Thursday, November 14, 2013

Bringing God's Love to Haiti

I know it has been a very long time since my last post. I have much to catch up on, but am so busy, there just isn't time!!

Below you will find our letter asking for support for our upcoming mission trip. Back to Haiti! Thank you in advance for remembering us in your prayers!

Mat 25:40 – Truly I say to you, as you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

Dear friends and family,

We are very excited to tell you Grace Church of the Islands is sending a medical mission trip to Haiti in January.  Andrew and I  have signed up to go.  We have a deep conviction to help these people who had so little and now have even less.  If you have never been blessed with a mission trip, you can still fulfill Jesus’ command to help by sending others.  Would you please help by sending us?  The cost is about $1300 each, some of which is paid by Grace Church.

As you may know, I went on a mission trip to Haiti in 2010 and was there for the devastating earthquake.  After such a harrowing experience, I was determined to go back to help.  Grace Church’s next mission trip was to the island of LaGonave, which lies between the two westward –facing arms of mainland Haiti.  Hope for LaGonave (http://hopeforlagonave.com/) is a non-profit organization helping the destitute people of this island.  All donated funds go directly to support; there are no paid positions in the US.  They have started four schools (dirt-floored reed shacks) and five churches. 

This is Climando Occean.  Our family has sponsored him for several years, paying for meals, medical check-ups and teacher salary.  He has two brothers and a sister, loves school and soccer.  He could be our kid.  Children on LaGonave who don’t go to these schools have to find work to support their family.  Before attending this school, these children had never seen a picture book.  The only meal they eat each day is provided by the school.

I was blessed to meet Climando on that mission to LaGonave.  He is quiet and thoughtful, and shyly hugged me.  Earlier this year, we received a heart-wrenching letter from HFLG about Climando.  Although he was a very good student, he had failed his last tests.  When asked why, he said he had failed on purpose because he didn’t want to leave the school.  As we understand it, he is back at school, praying there will be opportunities to continue his education.   His silent plea is such a touching testament to Jesus’ effectual love demonstrated through those who are helping the people of LaGonave.

Thank you for considering helping!  We are very excited for the trip, to see Climando again, and provide much-needed medical attention as well as spiritual support .

Rom 10:15 – And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”