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Finished

Finished but Not Really

I eeked out the last of my shampoo this morning. This was after squeezing every last ounce of soap from the bath gel as well. I put on the last of my clean clothes, and have only 50 cents worth of minutes left on my Haitian cell phone. That is more money than I have in American dollars though, so I think I am blessed. I think my work here for summer 2012 is finished, but I know it isn't. Despite all the miles on foot, all the hugs, all the lesson preparations, all the sweat and all the fumbled Creole words, I know that was only a part of the important work done here this summer. The most important work can still, and should be, continued from my home: prayer. It was only through prayer that anything we did was accomplished well. It was only through prayer that we overcame the darkness, and withstood the trials. It was only through prayer that people's hearts were touched. Because we are only the vessel, and the real worker is the Holy Spirit. So please join me in praying that the good work that has begun here to the glory of God will continue, well past the last drop of toothpaste, the last pair of clean underwear, and the final goodbye tears.

Winding down?

It has been a whirlwind the last two days! Saying goodbye, again, is never easy. But first, some news from yesterday. We started the day at the church in Faugasse where we trained a group of young adults to be leaders for their upcoming VBS. They were glad to use some of the games and songs and material from the VBS that we did. It was super collaboration to be able to receive instructions from the Haitians last week and then to help them this week. I love this model... Sharing information and materials in order to advance kingdom work. From there we walked through the woods (a lovely path I have never been on before) to a music school. There were lots of kids there (over 100) learning to play instruments in private, semi private and band style classrooms. I had the opportunity to play a soprano sax that was brand new from UNICEF. I have no idea what key it is, but for sure it wasn't in the B flat key that I was reading the music in! Haha. Several of the kids from around the area were there and greeted me warmly. I enjoyed playing instruments with them! 

After that, we went to a new location on a mountain top to hold another Bible lesson. Several kids were already there waiting for us. This group was a little more unruly than previous groups, but candy is a universal tamer! We talked about God as the creator of all things. It was a beautiful spot, especially as the sun began to set. Afterwards, I walked over the mountain path following my new friend James (a 15 year old boy with the sweetest spirit I've ever seen... Well, maybe besides Tim). We went to visit and say goodbye to two of the families that I am close to. It was a bit tough managing the terrain in the dark, as well as sidestepping the poop piles... But we did just fine. 

One of the other reasons for the visit was to talk with the school committee about a young orphan who would like to enroll in our school. Between last nights conversations, and today's ( which, without going into tremendous detail, we're filled with moments too special to call coincidental), I believe the girl will be taken care of. Thank you God.

Today we visited with another couple who recently accepted Jesus. They will be getting married on our next visit! Two weddings in a year! How special! We did some measuring for wedding clothes and bands... I think when I come again I need to bring a measuring tape! My notes look like this: bottom of knees touch top of my knees... Top of my head to bottom of his chin, etc! Afterwards, we looked at a lovely piece of land on a hillside, facing the mountains, with plenty of level ground below for playing fields. Who knows what the Lord might have planned.

As we waited for a special ride to Port Salut, I got to hear about more Holy Spirit work. A young man who has always been closed to the gospel wanted to talk about it this morning. He had never heard of the good news, and was captivated! Pray for the Spirit to continue working in his life. God is setting this place on fire!

Tonight I missed the Bible lesson with the teenagers. Actually, I guess a bunch of kids showed up, not just teens. They had a wonderful time and heard a story of David, with a cliffhanging ending that shall only be revealed next week. I heard it was one of the best meetings yet. I'm so sad to have missed it. But, I was preparing for another visit that we had tonight with an older man. He knows Jesus, knows He cares for him and looks out for him, but won't change his deceptive ways because he thinks it is the only way he can support his family. We prayed the Spirit would move in his heart, and I believe He did. I look forward to hearing more about his journey as I return again.  He gave me a gift of lovely avocados as we left. Yum!

off to bed now to prepare for the final journey home tomorrow. We leave early and get back around midnight. Pray for uneventful travels and a good night sleep, and joy for all the Lord allowed us to be a part of this past month.

The Plastic Container

All we had to do was open the gate to the school yard and they came. We didn't even have to build anything!

Yesterday morning two of us went to the school to have a Bible study. We planned (read this as Wilson planned and I agreed) a few small simple games, songs, a lesson with review, a verse and questions to go along with the theme of Who God Is. More than 50 kids showed up, and you can't believe how wonderful it was. Their ages were as mixed as their levels of faith in God. Every child was engaged, the 2 hours flew by, and we all went away full. Today we plan to do the same thing on the topic of sin. Tomorrow, or maybe even today, we will follow that up with a lesson on being a new creation in Christ.

After one of the teenagers fixed my hair, she and I had a good chat about life's choices, and Gods redeeming love. My prayer for her is that she accepts the forgiveness offered, and truly experiences it in her heart. then she will have joy and not feel condemnation.

Later in the day, we walked up to Bambou to present a similar program right among the houses. We had only been there a short while when it started to rain. The sprinkles turned into a downpour. Not so bad for the girls who were close to the houses, but the guys had gone a little ways away to play soccer. They came running back after trying to play in the rain, completely drenched. We all had a good laugh, and then had a captive audience for the lessons. Here we talked about being afraid vs having faith and not being afraid. Wilson used the story of Jesus walking on the water. There were over 20 kids that joined us here. My favorite was a little tyke that looked to be about 3 years old (which means he was probably 4 or 5). In the middle of the lesson he walked away, his little bum cheeks peeking out under the long shirt he was wearing. He came back a few minutes later carrying a large plastic jug, like a gas container, that was bigger than he was. I couldn't believe this little guy was going to the well to get water with that huge thing. How would he carry it full of water? Well, he had another plan! He plunked it on the ground and then sat on it! I laughed out loud. There was such a beautiful dichotomy between this half dressed, shoeless, muddy faced and legged boy who went home to get a bucket to sit on rather than sit on the grass, I just had to smile. I love this place!

Back in Town. Not that town!

Heading back to Faugasse now. Some are still in Port au Prince waiting on standby. Others have a flight out tomorrow. Three of us will stay until Sunday. Wow! Amazing how things change! That's ok... We know that our Saviour has us each in the palm of His hands. Personally, I am thrilled. There is a revival going on in the village right now among the children after the VBS. How gracious of God to allow me to be a part of this! I am looking forward to following His lead each day for the next 5 days to see where He wants me and when. Life with Jesus is never dull. So grateful for a familythatmakes this possible as well. Ready for the next chapter!

Lemons and Friends

Interesting day to say the least!

It started at 5:30 AM with a shower and quick breakfast, then we hit the road. Everything went swimmingly well for the first hour and then we came to an abrupt halt in Fond de Neg, along with I'll say over a thousand of our now closest friends. The police were blocking the road and there was no end in sight. So what do you do when life hands you lemons? You make friends! A girl standing near our van became my first friend. She talked to me about people who don't follow Gods way - what do they expect? Life will be hard. You must follow God. Then I taught her Jewova Jire, one of the songs from VBS. we prayed for the block to open. Then a group of boys and another girl came by, and we chatted. Once we got past the fact that 1. we didn't have any soccer balls or money and 2. I couldn't take them back to the US, we also sang some of the VBS songs and prayed. They asked for the words to be written down so they could remember them.

We finally were on our way about 6 hours later, getting into PAP well after our flight had left. It was chaos at the airport. We had a small hope for a few minutes that we would make standby on the 6:00 flight, but that hope quickly faded.  No cell phone minutes and a dead cell phone battery made it difficult to find the guest house, but a friendly stranger let us use his phone. So here we are for the night. Tomorrow holds the same outlook for us: waiting at the airport for a flight. They said the next date with flights available is August 10th. We'll see. God is good, and we know we are in His hands. He may have other plans.

In the meantime, here we are. Another opportunity to make friends.

Blocked

Please lift us up in prayer now. We are blocked on the road 2.5 hours from Port au Prince. It  has been blocked for 4.5 hours now with no end in sight. We need your prayers lifted up now. Not likely we will make our flights without your prayers. Thank you!

Celebrations

Celebrations The wedding yesterday was beautiful and fun. The couple sat in front of the church facing each other, and sitting on the ground between them was the flower girl, dressed as a bride herself. Beside them were their witnesses, and the congregation looked on. Songs, scripture readings, an encouraging word, sharing of the rings and the final kiss were all part of the ceremony. That was almost the best part! What a hooten' and holleren' they got as they smooched in joy, and the crowd loved it. Off to the reception we went. The ladies who had cooked food all week for the Pastor seminar and the village dinner cooked once again, serving bean sandwiches, fried banana chips, cake and candy. The wedding cake was an elaborate 3 tiered cake with side connecting tiers as well, and flowers,flowing down the sides. There was champagne which is purposefully sprayed all over the bride and groom, as well as feeding each other the cake. 70 guests were invited, and they squeezed onto 8 benches and a few chairs in the green room of the school. The Americans sat at the "kids" table in the other room, to make sure there were enough seats for the friends and family. Once all the guests were served, those watching thru the window were treated to cake and food as well. It was a time full of joy and beautiful to be a part of. Today's celebration at the teaching college graduation was another fabulous adventure into the culture. Marie Carmel officially completed her training today by receiving her degree. The 3.5 hour ceremony was full of wonderful music, dancing, just a little talking and a funny "good teacher/bad teacher" skit. The crowd loved it. Each graduate was called to the stage by name and people crowded to the front to snap their pictures. People brought fancily wrapped gifts for their loved ones, and surrounded them with kisses and hugs afterwards. Flora arranged a truck for us, so 11 of us got into the Montero and returned to the village. After so much celebrating this week, there was a small family gathering back at kay Lubin.  We ourselves have much to celebrate in our hearts as well. God never ceases loving His people, and we get to be a small part of that in Haiti. I have loved, and been loved in return 100-fold. I will celebrate that forever!

Tarantula

As I am sitting here writing this, there is a giant tarantula creeping his way across the floor towards me. He is about 10 feet away and closing. But, don't worry. We've learned that they aren't so bad. We don't fear them like we used to. In fact, one of the leaders has learned to just pick them up and relocate them... Either to their maker or to another part of the building. That is a little bit like how I feel about being here these few weeks. I had a lot of worry and fear before getting here and several times while here. You've read about some of those times already. Yesterday, we had another time like that. After a wonderful swim in the sea and some fresh seafood for dinner, (albeit not according to schedule at all), the team headed in parts to the village dinner. How fun it was for me to stand at the gate of the school and welcome the young ladies in their dresses and heels, and the young men in their dress shirts! I told them of the change of location, and they headed up the hill. The 4:00 dinner had youth still pouring in at 5:30. More and more kids and their patents came. After that it was a bit of a blur, but par for the course, it did not go according to plan.  It seemed like our ending would not hold fond memories. On top of that, for the first time in the three weeks, the power went out, just as everyone was packing to go home. If things were this tough the night before, what would the travel home look like? So where did we go with all this frustration, sadness, anxiety? To worship. There were tears and reconciliation and words of affirmation.  And we went to God's word. Psalm 105:1-15 reminds us of what to do in times like this. Remember the works of His hands, proclaim the good things He has done, and remember his promises: He will protect His people. Amen! God did many great things these weeks. We need not fear. We know that now! Thank you Father for the 68 young people who gave their lives to Christ, for safety for all team members, for relationships built, for lives changed, for happy faces, for children who know they are loved and valued, for the tarp that survived 2 weeks of Club, for the supplies that didn't run out, for supernatural energy , for joy, for love, for gladness. Thank you Father.

Fire and Water

Isaiah 30:19-26 19 People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” 22 Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you! ” 23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. 25 In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. 26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted. Fire and Water My feet were not supposed to be getting wet walking down this hallway in the hours before dawn. Did one of our water jugs spill? Did it rain last night? Where was all this water coming from? Along with the two showers that had no water on the other side, was the toilet on this side that was filling the hall and rooms with water. What a mess. Given the challenges yesterday, and the challenges before dawn this morning, the team gathered early to pray. God brought together words of knowledge, visions and scripture to answer our prayers and to ensure His power is here and working.  One team member saw a picture of the fields on fire, and thought about how this is done to cleanse the soil so that it will reproduce better. God made the connection for him that He can cleanse the gardens of people's hearts with His fire so that the ground is fertile and the seeds that are being planted will grow.  Another team member saw the road with a clear delineation between the left and right: total destruction on the right and total fullness on the left. The sense was that there was a decision to be made as to which path one would follow. Another picture of a river flowing, trying to be stopped by some slime, was victorious as it pushed past the slime in power.  Then came scripture which covered it all. From Isaiah 30:19-26 Praise you God for your fire and water, for clear directions, for plentiful gardens, a huge harvest, for hearts being turned toward you, for idols being tossed aside, and for streams of living water. The Lord Reigns!

Testing

"The journey was less than easy," were the words from Brent upon arrival at the retreat center just about 48 hours after the start of his trip from LA. His traveling companion arrived as well, but his suitcase did not. The good news? Dinner and worship were waiting for them. Food for the body and food for the soul. A good combo! The VBS team had some testing of their own today. The young kids group in the morning went very well, with again over 80 kids present. They learned that God is with them even when they need something, and to lift those requests up in prayer. The afternoon group had a small group of teen girls who were a bit more challenging. They tested us at the doorway (just like if Papa won't give you something, go as Mama). They tested us during the games (I'd rather sit out and listen to my radio on my cell phone). They tested us during crafts and snack time (I am just too cool to listen to you, but I will sit here and make faces at you). Yup, it wasn't especially fun. But the other 80 kids were super and fully engaged in the day. So it was a chance for us to practice loving when we didn't especially feel like it. Gotta say by the end of the day, it was tough for me. There were many other little things today that we're hard, so I felt tested all around. We are really pushed to the edge of our selves here, so please, please continue to cover us in prayer. And like today's lesson from Daniel, we too will be on our knees in prayer. The pastors conference starts tomorrow. There is much excitement building as God responds and shows himself. Please pray for a mighty breakthrough of the Spirit and unity among the participants. Also pray the certificates are found. Good night!

Blessed

A fantastic day yesterday! We had a new batch of 170 kids that came and everyone had a great time. What a blessing! The Saugus team is fitting right in and jumped easily into the action, getting to know the kids and playing with them.  Half of the pastors arrived yesterday in swift fashion and are now trying to adjust to the heat. It was an especially hot day yesterday, with the temps expected to reach 101. Please pray for cool weather to come in! The other half of the pastor team got stuck in Miami overnight so they will be trying to get to Les Cayes today. We have a bus plan for them, but pray for a miracle that there is a flight coming this way instead. What a blessing that would be! Breakfast is ready now. We have been enjoying star fruit and kowosol juice. Last night a friend brought by a whole bunch of cassava bread and jelly and cashews as a treat. Yum! Another friend brought grenadia for juice so that will be our treat today. We are being blessed in many ways- in our stomachs as well as our hearts!

Good morning! A new week of VBS begins today and Gama is on his way to the airport to get the Pastoral Conference Team. A new day has begun! Please continue praying for safety, rich soil to cultivate the seeds that were and will be planted, and for the Holy Spirit to dwell richly amongst us today. Please pray against confusion and miscommunication, and pray for patience and above all else... Love which covers a multitude of sins!

Te Rive!

Saugus is in the building! Thanks be to God!

Everywhere

You Are Everywhere Like the rain that falls To the earth below Watering the seed to grow So it is with your precious word, oh Lord, It won't return until I know that You are everywhere You're everywhere Like the rain that's failing Like the wind that blowing Like the sun upon my face  I feel the warmth of your embrace You are everywhere I hope that i truly know That I can never go from you're presence My God you are everywhere From the lowest steps to the heavens You are always there.             By Third Day The rain poured down, soaking the earth and everything on it. It wasn't violent, but it was forceful and complete. This is how we awoke at 4:15, but now I am sitting in the second row of a van designed to hold 16 people. Dotti is in front of me, and four other passengers are behind me. The sun has just come up and we have been driving for an hour now. The wind from the windows is blowing in our faces as we gaze out at the land waking up. A lone boat just off the beach struggles to cross the breakers to begin its work for the day. A woman forcefully ties her goods together, the bulk and weight of which probably outweigh her by four times. Three men squat near their motorcycles hoping for passengers. The orange glow from the rising sun reflects off the purple and white flowers making them jump with life. A man in tall rain boots works the earth, preparing to plant a garden just inches from the roadway.  A hen scurries out of our way, wisely guarding its life. In all of these things, I see the reflection of God as well as the brokenness our enemy has brought. My God you are everywhere and your Spirit moves over this land longing to dwell in the hearts of man. As the sun rises over the horizon and turns darkness into light in the land, come Holy Spirit and turn our darkened hearts to the light of our Savior.  Lord, I know you are everywhere.

New Life

A hen was snuggled up against the wall in the indoor garden outside the dining room at the retreat center. As we were watching her, certainly surprised to see her there, a tiny brand new face peeked out from under her wing. She quickly tucked that new life back under the safety of her wing, wanting to protect it. How beautiful it was to see such a precious thing: the protected and the protector. Thursday was the last day of the first session of VBS. It was a rocking day, with all the children and staff familiar with the flow of things and the songs. Imagine all those little voices lifting up to Jehovah Jireh! Everywhere you looked, there were smiling faces, clapping hands, and loud voices. Then, Wilson took the lead and explained the gospel to all 170+ kids. He did it with passion, guiding the children through understanding sin, separation from God,  God's free gift of His Son,  acceptance, repentance and forgiveness. When he asked if anyone wanted to take this free gift, 48 kids came forward. Those children then received further instruction to make sure they really understood. When they were ready to pray, we bowed our heads and asked for forgiveness, ready to receive. The team of leaders got to pray over each child, thanking God for their new lives. Afterwards, we took their names, ages and where they lived, and Wilson is going to follow them by meeting with them for a few months to disciple them and get them planted in churches. Will you be like the mother hen with me? Will you help to protect these new lives by praying for them each day, knowing that God is our ultimate protector. What a beautiful thing we got to be a part of yesterday... New life in abundance! Amen!

Challenges

Prayers answered, faith challenged and built!  If my faith were never challenged, would it ever grow? Probably not.   Well this week has been a time of growth in all of our faith. God is so good, He has allowed difficulties, and we have responded by getting down on our knees in prayer. And just like we are teaching the kids this week, God has been with us - through changes, when we need help and when we are afraid. We certainly have had our share of changes  this week. The weather has been really hot, and our bodies have had a hard time adjusting. We have been at the end of ourselves, each one of us, at least one day this week. The work with the kids is amazingly satisfying, but extremely taxing on our bodies. We just aren't used to the climate and food and challenges of walking up these hills each day. But each time we were empty, we prayed that God would fill us up. And you know what?He did! At lunch time, we felt as if we couldn't go on, and we prayed for strength. Sometimes He provided an unexpected helping hand, or a ride, or extra cold water. At the end of the day, we were amazed at the strength we had,which surely had come from His hand. This week, we lost some money. It seemed like it was definitely gone, and now we would be short on our bills. So we got on our knees and prayed. And guess what? God answered the prayers and the money was found, intact, in the most unexpected place! Today I was told of two experiences that were unusual and unpleasant. My initial reaction was sadness followed by fear. I went to the Lord. In His word He promises protection for His people. I'm standing on this truth and praying it in great measure, believing that He will indeed avenge the innocent and bring refuge for those who love Him. So my faith is growing through these challenges, because I see God's hand through all of it. He is a mighty God that we serve! The last day of Klub is tomorrow. We had a super day today with over 170 kids again, and it is flowing smoothly. Thank you God! To Him be the glory! Peace, Kristi

Ordained Praise

Favorite moment of the day: listening to 172 children singing Jehovah Jireh at the top of their lungs in praise of our God. I think my heart just might burst, it is so full. God has ordained this praise from the lips of the children, and it is a beautiful thing to be a part of. What an honor this is! (Psalm 8) Everything went amazingly well yesterday, especially it being the first day. Soooo many children have come.  We learned that God is with us even through all the difficulties. We had a huge, huge wind and rain storm that started just as we were supposed to leave for the afternoon session. There was lightening and wind that moved everything that wasn't battened down. We had made a decision to leave the music up on the courtyard wall earlier because the weather looked great. OOOPS! So we prayed as the storm was raging that the words would be safe. It would take a long time to rewrite them, and now we were already late. So we continued praying. Imagine our absolute delight when we finally reached the school and saw 2 of the 3 sheets of paper still hanging on the walls, intact, and perfectly legible! The third was fine also, it was just on the ground. Our God is so good He supplies ALL our needs!S

Here we go!

Too tired to write tonight. The team got here at 2:00 AM and we have had a full day. We are trying to finish the translations for Tomorrow, even now at this hour. Thank you Jesus for people who are willing to do this! Klub starts tomorrow. Everyone is excited! Pray for it all to be reflective of the Father's love.

Smoking Wires

Smoking Wires Last night when I was walking up to the church, the teenager that I was with said, "Gade!" (Look!) she was pointing at the wiring that ran alongside the road, which was smoking. Not just in one place, either. An entire length of the wire was smoking! Have you ever seen that? I haven't! But I knew enough to get the heck out of the way because that was some pretty strong power going through that wire. That is like the power of my God. He is so strong that nothing can contain Him. And when He moves in power, you can't miss it.  It rises up and people stop and say, "Gade!" His followers also say things like amen, praise God, alleluia, and YES! That is what I am saying right now because the power of the Lord is great and nothing, no nothing can stop Him and His plans. Satan may try - and trust me, he is trying hard right now. But he will not prevail because "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."  Join me in prayer now that the first team arrives in miraculous time, well rested and unthwarted. Today's plane was 7 hours late and the team is finally on their way to the retreat center.  They have a big job ahead of them tomorrow and they need to be well rested. I think they will be surprised and happy that they have strong and willing and able counterparts here ready to work too. On a side note, I got to see James today. Marie Carmelle and I went to his town and waited for a few hours through some rain and a broken tap tap,  but finally he returned. The first words he said to us were, "Mwen swiv bonDye!"  (I am following Jesus!) Yes, God is moving in power! amen!k

The Four K's

The Four K's "Kristi, a kile Klub Komanse?!" I have heard these four K's dozens of times over the past two days. The children are really excited for Club to start and want to know when they can finally come. What a tremendous blessing this is. For all who are coming and all who have supported those who are coming, I say a huge Thank You! You have made many, many children very, very happy. Please continue praying that they grasp the Gospel message that God is always by their side in the good times and the bad. Good news! The first group of team members have arrived safely in Port au Prince. They are tucked away at the Guest House for a refreshing night of sleep before they join the second wave of team members back at the airport tomorrow. Then, the 7 of them will make their way to Fogasse. God has blessed us today in a big way. Wilson has joined the team again. He is the gifted musician who helped to lead music last year, but thought he couldn't make it this year. But he is here! I am sooooo happy and so were the other team members because they didn't have to listen to me massacre their language in song anymore. Some great experiences today: The first soaking rain in a long time here, followed by a glorious full rainbow. Squid for lunch? NO! Hot dogs that were split, then cooked, and now only resemble a tiny squid. Amen. Riding on the back of a motorcycle in the pouring rain, in tandem with another bike, the three of us holding four empty 5-gallon jugs for water! Never, I repeat Never, sing at the top of your lungs thinking that you are all alone in a giant house. Two little children might have snuck up to the house and sat down outside under the shade of a tree waiting for you. And then they tell you what they think about your singing. Yup. 

All New

It is truly a miracle. Ketli is indeed walking on both of her feet! I believe this to be a result of God's healing power - thank you God and thank you all for praying! She looks great and she is happy and looking forward to coming to "Club" on Monday. There is still an open wound there about an inch long and wide, but it is healing well. Other prayers answered today - we have a Haitian team assembled! There are 6 young people so far, and 2 adults. Everyone likes the drama with the puppets, but no one thinks of themselves as actors! So we need some budding artists to step up. I got to hold lots of babies today and hear a lot of stories, only some of which I understood. This one thing is for sure: their stories are safe with me!  New experiences today: Purple potatoes that are sweet and soft and delicious An alternate route to town for covert purposes A motorcycle carrying three people with a fourth being towed behind it on a bicycle all going about 35 miles per hour

When Dry is wet and wet is dry

When Dry is Wet, and Wet is Dry The stores were all closed by the time we made it up the hill and settled into the Retreat Center. That meant no water for me. After traveling for 17 hours, I was thirsty. After walking up the hill with all the bags I  was parched. After bread and fried plantains for dinner, my mouth was a desert. All I wanted was water. All I could think about was water. But there was none to be had for at least another 13 hours. I LONGED for water. "As a deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after you." kept running thru my mind.  I've wanted some things before in life, so much so that they have invaded and consumed my thoughts. I've even desired connection with God like that, but not every day. Sometimes when I am praying, or reading my Bible or devotional, I am thinking, ok, get this done with so I can begin my day. Or worries and thoughts of the day keep creeping into my mind and I am only partially connected with  my Lord.  God provided a drink for me in an unusual way. Before I left the plane, I asked the flight attendant if I could have a bottle of something to take with me. She gladly obliged and I walked away with a ginger ale; a Canada Dry. My intention was to give it to my traveling companion, Corneil, because I knew that he wouldn't have eaten or drank all day. Unfortunately, by the time I was able to offer it to him, it was not only not cold... It was hot. He politely declined the offer, stating that if it were cold, he would drink it. So it came to the Retreat Center with me. This is how Dry became wet. But you know, it didn't satisfy like water does. It didn't feel like rain in the desert of my mouth. But it did offer liquid to my cells. How many times, in searching for something to quench that other thirst in me do I settle for something less than what is best? I chose chocolate, or a friendship, or a TV show to be my water. It isn't water. It isn't the living water that I need and it doesn't satisfy. This is when wet is dry. The next day, at about 10:00 in the morning, I finally had some water. It was good. Real good. I was satisfied. God, each day I want to long for you like I longed for that water. I want to desire Your Word, Your voice and Your wisdom above all else. Help me always to choose your living water, and not some substitute. I know that you satisfy. Thank you, Father.

Arrived safe and sound at the bottom of the hill with 220 pounds worth of luggage and 4strong legs and arms. Praise God! Now I really know what I am physically capable of! And Corneil, too! Heard news from the village and most of it is positive. Ketli is healing well, and if I understand correctly, she is walking on her foot! (I will find out tomorrow if my comprehension is good... If this is the case you have to know that God answered everyone's prayers because it seemed almost certain just a few weeks ago that she would lose that foot).  Kristian is healthy and attending church regularly. Amelia's condition has not changed. We stopped briefly at the town center where James lives and I was hoping to see him, but did not. Perhaps another day. Please pray for Laura, a teacher at our school. She was hit by a car and broke her leg, arm, and injured her head. She is home recovering. Mwen vant  plenn. My stomach is full and I am very tired so off to bed for me. Please pray for good connections tomorrow as I will be heading out to assemble a leadership team for the VBS weeks.

The Journey Begins

In just a few short hours, the two teams from Saugus and Greater Salem Vineyard will converge to pack the bags!!  And thus the journey begins.

Please pray for a full harvest from this trip; that God will forcefully advance His Kingdom in the region of Faugasse and that many will come to a saving knowledge of Him.  And for the team, pray humility and servant hearts; safety in comings and goings; health and joy.

"See" you in Haiti!

James

James! The newest member of our Christian family was welcomed into the faith today on the roadside in a village near his home. What a joy to witness this and to be a part of this. Wow. Praise be to God for His mercy! Mari Carmel and I returned to the hospital today to visit Ketli and her mother. On the way, we had the pleasure of riding James' motorcycle. Though young, he was an excellent driver and I certainly did not lose any teeth today! (although all I could think of was an Oreo... And yes, we were that close together!) he asked for our phone number so that at the end of the day we could ride with him again. We gladly gave it to him because he was such a good driver. He returned on time, and as we were walking to his bike, Mari asked him if he believed in Jesus. I don't even know why she did this... It was kind of random. He said no, he didn't believe YET. Opening! On the hour long ride, Mari and I shared our faith and the reason for our faith. I told him of the difficulties in my life and how Jesus was there through all of them, and how he changed my heart so that I loved him more and more each day. We had some fun on the way down, and as people shouted out to him, he told them he was with his sisters, and then that we were his cousins. We all had a good laugh. Then I told him that Mari really is my sister because are both believers, but when he says that I am his sister, it isn't really true YET. Mari told him how all things in this life will pass away... But what will happen to him after death? And in what does he put his confidence? Towards the end of our journey together, I told him that if he wanted to pull over and stop, we would gladly pray together. He said yes! So on the side of the road at the bottom of the mountain, James became my brother. On the way up the mountain, he shouted to a friend that today he had "good luck" because he was with us. At the end I told him that today he had "good luck" because now he was with Jesus. What an awesome day! Ps - Mari told him how to get plugged into a church so that he could get baptized and can grow in his faith.

It was so good to see Ketli's smiling face today in the hospital. For a little girl with a very difficult situation, she sure is tough as nails. We colored in a coloring book, read the Psalms, went for a walk and prayed together. Please continue to pray for a miracle for her foot and leg which is now very badly infected. Pray that God supplies her every need. He has already placed her in good hands. I spoke with her therapist, a woman from FL who has now lived in Haiti for 2years but has visited for 10. She is a certified wound specialist who also works in Cayes with certified prosthetic specialists! She has taken on Ketli's case and is overseeing her care. Pray with me that she will not need a prosthetic, but if she does, we can thank God for His provision of people. Now let me tell you a little about the ride there... Let's just say that a few of my teeth and a few of the discs in my spine are now part of the road there! I have so much respect for the Haitians. Bonnie Finne is a beautiful village with a large river and more fruit trees of every kind than you can imagine (and many you can't imagine because they are foreign to us). It is on the top of a mountain and they say it is cold there, but I thought it was perfect. The views are glorious! Mountains and greenery are everywhere. But to get there, you have to walk UP the mountain. These people don't need exercise, they LIVE exercise. The road is so bad that tap taps won't go there. You walk, or you take a motorcycle. I saw a young boy with his leg in a cast riding with two other people (one who was holding his leg) on a motorcycle to get to the hospital.  Anyway,from the main road it takes an hour by motorcycle to get to the hospital, and just as much time to get down. Tomorrow, we will do it again. Continue praying! 

Got here safely and even had food waiting for me which was a surprise. Lots of news about the people here. Two sad things... Please pray for Ketli as her health is very poor and she is back in the hospital. Also for Betti who was hit by the car a while ago and has not recovered.  The day started with a slowly falling star as we drove to Boston in the dark and has now ended with a glorious sunset whose golden beams reflected off of every rain drenched surface and rolled the fluffy cotton clouds right back over the mountains. God has been my traveling companion today in every moment and it has been joyful. While waiting for the bus in PAP I spoke at length with a young man selling books who wondered if God was mad at him because he didn't have time to talk with Him, but when he did talk... He was just angry. He is hungry and wants a place to live but can't understand why God hasn't given this to him yet... Carol says Hi to everyone and wants to know when you are all coming back! Making plans to go see the two girls in the hospital, but first praying for guidance.

It is 5AM and everyone is up after a short night, getting ready for the return trip home. Please thank God with us for the good works that he has done here, and pray for health and safety as we return back home. Thanks again everyone for your covering in prayer. To God be the glory!!

Well, the ending of the story isn't a happy one. 

Joe brought the sister in law over to the woman's house and she offered forgiveness. However, the woman was not willing to repent of her ill-deeds (curses).  We were able to minister to the sister in law; so we prayed over her and blessed her.  Today we heard that the woman is feeling  even worse than she did before, and one of the girls in the village was caring for her.  Please continue to pray for these two women.

On the other hand, the seminar today was even better than yesterday if you can  imagine that.  Joe opened up by talking about the gifts of the Spirit, and using them well.  Joel then spoke about spiritual warfare which is a vital topic here.  Extended prayer time followed and focused on confession and breaking off covenants of the past; then asking the love  of God to come down and fight the battle.  I think you could hear the prayers and worship for miles and miles around.   Even the Catholic priests and sisters joined in the worship.  I truly think it was a piece of heaven. At the end, the pastors asked for a way to keep in contact with each other and agreed to meet at least a couple of times a year for prayer. There were several words of encouragement, and the time ended with everyone blessing eachother and extending love to eachother.  

We saw Ketli again today.  Amazing recovery even since Sunday.  The swelling in her foot has gone down quite a bit (although it is still significantly swollen), her wound is healing well, she has feeling back in her toes now, and she can move her toes and ankle.. She will return to school on Monday and is excited to see her classmates.  She is moving really well on the crutches - I wish you could see how she moves across the rocks, narrow passages, and washed-out areas..  However, the school is over a mile from her  house, so walking there and back each day will be a challenge.  I was able to hear more about her original wounds, which were significant.  Know that her healing is a miracle, from her head wound, her dislocated shoulder, and her nearly severed foot.  God is indeed good.

There is so much more, but this is too long now.. Home again tomorrow.  Thank you for support of prayer.  It was needed and effective.  Blessings to you all!

Last night we walked into a nearby village. Kristi did whatshe does, and Joe did what he does. Four of the men on the team joined him in intense healing prayer for a woman who had a stroke with residual physical impairments, including speech and arm impairments. The children joined in song and prayer as well. God was gracious and returned motion to her arm, but not completely. She confessed a broken relationship with her sister. The team then moved to her sister's house to speak with her. After speaking for a time, it started to rain so everyone moved to their houses. We made agreement to return the next night. The team then walked (rather fast) back to the retreat center, stopping under a tree for some respite from the rain. A voodoo ceremony had been performed there so we had a loud and powerful time of worship to the King in that very spot. Ending of the story to be continued...

Another powerful day with the pastors. But first a visit to the school and time with the children. The school looks great and the children even better. One teacher is out on maternity leave, and we have one new teacher. The classes were all learning math at the time we came. The gifts for the school from Bloomfield college were well received. They loved the posters and dictionaries. The aprons for the cooks from PA were also appreciated. New bookshelves are being built and the wire to hang posters will be put up.

Leslie taught on Jesus' prayer life. This was followed by worship that can't be described, individual prayer and corporate prayer for the land of Haiti and the people of Haiti. The power of this is impossible for me to explain to you.

Pray for Leslie as she returns home today for a family matter. Pray for safe and easy travels to PAP and good flight connections in NY.

More later... So much to say!

It was amazing today with the pastors! The community had never heard a testimony like the one Natalie gave. I wish you all could have seen the beautiful site of 40 men confessing together and receiving forgiveness. It was beautiful and powerful. Also, we heard testimony that on Sunday the congregation had prayed for rain. It hasn't rained in a very long time, and it is very dry. The community is hungry and there isn't any water in their cisterns. The person praying said that God must be happy with the work that is going on here. It rained Sunday night and Monday night. What an incredible answer to prayer. Please continue lifting up this village. Many are hungry and haven't eaten in days. I saw a friend who recently had a baby. She is so thin. She has no food, and her body is feeding the baby. Please pray that God would provide manna from heaven for her... And others as well. Thank you!

Had a wonderful walk up to the top of the mountain today with the intention of praying and worshipping. We wound up with quite a crowd of people, mostly children who sang with us and prayed as well. Then had a time of playing with them. It was different than expected, but even more wonderful in some ways. The land is full of vegetables and fruit in the infancy stage. The view of the ocean and the mountains from there spectAcular. May what God called come to pass.

Peace,

Kristi

First day of conference went EXTREMELY well, praise God! Time of prayer afterwards for all, by all, was blessed. The sense of unity among the pastors was palpable. Joel's message was clear and well received. Deep questions throughout. Joe's leadership crucial and wise. Everyone feels revived and anticipatory about the coming days. Keep the prayers coming that God will release his healing power over this land. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Powerful time of ministry at the gazebo church. Prayed for deliverance for a young woman. Joseph preached genesis 35:1-15 and closed with an invitation for anyone who still holds onto any witchcraft practices as well as faith in Christ to come forward for prayer. About half of those in attendance came forward. Aim the afternoon 4 of the team walked into the village to check on the little girl who was hit by the truck in December. On the way the met a witch doctor and had a meaningful conversation switch him but he was not ready to accept Christ. They led an older man to the lord. They discovered he has been living with the same woman for 40 years...joseph will perform his wedding this summer when the team comes back. We are currently enjoying worship and prayer. On the third floor open air portico at the retreat center. Please pray for the conference attendees....there is friction regarding having this event at a catholic facility.

Arrived safe and sound. Thanks all for prayers. Please pray for an infilling of the Spirit on all who attend the conference on Monday, and for safe travels for ALL who are coming. Looking forward to worship tomorrow under the gazebo. To God be the glory. Amen.

Gearing up to head south! Thanks everyone for all the prayers. God has assured us that He WILL answer; and is already working on behalf of the village to set them free. Amen!

Please continue to storm the gates of heaven on behalf of the village, the church in Faugasse, the children and teachers at the school, and the 10 people on the team from three states that will be traveling to Haiti this week.

Will update this post as able.

Blessings,

Kristi