Give Thanks

“Give Thanks” is a song written by Henry Smith that we chose last summer during VBS ( Vacation Bible School), as our theme song. We had the kids learning it and singing it everyday to remind them to always be grateful to God. About 2 weeks ago, while I was at home I heard a kid from our community who is also part of our program singing the song. I was a bit surprised because I was not expecting to hear the song about 2 months after VBS. But here he was singing it with a loud voice. This filled me with joy, as it showed me the seeds we are planting in those children will bear fruit. 

“ And now let the weak say I am strong

Let the poor say I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us” 

-Give Thanks-

If we are looking at the backstory of the song “Give Thanks”, we will notice it comes from a place of hardship. “ Let the weak say I am strong (...) ”. While we were reminding the kids to always keep a grateful heart, it was a moment for Haiti Awake staff, to meditate on the goodness of God in every circumstance. If we are still standing strong despite the current state of our country, instability and uncertainty, it is because of God’s grace. 

We can say the best reward for what we are doing is seeing those children growing in Christ, knowing him more, and even getting brighter.  This Saturday, while I was preparing myself to go teaching English at CCS Caradeux, I heard some gunfire that did not seem to be close to our neighborhood, but still scared me a bit. I was hesitant to leave. However, I decided to go when things seemed to calm down a bit. When I arrived, I was teaching the younger kids an English song about telling their name.They seemed to be very excited, even a little girl who usually is shy and does not participate much was very happy to sing along. 

Matchaelle, an usually shy girl was the most excited to learn this Saturday

Those moments are fulfilling and fill me with hope. Seeing the growth of those kids, through all those hardships, sacrifices and difficulties, all I can do is think about the song “Give Thanks”, and be thankful to God for everything. I give him thanks for Haiti Awake thriving through it all, for the staff coming to work despite the instability of the country, for the sponsors supporting us, and for the seeds growing though each of those children. 

New school year, new challenges, and much joy.

New school year, new challenges, and much joy.

What a joy it is to begin my final year at STEP! I am so grateful to see that I have entered the final stretch of this marathon. I know it will be very challenging, just as it is for athletes who have already run most of the course, but I am praying that God will grant us a peaceful year and allow us the opportunity to meet face-to-face on campus.

I do not have enough words to thank Haiti Awake for the opportunity and the sacrifice it has made on my behalf, offering me a portion of its productive time so that I can attend classes and study. This gift of some hours each week, along with its resources, has been invaluable to me.

I also want to thank my friend Becky, who encouraged me to take the first step to begin this journey at such a critical time. Finally, I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me thus far, and to those who will continue to do so in the future.

All this is for the glory of our Savior. May I be a well-prepared Haitian evangelical Christian, equipped to make disciples of Christ so that my community may be transformed for the glory of God.

A message from Pastor Steeve

A message from Pastor Steeve:

For the past two Saturdays, a group of children came to one of the Haiti Awake centers and asked me how they could join our English class.

When I asked them how they knew we have an English class, one of them replied: “Because we saw some of our friends speaking English, and we want to speak English, too.”

I explained to them that the process is slow right now, but I will reach out to them when we can get more children in the program.

I can tell they left feeling sad, but with hope that one day they will be accepted to our program.

A big thank you to our sponsors for continuing to support Haiti Awake. If you know someone who wants to invest in expanding a child's world, please e-mail Kynda at sponsorship@haitiawake.org or visit haitiawake.org. We would love to welcome these children into our program, but first they need a sponsor.

I am deeply grateful

January 21 marked the beginning of the spring 2025 semester, a significant milestone in my third year at STEP. While this journey is incredibly rewarding, it has also presented numerous challenges. The ongoing instability in Haiti has necessitated online classes at times, disrupting the normal rhythm of the Seminary's schedule.

Last year was particularly difficult, with many students facing immense difficulties and some, unfortunately, being forced to withdraw from their studies. I pray that this semester will be marked by peace and stability, allowing us to return to in-person classes on campus. I long for a semester filled with meaningful learning, fellowship with my peers, and the opportunity to deepen my understanding of God's Word.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue my education while serving as an employee of Haiti Awake. This organization aligns perfectly with my passion, as its mission focuses on empowering Haitian Christian leaders to effectively minister within their communities. I pray for continued blessings upon our partners and every individual who contributes to this vital work.

- Vorb Charles, Assistant Ground Director

May I please tell you about that piece of art?

"May I please tell you about that piece of art?" I asked a lady who was browsing the Mission Made Jewelry table.

Before she could say anything, I continued. "My friend, Vladimir, made that. Isn't it lovely?"

The lady stopped and looked at me.

"Well, thank you. I was afraid you were about to tell me about poor people. I'm not interested in a pity story. Now I'm listening. Tell me more."

So for the next 20 minutes, we talked about the beauty of Haitian products as she browsed the table, choosing 10 different items - including this one - as Christmas gifts for family and friends.

She took Vladimir's cards, one for each gift, because she wants her friends and family to know who made their gift.

"I'm glad I stopped by," she said as she walked away.

Ma'am, I'm glad, too. Thanks for letting you tell you about all of the good things to be found in Haiti. Thanks for focusing on that part of the narrative. 🇭🇹❤️

Thank you!

We, at Église de Dieu en Christ de la Nouvelle Alliance, want to thank each one of you who responded to God’s call to help us realize the VBS for our children this year. At the beginning of the year, we could never have imagined facing a situation that led to the loss of our building and the dispersion of almost all the members of our church, as they lost their homes. Many have lost their source of income, and others are still waiting for government compensation for their destroyed houses.

The VBS provided an opportunity to rekindle hope and bring a little joy amidst the sorrow and loss. With your donations, we were able to organize many activities for the children of the church and the community, as well as provide them with meals. We continue to pray as we plan activities to keep our church members, especially the children, active in their faith.

May God be with each of you. Thank you!

Wesly Valcourt

Because we have not been able to host teams for five years, we have many staff members at Haiti Awake that most of our American friends do not know. Wesly Valcourt is one of them.

Wesly has been working part time for Haiti Awake for six months, but he is someone we have known for many years.

According to Executive Director, Becky Graves, “I was incredibly happy when we were able to offer Wesly a part-time position with Haiti Awake this year. He is a great example to the children. I have no doubt he will continue to develop his leadership skills over time. Wesly is someone I believe will, in time, make himself indispensable to the organization.”

Wesly spends time helping the children with their homework and reviews lessons with them to help them study. He plays games and builds puzzles with the children as well. Additionally, every Saturday Wesly Valcourt teaches English classes for the students.

Wesly’s favorite thing about his work is being able to share his experiences with the children. He hopes his story will help keep the kids motivated and passionate about their education.

He says, “In Haiti, the biggest present your parents can give you is stable education. So I hope they have interest to study.”

We appreciate all the ways Wesly Valcourt contributes to the Ministry!

Frè Jacques

We’re taking time to introduce some staff members our American friends might not know, as of yet. One of them is Frè Jacques.

We welcomed Frè Jacques on staff in 2016. He worked with us from 2016-2018 and rejoined our staff in June of 2023. He also worked for Haiti Awake as a contractor after Hurricane Matthew and the earthquake fo 2021. Haiti Awake is so grateful for his return and all the contributions he has made in the past year.

Currently, Frè Jacques tutors our students and helps them with their homework and studying, as well as helping in the classroom. As a contractor after natural disasters, Frè Jacques helped build homes and repair other structures for people in Haiti. His hard work has been invaluable to our relief efforts in years past.

Frè Jacques is married to Sè Cilotte, and they are very active members of EEGC. Frè Jacques serves on the church executive committee.

Frè Jacques in very gifted in construction. This has given him many heartwarming stories to share.

“One thing that touched me after the earthquake in 2021,” he shared. “I went with the Haiti Awake staff to the south of Haiti, and we visited a blind and crippled man. His house had fallen down while he was inside. Thanks to God he got out safe and well. The staff assisted him and rebuilt his house. In 2016 after Hurricane Mathew., we went to the south of Haiti (Cayes) where we met a family that lost their roof of their home to the wind, and they didn't have anywhere to go during the rain. They were soaked and that was touching deeply touching. We stepped in. We helped this family. I was so happy to participate in rebuilding this house with the support of Haiti Awake.”

Frè Jacques ability in construction has made such a positive impact on the lives of many people in Haiti. His love for others shows through the work he does for Haiti Awake.

We are thankful for his current role with Community Child Sponsorship and the impact he is making in young lives for God’s glory.

Good news from Haiti!

Some positive updates from our friends in Haiti!

We have recently had more children return to Port au Prince and re-enter our community. We have also been able to resume many of our normal activities, such as English lessons, music classes, and sports. Another piece of good news is shipments from MFI are able to be made and received again, so packages are able to be brought to the children’s home and into the community.

While times are still uncertain, and there is still immense suffering happening in Haiti, small victories and little bits of progress remind us that there is always hope.

Continue to pray for Haiti.

Great news!

Great news!

Hello everyone,

Last week, I provided you with an update on the situation in Haiti, talking about how bad things were and different challenges we were facing.

I know that many of you have been praying for us, and I want to express my gratitude for your support and prayers.

Thanks to your prayers and by God’s grace, there have been significant improvements in the situation, especially in our community. Our children and the children from the community can now return to school after three weeks of staying home, churches have started gathering together again and we are able to circulate normally in our community because the roads are unblocked.

We are also incredibly grateful that our community center is once again open to welcome children from the community, especially those from the Community Child Sponsorship program.

Let's continue to trust in the Lord and remain hopeful for even brighter days ahead!

Blessings!

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Friends, the political situation in Haiti remains complex, with ongoing challenges and tensions persisting day after day.

As you know, President Jovenel Moise was assassinated on July 7, 2021, at his residence in Port-au-Prince. Today we still have a de facto prime minister who insists on remaining in power at all costs. This creates a serious problem for the country as a whole.

Additionally, gang activities continue to pose a significant problem, impacting the safety and the well-being of people in my community.

As a result, schools have been forced to close for about three weeks, not knowing when our kids will be able to get back again. Our children have to stay home without being able to go out. It’s like we are all in prison.

Public transportation has been paralyzed due to some serious roadblocks, violence, panic, and fear. Even our program at Haiti Awake had to cease operations for a time.

Friends, the challenges are enormous, but despite these challenges, for the last three days, by God’s grace, our programs at Haiti Awake have restarted to provide hope and support to the children in the community. We are incredibly thankful that the community center at Haiti Awake remains open to welcome the kids and let them know that they have a friend in us and that they are loved.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Blessings!

Buried in the likeness of His death. Raised to newness of life.

It’s Thursday. I’ve been trying since Sunday to find the words to share the events that transpired in these photos. But I have come to the conclusion, words are inadequate. They will never be enough.

Sunday those of us who live outside of CERMICOL had the privilege of being part of a holy moment inside those prison walls. I’ve often expressed that, in Haiti, I sense the presence of God in a way I have never experienced Him here in the US. Sunday was perhaps the most sacred moment to which I have ever had the privilege to be in proximity.

This morning my thoughts are on the following verses, verses I have known for many years, verses that became so real to me on Sunday.

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5

"Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit." I Corinthians 12:13

Buried in the likeness of His death. Raised to newness of life.

Glwa pou Bondye.

Happy Birthday, Haiti Awake!

October 19 was a special day for Haiti Awake in two ways.

First, it was a special day because it was our anniversary and second, we had the privilege to meet with some of the parents and allow them to experience even for a couple of hours the life of their children at the center.

They were so proud and happy when they could see their children practicing English. The parents also learned a few words with Vorb. It was so awesome when we could see the happiness on the parents' and the children's faces while they played different kinds of games together.

One of the best parts also was when the children taught their parents how easy it is to turn on a computer, and they showed off how they shut it down.

It was an excellent day when the staff, the children, and the parents could work together to have the best experience.

Happy Birthday, Haiti Awake!

The Depth of the Riches

In just 5 short months, Idelmy, Antonide, Cesnel, and Lorvens will transition out of our care and into their next phase of life. We look forward to this day with hopeful anticipation, acknowledging the challenges they will face but fully trusting that God has a perfect plan for each of their lives.

When we first met in July of 2013, we could never have anticipated the journey we would walk together, the way God would orchestrate events.

As we approach June 30, 2022, we ask that you pray very specifically for each of the children. Cesnel has a firm plan in place that includes where he will live and where he will be employed after he leaves. Lorvens, Antonide, and Idelmy are in various stages of making their plans, and by March they understand that they should have their plans in place. If you sponsor one of these children and want to know specifics of where they are in planning, contact our child sponsorship coordinator, Kynda Colson, at sponsorship@haitiawake.org

Saturday’s meeting to discuss the future

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”

— Romans 11:33

5 Things on a Thursday

It’s hard to believe it’s been an entire month since I wrote that last update, so I wanted to give a quick summary of what’s going on at Haiti Awake right now.

• Back to school is in full swing. Some of the children have gone back already. Some will return in October. As we plan toward the transition out of care for the older children at Kay Timoun, their educational plans have changed and include vocational training and night school for several of them. Sponsors, Kynda Colson, our child sponsorship coordinator, has sent out updates to keep you informed.

• Kynda Colson is doing a great job as child sponsorship coordinator. She has been a blessing to me personally, and I encourage all sponsors to reach out to her with your questions and comments. She will do a much better job than I will do in answering questions, as child sponsorship is her focus. She has helped all of us at Haiti Awake become better organized and productive, and for that we are so grateful. Her email is sponsorship@haitiawake.org

• Rebuilding continues in Camp Perrin post-earthquake. Vorb and I are hopeful to be in Camp Perrin in October and be able to give a first-hand report of how work is progressing. We are thankful for community participation in the construction efforts and for the faithful supervision of Frè Jacques, our trusted friend.

• We are one step closer to our dream of having a computer lab at the community center. Through partnership with Aprann.org, ten laptops have been secured, and we are now gathering other needed items like software licenses and accessories, as we make plans for classes to begin in 2022.

• Next week Pastor Steeve and I will be in Missouri for training with a Gospel-focused ministry called Concilium. We will be learn basic security principles, hostage survival, and first aid, and be trained in how to respond in a variety of situations, including active shooter, through extended immersion experiences. We are thankful for this opportunity, and Pastor Steeve is looking forward to taking the things he will learn in Missouri back to Haiti to teach others. The lack of security in Haiti has created a desperate situation, and we want to be proactive in stewarding our opportunities well.

It is hard to describe the difficulties facing our Haitian friends day-by-day. Fuel shortages, kidnappings, gang violence, inflation, dwindling resources, the assassination, the earthquake…

There are days I don’t even know how to pray for our friends, but the events of recent years have given me a deeper understanding of what true Hope is - and how to rest in it. This is my constant prayer for Haitian believers - that they will rest in Hope despite all of the uncertainty around them.

Hebrews 6:18-19 says: “It is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”

The hope that lies before us. Amen.

A CCS Update

Hi Friends!

We couldn’t wait to give you another CCS update! You may already know most of our regular activities, but we would like for you to see some adjustments.

1- Sports day every Wednesday

Right now, Sports Day on Wednesday has become a  rendezvous for all of the children in CCS,  Big has started helping each week along with other staff members.  He truly loves the children..

What we are doing on Wednesday, it’s more than just doing sports. Every Wednesday, a theme is chosen for the sport day, such as: Patience- Love- Kindness- Wisdom- etc… and we always pray together.

2- Bible study 

Every Thursday,  some of those children continue to join our Bible study to learn the Word of God, even though it is not an obligation for them. We praise God for that.

3- English class 

English class is every Saturday. We can see how the children continue to learn and improve their English.  Sponsors, one day, we hope your child will be able to communicate with you in English!

3- Children’s church department 

Every Sunday, about 20 children come to children’s church.  Most of them are from CCS.

4 - Medical assistance 

Beside all of these activities, we were able to provide medical assistance to some of our children who needed a physician’s attention.

5- Big event

On the Haitian Flag Day, May 18, Haiti Awake  took all of the CCS children to a restaurant  for ice cream.   Going to a restaurant nor having ice cream is a regular thing for the CCS children.  In fact,  I believe most of those children experience this  for the first time in their entire lives.

Thank you, Sponsors, for your contribution to that event. 

6- School assistance:

We continue to assist some of the children with their school tuition, as well.

7- Thankfulness.

Sponsors, we want to express our gratitude by saying, thank you

Thank you for the change you are making in the lives of our children.

Thank you for helping our children to thrive, not to just survive.

Thank you for your faithful support.