Friday, February 26, 2010

Friday Feb. 26th

We've been busy....to say the least. Since my last entry, we had another "day" at the airport. This time only 3 planes, but all at the same time. Hot, humid and running. But we got through it and it went fine. Got a couple more boxes of things for the relief supplies, and it will help tremendously.

The main thing I wanted to share is what the team has been doing, and also Abbie's graduation from kindergarten. So, here are some of the photos I have to share. I'm sorry to say that no one on the team has taken a lot of photos of the guys and their hard work. And BOY have they been working hard. I'll try to get a few of those in the next one. But for now...

First the container inspection. It took forever for this inspector to check things out. But we finally got it all done. Three of the gals on the team and one guy were with us and helped a lot in getting things moved. The boys worked hard along with the team and got it done.And then came Abbie's graduation today. She did a great job with her part, although not quite as animated as she had done when practicing. You can see mama was proud. And grandma and grandpa were too. This was the whole graduating class. She is the youngest and smallest, down there in front. From there it was on to the orphanage out at Ray and Bonnie's. A lot of the team went along and started out by showing the kids how to brush teeth correctly. They did a great job.They also took time to give each child a "wordless book" bracelet and go over the plan of salvation. The kids sang and it was awesome. These little kids did a song in harmony and really out-shown a lot of people we have heard.And, of course, you can't help but be attached to these little ones and their captivating eyes and ways. You can see Kathy was taken in, anyway.

We found out when we got back home that our container was on the way here. After waiting for about 45 minutes, I called. One paper lacked signing, so have to wait until tomorrow about 11 to have it out here. Then it's on to the unloading. Keep us all in prayer.

I talked to another pastor who has people in his church who have arrived from Port au Prince. The needs just keep escalating with the people coming north. I know everyone would like photos, but we hate to invade on what little privacy they have now. We are trying to do the help through the churches and national pastors, so they do not equate the white people with the help. They need to learn to lean on the Lord for their help.

Continue to pray for the people. The hurt and hopelessness in their faces is so hard to see. They not only need physical help, they need to see compassion coming their way too. And a huge thing is to see their countrymen giving that compassion. That's one of the main reasons we want to help the Haitians help the Haitians. Not only so some can show compassion, but others can receive it. And all in the name and love of the Lord.

Pray with us that we will continue to be able to enable others to help, too. We are but a very, very tiny part in all that is going on here in Haiti. But it takes many, many drops of water to fill a bucket. If we are but one drop, we are helping to get the job done.

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9: 9,10

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Feb. 23rd...another "different" day

What an exciting and "different" day today was. With Bill and Lauri's help, and the help of Vero and others, the dorm was ready for our team. We went from raining and chilly to very hot and humid...much to my dismay.

It all started with word that we would have 5 (YES FIVE) planes today. And almost all of it was people. Okay, we can handle this right? Well, sort of! The people were definitely NO problem. The planes, although close together, weren't really the problem. It was all the little "things" that we normally don't have that made this a hard day.

As a down side to this, we heard this morning that there was another quake in Port au Prince. (And reported another 22 died). Our hearts and minds are having a really hard time accepting this. These quakes and aftershocks keep on coming...they should be done by now. Even those refugees who are up here refuse to sleep under a roof...so they are out on the ground in the rain, because of fear. Please keep praying for the people. First losing everything they have, then facing the fear that they will also lose their lives with another quake...it's just overwhelming for them. So, we headed to the airport with heavy hearts.

I had been sick the last couple of days...not sure if it was sinus or just a bad cold, but enough to make me stay in bed most of the time. This morning, I thought I was over it...and did pretty good. UNTIL....running from plane to plane trying to keep people straight, and keep their luggage straight and keep the cargo right...it was all a huge mess, and really had me going. Then all of a sudden, I melted down. I was drenched in sweat from head to toe, and having a hard time not passing out. Needless to say our team was great and wanted to help in any way they could. But we had to wait to clear our baggage and boxes that they brought. Thanks to the help of Pastor Saintil, we were released to go, without duty....PTL. I knew I couldn't drive. And everyone knows, NO ONE else drives my truck. Don finally found Cequer and asked him to drive me home. He did a GREAT job. I was drinking water like mad. And by the time we got back home, I was feeling a LOT better, so it must have simply been dehydration. And I PREACH to teams about drinking and not letting your body dehydrate. Well, I learned that I have to listen to my own words.

Our team is great. They have things already planned out and ready to go for tomorrow. An added thing here, tomorrow we also are going to inspect our container. (BIG PTL) Some of the team is going to help us, some out to the IDADEE property and some to work here on welding. Should be a busy, interesting day. Let me put another note here, they have a great cook with them, too. Rosie is doing an awesome job already. (Maybe I can keep her??? Guess her family wouldn't like that).

While at the airport, the director came and gave me a hug. He has not only 12 of his family moved up from Port, but now he has close to 20 people (I think), living in his yard. He had no idea how to care for them or to help them. We gave him one small tent, and some food to help out a little. Well, today he came and was so thrilled. He said everyone said to tell us thank you for the help, they were so thankful. He is hoping now he can get some help from other places, and maybe try to find places for these people to live.

A friend from Pennsylvania shared our need for tents with her church and already has four of them on the way to us. What a blessing those will be for the families who are sleeping in the rain. The people who are afraid to sleep in buildings will gladly sleep in tents, since there is nothing to fall down on them that could kill them. This is a temporary fix until they can overcome the fears they have. It may be a LONG temporary fix, though. But it's housing for them anyway.

The problems these people are facing keep mounting. We really have to totally depend on the Lord on how best to help them now. I don't think any of us, you or us, can imagine what they are facing, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We have seen some of what the Lord is doing in the spiritual way... and we continue to praise God for what He has, and IS doing in lives. Now it's on to the rest of the situations. Keep us, and especially THEM in prayer. This will be long and drawn out. And Divine guidance is desperately needed.

I'm making this a short note, since tomorrow will be very busy. And I HAVE learned my lesson and will keep water with me wherever I go. This team will make sure I do that, of that I'm positive. I love the attitude of the group. They are so upbeat and positive. We have some new people on the team and they seem just as upbeat and excited as the "old timers". (Some of those "old timers" are in their teens!!) We've been so blessed with Bill and Lauri and now added blessings. But when they leave... we will feel the loss greatly.

For tonight, our prayer is that you will keep Haiti, it's people and the whole situation in your prayers. Our God will hear and answer those prayers. Have a blessed day and keep Jesus at the front of all you do.

Friday, February 19, 2010

The last three days...Feb. 19th

I'm sorry I've gotten behind, but it's been a very eventful three days. I think what I am going to do, is start with today and work my way BACK three days. I hope you will bear with me on this one. With so much going on, my mind has been in a whirlwind. I hope I can convey to you all that has happened.

Let's start with today. Vero had gone to Port au Prince early Wednesday morning, to try to get a new passport. She returned today. Whew...she brought back pictures of what she had seen. I have only taken a few to send to you...and I will try to convey what they are and what she said about them. This first one is of a park near the palace. People are really afraid to stay in ANY buildings so they are sleeping in the park. Some tents were brought in, but mostly it is simply sheets that are the walls, when they have anything at all to use as walls. Everything they have in the world is now in this little make shift shelter in a park.
This is a really sad thing. This man was hired to go into collapsed buildings and dig out bodies...he almost looks like a manikin or a statue. This is a home...rather WAS a home. And there was probably at least part of a family in it when the quake hit.This building was the Ministry of Interior for Haiti. This is the building that housed the Ministry of finance.And the palace... both of these pictures show the destruction. Yet the grass and flag are still standing. There was destruction all over the area, but notice that a LOT of it was the GOVERNMENT buildings? Hum.... wonder if there is a clue in that as to what needs to be done now? Like to rebuild not only the buildings, but the government? It's certainly what this country needs and the people are coming to see they need a change here. Pray for Haiti to change it's focus and for it to head in the right direction now....toward the Lord!!

Well, I started with the worst, just so you could see what it is like in Port au Prince. I know most of you have seen a lot of it on TV, and in papers, but having Vero come home, crying, makes it really closer to home. She didn't take photos of the people she slept with outside in a yard... or of the many areas where bodies were decaying and smelling, because they could not get them out. She only shot photos of buildings and places where she knew people who had died. And that in itself was enough.

Let's move back to yesterday. We had a long, L O N G, day at the airport. But it wasn't that hard, it was very interesting. We told you that Hendrick Motorsport has been helping MFI with passengers. Yesterday was the first time we had seen one of their planes up here. Wow, let me tell you, it is something!!! It is a gorgeous plane. I mean, UP TOWN!!! And to think they are using it to help missions. That was such an impressive thing!! But even better than the plane were the pilots. Now you KNOW we love our MFI pilots, and of course, we know they are Christian. Our guys are awesome, there are no two ways about that. But we didn't realize that the pilots of this plane were such awesome men, too. And the way they share about those they work with and for...it was like a whole different MFI...the same love for the Lord, the same serving attitude, but in a different realm. I guess in reality we expected them to be like the Nascar people we see on TV. Not the pleasant fellows, but the ones who yell, and blow up. But this is definitely NOT the case with these guys. And we are finding out that the whole racing team is not that way either. Such a wonderful, exciting revelation for us. It's always been fun working with our Christian friends at MFI, but unexpected when a group comes in which we thought were just being great to help out a country in dire straights. Then to find out they are right there on our "team", working for the Lord. Sure wish we had the opportunity to fly with them, but just meeting them was great, so we are happy to see others coming to help who really love the Lord. And we are so thankful that they helped take some of the pressure off from MFI with bringing people while MFI was able to haul supplies. Go ahead and watch the races, and cheer for the guys racing on "God's Team"!!!!! All of them from the race car drivers to the owners, to the guys who fly the awesome planes. Neat to find a whole organization who love the Lord and are willing to step into situations that are not their usual area. Thanks a lot Hendrick Motorsport, for being an important part of helping Haiti.

And we can't forget what our awesome, hard working, over-extended pilots and staff at MFI have been doing and are STILL doing. In the last month, no matter when we called, someone was still at the office, working to get people and supplies to Haiti. We continue to pray for their strength and health. And for their families, who have given up so much. They have seen very little of their family since this whole situation started. So, keep MFI right up there on top of your prayer list. We also pray that the Lord will help them with the finances it has taken to get all of this work done.

And now, on to Tuesday.... wow.... this is something else in the country of Haiti!! I shared in the last blog, what we knew of and saw here in Cap Haiti and our area. But I am going to share just a little bit of what another missionary family experienced. Ray and Bonnie, and their daughter, Vanessa, live in Limbe. That is about 14 miles or so from us. Limbe is a very HOT place where VooDoo is concerned. Trouble always is at the forefront of things there. It takes only one person to set off sparks that result in violence. VooDoo has controlled that city for years and years. Ray came in to the airport Thursday, and shared their experience with us. Eventually I hope to have some photos or even a video he took to share with you.

Through the 5 days of fasting and prayer, Pastor Paul's church had service every one of those days from 6 AM until 1 PM. Then on Tuesday, the day of Mardi Gras, after the service (where over 500 people came to know the LORD!!!!!), they marched through the streets of Limbe. They asked Ray to take his car and the trailer he has to haul part of the sound system. He was a bit hesitant at first. He knew what could happen with so many people in one area. But he did go, and Vanessa went with him, and filmed a lot of it. The roads were packed with people cheering and praising God. Then the mayor got on the mike in the car in front of Ray. He said, we no longer have a government office for Limbe and no longer is my office for Limbe. These offices are now for the Lord Jesus Christ. And people cheered and cheered and were celebrating.

Pastor Paul was almost in tears (he may have BEEN in tears, but I'm not sure). He is a Haitian who has stood up to everyone and has been persecuted unjustly for his stand. He has gone through things no one should ever have to face. All for the love of the Lord. When he saw what took place Tuesday in his town, he said it's all been worth it. God is honoring this man's service to him and letting him see the results of his labors. Keep Paul and Belle in prayer, along with Ray and Bonnie as they not only deal with the quake victims, but now with the new believers. They have a huge job ahead of them.

HOW MIGHTY IS OUR GOD???? THIS IS NOT ONLY A HUGE ANSWER TO PRAYER, IT IS A MIRACLE FROM THE LORD!!!! Yes, we know some of the excitement will wear off and some of the people will return to their former ways, but as a whole, the city was bringing Christ to the center of their lives.

It is very hard to convey to you what this means to us and to the Haitians in our area, and especially in the Limbe area. God IS at work in Haiti, in a HUGE way. From the ashes of destruction, arises a new and wonderful beginning.

Please keep us and all of Haiti in your prayers. God is moving in mighty ways and we are excited to be here and be a part of it. And maybe it's true, we were sent here for a "time such as this". Keep rejoicing with us, and keep praying that the Lord will continue to provide so we can keep helping those He sends to us.

Until next time, God bless and keep walking for Him and praising Him!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Tuesday Feb. 16 Mardi Gras

What an awesome God we serve. I keep saying that, don't I? Well, it's true. On Mardi Gras, we don't go anywhere, normally. It's a bad time to be out on the streets and near crowds. BUT...today was definitely the exception. Don, along with Bill, set out to deliver some food quite a ways away. We didn't have a plane and it was an excellent time to do it. Today was also the ending of the 5 days of prayer and fasting for Haiti.

Don and Bill ended up stuck in a traffic jam for more than 3 hours. There was NO Mardi Gras celebration!!! The crowds marched from the airport to the statues at Vautier. (The freedom statues). That's about a 3 miles hike, maybe a bit more. These were all Christians!!! They said there was singing and praising and simply a wonderful group. Bill estimated maybe close to 3,000 people. It is 210 years ago that Haiti won their freedom from France. And now in the year of 2010, they are marching again, for freedom from satan's rule. At least that is what the Christians are claiming.

There have been NO voodoo drums, no voodoo marches, and no rah-rah's anywhere. It is really a miracle that this has happened. People have turned from satan to the Lord, in a mighty way. They saw no one dressed up in the normal Mardi Gras garb, nor did they see anything at all involving voodoo. God won a victory today!!!

Through all the turmoil this last month, people are now celebrating LIFE with the Lord!! I guess you have to be here to realize what an exciting time this is for Haiti. Vero is heading to Port au Prince tomorrow to try to replace her passport that was in Remy's house when it collapsed. I am anxiously waiting for pictures and news of how today was celebrated down there. We haven't talked to anyone yet, but hope to tomorrow.

Make no mistake, there are some really hard times coming for this poor country. It will take years to rebuild the damage, if it CAN be rebuilt. And there are always those problems that surround disasters...like looting and thievery. But it looks like Haiti is on the way to recovery when they are turning to the Lord. NOW the Lord can work and heal their land. It all comes back to 2 Chronicles. 7: 14 --- "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." It looks like we are on the way there now.

I mentioned in the last posting that we heard a rumor about Preval, the president. We have heard that he has accepted the Lord as his savior. We still don't know if it's true or not, but are praying it is. If it is, he can claim this country back for the Lord. If it's not true, then we need to pray that God will work in his heart and help him to realize that he DOES need to turn to the Lord. Wouldn't this be a fantastic event? Pray with us for this to happen, either way.

Don and Bill have been working on so many projects, and accomplishing so much. And Lauri has been such a huge help for me in so many ways. They are really God's blessing to us at this time. Keep them in prayer and keep Haiti in your prayers.

I'd better close for now, but I did want to share with you all how the Lord is working in such great ways here. Oh there are still needs, and those will continue for a long time, but with the Lord working with us, we can accomplish all He sets before us.

Keep walking with Jesus, He will take your burdens and help you carry them. Keep praising Him, too, for all he has done for you. HE IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine's day

A day of hearts and flowers. Here in Haiti, many of those hearts and flowers are for loved ones lost. Many buried in mass graves, some buried by families, but many, many more, still buried without the family knowing where they are. Can you imagine how those people must feel? My heart breaks for those who have no idea where their loved ones were that tragic day. For a majority of people here, there is no closure. AND YET... "the rest of the story", as Paul Harvey would have said. There are those who are missing an arm, or a leg, or both, and they are praising God that they are alive.

These five days of prayer and fasting have brought an awesome thing to Haiti. Oh we did have one Catholic nun say, "for many of these people, fasting is a way of life." And that is true. But if you could see the churches during these five days, and the revivals going on now...it would change YOUR life. Most of the churches are overflowing...no sitting or standing room. People searching out the Lord who has helped them get through this first stage of a tragedy that could have killed them. There will be days, weeks, months of fear when the earth moves even a little. We have tremors often here. In fact, just a half hour ago we had another tremor. They are still going on. I just can't imagine how some of these people feel when they feel it. There are well over 200,000 people who have migrated to the north, out of desperation and fear. Even here, they have issues about being inside a building at night, for fear they won't be able to get out if a quake comes. And yet, they are reaching out to the Lord now. He is their only hope. And HE will be able to help calm their fears.

At English church this afternoon, we listened to some of the praises and miracles going on. We've talked to some of the survivors, we've talked with people who have many living in their yards, simply sleeping on the ground. Even the director of the airport told us his family (those who weren't killed) came to stay with him. He put them up in his house, but those who came with them (who he doesn't even know) are sleeping in his yard. He is trying to help them all, but it's so very hard. People are begging for just a piece of bread to survive the day.

No, we can't reach them all. Actually we will only be able to help a small percentage of those who are facing these horrors daily. But as the Lord showed Don years ago, concentrate on the grains of sand I give to you, don't look at the whole huge beach of sand. (In essence that is what Don felt the Lord tell him). So, those who we feel led to help, we do. It feels so good to be able to help out a family who was having a hard time making it themselves, and now have a yard full of relatives with them. But we can't do it on a daily basis...we don't have the means to do that. So, we keep on keeping on with what the Lord does provide.

I really am praising God for having Bill and Lauri here with us. What a tremendous blessing they have been. Our lives are still in a whirlwind here, and I have to laugh at Lauri. She said she wished she could write a book on "A day in the life of a missionary". I told her there are no two days alike. It shifts daily and different things keep popping up here and there. I think she is finally seeing that. But I also worry that we are working them too hard and they won't come back. We have been able to relax a bit in the evenings, and that is good. We've even played some games. (Good thing I'm a good loser...but I still enjoy it.)

We heard a rumor today that I want to pass on. Someone said that Preval asked some ministers to come and pray for him. We really have no idea if it's true, or what would come of it, BUT the way things are going here, with scores and scores of people turning to the Lord, it would not surprise me. Pray with us that if it is true, that his heart is open and willing to accept the Lord. And if it's NOT true, that it would become a reality. I've said it before, we should be praying for our countries leaders, not necessarily to be removed, but for God to work in them and change them, and if they do not accept Him, then to remove them. We serve a mighty and awesome God, and HE can do anything. No, He won't go against someones will, but He can bring them to a point of making that decision.

We had a really good service at English church today. Not many there, but the message was really good. And it was an uplift that we all needed. We need to be reminded that God is there, even when we stumble and fall. That He will reach down and help us up, and forgive us and keep us going. That childrens song, "His Banner Over Me Is Love", is one we need to remember and keep in our hearts.

It's been raining. We can use a bit of it, but I keep thinking of all of those who are sleeping outside on the ground. That breaks my heart...but we can't take them all in! So we are praying for the Lord to find a way to help them in some way. They ARE His people, even if they don't know Him yet. The evangelism going on is something else, too. God has taken this catastrophe and is turning the country around. It may be a long slow process, but it has started. Oh I imagine there are some really hard times ahead for all of us here. These things bring out the worst in some people, and the thieves are having a field day. But, again, GREATER IS HE WHO IS IN ME THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD!!!!!!

Tomorrow starts another week of finding a way to sort and get things out to people. It also brings another day for YOU to pray for our container to be released and brought out here to get things moving. We covet your prayers and ask you to keep lifting the people of Haiti up to the Lord.

Until next time, let the light of the Lord shine in your lives so others can see and be drawn to the light of your salvation. Jesus is the bright and shining light in a dark and dismal world. Praise Him for being who He is, and for being ALL we need. Have a super great day.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Friday the 12th of Feb.

This may be short, as it's late and need some rest. What a day. Lauri and Bill, from Washington state are staying with us for a few weeks. What a blessing God sent our way with them!!! You know we had a medical team, and they did great. Then we had our dental team, which Lauri and Bill came on. That team did super great too. Well, Bill and Lauri are staying until the construction team comes in another week and a half. They will work with that team and then leave with them. But what a blessing they have been. Bill has so many talents, and Don has found ways to use all of them. Our septic system backed up and was a mess. Bill installs septic systems in the US. So, he helped get the thing righted again. BUT we had to have the ONE tank truck in the north come and clean it out...to the tune of $1,000 US. But it had to be done, so we did it. Bill has also welded our hitch on Don's truck, put the front bumper on it, and is working on several other projects. Bill is also our "miracle friend". He had colon cancer, and the Lord healed him. Isn't God good? HE knew we would need Bill and he kept him safe and healthy. Now Lauri, well, she has been so busy doing things that kept me running. She did the team wash, and then did the wash when we had the pilots stay two different times this week. She has cleaned the dorm, the house, and has made meals...and today, a HUGE help in getting some of the boxes of relief food sorted and boxed and given out. THAT was an all day job. She's done a lot of other things too, and we SO appreciate her. We might just have to keep them here....well, their families might not like that, but we could hope!!

It was a blessing that we could put the pilots up. Having engine problems and leaving Fort Pierce late, put them here too late to continue on to Port. This happened twice this week. It's been a LONG time since we have had the pilots stay with us. But the one thing we did notice was that they are so worn out and tired. Keeping up the pace they have with the disaster relief and getting the work teams back out of Haiti has been a lot of work. Keep them all in prayer. We are hoping that the flights ease off now that commercial airlines will be coming in soon. It's been a long haul and they have helped SO much. They aren't complaining, but the weariness is showing. And I imagine their family life has been a bit difficult too, with them flying 6 days a week now. So, you see, a LOT of prayers need to go out for them.

We have received some boxes of supplies for the people who have been suffering because of the earthquake. It's great to see them go out and be useful, but the food and other things that were sent have been a blessing. About half of it went to Port with some of the ones returning there. The other half has been given to those who are housing the displaced people.

Keep praying for this container. We seem to be stuck in a spot again, and need a lot of prayer to get it out. The supplies are so needed. So, add that to the prayer list.

Our meeting with the UN was not productive at all. We had thought it was opening doors for us, but they slammed shut. So, we have to believe that the Lord has something else in mind. We are still trusting in Him and leaning on Him for direction. God knows much better than we do what is needed.

Now on to some praises. I'm sure many have heard what happened over a week ago here. Some pastors went to the president and asked that instead of Mardi Gras, that we would have 3 days of fasting and prayer. He said no. Instead he said make it 5 days. And we seem to be seeing a big thing come of this. Today starts the 5 days. I have heard from several sources that the churches are FULL, and additional seating has been brought in for the overflow crowds. This is a huge praise item. The Christians are gathering together and using one of satan's biggest days for the glory of the Lord! What an awesome time this is. Haiti is drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord through this whole situation. Keep praying with us that this country will make an about face and turn to the Lord as a whole.

We are STILL hearing stories of the miracles God is performing here. Someone announced today that a man who was trapped since the earthquake was finally gotten out yesterday. Somehow they were able to get food and water to him and he survived this ordeal. I haven't heard any more on it, but will keep you informed as I do.

Okay, time to close out as the power is about to go out. Keep praying and praising.... God is still in control and we totally lean on Him for all things.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Monday, February 8th

I just checked and I haven't been on here for a LONG time... sorry about that!!! But a lot has happened, and actually I'm glad I waited until tonight for this update. So, let's back up.

I almost can't remember what happened that long ago. We are all totally worn out. It's way beyond exhaustion.

Actually, I can back way up to last Monday. I didn't put this situation on here either, with all that has gone on, I guess I forgot. We got a call on Monday that our friends Tom and Helen Froese had a problem. Their granddaughter was taken to the hospital in Canada and was in critical condition. They needed to get on the MFI flight and get to the family. I knew the plane was full, but you do what you have to, right? I tried. I was finally told, it's up to the pilot, IF he has room. L O N G story short, two passengers offered to stay here and let them use their seats...but...a
"God took care of it" time. One passenger on the list had not come into Haiti, so there was one seat. But there was a fellow who said he was confirmed that morning that he had a seat. Again, a call. Yes, he was confirmed. Okay, so we may go to plan B on this. The plane came in and we talked to the pilots and they said, they didn't believe they had the room, so we were prepared to change all the paperwork. They looked at the list, counted seats, and hummmm... just so happened they had 2 EXTRA seats that had been put on. You know I don't believe in "coincidences", right? Just another "God Thing". Tom and Helen left their kids here with the head of the mission. If they are out for a long time, the mission director will take them to the Dominican and take them home to Canada with him. Another "God Thing" ...someone on the team had connections and there was a corporate jet waiting for them when they got to Fort Pierce, and they flew right to Canada that night. God sure is good. Their granddaughter is doing much better than the doctors thought she would. Still in a coma, but there is now hope. And with everyone praying, God can move mountains. So, there is a prayer request for you.

Thursday was a plane day, of course. That was a long day, and we spent most of it at the airport. But it wasn't a bad day, just long. Friday, Don and I both got our teeth done. For Don they had to cut part of the gum to get the filling in, so he has a stitch there now. But glad it's all over. The team saw SO MANY people. And they are as exhausted as we are. But they did such a great job. Today was their last clinic day out in the country side.

i have to go back to Friday, though. Friday right after supper I checked email. The team gets at least one a day, and I wanted to get whatever came in, over to them. We had a really sweet couple on the team. Richardo and his wife, Andrea, are missionaries in Mexico. Richardo is Mexican. That night we got an email that his dad was taken to the hospital and was in a coma. So, we kicked into gear. Called MFI to see if there was ANY way we could get them out. Got it worked out, after a lot of phone calls.... Well, this was a "God took care of it" time. Sam Bullers, a retired MFI pilot was here in Haiti, up at Pignon, for a visit. And he "just happened" to have the small MFI plane here. We finally reached him and he agreed to come and get Richardo and Andrea and get them to Port to fly out on the DC-3 that was coming in Saturday morning. Saturday morning, Richardo made a phone call to see how his dad was doing. He had gone to be with the Lord during the night. Rejoicing for his dad, but so sad for this young couple. Sam took them to Port that morning, and they got on the DC-3 that afternoon. Then they were picked up by Carolyn Smith's husband, Rodney, and taken to their place for the night. Very early the next morning they flew out for California. Got their vehicle and headed to Mexico. They were home last night. They needed their family and their family needed them. We praise God his dad was a Christian, but it's still so sad for those left behind, feeling the loss. Please keep them in prayer.

Next chapter in this long book.... Sunday the team went to EBAC church and enjoyed giving out some Christmas Bags to the Junior church children. Then just before leaving for English church, Carolyn Smith got an email. Her mom, who was in No. Carolina with Carolyn's sister, was taken to the hospital. She was in ICU and not doing the best, but it didn't sound quite so serious as to warrant Carolyn leaving a day early. After English church, got another email...call home immediately. Her mom had taken a turn for the worse and they expected the worst. I didn't wait, I simply called MFI again. (Actually Dick Snook at home). The wheels started working again...and after quite a few tries, we got things worked out for Carolyn to leave today on MFI, via Port au Prince again, thanks a second time to Sam being in the country and able to take her down there.

I just talked to Carolyn's husband, Rodney, and he said Kay (her mom) was stable, for the condition she is in. I asked Rodney if maybe she was just holding on till Carolyn got there. He said he thought so, too. So, AGAIN, add her to your prayer list, not only Kay, but Carolyn and Rodney and all the siblings, too. It's a hard, hard time for them all. Kay celebrated her 90th birthday in September. And she has been a fantastic servant all her life.

A HUGE PRAISE GOD FOR MFI STANDING IN THE GAP, NOT ONCE, NOT TWICE, BUT THREE TIMES IN ONE WEEK!!!!! Keep them in prayer, they are going WAY beyond everything to help the earthquake victims, but also the mission community.

Okay, we were up to today, right? Took Carolyn to the airport (she won't arrive in Ft. Pierce until 9:30 tonight). Then this afternoon we had been invited to a meeting at the UN headquarters. It covered a lot of things, but one was containers and the cost of getting these relief supplies FREE...which we have been paying duty on. Stan was still here and he went with us. And HE SPOKE up and let them know he wasn't happy with the cost we have had to come up with. The meeting itself was no solution. But the contacts we made there may have been why we were there. Tomorrow we have a meeting with the mayor of Cap Haitian. And Wednesday, with another high official. We will continue to go to these meetings, simply because they may impact what MFI brings in, as well as our containers. We come back to that phrase, "God may have us here for a time such as this." I really don't know, but He is working in ways we could not have done. HE is opening doors. HE is guiding in ways we never considered. But again, please keep this in prayer. We will need it, big time!!

I think I have caught you all up on things here for now. The team leaves tomorrow, after a great week. Two members are staying, Bill and his wife Lauri. We are so thrilled with that. After a week, we'll have another team. All three of these teams come from Camano Island, Washington. This team will be construction. We are so happy to have all the help they bring each year. When the team leaves, Bill and Lauri will leave, too. BUMMER!!!

Well, about time to get some rest...and get ready for three planes tomorrow. Life keeps moving on, even when you'd like it to stop for just a bit. Keep praying. We are on our third relief container for the poor. And with prayer backing, it will become a reality. It will not only enable us to help the refugees, it will enable US to enable others to help them, too. Thanks for your patience.

Remember (this is for me, too), God IS in control. He is our strength and fortress. In HIM we have our being. Keep praising God for all things...

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wednesday, Feb. 3rd

Another hectic day and a lot of praises going out. We received our second container this afternoon. I should share some of the "fun" times that happened along the way. It was an eventful day, to say the least.

First thing, we got the call. The container will be coming in about an hour. Okay, GREAT!! But, Don had to leave immediately to go and get the load of roofing for the dorm from the overflow container. That was fine, no problem. THIS time he made sure to take the keys, since last time he forgot and had to cut the lock we put on it, off. Our good friend Bill, went with him. They were on the way to town and Bill told Don, there goes your container. Don said, well, maybe. They got to the docks, and had to WAIT for the forklift that was to help them put the load of roofing tin on the truck. The forklift wouldn't start. They waited a LONG time and finally after realizing they were flooding it every time they tried, they let it rest and got it started. Got to the container, and it quit. Through all of this Don and Bill were being very patient, and not letting anyone know how they simply wanted to get on the thing and drive it themselves, since they both have driven them before. Well, while they waited, Bill said, look Don, there's your container back here at the docks. Don figured it was an empty one, not ours. The semi left, and the guys were still waiting for the forklift to get started....

Okay, out at our place, we had gotten the 20 kids here to help unload since the container was on the way. Finally got a call... it made it out here, to just about our place when they were called back to the docks. THEY FORGOT TO SIGN ONE PAPER, and had to go all the way BACK to sign it before they could deliver it. THEN it was back out here... so the truck Bill saw TWO times, WAS ours. The container FINALLY got here and backed in pretty good...and there it sat. Don had all the keys, so we couldn't unlock it to unload it. We had another half hour wait for Don to get here with the key.

We kept thinking, with this kind of start, what will the rest of the day hold? But the rest went really well. The kids did a great job and got everything piled where it should go, and we called the missions and pastors, and they all came but one, and got their food to deliver. So, this container, also, is on it's way to the hurting and hungry. It was a LONG, HARD day, but so much was accomplished.

Two more things that brightened the day, too. The dental team saw many and did a great job. A lot of smiling faces and happy people after a long day for the team. They were about as exhausted as we were. But a good day all around.

We also got word that our next container was supposed to dock today. WOW, isn't God good? So much coming in and going right out to help. We are going to talk to more people who are housing and helping refugees. The numbers are overwhelming.

For today, that's about all I can type...I'm falling asleep here at the keyboard and need to get some rest. I'll try to post a few pictures tomorrow. You all have a super wonderful, God centered, joy filled day.

Check out the web sites for World Outreach, MFI and the Christmas Bags. They are all doing their best for Haiti.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Tue. Feb. 2nd

I know it's taking me longer and longer to post, but forgive me. So many things happening and so much going on all the time, it's exhausting. We are praying for the container tomorrow...it's still scheduled for delivery. We are SO thankful for that. We distributed all of the things from the last one, now tomorrow should be the next one...and we just got word today that we should have another one on the docks possibly tomorrow. Isn't God good? There are so many places to give the help to, and now we will have the means to do it.
I had promised some photos from the last team (and the next one arrived today!). So here are just a few and some explanations of what they are.

The people were not only the locals, but those coming from Port au Prince. The needs are so great. And as you can see, our team went the extra mile to see those who really needed the help. Praise God for good strong men, not only in body but in spirit!! True servants hearts and bodies.

Getting vital information is important, but so is sharing God's love through being a willing servant. These people showed compassing and love to all they saw.Well, there are some perks to the job, too. Holding sweet babies is only one of them. (You all know MY heart is with the babies, too!) Isn't this one a cutie?But even when things are hard...you pray and ask the Lord to help in the way HE wants this situation to go. This child is only 4 years old. Looks like a baby, doesn't he? (I am trying to remember all the information on this one, since I was not there.) I think I got the age right. Pastor Mich ended up taking this child to the hospital for testing. Again, God was there, it just so happened (no coincidences in God's book) that an American nurse was with an American pediatric neurologist at the hospital when the call was made. I don't know the fate of the child, but if I remember right, he has spinal meningitis. A lot of prayer is needed for this one.
But then there are the really good and rejoicing times, too. Here one of the translators is leading his brother (I believe. But if not brother than cousin) to the Lord. Our God is so awesome. He uses things satan meant for evil for good. He has turned so many to Him in these terrible days. So pray with us that God's hand will continue to touch hearts and lives for His kingdom. What a wonderful God we serve!! We ask now that you continue to pray about these containers. There are problems that could erupt with them, and having food here, but we have been giving it out as quickly as it comes in. We know God has provided and will take care of us, but we do covet your prayers on these things.

I know I keep bring you back to 1 Thess. 5: 16 - 18....but we do need to remember these things. Karen's translation: "Continue to pray constantly, in EVERYTHING give thanks, not just the good things and good times, but let God use the tough things, and the tough times too. THIS is what God wants you to do and to remember...." I know it's not the exact words...but this is the meaning I find there. And this is what we are seeing here in Haiti. People rejoicing...not BECAUSE they were hurt, or lost everything, but BECAUSE God was with them and kept them through it all. Yes, there was a tremendous amount of lives lost, and some will never be known. But those who survived are starting to see how God worked in their lives and saved them for a purpose. We're crushing satan under our heals and rejoicing that God is supreme over ALL THINGS!!!!!!!!

Didn't mean to preach, but when you see people who can't walk, or who have lost a limb praising God and glorifying HIS name, even in these horrid times, you know God is walking with them through it all. The old hymn, "Through It All" really does say it all. If you have a hymn book, read it, if you don't , find it on the internet and let the words sink in. The people here are LIVING that song. "Through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God......" I may just look it up and type it in the next blog.

Grab onto the Lord Jesus and hang on... He will get you through all things... just LET Him!

Today at the airport was a blessing for us. We met some of the US military men that will be in charge here. God is so awesome. He put us in touch with those who we would have to talk to about some of the situations here. Even the UN will be involved in some of the things we are seeking... more on those as they come about. Just continue to pray that the Lord will sustain us and keep us moving in the right direction for HIS glory.

Till next time, Blessings and Grace to you all!