“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?
My personal dream is to see Haiti Awake have a space dedicated to the library and its components, including a computer lab. I dream of having a yard equipped with appropriate chairs and tables where readers can accommodate to read and have small group discussion (not loudly) around a subject. A place open to the public (people from the community or from other communities). People that have affection for books, especially English ones. - Vorb Charles
I am currently reading a book called Visions of Vocation by Steven Garber. In it, Garber says, “Why do we care? Because we see ourselves in relationship, ‘obligated by the very fact of our existence.’ And now knowing what we know, we are responsible, for love’s sake, for the people and places that are ours - if we have eyes that see.”
Sponsors, thank you again for joining us to raise a new generation for God’s kingdom in this beautiful community. We have no doubt about which people and which place God has called us to serve, and this clarity of vision allows us to invest our time, our resources - and yes, even our hearts - in Tabarre.
Six years ago today.
Six years passed in the blink of an eye.
Six years ago today we took the first step toward a purposeful relationship with the children of Kay Timoun. Six years ago today we moved them into a house close to Steeve’s house.
Little did we know six years ago today what God would do. We didn't have much money (the kids had one sponsor total!), we didn't have big plans (we were simply taking the next step), but our God who is faithful and true knew it all.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20
Since Haiti Awake was founded, we’ve often quoted Proverbs 16:9 in order to remind ourselves that God is ultimately in control.
We can make our plans, but the Lord directs our steps.
Perhaps no year has this verse been more relevant than 2020.
In January we started the year with such optimism and so many plans. Jake Flaming and Michelle Carr came to Haiti for a few days to work on projects for 2020. They were also in attendance on the first Sunday of Eglise Évangélique de la Grace de Caradeux.
February was monumental for us because we helped the first child ever in our community with school fees. By year’s end, our community child sponsorship had grown to the point that we were able to help all children in the program with school-related fees for the 2020-2021 school year.
Then came March. And we all know what happened in March.
But prior to a great portion of the world going into quarantine, we had the most blessed weekend with our friends, the Finks. God knew how much our hearts needed encouragement from them before heading into a very uncertain season.
In April, we began to focus a great deal of our time and attention on creating a homeschool program. In Haiti, though school was suspended because of Covid-19, there was no plan for remote learning. So we created our own curriculum, and it was fun and fulfilling.
In May, God brought a series of events together in a way that can only be credited to Him, and we knew we were to intentionally begin investing in the life of a young woman named Kerwin. At the time, Kerwin’s health was very poor, and her situation seemed hopeless, but today, by God’s grace, we have seen her come back to life in so many ways. We are so thankful to be part of her story.
June was a month of continued opportunities for outreach - including an outreach at a women’s prison. Our friend, Brian Sanders, had encouraged us to focus on others during quarantine, and his perspective, his questions, his advice opened new avenues for ministry that are continuing. We are so thankful for the influence he has had in our lives this year.
In early July, the country of Haiti reopened its borders, which had been closed since mid-March. We felt like we were beginning to see some light and hope for better days ahead. One of the forward-planning things we did was take photos of all the children individually and collectively so we could send out new child sponsorship cards to all of the wonderful people who support Kay Timoun month after month.
August was a blessed month indeed. Life in Haiti began to return to normal, and we were able to host our first ever dental clinic for the children of Kay Timoun, our staff, and the children in our community. This was so exciting to everyone!
Becky was able to return to Haiti in September. Being away for 6 months was the longest absence she had ever had from Haiti since Haiti Awake was founded.
In October, we hosted our first Mission Made Live Facebook event since MMJ became part of Haiti Awake in July. The on-line event was incredibly successful. We are thankful for our team of volunteers here in the US who makes events like this possible.
November brought the homecoming of our friend Jocelyne Andre who was severely injured in an horrific accident in September. Many regular givers gave above and beyond to make sure Jocelyne and her family were cared for, and it has been our honor to help the family during this difficult time.
December was full of exciting events, but nothing compared to our opportunity to bless those in our community through Christmas for our Community, an annual event where Haiti Awake gives to vulnerable members of our community - a goat, rice, beans, and oil. What a joy it is to be part of this program year after year.
We look back on 2020 with utter amazement at the way God provided through every challenge, every difficulty. Our Community Child Sponsorship grew. Our opportunities for outreach expanded. Our own children and staff matured in many areas.
As we look toward 2021, we have chosen the following verse to guide us:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Wesly
I celebrate that my mother was able to come home from the hospital.
Lorvens
I celebrate the opportunity to be registered at school again this year, and I celebrate the fun we had with Sè Becky as we played games.
Vorb
I celebrate the fact that God provided so that we could go to visit the boys’ prison providing some stuff they really needed and the fact that God has allowed the Finks to finish their adoption.
Cesnel
I celebrate God’s protection, and the fact that Haiti Awake makes a free English class for the community.
Idelmy
I celebrate that I am attending a new school and advancing to the next grade.
Yvenson
I celebrate that no one in my family is sick.
Fanor
I celebrate that God has given me and people I care about good health.
Migerlson
I celebrate I am growing in grace and intelligence.
Stanley
I celebrate that I passed my entrance exam at my new school, I had a fun week with Sè Becky playing games.
Pastor Steeve
I celebrate the good week we had with Sè Becky. I celebrate that the Fink family came to pick up their girls, and now their family is all together.
Hudson
I celebrate the surprise of our friend Becky coming back to visit because we didn’t think she’d come to see us again until 2021.
Big I celebrate that my friend Becky can come twice since Haiti is open again. It’s a blessing and a grace for us.
Dieussait
I celebrate health because I was sick but thanks to God I"m good now.
Makendy
I celebrate that I have so much joy this week playing games, and I had a good year in school. I took my official exams, and though I am waiting for my results, I believe I will be successful in that.
Davensky
I celebrate that God has allowed me and Handy to go back to school, and we are safe.
Handy
I celebrate that Sè Becky came to see us safely, and God allowed us to come here to church every Sunday to praise him
Antonide
I celebrate the fact that God keep us healthy .
Widecherline
I celebrate God's protection, and the fact that He has allowed our activities to start again this month.
Photo credit - Louis Hudson
"It is not the dead who praise the Lord, nor any of those descending into the silence of death. But we will praise the Lord, both now and forever." Psalms 115: 17-18
January 12, 2010.
10 years since a terrible earthquake had shaken our dear Haiti and affected all the Haitian people.
10 years where we can not forget good friends, siblings or someone we knew and neighbors we have lost on that day.
But 10 years also where God has never stopped pouring abundantly His blessing on the life of the Haitian people despite it all.
We bless the name of our Lord.
He is faithful yesterday, today and forever.
I truly believe, that God has used this difficult moment for our good.
Not all houses have been repaired yet, neither the National Palace, the Haitian cathedral, some schools, some hospitals. But I can testify how God used this earthquake as a tool to call several members of my family and my friends to God's family. Now it is amazing to see how they are growing in the Lord.
"We know that God works all things together for our good." Romans 8:28
God is our hope, when there seems to be no hope.
He is our light in the darkest moments.
He is faithful and good.
VBS has ended but many lives have been touched and many more will be touched. At CBF children heard about Jesus and learned about another country where other boys and girls are also learning about Jesus. Adults at CBF learned about Haiti Awake and in turn opened their hearts and donated. The theme was The Incredible Race: One Family, One Race, One Savior.
The story is finished at CBF. But it will continue with our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Only God knows how many more lives will be touched through the fun of raising pennies for Haiti Awake and dumping Jungle Sludge.
- Anne Atkinson
When I got to Doko, I met strong people who are struggling with life so that they can bring bread to their family every day. Occupations include cultivators, farmers, vendors, and fishermen. They can’t provide all the necessaries things to get all of the kids in school on time, but they are making all of their best to make them go to school even at the age of 13 years old. -Hudson
But one of the most beautiful, soul-sanctifying things God ever does for us is to bless our lives through those we’ve come to bless, to expose the pride and superiority that makes us think we’re in perceived control of them, and to realize that God is the one who’s truly in control of all of us. Sure, people learn and grow from what we do, but we learn and grow as well by being in their company.
— Joey Lankford
