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Christmas Bags for Haiti
UPDATES
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As we hear from friends in Haiti, we will keep this page updated.
From Karen Davis 5/10/10
Good morning...it's a bright and sunny Monday and we have found some real praise items. In the last few days we have been talking with some of the pastors we have been helping. It's exciting to hear the good reports. With the help we have given, AND THE HELP FROM THE CHURCH PEOPLE, some of the displaced families have been able to return to their "homes" and start to rebuild their lives in Port au Prince. It's so exciting to see the church people step in and help provide things for them. They helped with getting food and clothing for the people. And this is a true sacrifice for them. But God will richly bless their giving and their efforts. Some of the refugees can now return, clear their land and start rebuilding. What a hard time for them, but at least it's a time they can now look forward to and rebuild. There is still a long road ahead for them, but God has given them hope in so many ways. I guess it's still hard for me to comprehend how much they have already gone through and what they still have to face. I know it will be very difficult for them to clear out the old rubble and start new. But in a way, isn't that what we do as Christians? We clear out the old rubble and start fresh with Jesus Christ? I praise God for helping me come to the realization of how the "rubble" of the old life needed to be replaced.FROM KAREN DAVIS - MONDAY MARCH 3
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....
From Karen Davis, 2/16, Fat Tuesday
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!!!!!!!!!!!
This update is a video from the MFI website. If the link doesn't work, please visit www.missionaryflights.org,
click on "Related Haiti Earthquake Stories," and watch this video about a partnership between Hendrick Motor Sports
and MFI. It'll blow you away. As Dick Snook says "this is the church...not sitting in the pew or hoping the
air conditioner is just right...this is the church in action...getting dirty."
From Karen Davis
Wednesday, February 3
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.
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
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!
From Don and Karen Davis, Saturday, January 30 (with pictures!)
inspection of the second container is behind us, and the unloading of
the first one is done and distributed. A LOT has happened in the last few days. I'm putting a few photos in here to let you
see some of the "fun" of getting these things done.
The first two are of the inspection. Take everything out of one 40 foot container and put it in another...except is doesn't fit. Stan packs solid, and the people here don't do a very good job of following Stan's way of doing it. Once Stan was there, he climbed in and was packing it tight again. So, think of it, that is 4 times of unloading and reloading one 40 foot container. Not an easy job at all.
The first two are of the inspection. Take everything out of one 40 foot container and put it in another...except is doesn't fit. Stan packs solid, and the people here don't do a very good job of following Stan's way of doing it. Once Stan was there, he climbed in and was packing it tight again. So, think of it, that is 4 times of unloading and reloading one 40 foot container. Not an easy job at all.
At the house,
it's more fun and games... here we have to unload,
and SORT it and then figure out where it is going. The Christmas Bags were stacked in the right piles, then sorted for the
different places of distribution. Most of the missions who got the bags also got rice meals, corn meal, and peanut butter
to distribute, too. Stan and I were kept busy keeping track of where everything was going. But we got it done with the help
of a LOT of people.
And the guys
got to eat, too. They LOVE hot dogs, mac and cheese, chips, brownies and pop. And they deserve it. They did a lot of work.
And then there is the work of distributing it, but God was with us and all things were brought in, unloaded and distributed...what
a blessing. They are on their way to the people now. The local missionaries and pastors came right away and picked up their
share of things. everyone was so pleased. Some of these items even went as far as Gonaives.
So, this first 40 foot container went a LOT of places to a lot of people. And don't forget, the scriptures and salvation coloring
books went along with all of that. Not only are Christmas bags going out, but food (desperately needed), scriptures (for feeding
the soul) and a lot of prayers. 
And we have
a team working, too, so it's amazing what God has accomplished this week. This medical team has been working hard and seeing
hundreds of people. Once word got out, they saw many physical needs from Port that had come here without treatment. Now they
are being cared for. And not only the physical, but the emotional needs are so great after such a tragedy. They originally
came to work with the local people, but God has put many more in their path. And they are meeting the needs. Today is a day
of rest. And tomorrow is church. Then Monday they will have one more clinic. A lot of people have been helped and we are so
thankful.Our next container is due to be delivered on Wednesday. Pray for that. I praise God that almost every item from the one we just unloaded has been given to people already. We have almost nothing here at all, but praise God MFI was able to help us with that and we do have food to give out. This next one should be just about as quick as the one yesterday. Then we have one that is to arrive at the port tomorrow. Supplies are finally just starting to arrive here in the north.
Our mission is to help the people. That does not mean we have to personally hand out each item. It means we can help others facilitate the process by giving to them and they can reach out to even more than our limited means. We have the means to help people in many different ways, but all in the way that the Lord directs. Isn't it awesome how the Lord puts His people working together to make a bigger impact for Him? He enables us to distribute, but also to enable others to do the same. I can't stress enough how awesome our God is!!!
If I get some photos of the team working, I'll try to include that in the next blog. Since I have not been with them, it's hard to get pictures myself. We've been a bit occupied. But I think several have taken some photos, so I should be able to get some. I'll keep trying.
You have a God centered, Jesus directed, Holy Spirit fantastic day.
From Don and
Karen Davis, Thursday, January 28
Another trying but awesome day in Haiti. It stated out on a hard note,
with everyone calling and wanting something...trying to get things organized for the airport and a lot going wrong. Then,
we decided that Don would help our friend, Ray, get this teams cargo to Limbe after
the plane, so I took my truck as well, just "in case" they called from the docks to inspect our second container.
I had one outbound passenger with me as I left for the airport...about a fourth of the way there, got the call... COME NOW
TO INSPECT THE CONTAINER!!! Oh boy, had to stop Don (praise God he was behind me and I could). He took the passenger, headed
to the airport, and I headed home. Had to get water and some other things, and pick up our kids to handle the inspection.
Had 12 kids in my little truck. Headed in...Stan was purchasing meds for the team,
so he couldn't come right away, but made it about a forth of the way into the container.
Had a great inspector. And our agent was great too. It was a long hard day, but the guys did great. They let us bring several things home with us. Some of the bigger things, which was a huge help. Then we set it up to bring our FIRST container to the house tomorrow...and the second one next Wednesday. This would give us time to distribute the items on this first one. And it would give me time tonight and in the AM to get some of the paperwork done to get ready for this first one coming tomorrow.
Well, got another surprise...they brought the container tonight... in the dark...and this guy had NO lights on the truck. Only took about 15 tries to get it in the right place, but at least he didn't hit our house this time, which is a blessing. Got it parked and locked up.
We were just sitting down to eat when someone said, "Where's Abbie?" Okay, panic set in... BIG TIME. For those of you who know the situation, Abbie is a kidnapping risk. We couldn't find her anywhere, and I lost it, TOTALLY!! I don't think I EVER, EVER want to go through that again. Finally, we called over to EBAC. She had gone with grandpa to get the team. Everyone thought she was on the truck...but she wasn't. She was over there, happily watching a movie with the kids. I think I cried as much AFTER we found her as BEFORE we found her. I am SO thankful for the team, though. At the first sign that she wasn't there, they all grabbed flashlights and started sweeping the yard and surrounding area. Such a blessing for us.
After things calmed down, and we finished eating, Stan and I sat down and figured out where and how to distribute almost all of what is on this container...what a job, but what a blessing that all of this is going out to the needy, quickly. There are so many hurting, and this will be such a help.
I don't think I mentioned that yesterday, MFI brought us in a whole lot of relief food to distribute. Vero and I spent last night sorting and getting ready to package it out to a lot of people. God is really blessing and we are so thankful to Him. And to the people who have been faithful in helping us get these needed supplies for the hurting humanity.
It's late...almost midnight, and I really need to close out and get some rest. Had enough excitement for one day... well, for several, actually. Now I have to pray the Lord will give me peace and rest.
I pray you will have a fantastic day tomorrow and keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Had a great inspector. And our agent was great too. It was a long hard day, but the guys did great. They let us bring several things home with us. Some of the bigger things, which was a huge help. Then we set it up to bring our FIRST container to the house tomorrow...and the second one next Wednesday. This would give us time to distribute the items on this first one. And it would give me time tonight and in the AM to get some of the paperwork done to get ready for this first one coming tomorrow.
Well, got another surprise...they brought the container tonight... in the dark...and this guy had NO lights on the truck. Only took about 15 tries to get it in the right place, but at least he didn't hit our house this time, which is a blessing. Got it parked and locked up.
We were just sitting down to eat when someone said, "Where's Abbie?" Okay, panic set in... BIG TIME. For those of you who know the situation, Abbie is a kidnapping risk. We couldn't find her anywhere, and I lost it, TOTALLY!! I don't think I EVER, EVER want to go through that again. Finally, we called over to EBAC. She had gone with grandpa to get the team. Everyone thought she was on the truck...but she wasn't. She was over there, happily watching a movie with the kids. I think I cried as much AFTER we found her as BEFORE we found her. I am SO thankful for the team, though. At the first sign that she wasn't there, they all grabbed flashlights and started sweeping the yard and surrounding area. Such a blessing for us.
After things calmed down, and we finished eating, Stan and I sat down and figured out where and how to distribute almost all of what is on this container...what a job, but what a blessing that all of this is going out to the needy, quickly. There are so many hurting, and this will be such a help.
I don't think I mentioned that yesterday, MFI brought us in a whole lot of relief food to distribute. Vero and I spent last night sorting and getting ready to package it out to a lot of people. God is really blessing and we are so thankful to Him. And to the people who have been faithful in helping us get these needed supplies for the hurting humanity.
It's late...almost midnight, and I really need to close out and get some rest. Had enough excitement for one day... well, for several, actually. Now I have to pray the Lord will give me peace and rest.
I pray you will have a fantastic day tomorrow and keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From Rodney and Cathy Fitzsimmons (missionaries to Gonaives 60 miles--as the crow flies--north of Port) Thursday, January 28
Earlier this week we were able to make contact with a pastor friend in the capital who we have known for many years. He told us of areas where thousands of victims are living outside with virtually nothing - just as you have seen in the news. We told him we had received some disaster relief funds from churches and believers in the States. He immediately offered to come to Gonaives so he could use this aid to help literally thousands of people. He came this morning and we were able to give him a check for $10,000US from donations we have received. Food is available for purchase but most people don't have money. He will be working with other pastors and missionaries to purchase and distribute food. Together they will prepare a report of how the many was used. Receipts and reports accounting for every dollar given for disaster relief will be returned to Baptist World Mission. We were also able to send about $250US to each of 3 pastors for personal needs. All of this is possible because so many have given and we know many more have plans to send donations in the near future. From the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of the Haitian people in their time of suffering and need we thank you.
As masses flee the capital it has been reported that our city alone has received 70,000 refugees. Most of these are people from this area who had went to work or go to school in the capital. They are now returning here - most after many years of living in the capital. Families of these Haitians often do not have the means of providing for themselves let alone for these refugees.
Needless to say Haiti and its future are in a state of crisis. Pray that many will hear the true Gospel of Christ and turn to the Lord for salvation.
God
bless
Rodney and Cathy
From
Cheron Hardy, Eternal Hope in Haiti Wednesday, January 27
Dear Family, Friends
and Supporters,
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support, without which I know we couldn't make it. Last week started off with the news about expecting more kids, I made a flurry of plans to prepare for that which takes much mental energy and creativity to think of how to balance the needs of all the children and skills and abilities of staff....I was most concerned about maintaining the stability of the work God has done so far in the orphanage in the midst of change and crisis. Since the children who have been there for a while all came from traumatic situations, new trauma and changes adds to their insecurity and needs. A few of the teenager boys, who have a better idea of what has really happened to their country, haven't been able to sleep at night. However the blessing of their difficult pasts is the consolation they have received from Christ and others they can pass on. So last week Tison (one of the staff) and I held different discussions/seminars during family devotion time on how to receive others in our midst. I asked the children if they were a Port au Prince victim how they would like to be received into the orphanage. It was beautiful to hear kids share about their first day in the orphanage (for those who remember), their fears, their joys, and what they would want to do for others to make it a positive experience.
Before the earthquake we had already planned to start transferring the oldest young men in our orphanage to our new site, while we wait for construction to be completed to move everyone. Due to construction delays, we hadn't made that happen when the earthquake hit. Tomorrow, five of the oldest will be the first to move to "Hope Haven North". We are then making space at our main facility to receive new babies. So last week on Thursday we had a celebration for what God has done thus far in Hope Haven and for what He will do in the future, aka a goodbye party for what was, an accceptance to changes that will be. The social committee in the orphanage arranged the whole thing, it was wonderful, with great food, singing, joke telling, and the oldest ones sharing their favorite memories of the orphanage, honoring those who've made sacrifices and sharing what they will miss. I was so blessed not only to see that despite day to day attitudes that I am appreciated, but to see their love for one another. Phillip, 18, was saying how he would miss the little ones. He helps give medicines, medicated peanut butter, ensure to some of the most medically fragile. Berlinda our newest and sickest arrival has been a very difficut case. Phillip was saying how he will miss Berlinda, 3, who tells him often that she is his friend and he is her friend. As soon as he said it the rest of the kids started saying, "that just because you give her peanut butter!" Phillip replied, "well enough though she does say you are my friend...peanut butter? I still will miss her." Prior to that, the idea of change had brought a good bit of anxiety to the kids but by celebrating God's faithfulness we were able to remember that although the world and country they have known has unalterably changed for the worse-- God who is loving and good has not and will not change- so we can look to the future with joy!!!
Since the kids are not in school, till at least the 17th of February I spent part of each day reading aloud to the children in French- the autobiography of George Mueller. It has been very applicable to our lives and taught us much.
By Friday all the celebrating and planning had worn me out but I pushed ahead and by the end of Saturday could go no more. I thought if I had to make one more decision or be asked one more question I would breakdown. So I took most of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday off, rested, and cried out to God. He strengthened me and encouraged me in Who He is. Today I hit the streets running again. First I met up with some missionaries who gave me 2 boxes of supplies they flew in with-- all baby supplies (formula, bottles, baby clothes etc). Then I went to the Cap Haitian gynasium where the government is processing the Port au Prince victims entering Cap Haitian. Twilla (president of Eternal Hope in Haiti) and a medical team along with a group of Haitian medical professionals are holding clinic for the victims. Yesterday they saw about 900 people. As of present my arm hurts because I was literally pulled into the building, while the desperate crowd was pulling on me, trying to get me to enter or help them!!! It was pretty wild! They had to have the riot police stand to man the doors.
When I got there Twilla asked me to go to the hospital and evaulate 2 babies for entry to the orphanage. They both had been abandoned. Heart breaking cases- one is HIV positive, is mabye 4 months (they have no information on him) and doesn't weigh 7 pounds the other looks about a 9months and can't weigh 10 pounds!!! So I spent the rest of the day, working on hiring new staff, and making ready for the new babies we hope to get out of the hospital tomorrow! God was good that the supplies I got in the morning were just what I needed.
There is some good news to report-- banks are open, (although the value of the dollar has increased because of all the foreign money coming in which means everything is more expensive)! Also the government is working on the roads some which helps life and the weather is nice. In addition today I got a few supplies through Agape (my mail service) even though one of their planes had an accident doing all the relief flights. Do pray because our strength (everyone in general) is decreasing as you deal with crisis day after day, the city is filling up and desperation increases.
So today I have done a lot and am thankful that the Lord let me rest the last couple of days because getting these babies to a stable place while we help others will be very intense over the next few days as they are in very serious condition, mainly due to starvation. We are looking to except medically fragile babies and you can pray for God's direction as the need is extreme.
Again thank you to everyone who has written me messages of encouragment, I need those, I just don't have time to respond. Also thank you for everyone who has helped financial, progress is being made with the construction so we hope by the end of the week, to have space to move more of our older boys, and make space for more of the babies.
Below is the link for a blog, my family is maintianing and updating as I communicate with them somewhat more regularly then I can send out reports.
http:cheronhaitiupdate2010.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcom-to-cherons-blog.html
Trusting God,
Cheron Rose Hardy, FNP-C, CNM, RN
Eternal Hope in Haiti
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support, without which I know we couldn't make it. Last week started off with the news about expecting more kids, I made a flurry of plans to prepare for that which takes much mental energy and creativity to think of how to balance the needs of all the children and skills and abilities of staff....I was most concerned about maintaining the stability of the work God has done so far in the orphanage in the midst of change and crisis. Since the children who have been there for a while all came from traumatic situations, new trauma and changes adds to their insecurity and needs. A few of the teenager boys, who have a better idea of what has really happened to their country, haven't been able to sleep at night. However the blessing of their difficult pasts is the consolation they have received from Christ and others they can pass on. So last week Tison (one of the staff) and I held different discussions/seminars during family devotion time on how to receive others in our midst. I asked the children if they were a Port au Prince victim how they would like to be received into the orphanage. It was beautiful to hear kids share about their first day in the orphanage (for those who remember), their fears, their joys, and what they would want to do for others to make it a positive experience.
Before the earthquake we had already planned to start transferring the oldest young men in our orphanage to our new site, while we wait for construction to be completed to move everyone. Due to construction delays, we hadn't made that happen when the earthquake hit. Tomorrow, five of the oldest will be the first to move to "Hope Haven North". We are then making space at our main facility to receive new babies. So last week on Thursday we had a celebration for what God has done thus far in Hope Haven and for what He will do in the future, aka a goodbye party for what was, an accceptance to changes that will be. The social committee in the orphanage arranged the whole thing, it was wonderful, with great food, singing, joke telling, and the oldest ones sharing their favorite memories of the orphanage, honoring those who've made sacrifices and sharing what they will miss. I was so blessed not only to see that despite day to day attitudes that I am appreciated, but to see their love for one another. Phillip, 18, was saying how he would miss the little ones. He helps give medicines, medicated peanut butter, ensure to some of the most medically fragile. Berlinda our newest and sickest arrival has been a very difficut case. Phillip was saying how he will miss Berlinda, 3, who tells him often that she is his friend and he is her friend. As soon as he said it the rest of the kids started saying, "that just because you give her peanut butter!" Phillip replied, "well enough though she does say you are my friend...peanut butter? I still will miss her." Prior to that, the idea of change had brought a good bit of anxiety to the kids but by celebrating God's faithfulness we were able to remember that although the world and country they have known has unalterably changed for the worse-- God who is loving and good has not and will not change- so we can look to the future with joy!!!
Since the kids are not in school, till at least the 17th of February I spent part of each day reading aloud to the children in French- the autobiography of George Mueller. It has been very applicable to our lives and taught us much.
By Friday all the celebrating and planning had worn me out but I pushed ahead and by the end of Saturday could go no more. I thought if I had to make one more decision or be asked one more question I would breakdown. So I took most of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday off, rested, and cried out to God. He strengthened me and encouraged me in Who He is. Today I hit the streets running again. First I met up with some missionaries who gave me 2 boxes of supplies they flew in with-- all baby supplies (formula, bottles, baby clothes etc). Then I went to the Cap Haitian gynasium where the government is processing the Port au Prince victims entering Cap Haitian. Twilla (president of Eternal Hope in Haiti) and a medical team along with a group of Haitian medical professionals are holding clinic for the victims. Yesterday they saw about 900 people. As of present my arm hurts because I was literally pulled into the building, while the desperate crowd was pulling on me, trying to get me to enter or help them!!! It was pretty wild! They had to have the riot police stand to man the doors.
When I got there Twilla asked me to go to the hospital and evaulate 2 babies for entry to the orphanage. They both had been abandoned. Heart breaking cases- one is HIV positive, is mabye 4 months (they have no information on him) and doesn't weigh 7 pounds the other looks about a 9months and can't weigh 10 pounds!!! So I spent the rest of the day, working on hiring new staff, and making ready for the new babies we hope to get out of the hospital tomorrow! God was good that the supplies I got in the morning were just what I needed.
There is some good news to report-- banks are open, (although the value of the dollar has increased because of all the foreign money coming in which means everything is more expensive)! Also the government is working on the roads some which helps life and the weather is nice. In addition today I got a few supplies through Agape (my mail service) even though one of their planes had an accident doing all the relief flights. Do pray because our strength (everyone in general) is decreasing as you deal with crisis day after day, the city is filling up and desperation increases.
So today I have done a lot and am thankful that the Lord let me rest the last couple of days because getting these babies to a stable place while we help others will be very intense over the next few days as they are in very serious condition, mainly due to starvation. We are looking to except medically fragile babies and you can pray for God's direction as the need is extreme.
Again thank you to everyone who has written me messages of encouragment, I need those, I just don't have time to respond. Also thank you for everyone who has helped financial, progress is being made with the construction so we hope by the end of the week, to have space to move more of our older boys, and make space for more of the babies.
Below is the link for a blog, my family is maintianing and updating as I communicate with them somewhat more regularly then I can send out reports.
http:cheronhaitiupdate2010.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcom-to-cherons-blog.html
Trusting God,
Cheron Rose Hardy, FNP-C, CNM, RN
Eternal Hope in Haiti
From
Don and Karen Davis (missionaries in Cap Haitien, about 90 miles north of Port-au-Prince) Tuesday, January 26.
It's been a day...we had two planes, with our team on the first one, and their cargo on the second one...we sat at
the airport all day because the second one had to go to another island for fuel after waiting for half an hour at the first
stop. But God can use anything, right? He used that time for us to have a chance to talk to the head of the UN at the airport...and
then one of the liaisons for the head office of the UN for helping us get containers in. The team did great at the airport..no
complaining even in the heat and humidity. We also met another team, who didn't get picked up by their mission, and we brought
them home with us for the night. God works in miraculous ways. This was a small medical team (4 people). Ours was a rather
larger MEDICAL team (15 people). They have fit well together and shared quite a bit.
We have talked to several people who have been willing to help us in any way they can to get these containers moving. We had just sat down to supper with the team when there was a knock at the door. It was the HEAD of customs in the north of Haiti. He came to talk to us about the containers. We will have to pay on these first two because they were shipped before the earthquake, but the cost is not that high...in fact it's not bad when considering what we have paid before. But now I will go to the UN and get a paper to get our containers with relief supplies free. We will have to pay dock charges, I think and then for a semi to bring them out here, but that isn't hardly anything compared to what we have been paying. God is at work and He is seeing to our needs. I mean, the HEAD guy came to US? Wow, that blew me away. We don't even know how he knew us or how he knew what we were doing.
Okay, through all of this, we are paying the duty tomorrow, and then we told them to hold off delivering until Friday. I have airport tomorrow and Thursday. Don may have to do inspection on the second one tomorrow and then airport on Thursday also. But the glitch here is that they want to bring BOTH containers here Friday. We are going to try and have them bring the second one next Wednesday. When God hears the prayers, HE moves people to do His will. But then again, it's in HIS time, not ours that things are done.
This team will be working right near us, so there isn't the logistics of getting it to and from the work site. Don can take them and get them home in good time.
We've been talking to so many people here and finding out the fantastic ways God has worked in so many ways through this really tough situation. Yes, there was another tremor (5.something on the scale) yesterday in Port. But many of the people said they didn't notice it much...not after all the devastation that has occurred with the huge ones. Talking to the UN today we were told there have been 150,000 people recorded coming to the north so far. That doesn't count the ones who haven't checked in with the UN, and have simply left Port to head up here. Stan sent someone here to check for rice...which is almost non existent here. He found a store that had not been bought out. We have 8 ~ 100# bags now. Stan will be sharing them with the orphanages and some of the real needy places. Isn't God good??
Oh there is still the problems going on, don't misunderstand me on that. A team that left today was sharing about setting numerous broken limbs on one person, and having to amputate quite a few others. But the attitude of the PEOPLE is what is amazing. I would venture a guess that over 90% of them have a great "Attitude of Gratitude". And so MANY are trusting the Lord now. The churches are filling up, and people are praising God like never before.
God took this horrid tragedy, and is starting to rebuild a NEW country. One that is going to be focused on Him. People are turning from voodoo to the Lord. This is what we have been praying for years to happen.
Tomorrow's plane will also contain some needed relief supplies for us, for Ray and Bonnie and for Pastor Saintil. They are bringing in a team and it only fills half the plane. So we will benefit from that, in relief food. God really is SO good!!
I did notice today that the pilots are wearing out. Please keep them in prayer. Some are flying 6 days a week, and some are doing it 7 days a week. It's been two solid weeks of this. These are LONG, HARD days for the pilots, so they really need some uplifting. MFI just keeps "Standing in the Gap" for everyone in need here. Now it's our turn to Stand in the Gap for them, too. Please keep praying for MFI.
Okay, I've rambled enough for one night. In all of this, and in all YOU are facing, keep Jesus at the front, and bless Him for all He HAS done, IS doing, and WILL do. It's in His name we ask it.
We have talked to several people who have been willing to help us in any way they can to get these containers moving. We had just sat down to supper with the team when there was a knock at the door. It was the HEAD of customs in the north of Haiti. He came to talk to us about the containers. We will have to pay on these first two because they were shipped before the earthquake, but the cost is not that high...in fact it's not bad when considering what we have paid before. But now I will go to the UN and get a paper to get our containers with relief supplies free. We will have to pay dock charges, I think and then for a semi to bring them out here, but that isn't hardly anything compared to what we have been paying. God is at work and He is seeing to our needs. I mean, the HEAD guy came to US? Wow, that blew me away. We don't even know how he knew us or how he knew what we were doing.
Okay, through all of this, we are paying the duty tomorrow, and then we told them to hold off delivering until Friday. I have airport tomorrow and Thursday. Don may have to do inspection on the second one tomorrow and then airport on Thursday also. But the glitch here is that they want to bring BOTH containers here Friday. We are going to try and have them bring the second one next Wednesday. When God hears the prayers, HE moves people to do His will. But then again, it's in HIS time, not ours that things are done.
This team will be working right near us, so there isn't the logistics of getting it to and from the work site. Don can take them and get them home in good time.
We've been talking to so many people here and finding out the fantastic ways God has worked in so many ways through this really tough situation. Yes, there was another tremor (5.something on the scale) yesterday in Port. But many of the people said they didn't notice it much...not after all the devastation that has occurred with the huge ones. Talking to the UN today we were told there have been 150,000 people recorded coming to the north so far. That doesn't count the ones who haven't checked in with the UN, and have simply left Port to head up here. Stan sent someone here to check for rice...which is almost non existent here. He found a store that had not been bought out. We have 8 ~ 100# bags now. Stan will be sharing them with the orphanages and some of the real needy places. Isn't God good??
Oh there is still the problems going on, don't misunderstand me on that. A team that left today was sharing about setting numerous broken limbs on one person, and having to amputate quite a few others. But the attitude of the PEOPLE is what is amazing. I would venture a guess that over 90% of them have a great "Attitude of Gratitude". And so MANY are trusting the Lord now. The churches are filling up, and people are praising God like never before.
God took this horrid tragedy, and is starting to rebuild a NEW country. One that is going to be focused on Him. People are turning from voodoo to the Lord. This is what we have been praying for years to happen.
Tomorrow's plane will also contain some needed relief supplies for us, for Ray and Bonnie and for Pastor Saintil. They are bringing in a team and it only fills half the plane. So we will benefit from that, in relief food. God really is SO good!!
I did notice today that the pilots are wearing out. Please keep them in prayer. Some are flying 6 days a week, and some are doing it 7 days a week. It's been two solid weeks of this. These are LONG, HARD days for the pilots, so they really need some uplifting. MFI just keeps "Standing in the Gap" for everyone in need here. Now it's our turn to Stand in the Gap for them, too. Please keep praying for MFI.
Okay, I've rambled enough for one night. In all of this, and in all YOU are facing, keep Jesus at the front, and bless Him for all He HAS done, IS doing, and WILL do. It's in His name we ask it.
Sunday evening, January 24:
What an awesome day. You know our Lord
is bigger than even a 7.1 earthquake!!!! We have to start looking BEYOND the destruction and devastation. We need to look
to where God is taking Haiti NOW.
Our English church service today was fantastic. Pastor Prichard Adams spoke, and his message was so timely. He said God has now opened a door and the Christians here need to step through it and reach the lost (both physical and spiritual) with His word and His love. We know it's important, but it's been hard, when you see all the problems and situations this disaster has caused. But our God is an awesome God, and He can do the unthinkable. I mean, He turned water into wine, He headed a blind man, He raised the dead...what is an earthquake to Him??? It is an opportunity to bring eternal life to the many who don't know Him.
We have heard so many of the stories on internet of the deaths, the looting, the pain and suffering. What about hearing about how miracles came about? Wow, we have heard some really neat things the Lord has done. One gal had to use the rest room so bad, she RAN out of the school to find a place to go....and the building collapsed behind her. She has turned her life over the Lord because of that. The churches are filling up and people are searching for the peace that only the Lord can give. Isn't it great to know God is victorious in all of this turmoil and strife?
Some of our friends have gone to Port on trips of mercy. They return with so many stories of God's provision. We simply ask you to continue to pray for those who have come in and gone to the worst places to help out. They need strength and wisdom. And they need a huge prayer backing from even those who don't know them. God is still working wonders in Port. AND he is working wonders here in Cap, too. With the thousands migrating up here, the churches are filling up and people are hearing God's word. Pray for hearts to be softened and ears to be opened to the love and peace they can find in Jesus Christ.
We are still working on the containers and trying to get them out. We have had two people offer to help, through "someone high up" they know in customs. All we are asking is that the Lord will touch those hearts and help us to help those in need.
We have heard some "rumors", like you hear in all horrible situations. But the one we need to stop is the one where people are saying God is trying to destroy Haiti for it's evilness. God didn't cause this earthquake. Yes, He may have allowed it for some reason we will never know. Even Christians are wondering why God would allow them to suffer like this. Well, no where in the Bible does it say a Christian is exempt from the terrors of the world... it DOES say that we need to reach out and hold onto God's hand and He will walk with us THROUGH any pain and struggle. The Christian life isn't "easy" but it sure is blessed.
As stories come our way, we will try to share them with you. I may not be on as much as I have been because with a satellite system, our band width is limited to a certain amount. And we have really used up a lot of it through this last week and a half. We are about to the point where we will be slowed down to below dial up speed. After February 1st, we'll be up and going full strength again. I will TRY to post, but have patience with us. Next Monday we should be up to full power again and I will try to post frequently again.
Remember to keep praying for those who have lost family, for those who have found family, but in a sad condition, and for those who are helping to relieve the stress and strain on the ones who are suffering. And yes, pray for us. We are trying to do our best, and trying to be what God wants us to be at this time. Today I heard so many missionaries say, "This is probably why the Lord has us here...for a time such as this." So, pray that God will empower the Christians to step forward and be the light in a very dark world right now.
We covet your prayers and thank you for your concern and help through all of this. Pray that supplies will start to flow into the north now, and that we can start to get back on a "normal" track. (I'm not real sure what "normal" is here, but back to our regular life is what I mean.) Thank you for your prayers during my "melt down"....I felt them and know God used you to help me get back on track. I will try to post soon with answers to so many emails that have come in with questions. I'm sorry I can't reply to each and every one of them, but there are hundreds. We SO appreciate the love and concern we have felt coming our way. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Our praise and love go out to the Lord for all He is doing here since the earthquake. We are praying for a turn around in this country, so that people will begin to see the Lord in all things and will walk with Him.
Lord, use this horrid situation to draw people to You. Touch lives and hearts. And Lord, touch bodies and help heal a hurting nation. Put your protective arms around Haiti and send your guardian angels to help and protect the children and those who have turned their lives over to you. Help all Christians here to be a bright and shining light for You in this turmoil. Bring peace to hearts that only YOU can give. let them know You hold them in the palm of Your hand. Thank you Lord for Your grace and love for all people. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our salvation. Simply, THANK YOU LORD, for who You are and what You are. It's in Jesus we pray....Amen.
Our English church service today was fantastic. Pastor Prichard Adams spoke, and his message was so timely. He said God has now opened a door and the Christians here need to step through it and reach the lost (both physical and spiritual) with His word and His love. We know it's important, but it's been hard, when you see all the problems and situations this disaster has caused. But our God is an awesome God, and He can do the unthinkable. I mean, He turned water into wine, He headed a blind man, He raised the dead...what is an earthquake to Him??? It is an opportunity to bring eternal life to the many who don't know Him.
We have heard so many of the stories on internet of the deaths, the looting, the pain and suffering. What about hearing about how miracles came about? Wow, we have heard some really neat things the Lord has done. One gal had to use the rest room so bad, she RAN out of the school to find a place to go....and the building collapsed behind her. She has turned her life over the Lord because of that. The churches are filling up and people are searching for the peace that only the Lord can give. Isn't it great to know God is victorious in all of this turmoil and strife?
Some of our friends have gone to Port on trips of mercy. They return with so many stories of God's provision. We simply ask you to continue to pray for those who have come in and gone to the worst places to help out. They need strength and wisdom. And they need a huge prayer backing from even those who don't know them. God is still working wonders in Port. AND he is working wonders here in Cap, too. With the thousands migrating up here, the churches are filling up and people are hearing God's word. Pray for hearts to be softened and ears to be opened to the love and peace they can find in Jesus Christ.
We are still working on the containers and trying to get them out. We have had two people offer to help, through "someone high up" they know in customs. All we are asking is that the Lord will touch those hearts and help us to help those in need.
We have heard some "rumors", like you hear in all horrible situations. But the one we need to stop is the one where people are saying God is trying to destroy Haiti for it's evilness. God didn't cause this earthquake. Yes, He may have allowed it for some reason we will never know. Even Christians are wondering why God would allow them to suffer like this. Well, no where in the Bible does it say a Christian is exempt from the terrors of the world... it DOES say that we need to reach out and hold onto God's hand and He will walk with us THROUGH any pain and struggle. The Christian life isn't "easy" but it sure is blessed.
As stories come our way, we will try to share them with you. I may not be on as much as I have been because with a satellite system, our band width is limited to a certain amount. And we have really used up a lot of it through this last week and a half. We are about to the point where we will be slowed down to below dial up speed. After February 1st, we'll be up and going full strength again. I will TRY to post, but have patience with us. Next Monday we should be up to full power again and I will try to post frequently again.
Remember to keep praying for those who have lost family, for those who have found family, but in a sad condition, and for those who are helping to relieve the stress and strain on the ones who are suffering. And yes, pray for us. We are trying to do our best, and trying to be what God wants us to be at this time. Today I heard so many missionaries say, "This is probably why the Lord has us here...for a time such as this." So, pray that God will empower the Christians to step forward and be the light in a very dark world right now.
We covet your prayers and thank you for your concern and help through all of this. Pray that supplies will start to flow into the north now, and that we can start to get back on a "normal" track. (I'm not real sure what "normal" is here, but back to our regular life is what I mean.) Thank you for your prayers during my "melt down"....I felt them and know God used you to help me get back on track. I will try to post soon with answers to so many emails that have come in with questions. I'm sorry I can't reply to each and every one of them, but there are hundreds. We SO appreciate the love and concern we have felt coming our way. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Our praise and love go out to the Lord for all He is doing here since the earthquake. We are praying for a turn around in this country, so that people will begin to see the Lord in all things and will walk with Him.
Lord, use this horrid situation to draw people to You. Touch lives and hearts. And Lord, touch bodies and help heal a hurting nation. Put your protective arms around Haiti and send your guardian angels to help and protect the children and those who have turned their lives over to you. Help all Christians here to be a bright and shining light for You in this turmoil. Bring peace to hearts that only YOU can give. let them know You hold them in the palm of Your hand. Thank you Lord for Your grace and love for all people. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our salvation. Simply, THANK YOU LORD, for who You are and what You are. It's in Jesus we pray....Amen.
Sunday evening, January 17:
-
Today
was something else. We had a fellowship dinner put on by our team after church for the missionaries. It went great. But everyone
was sharing the stories of those they knew in Port and what was going on. Some of the miracles are awe inspiring. A whole
family buried under their home when it collapsed....and all are out and fine. THAT IS GOD!! And those stories were repeated
over and over of how God stepped in and took control. This disaster was NOT sent by the Lord, but He is using it to bring
people to Him. We hear all the gory details over and over, but not many of the miracles have made it into the news. There
are a LOT of miracles taking place and we need to praise Him for what He is doing. Yes, there is death and destruction and
we need to keep praying for those who are in those really bad situations, or for those whose families are not with them anymore.
At English Bible Fellowship, one of the missionaries shared something that was inspiring. He received a message from a Haitian
pastor who is stateside, and some of his family passed away. The pastor said, "They are away." Not gone... but away....what
a concept. He knows he will see them again and doesn't consider them GONE. To be able, in these circumstances, to have such
a deep conviction is phenomenal. Pray for others to be able to see the truth in that.
English church was awesome. So many sharing the PRAISES of things going on now. It's great that as a church we can rejoice in God's miracles, and yet, pray together for the needs to be met and for God's guidance in all of this turmoil. An added blessing, our son, grandson and a friend did a number in church. Our grandson played the flute and it was wonderful. Then the pastor from our home church shared God's word. What an uplifting time of fellowship. We need these times to off set the rest of what is happening.
We had wondered where the pastor from the EBAC orphanage was. But praise God, he turned up in Canada, safe and sound. We knew he had headed to Port to fly out...but had no confirmation that he had done it.
We have had so many coming to us, letting us know their relatives are moving up here to live with them. This is going to be a really hard time, dealing with all the needs to be met. It IS a heavy burden for us, but it's so much more for the Haitians. This country really needs the Lord's Hand to bring it around. Pray with us that God will bring in His Spirit to start working in hearts and lives.
I have to make this post short since power is limited now. Please keep praying... we have been seeing busloads of people coming up and the UN has been transporting people here from Port, too. This is a bit overwhelming when we think of all that lays ahead of us. We need prayers for discernment, wisdom and grace. Please be with us and hold up our arms as we strive to do what the Lord wants us to do.
In His Service, and in His Love,
Karen for all of us...........
English church was awesome. So many sharing the PRAISES of things going on now. It's great that as a church we can rejoice in God's miracles, and yet, pray together for the needs to be met and for God's guidance in all of this turmoil. An added blessing, our son, grandson and a friend did a number in church. Our grandson played the flute and it was wonderful. Then the pastor from our home church shared God's word. What an uplifting time of fellowship. We need these times to off set the rest of what is happening.
We had wondered where the pastor from the EBAC orphanage was. But praise God, he turned up in Canada, safe and sound. We knew he had headed to Port to fly out...but had no confirmation that he had done it.
We have had so many coming to us, letting us know their relatives are moving up here to live with them. This is going to be a really hard time, dealing with all the needs to be met. It IS a heavy burden for us, but it's so much more for the Haitians. This country really needs the Lord's Hand to bring it around. Pray with us that God will bring in His Spirit to start working in hearts and lives.
I have to make this post short since power is limited now. Please keep praying... we have been seeing busloads of people coming up and the UN has been transporting people here from Port, too. This is a bit overwhelming when we think of all that lays ahead of us. We need prayers for discernment, wisdom and grace. Please be with us and hold up our arms as we strive to do what the Lord wants us to do.
In His Service, and in His Love,
Karen for all of us...........
From Cheron Hardy who runs Eternal Hope in Haiti orphanage
Thoughts from Thursday-- I didn't have internet acccess to send it out earlier. Praise God we have heard one of our friends is alive and ok!
Thank you to everyone
who is lifting me up in prayer and has sent messages of encouragement. How blessed I am that I have such a network of
support there is NO way I can respond to each person. I just thought I'd share a few thoughts on our lives here
in the aftermath of this earthquake. Our hearts are heavy with grief, uncertainty for the future, and the reality which
becomes more real day by day. Since Haiti is so centralized, the loss in Port au Prince is a loss to the functioning
of the entire country.
My desire when I look at the internet photos is to want to run to Port au Prince and do
something to help....Yet I do not feel that is where God wants me to be at the moment. I feel He wants to be with these
Haitian children, creating a small sense of stability in normalcy after that has been shattered. I think and reflect
on the future of Haiti now, the loss of leaders, schools, universities, government buildings etc and wonder who will be the
leaders who will rebuild Haiti. So I do my part to form, train and prepare Haitian citizens, a remnant from all these
disasters, who will be of service to their people. Yesterday, since the educational system is shutdown for the whole
country, I "homeschooled" them. They were to write about the earthquake experience, some wrote poems in french,
others wrote songs, prayers or stories. Many of them questioned the very idea Pat Robertson spoke of, "is our country
cursed, doomed, why? how?"
Phillip, almost 18, said at the dinner table on Wed, "if the Americans come
for you with a helicopter, I will hang on --to the helicopter or your legs, but I WILL NOT let go, until I get there with
you....Once I get there they can do WHATEVER they want to me (prison etc) but at least I'll be there." I wasn't
able to get the words out of my mouth, "don't worry baby, I'm not going to go if I can't take you all with me."
Some of you are confused, since I said we were not seriously affected--we weren't but now the fear in the Haitian psyche is
adding yet more suffering to the reality already present. For the past few years in Cap Haitian, following the hurricanes
and flooding in Gonaives and around the country, prophets of doom have been forecasting that Cap Haitians day of reckoning
is soon to come. This summer even the government buildings closed down for people to march, dressed in white, for God's
mercy on Cap Haitian from floods and hurricanes. Now Port au prince has been hit, and the prophets proclaimed yesterday,
"What happened to Port au Prince will not even be able to be compared with the disaster that is to hit Cap Haitian,"
so people are standing in the streets, afraid to enter their houses, in the unending rains of Cap Haitian, prisoners to fear.
The rains, which have been daily for about a month, continue, with each new torrent, adding to the fears. Whether or
not the prophets are true or false, one thing is for sure, the waters are rising, river beds are overflowing.
On
Monday, there were riots in Cap Haitian, over the state of our roads, or lack thereof I should say. The only thing that
stopped the road blockades, bottle and rock throwing etc, (besides the arrests) were the torrential rains. Now the residents
of Cap Haitian are beginning to realize that not only should we be counting our blessings- but that there's probably now no
hope of improvement for a long time to come. Local phone service is still not fully functioning, so we are still uncertain
as to the welfare of many friends and family.
Everyone is wondering where to send aid, at the moment I know that
the leaders of Eternal Hope in Haiti are looking at the possibility of providing some medical relief, and I know that our
local church in Haiti usually is also involved in relief aid. However at the moment there are no immediate projects
that I know of. I also am not yet aware of specific people and organizations doing relief that I know of and can advocate
for. So I encourage people to pray, and seek God's discernment on where to send money so that it will go to the right
group that will actually help those in need. You can also continue to support the orphanage and me during this time
as expenses for fuel, food, everything will go up during this time and become more difficult. One of the outer walls
of the orphanage was badly shaken during the earthquake (although in general it wasn't severe in Cap Haitian), at this
point we may have to replace the wall, or we may just be able to repair it, your support for needs such as this are important.
Monday some of our neighbors cement walls were blown apart by the heavy winds and rains.
Please pray that the
banks will soon open up and be in function. As for sending supplies directly to me, please refrain from doing so at
the moment-- without contacting me first for 2 reasons. First, since the banks are not functioning I have a very limited
amount of money on hand, which I am saving for necessities and cannot use to pay customs fees at this time. Secondly
Agape, my mail carrier is participating in relief flights and not providing mail and cargo at this time. Also
please pray for security and stability during this time, when desperation leads to violence and anger, the displaced persons
move to Cap Haitian etc. Some people have been concerned that I contact the Embassy. I am registered with the
Embassy, the warden for my area, fellow missionaries and friends of mine have already contacted me, and I have given my status,
I also regularly receive the warnings and recommendations from the Embassy-- thank you for the concern.
Through
it all I have a peace that passeth all understanding because my life is secured in Jesus Christ and a life lived for Christ
is a life well lived.
My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetess frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Still joyfully in His Service,
Cheron Rose Hardy
Eternal Hope in Haiti
For Financial Support:
make checks payable to Hands of Love, Inc. Mail to Hands of Love, Inc, 9408 Highlander Blvd, Walkersville, MD 21793,
designate Haiti on the memo.
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