Saturday
For many of us, it was hard to believe that we were already at our last day of ministry. We also said good-bye to Greg in the morning, as he left as planned to return to the States. The whole team ministered together at Calebasse again.
Teaching
Saturday was the biggest day of the convention. Pastor Don taught his sessions to the largest crowd of the week. During the Q & A times they asked great questions. Darby also spent time with the pastors and leaders encouraging them. Robin V. made the back of the church where the teaching was going on, the home base for the team. If any of the team members ever needed prayer or help, they knew they could find Robin here. When she wasn't doing some needed administrative task, she was encouraging team members or praying for the many things that were going on. In the evening, Don stayed at the convention to give the evangelistic message while the rest of the team went to the hotel. He enjoyed their worship.
Medical
Again, the team ministered as a fine-tuned instrument. It's been a blessing to watch everyone play their roles with joy and a sense of purpose. The team ministered to around 100 patients.
VBS
The VBS team had the most children on Saturday. The children were eager to have the team back to play games, sing more songs, and hear more stories. Even some of the parents seemed to enjoy watching as the team ministered to their children.
I'd like to share a special note about our translators. On most days, the team had about 10 translators. We are so appreciative of the role they played for us. They taught us many wonderful things about the Haitian people and helped each of us to do our part better. They also told us how the message we brought of the grace-motivated gospel was very impacting to their lives. Many wonderful friendships were born. We will miss them and pray that everyday they will live in the good of the gospel that Jesus died to give them.
Sunday
We had the joy on Sunday morning of attending the Sunday Celebration Service in Calebasse where we had ministered all week. For many of us, there is nothing quite like worshipping with the Haitian people. Their passion for singing and praising God is exciting to be around. Music and singing were a large part of the service. Choirs performed from several of the churches who belong to this family of churches. One group in particular walked 12 hours to attend the service and perform. What a commitment to being a part of a body of believers! Pastor Don preached the message. He preached about Christ sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane because he knew that he would be drinking the cup of God's wrath. And Don reminded us that if we are in Christ, then the cup of God's wrath was drunk for us by Christ, but if we are not, then we will be left to drink it for ourselves. It was a very powerful and sobering message.
To conclude our day we did some shopping for souvenirs and then had dinner with Reverend Liberius at his home. The hospitality was wonderful and it was a great way to end our trip.
Again, we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. Without them this trip wouldn't have been possible. Please continue to pray for the Haitian people and that the truth that was sown will bear much fruit for God's Kingdom.
We look forward to sharing pictures and stories with you! Thank you for joining us on our journey!
- Robin
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
An Inside Look 2
Today we wanted to get a closer look into another of the team's members. We talked to Ann and Tracy Chang a little bit about their experience so far here in Haiti.
Anne was a missionary in Taiwan for 4 years prior to this trip while her sister Tracy had never done anything like this before. They both have really enjoyed being able to share this experience with each other being in a new country.
They both would say that they highlight of this trip for them has been getting to know all of the other team members. They both have only been a part of Grace Community for about one year and still don't know too many people in the church. This trip has really offered an opportunity for them to get to know members of the church that they might not have had the chance to interact with otherwise.
Ann says that she has been to many churches before she came to Grace and one of the things she loves about Grace is the way that the people seek to live out the gospel. She has really enjoyed watching everyone on the team act and serve in a way that really lives out and displays the gospel. The way that they have gotten to see everyone live out the gospel over the past few days has really amazed both of them. The love that the team has been able to display through their interactions has really shown God's love through their care for one another. Many of the team members have served in ways that are very minimal or disgusting, and it has moved them both greatly that so many people would be willing to serve in any way, even something as humbling as hauling water to flush toilets for the other team members.
They also have really enjoyed the unity of the team that this kind of serving has produced. They both have pointed out that the team has been so joyful in serving in even minor tasks over the past few days. They see this experience as an opportunity to see every one's strengths on display. They described it as a well oiled machine, and both of them expressed such a thankfulness to be able to be a part of a Church that lives the gospel out daily.
One of the things that has most stood out to Tracy about Haiti is the amount of poverty. She was shocked to find that so many people come to the clinic to be cared for. Many of them walk for long distances and bring no food or water for them or their children. She found it hard to believe that so many people can live in these kinds of conditions. They also found it surprising how many people are sick with some kind of illness. It is very rare here to find someone who is in good health, which is something that they hadn't exactly expected.
Ann also mentioned that one of the more adventurous parts of the trip is experiencing the different bathroom situations they were forced to use each day as they travel to different locations with the medical clinic. There were times when they were taken to bathrooms and when they looked at them they honestly thought people were playing a joke on them by telling them that what they were seeing was the bathroom they were to use.
They also commented on the cultural differences of the facial expressions of the Haitian people. Ann said that a lot of the people have a facial expression of such hardship in life that they look almost "numb" lacking any kind of emotional expression. She described it as having "no light" in their faces, and she thinks that it's just another expression of the fact that the Haitian people in many ways are not only living in physical, but also spiritual poverty.
One thing that they think that they will take home with them after this trip is their altered perspective on life. Before the trip they said they just saw people, but now after having the privilege of serving along side the medical clinic by praying for everyone who came before they could be seen by the doctors, they feel that they have been given God's eyes and now see the saved and unsaved. They describe the difference this has made in their lives already as an altered perspective on life that brings out the compassion that Christ has for His people.
I hope you have enjoyed this look into another two members of our team, and I hope it has bless and encouraged you all. Feel free to leave comments!
Signed, Lisa Sharpe for the Haiti Team
Anne was a missionary in Taiwan for 4 years prior to this trip while her sister Tracy had never done anything like this before. They both have really enjoyed being able to share this experience with each other being in a new country.
They both would say that they highlight of this trip for them has been getting to know all of the other team members. They both have only been a part of Grace Community for about one year and still don't know too many people in the church. This trip has really offered an opportunity for them to get to know members of the church that they might not have had the chance to interact with otherwise.
Ann says that she has been to many churches before she came to Grace and one of the things she loves about Grace is the way that the people seek to live out the gospel. She has really enjoyed watching everyone on the team act and serve in a way that really lives out and displays the gospel. The way that they have gotten to see everyone live out the gospel over the past few days has really amazed both of them. The love that the team has been able to display through their interactions has really shown God's love through their care for one another. Many of the team members have served in ways that are very minimal or disgusting, and it has moved them both greatly that so many people would be willing to serve in any way, even something as humbling as hauling water to flush toilets for the other team members.
They also have really enjoyed the unity of the team that this kind of serving has produced. They both have pointed out that the team has been so joyful in serving in even minor tasks over the past few days. They see this experience as an opportunity to see every one's strengths on display. They described it as a well oiled machine, and both of them expressed such a thankfulness to be able to be a part of a Church that lives the gospel out daily.
One of the things that has most stood out to Tracy about Haiti is the amount of poverty. She was shocked to find that so many people come to the clinic to be cared for. Many of them walk for long distances and bring no food or water for them or their children. She found it hard to believe that so many people can live in these kinds of conditions. They also found it surprising how many people are sick with some kind of illness. It is very rare here to find someone who is in good health, which is something that they hadn't exactly expected.
Ann also mentioned that one of the more adventurous parts of the trip is experiencing the different bathroom situations they were forced to use each day as they travel to different locations with the medical clinic. There were times when they were taken to bathrooms and when they looked at them they honestly thought people were playing a joke on them by telling them that what they were seeing was the bathroom they were to use.
They also commented on the cultural differences of the facial expressions of the Haitian people. Ann said that a lot of the people have a facial expression of such hardship in life that they look almost "numb" lacking any kind of emotional expression. She described it as having "no light" in their faces, and she thinks that it's just another expression of the fact that the Haitian people in many ways are not only living in physical, but also spiritual poverty.
One thing that they think that they will take home with them after this trip is their altered perspective on life. Before the trip they said they just saw people, but now after having the privilege of serving along side the medical clinic by praying for everyone who came before they could be seen by the doctors, they feel that they have been given God's eyes and now see the saved and unsaved. They describe the difference this has made in their lives already as an altered perspective on life that brings out the compassion that Christ has for His people.
I hope you have enjoyed this look into another two members of our team, and I hope it has bless and encouraged you all. Feel free to leave comments!
Signed, Lisa Sharpe for the Haiti Team
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Friday in Haiti
Medical
The medical team rejoined the VBS and teaching teams at Calebasse on Friday. It was great having everyone on the same campus. They saw 107 patients on Friday. This is especially remarkable because they only had one doctor. As someone on the team put it, they are a symphony making beautiful music, each one doing their part.
Let me tell you who is playing the different parts: Brandie D. and Beth C. have been doing triage all week. They also give hugs, educate and try to see beyond the physical needs. Lorri B. and Rachel M. have been working in pharmacy with Dave N. helping out. Darby L.has spent most of the week with the medical team. He is a great liason between the Haitians and the team and serves with so many behind-the-scenes tasks that only the Lord knows them all. Anna V., Ann C., Tracy C. and on many days, Deborah S. have prayed for and comforted the patients before they are seen by the nurses and doctors. According to Brandie, the clinic wouldn't run without Jordan H. and Jesse B. Jesse does anything, but especially has a medical focus. He listens during triage so that he can become an extension of the nurses by getting educational materials and other things that the nurses might need. Jordan has been a true servant in that he does everything from the most menial task(fetching a bucket of water in order to flush a toilet) to the most important (guarding and protecting and praying). Because times in the clinic can become intense, the men have also served by being much needed comic relief.
Teaching
Pastor Greg taught on Friday. He continued with the topic of living in the good of the gospel with a focus
on sanctification. He was able to give some very practical examples and helps that seemed to really effect
those listening. He also did the evangelistic preaching in the evening. Approximately 200 people
attended with about 20 responding for ministry.
We aren't exactly sure yet how these teachings are impacting those who are attending. Philip G. mentioned
that he has seen many men and women discussing the handouts with eachother during the day. We're also
sensing and experiencing spiritual warfare. Please be praying for these dear people, that the Lord would
minister to them with power and truth.
VBS
The VBS team has become a 'well-oiled machine' and is really enjoying ministering with one another. The
team appreciates each member and the gifts they bring. It's been great to watch Katie R. and Lisa S. holding and playing with the children. Philip G. has been invaluable with his ability to assess a situation and help with adjustments as necessary. Brian K. and Kristina W. have blessed the children with their ability to minister through music. Mike V. has been creative in preaching the gospel to the children in a way that is making them think about it alittle differently.
They have seen evidence of God's grace in many ways. On Friday, Mike V. said that several middle-school
girls volunteered to tell him that they asked Jesus to forgive them for their sins. Also, at the end of the day, when the program was over, about 85 children ran to a classroom so that they could have more classroom time with the team. The team spent that time sharing the gospel again and enjoying the children. The team has also spent many hours learning favorite songs of the children in Creole. This has really helped to build relationships with the children. It also makes them giggle because their pronunciation is funny. Please pray that the Lord would use all of these things to produce fruit for His Kingdom.
Again, thank you for all of your prayers and please keep them coming. The team is beginning to get weary,
but we want to finish strong.
Blessings to you all,
Robin
The medical team rejoined the VBS and teaching teams at Calebasse on Friday. It was great having everyone on the same campus. They saw 107 patients on Friday. This is especially remarkable because they only had one doctor. As someone on the team put it, they are a symphony making beautiful music, each one doing their part.
Let me tell you who is playing the different parts: Brandie D. and Beth C. have been doing triage all week. They also give hugs, educate and try to see beyond the physical needs. Lorri B. and Rachel M. have been working in pharmacy with Dave N. helping out. Darby L.has spent most of the week with the medical team. He is a great liason between the Haitians and the team and serves with so many behind-the-scenes tasks that only the Lord knows them all. Anna V., Ann C., Tracy C. and on many days, Deborah S. have prayed for and comforted the patients before they are seen by the nurses and doctors. According to Brandie, the clinic wouldn't run without Jordan H. and Jesse B. Jesse does anything, but especially has a medical focus. He listens during triage so that he can become an extension of the nurses by getting educational materials and other things that the nurses might need. Jordan has been a true servant in that he does everything from the most menial task(fetching a bucket of water in order to flush a toilet) to the most important (guarding and protecting and praying). Because times in the clinic can become intense, the men have also served by being much needed comic relief.
Teaching
Pastor Greg taught on Friday. He continued with the topic of living in the good of the gospel with a focus
on sanctification. He was able to give some very practical examples and helps that seemed to really effect
those listening. He also did the evangelistic preaching in the evening. Approximately 200 people
attended with about 20 responding for ministry.
We aren't exactly sure yet how these teachings are impacting those who are attending. Philip G. mentioned
that he has seen many men and women discussing the handouts with eachother during the day. We're also
sensing and experiencing spiritual warfare. Please be praying for these dear people, that the Lord would
minister to them with power and truth.
VBS
The VBS team has become a 'well-oiled machine' and is really enjoying ministering with one another. The
team appreciates each member and the gifts they bring. It's been great to watch Katie R. and Lisa S. holding and playing with the children. Philip G. has been invaluable with his ability to assess a situation and help with adjustments as necessary. Brian K. and Kristina W. have blessed the children with their ability to minister through music. Mike V. has been creative in preaching the gospel to the children in a way that is making them think about it alittle differently.
They have seen evidence of God's grace in many ways. On Friday, Mike V. said that several middle-school
girls volunteered to tell him that they asked Jesus to forgive them for their sins. Also, at the end of the day, when the program was over, about 85 children ran to a classroom so that they could have more classroom time with the team. The team spent that time sharing the gospel again and enjoying the children. The team has also spent many hours learning favorite songs of the children in Creole. This has really helped to build relationships with the children. It also makes them giggle because their pronunciation is funny. Please pray that the Lord would use all of these things to produce fruit for His Kingdom.
Again, thank you for all of your prayers and please keep them coming. The team is beginning to get weary,
but we want to finish strong.
Blessings to you all,
Robin
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday's Recap
It is day four here in Haiti and God's grace continues to amaze us as we continue our ministry here. Similar to yesterday, the medical and VBS team were again split to go to two different locations. The medical team went back to Marlique to a location about ten minutes from where they were yesterday and the VBS team stayed in Calabasse. God continues to build a strong unity not only with the team as a whole but with each smaller team and translators as well.
The medical team was able to serve more than 85 people today and was set up similarly to how it was yesterday. It was such a pleasure to see some of the people we had met the day before waiting for us with smiles and waves as our bus pulled in. Some had been there the day before to see the doctor and because of time restraints had been told to return the next day. Others were simply men, women, and children we had befriended the day before that wanted to come again to be with us. There was even one little boy who was intent on helping us share the gospel with those waiting in line through the gospel bracelets we had brought. The day ran very smoothly with each member of the team working together to successfully care for the physical and spiritual needs of the Haitian people.
The VBS team had about 175 - 250 children at various times, come to participate today and each day that number seems to be increasing. They played games in the earlier part of the morning and did some teaching and songs towards the afternoon. Today they talked about the parable to the Sower and how we need to hear the truth of God and respond to it. Philip B. and Katie R. are both feeling well and were able to once again help with the kids. There were several difficult and unexpected situations that presented themselves throughout the day but God graced the team with the ability to deal with each situation well. It's amazing how, by the grace of God, a small group of seven people can lead this many children that do not understand English very well.
Don taught today at the convention. He recapped his messages from yesterday in the morning and continued on with his series during the day. The number of people attending the conference seems to be increasing daily (today there were 120 - 130). Greg stayed at the convention center to teach later in the night after the rest of the team headed back to the Bethel House. He met up with us later that night for another wonderful time of fellowship and sharing.
God continues to meet each of us in amazing ways while we are here and we appreciate all of your prayers for us during this time. So many of them have been answered and we are grateful that you are able to
labor with us in this mission.
- Deborah
The medical team was able to serve more than 85 people today and was set up similarly to how it was yesterday. It was such a pleasure to see some of the people we had met the day before waiting for us with smiles and waves as our bus pulled in. Some had been there the day before to see the doctor and because of time restraints had been told to return the next day. Others were simply men, women, and children we had befriended the day before that wanted to come again to be with us. There was even one little boy who was intent on helping us share the gospel with those waiting in line through the gospel bracelets we had brought. The day ran very smoothly with each member of the team working together to successfully care for the physical and spiritual needs of the Haitian people.
The VBS team had about 175 - 250 children at various times, come to participate today and each day that number seems to be increasing. They played games in the earlier part of the morning and did some teaching and songs towards the afternoon. Today they talked about the parable to the Sower and how we need to hear the truth of God and respond to it. Philip B. and Katie R. are both feeling well and were able to once again help with the kids. There were several difficult and unexpected situations that presented themselves throughout the day but God graced the team with the ability to deal with each situation well. It's amazing how, by the grace of God, a small group of seven people can lead this many children that do not understand English very well.
Don taught today at the convention. He recapped his messages from yesterday in the morning and continued on with his series during the day. The number of people attending the conference seems to be increasing daily (today there were 120 - 130). Greg stayed at the convention center to teach later in the night after the rest of the team headed back to the Bethel House. He met up with us later that night for another wonderful time of fellowship and sharing.
God continues to meet each of us in amazing ways while we are here and we appreciate all of your prayers for us during this time. So many of them have been answered and we are grateful that you are able to
labor with us in this mission.
- Deborah
Thursday, June 30, 2011
An Inside Look 1
Greetings from Haiti! As a part of the blog, we wanted to try and give you guys a snapshot into the lives of some of the team. We wanted another way to share part of our experience here with you, so we're going to highlight and share some of the experiences that specific members had throughout the trip.
So the first person we talked with was Anna V. This is not only her first time to Haiti, but also her firsts time ever leaving the country. She has always been open to doing a missions trip like this one, and told God that she would be willing to go, if he allowed her to go on this trip. Now that at least 2 days have passed, we had a chance to sit down with her and really see what she thinks about the experience thus far.
When she was asked what she thought about the trip in general, she said that she loved the trip and the experience so far, but that it was definitely an eye opener for her. She mentioned that she has loved getting to know everyone on the team better since she is fairly new to the church, and how kind it has been of God to hand-pick all of the members of our team to bring them over to Haiti so she could really bond with everyone over this really exciting experience. She said it feels like Grace Community is very present here in Haiti for her, and that she feels more connected with our Church home back in Kingsville being here with everyone.
As much as she admits bonding over trying conditions has been a highlight of hers, she also said that the hardest part of the trip is seeing all of the Haitian people living in huts and tarps in conditions that seems so severe. As she looks out of the windows of our school bus that we use for transportation, she compassionately mentions how much it moves her to see all of the poverty around us. It is so much worse then you think when you see it in person compared to what you hear or see on TV back home. You can only imagine the feeling. She says it's hard to look into their eyes and not be emotionally moved in what you see. You can just look in their eyes and see the weight of the world weighing on them, especially in many of the little children she has had the privilege of working with at the medical clinic.
She says that after this trip she sees herself being a changed woman even after only 2 days. She describes herself as someone who use to care a lot about "the little things" back home and would get "fussy" when they didn't always work out. She realizes now seeing what the Haitian people go through every day and how little they have, that those things that used to upset her are of very little importance. She feels that this trip has already given her a new perspective on her life and what really matters for not only here but her life when she returns home. She has been praying for this before this trip that God would meet her in this way and has been so encouraged in what He has already revealed to her in her short time being here.She is excited for all that is to come and for what God will show her next, and prays that God would allow her new vision for her life to last long beyond this trip.
She spends most of her time at the medical clinic interacting with the children there and praying with the people attending the clinic for that day. She has already been pushed beyond her comfort zone in many of the ways she has been able to serve, and has later been very joyfully able to share with our team how blessed she has felt as a result. She is continuing to step out further and further in faith each day here, eager to see how God would use her next, even if it is not what she would consider the most comfortable.
One of the things that has really stood out to her culturally, is the fact that even though the Haitian people are living in a completely different world than us, we are so much alike. She has spent a lot of time talking and praying with people with a translator and has been really amazed and blessed to witness the hunger and thirst they have for the gospel. She would describe the trip so far as physically exhausting, but spiritually fulfilling, and when asked if she would ever come back, she answered without a doubt, yes.
I hope this brief view into one of our team members has blessed and encouraged you all back home and that you will continue to pray for Anna and the rest of the team as we move forward with what God has planned for us here. Please feel free to leave comments that we can pass along to the team, or questions you may want us to answer.
Signed, Lisa Sharpe for the Haiti team
So the first person we talked with was Anna V. This is not only her first time to Haiti, but also her firsts time ever leaving the country. She has always been open to doing a missions trip like this one, and told God that she would be willing to go, if he allowed her to go on this trip. Now that at least 2 days have passed, we had a chance to sit down with her and really see what she thinks about the experience thus far.
When she was asked what she thought about the trip in general, she said that she loved the trip and the experience so far, but that it was definitely an eye opener for her. She mentioned that she has loved getting to know everyone on the team better since she is fairly new to the church, and how kind it has been of God to hand-pick all of the members of our team to bring them over to Haiti so she could really bond with everyone over this really exciting experience. She said it feels like Grace Community is very present here in Haiti for her, and that she feels more connected with our Church home back in Kingsville being here with everyone.
As much as she admits bonding over trying conditions has been a highlight of hers, she also said that the hardest part of the trip is seeing all of the Haitian people living in huts and tarps in conditions that seems so severe. As she looks out of the windows of our school bus that we use for transportation, she compassionately mentions how much it moves her to see all of the poverty around us. It is so much worse then you think when you see it in person compared to what you hear or see on TV back home. You can only imagine the feeling. She says it's hard to look into their eyes and not be emotionally moved in what you see. You can just look in their eyes and see the weight of the world weighing on them, especially in many of the little children she has had the privilege of working with at the medical clinic.
She says that after this trip she sees herself being a changed woman even after only 2 days. She describes herself as someone who use to care a lot about "the little things" back home and would get "fussy" when they didn't always work out. She realizes now seeing what the Haitian people go through every day and how little they have, that those things that used to upset her are of very little importance. She feels that this trip has already given her a new perspective on her life and what really matters for not only here but her life when she returns home. She has been praying for this before this trip that God would meet her in this way and has been so encouraged in what He has already revealed to her in her short time being here.She is excited for all that is to come and for what God will show her next, and prays that God would allow her new vision for her life to last long beyond this trip.
She spends most of her time at the medical clinic interacting with the children there and praying with the people attending the clinic for that day. She has already been pushed beyond her comfort zone in many of the ways she has been able to serve, and has later been very joyfully able to share with our team how blessed she has felt as a result. She is continuing to step out further and further in faith each day here, eager to see how God would use her next, even if it is not what she would consider the most comfortable.
One of the things that has really stood out to her culturally, is the fact that even though the Haitian people are living in a completely different world than us, we are so much alike. She has spent a lot of time talking and praying with people with a translator and has been really amazed and blessed to witness the hunger and thirst they have for the gospel. She would describe the trip so far as physically exhausting, but spiritually fulfilling, and when asked if she would ever come back, she answered without a doubt, yes.
I hope this brief view into one of our team members has blessed and encouraged you all back home and that you will continue to pray for Anna and the rest of the team as we move forward with what God has planned for us here. Please feel free to leave comments that we can pass along to the team, or questions you may want us to answer.
Signed, Lisa Sharpe for the Haiti team
Tuesday and Wednesday
This morning we woke up to a beautiful morning in Haiti. The sun was bright and reflecting off the mountains that are all around us and the sky was bright blue. We are all very grateful for the accomodations that we have here at the Bethel Guest House. And the weather has been delightful so far. Although the days are hot, it's cool at night. Pastor Don made the owner, Dr. Bernard, chuckle when he asked for a blanket. "Imagine that! He wants a blanket andk it's summer in Haiti!" Yes, this is a very different trip than last year.
Tuesday, June 28
Today the whole team went to Calabasse - which is the main hub for the convention. Pastors Don and Greg and the VBS team adjusted their plans so that they were ready to begin their parts. But when we arrived, we were told that the convention wasn't beginning until Wednesday. The VBS team continued with their plan but Don and Greg needed to adjust again. Instead of beginning their teachings, they had an opportunity to meet with several of the pastors and leaders to tell them what they would be teaching about and then they were able to talk with them and pray for them.
It was a joy to watch the medical clinic in action. Our medical team cared for 77 patients. They saw the very young to the very old. As people waited in line for their turn for care, we had 2 teams (each with interpreters) speaking with each person and caring for them with prayer. They also handed out toys to the children or explained the gospel with a gospel bracelet. Brandie D. mentioned later that she was so touched that before the people were seen by a nurse and doctor, they were cared for spiritually by prayer and the gospel.
The VBS had a small crowd of children on Tuesday. They played sports in the morning. In the afternoon the team used the parable about building your house on the rock to teach the children about the gospel.
Wednesday, June 29
Today the medical team was off-site from the convention. They went to a town about 45 minutes away. Deborah S. joined Tracy C. as a prayer partner. This enabled Jesse B. to help out with medical things. With small changes like this the medical team is becoming more efficient each day. We were especially thankful for their skills and gifts because 2 of the members on the VBS team (Phil B. and Kati R.) became sick and needed to be transported from the convention to where the medical team was ministering. Although they are feeling much better now, please keep them in your prayers.
The VBS had about 120 children today. The children love to laugh and love to play games. It's fun to watch them being silly with the team. Kristina W. noticed that, before he got sick, Phil B., was like the Pied Piper with a string of children following behind him. They love him! They were sad when he needed to leave them so that he could rest and get care. When Phil and Kati were sent to the medical clinic, we also sent Lisa S. so that she could watch over them. Mike V. was blessed by the way the rest of the team (Brian K., Kristina W. and Philip G.) stepped up. Leading a VBS of 120 children with only 3 leaders, who don't speak the language, is challenging to say the very least. The grace of God was abounding! Thank you for your prayers.
Pastor Don began to teach the pastors and leaders. There were about 30 of them. We pray that they are being blessed by the material. Because the convention was just getting started, the pastor of the church decided that it would be best for Greg not to stay for the evening session.
The team is really being blessed by our evening debriefing/devotion times. It's so wonderful to come together as a team to worship, be in the Word and hear stories about the day. We really appreciate that Brian K. is playing guitar for us. Dave N. has been leading our times very well. Many verses have ministered to us, but on Tuesday, he reminded us of Revelation 7:9 - 12: "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation , from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." Our small trip to Haiti, in a very small way is our way of participating with God's purpose of bringing in that 'great multitude...from every nation.' What an awesome privilege we have!
Thank you for reading our blog and for praying! We appreciate you and can sense your prayers. Many people on the team are having small ailments and are not sleeping well. Please continue to cover us with your prayers.
Robin
Tuesday, June 28
Today the whole team went to Calabasse - which is the main hub for the convention. Pastors Don and Greg and the VBS team adjusted their plans so that they were ready to begin their parts. But when we arrived, we were told that the convention wasn't beginning until Wednesday. The VBS team continued with their plan but Don and Greg needed to adjust again. Instead of beginning their teachings, they had an opportunity to meet with several of the pastors and leaders to tell them what they would be teaching about and then they were able to talk with them and pray for them.
It was a joy to watch the medical clinic in action. Our medical team cared for 77 patients. They saw the very young to the very old. As people waited in line for their turn for care, we had 2 teams (each with interpreters) speaking with each person and caring for them with prayer. They also handed out toys to the children or explained the gospel with a gospel bracelet. Brandie D. mentioned later that she was so touched that before the people were seen by a nurse and doctor, they were cared for spiritually by prayer and the gospel.
The VBS had a small crowd of children on Tuesday. They played sports in the morning. In the afternoon the team used the parable about building your house on the rock to teach the children about the gospel.
Wednesday, June 29
Today the medical team was off-site from the convention. They went to a town about 45 minutes away. Deborah S. joined Tracy C. as a prayer partner. This enabled Jesse B. to help out with medical things. With small changes like this the medical team is becoming more efficient each day. We were especially thankful for their skills and gifts because 2 of the members on the VBS team (Phil B. and Kati R.) became sick and needed to be transported from the convention to where the medical team was ministering. Although they are feeling much better now, please keep them in your prayers.
The VBS had about 120 children today. The children love to laugh and love to play games. It's fun to watch them being silly with the team. Kristina W. noticed that, before he got sick, Phil B., was like the Pied Piper with a string of children following behind him. They love him! They were sad when he needed to leave them so that he could rest and get care. When Phil and Kati were sent to the medical clinic, we also sent Lisa S. so that she could watch over them. Mike V. was blessed by the way the rest of the team (Brian K., Kristina W. and Philip G.) stepped up. Leading a VBS of 120 children with only 3 leaders, who don't speak the language, is challenging to say the very least. The grace of God was abounding! Thank you for your prayers.
Pastor Don began to teach the pastors and leaders. There were about 30 of them. We pray that they are being blessed by the material. Because the convention was just getting started, the pastor of the church decided that it would be best for Greg not to stay for the evening session.
The team is really being blessed by our evening debriefing/devotion times. It's so wonderful to come together as a team to worship, be in the Word and hear stories about the day. We really appreciate that Brian K. is playing guitar for us. Dave N. has been leading our times very well. Many verses have ministered to us, but on Tuesday, he reminded us of Revelation 7:9 - 12: "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation , from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." Our small trip to Haiti, in a very small way is our way of participating with God's purpose of bringing in that 'great multitude...from every nation.' What an awesome privilege we have!
Thank you for reading our blog and for praying! We appreciate you and can sense your prayers. Many people on the team are having small ailments and are not sleeping well. Please continue to cover us with your prayers.
Robin
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hello from Haiti
Everyone made it! It's been a long day, but we wanted to give you a recap of how the trip has gone so far.
We landed safely in Haiti at 1:30 this afternoon with all of our luggage in tow. The layover during the trip even provided some of the team members the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep. After we arrived we hopped on a bus and headed to the hotel we will be staying at for the week. Once again, it was difficult to see the poverty and devastation that still plagues the country even a year after the earthquake.
As with any missions trip, you have to be prepared for things to not go quite as expected and today was no exception. We found out that the conference, which would include the pastors teaching and VBS, will be starting tomorrow instead of Wednesday like we had originally thought. We are in the middle of making some adjustments to our plans to fit with this new schedule and would appreciate your prayers for the process.
Also, unfortunately it looks like we won't be able to upload any pictures to the blog through out the week due to a slow Internet connection. Hopefully, however, when we get back to the states we will be able to share with you all the photos of our trip.
Excited to share with you all what God is doing and plans to do!
Deborah
We landed safely in Haiti at 1:30 this afternoon with all of our luggage in tow. The layover during the trip even provided some of the team members the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep. After we arrived we hopped on a bus and headed to the hotel we will be staying at for the week. Once again, it was difficult to see the poverty and devastation that still plagues the country even a year after the earthquake.
As with any missions trip, you have to be prepared for things to not go quite as expected and today was no exception. We found out that the conference, which would include the pastors teaching and VBS, will be starting tomorrow instead of Wednesday like we had originally thought. We are in the middle of making some adjustments to our plans to fit with this new schedule and would appreciate your prayers for the process.
Also, unfortunately it looks like we won't be able to upload any pictures to the blog through out the week due to a slow Internet connection. Hopefully, however, when we get back to the states we will be able to share with you all the photos of our trip.
Excited to share with you all what God is doing and plans to do!
Deborah
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Note from Pastor Greg
 |
Pastor Steve praying over the team, June 26, 2011 |
As you read these updates, concerning our preaching, teaching, VBS, and medical teams, pray with an attitude of thanksgiving for the grace and power available to us through the gospel. May God give us joy in the victories and perseverance in the trials before us. Thank you for your labor on our behalf.
Ephesians 6:18 "...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.,,"
We are keenly aware of the prayer cover that you, our church, family and friends provide for us on these trips. Without this spiritual support our labor is in vain! Pray also that we will abide in Christ by faith and that we will glorify him in much fruit!
John 15:4 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing....7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."
We look forward to sharing with you on our return. May God bless you and use you in your 'mission field' during our time away.
Grace and peace to us all!
Greg for the team
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Team, Our Mission & Other Details
Last summer in Haiti we began a wonderful relationship with Reverend Liberius. Not only is Reverend Liberius Darby's dad, but he also oversees about 50 churches, clinics and schools in Haiti. This summer the Haiti Team is blessed to be serving, in various ways, Reverend Liberius, his leaders and staff, and their families.
Who is the 2011 Haiti Team?
Pastor Greg is our leader.
Similar to last year, our team has 3 components:
Teaching
Each year Reverend Liberius holds a convention for his leaders and staff, and their families. This year Pastor Don and Pastor Greg will be doing 20 teachings for approximately 150 leaders and staff. Their topic is the power and implications of the gospel. During the evenings Pastor Greg will also be teaching at revival meetings.
Medical
![]()
Our medical group will be working with Haitian doctors and interpreters and has the potential to care for hundreds of people daily! Not only are there nurses who can care for the physical needs of those who come to the clinics, but there are team members who will be ready to share the hope and mercy of the gospel too. The medical component is lead by Brandie D. The other men and women serving with her are: Jesse B., Lorri B., Ann C., Tracy C., Beth C., Jordan H., Darby L., Rachel M., Dave N., and Anna V.
Vacation Bible School![]()
Our VBS group will serve the children of the leaders and staff at the convention, and the children in the surrounding community. The parables of Jesus are the launching pad for telling the children about the gospel. They have lots of skits, crafts and stories prepared! They plan on serving several hundred children in their 4-day VBS. The VBS group is: Phil B., Phil G., Brian K., Katie R., Lisa S., Kristina W., and is lead by Mike V.
More Team Members
Deborah S. will be documenting our trip through video and still photos.
Robin V. is administrative and other support for the team. Some affectionately call her the team mom.
Other Details
The team will leave from Grace Community at 2:00 AM on Monday, June 27. Our flight departs Reagan National at 6:00 AM and we should be in Port-Au-Prince around 1:00 PM.
We are blessed to be staying at the Bethel Guest House while in Haiti (take a look at the link at the upper right). It is located in the beautiful mountainous region to the south of Port-Au-Prince and about 1 hour's drive from where we'll be ministering on most days.
We can't say often enough that we covet your prayers. There are several people on the team who have never been on a mission trip before. Please pray for them. And please pray for all of us to acclimate quickly and to be full of faith for all that the Lord has for us.
Thanks for coming along on the journey.
Robin
Who is the 2011 Haiti Team?
Pastor Greg is our leader.
Similar to last year, our team has 3 components:
Teaching
Each year Reverend Liberius holds a convention for his leaders and staff, and their families. This year Pastor Don and Pastor Greg will be doing 20 teachings for approximately 150 leaders and staff. Their topic is the power and implications of the gospel. During the evenings Pastor Greg will also be teaching at revival meetings.
Medical
Our medical group will be working with Haitian doctors and interpreters and has the potential to care for hundreds of people daily! Not only are there nurses who can care for the physical needs of those who come to the clinics, but there are team members who will be ready to share the hope and mercy of the gospel too. The medical component is lead by Brandie D. The other men and women serving with her are: Jesse B., Lorri B., Ann C., Tracy C., Beth C., Jordan H., Darby L., Rachel M., Dave N., and Anna V. Vacation Bible School
Our VBS group will serve the children of the leaders and staff at the convention, and the children in the surrounding community. The parables of Jesus are the launching pad for telling the children about the gospel. They have lots of skits, crafts and stories prepared! They plan on serving several hundred children in their 4-day VBS. The VBS group is: Phil B., Phil G., Brian K., Katie R., Lisa S., Kristina W., and is lead by Mike V.More Team Members
Deborah S. will be documenting our trip through video and still photos.
Robin V. is administrative and other support for the team. Some affectionately call her the team mom.
Other Details
The team will leave from Grace Community at 2:00 AM on Monday, June 27. Our flight departs Reagan National at 6:00 AM and we should be in Port-Au-Prince around 1:00 PM.
We are blessed to be staying at the Bethel Guest House while in Haiti (take a look at the link at the upper right). It is located in the beautiful mountainous region to the south of Port-Au-Prince and about 1 hour's drive from where we'll be ministering on most days.
We can't say often enough that we covet your prayers. There are several people on the team who have never been on a mission trip before. Please pray for them. And please pray for all of us to acclimate quickly and to be full of faith for all that the Lord has for us.
Thanks for coming along on the journey.
Robin
Monday, June 20, 2011
Welcome!
We're less than a week out from beginning our adventure in Haiti. Our supplies are packed and now its just a matter of packing our personal items and doing those final preparations that anyone needs to do before they leave the country for a week. Passport - check. Anti-malaria meds - check. You get the idea.
Our preparations for this trip began in March. Pastor Greg pulled together a team of 22 people that would have 3 different components: vacation Bible school for children, medical, and teaching. Each group has been working hard to get their part ready. Now we're excited for the role we'll play in bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the hundreds of people we'll meet while in Haiti. As each group was making their preparations, Pastor Greg was helping us to prepare our souls. He read to us some of Esther Ayn Kim's story which helped us to understand that no matter how weak and 'unqualified' we think we are, God can do mighty things through us. He also reviewed with us a wonderful tool for evangelism called 'Two Ways to Live.' And most importantly he reminded us that this trip isn't mostly about us, but it's about Jesus Christ and what he wants to do through the power of his gospel. |
| Along the city streets in Haiti, 2010. |
Glad to share this adventure with you!
Robin
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