Radical Generosity

What if…
…you brewed your coffee at home instead of buying it at the closest and most popular coffee shop?
…you passed on eating lunch out one day a week and prepared it from home?
…you and your date rented a movie instead of visiting the nearest cinema on Friday night?
…you and your family played games at home instead of going to the mall?
…the gift you were going to give someone who doesn’t really need anything turned into a gift for someone with needs?
…instead of buying something for yourself today, you thought of another?

We live in a world that lures us to be obsessed and consumed by the newest technology, the latest trends and fashions, the best restaurants, the better car.

What if we all take a stand against consumerism and instead become radical givers – for a feeding program for 130 children & salaries for nine teachers and support staff for four months at Bethanie School of Canaan outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti?


A feeding program at Bethanie School of Canaan began for 85 students in the spring of 2011 with donated funds. At the time, four teachers and assistants were working with no compensation. When funds were donated for a feeding program and salaries for teachers for the fall of 2011, the school gained a great reputation in the community and families were blessed. A group of people are spearheading an effort to secure long-term sponsorship for the 2012-2013 school year. But for the remainder of the 2012 spring semester, we invite you to join us in giving radically to keep the feeding program running ($1,000/month) and to provide salaries for the committed school staff ($2,000/month).

Help us meet our goal of $12,000

Options for giving:

• One-time gift in any amount

• Monthly gift for 4 months (March 1st, April 1st, May 1st, June 1st)

tax deductible donations can be made electronically here:
http://www.awakenhaiti.org/donate.php

or mailed to:

AWAKENHAITI (note Canaan school in memo line)

P.O. Box 951, Carlisle PA 17013

A Shout out to my Running Partners !!!

As I was out for my Saturday run this morning, I was reminded how fortunate I am to be able to live here in Haiti and still be able to listen to some my favorite speakers through the technology of Pod-cast.  About five years ago, these Podcast became a part of my life through training for different marathons and also that crazy ultra-marathon my brother and I ran to raise money for the Good Samaritan Girl's Home.  My friend Jess Carr turned me on to listening to different speakers from all over the country.  I started listening to them so I could concentrate on the message being given instead of how tired I was, but God used that distraction to speak to me through speakers like Francis Chan and others.  I really began to be challenged to think of Christianity in a whole new and fresh way.  To start reading the bible with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of understanding. 

To this day, almost every time I run I get the gift of being able to listen to a man of God challenge me, push me, stretch me, and mold me, as God uses them to deliver His truths.  Sometimes those words pierce me to a point that forces me to stop and reflect on what's being said.  This morning was one of those times.  This morning I was listening to my friend Ryan Brown.  His message was called "Reformation 2012"  Ryan pointed out five steps to reform our lives.  As he went through those steps, each one spoke to me in different ways.  They challenge me and forced self examination and reflection. They are not easy steps to take, but ones worth taking.

That's another word that is a common theme with the guys I run with.  They are not "EASY".  They are not ear ticklers.  They portray faith and Christianity as it's meant to be delivered, in truth. They don't talk around it or shy from it. They speak to it.  I admire that so much about these men.  They allow the Holy Spirit to speak through them with a boldness that only comes from Him.  Some of that truth and boldness comes with a price.  The seats in their churches may not be as full as they might be otherwise.  People, even other Christians may think of them as radical.  Sometimes truth makes you feel uncomfortable, prideful, and self centered.  Not everyone likes that feeling.  But when it is delivered in love, as they do, uncomfortable becomes a desire to change.  They deliver the truth and then allow God to bring about the change.

So Don Logan, (Missionary Community Church), Jon Hand (Engage Church). Ryan Brown (New Life Community Church).  Brian Moll (Forefront Church NYC), Francis Chan (Conerstone in CA).  John McHoul (PaP fellowship), and a new fav. Josh Crain (CBIC)  Thank you!!!  Thank you for speaking "Truth" into my life even when it may not be the popular thing to do.  On those Sundays when your in the car asking your wife "Did I go too far".  The answer is yes you did, and this is one soul that is thankful that you did.  May God continue to bless you, your families, and your churches.

I look forward to our next run together!!!

Jeff        

Thank you Team February 2012!

Thank you isn't enough, but it will have to do! This team worked so hard to raise funds to build two homes, then poured hearts and souls out under the hot Haiti sun into these homes.  The building is not done, but will continue over the coming weeks so these families can move in as soon as possible.  Pictures will come as progress is made. Thanks Team February for joining the journey with AWAKENHAITI!







large work team hanging siding on house 2!



Colton and Aaron working on the roof on house 1







End of day 3 House 1



End of day 3 House 2



Team February and the Happy family in front of their new house!







Team February '12 day 2

Saturday 3/4 of our group went to Canaan to continue the house builds.  Lots of progress made...

The rest of the group spent the day at the Good Samaritan Girls Home painting the two main common rooms inside and two enclosed porches and had lots of fun with the girls!


Aaron and Kelly painting while their "supervisor, Love"  looks on



Jenny painting at Good Sam girls home



Fashion show in the midst of our painting...dresses made by Mrs. Shaw, made their day!




Adding sheeting on house 2





End of day 2 house 1



 

End of day 2 house 2



 



 

Team February '12 day 1

What an awesome day in Canaan!  Framing on the two houses began early this morning.  By mid morning walls were going up.  This day is such an exciting day not just for our team and those who gave to make this happen, but also for the families and the community.  These houses symolize a turning point.  Permanence.  Stability.  Security.  Protection.  These houses also represent a leap forward for Pastor Nathan.  He has two families moving into these homes that will watch over and lead the church and the property.  Pastor Nathan said to me today "Sister Deb, today my heart is so happy!" 
We so appreciate all who have given to the housing project thus far and for those whom will give in the future.  You can't know how much of an impact this is making for this community!  Thank You!
We praise God for providing all that was needed to start this project and for leading this vision!

Medical clinic was great today too. we saw a bunch of patients with various illnesses from colds to high blood pressure to intestinal worms and some in between. We gave out a bunch of medicine, held and fed a few kids, andvisited Suzette.  Thank you to Whitney, a nurse who is here with her family for 6 months serving and we love that she is available to help in our clinic.





wall 1 going up on house 1



wall 1 on house 2



Whitney checking little Samuel for worms



end of the day house 1



end of day house 2



Team February 2012

We are preparing for the arrival of Team February 2012 for tomorrow, Thursday!  We are very excited for the role this team will play in the process and journey AWAKENHAITI  is on.  This team will be part of "building a community".  In Canaan, we begin our housing project this month.  We are so excited about this part of the journey! 
Currently, all families in Bethanie Church of Canaan are living in temporary one-room wooden shelters.  Building permanent homes in Canaan is providing hope for a future there, not just for the families living in those specific homes, but also by providing employment for construction workers there.  By providing work and income, this is one step further in helping families find a way to stay together!  Did I mention we are so excited about this opportunity?
The foundations are there for the team to build up from.  While this new aspect of our ministry starts, it has had several frustrating moments of learning yet more about a culture that sometimes feels normal to us, yet so foreign.  Jeff has had to work through some of this as they all try to learn how to bring two cultures, two methods of construction, and two ways of working together to one goal and end result. 
I will be sharing photos and stories as this new adventure unfolds.  Here is what we have so far...


trench for foundation



smoothing the floor



adding color to the interior floor



adding the bottom plate