your continued prayer and support. =)
Bondye beni ou!
-Haiti Team
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Hey Everybody! This update is coming a little late, but I shall assume you will forgive us.
The day started off with continued construction work at the church. We finished the roof of the chicken coop (YES!), and through some serious assembly-lining completely finished eight benches: cross braces, sanded edges and anti-corrosive paint touch-ups included. Work also continueed on making shutters, and staining window frames and doors for the school house.
After lunch we visisted the girls' orphanage in the main part of Port-au-Prince. While there, we had planned on acting out the parable of the sower and doing a craft, but things don't always go as planned. We did do the craft, which consisted of more tissue paper flowers and ferns. The girls there ended up doing our hair, actually, both the guys' and the girls' hair; anywhere from braids to pigtails to combovers. We sang some worship with them and were impressed and warmed that they knew quite a lot of songs in English. On the way there and the way back we got to witness more of the day to day activity of Port-au-Prince, from the free-range driving to the street side markets selling everything from papayas to roosters.
Debrief consisted of a couple rounds of the game Psychiatrist, sharing testamonies of what God has done in us this week, concerns about returning home and how to process, and praying over Steve, a member of the team here who is returning to the states on the tenth. It's good to be able to reflect on what God has done this week, but the processing will continue for quite a while.
We leave for home soon, so please pray for continued joy and enthusiasm for the rest of our stay!
The day started off with continued construction work at the church. We finished the roof of the chicken coop (YES!), and through some serious assembly-lining completely finished eight benches: cross braces, sanded edges and anti-corrosive paint touch-ups included. Work also continueed on making shutters, and staining window frames and doors for the school house.
After lunch we visisted the girls' orphanage in the main part of Port-au-Prince. While there, we had planned on acting out the parable of the sower and doing a craft, but things don't always go as planned. We did do the craft, which consisted of more tissue paper flowers and ferns. The girls there ended up doing our hair, actually, both the guys' and the girls' hair; anywhere from braids to pigtails to combovers. We sang some worship with them and were impressed and warmed that they knew quite a lot of songs in English. On the way there and the way back we got to witness more of the day to day activity of Port-au-Prince, from the free-range driving to the street side markets selling everything from papayas to roosters.
Debrief consisted of a couple rounds of the game Psychiatrist, sharing testamonies of what God has done in us this week, concerns about returning home and how to process, and praying over Steve, a member of the team here who is returning to the states on the tenth. It's good to be able to reflect on what God has done this week, but the processing will continue for quite a while.
We leave for home soon, so please pray for continued joy and enthusiasm for the rest of our stay!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tent City
Can you believe it is already Thursday? Our time abroad is almost complete, and we continue to enjoy every minute of it!This morning began a shift in our usual routine. We finished our last VBS session yesterday, so the entire team struck across the field to the church together to do a variety of constrution projects. I strongly admire the team working on the chicken coop. Working on the aluminum roof, the sun beat down from the sky and reflected back on their faces, even before the afternoon heat struck. The bench building team is also praiseworthy for their cooperation and efficiancy. Our few hours of work saw six benches fully assembled, with only cosmetic touch-ups to go. Another group sanded and stained doors and window sills without complaint, while still another group built shutters for the windows. They were told to do at least four, but those four could easily become twelve or fifteen as the days progress.
After lunch, we had a brief rest time before walking to the Tent City. This area features buildings of all sorts created from a hodge podge mix of materials. Tarps, canvas, spare wood, scrap metal, and the occasional camping tent create this neighborhood that many call home. While the earthquake significantly grew the community, their have been people living there since before the disaster occured.
Walking into the camp we stepped carefully over piles of garbage on a path that wound between mountains of rocks and dirt. We passed Haitian people sitting on the rock piles, systematically breaking the stones into smaller peices to sell. Gathered at the entrance, we split into two groups and waited for instructions. Each group had two or three canvases, a pile of nails, two hammers, and a bag of bottle caps. These tools would provide better shelter for preselected houses in the community. John, the "mayor" of the area, a Haitian, directed us to the different homes that most needed our assistance.
Wherever we walked, a string of children followed us. While some members put up the tarp, others interacted with the kids. Nearly everywhere we went, music played, so we danced with the children, played with the children, carried the children, adored the children, and did all we could in our unique mixture of Creole, French and English to communicate affection and encouragement to these children.
Really, life is hard for the tent community in ways that we American's have likely never experienced for ourselves.
---
Returnning to base camp we prepared for dinner and a return to the church. Currently, an 18 person team from a church in Beaverton, Oregon, is also here in Haiti, staying at the dorms in the church compound. Together, with the entire base staff, we worshiped Jesus.
In a big circle in the back of the sanctuary, led by a pair of guitars and a bongo drum, we contended for Haiti through our songs. It felt marvelous to stand with more than fourty people and talk to God as one. Absolutely fantastic.
The songs wrapped up with prayers for specific Haitians we had encountered as well as the members of the base staff. Afterwards, we gathered again to hear a little about the base's work in Haiti. When they first came down here, they did not have any sort of agenda from America. Everything they do springs from the dreams and visions of the national pastor and his hopes for this country.
Today, I ask you to pray for the base staff. When they first arrived, the leaders had a two year plan. The two years ended several months ago. Ask for instruction for their future, as well as a surplus of grace, mercy, patience and provision for the staff members who live here long term. For our little team, pray that we remember to rely on God's strength, and that we fully live in the fruits of the spirit.
Thank you friends!
-The Haiti Team
After lunch, we had a brief rest time before walking to the Tent City. This area features buildings of all sorts created from a hodge podge mix of materials. Tarps, canvas, spare wood, scrap metal, and the occasional camping tent create this neighborhood that many call home. While the earthquake significantly grew the community, their have been people living there since before the disaster occured.
Walking into the camp we stepped carefully over piles of garbage on a path that wound between mountains of rocks and dirt. We passed Haitian people sitting on the rock piles, systematically breaking the stones into smaller peices to sell. Gathered at the entrance, we split into two groups and waited for instructions. Each group had two or three canvases, a pile of nails, two hammers, and a bag of bottle caps. These tools would provide better shelter for preselected houses in the community. John, the "mayor" of the area, a Haitian, directed us to the different homes that most needed our assistance.
Wherever we walked, a string of children followed us. While some members put up the tarp, others interacted with the kids. Nearly everywhere we went, music played, so we danced with the children, played with the children, carried the children, adored the children, and did all we could in our unique mixture of Creole, French and English to communicate affection and encouragement to these children.
Really, life is hard for the tent community in ways that we American's have likely never experienced for ourselves.
---
Returnning to base camp we prepared for dinner and a return to the church. Currently, an 18 person team from a church in Beaverton, Oregon, is also here in Haiti, staying at the dorms in the church compound. Together, with the entire base staff, we worshiped Jesus.
In a big circle in the back of the sanctuary, led by a pair of guitars and a bongo drum, we contended for Haiti through our songs. It felt marvelous to stand with more than fourty people and talk to God as one. Absolutely fantastic.
The songs wrapped up with prayers for specific Haitians we had encountered as well as the members of the base staff. Afterwards, we gathered again to hear a little about the base's work in Haiti. When they first came down here, they did not have any sort of agenda from America. Everything they do springs from the dreams and visions of the national pastor and his hopes for this country.
Today, I ask you to pray for the base staff. When they first arrived, the leaders had a two year plan. The two years ended several months ago. Ask for instruction for their future, as well as a surplus of grace, mercy, patience and provision for the staff members who live here long term. For our little team, pray that we remember to rely on God's strength, and that we fully live in the fruits of the spirit.
Thank you friends!
-The Haiti Team
Seeds and Coins (VBS Day Three)
The last day of our VBS work passed faster than we wanted. The skits and message for the day centered on the parables of the sower and the lost coin, teaching that as believers, we need to be rooted deep in the Word in order to spread the love of Christ, as well as the fact that we are all lost coins, and God will stop at nothing to find us when we're lost. the kids also worked on a craft of tissue paper flowers and continued to sing worship songs in both Creole and English.
The construction crew continued work on benches, grinding down and painting bench legs and staining wood. Work was also continued on the roof for the chicken coop, getting the rafters up and beginning to get the metal sheets on top. A couple of people worked on doors for a building used for school here, as well.
After lunch construction work continued. The staining was finished and the legs for the benches were all ground and painted with anti-corrosive paint. Benches started to be assembled in the church, as well. There was singing. There was sharing of testamonies and stories of our lives. Before we knew it it was time to return to the base camp.
And wow, debrief was good. We worshipped outside and came inside for the rest, which turned into continued crying out to each other and accountability for confessions. Sean, one of the members of the team here, testified to seeing the Spirit in us as we arrived, and that he, as well as the rest of the team, felt like we were family. The feeling is definitely mutual. It is strange to think we have only known the base team members for a few days! So much life is lived between our 7:30 am meeting and our late night wosrhip. Sean shared how he could tell our team had been preparing spiritually for our time here. This, he believes, is what makes us feel like family.
This unity be needed in the days to come. We begin and end our days with the armour of God to prepare for the spiritual attack we were warned of earlier this week. Please pray that our sense of togetherness continues and that God's work in us as a team and as individuals continues to stretch and grow us, and that we have grace to receive, experience and eventually appreciate that growth and change.
Bondye beni ou!
God bless you!
-Haiti Team
The construction crew continued work on benches, grinding down and painting bench legs and staining wood. Work was also continued on the roof for the chicken coop, getting the rafters up and beginning to get the metal sheets on top. A couple of people worked on doors for a building used for school here, as well.
After lunch construction work continued. The staining was finished and the legs for the benches were all ground and painted with anti-corrosive paint. Benches started to be assembled in the church, as well. There was singing. There was sharing of testamonies and stories of our lives. Before we knew it it was time to return to the base camp.
And wow, debrief was good. We worshipped outside and came inside for the rest, which turned into continued crying out to each other and accountability for confessions. Sean, one of the members of the team here, testified to seeing the Spirit in us as we arrived, and that he, as well as the rest of the team, felt like we were family. The feeling is definitely mutual. It is strange to think we have only known the base team members for a few days! So much life is lived between our 7:30 am meeting and our late night wosrhip. Sean shared how he could tell our team had been preparing spiritually for our time here. This, he believes, is what makes us feel like family.
This unity be needed in the days to come. We begin and end our days with the armour of God to prepare for the spiritual attack we were warned of earlier this week. Please pray that our sense of togetherness continues and that God's work in us as a team and as individuals continues to stretch and grow us, and that we have grace to receive, experience and eventually appreciate that growth and change.
Bondye beni ou!
God bless you!
-Haiti Team
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Good God, Good Day
Another day in Port-au-Prince well spent!
The morning began once more with half of the group involved in VBS prep, while the other half went to the church once more to work on the various construction projects at hand. Benches were stained, built and painted. Progress continued on the chicken coop roof, and walls were built to create rooms in the school on the churh property. In addition, she who love organizing spent several hours organizing the tool shed, making everybody's job a little bit easier. Even though we were not interacting with the Haitians, our morning devotion time reminded us how valuable every contribution is, no matter where it is.
In the mean time, the VBS group chose to tell the story of the Prodigal Son. Their over dramatic performance was well recieved by the children who laughed good-naturedly at our antics. And, today, instead of listening to all of our songs, we were blessed to have the Haitian children sing to us in creole! Some of the songs the team new in English, and the two languaeges bounced off each other between the children and the team. Father Abraham in particular was a huge hit.
The craft team also had a successful day. They led the children in folding and coloring paper hats. Despite attempts to have the children write their own names on their hats, they often wrote the names of the team members. One little girl in particularly continued to insist her name was Tabitha despite all suggestions otherwise.
When VBS had finished for the day, the entire team gathered together to reorganize. Jobs were reassigned as more people came in and some people left to help with the English classes in teh school building. Here, along with members from the Beaverton team, the Americans sat with the Haitians as they learned their directions, then led small groups of two in practicing their new vocabulary. Many of these Haitians came from outside the church community, and members of the team were able to turn a converstaion on "left" and "right" into a conversation of what it means to be a Christian. Isn't it amazing to see how God can work through anything?
We all returned to the base camp for dinner and worship. With the guitar constantly strumming in the background, our song turned into prayer for themembers of our group who had not been feeling well. God came and healed a head ache, changed life through a sore throat, and spoke to another through the various injuries he had in his body. Even pain in a wrist dissapeared, and we didn't even pray for that! Spiritual healing came as well, as team members grew bold enough to step into and share what God spoke in their lives. It is so awesome to see how God will work when the body of Christ chooses to dance in step with him. Even after our official prayer time had closed people gathered in groups of two and three to continue to pray for each other's lives. Tonight became a well spring of testimony for so many people who were healed. It was marvelous.
It is so good to see God work! I ask you to pray that this sense of unity in Christ will continue and that the energy felt at the beginning of the trip will continue. Also, pray for health and protection in the days to come so that we may be prepared for the days that are ahead.
God bless!
-The Haiti Team
The morning began once more with half of the group involved in VBS prep, while the other half went to the church once more to work on the various construction projects at hand. Benches were stained, built and painted. Progress continued on the chicken coop roof, and walls were built to create rooms in the school on the churh property. In addition, she who love organizing spent several hours organizing the tool shed, making everybody's job a little bit easier. Even though we were not interacting with the Haitians, our morning devotion time reminded us how valuable every contribution is, no matter where it is.
In the mean time, the VBS group chose to tell the story of the Prodigal Son. Their over dramatic performance was well recieved by the children who laughed good-naturedly at our antics. And, today, instead of listening to all of our songs, we were blessed to have the Haitian children sing to us in creole! Some of the songs the team new in English, and the two languaeges bounced off each other between the children and the team. Father Abraham in particular was a huge hit.
The craft team also had a successful day. They led the children in folding and coloring paper hats. Despite attempts to have the children write their own names on their hats, they often wrote the names of the team members. One little girl in particularly continued to insist her name was Tabitha despite all suggestions otherwise.
When VBS had finished for the day, the entire team gathered together to reorganize. Jobs were reassigned as more people came in and some people left to help with the English classes in teh school building. Here, along with members from the Beaverton team, the Americans sat with the Haitians as they learned their directions, then led small groups of two in practicing their new vocabulary. Many of these Haitians came from outside the church community, and members of the team were able to turn a converstaion on "left" and "right" into a conversation of what it means to be a Christian. Isn't it amazing to see how God can work through anything?
We all returned to the base camp for dinner and worship. With the guitar constantly strumming in the background, our song turned into prayer for themembers of our group who had not been feeling well. God came and healed a head ache, changed life through a sore throat, and spoke to another through the various injuries he had in his body. Even pain in a wrist dissapeared, and we didn't even pray for that! Spiritual healing came as well, as team members grew bold enough to step into and share what God spoke in their lives. It is so awesome to see how God will work when the body of Christ chooses to dance in step with him. Even after our official prayer time had closed people gathered in groups of two and three to continue to pray for each other's lives. Tonight became a well spring of testimony for so many people who were healed. It was marvelous.
It is so good to see God work! I ask you to pray that this sense of unity in Christ will continue and that the energy felt at the beginning of the trip will continue. Also, pray for health and protection in the days to come so that we may be prepared for the days that are ahead.
God bless!
-The Haiti Team
Monday, March 26, 2012
Vacation Bible School, Day One!
Hello again everyone! Wow today was awesome!
We split into two teams, one to plan a vacation Bible school for the afternoon and one to contine the construction work we started yesterday.
The VBS went well. During the planning time in the morning the team thought of different ways to connect to the parable of the Prodigal Son, including writing a worship song in Creole, the main line of which was, "The son came home, now everybody dance!" There was also a craft involving cut out hearts for the kids to draw something or someone they love on. The older kids even ended up getting members of the team to draw for them. There was also a rotation for a game time and another for worship and a skit, which involved a man named Steve and his son, Joey, who after receiving half of his father's money, spent it on bubbles, which earned him friends. But when he couldn't afford any more bubbles all of his friends left him, so he returned home and lo and behold, his father greets him with joy and a celebration is held.
Wow. The team connected so well with the kids during VBS. At one point Emily began drawing giraffes on her heart, and everyone in the room started drawing them as well. We really got to share in the hope that the children have and the unfiltered joy as well. At another point during the day, after the message and worship, the room of about sixty kids of all ages was asked if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their hearts and the entire room flooded to the front. Praise the Lord!
On the other side of the compound, a few members of the team continued work on the various construction projects we plan on putting a dent into throughout the week. They include building benches for the church, completing the roof of a chicken coop and building shelving and racks for one of the compound's sheds. It was so good to experience getting to provide practical, physical ministry to the people of the area. After VBS finished the other half of the team came over and the work went twice and thrice as fast. Of course, throughout the day there was always a point that tarantulas were being hunted, and that brought a bit of joy (and in some cases fear) to everyone's hearts.
After dinner we transitioned to a time of worship and prayer. We shouted out praises to the Lord for what He has been doing. Worship was powerful and led into prophetic worship for Haiti and the declaration that the people are FREE and that they are not dead but alive because Christ has called them to be alive! We prayed for a few of the Haitians living here at the house, speaking truths into their lives, that they are called to be leaders and that people will follow them in their faith, that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ and that He hears their prayers SO clearly.
We continued to worship and ended the night with declaring that our baggage was left in Seattle. Our baggage isn't even there anymore because it is in the past, it is done and it is FINISHED! Craig, one of the members of the team stationed here, spoke over the fact that there is an attack coming like this place has never seen before, and we immediately went into prayer and a song of worship in Creole titled, "Jehovah is His name," which declared God's presence and might in battle. We ended the night by praying through the armor of God and confirming God's presensce and protection covering us here. In smaller prayer teams chains were BROKEN. Baggage was dropped off and never reclaimed, and instead we claimed FREEDOM. So praise the Lord!
On that note, dear followers, please continue prayers for protection, strength and the breaking of the spirit of fear so that when the time of our battle comes we may stand boldly and know that Christ is fighting for us. Pray for us to be cloaked in love and unity so that nothing can divide us as a team, just as nothing can separate us from His love.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
See you tomorrow!
Haiti Team
We split into two teams, one to plan a vacation Bible school for the afternoon and one to contine the construction work we started yesterday.
The VBS went well. During the planning time in the morning the team thought of different ways to connect to the parable of the Prodigal Son, including writing a worship song in Creole, the main line of which was, "The son came home, now everybody dance!" There was also a craft involving cut out hearts for the kids to draw something or someone they love on. The older kids even ended up getting members of the team to draw for them. There was also a rotation for a game time and another for worship and a skit, which involved a man named Steve and his son, Joey, who after receiving half of his father's money, spent it on bubbles, which earned him friends. But when he couldn't afford any more bubbles all of his friends left him, so he returned home and lo and behold, his father greets him with joy and a celebration is held.
Wow. The team connected so well with the kids during VBS. At one point Emily began drawing giraffes on her heart, and everyone in the room started drawing them as well. We really got to share in the hope that the children have and the unfiltered joy as well. At another point during the day, after the message and worship, the room of about sixty kids of all ages was asked if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their hearts and the entire room flooded to the front. Praise the Lord!
On the other side of the compound, a few members of the team continued work on the various construction projects we plan on putting a dent into throughout the week. They include building benches for the church, completing the roof of a chicken coop and building shelving and racks for one of the compound's sheds. It was so good to experience getting to provide practical, physical ministry to the people of the area. After VBS finished the other half of the team came over and the work went twice and thrice as fast. Of course, throughout the day there was always a point that tarantulas were being hunted, and that brought a bit of joy (and in some cases fear) to everyone's hearts.
After dinner we transitioned to a time of worship and prayer. We shouted out praises to the Lord for what He has been doing. Worship was powerful and led into prophetic worship for Haiti and the declaration that the people are FREE and that they are not dead but alive because Christ has called them to be alive! We prayed for a few of the Haitians living here at the house, speaking truths into their lives, that they are called to be leaders and that people will follow them in their faith, that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ and that He hears their prayers SO clearly.
We continued to worship and ended the night with declaring that our baggage was left in Seattle. Our baggage isn't even there anymore because it is in the past, it is done and it is FINISHED! Craig, one of the members of the team stationed here, spoke over the fact that there is an attack coming like this place has never seen before, and we immediately went into prayer and a song of worship in Creole titled, "Jehovah is His name," which declared God's presence and might in battle. We ended the night by praying through the armor of God and confirming God's presensce and protection covering us here. In smaller prayer teams chains were BROKEN. Baggage was dropped off and never reclaimed, and instead we claimed FREEDOM. So praise the Lord!
On that note, dear followers, please continue prayers for protection, strength and the breaking of the spirit of fear so that when the time of our battle comes we may stand boldly and know that Christ is fighting for us. Pray for us to be cloaked in love and unity so that nothing can divide us as a team, just as nothing can separate us from His love.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
See you tomorrow!
Haiti Team
Church
In a large, one room building similar to a warehouse, the Haitian people have church. Although we could hardly understand anything that happened, during our nightly debrief everybody shared that the service had affected them. For some, it was the outstanding endurance of the Haitian people to have church for three and a half hours, and maintain an exceptional level of engagement the entire time. Worshiping in an unknown language held particular weight for the team members who had not experienced such a thing before. As one of the speakers said (in English), you may not understand what is happening, but we serve a God who speaks every language.
This is the only Sunday we will attend the service, so we took advantage of the opportunity to perform a worship song. They were particularly excited to see a “pretty lady” playing bass guitar.
Church ended, we had lunch at the base house, and geared up with work gloves and plastic bags to clear litter from the field across the street. All types of garbage could be found scattered amongst the knee high bushes and the grass, cropped close to the ground by the cows, goats, and donkey who called the place home. We were hot and sweaty, of course. But several people sang, and somebody found a Frisbee that helped to keep spirits high.
From there, we went back to the church to work on some construction projects. Cutting, sanding, and staining wood for benches, drilling holes through metal chairs so the seats could be affixed, and assembling saw horses to aid in the labor. And of course, several people were required to entertain the orphan girls who currently live at the church, to keep them out from under foot. Our eager hands accomplished plenty in our time there.
At long last, the day ended with dinner, worship, and devotions. Last night’s early bed time caught everyone up on their sleep, so tonight many of the team stepped outside or onto the balcony to admire the thunder storm. Lightening lights the entire sky, and thunder rumbles over the roof. Even if one steps into the pouring rain, it only takes minutes in the house to dry again, because it is so warm. But, the weather seems to have deterred the mosquitoes-a blessing for those who already find themselves scratching at bites.
Please, pray for our continued health, safety and team unity as we go about our various tasks. For the Haitians, I suggest praying for education. Some team members (myself included) accidently (we thought it was youth group) sat in on a Business Seminar, teaching the Haitian people how to start their own business. So many of them want to move into a better lifestyle, but do not have the know-how. Pray that the seminars and classes truly stick, and help lead these people into a better life.
I think the storm is interfering with the wifi, so who is to say when this post will be posted? But, thank you for your continued prayers and support!
-The Haiti Team (via Rachel)
This is the only Sunday we will attend the service, so we took advantage of the opportunity to perform a worship song. They were particularly excited to see a “pretty lady” playing bass guitar.
Church ended, we had lunch at the base house, and geared up with work gloves and plastic bags to clear litter from the field across the street. All types of garbage could be found scattered amongst the knee high bushes and the grass, cropped close to the ground by the cows, goats, and donkey who called the place home. We were hot and sweaty, of course. But several people sang, and somebody found a Frisbee that helped to keep spirits high.
From there, we went back to the church to work on some construction projects. Cutting, sanding, and staining wood for benches, drilling holes through metal chairs so the seats could be affixed, and assembling saw horses to aid in the labor. And of course, several people were required to entertain the orphan girls who currently live at the church, to keep them out from under foot. Our eager hands accomplished plenty in our time there.
At long last, the day ended with dinner, worship, and devotions. Last night’s early bed time caught everyone up on their sleep, so tonight many of the team stepped outside or onto the balcony to admire the thunder storm. Lightening lights the entire sky, and thunder rumbles over the roof. Even if one steps into the pouring rain, it only takes minutes in the house to dry again, because it is so warm. But, the weather seems to have deterred the mosquitoes-a blessing for those who already find themselves scratching at bites.
Please, pray for our continued health, safety and team unity as we go about our various tasks. For the Haitians, I suggest praying for education. Some team members (myself included) accidently (we thought it was youth group) sat in on a Business Seminar, teaching the Haitian people how to start their own business. So many of them want to move into a better lifestyle, but do not have the know-how. Pray that the seminars and classes truly stick, and help lead these people into a better life.
I think the storm is interfering with the wifi, so who is to say when this post will be posted? But, thank you for your continued prayers and support!
-The Haiti Team (via Rachel)
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