A smiling and intelligent young
man, Kimberly, has been disfigured through an accident. He is one among several the St. Marc, Haiti
mission and other Spirit-led brethren support financially for his
education. Pastor Bill, now deceased,
and his wife Cheryl chose to include him.
Kimberly’s marred features could alienate him from so many things and
potential opportunities. My heart leaps
with joy every time I see him among the other youth in his neighborhood. He reveals
the heart of God to all of us. The
signature of God was obscured by sin; we would be kept out of many God-centered
benefits (the garden) but God paid a debt on our behalf that our entrance back
into heaven would be with triumphant shouts of victory (II Peter 1:10-12). Kimberly embraces every visiting Christian
with great thanks for their investment in his life—all he knows is that
cooperatively we are enabling him to go to school, to have hope, to smile
confidently. One day we will fall to
the feet of Jesus in adoration and thanks for His bestowment of the Holy
Spirit, grace, mercy, love and compassion into our lives… The ineffable gift(s)…
The days have gone by very
quickly and I am on my finishing touches, packing for my November 19-25 travel
back to St. Marc, Haiti. I am still
rebounding from both the exhilaration of the October trip but the stupor that
follows me seeing the average Haitian persevere in their hardship, recedes
slowly. I stayed for two weeks. The
first included Bible College classes, its preparation and addressing various
issues. Unlike what some have come to experience, our mission is not backed up
by deep pockets, always ready to relieve another unseen event. After taking care of the students who had
been thrown out of school for not having their books or uniform, we stomped
through each Bible College class, awaiting Pastor Scibelli, Elder Dave Smithson
and Javier Faoro’s arrival.
Pr. Police, P. Scibelli, Pr. Finess & Reginald (St. Marc Greater Grace Church) |
The following week included
visitations to local churches. Blessed by the attendance of Believers in Haiti,
we had in Gonaives 250 believers. In Petit Riviere, P. Scibelli was led to a
young lady who had been prevented from going to church. Her elliptic seizures were misunderstood to
be periodic demon possession. He has personally undertaken her medical
examination and eventual medication regimen.
With her sister, she will move to St. Marc to recommence her life
without the stigma of her past label. She will be close enough to be a church
member and a new Bible College student.
The Church in Petit Riviere is small structurely and has lost some newer
members because many sit or stand outside during the service. Let’s pray that their desire to have a
400-member sitting capacity church will come to pass soon. The outer perimeter
walls for the new church have been poured. The Pont Sonde Church is full and
vibrant.
A trip to Haiti is never complete
without mechanical breakdowns. Not only
did we have to change our transportation arrangement mid-week but on the way to
the airport we first stopped for oil then completely stalled ten minutes
later. We thumbed a ride to the airport
1 ½ hrs. away; I guess we benefited, having to scramble for less money for that
ride… Truly we adventure to humbly see
and experience the hand and blessings of God in each area (Matthew 6:11).
As I head out for the second to
last month of the Bible College semester here are some things to pray
about:
1. A full-time
missionary Pastor/wife – family for the base operation in St. Marc
2.
A smooth close-out of the semester, a safe break and awesome second semester3. The continued hunger of the students and church members (growth)
4. Continued enthusiasm in evangelism and home visitations
5. Preacher Police & Preacher Finess’ oversight of the work in St. Marc
6. The work in Puerto Rico –Team members and good coverage during the Haiti visits.
7. The Matthew family/children as they continue in the work and homeschooling…
8. The finances (and present supporters) for the work both in Puerto Rico and Haiti
9. Our parents (VT/St. Croix) & other elder church members across our ministries…
Jeffte & Dodo--red t-shirt, our newest believer... |
Harold (church member, St. Marc) and today's catch from local fisherman... |
Several varieties of fish...good for any day... |
We chose the lobsters--our pockets could afford, $2 USD... |
Local water salesman, some real balancing skill there... |
Haut St. Marc Choir--Always beautiful... |
Jimmy (16) & soccer team members--Uniforms Mia's Fashion |
Some of the youth of Cite Dalencour -- St. Marc Greater Grace Church |
Fishermen Return -- Empty Nets... Gros Wrosh, St. Marc |
Baptism: Elmas/Finess |
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