So, how are the kids?

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!

Please continue to pray for Doko

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.

It's Day One of the Rest of Your Life

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.”

— Psalm 118:23

2016 in Review

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.

It's the Boss Man's Birthday

Happy Birthday, Sweet Handy.  You are a living, breathing example of James 2:5.  We love you.

“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?”

— James 2:5

Bruce Gethro

From Hudson:

"Bruce Gethro is a young man with three young children.  He is a car washer, and his wife used to sell used clothes ("pepe") at the market.  Their house was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.  They almost lost everything."

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Could you help this man and his family rebuild their home?   Your year-end donation to Haiti Awake can help Bruce Gethro and people like him who are still looking to recover their lives post-Hurricane Matthew.

Checks can be mailed to Haiti Awake, 4630 Mockingbird Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409.  To designate a gift specifically for hurricane relief, please note this in the memo line.

On-line donations can be made through the Paypal button at the bottom of this page.

All donations to Haiti Awake are tax-deductible because Haiti Awake is a 501c3 organization.

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Orestal Beauvoit

As I stood surveying the community we were in one week ago today, the remnants of one house caught my eye over and over.  Though most houses were at least partially standing, having lost their roofs, there was one dwelling that had completely collapsed . . . with a still-intact roof on top of the rubble.  It was almost ironic.

One Tuesday morning, Orestal Beauvoit came to me.  He explained to me that he is an old man, that he is sick, and that he has no way to rebuild his home.  He asked for my help.

And I offered him the same help I offered everyone else we talked to in Les Cayes last week.  I promised to tell his story and share his picture.

Orestal Beauvoit also has a physical ailment which he asked me to look at.  I explained to him that I am not a doctor, I am not a nurse, but he seemed to take comfort in me just looking at the problem... a problem he has had for almost 6 years.   I shared the photo I took of his issue with a number of people who are medically knowledgeable.  They all agreed - he needs to see a physician.   

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Could you help this man rebuild his home and see a doctor?   Your year-end donation to Haiti Awake can help Orestal and people like him who are still looking to recover their lives post-Hurricane Matthew.

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Checks can be mailed to Haiti Awake, 4630 Mockingbird Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409.  To designate a gift specifically for hurricane relief, please note this in the memo line.

On-line donations can be made through the Paypal button at the bottom of this page.

All donations to Haiti Awake are tax-deductible because Haiti Awake is a 501c3 organization.

Antoine Honneur

One of the many houses in Les Cayes needing repair. One of the many families still suffering post-Hurricane Matthew

From Hudson:

Becky and I agree.  A picture couldn't describe how this house is built.  That's why we have taken a video to try to explain the trick this grandpa did, so that he can sleep at night.

He is a farmer, and his wife sells what he grows.  Their garden was destroyed by the hurricane.  It sounds difficult for them now.

Antoine Honneur, like so many in his community, needs help in rebuilding his home post-Hurricane Matthew.   Will you partner with Haiti Awake and give a financial gift to help repair his home?

Checks can be sent to Haiti Awake, 4630 Mockingbird Lane, Wilmington, NC 29409.  Paypal payments can be made through the button on the bottom of this page.  All donations to Haiti Awake are tax-deductible.  Please consider Haiti Awake in your year-end giving.

Grace Upon Grace

 The following is Hudson's report of the most recent work in Les Cayes.

We were back in Les Cayes, especially in "Gelee". This time God has made a path direction to Jack Charlie's house and his family.

Jack Charlie (far right) and a few members of his family.

We feel so much enthusiasm by how God uses our heart, our hands to make it work. Even everyday is a blessing day.

This family feels further blessed, and we got to feel the same way as them because God has touched our hearts and make us do the right thing.

They are so thankful, so happy, and they want to keep us in their prayers... We feel the same way too.

All our acknowledgment to God, Haiti Awake, and you all that've made this work possible.

Do not forget that God loves us.

Editor's Note:  We will continue the work in Les Cayes as long as funds are available.  Please consider Haiti Awake in your year-end giving.

“Keep your doubt away and hold onto faith, my friend. Because every day His grace doesn’t stop to fall on us, to fortify our lives, and make us feel we were made to love and be loved by Him (GOD). Believe, and be sincere in your acts. A heart that gives must always be happy and so for the heart that receives. ”

— Louis Hudson

Dredging Up Compassion for the Suffering and Desperate

The following is a guest post from our friend, Lisa Moore.

I'm sitting in a big comfy desk chair staring at my oversized computer screen.  Looking back at me is Haitian woman and her child whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.  My home consists of carpet, tastefully painted walls, and a solid roof to keep us protected.  Her home is no longer a home, but a thrown together shanty made of broken sheets of iron.

I look at the rubble and trash and rocky ground around her home, and I just can't understand as my home is surrounded by a pristine carpet of St. Augustine grass.  I see her shoeless feet standing on the concrete slab, and I think of my recently painted purple toe nails.  But then I notice in the picture her one year old son standing in the makeshift doorway of her dwelling.  He's naked.  And I think, "Where is his diaper?"  My western mind hasn't connected that a shoeless, nearly homeless woman would not be able to buy diapers.  Wow. 

I continue to stare at her but honestly, I struggle to have compassion for her.  I continue staring at the computer screen waiting for compassion to erupt from some deep place in my heart.  But it doesn't.  I wait, and still, nothing.  It' difficult for me to dredge up empathy for this poor woman because I cannot relate to her situation. I cannot comprehend her desperation.  I have shoes, a home, and children that are dressed head to toe.

I continue to read about this desperate mother, Moline, and her family.  She has three children.  She sells fish at the nearby beach.  Her husband is a fisherman.   And then I read a sentence that does produce a reaction in my heart:

“ We could not help her and her family...”

 And I am cut to the heart.  Because, you see, while my heart may struggle with compassion and empathy to relate to a woman I will never know, God's Holy Spirit lives in me.  God knows this shoeless woman that I will never know.  He sees her ramshackle dwelling and her diaperless child.  He hears the hidden wailings of her heart that I will never hear.  He cares for Moline oh so much. 

And God sees me.  God knows that I have the means to help this woman.  He knows that I have some extra room in my budget and I've been waiting on Him to know what to do with it.  And God knows that when He speaks, I will listen.  Although I often resist and question, I will eventually obey.  Jesus, after all, is my example.  God hears the silent prayer of my heart, my surrender, “Not my will, O God, but yours be done.”

My heart is moved to action and these extra funds in my budget will now be sent every month to Haiti Awake, a ministry on the ground in Haiti that helps real families like Moline and her diaperless child.  I know that my US dollars - the amount my family of four would spend to eat out just once - will make a sizeable difference for families in Haiti. 

And even though I still may not understand or comprehend their plight, I will make a difference.  I will touch Haiti - not with my hands and feet - but with my heart.  God's heart. 

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What about you?  Is God speaking to your heart to be a monthly supporter of Haiti Awake?   They need monthly support they can depend on, which allows them to plan, to grow, and to follow where the Lord is leading.  Whether you can share $10, $25, $50 or more, God will use it to care for the Molines and families like hers in Haiti.  Please prayerfully consider giving to this ministry.

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  Lisa Moore has been married to Brian for over 20 years. A nuclear engineer by training, she homeschooled her two children, including her son that has autism.  Through her transparency, Lisa encourages struggling women by giving them the gift of “Me, too. ” Lisa loves Pride and Prejudice, Chapstick, and taking long afternoon naps with her stuffed bunny rabbit, Jessie.  Connect with her at CelebratingWeakness.com.

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This is the Gospel

The following is the weekly report from Steeve Derard, Ground Director for Haiti Awake.

The effects of Hurricane Mathew on the south of Haiti (Les Cayes and Jeremie) will not be repaired in a very short period of time. It will take a long time - maybe years - for those people to get back to a normal life.

But God has not forsaken his children.

Thank you for all who have contributed to help in rebuilding several houses and a church in Les Cayes which had been destroyed by the hurricane.

Pastor Delpeche is one of the pastors in Les Cayes who called me to thank Haiti Awake for helping them, and he was telling me how people in the community were so happy .

Describing Haiti Awake's work in Les Cayes: 

“This is the Gospel.”

— Pastor Joseph Jeneve Delpeche, Mission Eglise Baptiste Sud d'Haiti

Lespwa Fè Viv (Hope Makes Life) - Part 5

This week's final installment from Hudson re: the work in Les Cayes.

Jack Charlie who is a very strong man, spiritually and physically, who helped us every day from the morning to the night and didn't expected to receive anything from us.  His family -  Yvena Cadet and their 5 children -  are also in need.

But through all their pains they don't stop to believe, to preach and hope that God always has a plan for their life.

We could have more samples stories from that community, the people that are living in that community have the same issues.  We noticed a lot of repetition seeing what they have been through.

But they are not desperate because they know someone who is awesome, powerful, amazing - a God that will never stop taking care of them.

They're are so thankful, and they ask us to pray for them, like they will always hold us in their prayers, too.

Thanks to God, to Haiti Awake, Fre Jack, and everyone who has made that trip possible by helping with prayers, love, and finances.  We are thankful that God always give us His hands for the broken-hearted, the ones that are far beyond our reach.

“But they are not desperate because they know someone who is awesome, powerful, amazing - a God that will never stop taking care of them.”

— Louis Hudson, describing the people he met in Les Cayes

Lespwa Fè Viv - Hope Makes Life (Part 4)

More in our week-long series regarding the work in Les Cayes as seen through the eyes of our co-worker, Louis Hudson.

This is Moline Salomon.   She sells fish nearby the beach.   She has 3 children, and her husband is a fisherman. This family has the same issues as so many others because of Hurricane Matthew.

Their life was not easy, but now it is even more complicated than before because Matthew destroyed the whole house.  A mango tree fell on it, and they collected just some broken iron sheets just to make a dwelling.

We could not help her and her family due to a lack of time on this trip.  Maybe we can help them in the future.

More tomorrow . . . 

Lespwa Fè Viv - Hope Makes Life (Part 3)

More in our week-long series regarding the work in Les Cayes as seen through the eyes of our co-worker, Louis Hudson.

Moise Marieta. A few words cannot tell all her story, but by the privilege we had to talk with her.

We know that she is a mother of seven children, and Hurricane Matthew destroyed her house. She used to sell food (Manje Kwit), but the life she is actually living now is to stay nearby the beach and wait until someone gives her some fish to sell . . .  if only they had a good day fishing.  This is most difficult.

When we got to where she was supposed to live, we saw the place.  We can't call this place a house any longer.  Some of her neighbors told us that since the hurricane all that she does is to live nearby the beach.

We could not help her this trip.  There are so many people, so many needs . . .   Time and funds are limited.

More from Hudson tomorrow . . . 

Lespwa Fè Viv (Hope Makes Life) - Part 2

Yesterday, Hudson began to tell you about the work in Les Cayes.  Today he continues . . .

Let me introduce you to some of our fellowship here as we worked. 

At MEBSH,  Pastor and his wife were happy to welcome us in their house during these 4 days.

And we met different families at the church that are in need because of the hurricane.   Even though we couldn't help all of them, there were a few we have decided to visit.  Let me introduce you.

This is Guety Salomon.   She has six children, but she is living with two of them.   She used to be a vendor but right after the hurricane, she had to leave her home with her daughters, because she have lost almost everything.

But God always has a plan.

Look at what we were able to do thanks to your donations!  Thank you!

Tomorrow I want to introduce you to Moise Marieta.

Lespwa Fè Viv (Hope Makes Life)

An image can tell more than a thousand words.

““As a photographer, I am bringing you more than one image and multiple words and making them a great story...””

— Louis Hudson

Life's companions are HOPE and FAITH in God. God is amazing everyday. He takes our prayers and gives us grace. We are so thankful for everything He has never stopped to provide in our lives, no matter what the circumstances.

We are in Haiti, at "Les Cayes," a place where the people have never stopped to be strong, to have faith, to struggle with life's obstacles, even after what Hurricane Matthew did to our beautiful countryside. According to the people who are living here, this place in Les Cayes is named "Gelee" where we are visiting and helping people who are in need. Gelee is a nice place where tourists would ever like to visit because of its natural, humid and fresh air nearby the beach.

Yes! You see "beach"? that's what I mean, a place to swim, to have fun and also to admire the marvelous sunset.

It's also a place where parents use their knowledge in fishing to earn their daily bread, to educate their children and maybe save some money for tomorrow. We also have farmers, vendors... different people who are using the natural resources to survive and try to gain a life.

Now they are facing a very bad situation where they can't even sleep without to have to think and fear about rain because most houses were touched and broken by the hurricane. Some people have lost almost everything, pets, house, garden... but God preserves their life.

They are still optimistic and do believe that there will always be a way that God will use to take care of his children and God does so.

This is Part 1 of a 5 part series we will share this week.    More tomorrow...

#haiti #haitiawake#glwapoubondye #thegospel #hurricanematthew  #prayforhaiti

Where My Heart Is...

Today this is where my heart is.  This is where my mind is.  

I don't know the names of the people in this photo.  I don't even know their stories.  But I know them.

They live near Chambellan, across the Grand'Anse River.  They live in a small community Steeve and I visited just over a month ago, 4 days after Hurricane Matthew took their trees, their gardens, their livestock...

And there is no Gospel witness in their community.  Let that sink in for a moment.  No church.  No Christians.  No hope of the Gospel.

Steeve and I are planning to go back to visit them in January, to start building Gospel-centered relationships.  Please pray with us that God will clearly show us the next step, and that He will prepare hearts and minds for what is ahead.

Although Haiti Awake is still doing hurricane relief work in Les Cayes, our main attention for hurricane relief work after the first of the year will most likely be focused in this area.

“Relationships. Gospel. Hope.”

— Haiti Awake

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?  Romans 10:14

The Heart of True "Ministry"

This summer my wife and I were able to travel to Haiti to join our partner organization, Haiti Awake, in the incredible ministry they are doing in one of the most intriguing countries in the world. There were so many unforgettable moments that were crystalized in my mind, but one unique moment sticks out above the rest.

One afternoon while we were in Haiti, I was invited by Steeve—a local Haitian seminary student who works with Haiti Awake—to join him for some ministry in the neighborhood. I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant by “ministry," but I told him I’d love to join him since I’m always up for a new experience. I’ve been a pastor for years, so I was sure this wasn’t going to be anything new for me.

I was wrong. What unfolded was pure ministry bliss. Part of Steeve’s regular “ministry” in his neighborhood includes walking to various homes and praying with those who are sick or in need. So, for the next couple of hours, we walked and entered homes to spend time with people who are in need. We sat. We listened. We shared Scripture. We laughed. We cried. We hugged. And we talked about the goodness of God and how he cares for us as his dear children.

One of the families we spent considerable time was this couple. Though facing a trial in life, they were the happiest people I’ve ever met. Though walking through significant pain and hardships, they were confident that God was working all things for their good.

I’ll never forget that day. It was beautiful. It was amazing. It was a day I experienced the kingdom of God and learned more about the heart of true “ministry.”

- Ethan Welch

Note:  Fre Jack, pictured above with his wife and Pastor Ethan, has been a vital part of our hurricane relief efforts.  We are thankful for his hard work and the way God has allowed us to work together with him to bring healing and hope to our brothers and sisters on the southern peninsula of Haiti.

Another way to give to Haiti Awake

The generosity shown by gifts of time and money to Haiti Awake is truly amazing and continues to grow.

We have shared various ways of giving that cost you nothing extra (for example, shopping through with Amazon Smile when shopping on Amazon).

One of the things that we wish we could do is accept all of the physical items that are offered. Some of these items are valuable and would be useful, but the cost of shipping and customs is prohibitively high.

Given this problem, I wanted to give a short explanation of eBay community charitable selling. This allows you to sell these items on eBay and contribute the proceeds to Haiti Awake.

It is very simple. When you list your item one of the very last options is a little check box that says "Donate a portion to charity."

Check this box and then under "Donation Percentage" choose 100% of proceeds (when you sell for a charity eBay will credit the listing fees back to you).

The last line is "Donate to." Click that drop down menu and choose "Search for Charity." Type "Haiti Awake," and Haiti Awake will pop up.

You are all set! The proceeds will be sent to the Paypal Giving Fund, you will receipt a gift receipt, and 100% of those funds will be sent to Haiti Awake.

For more detailed information you can go to http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/selling-nonprofit.html

- Rick

A new staff member

We at Haiti Awake are extremely happy to announce the addition of a new staff member, Manoucheka Derard Pierre.  Manoucheka has been helping Haiti Awake since day one because she's Steeve's wife, but now she officially has her own position as the Health Care Manager for Haiti Awake.  

Manoucheka will be responsible for overseeing both the staff and children's healthcare, as well as coordinating healthcare outreach in the future.

Congratulations, Manoucheka!