Merry Christmas!

     Merry Christmas from the Ingrams! 2010 has been an amazing year for us, filled with God’s blessings and many adventures. We have been challenged by God to step out of our comfort zones in several areas and have been blessed beyond measure. Jim had the privilege of serving on 4 mission trips this year, 3 of which he personally lead: two trips to Panama and two trips to Haiti for construction and medical missions. Sam turned 13 over the summer and went with Jim on his first mission trip to Panama as a medical helper. He had a great time and looks forward to returning this summer. I was also able to accompany Jim on a trip to Haiti in October with other members of our church. It was the most difficult yet most rewarding experience I have ever had, an experience that will forever change my life.

     Our boys continue to grow and mature, especially our Sam who at 13 years towers over us at 5’8” tall. He does well in school and resembles his father in personality and appearance (except for the tall part, and lots of hair!). Jake and I have taken up the adventure of homeschooling this year, as he was looking for a greater challenge. Now I spend all my free time trying to be smarter than a 5^th grader! Having school at home is fun, we start late, finish early, and even study in the tree fort when the weather is nice!

     We are looking forward to what God has in store for us in 2011, planning several return trips overseas. Spending time in a different context with a different culture has me contemplating why so many image-bearers of God suffer while I am over-induldged. At this time of year however, I am reminded that the imager-bearer of God, Jesus Christ himself, was born as a humble baby and suffered as a man for me to be my way of salvation. There are many hard issues in life that I cannot understand, the love and grace of God being the ultimate. Take time to try and wrap your mind around the miracle of Christmas, you will be so blessed!

     Much love from our home to yours, Jim, Laura, Sam and Jake

On Faith Panelists Blog: What we tell our kids about Santa - Mark Driscoll

I still remember the disappointment and confusion figuring out the truth about Santa.  Back when GI Joe was a real man, not the little pint sized GI Joe, I'm talking the 12" GI Joe big enough to save the day.  Big enough to save Barbie from any danger, whether man, monster, or mystery, GI Joe was there to save the day.  He already had the amphibious assault vehicle conveniently sized for Barbie to ride beside him after her rescue, but he still needed a tank.  His masking tape armor wasn't enough to protect him when he fought the clothes basket monster, he needed the GI Joe tank.  Jimmy prayed Santa would bring it, he wrote the North Pole, and he also wondered was it true?  Could it really be true, I mean come on - flying reindeer and stuff?  All the cartoons, stories, and malls testified to his veracity, but was it true?

Well, snooping around the house and actually finding the GI Joe tank in the closet increased my doubts but maybe, just maybe Santa was true and this was only an extra gift from my dear mother.  Lying awake Christmas eve, trying in vain to sleep, afraid the legend was true but hoping I wouldn't miss out for being awake, I tried to feign sleep and figure out the truth, hoping to trick Santa if he was real into leaving me presents, while confirming once and for all the situation.  Looking for a sign, any sign, I could have sworn I heard something on the roof - could it be?  I could have sworn I saw a warm red glow outside the window.  What to do, what to do?  Do I run out bravely to see Santa and Rudolph and finally know the truth, never again to see his presents, or do I pray for instant sleep and hide under the covers?  Greedy chicken that I was, I chose the latter.

Waking up at the break of dawn I tip toed into the living room to see what was under the tree.  Had Santa been there?  Did he know I was awake?  Did he give me presents anyway?  Was GI Joe going to be able to save the day?  Well, the tank was there and all was not lost, but the joy was tainted by the guilt of discovering one of my mother's few secrets.  Discovering the joy she had in Saint Nick bringing me the things I dreamed about and knowing I had taken something from her.

Well, as any good kid would do, I forgot about all that and woke her up with squeals of joy that Santa had been there and I got my beloved GI Joe tank!  I wanted to show her how Joe was going to save Barbie from the evil Blob and the other forces of darkness.  Seeing her smile made it all right again and showed me where Santa really lived.

Christians - Do we reject, receive, or redeem Santa? What do you tell your kids or grand kids about Santa? An interesting article for this Christmas season.  Hope you enjoy it!

On Faith Panelists Blog: What we tell our kids about Santa - Mark Driscoll

Enjoy,

Jim

New Years Bible Reading Resolutions

As we head into the Holiday Season I am reminded of one year end ritual I always have - feeling guilty about not  completing my goal of reading through the Bible in a year.  If you're like me, you start well but get stalled.  Something comes up, you get off a day or two, lose your place, the Bible collects dust on the table or in the car, and you get discouraged.  Over the years I have tried many different things - Guilt, no Bible - no breakfast, Guilt,  enrolling in online college courses, Guilt, Small group leading, making online Bible sites my home page, and many others.

What I've learned is, there are a few keys to success -  First of all, there may be some dude who spent three hours each morning reading his Bible Scrolls and Praying before work, but I don't know him.  We all have to give ourselves a little Grace and room for error.  If you fall off the horse - get back up and start again!  Second, just because that dude said you have to have your Bible study in the morning, doesn't mean you have to!  Find a time when it works best for you.  We all have different schedules and preferences for morning or night.  Figure it out for you and make it happen!

Reading in a language I don't understand just doesn't work for me.  I wasn't born in the middle ages, so I don't read the authorized King James anything.  If you can't understand all the Thees and Thous, check out The ESV or NLT translations, you'll find they are much easier to read and understand than even the NIV many of us were raised with.  If you can't understand the language, you're wasting your time, get a good translation.  

Bible Reading also needs to be convenient.  One of the best ways I have found is to have a Bible with me at all times.  I used to be too shy to carry my huge NIV study Bible around, now I can carry the NIV, ESV, and numerous other versions around on my iPhone with YouVersion.  Now whenever I have a free moment I can get into the Word.

Bible Reading should also be systematic.  Random opening and reading can get you in real trouble.  YouVersion has also allowed me to track my reading progress on a specific read through the Bible in a year plan.  That way, I haven't skipped any of those parts of scripture I might have in the past.  

Lastly, Bible Reading should be for the right motivation.  You shouldn't do it because me or your pastor said so, you should do it because you know and Love Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.  You should read because you are fascinated that the God of the universe chose to come as a baby, live a perfect life, and die on a cross for your sins.

If you're considering reading through the Bible this year, check out these sites to find a good plan.  Better yet, download You Version, carry the Word with you wherever you go and get to know your Savior.

- Jim

Bible Reading Plans

All About God  – All about Bible reading plans.

Bible Gateway.org - Comprehensive plan, Biographical plan, Key passages in 61 days, and Chronological Plan

Discipleship Journal – 5 minutes a day, Book at a time, and 4 books at a time complete Bible plan

ESV Bible Plans - Read through the ESV with one of ten different plans

You Version – Online Bible and Smart Phone Bible with electronic reading plans!  This has >20 plans to choose from – whole Bible, partial Bible, and Topical plans.

Bible Software

ESword -  Free Bible Study software

"The World" system and the scriptures

God vs. Satan - which one rules your world?

The Bible talks often about "The World" system and how Satan uses it to trap us into sinning.  The scriptures talk about Satan prowling around like a lion, looking for someone to destroy.  We are told to be "in the World, but not of the World,"  that "the love of money is the root of all evil," we are to be "Salt and Light," and that "we cannot serve two masters,"  but we all struggle understanding this concept of "the World" versus "the Kingdom of God."  I mean, what does that all really mean?  It is so metaphorical, so rooted in first century Jewish culture that we don't really understand what they are talking about do we?  Satan is called "the god of this world,"  and we are told that "if anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him."

First of all, have we ever heard this truth?  If not, have we read it ourselves?  If you've read any of the New Testament, you've read teachings warning about the dangers of this world, but do we really take it seriously?  This concept of this evil world system on one hand feels right as we all know things are not right in this world, that things should be different, they should be different than they are.  But do we really live like we take this seriously in our day to day lives?  How much time have we spent considering whether our entertainment, job pursuits, wants and goals are "of this world" or are "of God?"  How much of our lives and the things we spend  our time, money, and effort on are determined by an evil world system?

Returning from a mission trip is always a disorienting time of reflection.  We naturally reconsider how we spend every moment of time in our lives.  The need is so great in so many areas of the world to hear the Gospel, to relieve hunger, pain, suffering, to cure disease, and to show God's love that we struggle with finding  important so many mundane things in our "regular" lives.  Part of this is the realization, after spending time in another culture, that much of our society is centered around the meaningless selfish pursuit of pleasure, things, and pride.  Recognizing how we are caught up in these things leads to confusion and sadness.  Sadness that so much of life is wasted on meaningless pursuits that glorify Satan and distance us from God, and confusion about how we could more authentically live as a true disciple of Jesus.

If you're reading this and wondering if this world system is really so evil, check out this link and see how marketers deliberately entice us through "the seven deadly sins": How To Use the “Seven Deadly Sins” to Turn Visitors into Customers - Smashing Magazine  After reading this, see if you feel sick realizing how you have been manipulated by your own sinful broken desires away from God rather than towards God by marketing and this world we live in.  Spend some time reflecting with me on how we can avoid getting entangled by our own evil desires.  I don't have the answers, but I do have the questions and sleepless nights.


Jim

Potluck Sunday 6:30 PM SonLight Community Church

We're having a good old fashioned potluck at SonLight Community Church this Sunday at 6:30 PM to share pictures, videos, and stories about our experiences in Haiti!  Come share food, fellowship, and faith as we tell what God is doing in Haiti through the Damou Christian Mission and what he has done in our lives through this mission trip.  Hear stories filled with danger, drama, intrigue, sickness, sacrifice, worship, and even a Hurricane!  You will not be disappointed!

See you Sunday!,

 Haiti Team

Thank You!

Dear Friends and Family,

We would like to express a very heartfelt thanks to you upon our return from our recent mission trip to Damou Christian Mission in Haiti. Because of your great generosity, our team of 17 was able to deliver enough formula and funds to supply the Damou feeding program for approximately 6 weeks! You literally saved the lives of countless starving babies who would have no hope without your sacrificial gift. The 9 ladies on our team were able to attend the distribution of formula and personally deliver your gift to needy mothers.

The 8 men on our team completed a construction project for a beautiful lady named Nadean. She has been living in a very small home with 20 family members who evacuated from Port au Prince after the earthquake. She now has a sturdy home of her own, built with a strong foundation of love.

Our trip was marked by many highs and lows, too many to recount in a short letter. Our time in Haiti was extended by Hurricane Tomas, which was forecasted to hit Haiti on the day of our flight home. With a cancelled flight and many of our team sick at the end of the week, our faith was tested and we were tempted to define our trip with illness and bad weather. But God in His unfailing love sustained us through our struggles and blessed us beyond measure during our extra 3 days at Damou. We were able to help Tina and her family prepare for the coming storm, and we were able to help people in the tent city reconstruct their homes after the wind and rain. God used us as His hands and feet to show His love to hurting people, and we were so blessed!

Looking back on this trip, there are so many great stories we could tell. If you did not follow us on facebook during the trip, please check out www.drjimingram.blogspot.com for some amazing insights to our week. The most beautiful memory of all is how we were stretched out of our comfort zones into a place where we were sustained by God alone. We grew closer to God during the difficult times in a way that would not be reproducible in our everyday lives. Some of those times were very hard, but we consider it pure joy to face those trials, as the testing of our faith has developed perseverance. We look forward to the next opportunity to minister to God’s beautiful people in Haiti.

Merci, Thank You, God Bless!


Jim and Laura Ingram

Finally Home!!!

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 10th. We have been home now for a little over 24hrs. It was a long journey home. I had an emotional reunion with my boys and shed a lot of tears. I was not quit sure how I was going to handle my official first day home. I had woke up to my coffee and quite time with the Lord. I just sat in His presence and reflected all that I had just experienced. I am very thankful for all that had happened in the course of our 10 day journey. I was very thankful for all the prayers and support that was poured out from family and friends near and far. I am still trying to digest all that had happened to us. Im very thankful to be home and in the comfort of my surroundings, but I can't help thinking of the part of me that was left in Haiti. I will never forget the individuals that I meet, the kids I loved on, the projects we completed, and the relationships that were planted. I am forever changed and completely humbled by my experience in Haiti. If asked to do it all over again, I would say yes.

I will never be able to fully explain my emotions and experiences on the trip. But I can tell you that God had meet every need and had stretched me in some many ways. I am forever changed and gloriously ruined.
In Christ we serve...
Haddi

Coming Home!

We're awake and starting the journey! See everyone soon!

Love,

Jim and the team

A Day in the Tent City after the Storm

Today we ventured again to the Tent City, the first day was a quick tour, but this was a down and dirty all day work fest. We got there before lunch and found there were many tents were flattened. We found that the government bussed many people out before the storm to safe locations only to find upon return that many of their possessions had been stolen.

We got to work on the first tent - a tent lived in by a woman with out a husband or other relatives to help her. She said the police had been in and had taken most of her belongings after she evacuated, hoping she and others would not return.

Well, there was water and mud everywhere. The first order of business was to pull her remaining possessions carefully out to dry ground. Carefully, because it all looked like trash to us, but it was all she owned in this world. It was impossible to know what was valuable to her or trash, so we treated it all as treasure. We then spread the tent out and set it up as best we could. The first one was a little rough, but we quickly got a plan.

Not too long after we got started we were joined by the UN and an organization called IOM. That's when all the commotion started. We had been following Charlotte's direction, picking the tents of the widows and single women, and not working on those that had able bodied men who could set them up themselves. Many of the IOM staff and the UN were very helpful, but the big Boss wanted us to go in the order that they had in mind. Unfortunately, they also planned to move some families from one tent to another, to consolidate tents and decrease the number up. In the spirit of Martin Luther King, we just kept doing what we were doing, smiling and playing nice. While they walked around debating things, we got 7 tents up and a couple of others repaired to the two tents the UN and IOM guys got up.

There were a couple of themes - muck, yuck, mice and trash, battles for control of the work, hungry people politely asking for help, and many desperate people fighting and jockeying for the best help possible from the help available. We were thrilled to be of help, but discouraged by the lack of internal organization and apathy that some of the men exhibited. Discouraged that God's sons and daughters have to live this way. Why do people need to live in mud, mice cities, and fire ant colonies? The tents were sturdy and even cooler with the flaps up than in direct sunlight, but with four families in each 20 x 30 tent may mean 24 people or more in a tent.

In the midst of this our team was joking, singing hymns, encouraging people, and just showing God's love as best as possible while stomping mice, stepping over and through sewage, and working their butts off.

One of our new friends said we shouldn't be there at dark. The gangs are too dangerous. As the afternoon wore on we would see fights over rope, priority, and attention from people desperate for relief. The potential for real danger seemed to dance around, but we rejoiced that our God is indeed greater and kept it at bay. We piled 14 people into the Nissan SUV, bodies piled on one another, sharing stink and sweat, and pain. Several of us couldn't feel a limb by the time we got home and pilled out at the main road and walked the rest of the way.

We left with mixed feelings. Pride in a good day of benevolent work, frustration that we couldn't do more, sadness that people have to suffer so much, and gratefulness that God in his sovereignty chose that we would live where we do. It is only God's good grace that is responsible for our good fortune. Let us not waste it and let people continue to suffer. This can be helped if we all do our part a little at a time.

We Love You all and Thank You for your continued prayer and support! To God be the Glory!

Jim

Saturday bonus day

Woke up with a smile on my face that God gave me another day to help the Haitians in the tent city. We're planning on helping with clean up and setting up the tents that have blown down.

Also smiling that the Euchre score between Ingrams and Farnsworths is now 2 - 1 Ingrams after a decisive two in a row partner's best hands for the win. Pray for them as God molds them in their loss.

Jim

Keeping Busy on a Rainy Day

When it rains, it pours! We had buckets of rain falling from the sky last night as we slept, and it has gradually slacked off throughout the day today. We have kept busy playing with kids, napping, singing our favorite Christian music, and cleaning like crazy. Some of the guys organized the tool closet and have been doing general maintenance and some much-needed plumbing repairs. We now have a light in the girls' bathroom! Then there's Deb VanGordon on a cleaning mission--that woman has a one-track mind and it's all about cleaning and organizing. She took on the insurmountable task of cleaning the laundry room today, she is simply amazing! I think Tina wants her to move in with her!

Maria is now sitting in the kitchen while the Haitian ladies braid her hair in tons of tiny braids--we'll be sure to take pictures of that!

I must say the highlight of the day for Jim and I was when we beat Jake and Haddi at euchre. It was a long-awaited victory that has eluded us for years! They claim it doesn't count since we are out of the country.

Lunch was perfect today--chicken noodle soup and homemade yeast rolls. It was just the right meal to soothe our aching bellies. Everyone is much better today--thanks for your prayers!

Today I've started reflecting on what I will tell people about my experience in Haiti when I return home. It will be so hard to put into words what this trip has meant for me, but I will do my best. Words can never do justice to what we have all seen and to the beautiful people we have met. I suppose the best response to "What was it like?" will be "Come see for yourself!". I hope all of you are inspired to come see Haiti for yourselves after you hear our stories.

Can't wait to see you all soon!
Laura

Weather the storm, whatever it means!

Well, as one could expect, God takes care of his children once again! The hurricane has taken an almost calculated path through open water just to our west in Jacmel. We prayed, our friends and family back in the U.S. prayed, and God answered. Yesterday was quite a test of faith for all of us, including our friends and family. Almost all of us were sick yesterday as we heard the news of our cancelled flights and the hurricane was tracking head on for us. Through all of this we found that those at home seemed much more worried than we all were. This is where we have found how strong is our faith. We all had peace about it and many commented that they were more worried about their family at home, but especially those stranded here in the tent cities. We have to remind ourselves that we really do not know what true suffering is compared to these unfortunate people. These are God's children and we need care for them as God does, we need to be broken-hearted as God is. Hopefully during our extended stay here God will use us even more to help these people, maybe meant to be. So weather the storm is what we shall do, and love our God in the midst of. Praise and Glory to him.

Terry

He Opened My Eyes to the Work of His Hands

Mid summer I received a song video from a friend. It was Hillsong's "Oceans Will Part" From the minute I heard the song I knew God had sent it to me. The song became my daily pray request to God as preperation for the trip. These are the words of the song: "If my heart has grown cold,there Your love will unfold: As you open my eyes to the work of Your hand. When I'm blind to my way, there Your Spirit will pray; as you open my eyes to the work of Your Hand. Present suffering may pass, Lord, Your mercy will last; As you open my eyes to the work of Your hand. And my heart will find praise, I'll delight in Your way, as You open my eyes to the work of Your hand. Chorus: Oceans will part; nations come at the whisper of Your call. Hope will rise; glory shown. In my life, Your will be done.

I had no idea how God was going to open my eyes. How He planned to break my heart as His heart is broken. Each one of the team have had a defining moment - each different and on a different day, in a different place, where we truely felt the broken spirit that God wanted us to know and understand. My bone rattling, cut to the core, moment was Monday. All the ladies went to the school to see your wonderful donation of formula passed out. I was very excited to see God's hand at work bringing hope to many with out hope.

Chuck advised us to ask if we could photograph them first. We understood and respected this. Some had arrived at 7 AM waiting 2 hours. You could see small groups gathered around the yard talking, laughing, sharing conversation. My eyes floated over the group and back again. My heart was smiling because I knew babies were going to have food for another week. As I surveyed the area again, my eyes stopped at a very thin mom dressed in white, holding a small baby wrapped in a white blanket. She was all alone leaning against the building. We made eyes contact, as I proceeded to walk toward her. I ask if I could "photo" pointing to the camera. Her head shake said, no. I smiled, said thank you and started to walk away. Another Haitian lady must have been watching, she spoke words of Creole to the mom. What ever she said, changed the mother's mind and she nodded, yes. This little girl that lay in her mother's arms was so emaciated, skin over a very frail form. The mother lifted her dress, the belly of this black baby was white with scabbies, ribs visible, arms and legs the size of a pencel. I took several shots, thanked the mom and started to walk away. Words of Creole were spoken as mom placed her hand on my arm. I thanked her again, turned and went to walk away. The Haitian lady that had been there began to speak to me, jesture to her breasts and point to the mom. I finally understood what they were saying. Mom needed milk. I shook my head no and said, "I don't have." They didn't understand my words but my head shake was clear. The Haitian lady knelt down and put her fingers around the mother's leg. Yes, her fingers encircled the mother's leg. Mom's hand reached out to me again, with desperate eyes looking straight through me, I felt she thought if she let me take "photo" she would get formula.

I did not have the athority to hand out formula to them. There is a very structured procedure that gives Tina ways to track who can and can't receive the milk. As they arrive they are given a number and served in that order. Any change to that procedure would create total chaos. I just wanted to run, I wanted out of that space. I heard the voice of our Lord say open your eyes see the work of My hand. But all I could feel at the moment was a 2 ton rock in the pit of my stomach. This mom thought if she allowed me to take her "photo" I would give her formula. I was in a state I deep saddness. The feelings of defiling this women filled me, I had robbed her hope for a "photo". My heart was broken in a way I had never experienced before. Tears filled my eyes and I had to get out of there. Sweet Laura saw my dispare and warapped her arms around me, as I tried to tell her what I had just done to this women. Laura ran up the steps to the office where the formula was handed out to see what would happen to this mother and if she would get formula that day.

The answer was yes, she would but not till all the regulars had been taken care of. That eased the pain some but I continued to feel I had robbed her of hope. She moved right beside me knelt down holding her baby. Out of the corner of my eye I would see her look up at me. I had to move.

My joy was restored when Cork came back. I was scanning his images on his camera, there was mom and baby in the office. Baby was being weighed, measured and a record started. Mom received her formula. God knew I needed this conformation. Cork had no idea what he had photographed, we were in different groups, he didn't know the story till I collected my sobs long enough to share the story with him.

Thank you God for gloriously breaking my heart.
Marie Quick

Bathrooms, Cyclones, and good friends

Well, we've had a good old case of Traveler's diarrhea, pretty much the whole team. First Haddi, then me, now almost everyone else. It's never a good thing when your rumbling stomach awakens you at night. I had to get out of bed around 2:30 and was then in and out of the bathroom the rest of the night. I'll let you imagine the details, but it wasn't pretty.

I was touched by several good friends and my lovely wife today as they stopped to pray for me and help nurse me back to health. I'm not used to being in that position of vulnerability, but I think God was doing something good through it. After the Gi stuff came significant fatigue, fever, and muscle aches and pains. I'm now feeling a lot better but weak and blessed to have such a caring wife and friends.

Tomorrow we hope to feel well enough to go into Jacmel and the tent city and help out any way we can. We're praying these people who have suffered so much already will be taken care of.

Blessings,

Jim

Pray Without Ceasing

We ask for your prayers today as Satan is trying his best to discourage us. Several of our team members, including its leader, have become sick. We are managing well with our medicines that we brought and the illness seems to be short-lived. This trip has been so amazing and Spirit-filled, Satan wants us to define our experience with illness and bad weather, but we are not letting him. We are praying without ceasing this morning and would love for you to join us. The men who are well have gone to finish the job at the worksite, and the ladies are nursing each other back to health. We want you to know that we are well in spite of setbacks and we are in good spirits as God is sustaining us with His mighty hand. God's presence is so great here at Tina's house, we are in good hands!

Love to all,
Laura

Charlotte the Lioness

We went to see my friend Charlotte in the Tent City today. In April she had been organizing the camp to govern itself, but now I guess the governement has taken over and there has been some unrest.

We walked around and had kids holding our hands, climbing us, and some asking for money. Some were happy and healthy, others were malnourished as their hair was turning reddish - yellow and a few had no clothes. Charlotte told us there has been some anxiety about the upcoming presidential election and she may be trying to leave for a while until it settles down.

We then went into town and saw her shop, where she sells beautiful arts and crafts. We walked her neighborhood and came across a commotion. There was a group of people yelling in the courtyard of a house. We stopped and Charlotte ran into the middle and broke it up. A young man came out and we found out he was being disciplined in a way no kid should be, for picking fruit off of a tree to eat. Charlotte, who yesterday was scared and discouraged, showed her colors today. She is a real lioness, and the best thing going in the tent city. Please pray for her salvation and her safety.

On the way home, the skies have become overcast a little. The men are planning how to batten down the hatches and hunker down for the storm. Our spirits are good. God is good.

Jim

God Tests the Team

We've been able to follow online the weather pattern, they call Tomas, that could be a Hurricane, a Tropical Storm, a Tropical Depression, or maybe even a rain shower on Friday. We are supposed to leave very early Friday morning to get into Port Au Prince early enough to brave rush hour traffic and get to the airport early for security. Needless to say, if a Hurricane is coming, we don't want to be anywhere close to the airport or Port Au Prince at the time. We reviewed our options: 1) Run around scared like chickens with our heads cut off 2)Try to leave early before the work is done here and leave the house and orphans without help they may need 3)or Trust God will provide.

We met as a team and reviewed the options. We talked privately with our spouses and have been praying for wisdom. Fortunately, our team was united in the decision that the wisest thing to do would be to plan on staying until we were sure the storm passsed, even if that meant we weather a Hurricane in Haiti. Where else could God want us to be than with the Orphans and Missionaries during the Hurricane?

We had a fantastic devotion time last night and lifted our voices in song like never before. God was with us last night as we finished singing "How Great is Our God," hands in the air, voices raised, praising our Lord and trusting in his provision. We also sang "Our God" which felt unusually appropriate as we sang "Our God is greater, Our God is Stronger, Our God is Higher than any other......." God is truly greater, stronger, higher than anything this world may bring. He is a good God, who gives good gifts. He has a plan to be glorified through our presence here and I can't wait to see it play out.

Thank You for praying for us during this time. We are now pretty sure we're here for the duration. Looks like we're going to have even more good stories when we go home!

We miss you all and Love you all.

Jim

Trip to Town

Another beautiful day in Haiti--sunny and hot! Men are working hard, the house is coming along great. They are entertained by a fun-loving 12-yr old boy named Jonesie--he raps and dances for them! They are building tight relationships with the Haitian men they work with, which is their highest goal.

The ladies visited school this morning, our kids are back to school after a 2-day vacation. It was fun to see familiar faces amongst the masses of children. They are all so beautiful in their school uniforms and girls in white hair ribbons. Cork and Marie are photographing them, class by class--another long day for them, but they are having so much fun! They took amazing photos of the kids at Tina's house yesterday, can't wait for you all to see the little bundles of joy that we have the privelege of loving on! While at the school, we toured the "kitchen" which is just a room below the school with 3 ladies making food for 1300 people in 3 ginormous pans--amazing! On the way home, Kristi got to drive the stick-shift truck back to Tina's--she can now mark driving in Haiti off of her "bucket list."

Next we took an adventure with Chuck into town to get ice and diesel fuel. Maria met 2 young men who are deaf and she was able to communicate with them in sign language--very cool! Meanwhile, the rest of the ladies played with a young boy who had 2 possession: a plastic bag and a bill of money. He tried to give both of them to us before we left!

Now we are back at the house, getting ready to meet and pray for the school, as they are having some teacher issues--please pray with us!

We are having a great day and hope that you are as well!

Love from the ladies in Haiti!!!!!!

Oatmeal for an Army

This morning I made the hugest pot of oatmeal I have ever seen--we feed a small army here at Tina's house! The men are off to work early, then half of the men will tour Jacmel and the tent cities this afternoon. We ladies are going to paint at the foster house just up the road. We are happy to have a physical job to do today, as yesterday was very emotionally draining as we toured Jacmel with Tina. The tent cities are beyond words and the most difficult thing I have ever had to witness, the most disturbing stories I have ever heard. We ladies are trying to process it together, but it's something we will never totally get over--nor do we want to! We want to have our hearts broken forever for the things that break God's heart. We want to always remeber it and never grow numb to what we saw. We could not wait to get back to Tina's house and love on her kids. Here there is hope and promise of a bright future with God's love. Please pray for Tina and her mission to bring miraculous change to their broken nation.

Last night we had a visit from Pastor Maxi, the pastor of Tina's church. We had just finished our devotions and we were ready for prayer. The timing was perfect, Maxi got on his knees in our circle and we all layed our hands on him and prayed for him. It was a divine moment. Pastor Maxi needs your prayers also as he battles Voo Doo for the souls of his people. Yesterday and today are major Voo Doo holidays and he feels the spiritual warfare especially hard at this time. Maxi is an amazing man of faith, he always smiles and you can see the love of Jesus overflowing from him.

We can't wait to share more stories with you soon!

Love, Laura

Another day building a home

Today we woke up at 6:00 to Biscuits and Gravy cooked by some beautiful ladies. A good start, to another good day. Anderson met us at the home around 7:00 and we started building the foundation - rocks and mortar piece, by piece, by piece - laid by hand with deliberate, careful placement. Anderson in one trench and Greg in another. The rest of us unskilled workers, carried rocks, sand, and concrete - mixing the concrete on the ground and carrying it again in 5 gallon buckets to the trenches.

Needless to say, this is hard work in hot sun. We sweated like never before. What was exciting was to observe the interactions with the Haitians. In the beginning the family was happy to see us and the kids looked at us like an interesting distraction. After a while, the kids began joking around and before long we were able to bribe them into working for candy - rock for jolly ranchers! The really funny thing was what happened when the beautiful ladies showed up after lunch for a visit - those little boys kicked it into high gear when the ladies picked up a few rocks. The weren't about to be outdone by a bunch of American women! We also saw a bunch of tired American men lift the biggest rocks they could find, carry cement faster, and generally strut around. Amazing what a few pretty ladies will do to a crowd!

We heard about the trip into the tent city, sad to hear of what they saw and heard. Encouraged how close the women all are becoming and how well they are able to encourage one another. They all are being seriously disturbed and gloriously broken. Tough stuff, but our God is bigger, our God is higher, and our God can redeem even Haiti!

Thank you for all of your prayers and your electronic encouragement! It is so good to hear you are following the Blog! Please pray that God will be glorified during this trip.

We Love You All!

Jim

A day in Jacmel

I am so thankful that tonight I was able to reach my two boys on the phone. It was so wonderful to hear their voices. After the day I had, all I wanted to do was physically love on my boys. The day started at the school where a ton of women gathered to collect formula. It was a sad sight, but knowing that these women are going to feed their babies put it all in perspective. Then all the women traveled with Miss Tina to the city of Jacmel. I will never fully comprehend what I saw, but I do know that God put me here to experience what I am experiencing. We were able to get out in one of the tent cities and pray with a young woman. Her story was extremely sad, so sad that I can't write about it now. I have not yet fully grasped all what is going on. I know that I am going to have a melt down real soon. I NEED to have a melt down.

We all got the news about the hurricane that is heading our way. So this morning, all the women gathered in our room, prayed and then sung praises to God. We know He is in control of all this and if we are stuck here a few more days, that means all the more to love and serve these wonderful Haitians! Thank you all who are keeping up with these blogs. It is so wonderful knowing we have all the support from family and friends out there! God bless you all
In Christ...
Haddi
"Steadfast and Head-strong!"

Church Service in Jacmel

I have the honor to share how the church service yesterday moved me. I tried to write this last night, but everytime I would type a word, emotion would well up in me and I would begin to cry. I needed some time to process the experience and go over in my heart & mind what I was feeling and what I experienced. I believe God has given me perpective and allowed me time to maybe not understand, but to embrace why I was effected so strongly.
We set off for church after feeding everyone in the house. The children looked beatiful in their Sunday best. The girls all in pretty dresses, the kind little girls like to twirl in and the boys all had matching shorts & shirts with stark white socks with black hard shoes...so handsome. We all piled into the car and when I say pile I mean 8 adults and 10 kids ALL in one vehicle made to hold 8!
We arrived at a beautiful Haitian church called Cyviadier Church or "Tina's church". The service had just started and we made our way down the isle to some saved seats. We sat across from a large group of teenagers that could sing as powerful as the Tabernace Choir! They were so powerful in their worship! There were families there and single mon's & dad's. In the front of the church the children aged 4 to maybe 10 sat alone. No parents with treats if they behaved, no gameboys to keep them busy, no markers & crayons. They sat there during the entire 3 hour-100 dgree temperature service. Now there were a few that had to get up and I can only guess to use the restroom, but they would soon return and take their place back on the hard bench.
Although I could not understand a single word that was being spoken, I've never felt the Holy Spirit so strong in a place. I sat with my eyes wide from the scene taking it all in. Such deep, deep faith coming from the service at times I felt as if I was drowning. I sat and held Daphne while the service took place. We stood everytime the Word was read and swayed when voices were raised. At one point during prayer with heads bowed I was listening to a beautiful woman speak the Word and was so moved by her passion - I knew I should keep my head bowed in respect and reverence, but she was so powerful that I felt my head jerk up to watch her and what I witnessed was so powerful that I write with tears in my eyes again. I watched this woman who probably had nothing according to American standards-her name or story I don't know-but what I do know is that she has the boldest and most fiercest faith I've ever witnessed. I watched stunned as she boldly stormed the gates of heaven with her prayers. I saw a woman who knows her Father in Heaven is in control of her world, His world and she trusted to go to Him with all of the chaos surrounding her in Haiti. She had her fist in the air with her head bowed and was powerfully speaking to God the maker of Heaven and Earth, as if He was before her and wanted to know what was on her heart. I sat weeping watching this woman I am changed by and again don't even know her name. I am changed because I have everything according to American standards. A big house, two cars in the garage, two incomes, health for me and my family and yet this woman taught me about having faith. Having faith in a God that has provided so many blessings, a faith that has been easy. I witnessed a woman with faith in a God that has provided her with a way to heaven through the death of His son on the cross. In the past, as a believer, I have felt my "cup" was full until God placed that woman in my path that showed me there is so much more waiting for me if I would just come to Him and ask to fill my cup. God is waiting for me and for you to storm the gates of heaven to come boldly before the throne to the one that can provide not just blessings...but life to the fullest!!!!

Danette

Ezekiel update

Thank you for your prayers for Ezekiel! He is improving each day, it was amazing to see how much he changed in 24 hours as his body re-hydrated. He is taking enriched formula well by mouth and is able to hold up his head, reach out for people, and is much more active. He is not smiling or interacting with us yet, but no doubt that will come soon. Tina gave him worm medicine yesterday and he will get another scabies treatment today. Thank you for praying--you guys are awesome!

The men are up early today, we filled their bellies with biscuits and gravy, and they are off to the work site.

Church service was beyond words yesterday--check back later for a post from Danette!!

Love from Haiti,
Laura

Helping a new friend

Our Haitian boss this week is a tall, slender, quiet man named Anderson. Anderson was in charge of the crew in April when we worked on the orphanage. He was awaiting us at the home we worked on Saturday. We dug the foundation by hand and stacked big rocks and small boulders along the trenches. At the end of a long hard day we had made a friend.

We learned that Anderson's home was damaged in he quake. He had block, concrete, and sand but needed labor to carry it maybe 50 yards from the road, to the house, then help laying block.

Well, Chuck asked - would you guys want to take Sunday afternoon to help Anderson? Well of course we would! We spent the afternoon carrying sand and water, mixing mortar, and laying block. We had a great time and made a friend for a lifetime. We later learned Anderson has several family members who are professional contractors but haven't been willing to help. We built the front wall and most of the middle and back walls until the material was gone. Yesterday he was shaking his head at the end of the day, today he was hugging us with an ear to ear smile :)!

first moments in Haiti

I first want to say a deep thank you to God for making this possible.
In PAP.
There are no words adequate.
devestation, destruction, hunger, hopelessness.
I'm in shock. no pictures, video or stories can show or prepare a soul for this.
I was not prepared.

Two vans and a large truck haul persons and trunks. travel through narrow streets, sad faces, empty eyes, constant moving, smells penetrating, trash piling, tears flowing.
hunger- homeless- hopeless.
To the Hatians- I'm so sorry. wanting to shout, shake a hand, hug a human.
apologize.
we forgot you.
I will never forget you, cannot ever forget.

In Him-
Kari Gibson

Ezekiel

Seriously disturbed, gloriously ruined--this was the theme for devotions last night, and today I took part in helping a baby which left me seriously disturbed. Ezekiel arrived at Tina's the day before we arrived, very emaciated and malnourished. He is 9 months old and weighs 8.5 lbs, an age at which most of us celebrated great milestones with our own children. Learning to crawl, rolling over like experts, maybe even taking their first steps. Ezekiel is far from those milestones, as he lies listless in your arms, covered in scabies. My beautiful friend Haddi and I gave him a medicated bath this morning to hopefully cure his terrible case of scabies. As we bathed him, he cried with no tears. It was so sad to see him with no clothes, every rib exposed and tiny arms and legs. God met us there at the bathtub as Haddi prayed over him and we sang "Jesus Loves Me", tears streaming down our faces. Tina has amazing faith and sees only hope in his situation. She talks with a smile about how she is anxious to see him recover, grow up in a Christian home, and return to his people to help them out of their desperate situation. She believes in changing Haiti one child at a time, through the love of Jesus.

Thank you to all who donated formula and funds to help babies like Ezekiel to have hope and life.

Seriously disturbed I am, but looking forward to how God is going to gloriously ruin me as I process this trip and return home next week. No doubt my faith will grow and God will show me new ways to love on people in His name both at home and abroad.

Love you all!!!
Laura

The trip onto Haiti was without problem, just very very long. We had to meet at the church at 2:00 AM, but pre- mission jitters had me tossing and turning only from 10:30 - 12:30 AM, and then up to shower etc. From there, a 2+ hour drive to Detroit, 2 flights, a layover, and arrival to PAP around 4:30 PM.

Customs and immigrations went well with the help of a gift of some toy cars to the security guard. PAP was really no different than before - Tents everywhere, people everywhere, and trash all over. All seriously disturbing, though unfortunately becoming familiar.

A hair raising drive through mountains left most of our team wanting to lose our cookies by the side of the road and we finally got in about 8:30 PM or so.

Today the men worked like never before - carrying large rocks and digging the foundation for a home. After the block came, we had to load it in the pick up, drive to the house, and unload it again, five loads in all! Haiti is still Hot and Humid!

Needless to say we are really, really tired already, but feel blessed to have the experience. What a joy to serve the Lord with 15 of our best friends!

Tomorrow we'll go to church, where Jeff will get to lead worship, then we'll go to our contractor's house where we'll help him make repairs.

Please keep praying for us!


Jim

First 24 hrs of the Haiti Damou Christian Mission

Not really sure how to start this blog! So many mixed emotions. Our travels from Detroit to Miami went smooth. Then from Miami to Port Au Prince was smooth as well. We all got through customs easily and amazingly all 34 totes made it through! Our travel then took us on two buses through Port Au Prince, up and over the mountains, and finally ending our destination in Jacmel. Words will never fully explain what we saw, how we felt and what we experienced. The devestation and poverty is unreal. Pictures will never grasp the destruction.

Everyone is staying pretty healthy. The men spent the morning digging a foundation for a home and then loaded blocks to the job site and carried a ton of rocks. They worked extremely hard. It is very, very hot and humid. The women stayed back in the "family home" and loved on the kids, feed them breakfast and played. Some took on the daunting task of cleaning and organinzing the pantry!

We are all looking forward to what the week is going to bring. God is so good and Im thankful to be serving such an awesome God! Keep the prayers coming and thank you all for your support! In Christ..
Haddi Farnsworth

Haiti Trip

We are going to Haiti 10/29 - 11/05/10, leaving tomorrow! We'll be taking ~ 560 cans of baby formula, 17 people, building a home or two, distributing food to elderly shut ins, distributing the formula, encouraging the missionary, orphans, and pastors, and doing anything God calls us to do.

We will be working with Damou Christian Mission in Jacmel. We would love you to pray for us as we travel. Tomorrow we will be arriving in Port Au Prince around 4:30 ET and traveling about 4 hours by van to Jacmel. Please pray that we have safe travel and that all we do will bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thank you to all who have generously given, encouraged us, and prayed for us! God has already done amazing things in providing all of the formula and raising funds for the building project and mych more. God is good!

Love You All!,

Jim

What is poverty?

Blood:Water Mission

Biblical Manhood - Genesis 3 - The Fall

Genesis 3

Monday Night we'll get into perhaps the most important chapter of Genesis - Chapter 3 where everything goes South and we come under the curse of the Fall.  What an amazing thing it would have been to live in the garden of Eden, walking in perfect communion with LORD God, enjoying perfectly rewarding work, and blissful marital intimacy with a wife fashioned solely for you and your help!  Unfortunately it didn't take long for the two of them to mess it all up!   

Review Genesis 1 & 2:

1.       God created man (man & woman) in His image.  As image bearers men and women reflect God’s qualities and are equally worthy.

2.      Man & Woman have shared job of exercising God’s loving dominion over the earth and it’s creatures and are called to make the earth fruitful and to multiply and fill it.

3.      God graciously provided a beautiful garden with “every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food”

4.      God provided pleasing work – to tend and keep the garden

5.      God prohibited only one thing – eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

6.      On day 6, the only thing not good, was for man to be alone

a.      Need for relationship reflects the relational nature of the Trinity

7.      Male and Female roles are different.

a.      Men are given unique authority and responsibility as manifested by

                                                              i.      Created order – Adam made first

                                                           ii.      Adam named all of the animals

                                                         iii.      Woman was made from Man

                                                          iv.      Adam named the woman  

b.      Woman’s role was helper

8.     Men and Women are called to leave their parents and become one.

a.      Marriage involves shameless committed marital intimacy!

Genesis 3

Gen 3:1-24 ESV  Now the serpent was _____  ______  than any other beast of the field that the _____  ______ had made. He said to the woman, "Did ___  actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?"

1.       What was the serpent trying to do with Eve?  Was he sincerely asking her?

2.      How do you know when Satan is lying? (John 8:44)

3.      Why was he asking Eve and not Adam?

4.      Why did he ask about the only thing she was not permitted to do, instead of the generous provision of God?

a.      Does he still do this today?   Is this effective?

 Gen 3:2-3 ESV  And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden,  (3)  but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'"

1.       What did God actually say in Gen 2:16 about the trees?   “You may _____  eat of ____  tree  of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall _____  die.”

a.      Eve lost sight of God’s ____________  ______________

b.      Eve exaggerated his prohibition by saying they couldn’t even touch the fruit

c.       Eve downplayed the speed and surety of judgement by implying death was just a possibility.

d.      Do you ever question the goodness of God’s prohibitions and downplay the negative effects of sin?

                                                              i.      What did that get you?

Gen 3:4-6 ESV  But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.  (5)  For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."  (6)  So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

1.       Why is verse four a lie?

2.      What is the serpent implying about God’s reasons for prohibiting the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil?

3.      Is it wrong to want “to be like God?”

4.      What were the three aspects of the fruit that tempted her? (1 John 2:16)

a.      “good for food” – Lust of the ______

b.      “delight to the eyes” – Lust of the _____

c.       “tree was to be desired to make one wise” – Boastful pride of _____

5.      Does the devil still tempt us that way?

6.      Where was Adam during all of this?

a.      Why is that important?

Gen 3:7-12 ESV  Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.  (8)  And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.  (9)  But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?"  (10)  And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself."  (11)  He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?"  (12)  The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate."

1.       What is always the consequence of sin?

a.       

b.       

2.      Did they die?  (Romans 5:12 – 19)

a.      Was there death before now?

b.      Was there death after the fall?

3.      Who did the LORD God call?

a.      Why is this important?

b.      With authority comes _____________.

c.       Does God call men to be responsible or pay for the sins of others sometimes?

4.      What are the two types of sin?

a.      Not doing something you should do is a sin of __________.

b.      Doing something you shouldn’t do is a sin of ____________.

5.      Who did Adam blame for his sin?

a.      G_____

b.      E_____

c.       Him_____

Gen 3:13 ESV  Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

1.       Who does Eve blame?

a.      S________

b.      Her_______

2.      Is deception an adequate excuse?

Gen 3:14-15 ESV  The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.  (15)  I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

1.       Since Satan attacked man through the woman, God provided man’s salvation and Satan’s destruction through her.

2.      Who is going to be Eve’s offspring who will bruise the Serpent’s head ________?

a.      This verse is called the Protoevangelium – the announcement of the first gospel.

Gen 3:16 ESV  To the woman he said, "I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you."

1.       Eve’s curse – painful childbirth and most likely everything else that has to do with raising children. 

2.      Eve will desire to have her husband’s role of leadership and authority

a.      NT  instructs women to lovingly submit to husband’s leadership – 1 Tim 2:9-15, 1 Cor 11:3-15, 1 Cor 14:34-35,  Titus 2:3-5

3.      Husbands will tend to abuse or avoid their role and responsibility for leadership and loving authority in the home  (Eph 5:25, Phil 2:1-8).

a.      Abuse

b.      Abandonment

c.       Passivity

Gen 3:17-19 ESV  And to Adam he said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;  (18)  thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.  (19)  By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

1.       Ground is cursed

a.      Work will be greatly increased in difficulty

b.      The  start of everything bad on the earth (Ro 8:20 – 25).

2.      Adam will return to dust – He will die.

Gen 3:20-21 ESV  The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.  (21)  And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

1.       Eve means “Life”

2.      God sacrifices an animal to cover their nakedness

a.      Foreshadows need for blood to be shed to cover sin.

Gen 3:22-24 ESV  Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever--"  (23)  therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.  (24)  He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.