Friday, September 25, 2009

School of Bayonnaise

One practical thing we are going to do is to sponsor a child to go to school for $25.00 per month. That $25.00 allows a child to go to school, supplies all books, uniforms and gives them one good meal a day.

When we were at the school (aprox.400 kids) it was lunch time. After lunch I went over to see where the dirty dishes were thrown to see how much food was not eaten (that is food the kids threw out. Here in the states you would have garbage cans filled with wasted food) needless to say there was hardly no waste at all. I probably could not have scraped together another plate of food with all the scraps left. Those are hungry kids and probably the only meal they will have for that day.

The school has over 400 kids right now and there are only 300 sponsors and there is a waiting list to come to school. So if you would like to sponsor one or more you can go to their website or get in touch with me and I will hook you up.
I have 6 pictures of children that they took while I was there waiting for sponsorship(I asked for the pictures so I can be a eye witness that these are real kids. I seen them) Again, let me know, I can can send a picture and more information.

Haiti

I appreciate the prayers as we went to Haiti. All went well (except I did get sick the last night). We got a good view of what Haiti (the north part) is about as we drove from Port a Prince to Cape Hatian with stops in between.
On Friday we traveled to the school in Bayonnaise (sp). Where the ministry www.ICDM.com has a pre/elementary school. Precious kids but sad (not the kids but me knowing what they face and go through)
I preached at the leadership conference on Saturday, quit a experience preaching through a interpreter. At one point I said about 6 words and my interpreter spoke about 50, I turned to him and said, "did I say all that" he shook his head yes. (Lost in Translation...I suppose)
On Sunday I was to preach at a Nazarene church where the graduation was being held and the church celebrating its 11 yrs. in ministry. The spirit came in a powerful way and the Lord said to me, "now what can you add?" and I said "not a thing". So I did not preach.

A few general observations:
1. Haitians are very repectful and hospitable people.
2. Haiti is a land of 'flea markets' everyone everyplace trying to sell whatever they have, so they can survive. I did not see any starving people, but I dont know why. Only the mercy and prevenient grace of God that the people are surviving.
3. Politically speaking if you do not think the government should help people in anyway (the government just needs to stay out of the way) then you need to go to Haiti-you will feel real comfortable there (though you will probably change your mind about the government helping people.
4. There is quit a gap between the rich and poor and it seems that the rich really dont care about the poor.
5. It is a country that seems hard to understand and seems hard to know what to do to help. The ministry we went with www.icdm.com emphasis empowerment over enablement (that is teaching them to fish instead of just giving them a fish). Though, to me that may not be the total answer either.
6. As best as I know Haiti has never experienced a real nation wide move of the spirit of God. From my observations that is Haiti only hope. A move of God that not only transforms the hearts of the people but also changes the land and makes it more fruitful. One of my regular prayers will be "God give Haiti a revival"

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

GOING TO HAITI

I would appreciate your prayers as I will be heading to Haiti this Thursday morning. This will be my first time at any third world country. I will be speaking at a Leadership Summit and a Bible School Graduation (www.icdm.us) and looking over the work that this organization is doing.

Lord willling I will have some good things to report as I come back.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

FAITH

The things in life that are certain, does not require faith. Faith is an adventure. Faith is taking a step where the ground does not seem to be solid. Faith is obeying God regardless of the outcome or how ridiculous it may seem.
Life without faith is monotonous…is boring. What adventure is your faith presently taking you on?

“Faith is embracing the uncertainties of life…Embrace relational uncertainty. It’s called romance. Embrace spiritual uncertainty. It’s called mystery. Embrace occupational uncertainty. It’s called destiny. Embrace emotional uncertainty. It’s called joy. Embrace intellectual uncertainty. It’s called revelation.”
Taken from “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day,” by Mark Batterson