The Christmas Celebration

 It's just a few days after Christmas, but a time of rejoicing still in the air.  The Lord has arranged for me to be able to be on the internet and able to share a bit with you all.  

Leading up to Christmas, I spent 2 weeks, plus, being pretty sick.  Not real sure what it was, but I'm about over it now.  And I really praise God I was feeling so much better by Christmas.  The Sunday before Christmas, we had a special concert at English Bible Fellowship.  Our "normal" piano player, Enoch, did a special service and did a fantastic job of bringing some great music for us to celebrate with.  We had a small group, since most missionaries were stateside and the Haitian community were at their own special services.  But we had those who the Lord brought, and it was awesome.  Savanah thought she should be the one leading, but she did settle down finally and enjoyed the music with the rest of us.  She is growing up so fast!!  This is her "Sunday before Christmas dress".

 

On Christmas Eve, we had Vero, Abbie and Sammy here with us.  And we opened presents.  We had a great time with them.  But neither Savanah or Sammy wanted to open their presents.  They would put down the package and go to the toy bucket and get a toy.  Vero helped them open them, and then they played with their presents, but no way would they open them, themselves.  This year we let Abbie decorate the tree.  And of course, having 2, two year olds here a lot, had to use only non-breakable ornaments.  And then Savanah would UN-decorate the tree, and put some of it back on.  The two special gifts these kids enjoyed were the truck (musical) that Sammy got, and the kitchen set that Savanah got.  They would dance and dance to the truck, then play "cook and eat" with the kitchen set.  They had a ball.

 Abbie had a ball with her presents, too.  And she got to hand out the gifts again this year.  She is now 8 going on 18.... growing up way too fast. 

 She is so good with the little ones.  They love playing with her.  She loves being a little mother to them.

 We had a great, messy time.  There is Sammy with his musical truck (it also lights up).  Kids and a mess are just a part of Christmas.  And we had a good time with them that evening.

 This is Sammy and Savanah dancing to the truck music.  The video is too huge to put on here, but they sure did enjoy dancing together.

Then came Christmas Day.  God has blessed us so much with good friends.  We had Prit, Dana and John Adams over for Christmas dinner.  They are some of the neatest people.  They have been missionaries here in Haiti as long as we have.  We have watched their children grow and it's so neat that the Lord has kept them so strong through all the trials and tribulations of living in Haiti.  Prit is a gifted pastor/teacher.  Dana is an exceptional music leader and their son John is following in both of their steps.  A precious family to be sure.  The time and fellowship with them was a blessing from the Lord for us.

Now we are back into "every day mode".   Since I have not been able to get on internet much, I've been working on other things now.  Don's time is divided in so many ways.  Delivering water, sand, and gravel, plus working on Vero's house, and trying to keep things running here at our house has kept him running in circles.  And then there is working at the airport with MFI.  We have cut back on teams, but not on work.  Never much time to simply sit and relax.  Well, with a two year old that wouldn't happen much anyway. 

Speaking of that 2 year old.... there was to be a meeting with the Prime Minister on the 24th, concerning the adoption process.  We are waiting for word on how that went.  So please, keep praying.  Pastor Cebien has a team in and is out in the countryside, so have not had contact with him since this meeting took place.  We know it's all in God's hands, but continue to pray and believe He will work things out soon.  

The biggest holiday for Haiti is coming up.  January 1st is not only New Year's Day, it is the day of independence here in Haiti.  So they combine Christmas, New Year's and Independence Day all in one.  And the main thing of the day will be Pumpkin Soup.  If  you've never had it, you are missing something REALLY special.  They make a huge pot of it on the 1st, and have it on the stove all day.  Anyone who comes to visit, gets a bowl.  Since we don't usually go anywhere on that day, we have ended up with at least a couple of pots brought TO us.  What a treat for us.  And it's special that we are thought of by others, who know we won't get it, unless they bring it to us.  

Something that means a lot to me is how Haitians celebrate Christmas day.  They may not give gifts or have special meals... but they have something much more important.  They have special services with special skits depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.  They keep CHRIST at the center of CHRISTmas.  Oh that the world would do the same.  

We pray that Christ was the center of YOUR CHRISTmas.  And that you, along with us, were praising God for His incredible gift of His Son, TO US.  He may have come as a babe in the manger, but His real reason for coming was to bring a way for us to spend eternity with the Lord.  We pray you are in that place where you can praise God with us, for the salvation His Son came to bring for us.  

At this time of year we are praying you know the real reason for the season.  Not the decorations, fancy trees, presents or even a reason for new clothes and parties.  But to celebrate the birth of the Son of God, sent to save us from our sins.  We praise and thank the Lord for HIS GIFT TO US, Jesus Christ!!!!  

God's blessings to you and yours in this new year!!!

Christmas time is approaching, blessings to all

This will be a very quick post and very short.  I am on Vero's computer and she'll need it soon.  I'd apologize but it honestly isn't my fault.  Both of my  computers are still in the "no internet mode".  I have no idea what is wrong and am not knowlegable enough to figure it out.  So, I use what I can borrow when I can.  This has been 3 months of pure frustration, since I do so much on the internet.  That would be my first prayer request.  Pray not only that it can be fixed, but that I won't "lose it" while waiting.

Lots going on... in many areas.  First, our good friend and prayer warrior, Pastor Cebien, has stepped in and is helping us with the adoption process here.  Thanks to him, all of our paper work went to the Prime Minister's office, and his (PM) words were, "Lets get this done, now."   How long will that be?  I have no idea, since we are in Haiti. But we praise God we are in the works now.  

And we (mainly Vero) are working on Savanah's passport.  They told us getting it done before the adoption would make it much easier.  If THIS is easiier, wow, not sure what it would involve AFTER the adoption.  But we praise God that possibly by Monday, the passport will be in the works.  Put that on your prayer list, okay?

Don's been working on several things.  Hauling sand and gravel for several people.  He always buys it from one family.  There are so many doing it at the rivers.  But this family is all Christians.  Huge family... from Grandpa and Grandma to great grandkids.  And they had many kids.  They have always been very good to Don, giving him more than a normal load.  He tries to take andy out for them all each time.  We were given some clothes and Don took them out.  Many times the kids are without clothes, and the adults don't do much better.  They were so thrilled and told Don "God bless you." as he left.  He is also working on Vero's house.  It will be done soon.  But she will be staying at Sammy's house from Tuesday on, for a month, while Bud and Jane go stateside for the holidays.  When she comes back, we hope to have it ready for her to move into.  A lot has been done, now we have to work on the rest.  Keep praying.

I'd best close out and get this posted, while I have internet.  We pray your Christmas is Christ centered and that you spend the season sharing His love and the reason He came. 

Blessings, and MERRY CHRISTMAS .... a Christ centered Christmas to you all.

Marriage, an insightful message

I sent out an email just a bit ago.  In our Saturday prayer meeting, we have someone share whatever is on their heart, according to scripture.  Belle Romeus had shared once before, a message her son had sent out years ago.  He was in service, but very definitely serving the Lord, too.  This Saturday she shared another of Loren's messages.  I wanted to share what he wrote with all of you.  Marriage is a battleground, but not the type we would normally think of.  I thank the Lord for Loren's insight and wisdom.  Please read and share wherever you feel called to.  It's a very insightful message.
Thanks, 
Karen
 

Marriage ~ written by Loren Romeus (Belle and Paul’s son ~ written May 10, 2003)

I’ve got several things written and prepared to send, but a lot of things have been pulling my spirit toward the issue of marriage and specifically the spiritual warfare surrounding marriage, so we’ll try to go that route today.

I really don’t have anything profound to say regarding marriage today.  Many of you have much more experience in that field than I do, but I think it is worthy of our collective focus for a least a week. 

First of all, marriage is one of the foremost battlegrounds of spiritual warfare.  The enemy devotes tremendous effort toward the destruction of individual marriages and the institution of marriage as a whole.  At any given time in our life, other areas of your life (health, finances, career, friendships, etc.) may or may not be under attack depending on the tailored strategy of the enemy for your downfall.  However, you can be sure that your marriage is under continuous attack.  There are a number of reasons that I can think of for this, and I’m sure many more exist.

1.     Marriage is a reflection of Salvation.  If a person truly understands mutually exclusive, intimate, life-long covenant based on unconditional love (marriage), they can easily understand and embrace mutually exclusive, intimate, life-long covenant based on unconditional love (salvation).

2.    Marriage is the foundation of family.  A godly family and household is God’s design for raising and developing people.  One of the easiest ways for the enemy to unravel the fabric of a person’s life is to begin destroying their family environment during childhood.  If a child doesn’t learn about love, discipline, forgiveness, affection, respect, commitment, integrity, and all those types of subjects at home, the world is more than happy to teach them all they need to know.

3.    The spiritual power of a united couple is tremendous.  The enemy attacks marriage so hard because it holds great danger for destroying his kingdom.  The accountability, support, prayer, encouragement, and combined anointing available within marriage holds potential for phenomenal men and women of God.

4.    Since marriage reflects salvation, it is a constant reminder to the enemy of his defeat at the cross and the restoration and intimacy with God that will never again be available to him.  Yes, marriages are attacked because they pose a threat, but more than that, they are attacked because the enemy vehemently, viciously hates marriage.

Last Sunday night, a group of us concluded a study on marriage that we had been conducting for  a number of weeks.  That last night the only thing on the agenda was prayer.  We prayed for each other and for marriages of certain other couples we knew.  It ended up being nearly an hour and a half of effectual, fervent prayer.  I came away from there thinking, “Man, I really needed that!” and “Why in the world don’t we do things like this more often?”  We are so concerned with maintaining an image of good, stable, shining Christian lives that we hesitate to ask people to pray for us.  James 5: 16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”  The second sentence is quoted all the time in church, but the first sentence is remarkably less popular.

Whether your marriage is experiencing difficulty at the moment or not, I challenge you this week to find a prayer warrior or two and request prayer for your own marriage.  Furthermore, let the Spirit guide you to pray for marriages of people you know.  Tear down strongholds of pride, selfishness, materialism, lust, bitterness, and so forth.  Cancel every demonic strategy and plan against those marriages in the name of Jesus Christ.  Proclaim peace, passion, intimacy, understanding, support, and clear communication by the authority of the True and Living God.  This is a war zone, get in there and FIGHT!  While you’re at it, pray for Tina and me.

The Lord be with you all,

Loren

November and heading toward Thanksgiving

It's a warm and sunny day here in Haiti.  A few clouds to temper the heat from the sun, but a lovely day, none the less.  

Had an interesting time last weekend.  With all we have going on, funds were a bit tight.  So those coming for help, were told we had to wait for the Lord to send something.  This didn't go over too well with a few.  And it only takes one or two to make things touchy.  They gathered many of those Don helps, and came and loudly harassed us, for hours.  Don tried to reason with them.  Now, those who really need help were NOT the ones being so vocal.  We finally had to simply shut doors and windows and pray.  They left, but were back the next morning.  Don went out and was trying to reason with them again.  He told them to pray for him and to pray the Lord would supply.  While he was out there, I felt a real need to go out and talk to HIM, not them.  I told him, "Pray FOR THEM."  He said okay, he'd pray for them (and he always has).  But I said "No, NOW.  pray for them WITH them."  He looked at me, then said okay.  He told them he wanted to pray.  He reached out to the two closest and started praying.  He prayed God would bless them, and help them when he couldn't.  Then he prayed they would accept the Lord into their hearts and become children of God."  In essence, he shared salvation with them through prayer.  When he said amen, they prayed in unison, a rote prayer.  But they thanked him and left.  Seeds were planted that day.  Two days ago, one of the women came to us and told Don she had accepted the Lord at Pastor Codo's church on Sunday.  She was all smiles and so happy.  Yes, the Lord sent us here to help those in need, and we do the best we can when we can.  But He also wants us to share HIs love and His provision with them in the spiritual realm.  It was such an uplift to have this one person come and share with us.  God IS working, even when we don't see the results.  And we Praise Him for all He is doing.

We've been working, trying to get our little depot back into a house, as it was intended 20 some years ago.  Vero and Abbie will move in when we complete it.  We are doing one step at a time to get it finished.  The new roof is on, and we had the walls painted with primer.  Then our good friend came and spray painted the inside and part of the outside with what paint we had.  That was SO much quicker than the roller and brush we had used for the primer.  Vero's eyes light up with each step completed.  We have a ways to go.  Rat screening and mosquito screens will be next.  Don is putting up new doors to replace the rotted ones that were on it.  But it is slowly starting to take shape.  Vero is such a hard worker and does so much for so  many.  She has almost no income, so finding a place to stay is difficult.  That was the reason we decided to redo the "depot" for her.  It really was built as a home for our watchman.  But being at the back of the property was not ideal.  So, Don had built his home out front.  Thus, the depot.  Don will work on getting electric into the house after the screening.  I'm working on curtains and furnishings.  With each step it's fun to see Vero's face.  She works with the kids at IDADEE orphange, but her main thrust is evangelism.  She is doing great.  And now another pastor wants her to come to his area and help him do evangelism there.  Her real heart is simply to reach everyone she can with God's message of salvation.  So, pray for her and pray we can get this place done for her quickly.  

In our intercessory prayer groups, we have been praying that the Lord would bless those at the airport who were not only Christians, but who were trying to be a witness to others and doing it by being honest in all they do there.  Praying corruption out of government places is a huge task.  But we serve an awesome, answering God.  We'll keep praying, and He'll keep answering.  But it's neat to see changes taking place at the airport and knowing God is at work there.  It's fun to work with those who's objective is to do things the way the Lord would have them done.  So please pray with us that the Lord will work in hearts and minds there.

Don is working hard and long hours trying to get material delivered to many areas.  He had to haul a load of gravel to put in the ROAD, so he could reach one place where he needed to deliver gravel.  Pray for strength for Don, for the truck to keep running well, and for the people he is helping.

Pray also for Savanah's adoption.  This week I will be contacting the lawyer to see where we stand and to get more paperwork to him.  We are praying her "archived birth certificate" is here now.  Then we will apply for her passport.  Her home study is finished in Canada, but we need copies in both English and French.  Pray for that to happen quickly.  And I will be working on finding the right person to do all her papers here in both languages.  Savanah is a VERY active 2 year old.  She can steal your heart with a smile, and drive you silly with her antics.  And her favorite movie at present is "Alvin and the Chipmunks".  She has perfected the "ALVIN" shout of David Savile. 

Well it's time to get some work done. I pray I can stay on the internet long enough to accomplish some work.  Blessing and love from here to your place.  As we close in on Thanksgiving, start now making a list each day of something you are thankful to the Lord for.  I'll do the same and post it soon.  God is our strength and shield, just as He is yours.  I pray you are leaning on Him in all you do.  Keep smiling, God loves a smile, and He can use your praises and thanks when you pray, too.  So, until next time, keep 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 18 in mind.  "Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

PS:  If you want to support our ministry the easiest way is to make an Online Donation via: 
www.WorldOutreach.org
Go to "Donate" and select our name.  The system can accept USA and International cards.  You can also select automatic and recurring gifts if you select the "Monthly" option.  
Or simply mail your gift to:
World Outreach Ministries
P.O. Box "B"
Marietta, GA  30061
and designate for Don and Karen Davis, fund code 10    

We are into November

Greetings from Haiti,

I thought I'd start out with some pictures for you.  This first one is of a plant we have in our yard.  The huge leaves look like someone took a paint brush to it.  We had some leaves that were about a foot and a half wide.  I really liked them and our yardman went and found more.  The flower almost looks like a jack-in-the-pulpit.  the other greenery is a fine like plant that we have on top of our wall on the porch.  These in the picture had fallen down and took root.

 Anna's mom sent in some presents for Savanah and Abbie.  Savanah really likes books and was thrilled with these.  There are 12 little books.  One had a baby in a highchair eating.  She picked up on that right away.

 She made Anna sit down with her on the floor and "read" them.

 Don stopped for drink on his way to deliver gravel.  I don't know if you can see it, but he has to get at least 15 trucks like this for the pastor.

 I just finished sending out an email, so thought I'd simply paste it here and let you see what is going on in our lives.

Have a super, God blessed, God directed, God inspired day!!!

From Hot and HUMID Haiti....

We have been having some really heavy rains at night.  Sunshine during the daytime. Combining the two, you have humidity.  Temperatures in the upper 80's which we can handle, but the the humidity is wearing on eveyrone.  And then come the Wisconsin state birds, MOSQUITOES.  Not sure why we have to have them here in Haiti, too, but we sure do.

We are still fighting our internet problems.  Have found a short way to get on, but it is SO slow compared to what we are used to.  The paises to God in it, is that I CAN get on, when it works.  But it's a blessing, too.  Slow is better than none.  But it is a prayer concern for us.  Trying to do MFI work, Embassy work, and general letters is very challenging.  So please keep it all in prayer.

I really am so pleased to be able to write, but we have been spoiled with such good internet to this point.  It reallly isn't the internet that is the problem.  It's our two computers.  We need to go in and change some information....but I have no idea WHERE to go and WHAT to change.  Being computer illiterate has it's drawbacks.

Anna came to stay for 2 months.  She has been going out to Limbe and working at an orphanage there.  She comes back here once in a while to visit.  She is teaching English out there to the orphans, and of course, being loved on and loving the kids, too.

We went to a meeting with the heads of the airport here in Cap and some fellows from Port au Prince.  All airlines are invited to have a representative there.  Not all come though.  But it's a good thing.  They share what is happening with the airport and how things are progressing.  Then the airlines are allowed to make statements and ask questions.  I praise God that at both of the meetings we've attended, Savnah has slept through almost all of it.  This last one when she woke up, we left, so as not to disturb anyone.  But they were almost finished anyway.  I do appreciate the fact that they are including the airlines in things, and giving an ear to what we have to say. 

Don has started hauling gravel for a pastor for building.  He said probably 15 or more loads, since it's in an area where there is a lot of water problems.  They buy land where they can afford it, then try to deal with the problems.  Sad, but at least they have something to claim.

Remember to keep the Lord at the front and center of all you do and in all your dealings.  Like everyone else, we have problems, but keeping Jesus front and center
gets us through each situation.  He definitely IS our strength and shield.  Until next time, blessings beyond mearure and love (of the Lord and for the Lord) unending.

Don and Karen Davis
P.S. ~ if you want to support our minisstry, the fastest way is to make an Online Donation via  www.WorldOutreach.org
Go to "Donate" and select our name.  The system can process USA & International cards.  You can also set up automatic recurring gifts if you select the "Monthly" option.
Or simply mail your gift to World Outreach Minisstries,  PO Box B,  Marietta, GA 30061 and designate for Don & Karen Davis, Fund Code 10
 

Smiling through the problems

Greetings again, and again, late.  Right now I am praising God that I am on the internet with my computer.  It's been a real trial and we haven't been able to find the problem yet, but are working on it.  So please pray, as all of my info is on here to get things accomplished.

Well, let's see, it's almost the end of October and a lot is going on.  Our biggest blessing is that Anna has come.  Well, she is here in Haiti and is experiencing a lot of Haiti.  She is such a sweet gal, and such a willing worker.  She was able to spend time with Jane, another missionary, going to schools and teaching....yes she was teaching in English, or trying to anyway.  Sounds like she was able to get through to them and that is a huge plus.  Actually she went to 2 different schools with Jane and really saw a lot of Haiti in the process.  She is now at Ray and Bonnie's orphanage.  Those kids are learning in English, too, so she'll be a HUGE help out there.  And she will be with the kids pretty much of the time.  But pray for her....she is COVERED with mosquito bites.  A lot of people who come for the first time are fresh meat for mosquitoes.  The rest of us must taste pretty yucky by now.  So we are praying they decide she doesn't taste quite so good by tomorrow.

Here are our two girls, reading, writing and coloring.  They make a good pair.

 With Anna here, we were able to get some buckets filled and Don has been delivering them all over.  And he has been busy delivering sand and gravel to a lot of people.  The list of those waiting keeps growing.  Pray for strength for Don and pray the truck keeps running good and no problems are encountered.  

  

 Here is Anna cleaning buckets, getting ready to fill them.  Note she had some help.  Which probably made the work twice as long.  Then Don and Anna had to take the soup mix given to us by another missionary, and divide it up into smaller packs.  Cooking for 100 people is not what these individual buckets needed.  They worked hard and got it all done.  And then they filled the buckets with food, (both the soup and some Manna packs from Feed My Starving Children), scripture coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, and John and Romans, and also one New Testament in each bucket.

 

 Our prayer meetings, both on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings are going great.  The most awesome thing is to see so many answers to prayers.  God has been fantastic in answering them.  Intercessory prayer is such a forgotten thing now.  So to see the results of our small groups seeing so many answers is inspiring. And it's not just little, "bless me or someone" prayers.  It's healing, it's salvation, it's jobs and it's family.  Praying together has been a blessing for us, too.  We share a bond in coming before the Lord for others.  

Last Wednesday was Savanah's 2nd birthday.  She is such a little nut.  We had some friends over and had cake.  Not the traditional birthday cake, since I was missing things to make it, but a pineapple upside down cake.  And since we had no birthday candles, we had two big candles beside the cake.  But like last year, she didn't want to get close to the candles to blow them out.  Abbie helped her blow them out and then she would blow, once the flames were gone.  I had made mini cream puffs, and filled them with, yes, cream, but some with egg salad and some with tuna salad.  And we had carrots and tomatoes.  All Savanah's favorite foods.  And she did them justice.  You can see her cake and looking at one of her presents.  She got a new baby to love on, some clothes, toys and a book.  She really likes books, but does not have the patience to sit through a whole book yet.  She'll get there.

 These last two pictures are just an added thing.  We went to town, and took Anna out to lunch.  Wanted to show her a couple of "sites".  The first one, which isn't real close, is a huge truck load of bananas.  Can you imagine the ones on the bottom of that truck?  Don't think I'd want them.  The last one is a boat, as it was coming in to unload it's catch for the day.  I wanted Anna to see how they use anything, including the banners over the street, to make their sails.  We are in a "make do" society.

Well, I think I'll close this out and try to download it.  I'll be on when I can get on and prayerfully it will be soon.  Until then, praise God for who He is, and what He has done for you.  I know we are praising God for all His blessings in our lives.

The end of September...

It seems I am always saying I'm sorry for taking so long to post....but here I am again, doing it.  Since I last posted things have been a bit hectic.  Let's see if I can remember all that's been going on.  

I can tell you I've been spending more time in prayer.  For our family (one son out of a job and looking frantically, one grandson in the same boat, another son with some health issues)  Well, all five of our kids and their kids have had some heavy prayer needs in the last month or so and we've been kept busy praying for them.  And one of our good friends here has had a major problem.  They live in a two story house, and part of the roof is wood.  They woke up Sunday morning and their wiring (all outside the house) was on fire.  Paul, along with some others, decided they had to put the fire out.  He got up on the metal railing of the second floor, with an aluminum mop handle and tried to separate the wires. Yes, he got hit, HARD.  But the Lord was with him.  He fell onto the porch, not off of it, and hit the rebar on the window with his elbow.  Some major burns and bad spots, but he is doing fine now.  Note, this man is over 70 years old.  He needs prayer, but also a lot of praising that the Lord kept him safe from a certain fall and even from electrocution.

It seems every mission that is honestly serving the Lord is having some major issues right now.  The up side to this is that we know satan is running scared and doing his worst to stop us.  But I read the end of the book... I KNOW WHO WINS!!!  

I am really praising the Lord for our prayer groups.  On Wednesday nights it's just a handful of friends who are praying.  On Saturday morning, it's starting to grow and we are praising God for that.  I have been recording all the prayer requests, and when God answers a prayer, I go back and highlight it.  I've done it on the computer and print it out for all our prayer warriors.  It's so exciting to see so many yellow markings on the papers and see how God is stepping in and answering our prayers.  It's exciting, also to be a part of groups who are lifting up so many needs and seeing answers.  OUR GOD IS SO AWESOME!!!!

I've been under the weather for a bit, but am bouncing back.  Savanah and Don have the nasty colds going around.  But they, too, are starting to clear up.  

Schools in Haiti are starting in October.  The amount of people coming for help has increased so much.  Costs have risen here and people simply can't afford to send their kids now.  Talking with some of the schools, the enrollment is way down., but in half.   Sad to say there may be some drastic changes coming for the schools here.  

I'd like to list some praises here and ask you to praise God with us for His hand on situations here and all over.

•  Praise God for keeping Paul safe and not having worse injuries in his fall and electrical contact.
• Praise God that our granddaughter is doing so much better with her pregnancy, and that the twins will continue to grow and be healthy, also with her health.
• Praise God for our grandson and his witness while in basic training.  Guide and direct him in all he does.
• Praise God for our son, although without a job, he is touching lives through his witness to others and in his faith in knowing God will take care of him and his family until he can find work.
• Praise God for all the yellow highlights on our prayer list, as God continues to work and answer prayers. 
• Praise God for our faithful supporters and prayer warriors who have kept us going here in Haiti.
• Praise God for one supporter who sent a large amount and enabled us to help more and more people.... BLESS THEM MIGHTILY LORD!

I think a prayer list is what I will put here now.  Please keep all of it in your prayers.  Like we have shared before, the needs seem to be increasing so much.  I think the economy all over the world is effecting us here now.  

• Pray for both the Haitian government and the US government.  Pray for the leaders of both countries to have open hearts for the Lord and to allow Him to guide and direct them.  I know that's a HUGE request, but our God is bigger than any problem or situation we come upon.
• Pray for families here in Haiti.  First for them to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, then for the Lord to supply the basic needs they have to survive.
• Pray for the pastors...those who are preaching and teaching the true Gospel.  Not just here in Haiti, but all over the world.  
• Pray that through the pastors, God's word will seep into and become a part of many, many lives.
• Pray for MFI (Missionary Flights) as they keep growing to serve more and more missions.  Pray for guidance and finances for each and every staff member, but also for the operational costs of the mission.
• Pray for our children.  God knows the needs and where they need the help.  All we need to do is lift them up and God can go from there.
• Pray for our spiritual walk here.  That the Lord will guide and direct all we do and in every aspect of our ministry.
• Pray for the Lord to provide the finances He wants us to have to help those in need here.
• Pray for Savanah's adoption to move more quickly.
• Pray for our health and well being.

 
For now, until next time... keep your eyes on Jesus and remember to thank Him daily for all He does for you.  There are things He is doing that you don't even know about.  He keeps His eyes on you, now you need to keep your eyes on HIM!!  Blessings and thanks to all of you!!!!

As things move along

Hello again,

Well, I thought I'd do a quick overview of what is happening here.  And post some more pictures, too.  Life is never dull, that's a given in Haiti. 

Abbie is growing so quickly.  She is 8 (but acts like a teenager).  She started 3rd grade this week.  She likes school, but is so into having so many friends now that she is not the only girl in her class.  

 She also adores her mama.  And she wants to be just like her.  She wants to be an evangelist, just like mom, and maybe even a pastor.  We'll see what the future years hold for her.  Vero is doing good.  She IS an evangelist and has a heart for people to know her Jesus as she knows Him.  She also works at the airport with us with MFI.  Such a huge help for me.  We share Tuesday's at the airport now, and she has Thursday's without me there.  She does a GREAT job. 

 We are working on getting our "little house" (used to be our depot)... in order and cleaned up for her and Abbie to have their own place.  They are both excited about it, so we are working hard to make it happen soon.

Had our first meeting for prayers of intercession.  Group was small for the first meeting, but others have expressed interest and it will grow as the Lord leads it.  The books I mentioned before ("Intercessory Prayer" by Dutch Sheets, and "Rekindling Passion for Prayer...The Lost Art of Praying Together" by James Banks) are the ones we are using as a guide for our group.  We have some awesome praying friends here.  This is Don, with Ray and Bonnie, Belle, and Jane and Bud.  God is opening doors for His work to be done here.  Oh, those are two of Ray and Bonnie's "kids" sitting on the floor.

 And of course, there is Savanah.  When she sees a camera, she is true Haitian.  She stops smiling and simply looks at the camera.  You have to catch her unaware to get a smile.  Keep praying for the new law to be passed here soon, so the work on her adoption can get moving again.  Her grandma Bibiana came to see her yesterday.  We were so happy she talked to her (well, in HER language anyway), and sat with her and even kissed and hugged her.  We keep photos around so she will know her family when she is finally able to go home to them.

 I had a neat item from facebook I wanted to paste here, but it won't go in.  So, I'll simply have to quote it:

It's from Max Lucado....

FAITH is not the belief that God will do what you WANT.   It is the belief that God will do what is RIGHT!!! 

That is such an important message in those two lines.  As I shared in English church on the example Jesus gave us using the Lord's Prayer, this also emphasizes it.  We pray, "Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done"... that is not saying "give me what I want".  It's saying "give me what YOU see I need".    The Lord's Prayer was not something to use as a rote prayer.  It's an example of how we are to come before the Lord in our prayers.  And the Lord is concerned about our Spiritual life, not just our physical life.  He wants our spirit to prosper, even before our physical needs.  That is why when you travel to countries like Haiti, or Africa or other improvised places, you see those in GREAT need of food and livelihood, with smiles on their faces.  God is at work in their lives, through their faith.  We see it often here in Haiti.  People who have many, many physical needs smile and say, God is in control and He is blessing us.  The question is, can those who have plenty, like food and a home, say that in America?  It's a total HEART condition.  What is YOUR greatest need?  Mine is to draw closer and closer to the Lord in all ways.  When we do that, HE will help meet the other needs we have.  But even in hard times, and in hard circumstances, God is there to meet us... in the way He sees we need most.

So, from a hot and humid country, we send our best wishes and our sincere prayers to those who have needs.  Yes, for jobs, for food, for housing, but most importantly for a closer and deeper walk with the Lord who supplies all of our needs.  Yes, we have needs, but the Lord knows of them, and we can rejoice that He is in control and will answer and provide in His way and in His time.  

So, rejoice with us that the Lord is in control of our lives.  That He is the author and finisher of our faith.  That He has His loving and caring arms around us each and every minute of each and every day.  Until next time.... blessings beyond measure to everyone... may your walk with the Lord increase daily.

Photos and more photos, I hope

 Well, I have put a LOT of pics on here and they are all random and from all different times... so I'll explain... This first one is Peter and Daniel (one of our kids...the one who took Peter to town.  He is also a policeman now.  Hummm, he's short isn't he?)

This is Savanah in her "My Gwampa wides a HarWee" outfit. 

 Our daughter found this and it was the main screen on my phone in the US...it looked SO MUCH like Savanah, and I loved the saying.

 Our 50th Anniversary picture from our party in Haiti, before we left for the US.

 On our ACTUAL 50th anniversary with our kids.  Four of our five kids were with us some with their...other halves.  We had a GREAT time.

 At our stateside 50th anniversary party.  (Imagine  FIFTY years with the same guy!)

 After the renewal of our vows... with the man who led Don to the Lord (a great friend and Don's former boss).  Note the ball and chain on Don's leg??)

At The Holy Land Experience.... nope Peter was NOT in trouble with the Roman soldier. 

As we were leaving The Holy Land Experience.  A full day!

One of our grandsons decided to join service.  Tough decision, but we are proud of him.  Also a hard time for Mike and Sarah as they are now engaged. 

Three of our great grandsons... the greats just keep coming!!!  Gee, does that mean we're getting older?  But that's okay, they are all precious. 

 And last but definitely not least, Veronique and Abbie.  Eight year old Abbie is our teenager...at least SHE thinks so.  But they are a blessing, for sure.

So there you have a whole conglomeration of pictures from us... and they sure aren't in order, but I'm just happy they are ON here. 

All a blessing from the Lord, each and every person in our lives have left footprints on our hearts.  We praise God for all of them.