A Good Day of Serving {July 31, 2016}

Early this morning we piled into the tap-taps (Haitian taxi trucks) and rode out to Pastor Dovic’s church. Coming out of the city of Port-au-prince, we crossed a rocky quarry that had become a shallow river, and quite a bumpy ride. We headed into the trees where Pastor Dovic has recently planted a church. As we approached we could hear them worshipping in the church surrounded by banana trees. It was a beautiful time to get to worship with them and hear familiar songs being sung to the Lord in Creole.

Pastor John preached an inspiring message from 2 Peter with Dovic’s help to translate, and the congregation really enjoyed the encouragement. The children were excited to hear about the t-shirts we brought for them and began to gather from the homes around the church. The team performed the skit about the 4 soils parable and brought some laughs and good lessons from the Lord. We were all graced with the opportunity to do some crafts and get to love on the children and build new friendships with the community. The Lord has truly been working in Dovic’s church and the community is truly coming together to show Christ’s love with one another. The team provided the t-shirts for the kids and and 150 shoes, and we got to sit back and watch the local church body care for each other as they handed out shirts to the kids. At last, Dovic’s church foundation has been laid and the vision that the Lord has given him is truly coming to fruition!

It was truly a good day serving the Lord, and we have only just begun our week here in Haiti!

Please continue praying for the work of the Lord here and the wonderful people of Haiti.

Stuck in the mud

Safe Arrival and Saturday's Blessings {July 30, 2016}

Most of the morning was spent adjusting to the climate and spending time together.  We had some worship and prayer time.  After lunch, we walked to a nearby orphanage. About 40 children are housed here ages ranging from 1-15 years.  Everyone brought out something special to share with the children - hand games, coloring, nail polish, love and hugs. The children especially loved the balloons that Danielle brought. Many a game of balloon toss, balloon soccer and pop-the-ballon games were played.  Students from the Bible College joined us for the visit. Seeing them interact and lead worship with the children was encouraging. We were able to share the skit (4 soils parable).  It was amazing!  The children understood and seemed to really let it soak in.  As usual, John’s ukulele was a big hit.  Many of the young ones wanted to strum and sing.  Loving on the kids and sharing the love of Jesus with them. A rousing game of soccer was played, I think the Haitian team won. The cheering section was quite loud and fun. Please be in prayer for the children, the orphanage leaders, and the future of the orphanage.  

Children at Pastor Dovic's church

Balloons always bring a smile

Haiti Team Packed and Ready to Go! {23 July 2016}

Packing day was Saturday, and 40 suitcases are ready to go!  Thank you to everyone at CCFred who donated funds and items for this trip.  We go with more than 700 bright yellow t-shirts that communicate God’s truth about accepting His Word and bearing fruit - (Thanks Emma and Tina for the graphic work!)  We go with more than 500 pairs of brand new crocs - (Thanks Juan and Kim and Faithful Footsteps!)  We go with handmade dresses for the little girls in Haiti - (Thanks Dena and Sewing Seeds!)  We go with diapers and formula for the babies at the abandoned baby ward - (Thanks John Godby and the Florida crew!)  We go with Haitian Creole Bibles - (Thanks Jim and the Gideons!)  We go with hundreds of spoons and bowls (real ones!) to bolster the feeding ministry in Port au Prince (great find Adam and Janelle!)  Granola bars, snack crackers, toothpaste, tooth brushes, and much much more - (Thank you family at CCFred!)  And THANK YOU Holy Spirit for ordaining opportunities for each of these items to touch a precious life in Haiti.  Lord, we want them to know that these items come from YOU, and that You love them with an everlasting love.  Please help us communicate that.

700+ shirts sorted and ready to hand out

Praying over the gifts God provided

Haiti Team Loves Head Waters

A huge THANK YOU to Head Waters Lodge for hosting our team retreat!  After several team meetings and socials over the past few months, this was the final time we would all be together before leaving for Haiti.  We spent time in worship and prayer, and we received the Word God had for us.  Also, unity grew as we worked together on team building activities.  (We truly can do more that we tend to think - through Christ, all things are possible!)  Everyone worked together to wrap up hundreds of crafts, and we rehearsed the drama that demonstrates the parable of the 4 soils.  Unexpected rain canceled the zipline, but the extra time inside together enabled us to draw even closer.  Intercession for one another was a sweet time as walls came down, masks came off, and God moved.  Onward to Haiti we go, in His power and provision and for His glory!

Men in Prayer

Ladies in Prayer