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
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Potluck Sunday 6:30 PM SonLight Community Church
See you Sunday!,
Haiti Team
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
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
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
Monday, November 8, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
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
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
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
Friday, November 5, 2010
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
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
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
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
Thursday, November 4, 2010
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
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
Love to all,
Laura
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
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
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
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!!!!!!
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!!!!!!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
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
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
Monday, November 1, 2010
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
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!"
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
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
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
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