"On Mission"

As I reflect on the tremendous sacrifice made by our Savior this Easter, I am humbled by a God that would step off His throne and enter a world where he would be rejected, spat on, beaten, and ultimately crucified by the same people that He created.  He did so because He was on mission.  A mission of reconciling our sin, so we may be worthy of being in the presence of the father.  We are made worthy through the son, not by our own works but only through His.  Jesus came on mission.  That mission was for me and you.  Now the question is, what is our mission and our response to His great love for us.  

I read this last night.  It challenged me to consider my response to His sacrifice.  For those of you that have come served with us in Haiti, you know that this is our hope and prayer for you.  This is our hope and prayer for us as well.  

"Have you ever been on a Short-Term Mission Trip? Wasn’t it fascinating?  For a few days you explore a foreign country with a group of believers and were focused on ministry.  You laughed and ate strange foods and tried to speak the language.  You wept as you witnessed extreme poverty.  Maybe you even suffered through sickness, harsh conditions, or actual persecution.

As nice as it was to return to the comforts of home, there was also a letdown.  You were back in the “real world.”  There was a peace you felt when you did Kingdom work, and then it faded.  You returned to a routine in which you felt much of what you do has no eternal value.  But what if it was possible to prolong the excitement and peace?  What if life could be one continuous mission trip?  Is this even possible in the “real world”?

Not only is it possible, it is what God wants for us.

Do you remember the verse that many of us heard when we first believed?  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

The life God has for us is one of abundance.  It is meant to be full, not repetitive.  He wants us doing things that have eternal impact.  He wants us busy expanding His Kingdom in one way or another, today and everyday.  This doesn’t mean that every Christian should quit his or her job and move to a foreign country.  But it does mean that we need to figure out how to make each day count for His purpose.

Paul said it like this: “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”

Don’t most of us do the opposite?  We busy ourselves with “civilian pursuits” and occasionally jump into the battle when we fell compelled.  Kingdom service is something we visit on a mission trip, day of service, or a prayer meeting.  Being entangled in the civilian lifestyle has become the accepted norm.  It is even applauded so long as we can point to some occasional Kingdom activity.  But doesn’t Scripture tell us to live differently?  And wouldn’t your life be more “abundant” if you figure out a way to be on the battlefield everyday?

You maybe looking at your life and assuming you have no other options.  Isn’t a person with bills, family, and responsibilities destined to be “entangled in civilian pursuits”?

Absolutely not.  You and I were made for more."

-Francis Chan

Have a wonderful Easter as we celebrate our risen Savior.

-Jeff   

God's not done with Suzette yet

As Junior and I approached Suzette's house today, we immediately knew something was "up".  A neighbor was there.  Her son whom I haven't seen in most likely a year was there with his wife.  A woman I have not seen before was washing some pans outside.   Someone else was sweeping the floor and yet one more person was making the bed with clean linens.  This scenario forced us to make an assumption we didn't want to make.  I guess you could say we had a little scare.

As we entered Suzette's house, we learned that she had become very sick the past two days and those caring for her weren't sure what was going on.  She obviously had lost weight.  She was wincing in pain, moaning and even brought to tears at one point.  Why does this woman suffer so much?  She has had this suffering for over 3 years.  There are several answers that make sense, yet we ask anyway wanting something more tangible.

My first guess was the cancer taking over.  As they described more symptoms, it sounded like Malaria but unfortunately the test kits we bought are defective.  I wracked my brain to think of what we should/could do to help.  I had no medicines with me, so I thought.  As God has reminded me many times now, he doesn't want me to search for a medical "fix it", but rather, He wants me to simply pray and trust.

As the family members continued their conversations, I laid my hand on Suzette's shoulder and began praying out loud in English, while everyone else went on with their business in the house and caring for Suzette...
          "Come Jesus, Come and take this pain.  Lift this from Suzette just today."  Then I got up and left.

When I got back to the medical building, I was still thinking and asking God for some sort of answers.  Then I remembered the stomach flu that has been going around.  The one that those of us that live here call Haitian Happiness ( 4 people at our house had just had it).  So I went to our first aid box and found some strong pain meds and some rehydration packets so I decided it was worth another walk to Suzette's.
I arrived 15 minutes after I had left the first time to find her resting.  She was still having some pain, but much of it was gone allowing her to lay and rest.  I began asking what they had given her, I didn't want to give her more pain medication if they already had given it and I was trying to figure out what it was that had helped her so much.  "No, we gave her nothing."

In my very human flesh, it didn't occur to me until hours later while I replayed the day in my mind that Jesus did the very thing I implored of Him.  Why is it that when we ask for something many times we are surprised when He gives it?
In Matthew 7:7 Jesus says "Keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find.  Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you." (NLT)

Not that God gives us everything just the way we ask for it or the way we picture it, but when He does,  we need a slap in the face to see that it was HIM or we are surprised to see that what we asked for actually is what God gave?

I believe it's part of being human.  But my prayer is that I/we are walking so closely with the father that we just know.  And whether we know immediately or 3 hours later, we know and we can praise Him for it.

 I don't know if he will heal her on earth, but I know he will continue to work through her suffering as long as she has it.  Blessed to be part of Suzette's journey and blessed to have her as part of mine.  She's been part of some many other journeys. I know God is not done with her yet.

Yet again...Came to Haiti to love and was loved.  Came to Haiti to bless and was blessed.  Came to Haiti to give and received.

 Please continue praying for Suzette.

Suzette clinic day 3

 Suzette was very excited when Jacques and I picked her up yesterday morning.  She had been to a big service in Delmas known for healing and the pain in her leg was already starting to feel better.  She also anticipated getting the answers that could come from the trip to the clinic.
We knew a trip to the gynecologist was going to be in order so we registered for that and then began would what turn out to be a four and a half hour wait.  Suzette was a trooper sitting and waiting for that long but pain was setting in.  We finally went in to see the clinic doctor to read the blood test and ultrasound results.   The doctor talked of seeing the gynecologist and then went on to talk further about seeing the oncologist at another hospital.  I was still hopeful that they would do a biopsy that would prove that not necessary.
Another hour wait to see the gynecologist.  After the exam Suzette called Jacques and I into the room so the doctor could share what he found.  The first word in creole I could comprehend was terminal to which Suzette replied "Bondye Kapab (God can)".
The doctor continued talking to Jacques and Suzette and I was still stuck on terminal and Bondye kapab.  The doctor asked why I had brought her, who had referred her.  He should send the rest of the results to that person.  Jacques explained that I have friends that work at the hospital and I just brought her to get help, there was no doctor in Haiti that referred her.  He then proceeded to ask if there was family with her to talk with; no.  Only us.  Suzette then left the room so the doctor could explain further and answer my questions.

The doctor didn't speak English, but he was able to write the diagnosis for me:  Stage IV Cervical Cancer.  Then went on to explain and answer my questions...
"Stage 4.  No treatment.  No biopsy necessary.  The cancer is all through her pelvic area.  She will need very strong pain medication.  She will have a liquid draining from inside that will smell bad.  She has a maximum of 1 year left, more likely, 6-8 months."

In the back of my mind I hear Suzette's voice "Bondye Kapab".

We thanked the doctor for taking the time to explain and left.  Not a whole lot of words spoken in the car, only more questions to ask Jacques about what the doctor said and him taking the time to explain even more.

When we arrived at Suzette's home, she said something to me that I couldn't understand and not sure I do yet:  "God will give this back to you, thank you very much"
Before we said goodbye, she grabbed my arm and said "please pray for my faith to strengthen and if I don't see you in here again, I will see you in Heaven. "

Jacques explained to Suzette's older daughter the diagnosis that came, I couldn't do it.  She already knew.  I had showed her the ultrasound the week before and the nursing education she had was enough for her to understand what was happening, she just hadn't said so.  My prayer is that right now, Suzette's children get on their knees and that God uses this to bring them to a deeper faith as he has done in so many already through Suzette.

As I try to process the events that unfolded yesterday, there is mourning and sadness, but I can't sit in that.  Greater than that, "Bondye kapab".  Whether or not God chooses to heal Suzette doesn't change the fact that He Can and that He is Good!  Suzette clings to the hope she has in Christ no matter what happens to her earthly body.  I continue to learn and be blessed by her faith.

Please pray for Suzette.  Please pray for her faith.  Please pray for God to choose to heal her, I know He can.  Please pray for her family that through this they will know HIM more.


BONDYE KAPAB





 

Suzette's clinic day 2

One step closer…

After a two hour drive to get to the hospital to drop Suzette’s daughter off to get the blood test results, Jacques, Suzette and I drove on to the clinic where we could get the ultrasound done. Two hours later, we returned to the hospital to meet Suzette’s daughter and see the doctor to read the ultrasound and blood test results only to find out I had only left her there with one receipt and there should have been two.  With both receipts in hand,  it was back in line to pay to receive the blood test results. 

Afterward, we waited about a half an hour to see the doctor only to find out we needed to see a gynecologist, not the regular clinic doctor and by the way, the gynecologist is in Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday…NOT TODAY.   So off we go with all paperwork in hand.  Two more hours of driving.  We’ll go back Monday.

Today was frustrating, no doubt, but it is still an honor to be doing this for Suzette.  One of the hardest things is seeing a different side of her.  Normally when she is sitting in her shack on her mattress, she is somewhat comfortable.  But these trips and just walking from her shack to the car and from the car into the hospital is way too much and puts her in so much physical pain she was brought to tears a few times today.  Waiting on God for answers and hopeful for treatment!

Thanks for your prayers, keep them coming!

Suzette's clinic day

Prayers were definitely felt today!  thank you for sending so many prayers.

The drive from here to pick up Suzette then to get to the hospital is 2 hours...with the first hour being light traffic.  What that means for the afternoon is about 3 hours back.  I pray more driving in Haiti than I ever considered it in the states even though driving is slower, it's exhausting and you never know what other drivers will do.  Prayers were felt on the road!

The process at the hospital is like many other processes in Haiti; wait, wait, wait.  We found favor in the first three steps to getting Suzette in to see a doctor.  Many others were waiting much longer, I didn't ask questions as to why or how we got there, just thanked God we did.

For today, Suzette saw a general physician and had blood drawn.  We need to go back Tuesday for the blood test results.

We left there to get an ultrasound done at another clinic about 30-40 minutes away.  When we arrived, we found out the doctor had already left for the day but there was a clinic just next door we could use.  No one told us at the hospital that Suzette should not have any food in her stomach in order to have the ultrasound, she had a pack of crackers on our drive from the hospital to the clinic because it was 12:00.  So, no go for today.

We will go back for the blood test results Tuesday  then we will go for her ultrasound.  perhaps they will order a biopsy at yet another clinic from there, we'll find out.

As I drove Suzette back to her shack in Canaan, she proceeded to explain some of the tests she had just before the earth quake and was never able to go back for the results.  After that, she simply turned to God for healing.   My response to that; "Sometimes God heals people himself and sometimes God uses people and medicine."  She then thanked me for giving up time away from my husband and children to help her and reassured me God would bless me and protect me.  He has already.


Tuesday will be another long day of driving and waiting and seeking answers.  Please continue to pray for doors to open and answers/treatment to be given!

What a treasure to have spent this time with Suzette.  To have been part of a great journey of faith together!  I saw this when I got home today!

A big day for Suzette

Sometimes when we’ve had a few trying days and we feel as if we understand nothing about the Haitian culture, we say to each other “what are we doing here?” and “are we even making a difference?”  Sometimes we feel as if we are spinning wheels. 

For me, there seems to be two sides to the ministry happening in Haiti; the ministry to the Haitians and the ministry to those coming to serve.  We’ve said this over and over again; how people have been changed.  What I am starting to see now more than ever is that God quite possibly brought our family to Haiti to change us, the five of us.  I am seeing how our faith has grown so much, how our children’s faith has developed and how close we have become as a family.  I’m not convinced we were open enough to God doing this in us in the states.  So we are part of the group “those coming to serve whose lives have been changed”

The Haitian side of the ministry is where so many questions lie.  Are we making a lasting difference?  Are we changing lives here?  Not just circumstances, but lives.

It’s not everyday I believe we are, but after my last visit to Suzette on Monday, I believe it again. 

It’s been over three years since Suzette was “diagnosed” with Uterine Cancer.  I say “Diagnosed” because the diagnosis was made simply from an ultrasound.  It’s been over two years since I met her and began praying with her and for her for healing.  After bringing multiple medical people to evaluate her the best they could without fancy equipment and trusting the diagnosis given, we felt as though all we could do is pray and offer pain relief.  When another lump appeared in January and extreme pain returned, I began to feel there was something more we needed to seek out.

Monday, I shared details of Suzette’s pain, timeline, other symptoms etc with a doctor and nurse that were here and they began to question the diagnosis.  After a quick visit and evaluation, their questions were even greater…”could this be something other than cancer?” 

The only way to know for sure is for Suzette to have a complete exam and biopsy done.  It turns out a doctor I met through Kim who is serving in Haiti can get us into a good Hospital THIS FRIDAY just days before she leaves for the states.  All we need is to get in the door and she can help us do that.  Just two weeks ago, a visitor brought two donations from people in the states that we will use to get the initial exams done.  If more money is needed, I have no doubt God will provide it.  I don’t believe in coincidences.  I believe in a God who can knit very delicate details together using multiple people without them even realizing it to make a difference in one of His followers, in turn, making a difference in His Kingdom.

After setting up details of our hospital trip with Suzette, I turned to go and she stopped me to tell me that GOD brought AWAKENHAITI to her and for that she is so grateful.  I’m humbled once again that God has allowed me to be part of HIS great ministry here in transforming lives!

Please pray for us tomorrow.  For God to lead us through the day opening the right doors for the right people and exams to be done.  Please pray for strength for Suzette. Tomorrow is a big day! 

TEAM

Well is has been a long time since I have posted anything on here.  Deb does such a good job at sharing our hearts about things that happen here and some of the small ways God continues to use AWAKENHAITI here in Haiti.  I thought I would share a few thoughts with you as we approach this Superbowl weekend.

I love football.  I love it for many reasons but one of biggest ones is more than other sports you have to work together as a team to achieve success.  These guys bond as teammates because they have to rely on each other.  They have to trust each other.  Their individual successes along with their teams successes depends on the entire team working together for one common goal.  You can have the best QB or running back in the league, but if the O line doesn't block, not only will you not gain yards, that star player isn't going to last very long.  That's why when the superstars thank their teammates for their individual successes, they do so out of pure gratitude, respect, and love.  They know without them there would be no records.

Last week, I got the tremendous privilege of joining the RunforLife team.  This was a team of people from Heartline Ministries, here in Haiti, that was running across Haiti (315 miles total) to raise money to build a new maternity center.   This maternity center will serve women here in Haiti before, during and after they give birth.  It is one of the ways that Heartline is reaching people for Christ by showing His love and compassion through caring for these women fully and unconditionally, just as Christ loves us.

My dear friend Barry McDonald was the one that had the vision for this great endeavor.  He and his wife Bec lost lost their child shortly after birth.  That beautiful little boy named Isaac, was the inspiration for this run and the reason I believe Barry and Bec came to Haiti.  Barry and I have been great friends from the moment we first met 2 years ago.  He has always been there for me when I needed help building, an ear to listen to one of my crazy ideas, me go off about one of my frustrations, or just a guy to share a laugh with.  Barry is one of my teammates here in Haiti.  So when he and Bec asked me to join them in this run, I was not only honored, I saw it as a responsibility.  Teammates don't let other teammates down.

What an experience it was.  What a great team of people.  Everyone did their job.  The cooks cooked, the drivers drove, the doctor and nurse kept Barry loose and moving forward, and the runners ran.  Barry ran a total of 315 miles in 14 days.  Others ran their first marathons with him for encouragement.  Joel, a Heartline Board member from Dever, ran three marathons with him.  The last one with a hair-line fractured foot.  I managed to run a little over 100 miles with him in the last six days.  While none of it was easy, we were a team.  A team with ONE goal.  Finish the run.

If I could speak for Barry for a minute, I think he would echo these words.  The run was amazing.  The scenery was breathtaking at times.  While the mountains were hard and steep, they provided times of reflecting upon God's power and creativity.  But as amazing as it was, the thought of doing it alone would of been unbearable, and darn near impossible.  What made it amazing was simple yet extraordinary, TEAM.

Now that a week has gone by, I have had some time to reflect about those six days.  One of the questions I got asked by some was: "Why, with all the things and responsibilities you have here with AWAKENAHAITI, why did you go and spend a week helping another ministry to raise money for their efforts?  Don't you have enough to do?"  Yes, I am very aware of all the responsibilities that Deb and I have here, but honestly the thought didn't really occur to me.  AWAKENHAITI is here to serve Haitians.  I believe in what Heartline does and how they do it.  They are soldiers for Christ just as we are.  Doesn't that make us ONE team.  I hear their director speak of the same God that I believe, and trust in.  We serve the same God, the one and only God.  We are playing the same game for the same coach.  I guess that's why it didn't occur to me that the run had nothing to do with AWAKENHAITI, because that run had everything to do with AWAKENHAITI.

Barry, Bec, and the entire RunforLife team.  Thank you!!!

And Church, it's OUR TIME!!! Not as one church, but as a Church united as ONE.

INHIM,

Jeff

 Note:  For more info about the run or if you want to partner with this effort go to runforlifehaiti.org