“Sponsoring a child at Haiti Awake is believing in authenticity. Why? Because at Haiti Awake we are who we say we are, and we do what we say we’re doing.” Pastor Steeve
Why not let the heart grow big with a love large enough that it breaks your heart and gives bits of you away?
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
“The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.”
Let me first say, I’m not an author. I’m not a blogger. I do not pride myself on my ability to write, but I was asked to write something about the day I visited Centre de Reeducation des Mineurs en Conflit avec le Loi (CERMICOL), a boy’s prison in Haiti. I will attempt to do that.
I was taught from a young age, just like many American boys, that men don’t cry. I’m not in any way saying my parents raised me wrong, but I deal with emotions like many other American men - I bottle them up.
The night that followed my trip to the boy’s prison, I cried, and then I cried some more. I wept in a way I haven’t wept in a very long time. I cried at the position these boys were in, the hopelessness of the situation, how their entire life is altered. Forever. I cried because if I had been born into poverty, I could have faced a situation that some of these young men faced, made a similar decision, and ended up in a boys prison at age 14.
I have an 11 year old son. He’s a good kid, but he’s done things that are, well, regrettable. Just like every other kid. I could not help but picture him when I was at the prison. I don’t know the kid's ages, but some were young. Probably 12 or 13 years old.
The boys are locked up for various reasons, I don’t know what each one did, I didn’t care.
Now, I’m far from saying that these boys should not be held responsible. But to see a kid that has been locked up for a crime, and find out some go 2 years before they ever see a judge, that’s heartbreaking. Some of them committed crimes, some terrible crimes, stuff we spoiled Americans only see in TV shows. They do not need to be told that’s ok. They need tough love. They need to be educated. And they need hope.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
When we arrived, we unloaded the supplies we brought - rice, sodas, toiletries, a hand written scripture for each boy. Each item was inspected by guards and then loaded into a wheelbarrow. There were 3 prisoners that were pushing the loaded wheelbarrows into the prison. Quite obvious this was their reward for good behavior. Once it was all in, there were a few conversations between guards, some more waiting, and then we got to enter. They escorted us to a room, set up similar to a classroom, with a chalkboard, seating for 30 or so, one door.
There was a large window that opened to the common area. The cells with bars were across from this. We could see the boys. They looked at us, they didn’t look angry, or threatening, they looked like my son. Some were a few years older, but they were young men, trying to find their place in life. While in a holding cell with 125 other prisoners. Hopeless.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The guards ushered in about 40 at a time, 3 groups. The groups came in, we spoke to them. Told them God loved each one of them, that we at Haiti Awake loved each one of them. We prayed. Then they left, back to their cells.
We left, empty handed, sad with the situation, angry thinking the boys may not get a fair shake, disappointed that decisions were made to put them here, but hopeful that some of these young men heard our words. Hopeful they heard us pray for them. Hopeful they heard the message we had for them. Heard that it’s not over. They have decisions to make every day going forward. Maybe as they make one of these decisions, they will think back and remember the Haiti Awake team, and remember some words we shared, or a prayer, or a verse written to them.
Maybe this will be what they need to get through a rough day. Maybe it’ll help them make a good decision in the future.
I often get a different perspective on a familiar passage of Scripture when I attempt to put aside my American interpretation and try to see things the way a Haitian would see them.
For example, "Give us this day our daily bread" means something completely different when a person is actually depending on God each day to provide sustenance . . . in absence of a well-stocked pantry, refrigerator, and freezer.
While I was in Haiti this week, I was asked to read Matthew 25:31-46 at The Bridge tomorrow morning. Reading that passage in Haiti as we were back and forth to the hospital, it took on a whole new meaning . . . especially because we now have a new friend, Herby Joseph.
Herby Joseph is from St. Marc, a town about 2 hours north of Tabarre. While in Port-au-Prince over two weeks ago, he had a moto accident and severely injured his leg. And he's been at Medecins San Frontiers since that time. With no one to visit him. Day after day. His family is too far away to come to see him.
Herby's bed was next to Wesly's, so as we visited Wesly day-by-day, Herby became our friend. His face would light up when we'd come into the room, and he was more than eager to play a hand of cards with Steeve or Polo to pass the time. (There were 9 men in the room with nothing to do all day.) He, along with the other men, were very happy when we brought snacks for them each day (snacks that many of you donated this summer).
This is what ministry often looks like - just loving the people God puts in front of us each day. There's not a big plan or agenda. It's just opening our eyes to the people around us who are in need. It's loving our neighbor . . . and that neighbor might be the person in the hospital bed next to our loved one.
“Being in the hospital in Haiti is such a lonely place. We never know when the little we do changes a life.
I really don’t pay attention to people who say, ‘Oh, coming in and doing something like that isn’t a lasting work.’
We don’t get to say what a lasting work is. God does.”
On Tuesday when Polo and I went to the hospital for my last visit before Wesly would be discharged and I would return to the United States, Herby asked to take a photo with me. It was so hard to say goodbye knowing that Herby would be without visitors and because we don't know if or when we'll see each other again. He doesn't have a telephone, but he has Steeve and Wesly's phone numbers, and we're hopeful he'll call when he is released from the hospital.
There are many Herby Josephs in Haitian hospitals tonight. Some of them, like Herby, do not have family nearby who can visit. Some of their families do not have the money necessary to hire a moto or take a tap tap to the hospital. Some of them actually don't have anyone that cares. (There was a man like this in Wesly's room).
These people need someone to visit them, to encourage them, to show them Jesus' love. Will you pray with us that God will allow Haiti Awake to have an outreach to the hospitals in Haiti?
“When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’”
“With all sincerity, I can say it was a wonderful week. Everybody was happy for this new house in Doko. It is one of the nicest houses up there. This week was an opportunity for several people to have a job, & some people just came by to help. Even children were able to make a little bit of money, & we have new friends. ”
It was nearly 11 months ago that Hurricane Matthew took aim at the southern peninsula of Haiti, and we first became acquainted with people in Doko. We shared our experience from that first weekend here: http://www.haitiawake.org/news/2016/10/9/the-heart-can-only-grieve-what-the-eyes-have-seen
In January we returned to Doko. Seeing the difference that three months had made in the reemergence of life and community was encouraging. We knew at that time God was leading us to do more in Doko.
And this last week, Steeve, Fre Jacques, and Macken went to Doko for the week to work on repairing and expanding a home that had remained inhabitable, though damaged, since the storm. What they saw was the beauty returning to the countryside. The lush vegetation is back, and many fruit trees are already bearing fruit.
We are praying that God will allow us continued opportunties to love people there so that we can build relationships, based on the Gospel, abounding in hope. Please pray with us.
“Timoun jodi
Granmoun demen
Children today
Adults tomorrow”
Yvenson
Esterlin
Migerlson
Handy
Cesnel
Idelmy
Antonide
Kiki
Stanley
Phebe
Lorvens
Fabenson
Widcherline
“Bondye gen plan pou tout timoun
God has a plan for all children”
One summer Five amazingly diverse teams. And now that it's all said and done, I believe the following words more than ever:
“Local people are at the heart of what God is doing in any particular place.
Our role is to come alongside them, and strengthen their hand. As outsiders we are called to amplify their voices, lighten their load, equip and support them. For they are the true change-makers.
Not us.”
Thankful for what God has done. Thankful for what we know He will do. Looking toward the future with great hope and anticipation.
Glwa pou Bondye.
Since mid-January, we have been earnestly praying that God would direct us to a more permanent caregiver situation for the children. With the sudden departure of their former caregivers, the staff of Haiti Awake banded together and "made it work," but we all knew that eventually we would need a more stable environment for them.
Shortly after Hurricane Matthew, God allowed Jean Fritz Jacques to begin working with us. His spiritual maturity, his gentle spirit, his quick smile were things that quickly endeared him to me personally.
And over the last 9 months, I have watched him become more and more a part of our family here at Haiti Awake.
In June, we were intensely praying that God would provide a good woman to mother the children, and one night in mid-June, God made it abundantly clear that Frè Jacques' wife, Sè Cilotte, was that woman.
Steeve and I had several meetings with the Sè Cilotte and Frè Jacques in June and July, and after much prayer and discussion on all sides, they have agreed to join the staff of Haiti Awake and move into the children's home to assume the role of house parents.
We could not be any happier for the children and for them.
The rest of the Haiti Awake staff will continue to be part of the children's lives each week through intentional interactions. For example, Wesly will continue to sleep at the children's home to provide security, and Polo will continue to administer many of the children's programs. Maken is so good with the children in loving them, being a friend, and organizing games, while Big and Donalson are great homework tutors.
“I am happy to be a part of this team, Haiti Awake. I’m a teacher, and I am learning to sew. I have been married for 4 years, and I am a Christian. I used to teach to teach a Sunday school class, and I have been to training for Sunday school. I am a member of Patriarche Eglise Baptiste de Cazeau.”
“I am happy to be a part of this team, Haiti Awake. I am a carpenter and cabinet maker. I learned this profession in school. I have been married for four years, and I am a Christian. I went to seminary, and I am preacher. I am a member of Patriarche Eglise Baptiste de Cazeau.”
How do you explain a place that does not even make sense? How do you describe a place few will ever have the opportunity to visit?
These photos don't explain. They don't even describe, but they are all we have.
Over the last year, Haiti Awake has been actively pursuing a relationship with both the prisoners and the staff of Cermicol, a juvenile prison in Delmas. We are thankful to have been granted access to take these few photos to help you understand a place where on most days over 100 teenage boys are imprisoned. Their alleged crimes vary, but their stories are the same.
Their stories are similar to yours.
Their stories are similar to mine.
They are broken people in need of a Savior.
For those of you who have generously given to support our prison outreach in the past, we thank you. The boys were thrilled to get care packages filled with soap, shampoo, hard candy, and a snack on our last visit. Everyone appreciated the food, sodas, and water we were able to purchase through the financial generosity of those who support Haiti Awake monthly.
As a mom of boys who are the same age as the prisoners, I always struggle in my heart when we go to Cermicol, and yet I always want to go back. For me the highlight of our last visit was seeing one young man get a big smile on his face when he saw Lifesavers in his bag and to hear so many of the boys say, "Mesi," with genuine gratitude. It was also good, though sad, to talk with boys we've met in the past.
Please pray with us that we will continue to find favor with those who have the authority to allow us access to the prison, and pray that our visits are a way to show Christ's love in action.
“Remember the prisoners, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.”
We at Haiti Awake are happy to announce that our stateside team is growing again! Liz Kyle, a pharmacist here in Wilmington, NC, has agreed to join our team as our US Volunteer Medical Coordinator.
Liz in Haiti, March 2017
Two of Liz’s main passions are learning and teaching. She received her pharmacy degree from her home state of Michigan in 2010 and shortly after moved to North Carolina to work in a physician’s office providing medical care for high-risk patients while collaboratively training health care professionals.
God put international ministry on Liz’s heart years ago, showing how He can reveal His power and love through intercultural collaboration. She enjoys learning about other cultures through international travel, including her first mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2014.
In March of 2017, Liz was able to travel with a team to serve alongside Haiti Awake staff in Port-au-Prince. During that week, she was inspired by the work that was being done to bring development to the country through practical, Christ-centered interventions.
After returning to the US, Liz remained in contact with the Haiti Awake team to help coordinate care for the children of Haiti Awake. Liz is excited to be moving into a more formalized role as the Volunteer Medical Coordinator!
In this role she will coordinate care for Haiti Awake children as well as medical training for the staff and associates, thus enabling better community medical care throughout Haiti.
We are thankful to have her on our team!
When I am in Haiti, and we do not have a team, upon returning to the US people often ask me, "Well, what did you do?" Many times it is hard to articulate because we at Haiti Awake seem to stay so busy and the time goes by so quickly. . . and yet, how can I even describe what we did?
I decided to briefly document this trip so that you can have some understanding of what goes on at Haiti Awake "behind the scenes."
Thursday, April 13
Friday, April 14
Saturday, April 15.
Sunday, April 16. Resurrection Sunday.
Monday, April 17
Tuesday, April 18. Happy 2nd birthday, Caleb Steven Derard.
“Sustained commitment, giving that goes beyond the crisis, giving that is not reactionary or emotionally manipulated, requires more. It’s love, not need, that fuels mission. Mission is more. It’s not crisis driven. It’s relationally driven. It’s not a gift but an investment. It goes beyond charity because it’s Kingdom work.”
Meet the newest member of our volunteer team – our new Child Sponsorship Coordinator, Hannah Telman.
Hannah was born and raised in Wesel, Germany, from where her family was involved in mission work across the world. Hannah grew up delivering relief goods to Eastern Europe, translating for mission teams, cleaning many toilets at the mission center, and being involved in youth ministry.
Through these rich experiences, Hannah's heart was stirred for survivors of abuse and neglect. After moving to the States for college, Hannah received her Master's degree in Counselor Education and became a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor.
Hannah is married to Chris and is a stay-at-home mom to two wonderful young boys. Although busy with family, her passion to help others has not subsided, so she is partnering with Haiti Awake, hoping to help make a difference in the lives of 13 children whose lives are precious and destined for so much more than they could ever imagine.
Hannah’s vision, her motivation brought this child sponsorship program into existence. We are excited to have her as part of our team. Please contact Hannah directly with questions you have about the child sponsorship program. Her e-mail is hannah@haitiawake.org.
And there is still much to be done.
Saturday will mark 5 months since Hurricane Matthew took direct aim at the southern peninsula of Haiti and caused incredible harm to people's lives and livelihoods.
We at Haiti Awake are so thankful for the many people who have supported our Hurricane Recovery efforts. We wanted to share a few photos of work that took place last week in Les Cayes.
Our team distributed more water filters provided by the amazing 5th graders of Wilmington Christian Academy, and they continued rebuilding in the Gelee area of Les Cayes.
The following is a guest post by Paige Carroll who traveled to Haiti with The Bridge team in August of 2016. She and her husband, Jacob, are monthly supporters of Haiti Awake, and they are leading their own team back to Haiti in June of this year.
This past summer, I traveled to Haiti with Haiti Awake. During the first few days of my 10 day experience, I quickly picked up on something different about Haiti than what I was used to in the US. In Haiti, relationships matter. In the Haitian culture people genuinely care about one another. Haitians take the time to learn about what’s going on in the lives of those around them. Whether they know it or not, they are living by the motto of “Love your brother as yourself.” People on the streets stop to help a brother in need: they take care of each other; they build relationships and value those relationships.
“Relationships Matter”
Haiti Awake is no different from the culture of Haiti. The staff of Haiti Awake believes that relationships matter. They take the time to know and care for their neighbors. They build relationships with others, leading by example that iron sharpens iron. The Haiti Awake staff builds heartfelt relationships with the children in the Children’s Home; spending time, money and energy learning about what makes these kids happy, what gets them motivated, what helps them learn, not because it is part of their job, but because they have that desire to build a trusting relationship.
Once I returned home, I was eager to do whatever I could to continue impacting those relationships I formed in Haiti, as well as what I could do to ensure that relationships continued to grow across that country. Haiti Awake taught me that it is important to invest all that I have into something if I want to see it succeed. I want to see Haiti Awake succeed. I want to see the Gospel known in Haiti. I believe that through the power of Jesus Christ, Haiti Awake is going to do great things throughout the entire country of Haiti - from Tabarre to Cite Soleil to Tabarre to Les Cayes, to those places God has yet to call them to.
This is why I invest my time, my money, my energy, (my Target clearance shopping trips!), my heart, in Haiti Awake.
“I believe in Haiti Awake.
”
This is why I support Haiti Awake monthly. I know that my support goes 100% to Haiti to meet these needs, that otherwise could be forsaken without my support.
People were created to be in relationship with one another.
Would you consider forming a relationship with Haiti Awake, and being a part of the work they are doing to bring Relationships, Gospel and Hope to the nation of Haiti?
This morning while Kelly Shannon and I were talking, Andy and Daniel Vestal walked into the lobby of The Bridge. As we exchanged greetings and introductions, I was struck by the fact that Andy and Daniel were part of one of our first Haiti Awake teams, and Kelly will be leading the next team in less than two weeks.
I tried to explain to Kelly how desperate the children were when Andy and Daniel met them, and I tried to explain to Andy and Daniel just how radically different the children's lives are today.
But there really aren't enough words to explain the transformation.
So I thought I would share a few pictures with everyone - so that we can rejoice together in what God has done in just two short years.
The photos on the left, top to bottom:
We all prayed, and then we prayed again. And together we agreed that God had a plan for the children's lives.
“But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.”
I've heard this question over and over since returning from Haiti last week. It makes my heart happy to know so many of you care about the children and that you've been praying for them during this time of transition in their lives.
Some of you have mentioned that in seeing recent photos, you see a new joy on their faces. You are right! There is a happiness in them that I've never seen in the nearly four years we've known each other. Their eyes sparkle now! I hope this means that they finally feel free, loved, secure, safe...
So . . . How are the kids? I think this anecdote says it all.
Normally on the night before I leave, the children are sad, and some are quite emotional. In the past, no matter how hard I've tried to keep things positive and upbeat, different children were crying, and some even ran away and hid, refusing to even say "goodbye."
However, when we parted on the evening of January 30, no one seemed sad. No one was crying. No one was clinging to me. No one ran away from me. Instead, several confirmed with me that we'd see each other (if God wills) in March, and there were smiles. Big smiles.
We at Haiti Awake are praising God for His goodness, His kindness, His grace, His faithfulness. Please pray with us about the children's future. Many have parents in the area. We've had several different parent meetings so far, and we're praying that God will heal and restore broken relationships. In March, it is our hope to start home visits with consenting parents, and we're eager to see the Gospel transform lives.
Please pray with us!
Steeve and I returned to Doko last week. We met some wonderful people and continued building relationships with people we had met on our first trip. We are hopeful that the Lord will open doors of opportunity in the future.
From our first meeting on July 17, 2013 . . .
To the way God providentially led in 2014 . . .
To the big changes in 2015 and 2016 . . .
Until today . . .
God has been faithful and true in the lives of the precious children we have come to love with the deepest parts of our hearts. It is with gratefulness to Him that make this announcement.
Sunday evening, the "director" of Home for Orphans exited the property for the last time with his family. He will not be returning. We have prayed for this day for nearly a year, and in His perfect timing, God made it so. The children are now solely under the care of Haiti Awake, and we will no longer refer to their home as an "orphanage." Instead, it is the Children's Home.
We are in the process of establishing a routine for the children and furnishing their home adequately . . . things we were unable to do with our limited influence in the past. Please pray for the children to feel safe, loved, and valued during this transition. Pray for us at Haiti Awake to have much wisdom and discernment as we take on this new, enormous responsibility.
First morning in our care . . .
Rise and shine. It's time to brush your teeth.
Yesterday in honor of MLK Day, we asked the children "What is your dream?" With God's help, it is our desire to help them achieve their dreams, their goals. Won't you be part of what God is doing in their lives?
“This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
What an amazing year God once again gave us at Haiti Awake. Here are a few of the highlights.
In January, God sent Hattie Pridgen to work with us. What an amazing lady she is. She worked harder than any of the rest of us each day . . .and was still looking for more that could be done. How we enjoyed having her in Haiti!
February brought sadness as one of our staff members lost his godfather through tragic circumstances. But we all came together to support and encourage him during his time of grief.
March and April allowed us the opportunity to host two separate spring break teams - one for Amplified Youth with Pastor Rusty Smith and one with a group from Wilmington Christian Academy.
June brought teams to Haiti Awake, as well as a new baby to Steeve and Manoucheka's home - Lorie. One of the teams was from Mission Made Jewelry. We are thankful for our partnership with Mission Made Jewelry.
In late July, The Bridge Church sent its first team to partner with Haiti Awake. What a blessing! We're looking forward to more teams from The Bridge in 2017.
Steeve began his second year at STEP, and Becky was able to spend a long weekend in Haiti in September, specifically focused on the children and their future.
October was difficult, but we saw God use Hurricane Matthew to expand our ministry . . .and open doors for 2017.
We had the privilege of hosting another team from Mission Made Jewelry in early November, and Rick and Becky also were able to go down in late November to visit the work in Les Cayes.
And, the highlight of December has been Steeve and Polo's US visit. So thankful for the opportunities God is giving them.
We look forward to 2017 with great anticipation as we praise God for all that He has done in 2016. Glwa pou Bondye.
