I've been back from Haiti now for almost two weeks. First, I have to apologize for not posting earlier and more often, but this past trip was more difficult than others and I needed a little time to process it. My first trip after the earthquake I was with a group of guys that all have been to Haiti multiple times and we were in full out recon mode. We spent most of our time in the truck, waiting in lines trying to get food for our kids, and then loading and distributing those supplies. Even though it was a very successful trip in many ways and I was exposed to a lot, I think I was so amazed by what God was providing for our orphanages and ministries that I didn't fully take in what people were going through and how desperate their conditions were.
This time a good friend of mine joined me for the last four days of my trip. He was never in the country before but has a huge heart for missions and is the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his own back if you needed it(which lucky for him not too many people in Haiti wear extra-large). His wife may come to stay with Deb and I for an extended period of time to help us with the medical end of the ministry once we move to Haiti permanently. I was excited for him to come see Haiti and get a feel for what we are doing and will be doing through our ministry there. Also, he and his wife sponsor one of our kids at Good Samaritan and I love to watch people meet their child for the first time.
With all that in mind I took him to see a lot of our operations and orphanages. It's one thing to hear and read about it, but it's a whole other thing to be there and see it for yourself. The best thing is to see someone you care for come to Haiti and get it. And make no mistake, he got it. Hearing him talk about Haiti and how it affected him personally, makes me realize how important it is for us to continue to expose as many people as possible to Haiti. It is very difficult to be exposed to people with that kind of faith, love, courage, respect, and contentment in those conditions and not be affected by it.
One thing I didn't count on is how getting out of the truck was going to affect me. Yes, this trip I got out of the truck and went into the tent cities. The first time was a morning after it had rained very hard the night before. A Haitian friend of mine and myself walked through the mud and muck that was home to thousands. Even though we got a lot of smiles and hellos, there were also stares of desperation and looks of hopelessness. I saw the pain in many eyes from what may have happened the night before. Even though I never felt threatened or in danger from the Haitian people. At one point I felt my spirit being threatened. Satan was speaking to my soul. "This is too big. There is nothing you can do here. God has forgotten about these people. Look at all the pain. What is going to happen to all these people? I am in control here. Not your God". That was the first time I questioned moving to Haiti.
Then I saw another Haitian friend of mine. He was living in that same tent city. He ran over and hugged me and said "Jeff you need to come with me, I need to show you something." We walked for a bit and then he said "Here we are, welcome to my barber shop". It was a little building made out of sticks and tarps, and on the side of it was a sign that read "Blessings Barber Shop". He saved his money from translating for relief organizations and teaching English at our orphanage and bought a little generator and had a chair that was sent in one of the containers that our ministry sent last summer. He had a spring in his step and was so proud and more confident than I've ever seen him before. That was God's way of shutting Satan up, and answering my questions at the same time. Even though there always will be pain and despair in this world and we can't help everyone in need, that is certainly no excuse to turn our backs on those we can help.
Some of the things we have been able to do as a result of people's generosity in giving to the relief fund are:
Able to make sure that all of the kids in our orphanages are in secure temporary shelter.
Provide food, water, and supplies for our orphanages and affiliated ministries.
Rent a new building for the kids of Good Samaritan, that will be available in June. (they are currently sleeping in tents)
Provide a portion of funding for the reconstruction of Pastor Nathan's church.
Helped provide housing for Pastor Nathan's family. (they were sleeping under a 10x10 canopy for six weeks, they moved in their new home April 1st)
Provide on-going financial support for monthly expenses for our partner orphanage.
Hire teachers to teach the kids right at the orphanage so they don't get behind in school.
Provided clothing and hygiene items to orphanages.
Helped a medical clinic with food, tarps, and supplies.
Supplied medication to multiple medical clinics that have seen over 500 people.
Those are just some of the ways we were able to help our friends in Haiti. Which a lot would not have been possible without the support from our church, businesses, and the community.
Well that's about all for now. I'll try to post more frequently, but for now I'll leave with you a thought a friend of mine shared with me today.
"God is here, our job is to help Him reveal Himself to others that need Him."
Sometimes the question is, Who are those people that need him most? That answer may just surprise you!!!!!!!
Bondye Beni ou,
Jeff
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