Our Newsletter for Dec. 2010

We sent out our newsletter on Tuesday, so wanted to post it here, too.  I had a third page on the letter that I am not putting here.  It was one requesting a response if you still wanted to receive our hard copy letter via postal service.  The three options were:  via postal service, via email (which I may change our email address soon) or here on the blog.  If YOU have a preference, please let me know.  Thank you!!

Davis' in Haiti  ~  December 2010

God's grace and peace at this Christ centered time of year.  I will try to do a recap of this year in Haiti for you.  So much has gone on, and a lot to tell, but I'll try to keep it as short as I can.

The New Year entered with "Earth Shaking" awareness.  An understatement, to be sure.  The devastation, destruction, loss of life and injuries were beyond imagination.  Yet, what satan meant for evil, God turned into triumph for Him.  We are still seeing the results of the shaking 11 months later.  Yes, physically it has created chaos.  But spiritually, there have been hundreds of thousands coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Missionary Flights had a huge impact on Haiti through this trying time.  To get a glimpse into that, you can go to MFI's  web site.  (www.missionaryflights.org).  They also compiled and published a book with input from many people as to what happened and how the people were helped.  It's an excellent book.  Check it out at:  www.shakinggroundunshakablefaith.com.  I hope you have the change to see this.  It is awesome!!  We praise God for all the responses we had to help those in such great need.  It's an ongoing struggle for the people and we are thankful for those who see that need and send help.  God has used you mightily in Haiti.

From that point on, we had many teams come.  So much has been accomplished through teams this year.  No matter what the project was, it brought hope and faith building time to the Haitian people.  The fact is that Haitians know that these teams give up vacation time, use their money to come and help, and end up being a part of many Haitian lives.  God has blessed both the Haitians and the team members through these trips.  Lives have been changed and that is the aim of teams.  To change lives, both Haitian and American (or Canadian or others) for the better, through the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have had 5 containers (40 feet long) of food, scriptures and supplies arrive this year already.  Another, with the Christmas Bag project and food and scriptures, should have landed here in Cap yesterday.  We are praying for a quick release and distribution this time.  It would be amazing to be able to send out the Christmas bags on time this year.  No matter when the container is shipped, it seems the powers that be on this end hold it up and they don't go out until the new year.  This year we are praying that we will be able to get these out in time for Christmas.  (An added note:  the children don't care if they are late, they are thrilled to get them at any time, but we care.)

We spent 2 month stateside in May and June.  It was a needed break after all the chaos and after effects from the earthquake.  The amount of people coming to our door has increased dramatically.  There are so many with honest needs, but then we also have those who take advantage of things and want to get whatever they can, even if they don't need it.  A lot of discernment is needed with this.  

In November Haiti was hit with another disaster...CHOLERA.  There are still minor disputes over the origin.  What really matters is controlling it and getting help to those who need help.  The death toll raises daily, and that is dramatic.  In a lot of areas, they have been treating the sick with great results.  But those who cannot reach help in time, simply die wherever they are. And without proper training or advice, those caring for the sick contact the disease and become another fatality.  We have heard several different scenarios on what will happen and how long it will take to control this.  What is desperately needed now is prayer.  Prayer for the health-care workers here, who are wearing out.  Prayer for trained people to come in and supplement those workers.  Prayer for those who have cholera, and for the families of those who have not made it through.  Prayer for the people to listen and respond to those trying to teach them how to avoid getting cholera.  

And now the elections here in Haiti.  This is another case of chaos here.  Very few seem to be happy with the election...aside from the head of the UN and Preval.  We are hearing many different stories from all areas of how it was not a fair election.  We have no personal knowledge of what transpired, just what we have heard.  But we do know, no matter what is announced on the 7th as to the outcome, there will be problems from those who did not make it.  Everyone is expecting wide spread demonstrations once the announcement is made.  But we also know God can put His hand on this and take care of it all. That is what we are praying for.



We know without a doubt that the Lord is with us in all things.  But like all of you, at times it seems we can't tell He is there.  Our faith has to take over where our senses lead us to doubt.  We do serve an awesome and great God.  We know He is with us in all situations and through all the strife here.  And we praise Him for all he does for us on a daily basis.  From the little things He controls for us to the huge problems that He takes care of.  He IS an intricate part of every aspect of our lives and we acknowledge that.

                       Our prayer list includes:
Haiti:  all the situations that have shaken this country in the last year
Our ministry and lives:  That the Lord would guide, direct and protect us in all areas
Our family:  that the Lord will open doors, guide and direct them and keep them safe
The future of Haiti and our ministry here

May the Lord guide and direct YOU in all things.  And may your Christmas celebrations be centered on the true meaning of this holy season...the birth of Jesus Christ.

In His Name and Service,

Don & Karen Davis

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."   Isaiah 9:6

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