So I’m thinking that I’ve written a lot of notes, stories, and thoughts so far on this blog, but I’m not sure I’ve said what’s most important. It’s really the best news.
First I want to start with the bad news. I am a sinner. In the short 25 years I have been alive, I have cheated, lied, stolen, lusted, been sexually impure, drank, hated, used God’s name in vain, and more. My sin completely ruined my life. It separated me from the very source of goodness and joy. My sin separated me from the one who created me and gives all life. I separated myself from God; a separation that ultimately leads to death. There was nothing I could do to close this separation. I could not go to church enough; I could not do enough good; I even could not come to Haiti and drill enough wells for dying people. Like if you take a bowl of clean water and add a few small drops of red dye, the whole bowl turns red. No matter how much more water I add, the water will still be red. I can not make up for my sins by doing good.
Now the best news! Because God loves me so much, He made a way for the gap between Him and me to be closed. Not by my good works, but by his. Jesus came to this earth and lived the perfect life that I could not live. Not only did He live the life that I could not live, but then He died my death so that I do not have to die! All sin leads to death. So Jesus, who was without sin, took my sin upon himself and died. Then He destroyed death, eternal death, by raising himself from the dead! He offers me his life, perfect, without sin, and free from death, in exchange for mine, which is imperfect and destined for death. All I have to do is accept his gift and believe in him. A simple prayer: God, I recognize I am a sinner and that I can not do enough good to erase my sin. I believe in you, Jesus, ask for your forgiveness, and give you my life in exchange for yours.
Believe IN him not OF him. For a while I think I was confused about the difference. Belief of God is recognizing that there is a god. Belief in God is trusting him with my life. The best way I came to understand the difference is this: My neighbor pulls up in his driveway in a brand new fire-red Ferrari, and I, stunned, ask him where and how he got that beautiful car. He excitedly tells me that the car dealer down the road is giving them away in exchange for whatever car you bring in, regardless of condition. I laugh and ask him where and how he really got the car. Again he says that the car dealer down the road is really giving them away. Now if I actually believe that what my neighbor says is true, I would be in my car and driving to that dealership as fast as I possibly can. True belief inspires action. Even the devil believes that God exists, but he doesn’t believe in or put his trust in God.
My relationship with God is the most important thing in my life. He has forgiven me and not because of good things I’ve done. It was his decision and his power that freely gave me my “brand new fire-red Ferrari.” All I had to do was to accept his gift of salvation and give him my life in return. And it is in response to his gift to me that I seek and desire to do good. My actions do not produce my salvation; they are a production of my salvation.
Exchanging a broken life of sin and death for a joyful life of love and eternity is the best news I have ever heard.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Saturday, May 14, 2005
May Prayer Letter
Answered prayer and praises-
-no accidents or injuries at the shop or job sites
-pipe repairing work at the river is completed
-some of the unity issues within the community development team are being addressed
-it rained 2 inches the night before we left for PaP, and rained lightly yesterday
-we poured the floor for the pastor's house at Poste Métier on Wednesday
-our journey to PaP very successful, relaxing, and safe. We made it back home resupplied and in one piece.
-I purchased a mototaxi
-my times at night have been much more productive
-Praise God for the awesome boys that I met at an orphanage in Pap and that many of them are Christians
-Thank you God for all the blessings that you have poured out into my life!
Ministry Prayer Requests-
-endurance and wisdom as we begin to survey all the water systems in the area
-the speedy and safe completion of the pastor's houses
-wisdom on which design projects to tackle next
-continued prayer for relationships within the community development team
-the salvation of Boss Abe and Boss Howrd
-opportunities to share Christ with people
-"Jehu's Boys," the orphanage that I visited in PaP, that they would experience the love of God
-meetings this next week with Protos, a organization which funds some of our projects
-Work teams that are coming at the end of May and July
-Rain, rain, rain
-the language lessons that I have twice a week. That God would help them to be more consistent and that they would be an opportunity for discipleship and witnessing
-for a dam project, where we are trying to partner with Seattle University
-missionaries Dave and Phyllis as they prepare for their 1 yr furlough
-that this country would turn to God and that those trying to disrupt peace in this country would be stopped
Personal Prayer Requests-
-pray Colossians 3:12-14 for me
-for the ability to memorize scripture
-an increased knowledge of the Creole language and that I can use it for God's glory
-for wisdom and patience in deciding what to do after the end of this 6 months
-for a deeper joy at the wonderful salvation and Saviour I have in Jesus Christ
-my health and safety
-for my family
-the possibility of my dad coming sometime in June
-continued closeness with God
-pray for my Home Team, Prayer Partners, and my wonderful home church COS.
Thank you all so much for your prayers. It is so important that people pray in order to recognize that it is God's power which brings about all good for His glory alone. As someone recently reminded me, we do not put our faith in prayer, but we put our faith in the One we pray to!
-no accidents or injuries at the shop or job sites
-pipe repairing work at the river is completed
-some of the unity issues within the community development team are being addressed
-it rained 2 inches the night before we left for PaP, and rained lightly yesterday
-we poured the floor for the pastor's house at Poste Métier on Wednesday
-our journey to PaP very successful, relaxing, and safe. We made it back home resupplied and in one piece.
-I purchased a mototaxi
-my times at night have been much more productive
-Praise God for the awesome boys that I met at an orphanage in Pap and that many of them are Christians
-Thank you God for all the blessings that you have poured out into my life!
Ministry Prayer Requests-
-endurance and wisdom as we begin to survey all the water systems in the area
-the speedy and safe completion of the pastor's houses
-wisdom on which design projects to tackle next
-continued prayer for relationships within the community development team
-the salvation of Boss Abe and Boss Howrd
-opportunities to share Christ with people
-"Jehu's Boys," the orphanage that I visited in PaP, that they would experience the love of God
-meetings this next week with Protos, a organization which funds some of our projects
-Work teams that are coming at the end of May and July
-Rain, rain, rain
-the language lessons that I have twice a week. That God would help them to be more consistent and that they would be an opportunity for discipleship and witnessing
-for a dam project, where we are trying to partner with Seattle University
-missionaries Dave and Phyllis as they prepare for their 1 yr furlough
-that this country would turn to God and that those trying to disrupt peace in this country would be stopped
Personal Prayer Requests-
-pray Colossians 3:12-14 for me
-for the ability to memorize scripture
-an increased knowledge of the Creole language and that I can use it for God's glory
-for wisdom and patience in deciding what to do after the end of this 6 months
-for a deeper joy at the wonderful salvation and Saviour I have in Jesus Christ
-my health and safety
-for my family
-the possibility of my dad coming sometime in June
-continued closeness with God
-pray for my Home Team, Prayer Partners, and my wonderful home church COS.
Thank you all so much for your prayers. It is so important that people pray in order to recognize that it is God's power which brings about all good for His glory alone. As someone recently reminded me, we do not put our faith in prayer, but we put our faith in the One we pray to!
Saturday, May 07, 2005
My New Hog
Harry: "Where'd you get that?"
Lloyd: "I traded the van for it back in town--straight up. I get 70 miles to a gallon on this 'hog'"
Harry: "Lloyd, just when I think you can't get any dumber you go and do something like this....and totally redeem yourself!!!"
I bet none of you pictured me a biker guy. Well, take a look at my new set of wheels.
We picked up this bad boy (commonly referred to as a mototaxi) in Gonaives on our trip home from PaP. It’s a Honda Super Cub, 50 cc Std complete with a plastic windshield for my knees and fancy red foot thingies. For any daredevil who’s brave enough to ride along with me.
Look, Mom, safety first! I’m wearing a helmet!
Lloyd: "I traded the van for it back in town--straight up. I get 70 miles to a gallon on this 'hog'"
Harry: "Lloyd, just when I think you can't get any dumber you go and do something like this....and totally redeem yourself!!!"
I bet none of you pictured me a biker guy. Well, take a look at my new set of wheels.
We picked up this bad boy (commonly referred to as a mototaxi) in Gonaives on our trip home from PaP. It’s a Honda Super Cub, 50 cc Std complete with a plastic windshield for my knees and fancy red foot thingies. For any daredevil who’s brave enough to ride along with me.
Look, Mom, safety first! I’m wearing a helmet!
Jehu's Boys
During our week of resupplying, I had the awesome privilege to visit Jehu’s Boys, an orphanage run by a seminary grad named Jehu. I love these boys. They were all smiles and full of energy. I went with two other missionaries, Cindy and Phyllis, who go every week. Since the boys don’t get much interaction with males, Cindy asked me to lead the study time during my two visits. The first time I shared my testimony and the second time I taught from David and Goliath. It was such a privilege to share and talk with these boys. After study time and singing some worship songs, we played a bunch of games and just hung out. It was mainly a time to love these boys and have fun with them. One of the afternoons we folded origami birds; they seemed got a kick out of that. Below are a bunch of picts of these great kids. The first is a picture of their yard and the orphanage. Be sure to be praying for these boys.
I also have a great video of these boys singing. I would love to show it to you all when I get home!
I also have a great video of these boys singing. I would love to show it to you all when I get home!
Safely Home
We have returned home from the bustling metropolis of Port-au-Prince to quiet village of Passe Catabois (PC). While Our stay in PaP was extended a little as we waited for a new generator to be made ready, it was very enjoyable. After the conclusion of our retreat in the mountains, we stayed at the seminary campus in Bolosse, a neighborhood of PaP. Most of our days in the week following were spent in meetings and resupplying. It was really a bit of an adventure. Gun fire at night was fairly frequent, and you had to call ahead before you went to some place in the city to make sure that there was no trouble. A couple of times our plans had to change do to “manfistations.” Due to the grace of God, we never ran into to trouble and were able to get everything that we needed. We left the seminary on Saturday and went to stay at a mission compound outside the city while we waited for our generator. It was a great time to relax and read.
The generator we took back to PC with us is a huge ton and a quater hunk of metal. We dragged it on a two axle trailer through river and over pot holes the size of my Honda civic. Fortunately we made it all the way to within 3 miles of home before having any problems. Unfortunately we broke one axle, popped a tire, and bent the other axle. We were able to make it home on the one axle going about 1.5 mph and pouring water on the tire that was rubbing against the metal trailer so it didn’t catch on fire. Praise God we made it home safely and with the generator!
A picture of the President’s Palace I took on one of our excursions. Not seen in the picture are the numerous UN tanks and gun-mounted trucks that were in the area.
A beautiful view of PaP from the seminary that we stayed at in Bolosse.
The guys flipping the trailer over in the shop yard to fix the broken axle.
The generator we took back to PC with us is a huge ton and a quater hunk of metal. We dragged it on a two axle trailer through river and over pot holes the size of my Honda civic. Fortunately we made it all the way to within 3 miles of home before having any problems. Unfortunately we broke one axle, popped a tire, and bent the other axle. We were able to make it home on the one axle going about 1.5 mph and pouring water on the tire that was rubbing against the metal trailer so it didn’t catch on fire. Praise God we made it home safely and with the generator!
A picture of the President’s Palace I took on one of our excursions. Not seen in the picture are the numerous UN tanks and gun-mounted trucks that were in the area.
A beautiful view of PaP from the seminary that we stayed at in Bolosse.
The guys flipping the trailer over in the shop yard to fix the broken axle.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
R and R in the AC
Last saturday Bruce, Deb, and I left Passe Catabois and traveled to Port-au-Prince (PaP) for a two week rest and resupply trip. It has been fantastic so far. The first night we stayed in Tetyan just north of PaP at the Global Outreach Mission compound. With a view of the ocean and a constant wind which took the edge off the heat, I was already enjoying our "vacation." For dinner that night we at baby-back ribs. Wow, it was awesome. Don't ask me how they got bbq ribs in Haiti , but I was sure thankful.
The next day we made an uneventul trip through PaP and then continued up the nearby mountains to the Baptist Haiti Mission (BHM). Because of the high elevation, it is naturally cool (in the 60's) and so we call it the "AC." BHM is a little tropical paradise. They actually have GREEN grass because they get a good amount of rain! The first day there we had to just relax, read, write, and catch up on some email. It was great to not have any plans, but to just be. We also visited with one of the missionaries here that Deb is very good friends with, Elsa. Elsa is an Austrian women who is the definition of class. She is the kind of person that just being around her is a blessing.
After our day of rest we had two days of crisis management training with the Vice-president of Crossworld, Larry Sharp, who is also a member of my home church, COS. It was great to see a familiar face, fellowship with the rest of the Crossworld Haiti missionaries, and learn about crisis management. We did one excercise to define what are the primary risks that we face in Haiti and what are the probability that they will happen in the next year. One thing i thought was pretty funny: according to this group of 20 people that have been in Haiti between 10 to 50 years, it was more likely that there will be a civil war in the next year than any one of the 20 people get into a car accident in the next year! If that doesn't speak to the state of this country, i don't know what does. Mom, if you're reading this, DON'T WORRY! i'll be fine :)
After the crisis training we continued our trek up the mountains to a retreat center called "The Lodge." Every year the Crossworld Haiti mission has a retreat in order to fellowship and be challenged by a guest speaker. "The Lodge" is a like a piece of home, surrounded by a pine tree forest. After being here a couple days, you can literally forget that you are in Haiti. It is nice to be able to let your guard down a bit and relax. The speaker has also been awesome. He's really helped to open my eyes to some things that I need to work on in my life. Please pray that God would continue to work in my heart and the hearts of the other missionaries as we learn and fellowship.
Got to go, time for our next session! Love you all!
The next day we made an uneventul trip through PaP and then continued up the nearby mountains to the Baptist Haiti Mission (BHM). Because of the high elevation, it is naturally cool (in the 60's) and so we call it the "AC." BHM is a little tropical paradise. They actually have GREEN grass because they get a good amount of rain! The first day there we had to just relax, read, write, and catch up on some email. It was great to not have any plans, but to just be. We also visited with one of the missionaries here that Deb is very good friends with, Elsa. Elsa is an Austrian women who is the definition of class. She is the kind of person that just being around her is a blessing.
After our day of rest we had two days of crisis management training with the Vice-president of Crossworld, Larry Sharp, who is also a member of my home church, COS. It was great to see a familiar face, fellowship with the rest of the Crossworld Haiti missionaries, and learn about crisis management. We did one excercise to define what are the primary risks that we face in Haiti and what are the probability that they will happen in the next year. One thing i thought was pretty funny: according to this group of 20 people that have been in Haiti between 10 to 50 years, it was more likely that there will be a civil war in the next year than any one of the 20 people get into a car accident in the next year! If that doesn't speak to the state of this country, i don't know what does. Mom, if you're reading this, DON'T WORRY! i'll be fine :)
After the crisis training we continued our trek up the mountains to a retreat center called "The Lodge." Every year the Crossworld Haiti mission has a retreat in order to fellowship and be challenged by a guest speaker. "The Lodge" is a like a piece of home, surrounded by a pine tree forest. After being here a couple days, you can literally forget that you are in Haiti. It is nice to be able to let your guard down a bit and relax. The speaker has also been awesome. He's really helped to open my eyes to some things that I need to work on in my life. Please pray that God would continue to work in my heart and the hearts of the other missionaries as we learn and fellowship.
Got to go, time for our next session! Love you all!
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Montage of Trois Rivieres (Port-de-Paix)
Since we took so many great pictures at Trois Rivieres when the Seattle Team was here, I thought I would share some of them with you all.
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The river study team from Seattle along with all the Haitian guys that helped us survey (except for the guys second from the right, i have no idea who he is). Front row from left: Tom, Mark, Debbie, myself. Back row from left: Claude, Emanuel, Neemy, Abjel, ????, and another guy who's name i can't remember.
River activity at Port-de-Paix on a slow day
Mark, our fearless leader directing traffic
Neemy and I working with the survey equipment.
Beautiful faces followed us wherever we went
And they love it when they can see their picture on a digital camara!
The Three Amigos
What these people can carry on their head is amazing!
Some guys we ran across cutting boards from a tree.
Beautiful Trois Rivieres upstream from Port-de-Paix
Mark and Debbie at the beach on our day off. It was great to relax a bit!
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The river study team from Seattle along with all the Haitian guys that helped us survey (except for the guys second from the right, i have no idea who he is). Front row from left: Tom, Mark, Debbie, myself. Back row from left: Claude, Emanuel, Neemy, Abjel, ????, and another guy who's name i can't remember.
River activity at Port-de-Paix on a slow day
Mark, our fearless leader directing traffic
Neemy and I working with the survey equipment.
Beautiful faces followed us wherever we went
And they love it when they can see their picture on a digital camara!
The Three Amigos
What these people can carry on their head is amazing!
Some guys we ran across cutting boards from a tree.
Beautiful Trois Rivieres upstream from Port-de-Paix
Mark and Debbie at the beach on our day off. It was great to relax a bit!
Siphon Neemy
We just completed our first design project here, soup to nuts. Praise God that it went very well. A Haitian engineer, Neemy, and I worked on the design of an inverted siphon from surveying and calculations to drafting in AutoCAD and translating everything into French. It was a great project, but I have to say that I am not much of a fan of French.
Unfortunately with the completion of the project, Neemy is traveling back to Port-au-Prince to finish a senior project that is required for his diploma. Over the last couple months, we’ve spent quite a bit of time together and have become good friends. I’m sad to see him leave, but hopefully he’ll be back in June.
Engineer Neemy
Last week we had a team here from Valley Bible Church in New Hampshire. Their church has decided to partner with a church here in La Brusse by funding the construction of the pastor’s house. They were a wonderful group, very energetic and positive with an enormous focus on Jesus. They even spent two nights pretty much camping at the church which is about 45 minutes away from the team house (spiders, and cockroaches, and snakes, oh my!). I was very impressed with the way they’ve partnered with the La Brusse church. Pray that the relationship they have with La Brusse will continue to grow.
The Valley Bible Team at La Brusse with Pastor Evance and family
Bruce, Deb, and I leave for Port-au-Prince this weekend for about two weeks. We have a couple conferences and retreats to attend and will be stocking up on some essentials to bring back to the barren northwest. It should be a relaxing and enjoyable time, but please be praying for safety as travel to PaP can sometimes have its complications.
As for me personally, I have been doing very well. I’ve been taking in lots of this beautiful country, been talking with bunches of great Haitian people (creole has been getting better slowly but surely), and have had lots of good time to read. Right now, I’m reading a book that my parents gave me about Dr. Mellon who came to Haiti in the 50’s and started a hospital here. It’s been a good read and has helped to get more insight into Haiti, its culture, and doing development here. Bruce and I are going to start a book/bible study, so that will be good. And I have creole-english lessons with a bunch of guys here twice a week which I hope will turn into a great opportunity to build friendships and talk about Christ (I’m using bible stories as text for teaching English J).
All for now, ciao!
This a pict I took last week of a pump at Gwo Tou that was installed when I was here last August. Do you think these people need water? :)
Unfortunately with the completion of the project, Neemy is traveling back to Port-au-Prince to finish a senior project that is required for his diploma. Over the last couple months, we’ve spent quite a bit of time together and have become good friends. I’m sad to see him leave, but hopefully he’ll be back in June.
Engineer Neemy
Last week we had a team here from Valley Bible Church in New Hampshire. Their church has decided to partner with a church here in La Brusse by funding the construction of the pastor’s house. They were a wonderful group, very energetic and positive with an enormous focus on Jesus. They even spent two nights pretty much camping at the church which is about 45 minutes away from the team house (spiders, and cockroaches, and snakes, oh my!). I was very impressed with the way they’ve partnered with the La Brusse church. Pray that the relationship they have with La Brusse will continue to grow.
The Valley Bible Team at La Brusse with Pastor Evance and family
Bruce, Deb, and I leave for Port-au-Prince this weekend for about two weeks. We have a couple conferences and retreats to attend and will be stocking up on some essentials to bring back to the barren northwest. It should be a relaxing and enjoyable time, but please be praying for safety as travel to PaP can sometimes have its complications.
As for me personally, I have been doing very well. I’ve been taking in lots of this beautiful country, been talking with bunches of great Haitian people (creole has been getting better slowly but surely), and have had lots of good time to read. Right now, I’m reading a book that my parents gave me about Dr. Mellon who came to Haiti in the 50’s and started a hospital here. It’s been a good read and has helped to get more insight into Haiti, its culture, and doing development here. Bruce and I are going to start a book/bible study, so that will be good. And I have creole-english lessons with a bunch of guys here twice a week which I hope will turn into a great opportunity to build friendships and talk about Christ (I’m using bible stories as text for teaching English J).
All for now, ciao!
This a pict I took last week of a pump at Gwo Tou that was installed when I was here last August. Do you think these people need water? :)
1st prayer email
if you want to be on my prayer listserv to receive these emails, let me know (bennyg612@hotmail.com)
Hello prayer partners!
my much belated prayer list. I honestly think that Satan has been working to keep me from sending this out. Prayer is essential and I am sorry for not making it more of a priority. Please help keep me accountable if i begin to procastinate in sending out these prayer lists. Thanks!
Ministry prayer requests-
-for the canal/irrigation projects that are being designed and constructed
-for safety from accidents and injuries in the shop yard and at the job sites
-for the pipe repairing work going on at the river
-for unity and repair of relationships among the community development team here
-for Boss Abe and Boss Howrd, that they would come to Christ
-for the bridge project that is in the beginning stages, for wisdom in designing and that God would provide the funding
-that we would find drinking water where water is needed most
-for rain
-for the pastor houses being built at Poste Mertier and La Brusse
-for our trip to Port-au-Prince next week, especially for safety and for relaxation and fellowship at our conference
-for the english-creole language lessons that I have tuesdays and thursdays with some guys here
-that through all the work we do, people would see God's love for them and their need of His salvation
-that we can find transportation for me (possibly a scooter or a motorcycle)
Personal prayer requests
-for close times with God in my morning quiet times
-for the bible/book study that Bruce and I are starting this week
-for oneness of mind with Bruce and humility to submit to his authority
-that I can be sacrificial in my love toward those around me
-for my friendship with Neemy
-for diligence and productivity at night
-for joy at serving God and the Haitian people
-that i may continue to learn Creole
-for wisdom in knowing what to do after the end of this 6 month committment
-for my family, their continued safety and closeness with God
Thank you all so much for your prayers!
Hello prayer partners!
my much belated prayer list. I honestly think that Satan has been working to keep me from sending this out. Prayer is essential and I am sorry for not making it more of a priority. Please help keep me accountable if i begin to procastinate in sending out these prayer lists. Thanks!
Ministry prayer requests-
-for the canal/irrigation projects that are being designed and constructed
-for safety from accidents and injuries in the shop yard and at the job sites
-for the pipe repairing work going on at the river
-for unity and repair of relationships among the community development team here
-for Boss Abe and Boss Howrd, that they would come to Christ
-for the bridge project that is in the beginning stages, for wisdom in designing and that God would provide the funding
-that we would find drinking water where water is needed most
-for rain
-for the pastor houses being built at Poste Mertier and La Brusse
-for our trip to Port-au-Prince next week, especially for safety and for relaxation and fellowship at our conference
-for the english-creole language lessons that I have tuesdays and thursdays with some guys here
-that through all the work we do, people would see God's love for them and their need of His salvation
-that we can find transportation for me (possibly a scooter or a motorcycle)
Personal prayer requests
-for close times with God in my morning quiet times
-for the bible/book study that Bruce and I are starting this week
-for oneness of mind with Bruce and humility to submit to his authority
-that I can be sacrificial in my love toward those around me
-for my friendship with Neemy
-for diligence and productivity at night
-for joy at serving God and the Haitian people
-that i may continue to learn Creole
-for wisdom in knowing what to do after the end of this 6 month committment
-for my family, their continued safety and closeness with God
Thank you all so much for your prayers!
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Making up for Lost Time
3 weeks! Yeah, so i've been neglecting my blog duties. A little bit about the last few weeks and then we'll stop playing catch up:
Four guys from Iowa came down between the 13th and 20th, Terry, Jay, Tony, and Jeff. These guys were some serious workers. They fixed 7 generators, cut wood for 50 school benches, plumbed 3 bathrooms, installed a kitchen counter, and tiled the kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, office, and Bruce and Deb's shower. I was amazed at the drive of these guys. They also worked very well with the Haitian guys and taught them how to tile and cut the wood for the benches. I worked a lot with Tony and really enjoyed his company. The joy of the Lord just flowed out of this guy.
The day after that team left, 3 people from Seattle came to work on a study of where a bridge could be built over the major river in this region. Hundreds if not thousands of people cross this river everyday to get to the large city of Port-de-Paix. When the river is high, it is impassable and people are cut off from the major economic hub of the region. The vision of the pastors here is to build a 300-400 foot bridge to allow cars and people to cross unimpeded. It will really be an awesome feat for this area given the availability of equipment, the funding required (millions and millions of dollars), and all the political arenas to negotiate (please be praying for this project). The team from Seattle was here to complete a study which will provide us with the best location to build the bridge. Most of their time was spent walking the river and taking measurements. It was difficult work in the heat and humidity, but it was awesome to see the river and watch these guys use their technical skills and abilities. One of the guys, Tom, we dubbed our "community relations director." He always had a treat, a hacki-sak, or some other nick-nack to entertain the kids that followed us from place to place. He really enjoyed interacting with the people and was very personable despite the difficulties of communication.
One of the great privilegdes of being here has been to work with some very exceptional people who take time away from their work and families to come and serve for a week or two. These people are inspiring and always a source of encouragement.
Well, there is no team here this week, so work has slowed back down to a normal pace :)
My adjustment to living in Haiti has been more difficult than I thought it would be. The bugs, the rats, the language, the heat, all the little things that you would never imagine that you would miss, sometimes it all is a bit much. The sun goes down at six, you've made and eaten dinner by 7, and then you think "ok, i'm here by myself, i have 2-3 hours to occupy before I can justify going to sleep, what should I do now?" It can be pretty tough, but then right as I think it's going to be too much and I'm about to throw in the towel, at that moment, God steps in and gives me peace. I've begun to realize how much God needs to work out in me. Over the last month, I've been amazed at my own selfishness, especially in light of the struggles those around me are facing. Everyday I realize more how much I need Him. Here are a couple verses that have been on mind:
Ephesians 2:8-10 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Romans 7:24-25 "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
1 Corinthians 1:7-9 "Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."
A couple of prayer requests:
1. Continued team unity
2. Safety from accidents or injuries
3. Wisdom in designing and building projects (right now we are working on an inverted siphon)
4. That God would heal this land and call these people to Him
Four guys from Iowa came down between the 13th and 20th, Terry, Jay, Tony, and Jeff. These guys were some serious workers. They fixed 7 generators, cut wood for 50 school benches, plumbed 3 bathrooms, installed a kitchen counter, and tiled the kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, office, and Bruce and Deb's shower. I was amazed at the drive of these guys. They also worked very well with the Haitian guys and taught them how to tile and cut the wood for the benches. I worked a lot with Tony and really enjoyed his company. The joy of the Lord just flowed out of this guy.
The day after that team left, 3 people from Seattle came to work on a study of where a bridge could be built over the major river in this region. Hundreds if not thousands of people cross this river everyday to get to the large city of Port-de-Paix. When the river is high, it is impassable and people are cut off from the major economic hub of the region. The vision of the pastors here is to build a 300-400 foot bridge to allow cars and people to cross unimpeded. It will really be an awesome feat for this area given the availability of equipment, the funding required (millions and millions of dollars), and all the political arenas to negotiate (please be praying for this project). The team from Seattle was here to complete a study which will provide us with the best location to build the bridge. Most of their time was spent walking the river and taking measurements. It was difficult work in the heat and humidity, but it was awesome to see the river and watch these guys use their technical skills and abilities. One of the guys, Tom, we dubbed our "community relations director." He always had a treat, a hacki-sak, or some other nick-nack to entertain the kids that followed us from place to place. He really enjoyed interacting with the people and was very personable despite the difficulties of communication.
One of the great privilegdes of being here has been to work with some very exceptional people who take time away from their work and families to come and serve for a week or two. These people are inspiring and always a source of encouragement.
Well, there is no team here this week, so work has slowed back down to a normal pace :)
My adjustment to living in Haiti has been more difficult than I thought it would be. The bugs, the rats, the language, the heat, all the little things that you would never imagine that you would miss, sometimes it all is a bit much. The sun goes down at six, you've made and eaten dinner by 7, and then you think "ok, i'm here by myself, i have 2-3 hours to occupy before I can justify going to sleep, what should I do now?" It can be pretty tough, but then right as I think it's going to be too much and I'm about to throw in the towel, at that moment, God steps in and gives me peace. I've begun to realize how much God needs to work out in me. Over the last month, I've been amazed at my own selfishness, especially in light of the struggles those around me are facing. Everyday I realize more how much I need Him. Here are a couple verses that have been on mind:
Ephesians 2:8-10 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Romans 7:24-25 "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
1 Corinthians 1:7-9 "Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."
A couple of prayer requests:
1. Continued team unity
2. Safety from accidents or injuries
3. Wisdom in designing and building projects (right now we are working on an inverted siphon)
4. That God would heal this land and call these people to Him
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