Haiti July 14, 2014

Report by Vicki Thornell, Dana Williamson, & Jennifer Jones

Days like today make us realize just how fortunate we are! God has truly blessed us in unimaginable ways and we take it for granted.

Our first stop of the day was a visit to the future medical clinic/hospital site. After 5 long years, the land has finally been purchased and the beginnings of walls are starting to go up, but so much more is needed to complete the vision given to Bro. Chuck and his staff. We prayed that God would provide the finances needed so this facility can be up and running soon; medical care is much needed in this area. Yesterday, while on a hike to deliver food to a few families in the area, we came upon a man who had cut his hand, leaving a deep wound. It was apparent he was in need of stitches, but there was no one close by to care for him, even if he could have afforded it. One the way to church Sunday, we learned that the husband of one of the teachers who had attended our conference was seriously injured in a terrible motorcycle accident. He was taken to a local hospital, where they could not take care of his needs, so he has to travel today, on his own, to another hospital approximately 4 hours away.

The sooner God’s clinic is built, the sooner even the most basic of medical needs can be met. It is truly amazing what we take for granted; things we pick up at the local dollar stores or supermarkets – bandaids, antibiotic creams, vitamins, aspirin, etc. – are virtually unattainable here. Funds are needed NOW! Even as you read this, some of you are feeling the Holy Spirit tug on your heart (as we did standing on the site). We ask you to prayerfully consider giving to the clinic fund, so our brothers and sisters in Christ can get the medical attention they desperately need and deserve.

Lines and lines of people carrying bags of rice and supplies balanced precariously on their heads, and unsupervised young children carrying containers of water and live chickens, paved the way to the local market. The smell of pigs, donkey dung, burning trash, and local cuisines filled the air as we climbed down the ladder of our faithful ride, Gabriel, a Vietnam-era military vehicle. After we were instructed to be respectful of the local people and to stay together, Bro. Chuck led us through the open-air market. Many of our hearts were broken as we witnessed firsthand how hard life really is here.

Back at the mission house, many children packed themselves onto a few rickety wooden benches as they waited for their lunch to be served. For many this was their only meal of the day. Rice and beans, served on metal plates, was eagerly devoured by all. Some quickly ate what was given to them in hopes there would be more, while others shared what they had with late arrivals, since there was no more. Teenage boys fought over the remains left in the pans. Every piece of food found its way into someone’s mouth.

Today was a huge awakening! We take so much for granted! We never stop to think how wasteful we are. God has blessed us with so much, yet do we choose to share with His children what He has given to us? Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.” “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ ” Matthew 25:40 & 45.