Again, I have to apologize for taking so long to get on here and update things. It's been an interesting time, to say the least. Let's see, where to start...
The team did a fantastic job and accomplished so much. We are so thankful to them for all their hard work. Right toward the end, sickness started setting in. I was assured by Dr. Steve that this is going around Haiti, BIG TIME. Sometimes it's a 24 hour bug, others it lasts longer. Well, the team leader got a touch of it, and then it hit Stan...and then Nancy, who had stayed here while I was gone. I don't think either Stan or Nancy were feeling up to par when they left, and I prayed for them. They left on Tuesday. Wednesday evening, I wasn't feeling the best, but figured it was just sinus. Thursday at the airport, I finally had to ask Joseph to take over and we left. Thursday afternoon I was in bed. I sat up for about half an hour Thursday evening, but that was all I could manage. Friday was a total day in bed...I tried to get up again, but didn't last long. I was up today, but didn't do anything except sit in a chair. THIS is the most I've done in days. But I'm slowly coming out of it and will be on the mend quickly, I'm sure.
I wanted to update you on several things, though. Carolyn saw her doctor...she has to go back for more surgery in April. They will be checking to see if the cancer did indeed get to other parts of her mid section. So, please, put that on the top of your prayer list. Her husband Rodney, is working at the same place, but in a very minor job as an errand boy, more or less. From boss to errand boy, what a downgrade. But for now, he is happy to have a job, I guess. So, that's another prayer item.
We have been getting reports from a LOT of the pastors we have been helping. We are so thankful for those who are so accountable to what is given them, so we can pass that on. I would say about 90% of what we have given out has gone for food to help those from Port to survive here. And many are trying to find ways to get some of these people work, even something small. I cannot imagine how these men must feel to have to take things when they are willing to work and earn a living, if it were only available.
Some of our help has gone directly to Port au Prince, actually a lot has gone down with those we can trust. The situation there is not good for anyone. But they are determined to continue with their lives and work things out. I have a lot of respect for those who can do that. But there are many who have no way to do it, and have left the city. They ALL need our prayers, continuously.
On that note, I want to include here a video on YouTube. It is awesome....Click here: YouTube - Haiti Get Back Up / Ayiti Leve Kanpe / Haiti Levántate [HD]
I hope you take the time to watch it. There is a very definite determination to GET BACK UP by the people. The people who produced this did a great job...even though it brings tears to your eyes. (Thanks Eva for sending it to me!!) You may have to copy and paste it to get to it, but it's worth it.
Vero has been working like a tornado trying to clean the house. She never stops working. And I feel so lazy while she works....but can't help it right now. She said when I am feeling better, we are tackling the computer room...that is a HUGE job. Abbie is spending the night with Ray and Bonnie at Limbe. They will be gone for over three weeks and she loves going out and visiting with the orphans there. (And Richardo, too!) So we have one evening of quiet.
Time to sign off and get back to bed. You all pray for all the things above. We'll be praying for you, too. And pray for our container...we just found out it's been here for two days, and no one knew about it. All I can say is..."HAITI"... Pray for quick clearance and low duty. We love you all and hope to see you soon. Keep the Lord at the center of all you do...it's worth it!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
An eventful week
Can't think where to start this one. I know it's been a while, but Praise God I am home now. Still a bit hectic here, but we'll deal with that.
I was able to spend a day with the team before we flew in. What a great group we have. I can't believe how much they have accomplished since they got here. They are out delivering food this morning. Actually passing out food. This is food that someone sent in money to purchase and they are blessed to be able to see where it is going. I hope to have some photos soon, but no one has shared any with me at this point. They also assembled bags of food to distribute on Monday out in the countryside. I think they have 240 bags done for that one. But the huge thing for us is that they sorted, bagged and filled I think over 150 buckets for our bucket ministry. Wow, what a blessing. I am hoping they will get to deliver some of those, too. They have done a tremendous job on all they are doing.
For those of you who have been here before, or who know Ti-Louie Destine and his wife, Louisa, please keep Louisa in prayer. She is one of the most powerful prayer warriors here in Haiti. She is facing some medical problems in the states and can use all of the prayers we can send up. Louie is a fantastic pastor who has such a heart for the people. We have known him and Louisa almost as long as we've been here in Haiti. He and his wife are about the most dedicated people to the Lord and His service, as we have seen here. Louisa started an intercessory prayer group, under a tree. It has grown to huge numbers. These Haitians pray UNTIL THEY GET AN ANSWER!!! That is dedication. Well, now she can use our prayers. The Lord knows the details, all we need to do is ask for Him to be there for her and to touch her body. We need these dedicated nationals back here in Haiti, doing what the Lord called them to do.
I mentioned before that Carolyn needed our prayers. Well, that need is still there and is very important now. The biopsy after her surgery showed up as cancer. (We are all praying that it is self contained, as the doctor felt). But to top that off, her husband lost his job. He had worked at this job for over 30 years. The company was sold and they are trying to oust many of the people there. This is an added burden for them. And they have had some family problems, too, aside from her mom passing away, which has been really stressful for her. So, please keep them in prayer. We serve a mighty and awesome God who can turn all of this around for His glory.
Although my appointment went really well, there was still the biopsy reports we waited for. I was not really concerned, until Wednesday evening, when Carolyn's situation hit me. Then I became a bit anxious for the results. The Lord came through. My biopsies were benign and I only have to keep focused on what the doctor told me to do. So, am praising God for that!!
Now to what everyone has been asking me about. HOW IS HAITI REALLY DOING? In the couple of days since I've been back, I've talked to several pastors and some other people here. Our area is packed with refugees. It's hard to drive in town with all the people there now. And the needs have escalated tremendously. One pastor is dealing with over 1,000 people through their church. Everyone you talk to has someone living with them, or near them who came from Port au Prince. These are people who were stretched to the limit before the earthquake and now they are in even more depressing situations. We praise God for the help He has been sending us. We are working through those who honestly know the real situations with people. Those who have sent help to us, are enabling us to enable others to help where the needs are the greatest.
I am going to try and download some more videos soon. You all know I am technically challenged, so this is stepping out of my comfort zone. Putting photos on here was my first challenge, and I did meet that one, now it's on to other things.
The churches here are really growing. So many are coming to the Lord and making commitments to follow Him. They are entering into Bible studies and being baptized. This is such an overwhelming time for those who have been praying for revival for so long. I am going to have to get the Thesaurus out and find some more words for awesome. But right now, that is THE word.... AWESOME!!!!!!! God is working mightily here in Haiti.
The team will return soon, and I need to get some unfinished work moving. Only a week and a half, but over 400 emails AGAIN...no rest for the weary. And I have lots of other work to get to, too. Guess the Lord will have to help me through it all. He usually does, anyway, so I depend on Him totally to get me moving and working.
Keep everyone and everything going on here in your prayers. God hears and will answer.
Look around and praise Him for the awesome things He is doing in YOUR life.
I was able to spend a day with the team before we flew in. What a great group we have. I can't believe how much they have accomplished since they got here. They are out delivering food this morning. Actually passing out food. This is food that someone sent in money to purchase and they are blessed to be able to see where it is going. I hope to have some photos soon, but no one has shared any with me at this point. They also assembled bags of food to distribute on Monday out in the countryside. I think they have 240 bags done for that one. But the huge thing for us is that they sorted, bagged and filled I think over 150 buckets for our bucket ministry. Wow, what a blessing. I am hoping they will get to deliver some of those, too. They have done a tremendous job on all they are doing.
For those of you who have been here before, or who know Ti-Louie Destine and his wife, Louisa, please keep Louisa in prayer. She is one of the most powerful prayer warriors here in Haiti. She is facing some medical problems in the states and can use all of the prayers we can send up. Louie is a fantastic pastor who has such a heart for the people. We have known him and Louisa almost as long as we've been here in Haiti. He and his wife are about the most dedicated people to the Lord and His service, as we have seen here. Louisa started an intercessory prayer group, under a tree. It has grown to huge numbers. These Haitians pray UNTIL THEY GET AN ANSWER!!! That is dedication. Well, now she can use our prayers. The Lord knows the details, all we need to do is ask for Him to be there for her and to touch her body. We need these dedicated nationals back here in Haiti, doing what the Lord called them to do.
I mentioned before that Carolyn needed our prayers. Well, that need is still there and is very important now. The biopsy after her surgery showed up as cancer. (We are all praying that it is self contained, as the doctor felt). But to top that off, her husband lost his job. He had worked at this job for over 30 years. The company was sold and they are trying to oust many of the people there. This is an added burden for them. And they have had some family problems, too, aside from her mom passing away, which has been really stressful for her. So, please keep them in prayer. We serve a mighty and awesome God who can turn all of this around for His glory.
Although my appointment went really well, there was still the biopsy reports we waited for. I was not really concerned, until Wednesday evening, when Carolyn's situation hit me. Then I became a bit anxious for the results. The Lord came through. My biopsies were benign and I only have to keep focused on what the doctor told me to do. So, am praising God for that!!
Now to what everyone has been asking me about. HOW IS HAITI REALLY DOING? In the couple of days since I've been back, I've talked to several pastors and some other people here. Our area is packed with refugees. It's hard to drive in town with all the people there now. And the needs have escalated tremendously. One pastor is dealing with over 1,000 people through their church. Everyone you talk to has someone living with them, or near them who came from Port au Prince. These are people who were stretched to the limit before the earthquake and now they are in even more depressing situations. We praise God for the help He has been sending us. We are working through those who honestly know the real situations with people. Those who have sent help to us, are enabling us to enable others to help where the needs are the greatest.
I am going to try and download some more videos soon. You all know I am technically challenged, so this is stepping out of my comfort zone. Putting photos on here was my first challenge, and I did meet that one, now it's on to other things.
The churches here are really growing. So many are coming to the Lord and making commitments to follow Him. They are entering into Bible studies and being baptized. This is such an overwhelming time for those who have been praying for revival for so long. I am going to have to get the Thesaurus out and find some more words for awesome. But right now, that is THE word.... AWESOME!!!!!!! God is working mightily here in Haiti.
The team will return soon, and I need to get some unfinished work moving. Only a week and a half, but over 400 emails AGAIN...no rest for the weary. And I have lots of other work to get to, too. Guess the Lord will have to help me through it all. He usually does, anyway, so I depend on Him totally to get me moving and working.
Keep everyone and everything going on here in your prayers. God hears and will answer.
Look around and praise Him for the awesome things He is doing in YOUR life.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
March 11th Thursday
I have the chance to get on, so wanted to do a quick post. I'm still in West Palm Beach. It's still rather chilly...oh for the nice weather in Haiti.
My appointment went great. God IS SO good. Nothing major, just have to take care on some things and follow directions. I guess that's the hard part when there is so much to do.
For those of you who know Carolyn Smith...she had her surgery yesterday and it went great. I went and picked her up today and it's amazing how well she is doing. She said she feels very little pain but is tired. I figure the tired is not only from exhaustion of surgery, but from her last 2 months of all she has had going on in her life. Pray for her, for wisdom in NOT doing what she shouldn't and for her to also follow doctors orders and directions. Keep her in prayer, for total healing and strength.
I got word yesterday that our first HUGE load of tents should be in Cap today. Please pray for Don and for his having to deal with this on his own. He normally depends on me to do a lot of this stuff. So, he is STUCK with things I should be handling. But there was well over 11,000 pounds of cargo going into Cap today, so he will be working VERY hard and having to deal with a lot, aside from our own cargo. MFI sent a DC-6 with the Cap cargo today. That's a LOT to handle and process. (Maybe I'm glad I'm here and not there!) But I do know he can use the prayers.
I will be flying in with our team on Tuesday. Once there I can give you a better update on what is happening in Haiti at this time. Although I am far away, my heart still hurts for those who are having to live in such deplorable conditions. Pray for us to keep our focus on Jesus as we try to minister to those in need. There is so much that can distract us from the calling God has placed on us.
Keep our children in prayer also. Our daughter, Christine, and her twins are all down with pneumonia. She is having so many other problems that she can use all the prayers you send up for her. All of our children are facing or going through some rough times right now. It's hard not to be there for them and help out, but I have to follow what the Lord wants. BUT I can also ask you to pray for them, and I know the Lord will hear.
Till next time, keep praising God for who He is, for what He has done, and for what He will be doing in your life. He IS our guide and He is our shelter in times of problems. So, praise, praise, praise!!!!!!
My appointment went great. God IS SO good. Nothing major, just have to take care on some things and follow directions. I guess that's the hard part when there is so much to do.
For those of you who know Carolyn Smith...she had her surgery yesterday and it went great. I went and picked her up today and it's amazing how well she is doing. She said she feels very little pain but is tired. I figure the tired is not only from exhaustion of surgery, but from her last 2 months of all she has had going on in her life. Pray for her, for wisdom in NOT doing what she shouldn't and for her to also follow doctors orders and directions. Keep her in prayer, for total healing and strength.
I got word yesterday that our first HUGE load of tents should be in Cap today. Please pray for Don and for his having to deal with this on his own. He normally depends on me to do a lot of this stuff. So, he is STUCK with things I should be handling. But there was well over 11,000 pounds of cargo going into Cap today, so he will be working VERY hard and having to deal with a lot, aside from our own cargo. MFI sent a DC-6 with the Cap cargo today. That's a LOT to handle and process. (Maybe I'm glad I'm here and not there!) But I do know he can use the prayers.
I will be flying in with our team on Tuesday. Once there I can give you a better update on what is happening in Haiti at this time. Although I am far away, my heart still hurts for those who are having to live in such deplorable conditions. Pray for us to keep our focus on Jesus as we try to minister to those in need. There is so much that can distract us from the calling God has placed on us.
Keep our children in prayer also. Our daughter, Christine, and her twins are all down with pneumonia. She is having so many other problems that she can use all the prayers you send up for her. All of our children are facing or going through some rough times right now. It's hard not to be there for them and help out, but I have to follow what the Lord wants. BUT I can also ask you to pray for them, and I know the Lord will hear.
Till next time, keep praising God for who He is, for what He has done, and for what He will be doing in your life. He IS our guide and He is our shelter in times of problems. So, praise, praise, praise!!!!!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Monday, March 8th
Since I don't have a lot of time on the internet this will be short. I am now in West Palm Beach. And it is COLD...or has been since I landed in Florida last Thursday. The first morning it was 34 degrees...YES, IN FLORIDA. I am not prepared for this weather at all. But I WILL survive. My doctor's appointment is for Wednesday, and I'd appreciate all your prayers. I am really not concerned, but would appreciate the prayers anyway.
Saturday was the "Open House" or "Family Day" at MFI. I was able to be there and it was a blessing. Check out their web site and see what a great day it was. Even if it was chilly, it went great. I was able to see some people I haven't seen in a long time. That morning, two different people asked me what we really needed in Haiti right now. I told them "TENTS". This was before the doors were open. Well, in the afternoon, Roger, one of the MFI staff, came and said, "Come and see your Christmas present." A group of wonderful people had just pulled in and they had a pick-up full of TENTS. There were about 60 of them. They put them on a pallet and Roger said, "put your name on the pallet." I was fine, until I called Don, right then and there, and when I heard his voice, I started crying. He had a hard time understanding me when I told him we had tents. He said, "TEN WHAT?" (I also have a cold, so I sound a lot different). It took a couple of times for me to catch my breath and get through to him TENTS. We had already been sent one, and 3 more on the way, but we were really praying for a LOT of tents. This group is sending us another 83 of them, so we are well on the way to putting families in dry places now. We still pray the tents continue to come, since the need is so great. But what a blessing and what a great start to this project. With each and EVERY tent that comes, we are so very thankful. Each one means another family with a place to stay. Isn't God GREAT???? He is SO good. We are so thankful to Him for sending people who respond to the needs. Yes, we still need the food and things, that goes without saying. But with the rains coming, we really felt the need for tents very intensely.
Pray with us that the Lord will continue to move hearts toward the people of Haiti. There is even less work to be had now, and it was a desperate situation before. Try and put yourself in just one family's position. No food, no home, no job, absolutely NOTHING but your life. What do you do, how do you survive? It breaks my heart to know so many are suffering each and every day, with little hope of moving on. But they DO have hope. God is there to give them the boost they need. And through HIM they can find peace and comfort. But we need to keep getting His Word out to them. Keep the pastors in prayer as they reach out and touch lives for Him.
Time is up and I have to close. Pray for Vero, Don said she has been really sick. Praise God Nancy is there to help her out. Abbie keeps letting me know she misses me. And Don can use prayer as he gets things delivered and prepares for the team coming down. He's not used to doing this alone.
Till next time, let God know you love Him, and Praise HIM for what He is doing in your life and what He WILL do in your life. Blessings....
Saturday was the "Open House" or "Family Day" at MFI. I was able to be there and it was a blessing. Check out their web site and see what a great day it was. Even if it was chilly, it went great. I was able to see some people I haven't seen in a long time. That morning, two different people asked me what we really needed in Haiti right now. I told them "TENTS". This was before the doors were open. Well, in the afternoon, Roger, one of the MFI staff, came and said, "Come and see your Christmas present." A group of wonderful people had just pulled in and they had a pick-up full of TENTS. There were about 60 of them. They put them on a pallet and Roger said, "put your name on the pallet." I was fine, until I called Don, right then and there, and when I heard his voice, I started crying. He had a hard time understanding me when I told him we had tents. He said, "TEN WHAT?" (I also have a cold, so I sound a lot different). It took a couple of times for me to catch my breath and get through to him TENTS. We had already been sent one, and 3 more on the way, but we were really praying for a LOT of tents. This group is sending us another 83 of them, so we are well on the way to putting families in dry places now. We still pray the tents continue to come, since the need is so great. But what a blessing and what a great start to this project. With each and EVERY tent that comes, we are so very thankful. Each one means another family with a place to stay. Isn't God GREAT???? He is SO good. We are so thankful to Him for sending people who respond to the needs. Yes, we still need the food and things, that goes without saying. But with the rains coming, we really felt the need for tents very intensely.
Pray with us that the Lord will continue to move hearts toward the people of Haiti. There is even less work to be had now, and it was a desperate situation before. Try and put yourself in just one family's position. No food, no home, no job, absolutely NOTHING but your life. What do you do, how do you survive? It breaks my heart to know so many are suffering each and every day, with little hope of moving on. But they DO have hope. God is there to give them the boost they need. And through HIM they can find peace and comfort. But we need to keep getting His Word out to them. Keep the pastors in prayer as they reach out and touch lives for Him.
Time is up and I have to close. Pray for Vero, Don said she has been really sick. Praise God Nancy is there to help her out. Abbie keeps letting me know she misses me. And Don can use prayer as he gets things delivered and prepares for the team coming down. He's not used to doing this alone.
Till next time, let God know you love Him, and Praise HIM for what He is doing in your life and what He WILL do in your life. Blessings....
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A quick update March 3rd
I'm not sure if this will download or not...it's a first for me. One of the team members took this video clip out at Ray and Bonnie's orphanage. The kids singing in the background are all between 3 and 9 years old. They have wonderful harmony and did a great job. And this was just a spur of the moment thing.
I wanted to get a quick update on here before I leave tomorrow. I don't know if I'll get a chance to do any blogging while I'm stateside. I have a doctors appointment. And I hope to return with the team coming in. This will take some work, getting things done here while I'm there, but we'll see if it works.
I am so very blessed to have Nancy here with Vero and Abbie (and Don, too) while I'm gone. She'll keep all of these in line for me...well, maybe that's not possible, but she'll try. She has already been a tremendous blessing. Boy, God sure has blessed me and Don, too with some wonderful people willing to come and help out. I just hope I'll be back to normal when I return, so I can spend some time with Nancy.
We got the container and now Don is trying to get things out to where they will be going. Already sent a lot to others here who are helping the refugees. And we sent a LOT to Port to help out several places where they are sleeping on the ground now. We have been blessed with a tent. One has already gone to Port, and more on the way. The food, clothing and tents are a valuable asset right now. And we are so pleased God used some great people to help meet those needs. We've also been able to help a couple of pastors who are helping those who are homeless here in the north. It's exciting to see hope return to faces when help arrives.
For now, I'll ask you all to pray for my doctor's appointment. And continue to pray for Don and his delivery of food here. It's so vital to so many. And keep Haiti and it's people in your prayers.
Thanks, and God bless!!!!
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