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
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