As the apartment began shaking last January, I thought, “We’re having a tremor, it will stop soon.” Twenty-five long seconds later, the shaking finally stopped. Cell phones were out, but landlines still worked. I looked at the internet to check the news, and discovered that Haiti had suffered terribly. As reports trickled in of thousands dead in Port-au-Prince, we worried about Vila and Erline, an engaged couple who we mentored. Both were in Port-au-Prince during the earthquake. We were overjoyed when both finally called to let us know that they were fine.
At the time we were helping Erline with her college tuition, but after the quake we discovered that we were her only means of support. Her uncle in Florida couldn’t find work, and her mother and grandmother were living under a tarp in Port-au-Prince. So, Judy and I decided to see her through to her graduation and wedding, both in November. When we told her that we would completely support her for 2010, she cried tears of joy.
After we suggested making a budget, she prepared and followed it. In addition to finishing her degree in business administration, she tithed, saved 10 percent, helped her family back in Haiti, and even helped another Haitian student here. As we gave to her, we rejoiced to see God using her to help others—a confirmation that helping her was the right thing to do.
Erline and Vila were married on November 16 in Santiago. During the ceremony there were no tears, only smiles. God gave us an overwhelming sense of joy of a job completed, and completed well, helping to see one chapter in two young lives successfully close and a new chapter open. We thank you for helping us help Erline. Vila and Erline have now begun a new life in Port-au-Prince. God has provided Vila with a job in Haiti’s cement factory.
During the quake, Prosper, who had already suffered a stroke, was injured when his home collapsed, trapping him and his wife. She did not survive. He was pulled from the rubble a few hours later. His daughter Valerie, who had attended our Bible study, brought him to Santiago. Because of your gifts to us, we were able to purchase clothing, food, beds, a fan, a small refrigerator and, most important of all, medicine to control his seizures and high blood pressure.
Though he struggles with the effects of the stroke and the earthquake, his eyes are alive with a new-found faith and love in Jesus Christ. Prosper recently received a solar-powered talking Bible in Creole. The other day I read to him the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Thanks to the talking Bible, He knows the story so well that he was finishing the Bible verses and the story.
Your support also enabled us to assist two other Haitian families affected by the quake. One gift is helping a young doctor complete his internship; the other gift is enabling the reconstruction of a house near Port-au-Prince. We purchased food, water, and medicine to send to Haiti. We also taught about post-traumatic stress syndrome in two Haitian churches in Santiago.
In the Dominican community of La Yaguita, a mother tries to enroll her child in the one public school, but the school has no room for more students. She hears of the child development center at the La Yaguita Bible Church. Hoping against hope that the school will accept her child, she walks up the stairs to Pastor Ramon Jorge’s office. He says that he has no room either. She begins to cry in frustration. Moved by her tears, he reconsiders, “Can we make room?” The church allows him to use the sanctuary as a third classroom. The lady’s child now attends the center which currently hosts 140 children, double the number from last year.
Your support helps the school to pay teachers and provide education, food, and clothing for the children, including Orly. Orly is a street kid, all of 6 years old. His mom is a prostitute. Orly has shown up at Pastor Ramon’s barefoot, hungry, filthy, and even naked on two occasions. As Ramon was talking to a group of visitors from one of our supporting churches, he said, “I see Ramon in Orly.” Ramon remembers going to school without shoes and leaving quickly so that the other kids would not notice his feet. Orly now has a safe haven at the center.
Imagine having Lydia in your church. Yes, Lydia, the business woman mentioned in Acts 16 who helped the Apostle Paul start the Philippian church. We have her in the Central Bible Church, our home church here in Santiago. Our Lydia has gone through a painful divorce. When she shared her struggle to forgive, Judy and I gave her a book from Neil Anderson called Beta, which has an extensive section on forgiveness. Lydia read this, applied the principles, and God is doing a work in her life. She calls the book “a precious jewel” (a high compliment from a lady who really likes jewelry!). Your support not only enabled us to share the book, it also enables us to minister to and alongside Lydia—I’m her small group Bible study leader, Judy works with her in the women’s ministry.
As we look forward to 2011, we are excitedly gearing up for more intensive leadership training. A Haitian church here has requested that I start a Bible school by extension program in order to train their young leaders. In addition, Central has asked me to help them train their second-line leaders with a more structured Bible curriculum. Please pray for us as we juggle ministry to these various groups with their different languages and cultures.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas from Santiago—where the hogs are roasting over open flames, in preparation for the traditional roasted pork dinner on Christmas Eve!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Erline's wedding
We went to a wedding Tuesday night. Villa was a leader in the Bible study that we started several years ago. We had the joy of mentoring him and Erline for three years. We were helping her financially; however, after the earthquake January 12 we discovered that we were her only means of support as her uncle couldn’t find work in Florida. So Judy and I decided to see her through financially to her graduation and wedding (both this month). When we told her back in January that we would completely support her for this year, she cried tears of joy.
After we suggested a budget, she followed it, showing us how she spent everything we gave her. She tithed, she saved 10 percent, she helped her family back in Haiti and helped another Haitian student here as well as finishing her university studies. As we gave to her, we rejoiced to see that she didn’t waste money and didn’t spend it all on herself.
Monday we gave her our final month’s gift as a wedding gift; Villa thanked us up-and-down and said, “Don’t worry, with the LORD’s help, we can make it now.”
And Tuesday night there were no tears. Instead God gave me an overwhelming sense of joy of a job completed, and completed well, helping to see one chapter in two young lives successfully close and a new chapter open. A sense of joy due to Erline’s perseverance, we were able to help her finish school and prepare for marriage—and helping her was the right thing to do, the right way to spend that money, the right way to invest especially as we saw that as we helped her, God used her to help others. A sense of joy knowing that even though their road will be rocky (literally, the roads around Port-au-Prince are that bad), still, God will provide for them—especially since they BOTH have jobs waiting for them in Port-au-Prince, a miracle in itself!
After we suggested a budget, she followed it, showing us how she spent everything we gave her. She tithed, she saved 10 percent, she helped her family back in Haiti and helped another Haitian student here as well as finishing her university studies. As we gave to her, we rejoiced to see that she didn’t waste money and didn’t spend it all on herself.
Monday we gave her our final month’s gift as a wedding gift; Villa thanked us up-and-down and said, “Don’t worry, with the LORD’s help, we can make it now.”
And Tuesday night there were no tears. Instead God gave me an overwhelming sense of joy of a job completed, and completed well, helping to see one chapter in two young lives successfully close and a new chapter open. A sense of joy due to Erline’s perseverance, we were able to help her finish school and prepare for marriage—and helping her was the right thing to do, the right way to spend that money, the right way to invest especially as we saw that as we helped her, God used her to help others. A sense of joy knowing that even though their road will be rocky (literally, the roads around Port-au-Prince are that bad), still, God will provide for them—especially since they BOTH have jobs waiting for them in Port-au-Prince, a miracle in itself!
We're Going Bananas!!!
Yes, you read that right! We’re going bananas! Lampeter Church of the Brethren sent three people to visit us November 5-9, arriving Friday night.
Saturday morning/afternoon we went to Jaibon, about 90 minutes west of here to measure for a playground for that orphanage. The last 3 miles of the trip was extremely rough where the road has not been resurfaced; it has a washboard effect and reminded me of the roads that we traveled on in Haiti.
I then took Pastor John to the leadership training study that I have with a Haitian church. The university students in the Bible Study Methods course participated with many good observations about Ephesians 1.3-4. John gave a few pointers as I translated for him into English from Creole.
Sunday morning we attended church at La Yaguita. We then had lunch with Pastor Ramon Jorge and his wife Alicia; he shared his heart about the children’s center that their church started. Orly is a street kid, all of 6 years old; his mom is a prostitute, and he doesn’t get cared for. He said, “I see Ramon in Orly.” Ramon shared that he remembers going to school without shoes; he tried to leave school as quickly as possible so that the other kids would not see that he was barefooted. Orly has shown up at Pastor Ramon’s both naked and hungry. Another time Ramon had to hose him down and give him new clothes since he was so filthy.
The next day, the three attended the center and did a Bible story and songs for each of the three classes, including the banana song, which became the hit and highlight of their visit. After a late lunch, we then visited several places getting info on buying materials to make the playground for Jaibon.
Pastor John then did a Bible study on forgiveness at my Monday night small group that the group translated. The group appreciated what he had to say and they spent quite a bit of time talking to each other afterwards since several people in the study speak some English.
We got up the next morning at 2:30 am to catch their plane. The van driver slept in; when I called him, I woke him up! However, he got up, dressed quickly, and arrived at the apt at 3:05!
Saturday morning/afternoon we went to Jaibon, about 90 minutes west of here to measure for a playground for that orphanage. The last 3 miles of the trip was extremely rough where the road has not been resurfaced; it has a washboard effect and reminded me of the roads that we traveled on in Haiti.
I then took Pastor John to the leadership training study that I have with a Haitian church. The university students in the Bible Study Methods course participated with many good observations about Ephesians 1.3-4. John gave a few pointers as I translated for him into English from Creole.
Sunday morning we attended church at La Yaguita. We then had lunch with Pastor Ramon Jorge and his wife Alicia; he shared his heart about the children’s center that their church started. Orly is a street kid, all of 6 years old; his mom is a prostitute, and he doesn’t get cared for. He said, “I see Ramon in Orly.” Ramon shared that he remembers going to school without shoes; he tried to leave school as quickly as possible so that the other kids would not see that he was barefooted. Orly has shown up at Pastor Ramon’s both naked and hungry. Another time Ramon had to hose him down and give him new clothes since he was so filthy.
The next day, the three attended the center and did a Bible story and songs for each of the three classes, including the banana song, which became the hit and highlight of their visit. After a late lunch, we then visited several places getting info on buying materials to make the playground for Jaibon.
Pastor John then did a Bible study on forgiveness at my Monday night small group that the group translated. The group appreciated what he had to say and they spent quite a bit of time talking to each other afterwards since several people in the study speak some English.
We got up the next morning at 2:30 am to catch their plane. The van driver slept in; when I called him, I woke him up! However, he got up, dressed quickly, and arrived at the apt at 3:05!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
On Calories and Confidence
Friday afternoon: Auri just called between classes at the university. She’ll stop by after class to continue our study of the book of Ephesians. I know she’ll come with pages of written observations from the text—she’s an overachiever! I pull out my notes to review the next chapter, wondering if I’ll be able to answer her challenging questions! As we study, munching on almonds, we talk about how she can teach what she’s learning to the church youth group.
Monday night: Jackie, Josefina, and I stand around the kitchen table, chatting and snacking on bowls of tropical fruit and yogurt after our weekly small group meeting. Tonight, half of the ten people present are teenagers (who are sad that we’re having fruit instead of nachos). Bob is taking a few weeks to cover biblical prophecy—teaching this week about the Tribulation. The questions continue to flow as the group gravitates toward the table. Jackie suddenly turns to me and asks, “Can we study the Bible together?” Those are words I have been waiting to hear!
Tuesday: Bob and I are invited to lunch—a long-promised lasagna—at Alex’s apartment. Alex is the younger “elder” at church. As the lasagna finishes baking, Alex and Bob are searching the Internet for Spanish resources (after checking the NBA statistics of course). They are both excited to have 15 men in the church who want more biblical training.
Wednesday night: Henry and Blanca join us at a local restaurant to make long-range plans for the couple’s ministry at Central Church. We’ve been working as a team for three years now. As the conversation takes a turn, Henry asks, “Why don’t you consider working with us for the next 20 years?” Food for thought!
Thursday evening: We meet with a young couple who are unhappy and stressed in their marriage. As we share a pizza (comfort food), we gently explore with them what causes them to feel unloved or disrespected in their relationship. Over the course of the last few weeks, their anger and defensiveness have decreased in intensity. They have actually followed some of our suggestions!
These and other opportunities to build others up are coming our way more often now that we are beginning our sixth year in Santiago. We are tasting the sweet fruit of trust—trust built over shared day-to-day experiences (and an unhealthy consumption of calories!). It takes time for people to know these two “foreigners” in their midst—time to see if our words and actions match up; time to see if we can keep a confidence; time to see if we are teachable ourselves and willing to serve the national leadership.
We realize that this time—the time it has taken to earn confidence—is a gift from those of you who pray and give so that we can minister here. Just as confidence builds over time, spiritual growth also takes time. Thanks to you, we have the joy of seeing God transform people—starting with us. We appreciate your prayers that God will continue His work in and through us, and that we will be worthy of the trust that people place in us.
Monday night: Jackie, Josefina, and I stand around the kitchen table, chatting and snacking on bowls of tropical fruit and yogurt after our weekly small group meeting. Tonight, half of the ten people present are teenagers (who are sad that we’re having fruit instead of nachos). Bob is taking a few weeks to cover biblical prophecy—teaching this week about the Tribulation. The questions continue to flow as the group gravitates toward the table. Jackie suddenly turns to me and asks, “Can we study the Bible together?” Those are words I have been waiting to hear!
Tuesday: Bob and I are invited to lunch—a long-promised lasagna—at Alex’s apartment. Alex is the younger “elder” at church. As the lasagna finishes baking, Alex and Bob are searching the Internet for Spanish resources (after checking the NBA statistics of course). They are both excited to have 15 men in the church who want more biblical training.
Wednesday night: Henry and Blanca join us at a local restaurant to make long-range plans for the couple’s ministry at Central Church. We’ve been working as a team for three years now. As the conversation takes a turn, Henry asks, “Why don’t you consider working with us for the next 20 years?” Food for thought!
Thursday evening: We meet with a young couple who are unhappy and stressed in their marriage. As we share a pizza (comfort food), we gently explore with them what causes them to feel unloved or disrespected in their relationship. Over the course of the last few weeks, their anger and defensiveness have decreased in intensity. They have actually followed some of our suggestions!
These and other opportunities to build others up are coming our way more often now that we are beginning our sixth year in Santiago. We are tasting the sweet fruit of trust—trust built over shared day-to-day experiences (and an unhealthy consumption of calories!). It takes time for people to know these two “foreigners” in their midst—time to see if our words and actions match up; time to see if we can keep a confidence; time to see if we are teachable ourselves and willing to serve the national leadership.
We realize that this time—the time it has taken to earn confidence—is a gift from those of you who pray and give so that we can minister here. Just as confidence builds over time, spiritual growth also takes time. Thanks to you, we have the joy of seeing God transform people—starting with us. We appreciate your prayers that God will continue His work in and through us, and that we will be worthy of the trust that people place in us.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Earl Turned North and Psalm 19; Our Vacation
Thank you so much for your prayers for us as we traveled from Santiago, DR to Richmond VA and then Dallas. Earl gave us no problems and we arrived at Reagan Washington National Wednesday afternoon Sept 1. We had more trouble with I-95's traffic in Fredericksburg VA than Earl--the backup at Route 1 Massaponax exit was two miles in the right-hand lane. I winced at the commute. I helped dad take off a few things from the oil truck he wrecked last year. Helping him was pure joy especially since he could have been easily killed in his accident.
We flew to Dallas Sept 4 and took Judy's mom to Colorado. We visited Denver and the Rocky Mountain National Park outside of Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road gave beautiful mountain vistas. The road runs 12,000 feet above sea level and above the tree line. Due to the cold wind, we even saw snowfall Sept 10.
As I write, I'm reading Psalms 19.1-6, "The heavens declare the glory of God!" AMEN!! They do just that in the Rockies!
We flew back to Richmond Sept 18 and then took my parents to western North Carolina. My mom's family comes from Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain, NC--my grandmother told me that my great-grandfather was born on GF mt. In my case, GF mt is well-named. Continuing Psalms 19.1-6, God gave us a group of butterflies that had landed just below the Blue Ridge Viaduct Bridge at GF Mt, along the path under the bridge. Judy got good pictures of them.
We visited the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte NC the next day. The Spirit of God is at work there as I came away touched by a man who in giving his life totally to Jesus Christ has touched millions with his message and humility.
Many years ago he struggled with the Bible's claim of inspiration (meaning that God spoke it) and inerrancy. He made a faith-based decision that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. Remembering that, Psalm 19.7-14 states, "The law of the LORD is perfect."
Now that we are back in the DR, how can I apply what I've seen and heard? First, due to Mr Graham's life and ministry, I must be bolder in sharing Jesus Christ, taking every opportunity to do so. Second, Psalm 19.14 states, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." AMEN!!
We flew to Dallas Sept 4 and took Judy's mom to Colorado. We visited Denver and the Rocky Mountain National Park outside of Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road gave beautiful mountain vistas. The road runs 12,000 feet above sea level and above the tree line. Due to the cold wind, we even saw snowfall Sept 10.
As I write, I'm reading Psalms 19.1-6, "The heavens declare the glory of God!" AMEN!! They do just that in the Rockies!
We flew back to Richmond Sept 18 and then took my parents to western North Carolina. My mom's family comes from Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain, NC--my grandmother told me that my great-grandfather was born on GF mt. In my case, GF mt is well-named. Continuing Psalms 19.1-6, God gave us a group of butterflies that had landed just below the Blue Ridge Viaduct Bridge at GF Mt, along the path under the bridge. Judy got good pictures of them.
We visited the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte NC the next day. The Spirit of God is at work there as I came away touched by a man who in giving his life totally to Jesus Christ has touched millions with his message and humility.
Many years ago he struggled with the Bible's claim of inspiration (meaning that God spoke it) and inerrancy. He made a faith-based decision that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. Remembering that, Psalm 19.7-14 states, "The law of the LORD is perfect."
Now that we are back in the DR, how can I apply what I've seen and heard? First, due to Mr Graham's life and ministry, I must be bolder in sharing Jesus Christ, taking every opportunity to do so. Second, Psalm 19.14 states, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." AMEN!!
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