Anticipation

What is it like to be getting ready for a trip to see family?  Creative Arts Pastor Chris Graves of NewChurch Georgetown, Georgetown, TX recently posted a blog sharing how he and his team have developed such deep relationships with their Sister Church, that they truly feel that they are family.  And they are anxiously anticipating their upcoming mid-October visit to Abricot. 

 

And Then There Were 8...

I am 23 days away from my 2nd trip to Abricot, Haiti.  I have more anticipation and excitement than I did one year ago.  In a way, I find that odd.  I would think that your "first time" would have provided me those emotions.

The reason, I think, is because it is not just an exploratory trip for me.  I have been there.  I have developed relationships.  I have looked into the eyes of the people of Abricot.  I have seen them cry. I have seen them dance with joy.  I have seen them pray and I have prayed with them.  I have seen the hurt.  I have seen the broken.  I have seen the searching.

For one week,  we are just people.  God's creation! Although we come from different experiences, languages and cultures.  We are people searching to know and to let be known our Creator!

Let me introduce you to the 2012 team.

JD Griffis - Team Leader and a mainstay on trips to Abricot.  JD brings his skill of organization, clarity, athleticism, steadiness and planning to the team. JD is actively involved at NewChurch Georgetown and is currently leading a front porch. Anytime you talk to JD about Haiti or Mexico, you can see the fire and passion for sharing the love of Christ.

Rachel Elliott - Another mainstay on the Haiti trips.  Rachel has been a vital part in the Hope For Kidz program between NewChurch and Abricot.  Rachel has a way with the kid's in Haiti, that is remarkable. After seeing Haitian kid's grow up without parents in Haiti, Rachel and her husband Dennis decided to adopt their 3rd child into their family. Rachel and Dennis are both pastors at NewChurch Georgetown.
 
 
 

Mike Rainey - This will be Mike's second year going to Abricot.  Mike is a pastor at NewChurch Georgetown. Mike is also our Haitian Creole wizard.  Mike has an incredible ability to hear, listen and learn the native language very quickly.  Being that Mike is 6 foot 4 (I think), he also serves as our basketball team captain when we play in the streets of Abricots.  Mike is also our Cajun player.
 
 

Deb Cleary - Deb has also made returning to Abricot a yearly trip.  She has developed some deep rooted relationships in Abricots.  It is an amazing site to see her face light up in the presence of the Haitian children. The Haitian children's response is the same.  Deb is like family to so many of the Haitian people. It is an excellent asset to have someone on the team so familiar with the people of Abricot.  She will provide tons of knowledge to our newcomers on the trip.
 
 
 

Myself - The Haiti trip last year, truly was life changing for me.  I was reminded how we all are God's people and the love of Christ has no boundaries.  I also met Manulson Romelus, who is now our Hope For Kidz sponsored child.  This trip also started discussions within our family about potentially adopting in the future. We will see where God leads in this decision.  What I do know is that the Haitian people are now my family as well.
 
 


Becca Graves - My beautiful wife. Becca has heard me talk of Haiti for a year now.  She is excited, but anxious about the trip.  I have first hand experience about how loving she is to our children and I cannot wait for the first time she stares into the eyes of a Haitian child.  I am very proud of her for making the commitment and decision to go.  Becca is not one that likes to rough it and this trip will challenge her, however,  she is the most selfless individual I have ever met.  The selflessness will be a huge asset to our team.
 
 

Angela Herrington - Angela is also new to the Haiti team.  Angela's husband, Josh, was part of the team last year.  Angela brings her musical ability to help lead in worship. She has also been designated (since she is new) the restroom beautification project. This consists of making a hole in a concrete floor resemble somewhat like our home amenities.  This is a very important job!!! Seriously, I am excited to have Angela's calm, peaceful but yet energizing character on our team.  
 
 
 

Bobby Catt - Bobby is the youth pastor at First Baptist San Angelo.  Bobby is also my brother-in-law.  Bobby is phenomenal at relating to youth and children where they are at in life.  Bobby also has lots of experience in missions.  He has traveled to Jordan, Canada, Venezuela, Guatemala and Peru. In college, Bobby interned at a missions agency and was responsible for entering child sponsorships in Haiti.  Since that time he has desired to go to Haiti.
This team sets out on Thursday, Oct. 18.  Please pray for us as a team and as individuals that we allow God to use all of our uniqueness and strengths to serve the people of Abricot.  Also that we work together as a team to step up around each other's weaknesses. 
Please pray for the people of RMI who will lead us while in Haiti.
Finally, please pray for the people of Abricot.

Thank you, Chris, for allowing us to share this!  We are excited to see that God is blessing the Sister Church Partnerships and to know that He is using these relationships to transform lives.

A Change of Plans

For the September Summit Church Team, change was the theme of the week. 
They were supposed to fly into Port au Prince Thursday night, stay the night and take the bus to Cayes on Friday.  Due to a mechanical error, they were late for a connecting flight from Miami to Port au Prince and missed the flight.  The airline had no flights out of Miami that day or the next, so they transferred their flight to the Ft Lauderdale airport for Friday.  They would now be overnighting in Florida.  Due to the late arrival of their flight, they would then stay Friday night in Port and head towards Cayes on Saturday morning. 
As of Thursday night the new plan was that RMI team would meet the team at the Retreat Center in Zanglais, because its closer to Cote de Fer, we’d eat lunch and then head to Cote de Fer.  In the mean time, late Thursday night, in Haiti, a thunderstorm rolled in and dumped torrential rain in Cote de Fer.   Due to the recent rains from Tropical Storm Isaac, an already soggy town was soaked; and this time the rains brought with them mud.  The entire town was filled with sticky, wet mud.  The church yard as well as the rooms at the school were the team was to stay were also covered in mud.  Rob and Benson drove out to access the damage.  There was no way we could stay in Cote de Fer. 

The church yard filled with dry, cracked mud (on Wednesday).
A new plan was needed.
The plan all along was for the team to build two houses in Cote de Fer.  Where the houses were to be built was on ‘this side of the river’ where there was no mud.  The problem was now where the team would stay.  It was decided the team would stay at the RMI Retreat Center in Zanglais and commute the 1 1/2 hours back and forth every day.   It wasn’t ideal, but it made the visit possible so that became the plan.  But it also meant making a new plan for meals; making a menu, planning for lunches to take with the team, early breakfasts, gathering the supplies, etc.  It was a big job but after three hours, some 25 phone calls back and forth, and a few emails, a plan was in place.  RMI staff held our breaths hoping that this time, this plan would stick.
And for the most part it did.
We went to Cote de Fer on Sunday for the service, and then set to work right away on house number one.  The team worked hard and got a lot accomplished on day one!

Benson and Jordan working on the roof.

Wilrid and Tony measuring pieces for the porch roof.
Day two was just as productive. House number one was finished and it was presented to the new owners, a faithful deacon of the church and his family. The team handed them the keys and prayed over them.

Presenting the house to the Deacon and his family.

The Deacon and his family.
The team then headed off to location number two and got to work.  By the end of day two, the house was well under way. 

Putting in the first two walls.


Putting in the support beams.  All hands on deck!

Wilfrid and David installing the window.
Day three brought with it new energy and the completion of the second house. It was also presented to its new owner, a single mother of two and a faithful member of the Cote de Fer church. The team handed her her keys and prayed over her and her family before leaving. 

Praying for the new owner of house number two.
Wednesday morning, the team headed back to the church and spent some time sharing with and praying with the Deacons.  They then split up into two teams and visited the homes of some of the church members and delivered boxes of food and prayed for each family.

The team and the Deacons.
While the week didn’t turn out how originally expected and a lot of adjustments on everyone’s part had to be made  we rejoiced in the kingdom work that was accomplished despite the enemies best efforts to hamper God’s plans.  Two families now have safe dry places to call home.  Six families don’t have to think about where their next meal is coming from for a few weeks.  The relationship between the Summit Church and the Cote de Fer Baptist Church is strengthened as they can both see how committed to the relationship one another are.  And despite all the changes, and all the adjustments, and all the twists and turns the week threw at us, God has been honored.  And we pray that above all, His heart was pleased. 

The RMI Family is Growing

God has answered our prayers and is growing the RMI family.  We are excited to introduce Lee and Tina Nunemaker to you as our newest missionary appointees.  Twenty one years ago Lee met RMI president, Dan Shoemaker, while he was in Haiti on a 2 week ministry trip.  The discussions that he had with Dan stayed with him through his Bible college years, as he got married, became a youth pastor and then as an associate pastor.  When his church wanted to send a group to Haiti, he reached out to the one person he knew had extensive experience in Haiti: Dan.  Lee and Tina had a great time in Haiti with their team in the summer of 2010.  They already had a heart for missions and when they got home God began to move in their hearts and they came to feel that He was calling them to serve as full time missionaries with RMI in Haiti.

Lee and Tina are from Greencastle, Penn. and have 4 boys: Daniel – 15, Josiah – 13, Nathan – 8, and Isaac – 4. They took the boys to Haiti in March.  They were able to be involved, as a family, in quite a bit of ministry as well as a lot of fun.  They met missionary kids their own age and it didn’t take long for them to bond not only to their new friends but to the country of Haiti.  The whole family especially enjoyed and bonded with the Thompson family.  One of the Nunemaker boys commented that Rob and Lee were “just alike”.   [That’s the Thompson kids and the 2 younger boys in the Thompson’s tree house.]

Lee and Tina attended RMI’s M.A.C.E., Mutual Assessment and Candidate Evaluation last week.  It was very special to learn of their journey up to this point and see how God has uniquely prepared them for ministry in Haiti.  Lee will be helping direct the Sister Church Partnerships, working with leadership development and as a team facilitator.  Tina’s ministry will be taking care of the family as well as involvement with RMI.  Her niche is yet to be determined – she has a lot to offer and we’re all excited to see what develops once she gets to the field.

Raising their support is the next order of business for them.  It’s a very tall order, but they are confident that God will provide because they are confident in their call to Haiti.  Pray with us that their support will come in quickly.

You can find Lee and Tina on Facebook (look for Tina Eisenberger Nunemaker and Lee Nunemaker).  There you’ll see quite a few photos of their trip to Haiti.  Their emails are:  lee.nunemaker@rminet.org and tina.nunemaker@rminet.org.  Welcome them to the RMI family! 

Would you consider becoming a member of their support team?!

Report of Tropical Storm Isaac Damage to our Partnership Communities…

We have now been in contact with almost all of our Partnership Churches, Schools and Communities.  With the various terrain here, mountains, valleys, plateau’s, and low lying areas, as well as the location of rivers and ocean shorelines, the damage was quite varied from place to place.  The rain continued for long periods after the “eye” of Tropical Storm Isaac passed.  Extended periods of rain always causes problems.   Gardens are so quickly damaged.  Here are the reports.  Further information will be collected as we are able, and will certainly be available upon request.

Please join with us in praying for the Haitian people!

Abricot - It rained a lot. but no damage.

Anse d’Hainault - A lot of wind but everything is fine.

Anse-à-Veau – Everything is ok.

Astruc - Only crop damage because it rained a lot.

Aux Coteaux - Everything is fine, no damage.

Baradères - Pastor has reported significant flooding in the town.  The road to Baradere is cut off. Many people had to evacuate to other areas, and some have lost animals.  As far as we know, there has been no loss of human life.  The pastor’s house is currently a shelter for about 45 people.  8 families plus his own.  3 of these families lost animals, and 2 of these families lost their rice crop.

Beaumont - Only crop damage.

Boyer – Everything is fine.

Camp-Perrin - Rained a lot, but everything is ok.

Cance - No problems.

Chambellan – Chambellan Church are doing well, but Satellite Church, Source Chaude, has reported major damage.  3/4 of the roof of the Church blew off in the wind and it is the same for the parsonage of that Church.  They had a large mud slide in the area as well.  Crop damage has been reported.

Chardonette - It rained a lot and they have experienced crop damage and loss of animals.

Cherette - They lost a lot of Bananas, and garden.

Corail – Everything is fine.

Côte-de-Fer - Pastor Robin is not in the area due to his wedding, but we were able to be in touch with a church member. We are told the town was flooded, with water inside houses, but not inside the church property, church, or Pastor’s home. Some members in the church were affected by the flood. There were no animals lost, but there was crop damage, specifically plantain trees. These plantain trees came down with the wind.

Dame-Marie – No damage.

Desriveaux – Unable to reach pastor at this time.

Ducis – 3 families lost their gardens.

Fon Deron – Crop damage.

La Colline – Unable to reach pastor at this time.

Les Anglais - The river is so high trucks cannot cross it and some crop damage.  Everything else is ok.

Les Irois – No problems.

Lièvre – There is some crop damage and a few families lost their gardens.

Maniche - A lot of crop damage, especially plantains.  Many trees are down and road is very difficult now to get to Maniche.

Morancy – Unable to reach pastor at this time.

Pestel - The Pastor at Pestel Church said that the storm hit the area pretty bad. Houses fell down, loss of animals, and many families stayed in the church during the weekend.  The Church fed them and they're still looking for help from the pastor and the deacons. For the families that lost their houses they'll have no place to go.

Petit-trou – Crop damage reported.

Picot – Some crop damage, but they are doing well.

Port-à-Piment - The pastor at Port a piment Church said that the town was flooded, water got into many family’s homes. They have many supplies that got wet, like beds, food and other supplies.  No loss of houses, animals or people.

Port-Salut - It rained a lot in Port-Salut. The town was flooded and some Church families lost their animals, houses and crops. Over 30 people stayed at the Church and they're still at the Church right now at this moment. They're being fed by the Church.  

Now their biggest concern is that school will start in early October.  These families affected the most are going to really struggle without gardens or animals.  They seem to have no hope for  this coming school year.  They have no place to stay since their homes were nocked down.

Source Baptiste – It rained a lot, but things are ok.

Tiburon – No damage.

Information collected by the RMI Team.

Provisional Report on Tropical Storm Isaac Damage…

Reports are coming in from our Sister Churches.  As additional reports comes in, we will post them.

General Statement - Tropical Storm Isaac passed to the East of all of our Partnership Communities.  The heaviest wind and rain was on the East of the storm (toward Port au Prince).  Therefore, our Partnership Communities were spared from more serious damage.  Of course, this means that many to our East were hit, especially those living in tent/shack communities still from the earthquake.

Having said this, after the eye of the storm passed, heavy rains fell throughout the South, Grand Anse, and Nippes regions, the regions where our Partnership Communities are located.  We are hearing reports of swollen rivers, and the flooding of the most vulnerable low lying areas.  Higher and generally less vulnerable areas have not been affected.

Baradere – Pastor has reported significant flooding in the town.  The road to Baradere is cut off. Many people had to evacuate to other areas, and some have lost animals.  As far as we know, there has been no loss of human life.  The pastor’s house is currently a shelter for about 45 people.  8 families plus his own.  3 of these families lost animals, and 2 of these families lost their rice crop.

Cotes de Fer -  Pastor Robin is not in the area due to his wedding, but we were able to be in touch with a church member.  We are told the town was flooded, with water inside houses, but not inside the church property, church, or Pastor’s home.  Some members in the church were affected by the flood. There were no animals lost, but there was crop damage, specifically plantain trees.  These plantain trees came down with the wind.

You can read a “initial report from the Haitian Government by region” here.  Geographic notes:  Comments for the South, Grand Anse and Nippes are related to our Partnership Communities.  “Petit-Trou” is 20 minutes from Anse au Veau.  Some of our Partnership Communities are mentioned. 

To see an interactive map with everything related to RMI, including the path of Isaac, click here.

Again, as other reports come available, they will be posted.

Rob

RMI has mobilized to provide aid in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaac

RMI is already mobilizing to provide immediate relief in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaac. Due to our 30 plus years of experience with hurricanes, we know what the impact will be on the south of Haiti therefore we are working on a preemptive basis. Also, we know that many churches will be interested in helping with relief, thus we want to inform you of RMI’s relief plan so that leadership can be discussing possible involvement, even over this weekend. Check out the following post on CNN this morning (Friday).

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/24/us/tropical-storm-isaac/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews

Right now the center of the proposed path takes it ashore at our base of operations in Les Cayes and is supposed to go right over the southern peninsula, impacting the majority of areas where RMI and MEBSH minister. This means it will be going right over all of our Sister Churches in Haiti! This tropical storm/hurricane will have hurricane force winds and drench Haiti with 8 to 20 inches of rain. Those living in tents will be severely affected as well as the torrential rain and very high winds will severely impact crops, kill much of their livestock, and limit immediate food availability. Mudslides, major flooding and road washouts can also be expected.

HELP US PROVIDE 2000 CASES OF FOOD TO THOSE IN IMMEDIATE NEED!

Food availability will become a major crisis very quickly as most Haitian families gather and/or buy their food on a day by day basis. Many families will not have food stocked up, their gardens will have been washed away, and even if they have money for food, it will be very hard to get until outside areas are able to send food stocks to the impacted regions. This could take up to several weeks, depending on how badly roads are washed out, when mudslides are cleared away, etc.. Once it does arrive, it will be very expensive and unaffordable to the poor.

Right now we have about 2000 cases of food on the ground for our school hot lunch program. However, our goal is to IMMEDIATELY provide 2000 families with kids with a case of food in the areas that are in the most distress after the passing of the hurricane. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DO THIS!

Would you help us provide 50 cases at $25 a case (10,800 meals for only $1250) to a Sister Church for distribution? Would your church help provide 100 cases (21,600 meals for only $2500)? Our desire is to be able to provide each of 20 badly impacted Sister Church areas with 100 cases of food each. Unfortunately, we simply can’t give these cases away. We have to be able to replace them for our Hot Meal program. By faith we are already ordering 2 more containers to replace these cases. So the more money we raise, the more cases we are able to provide. We are also looking into getting a container quickly for longer term aid.

If you are not able to give toward 50 or 100 cases, any amount ($25 sponsors a case of food) will help and will go toward this relief response. Thank you for whatever amount you can give! (Donations under 50 cases will be directed to the neediest areas. 50 cases or more can be designated for specific areas.)

You can give by clicking the “Donate Now” button on this email. You can go to our website (www.rminet.org) and donate. Or you can send a check written out to RMI, and sent to: 5475 Lee Street, Suite 301, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971.

FYI: The pre-prepared packets are a packet of rice-based food that, when cooked, will provide 6 meals full of all the vitamins, minerals, and protein needed to combat malnutrition and hunger. It looks and tastes like Chicken Rice-A-Roni. It provides far more nutrition than simply rice and beans. A case of these packets contains 216 meals, enough to provide a family of 6 a good meal a day for a month. The cost is less than .12 A MEAL or $25 a case. This simply helps us to cover our costs of acquiring the food, shipping, customs, transportation, and distribution.

If you have any questions, please call the office at 239-368-8390.

8,000+ miles later

Do the Thompsons look happy to be heading home or what?! Their summer deputation took them through 19 states and 8,000+ miles. They really enjoyed their time visiting friends, family and supporters. They presented their ministry many times, had a little bit of time to enjoy a swimming pool or two and tried some new foods in Louisiana. The kids did great visiting in many homes, meeting new friends and traveling long distances. They returned to Haiti today, August 20. Pray for them as they return, that their transition back home will be smooth. Watch for a full report on their BLOG and Facebook.

A Beautiful Reunion of Friends

Two-thousand-and-five. That’s the last time the Village Church had come to visit their Sister Church in Ducis. For a variety of reasons they hadn’t been able to visit Haiti. But in 2012, they knew it was time to return and both churches were extremely excited about being reunited.

The VIllage Church Ladies, Angie, Linda, Connie, and Danielle, with Madame Pastor Moise.

Monday afternoon the team had already been in Ducis for 3 days. Team members John and Connie sat and chatted in the church yard with some of the kids after a meeting. As they chatted, an young lady appeared at the gate and proceeded to head straight for them. She walked with intention and had a big grin on her face. “I recognize that face…who is that?”, Connie said out loud. At that same moment, John’s gaze settled on the young woman and right away he knew who she was. “Katelyn!”, he exclaimed. And they ran towards each other and embraced. It had been 7 years since they had seen one another. Connie too ran to her and they hugged. It had been so long and yet they had not forgotten.

On Friday August 3, a team of twelve left their homes in Chicago to spend a few days with their Sister Church in Ducis, Haiti. Saturday, when the team arrived at Ducis, whether they had been before of were here for the first time, they were greeted like family. Warm hugs and kisses and lots of smiles filled the church yard. For those visiting for the first time, they felt immediately at ease. For those returning, they felt immediately at home.

The week was filled with the traditional RMI Sister Church activities; the Deacons Meeting, Ladies Tea, Hope for Kidz meeting and Sunday evening service. And in additional to those activities, the team hosted a men’s meeting, took a tour of the local market, visit two satellite churches, and spent Wednesday morning visiting shut ins and widows, delivering a box of food for them and praying with them.

At the Ladies tea, it was a reunion of the ‘sisterhood’. They worshiped and prayed together, ate together, and even had balloon races. It was a riot to see the little elderly ladies running down and trying with all their might to pop those balloons. Everyone had a great time! The Village Church ladies asked the ladies of Ducis for specific prayer requests (whether ministry related or personal) and before the meeting ended they shared in a time of prayer. It was a beautiful way to end their time together.

The ladies of the Village Church praying for the ladies of Ducis church.

The men’s meeting had a similar format to the ladies tea. They shared a message, some songs, refreshments and then they engaged the men in balloon races. Again, laughter ensued as the men tried with all their might to pop those balloons. There wasn’t a solemn face in the room.

The men from the “Kaleb” group (the men’s group) in Ducis.

Monday and Tuesday morning, despite the rain, the team was able to visit two of the of satellite churches in the Ducis district. They were welcomed with open arms and even invited back to one of the Pastors house’s (his house wasn’t located on the church property) where the team was offered coconuts. It was a fun experience for all; some of whom have never had fresh coconut before.

Danny, Pasquale and Danny going for it!

The team also spent a lot of time playing with the kids; football, basketball, and jacks. And they even learned a new game called “Lago”; which required guessing in which hand was the rock, and then chasing after the kids if you chose incorrectly.

Some of the girls playing jacks. These girls were pros!

It was a great week for the team, being reunited with their Haitian brothers and sisters and the team has already challenged themselves to keep in contact with their sister church and visit on a more regular basis. Even though seven years had passed in between visits, God’s presence was evident and the bond was clear. This was a relationship who ties couldn’t be broken. God reminded us that He is a redeemer of all things including relationships and what man would consider lost time.

(Right) Jeff met his sponsored child and encouraged her to continue working hard in school.
(Middle) Angie was hanging out with the kids, laughing, and playing games.
(Left)Danny met the girl his parents have sponsored for many years. She is the Pastor’s daughter.

Hope for Kidz Hot Meal Program: Ready for Another Year

What do the numbers 1260, 45360, 181440, 42322, 21.16 all have in common?

The 2,763 children who will be fed every day during the week as part of the Hope for Kidz Hot Meal Program.

1,260= the number of boxes of food
45,360= the number of packs of nutritionally balanced, rice based food in those boxes
181,440= the combined number of meals all of those packs can provide
42,322= the number of pounds of food
21.16= the number of tons of food being provided

The container was delivered to Cayes early this morning and a group of men set to work unloading the large truck. In total thirteen men spread themselves out and formed a chain, each passing a box of food to the next until it reached its final destination inside the office where the food is stored. There the food will be stored until it is delivered to the participating schools. The number of schools receiving food has increased from 12 to 13. Deliveries start on September 2 in preparation for the school year, which starts on October 1.

(Above) Container at the former RMI Office, which is now used as storage for this food.

(Below) The guys working as a team to get the container unloaded quickly and safely.

In the container, the guys move the food from the front to the back….then they pass it to the guys on the ground….

who pass it to the guys in the first room……

who pass it to the guys in the back room where the food finally reaches its destination.

“Bondye Pap Janm Kite Ou”

“God will never leave you”.

Its one of the truths the Summit team shared with the Kids at the Cote de Fer church during Vacation Bible School last week. With over 200 kids in attendance, over three days the team presented truths from God’s word using skits, songs, and memory verses set to actions to help the kids remember. They also had the kids break up into small groups and review the lessons. And then a mass exodus led the kids outside to games which were designed to reinforce the theme for each lesson as well. They enlisted some of the young folks from the Cote de Fer church to help with the program and lead the small groups and games. The kids had a blast!

The team singing with the kids during VBS.

Playing Duck Duck Goose out in the street

The mass exodus of children during game time.

Singing with the kids

(Left: The kids playing a game to “untangle themselves from one another. Right: Potiphar, His wife and Joseph.)
(Below: Pastor and His future bride pretending to be Newlyweds)

During the week, the team enjoyed getting to know Pastor Roben and his soon to be wife Joslen. Joslen worked with the ladies to cook for the team and take care of us in every way possible. The team fell in love with her and commented many times on what a beautiful woman of God she was and how evident it was that she was created for the role of Madame Pastor. She tirelessly served the team, working with the ladies in the kitchen to prepare meals for the team; she directed the program for the Ladies tea and she helped lead the Vacation Bible School program for the kids. She was up early and to bed late and by the end of the week she was exhausted but the team was so grateful for her contribution and loved the opportunity to get to know her. When the team returns she and Pastor Roben will have gotten married and will be starting their life together.

In addition to the VBS, the team also participated in the more traditional RMI Sister Church Partnership activities such as the Open Air Service, Ladies Tea and the Deacons Meeting. Sunday afternoon, the young people on the team got a chance to sit down with some of the youth in Cote de Fer just to ‘chat among friends’. They talked about life in the US, life in Haiti and asked questions to one another about their lives. Sunday night at the Open Air Service the team sang for the community, Michael preached a gospel message and seven children responded to the invitation and gave their lives to Christ. Monday afternoon the team met with the Deacons and got a chance to learn more about the history of the Cote de Fer church and how things have been after the school and church were both damaged beyond repair in the earthquake in January 2010. They shared successes, struggles, goals and prayer requests and spent some time praying for one other. Tuesday afternoon they had the Ladies Tea where they sang together, laughed together, ate together and enjoyed one another’s company, celebrating their role as women. they gave each of the women in attendance a card with a bible verse as well as a small decorative jewel to remind them how much God treasures them. Wednesday after lunch, the team gathered in the church for one last time. They stood hand in hand, prayed for one another, hugged and said tearful goodbyes.

The farewell circle.

It was a great week working with the kids, getting to know the Pastor and Joslen, fellowshipping with the Deacons and the ladies who served the team. The children were taught how much God loves them, the congregation was encouraged and blessed by the team’s presence and contributions, the church was edified and above all God was glorified.

All the pics from the week can be seen here.

The keys to the City

Imagine that! The Mayor of Maniche presented the key to the city to the Florida Bible Church (Hollywood, FL) team upon their arrival. As he addressed them, he expressed his appreciation for all that FBC had done for the community. Their presence and relationship had penetrated through the church and out into the community. The Maniche presented FBC with a painting that had been specifically painted just for them.

Throughout the week, it was clear that the FBC and the Maniche people not only had the key to the city but the key to each other’s hearts.

Sunday after the church service, the team had a men’s meeting. One hilarious point was the relay race…something about a cotton ball on a spoon and running around and trying to hand it off the next person without dropping it. The men’s competitive spirit really came out, but they enjoyed the chance to laugh together. Life is so serious and sometimes desperate, little time is left to just laugh and enjoy each other’s fellowship. They also enjoyed receiving hats and ties, 2 things they could really use.

Monday’s activities had their heads spinning. In the morning the heavy rain meant that building the benches had to be done inside causing quite a bit of sweating in the heat and humidity, but the benches got done. A blood pressure and diabetes screening and educational seminar was held by a couple of the team members who are Haitian American. Simple education and information goes a long way when one doesn’t understand medical things. The afternoon was reserved for a time with the youth. The team did a GREAT job with this activity. The team presented a Bible lesson and then they had the youth split into several groups. Each group read through some related scriptures and discussed how to apply the verses. Then each group chose a representative to present what they discussed. It was a great meeting and the team was very well prepared. They were impressed with the depth of knowledge the youth brought to the table and were really encouraged by their spiritual maturity. After supper they met the pastor and deacons. It was a great time of encouragement sharing one another's blessings and successes as well as prayer requests and praying together. The team presented them all with domino sets and t-shirts, both of which they really appreciated.

Tuesday the rain continued necessitating the cancelling of their trip to visit a satellite church. The Ladies’ Tea was in the afternoon. The team’s study was on gossip – something that transcends cultures. After snacks, the fun activity was teaching the ladies the chicken dance! They loved it and couldn't get enough. They wanted to do it over and over again! That evening the farewell service was full of thank yous from the team for the great hospitality they’d received, for how welcomed they were made to feel and for the good food. RMI translators Perguens and Marie France sang a duet. Then they were all shocked when Benjamin got up and sang a solo!! Later, the team was ragging on Amy for not doing anything and she joked and said "no one told me it was RMI's Got Talent night in Maniche!

Wednesday there were 2 meetings for kids. Inside the church the team met with the sponsored Hope for Kidz children. After a short program that included a skit, they were able to teach them the song and motions for “Rise and Shine”. They also presented gifts to the kids. While that meeting was going on, some of the team members had a special activity for the kids who always hang around in the church yard, but who aren't in school. They performed a skit, did a short Bible lesson, colored with them and gave them some candy. After lunch the farewell circle was quite large as many of the church members came to see the team off.

Thursday was the team’s opportunity to spend some time relaxing, take in a bit of sunshine, beach and ocean as well as reflect on what they’d experienced in Maniche. Some of the highlights from the debriefing: Two of the ladies got to meet their sponsored kids for the first time. They were beyond overjoyed and SOO excited at the opportunity. One of the Haitian ladies on the team shared that she had the opportunity to share the gospel with someone who was kind of an outcast, alcoholic, and who had rejected the gospel many times. Marie felt very compelled to go and speak with him and she shared the gospel with him and he prayed to receive Christ, and he expressed a true understanding of the decision he made and acknowledged his need for Christ. Other things which stood out- a team member commented that he was struck with how this wasn't just a project or a picture of a child on a card, but it was a real relationship - a real partnership.

One cool thing the team did was to record individual greetings from sponsored kids to their sponsors back at the church. That should be exciting to see once they put it together and share it with the church family.

You can see pictures of their trip HERE.