Ministry News and Updates

January 1, 2011 - Present

Mission Trip to Haiti / October 25 - November 20, 2011


  • Unless otherwise specified, all reports are from Brother Chuck

  • November 20
    The last team is home now and God has blessed us and the Haitian people with His wonderful love and compassion. If more churches could function in harmony as much as these mission teams, they would be awesome. Every day everyone is asking how they can help. They work as the Body, and the Body starts with prayer warriors who continually lift up God's ministry (TEM). There are three parts of this ministry--prayer warriors, givers and doers. Without all three, we fail.

    There are so many people to thank, where do I begin? There are many people in the background of this ministry who make it what it is--people who hold fund raisers, give monthly, do the accounting, put together the DVDs, manage the website, correct my grammar on my daily entries, and board members who advise me.

    What really helps this ministry grow is the input I receive from each person who goes. I cannot do this by myself. First, I need God. Then, I need the people around me that God is speaking to. I need my brothers and sisters to advise me. Proverbs says 'a wise man has many counselors.' This is how a ministry grows, the Body helping each part. I just want to thank everyone from my heart that you allow me to lead this ministry. I ask you to pray for me, as I make decisions every day about His ministry. I am just a man trying to do God's will to the best of my ability. God bless.

  • November 18
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    Report from Kat
    There is truly no greater joy in this life than to serve God faithfully and without hesitation. I am humbled to have been allowed to serve here in Haiti for both the medical teams this past two weeks.

    The final hours draw near and we have completed the last clinic at the village called Tapio. My boots are dusty, my feet ache. My head throbs from working in the heat and the hours upon hours of constant noise. If you have worked with us in the past you know what I am talking about--the babies crying, people talking as they are waiting to be seen, the noise of the clinic. Yet there is a joy in my heart that is indescribable. I realize where we have been and how God has been glorified because we were simply willing. There really is no greater joy than knowing you served God with all your being--with all your heart, body and mind.

    It always seems to hit me at some point towards the end of the trip. I try to hold the tears back until I get on the plane, but seldom do I succeed at that.

    This afternoon when we returned home, I went to Chuck to turn in the census of the number of patients seen this week and the lump in my throat made it difficult to say aloud, so I just handed him the paper. Suddenly, we both realized it was almost 2,000 people in the last two weeks--2,000 people who had no medical care, not even Tylenol for a headache. More than that, we were vessels as the Holy Spirit worked through us to bring love and compassion in His name. There can't be anything more glorious and humbling at the same time than to know God and serve Him in this way. His promises are true. He is the Great Healer and Provider.

    There is still more work to do. The tedious task of the medical inventory, a few more meals, packing, cleaning, and the final farewells. Yet, with joy and eagerness I carry on my tasks ahead, claiming this wonderful promise: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

  • November 17
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    Report from Ryan Stinson
    Today we were working at Jerusalem IV. It was very hot and muggy, but the joy of the children spurred me on to work as hard as I could. The lesson we taught the children today was on the parable of the Pearl of Great Price. We taught the children that Jesus is worth all that you have. He is worth all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind and all of your strength. The children really had no clue what a pearl is, but we explained that it is a very valuable piece of jewelry. It is valuable like gold, but the Kingdom of Heaven is worth more than any amount of gold. Haiti has blessed me so much. I thank God for sending me here. Keep us in your prayers.

    Report from LaRonda Mangum
    "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." Psalms 103:1-2
    The Lord has blessed me to come on my first mission trip after completing nursing school at the University of South Alabama. While on this trip, we were able to provide care to the Haitian people, including wound care, medications, vitamins, clothes, and shoes. We were able to bring over seven suitcases of clothes and hygiene products, as well as six boxes of shoes. Praise the Lord! We prayed over the sick and provided funds for those needing assistance getting to the clinic or hospital for additional medical attention. Today, we travelled to Jerusalem IV, where we provided medical and wound care to over 200 patients! I praise the Lord above for allowing us to safely travel to Haiti and make medical care available for the people in this remote area. (The nearest hospital is approximately 2 hours away.) May God bless all the supporters for this beloved missionary trip.

  • November 16
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    This morning we had our meeting with the Jerusalem II church. I wish I had good news, but we could not find a solution to their problem, so we go back to the Lord in fasting and praying. It's God's church, and I'm sure he can take care of it. Please continue to pray for unity.

    While Pastor Lewis and I were in the meeting, which lasted from 9:00-11:45 a.m., I had our team go to a church in a new area called Palto, which is about 30 minutes away. This church has never had a medical clinic or VBS. The pastor and all the people were so happy to see us--as you will see by the photos the little church was full of people seeing the doctors all day. After spending all morning listening to people of a church that will not even try to solve its problems, this was a refreshing change--it reminds me why I come here.

    While the clinic was going on, some of the men went up into the mountains with an interpreter and talked to many Haitians, handing out tracks in Kreol. I encourage this, because this is how we find new areas that we can come back and talk to Pastor Do about--he knows everyone in this area.

    After dinner George took a load of people from Jerusalem Baptist Church to Jerusalem IV to continue the revival. He came back and got most of the Americans, and I took the rest in the Ford. We had a great time. The people were rejoicing to the Lord with singing and dancing, from young to old. Our group got up and sang, and Pastor Lewis preached a revival message that I will never forget. He just said it like it is in scripture.

    Again, after a long day seeing the people rejoicing so much in Jerusalem IV, it reminded me why I come to Haiti. The Lord has truly blessed me.

  • November 15
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    I got up early this morning to take Will to the airport and pick up Chris, Lee, Bryan and Paul. Chris came up with us last week, and the others came into Port au Prince the next day. They came to help us with the vision of the clinic. They told us the first thing we need to do is get a survey of the property to see exactly the area we are dealing with. I'm sure this will take some time, but it's a starting point.

    By the time I got back, the team had already started the medical clinic and VBS in Jerusalem Baptist Church. Everything was running smoothly. This is such a good team; so many of them are seasoned missionaries. Around 12:00 some of the team had lunch, but there are several of us who are fasting and praying for the meeting tomorrow with the Jerusalem II church. We are meeting with Pastor Do, Pastor Fanis (oldest son of Pastor Fani, who died), Madame Fani (wife of Pastor Fani) and the committee. I have invited Pastor Lewis, who has 43 years as a pastor, to sit in with us. It says in Proverbs that a wise man has many counselors, and I couldn't think of anyone more qualified to help than Pastor Lewis.

    After lunch I took the guys to Jerusalem IV to show them the church, and then we met the team at Daniel's village. Again everything ran smoothly. There were people already lined up when we arrived, and the kids were ready for VBS. I truly believe one day we will be building a church there. You cannot plant a seed and continue to water it and it not grow. We planted a seed in 2006, and have been watering it ever since. In God's timing there will be an increase, all to His glory.

    The work team has almost completed another bathroom; that will make 4 completed bathrooms before we leave. I stand in awe of what the Lord has done here, and I know this is just the beginning. It will be far more than I could ever imagine or ask for, as He said in scripture.

    Thank you all for praying for us and for Jerusalem II. God bless.

  • November 14
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    Report from Meagan Messick, Medical Clinic
    We started out today with a quick bite to eat before we headed over to the church to begin our medical clinic. We quickly noticed not only the physical need of these people, but the spiritual need, as well. One of our first patients was a five-month-old baby girl who had obvious malnutrition. After examining her, we discovered that she had a serious heart condition, as well as a gastrointestinal disorder that caused her to reflux most of what she ate. Of all the patients, this patient stood out to me the most because of the simple fact that even in a condition as severe as hers, God has the complete power to heal this child from an ailment we look at with sad eyes. At one point, I turned to my friend and said, "Doesn't it just excite you that we serve an almighty God who can completely take away these ailments, and yet He knows us by name?!?" Throughout the day we continued administering medications and guidance to those who needed it, and kept a mindset of "hiding behind the cross" and letting God be the one who receives ALL the glory. After all, we are only here and working because of Him! We finished up the clinic a few hours after lunch and packed up our supplies in preparation for what God will have us do tomorrow!

    Report from Chris Kroll, VBS
    What a blessing to serve the children of Z'Orange village. These children are precious in the Eyes of the Lord! They were very excited to listen and learn; they were well-behaved and gracious. We spent approximately 30 minutes with each group of children. During this time, we sang (they love songs with motions), shared the story of Jesus leaving the 99 to find the lost sheep, and we made a craft that shared God's plan of salvation. What a wonderful gift to be able to serve the Lord in this capacity. Each child was unique, but nearly every one of them had a certain joy. God is working in the lives of the children of this village. They have been taught about the Christ. They know that each one of us has sin in our lives that must be dealt with. They know that Jesus' death and resurrection gives us victory over our sin. Many of them are babies in Christ; others have not yet come to personally know the Savior. The Spirit of God is dealing with many of these young hearts; all of them have had the seed of the Gospel planted within their lives. Please join us in praying for the children of Z'Orange and the continuing ministry of Jerusalem Baptist Church in this community. Pray that God will expand the hearts of the believers for all of the children and families in the surrounding area. God has done an amazing work in this village, but there is so much more to be done!

    Report from Bro. Chuck
    The Lord has sent another amazing team to do His work. It so cool to watch how the Lord takes His people--who don't know each other, but who have the greatest bond of all (our Lord)--and transforms them into a dynamic body working together in harmony.

    Tonight Pastor Chris will be bringing the message for the revival. Please continue to pray for Jerusalem II Church.

  • November 13
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    A new day and a new team--I believe all of the team slept very well last night. Most of them had very early mornings, so that bed with a mattress looked mighty good.

    This morning we all got up and had our coffee and sang some worship songs, with Ryan playing the guitar that the Wisconsin team left (thank you!). After a few praise songs, we had our typical breakfast of oatmeal, cereal, and pop tarts.

    After breakfast we were blessed by Pastor Lewis, who led our morning devotion. Pastor Lewis is definitely an anointed man of God. His wisdom and maturity in the Lord are inspiring. When our devotion was over, we went to Jerusalem Baptist Church, where Pastor Chris gave the message. Will and I had to leave to take Chris Burch back to the airport to meet some men who were flying in. When we returned the team had already eaten lunch, and most of them were taking Jesus' word literally about resting on Sunday, if you know what I mean.

    Everyone woke up from their resting in the Lord about 3 p.m., and we had team meetings to plan for tomorrow. Around 5 p.m. Will, Paul and I drove to Jerusalem IV to pick up people from their church for the revival. The first load in Gabriel was around 90 people, and the second load was about 80--it was hard to count with that many people scrambling to get in the truck.

    Jerusalem Baptist Church was full. There must have been over 400 people in the church. After many Haitian singing groups, our team sang a song, and then Pastor Lewis gave a simple message of salvation using John 3:16 and--praise the Lord!--we have two more in the Kingdom, Hallelujah!!

    I need to ask for your prayers for the Jerusalem II church. I guess I spoke too soon early this week when I thought all the turmoil with the church was over. Some may remember that their pastor died, and he had been married before, so there has been a division in the church because each family wants control. They are actually saying it is their church. I have met with them many times, trying to explain that it is God's church, and discussed scripture about forgiveness and reconciliation, and it does no good. satan (I refuse to capitalize his name) has a foothold, and only prayer can break it, so I ask you to pray for the people of this church. I know God will have the victory.

    Tomorrow will be the first work day for the team, and they are all excited to see what the day may bring. Continue to pray for us. God bless.

  • November 12
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    We had a very busy day today. We got up early and took the Wisconsin team to the airport. Praise God, we made it with no problems, and they got on their way. I really am going to miss them. After dropping them off, Will and I went to a service station and filled up Gabriel and the Ford, and we bought twelve 5-gallon jugs of Culligan water. I sent Kat and Ginette to buy groceries for the team coming in. I gave them my credit card, some cash and a Haitian chauffeur--they laughed and told me that they were going to have a good time. Then we went and picked up Chris (from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida), who came in at 9 a.m. Will took him on up to the mission house, after stopping to buy ice for the coolers. I went and had the Ford sprayed off--it is terribly dusty here. Then it was time to pick up Pastor Chris and Pleas from Hartford, Alabama, at 10:20. I took them up to the mission house, and by this time Kat and Ginette were already there. They were cleaning the bathrooms and mopping floors, but took the time to set out some sandwich stuff for us.

    After lunch we did a few quick projects, then it was time to go back to Port and pick up the remainder of the team--some from Memphis, TN, some more from Hartford, AL, one person from Foley, AL, and two from Pensacola, FL. Everything went smoothly at the airport, but one piece of luggage didn't make it. I figure if just one didn't make it out of all the luggage for about 40 people in the last two weeks, that's pretty good. After we loaded everyone up and got out of the airport, it was already dark. The Lord was good, as always, and gave us a safe trip up the mountain.

    Kat and Ginette had dinner ready, and after we unloaded we ate, discussed a few rules of the house, and told everyone that they could just relax and get some sleep. Most of them had gotten up really early.

    It really was a wonderful day! God blessed me with an awesome team from Wisconsin, and now He's blessing me with more brothers and sisters who love the Lord--it couldn't get any better than this. Oh, but wait, I got an email from the seniors and others at Wright Baptist Church who held a bargain sale this weekend, and they made $3474. This is the third one they have had this year, making a total of almost $12,000--it just gets better and better when the body of Christ works together!

    I want to thank my brother Karl Leiber, who made this trip so much easier for me. I am so blessed to have brothers and sisters who not only love the Lord, but love doing His work.

  • November 11
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    It has been a great day with the Lord! We had another wonderful opportunity to go where we have never gone before. There is a little place called Tapio about 30 minutes from here. They have a small mud building with a tin roof they call Tapio Baptist Church. You will see it in the VBS photo and the team setting up there. It would probably hold about 20 Americans (or 60 Haitians). The medical and VBS teams worked until about 11:30 a.m. there, and then Clint drove them back to the mission house. It is great to have another truck driver. The people were so happy to see us, and the pastor came by the mission house afterward and thanked me over and over. This is the first time they have had a medical team and VBS.

    When the team came back they told me Jacob was sick, so I went to see about him--he was really sick. Dr. Neal said we might need an IV, so I got on my cell phone and called a doctor I knew and got no answer, called a nurse and got no answer, and then I remembered that George and Carol Ann Truelove (missionaries) were on their way to see us. Carol Ann is a nurse. I called George and he said they were only an hour away. He asked Carol Ann where we could get IV supplies, and she said she had them. God had already taken care of what we needed before we asked! Isn't that what He does? I emailed Range Community Baptist Church and told them to start praying. Well, by the time George and Carol Ann got here, Jacob was up and smiling and didn't need an IV. I received an email back from the church, and I was filled with joy to tell them that, between their prayers and ours, Jacob was up and doing fine, just a little weak. Prayer works!

    After lunch the team went back to Tapio, but this time to a Pentecostal church. We have only been there one time before, in April. Again, they were happy to see us and the medical and VBS teams worked there until 3 p.m.

    The medical team saw 1,059 people in 5 days; this team had no rest. They worked all day and had revival every night except for Friday. They have been such a joy to work with; they truly are the body of Christ. They acted like a real family. Everyone had jobs. They even had clean up teams before they got here. They were always cleaning, sweeping, helping in the kitchen. It has been great having people care about the mission house the way I do.

    The construction team--Ken, John, Steven, Clint, just to name a few--never stopped, and you can see in the photos the painting, shelves, sink and counter top, which were just a few of their projects. And what is really great is they organized all the electrical, plumbing, and painting supplies for me, and the medical team did an inventory.

    I have been asked many times 'Is Truth Evangelistic Ministries a church?' and I used to say no, that we were a ministry. But we are a church--we are the church, the kind Christ talks about. If people in all churches acted the way this team did, we would have no problems. Everyone was always looking to see how they could help someone, thinking about others instead of themselves.

    Tomorrow the team goes home. I am really going to miss them--I feel like part of that family now. We leave about 6:30 a.m. to get them to the airport, and we pick up the next team, from Hartford, AL, at 4 p.m. Please be praying for the team's safe return home and for the team that is coming in.

  • November 10
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    Report from Tyler Salvey
    It's hard to explain the amount of joy you can receive from making a child laugh. Whether it's making funny faces, tickling, or just picking them up and holding them upside down, you can make a child laugh. I found out today that I get at least as much joy from that as the child does. I am working with the VBS but because of some special issues I found myself outside most of the day trying to entertain the children who weren't doing the VBS. The first group of children doing VBS was the youngest, and there were 65 of them. The older kids were all outside. I noticed the boys were playing soccer with a tennis ball. I just couldn't stand for that. We had packed a soccer ball, so I quickly brought that out to them. They loved it. I then spent the rest of the morning keeping the soccer ball from hitting people in the medical clinic and out of the 15-foot well that was nearby. It fell in once, and what a commotion it caused! Children came running from everywhere just to see the ball in the well--it was quite entertaining. Part of my job was to keep the children outside from going inside. I did that by picking them up and spinning them around. They thought it was a game. I enjoyed it tremendously. We finished up there in the morning after running 115 kids through the VBS. All of us VBS workers came back to the house to help paint and organize materials. It was amazing to see the joy we can receive from being with these kids.

    Report from LeaAnn Schroeter
    Who knew that half of this year's allotment of births was given to the hill tracts of Haiti? Though children are my business, I commented to another worker on our medical team that I had never seen so many LITTLE babies at one time and at one place! This was yesterday, after what seemed an impossible climb up, what seemed an uninhabited place. None of us could imagine where all these people came from, but on this day we had 5 teams and saw 400 people. God made it possible, because we were overwhelmed by the row after row of moms and babies. The VBS team met in a house next-door, and the construction crew came along to help with crowd control. This was an "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" kind of day. Wow. Just Wow. Today, we repeated the event; every day we're more organized, and Britta, Jo, Breanna and Ashley are the best pharmacy techs EVER! They are so great, but equally amazing are our group of translators…. our heroes!!!

    So, meanwhile, back at the ranch, the mission house looks different every day. John and Ken have made shelves, a kitchen counter, added a sink--perhaps the first in this village! The room is painted, the church has new fans and lights, and well, they are busy and happy, and making a visible difference in the environment around here. Of course, John has even more episodes to his stories.

    The VBS team is the most expressive, they sing 'Jesus Loves Me' in Creole. So, who's teaching whom? The kids enjoy the crafts, are very attentive, and really love their Creole Bibles.

    Each night, we've been able to worship with the believers here. It has been revival week here. Neal has preached twice, Clint and Tyler, too. The worship is active, loud, and, well, different than home. Naomi is determined to turn the "frozen chosen" into enthusiastic worshippers, like our Haitian friends.

    Sydney has two little children she calls the "alpha female and male." These are aggressive children who find her any place she is. She's been able to give them tracts to read, and she plays with them and is praying for God to do great things in their lives.

    Keep praying. The breakdowns have been few, the blessings great, and aside from constipation (What? Not diarrhea?), we are all well.

    We love you and are so excited to share all this with you at home. We cannot thank you enough for standing behind us in prayer. We just wish you all could be here to share the joy………. But, you're in our hearts!

    Love to all you guys (yes, we're from the north!), but know that this includes "y'all!"

  • November 9
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    This morning after devotion and breakfast we loaded up Gabriel for the trip up the mountain. This is the first real medical team we have ever taken up to this area. A few people have gone and helped with medical, but never a whole team. I led off with the Ford, and Karl was behind me with Gabriel loaded with the team, medical supplies, VBS materials, Bible story books and shoes.

    Gabriel made it almost to the church but, for safety purposes, we left it about 15 minutes away, and the team carried the supplies in. The Ford made it all the way. People were anxiously waiting. There were about 50 people waiting for medical, and about the same for VBS. The numbers quickly multiplied. The team set up for medical in front of the church, and we were fortunate that there was a building outside where we could have VBS. Tyler and the team took in 12 children at a time, which made it very organized, and the children's attention span was much better.

    Ken, John, Harry, Tyler and I left about 11:00 to go back to the mission house. They all had projects to work on, and it gave me a chance to send photos and the entry for the website. We will be going to Jerusalem IV tonight and won't be back until late.

    The team came back about 4:00; the medical team had seen 380 people, and VBS had around 60 kids--that is amazing, praise the Lord!!

    The most wonderful news is that Jerusalem IV is doing well. Since Pastor Fani died after a motorcycle accident, there has been a power struggle in the church. Pastor Fani had been married before, so there were two families trying to run the church. I met with them many times trying to explain that this church was God's church, not theirs, and read scripture about how we are to forgive each other and reconcile our differences. Nothing seemed to work but prayer, and as we know, prayer works. I talked with Pastor Frank today and he said everything was fine and the church is finally coming back together. I guess if we only had a problem with one church out of four, God has blessed us. As we all know, if you have more than two people in a church there are going to be disagreements.

    Report from Breyanna Agee
    Praise God!! This is such a beautiful country. Every time we take a trip down to another village, or just go walking, I am amazed by its beauty. Today the medical and VBS clinics travelled up the mountain to Jerusalem 2. The trip up there was pretty intense--it's all uphill. We travelled in a huge truck with Karl driving, and we made it up safely. We all enjoy riding in it.

    When we got to the village, we started setting up the medical stuff. We were in their church so it was a little crowded, but not really bad. Like normal, before we even finish setting up there is a huge line of people who want to see the doctors. Once the doctors were ready, we started sending people up. Britta, Mrs. Pikka, Ashleigh, and I are all helping with the pharmacy part of the medical mission. We have never been so busy! We were running all over the place; grabbing vitamins, measuring liquids, and counting pills. It was really fun. By lunch time, we had seen over 100 people, most of them babies, so Dr. Schroeter (Mrs.) was extremely busy.

    We took a short break to eat lunch. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!! Yummy. Then we got right back to work because there was such a huge line of people left. The day never slowed down. We were constantly busy, helping all the doctors get the right medications. By the end of the day, we had seen over 400 people! It was amazing. When we thought we were out of something, we would either find something else, or another bottle of it would just appear. Isn't God amazing?

    Once we had helped all the people we could, we left the village. Coming back down the mountain was really cool. I love looking at all the people while in the back of the truck. Some just stare at us, while others wave and smile. (We do get some really weird looks/expressions.) The kids still flock around us. Instead of just staring at us as we pull into the compound, they have started to wave and cheer. Now we love just pulling in!

    Now, we are all eating dinner and shortly are going to be heading to Jerusalem 4 for church! Please remember to tell my mommy (and Ashleigh's) about the website, because I'm not sure that she knows. We miss you all very much and are thankful for all the prayers. Bye!!! :)

  • November 8
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    We started this morning with praises to our Lord with Pastor Neal and the group singing. We sang several songs and then we had our devotion. As you can tell by the photos, we all sit in a circle. This is a very special time--just about everyone participates. After the devotion we had our breakfast of oatmeal, pop tarts or cereal.

    After breakfast everyone was getting ready for their projects for the day--some for medical clinic, some for VBS, and the guys doing construction had many projects going on: putting in a kitchen sink, installing ceiling fans, sinks in the two unfinished bathrooms.

    I went up to the church to check on the medical team, and Pastor Neal told me they were running low on several medicines. I told him I would call a friend of mine, Jeriah, who works at Christian Aid Ministries, to see if they had some they could help us out with. Pastor Neal talked to him when I got him on the phone—they were speaking in medical lingo--and when I spoke with Jeriah again he told me that if I had called 15 minutes later they would not have had what we needed. He was sending all he had to other places. I told him God's timing is always perfect and he agreed. It is so great that they are right down at the bottom of the mountain, only a 25-minute ride. When I arrived he had two of the meds we needed, so I thought I would stop at Samaritan's Purse, which was close by, and they gave us two boxes of meds. I also stopped at Global Outreach and Mission of Hope and, as you can guess, the Lord provided everything we needed. Our Lord told us just to ask and we would receive.

    I got back in time for lunch. After lunch, we loaded up Gabriel with the team and the meds and all the VBS stuff, and headed to Daniel's voodoo village. Clint drove Gabriel and did a great job. We could only go so far, then we had to walk about 20 minutes to the village. The medical team set up, and the VBS got started about 1:30. I had to leave for a while to see if I could drive up the mountain that goes to Jerusalem 4. We have never taken a medical team up there; they have about halfway built a road, so I was going to see how far it would go. It normally takes 2 hours to hike it. I was able to drive 90% of the way, so we will be going there tomorrow with the medical and VBS teams.

    When I got back there was chaos going on--Daniel was putting his friends and family in front of other people in line, which caused a little disturbance, but when I got there it quickly ceased. Daniel knows I don't put up with much of that sort of thing, but I took care of it gracefully. Daniel had had a few drinks, I believe. I explained to the team that there is not supposed to be order here--this is in the middle of the darkness. God is not the author of confusion, and Daniel doesn't know God. We just keep showing the love of our Lord and pray that one day he will receive that amazing grace.

    The children loved the VBS. They had such fun singing and playing with the youth of the church. The children love to watch the dramas and then do the crafts. We finished up about 4:30 and got back to the mission house about 5. As soon as we sat down, Pastor Do told me that we needed to go pick up the Jerusalem 2 church people who wanted to go to the service here. Karl and I jumped in Gabriel and went to Jerusalem 2—it's about a 20-minute ride. There were over 50 people waiting on us. As we were coming back it was dark, and they were singing as loudly as they could, praising the Lord. Karl and I just laughed about how few people have experienced such a thing. Karl said this experience was worth the whole trip. It was like being on a hayride when you were a kid.

    We arrived back at the mission house and they were still singing louder than ever. After they unloaded we met them up at the church and listened to them continue to sing. Our group sang too, and Tyler delivered the message.

    It was a most wonderful day with the Lord with my brothers and sisters from Wisconsin, who have truly become part of the TEM family.

  • November 7
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    Report from Karl Leiber
    All team members were in full motion today--VBS with the children, the medical team treating church members and local villagers. The construction team was able to make shelves and a kitchen counter top. The electrical group installed eight fans in the church that was built in 2003. The pastor and congregation will be so excited to have extra light and fans to keep them cool. The day could not have gone any better; each team member has a spirit of unity and service, and that makes for a refreshing day serving the Lord.

    My primary task was to find things that were stored and get tools into the hands of those who could use them. You never know how much your team members are going to be able to handle, or whether they just talk a big talk with no walk. But after a short period of time, I realized I had some genuine walkers.

    Report from Naomi
    VBS in America is quite different than in Haiti in the sense that in America we are able to communicate with the children in English; however, many aspects are the same. The children were not always focused, which is understandable, because we were located in the church where the medical team AND the construction people were hard at work. Despite the distractions, the kids listened and watched our skit where we had a clothesline with different colors of construction paper depicting the wordless book story. We spoke the lines in our language and our wonderful translator spoke the words in Creole for the children. We also sang songs for them in English, Father Abraham being one of them. The kids may have thought we were weird…but we had fun! Then one of us gave our testimony to the children, where once again, we went through the translator. After we had completed the songs and the skit, we participated in a craft. Different ways of communicating started flying as we helped the children draw and write on colorful bandanas and place beads on the corners. The kids loved them, and they especially loved it when we tied them on their brown heads of hair. The smiles we got when working with the kids seemed to make the whole trip worth every 'struggle' we went through to get here. We are learning words and phrases so we can communicate in small ways with the kids. Things like, 'good job,' 'good,' 'what is your name?,' 'yes,' and 'no' seem to be used often. The kids would try to get our attention, calling "you, you, you!" This order of events was repeated three times throughout the day, twice in the morning and once in the afternoon. The next few days we will continue with a similar schedule, but in different areas.

    Being able not only to speak to these children in the love of Christ, but also to SHOW the love of Christ was such a blessing. In the beginning of 1Corinthians 13, it speaks that faith, tongues and giving to the poor is useless without the action of love. Thank you SO MUCH for the continued prayer and the love you are sending from home. Please keep us all in prayer as we continue to love these people, but in the love of Christ, not in our strength.

  • November 6
    View photos
    Report from LeeAnn
    Range Community Bible Church Emissaries to Haiti
    This is our first full day in Haiti, and soon the sun will set, for it's almost 5 p.m. Most of the team is sitting at the big table in the newly finished mission house which is "the most spoiled we've ever been" according to Kat, our seasoned nurse, who is instructing and helping us to organize the medical team.

    Our trip here went without a hitch. God seemed to wipe the sleep away from our eyes, and though we know the promise from His Word is about tears, we all survived and even some, especially Britta, were complimented on our smiles upon arrival. Sad, but Janet barely slept last night and is looking for opportunity for a nap today.

    When we arrived, there was a little reggae-sounding band as we hiked down one hall, filling out immigration forms, standing in line, gathering gear was like other third world countries. But, the ride up the mountain, standing up in the back of a military truck, was unlike ANY other. In Port au Prince, people's response to the truck filled with white folk was varied…. some cheerful, others disdainful. The filth, the exhaust, the overall sounds and smells were meant for us to experience, because Chuck pointed out, 'there's a shorter way!' Amazingly, there was a fairly new gravel road up the mountain to the village--the gravel is white limestone, and the dust is white and thus, so are we . . .

    Our accommodations…. A cement house with a corrugated aluminum roof. There is a central room about 25 by 40 and two large rooms with bunk beds and mattresses that just arrived last week. There are actually indoor bathrooms!!!!

    So, we ate delicious spaghetti, sang and prayed, and all went to sleep (except for Janet). I'm so impressed by the quiet, courteous awaking--busy girls, so quiet upon arising.

    The weather is perfect. But, they could use rain. Here, in Z'Orange, there are actually trees, so their leaves are dusty, but elsewhere, this country is sadly de-forested. One the way up here, Chuck explained that the former president committed this nation to Satan. The erosion has actually poisoned the surrounding reefs and there aren't even good fish off the shore. These people are starving….. for affection, for food, for beauty, but, especially for salvation.

    Today is Sunday, so, of course we went to church which is only 120 steps or so (though far less for Neal and Ken). Before this, a little gaggle of show-off boys challenged Tyler, who wowed them with his amazing push-up skills. Anna wowed them with her silly muscle isolation antics, and then we went to church. At first, it was like being at a Christian concert, lots of songs, lots of songs, lots of songs…..did I mention that they like to sing? Then, there were about 8 different groups that came up to sing 2-3 songs apiece. This included us…. they even clapped when we sang, "I'll fly away."

    So, the truck needed to be fixed. All afternoon, Ken, Clint and John fixed the truck. Apparently, there are some stories about this truck that are still forthcoming . . . more on this amazing mobile as time unfolds.

    Soon, we will go to church again…. For me, it is an opportunity to read my Bible, but, during some of the singing, I oooh'd and aaah'd as if I was singing backup for a heavenly choir….. so cool (oops), hot, actually, singing praises to the Lord here. Neal preached a simple message about the sower and the seed.

    Many of us had opportunities to visit our neighbors. Some believe--others practice voodoo. Simon, our translator told me that Satan has three geographic kingdoms: India, Africa, and Haiti. Aren't you glad that Hurley isn't on the list. There are times that I believe it belongs there. That is why you are there and we are here. Occupy until He COMES. YAHOO! Even so, Come Lord Jesus.

    Respectfully, and dustily, and joyfully submitted,
    LeaAnn for all!!!!

  • November 4-5
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    Friday, Nov. 4, Simon and I went into Port to get block ice for our igloos and pick up a few more groceries. When we returned we grabbed a quick baloney sandwich, which Simon was very happy about. One day all I had to give him was two pieces of bread, with no water. I told him it could have been worse--I could have not given him anything. Simon just laughed and was happy with his two pieces of bread. Before we had lunch, I noticed one of our ceiling fans had stopped working, and then I went to get something out of the refrigerator, and it had stopped working as well. To top this off, the little generator had quit working the night before. Satan never stops working to see what little thing will break you. All these things have been working perfectly, and now a team is coming in 24 hours and things start to break. I have been in this situation many times before, and I just have to say, 'Lord, I need your help.' I have learned who to go to first--the simplest prayer you can pray, and He understands. I didn't have time to look at either of these things, because we needed to finish lunch and go down to a little city called Cabera to buy some screws and locks, and lumber for some projects that we will be doing. I took Pastor John Renel with me. Then I had a truck take the lumber up to Z'Orange, while Simon and I drove into Port to pick up Karl Leiber.

    Everything went really smoothly at the airport, and we got Karl back to the mission house before dark. I praise God for my brother coming to help me--it's like having two of me when he is here. When we arrived we looked at the ceiling fan and the refrigerator, and before we went to bed Karl had fixed them both.

    On Saturday, Nov, 5, we were to pick up the team from Range Bible Community Church in Wisconsin. I got up at 5:30 because we had to pick up Kat Chappell, a sister who has been with us many times. What a blessing she is to help with the medical team. Before I left I thought I would check my email and, guess what--satan didn't sleep. The internet said they had terminated my service. I knew my bill was paid up until December, so I asked Simon if the company was open on Saturday, and he said they were. We left Z'Orange and picked Kat up at the airport at 7:30. Ginette met us there so she could take Kat grocery shopping with her. I hired a Haitian driver to take them to several markets, while Karl and I went to buy electrical supplies to put up ceiling fans in the church, and plumbing supplies to put in our kitchen sink. I sent Simon to the Digicel company with my computer. praying that they could fix the problem. I had told both teams coming in that I would be emailing back home so their families and churches could see that they had arrived safely in Haiti, and what they were doing while they were here.

    Karl and I finished our shopping, and Simon called me and said everything was fixed with the computer--praise the Lord!! Simon wanted to show us the foundation for his house before we drove up to Z'Orange, so we went by there; you will see it in the pictures. We are praying that we will have enough money to build Simon a house. If you would like to be a part of this gift to a wonderful Christian family in Haiti, let me know.

    We arrived back in Z'Orange to clean house a little and, thank God, Kat and Ginette were there to make our lunch and do the cleaning, because when we got in Gabriel, it wouldn't start. satan (little s) is still hanging around to see if we are going to fold. Karl and I opened the hood and, after some looking around, we found a wire that was burned, fixed that, and Gabriel fired up.

    We took off for the airport and made it in plenty of time. I went inside (after having to give a policeman a little money) to meet the team. After a little while the plane arrived (it was the only one arriving at that time), and it was the easiest airport pickup I have ever had. We got everyone loaded, and a few people rode with me in the Ford--most everyone wanted to ride in Gabriel. We took the long route so people could see more of Port au Prince. We arrived after dark, about 5:30, and Kat and Ginette had the generator on and dinner ready. As we were unloading the truck, Karl told me was having trouble with the brakes on Gabriel--just another fiery dart from you-know-who. When is he going to learn, "We win!!"

    After a great dinner we discussed the rules of the house, then the team gathered together in a circle and sang, praising the Lord and telling about their experiences getting here. I was sitting in my office writing this and listening to this beautiful music of God's children singing praises to Him, and I thanked God that He has given me this opportunity to bring them here. I am so blessed--satan cannot take away my joy.

  • November 2-3
    View photos
    David showed up with the parts for the bunk beds. Hallelujah!!! I drove down to Tetayen to show him how to get to our--God's--mission house. The first thing he asked was, 'how did you ever find this place?' I have been asked that question many times. I gave David a tour of the place, and then we started unloading his truck. We had 12 bunk beds to put together. Instead of the legs being made with 2x4s, these are made with 2x6s and have half-inch plywood where the mattresses lay, with five 2x4 braces--they are very sturdy. Again, a little larger than want I wanted, but we had to make them to fit the mattresses. We put together about half of them before lunch. I had asked Madame Do if she would make us a Haitian lunch and, boy, did she ever!--fried chicken, beans and rice with red sauce, pickles and fried bananas. So we ate lunch and then finished the rest of the beds by about 5 p.m. As we helped David load up it started pouring rain, which is such a blessing--it has been so dry here. The two creeks that you cross to get here have been dry for months. This is where the Haitians bathe, wash their clothes and get most of their drinking water. They have come from all over to get water from the well that we have thanks to David Heady of Compassion Outreach. Simon had to go home, so he rode in with them to Port. I was so tired--I took a shower, ate some peanut butter and jelly (yes, right out of the jar) and read a little. Then I was out for the night.

    Thursday morning I got up about 5:30 a.m. and headed to Port to pick up Simon and do some shopping. The two creeks were full of running water from the rain coming down from the mountains. I had to thank God for such a beautiful sight.

    I needed to go to Petionville to buy three more 5-gallon cans of white paint. I figure if I have people coming who want to work, I need to have plenty of projects and supplies. I also needed to get some papers for Gabriel to Edy (Haitian who takes care of all my paperwork in Haiti) so that we could get a sticker and be legal. I picked up Simon and, after getting the paint, we found Edy and gave him the papers, and headed to Eko Depot--a hardware store which has the same colors and logo as Home Depot. We bought some screws for the beds; David had not had enough to finish them. Also, we needed to buy a fan switch. One of the fans had quit; just one more thing to fix.

    When we left there we went to cash a check at One Stop Grocery, and buy some groceries and other items: mops, brooms, cleaning supplies, etc. I have been blessed by meeting many people in Haiti that I have become friends with, and it amazes me the trust some of them have in me. For example, I can go into this grocery store and cash a $5000 check with no problem. There is no way I could do that at home, but I have been cashing checks with Taric and George for years and have built up that trust.

    After buying the groceries, we left to meet Edy, and he actually had the decal I needed. It's hard to understand, but that is like a miracle. It took 9 months to get papers for the van, and I just got my decal in about an hour and a half. Thank you, Lord!!

    On the way home we stopped at an organization called CAM (Christian Aid Ministries) that has helped us for years with medicines, food, bibles and Bible story books for kids. I always buy our canned chicken there--it's the best deal in Haiti, and it is delicious. Ginette cooks it in noodles, with dumplings, and sometimes she fries it. While I was there talking to Tim, the director, I asked him if he had anything he could give us, as we have some teams coming. He started looking in the computer and said he had several items. I told him the SUV was full, but we would be back in a few hours with Gabriel. He said that would give him time to see what he had. Simon and I purchased the chicken and went up to the mission house and made a baloney and cheese sandwich with chips and Coke--great lunch, I thought. Simon didn't say much--I think he was just happy I stopped so we could eat.

    After our quick lunch, we loaded up 2 gas barrels and headed back down to CAM. Tim gave us a pallet with 3 cases of bibles, which would cost $360. He also gave us 216 pairs of clogs, 50 hygiene kits and 450 children's bible story books. It fills my soul with joy when we all work together to further the Kingdom.

    When we left there we went to Cabera to get gas for the generators, and filled Gabriel up with diesel. The bill was $470--that puts a hurt on the pocketbook! Gas is around $5 a gallon, and diesel is a little over $4. We were going to purchase some lumber in Cabera, but it was too late, so we left for home

    We got back after 5 p.m. and unloaded, ate another baloney sandwich and chips, and started the generator, thinking we would rest a little while. Wrong! The generator stopped running. It has been running great, but now the team is coming and it won't run. We worked on it, got gas all over us changing the gas out, ran it for a little while, and it quit again. Praise the Lord we have another one. Again, just one more thing to fix. Tomorrow we will check the fuel filter and spark plug. It was dark, and Simon and I were just too tired to work on it. So I came in, took a shower, wrote this, and now it is time to go to bed. I have no trouble sleeping here, that's for sure.

    Tomorrow my brother Karl Leiber is coming in, and I sure will be glad to see him. I am so blessed to have brothers like him and Will Tiller, who come here and help me. With teams this large, I really need the help.

    None of this would be possible without God being totally in control. There is so much that goes into one of these trips that you cannot foresee, especially in Haiti, but He always provides everything we need.

  • October 31 - November 1
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    These last two days Simon and I have really been working hard--the naps are over and it's time to work. I got up Monday morning and had my coffee and did my daily bible study, then started painting. I finished my room and painted the kitchen and two bathrooms. Simon came back from Port about 9 a.m. He started laying tile in my bedroom, and when he finished that he began cleaning windows and screens. We worked until after dark. Simon put on some vegetable soup for us and that was our dinner--we had no problem sleeping.

    Tuesday we got up early as usual and had our coffee, devotion and started work again. I painted my bedroom and Simon started grating the tile in three bathrooms. When we finished that, we cut the legs off some of the tables so they would be the right height for the new chairs--before, if you sat at the table, your chest would be about even with the table. Then we finished cleaning all the windows and screens. I never thought I would say it, but I'm ready for a trip to Port to get out of all this work!

    Tomorrow the bunk beds arrive, God willing. I spoke to David, and his plan is to be here around 10 a.m. I have a Haitian meal planned for him and his helpers. It will probably take all day to assemble all the beds, but I am really excited. God is so good to us. It really is hard to believe that we have a mission house now, with bathrooms, a kitchen, and beds. God showed me this vision many years ago; now it is a reality. If we would just stay busy doing His work while we are waiting on the Lord, He will provide every time--if we just don't try to do it ourselves and get ahead of him. His timing is always perfect. I am so, so excited to see what He is going to do with us next. It truly is the greatest adventure I have ever been on. I want to thank everyone for making this all possible.

    With the mission house, we can now accommodate over 30 people. The more people God calls here, the more He can show the need that the Haitian people have, and put it on their hearts to help. I can promise you this--if you come to Haiti, it will change your life. It did mine. God bless!

  • October 29-30
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    On Saturday morning Simon and I left Z'Orange and met Ginette to go grocery shopping. I have known Ginette for 12 years, and she is a wonderful Christian lady. I don't know what we would do without her. Not only does she cook for us, but she also works with VBS and the medical teams. We are truly blessed to have her as part of TEM. Anyway, we met Ginette and she had the shopping list, so Simon and I followed her like little sheep, doing whatever she told us to do in the grocery store. She had a list to feed 30 people for the first week, and we were in and out of the grocery in about an hour--I was impressed.

    After shopping, Simon and I had several stops to make at different hardware stores, and then we headed home. We got back to the mission house about 1 p.m. The mechanic was here--I was glad to see he had come back--and he had fixed Gabriel, Hallelujah!! After taking care of the mechanic, this old man took a nap. I haven't stopped since I've been here, and it was catching up with me. After an hour-and-a-half nap I got up, and then Simon and I cut the bottoms of some doors because of the tile, and we cut the legs off my bed. With the mattress on my bed, I felt like a little kid with my legs dangling off the side about a foot from the floor. Later that night, we had hot dogs cooked in the microwave (that's right), and afterward we had popcorn. Pastor John Renel, Simon and Blanco have never seen a microwave or seen one work; they were impressed and loved the popcorn.

    On Sunday I slept a little late, until 7:30, and was enjoying my coffee when Simon came in and told me that Pastor Do wanted me to preach. I had asked Simon all week if Pastor Do had said anything about me preaching, and he never had. (This same thing happened last time I was here but, praise the Lord, He always has me ready, in season and out.) The Lord gave me a wonderful message about 'Do you know you are a Christian, not just believe you are one?'.

    Before the message I presented Pastor Do with a shofar that Dottie had given me to give to the church. It is from Israel. I told them all the functions of the shofar, and had Simon blow it. When I gave it to Pastor Do I could tell he wanted to try it, so I asked the congregation if they wanted Pastor Do to blow it, and they all said yes. It was funny because, as you know, it is not easy, and Pastor Do was making some pretty funny sounds out of the shofar. The congregation was laughing so hard--it was hilarious.!

    After church I had Simon go home to spend some time with his family--Blanco, also.

    I had lunch and, guess what, I took another nap. I'm going to take advantage of this while I can. When I woke up I was starving, so I ate some peanut butter and jelly, using the same spoon to dip into each of them, and drank milk right out of the carton--it's the rebel in me.

    When I was full I started painting my office, and finished about 7 p.m. I had found some Sherwin Williams paint in Port, and it is great compared to the poor quality paint I have used here for years.

    I'm thinking that after my shower I'll pop some more of that popcorn and have it with a cold Coke. I'm really roughing it, but somebody has to do it.

    God bless you all on this wonderful day that the Lord has made!!!

  • October 25-28
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    I have been in Haiti for four days now and this is the first time I have had time to send an entry--I hit the ground running and have not stopped. Simon and I have not been getting back to the mission house till seven or eight o'clock every night. Haiti is still here with all its problems. I flew in on Oct. 25, and that day was really uneventful. Simon and I went to exchange some U.S. money to Haitian currency, and we bought a few groceries for the mission house. It was late when we finished, and I stayed at what used to be Dottie's Guest House. It is now called Our Father's House, and a wonderful lady named Linda is running it. She has been in and out of Haiti since 1986, if I remember correctly. The same staff is still there, and Mr. Brown, the dog, is still the security. I will miss Dottie.

    The next day, Oct. 26, the fun began. I thought it would be a simple day, but who am I trying to fool? We were supposed to go by and pick up our bunk beds and mattresses and take them to the mission house. I thought, if we can just get this done it will be a good day. When we arrived, the beds were not even close to what I had ordered. I had sent photos and measurements, plus I had someone go by and look at what I wanted. I was speechless! (I know that is hard for some of you to believe.) I didn't want to hurt these young men's feelings (it's a Vo-tech school), but I had to tell the man in charge that I didn't really know what to do, but I couldn't accept these beds. We talked for a while, and even tried to rebuild one, but it was no use. I told him whatever we needed to do to make it right between the two ministries, I would be good with it. I told him if there is one thing we don't need, it is to have hard feelings with ministries we work with. We had a great talk, and came out with an agreement we could both live with. We are getting much better beds, and I am helping cut the legs for them. When they finish the rest of the parts of the beds, they will bring them to the mission house Wednesday, and we will assemble them. I look forward to it--the man in charge has never been up in this area. We will make him and his workers a Haitian lunch and show him around--I know he has never been to a voodoo village.

    Oct. 27, Thursday, could have started out better. We now have tile floor in the mission house and it is beautiful--the only thing is, it makes you realize the walls need to be painted. That is one of the things on the long list for our teams to do when they get here. I told the men to be very careful bringing the generator in through the front door, because they could break the tile. You guessed it--they broke the tile at the front door, of all places. We had gotten up at 5 a.m., and I was trying to leave to go to a meeting with several pastors in downtown PAP about a Haiti festival in March 2012. I quickly decided to have a boss build a concrete ramp for us, so this won't happen again. We had to find him and negotiate a price, so then I was ready to go. Not yet--Gabriel had to be moved, so I jumped in to move it, and it would not start. The new batteries I had bought were not connected, so then I had to wait while they found wrenches and connected the batteries. Then it started--hallelujah!! But when I went to move it, I had no brakes. I have a team coming in, I need to use the truck, and I have no brakes and no one told me. Okay, forget about this for now and go to Port, and have Blanco take a look at the brakes.

    I went to the meeting for the festival, and it really is going to be great. Andrew Palau, an evangelist, was there. He has been many places around the world doing these festivals. It will be a 3-day event of music and fun for all, with Andrew Palau preaching the Gospel. This event will cost over a million dollars.

    After the meeting, Simon and I went and worked on the beds until after dark.

    Today we went into Port and bought the mattresses for the bunk beds and had them delivered. I actually have a full-size bed with a real mattress in my room--I look forward to sleeping on it. I don't think it is too extravagant after serving in Haiti for 12 years. We will have 12 bunk beds, 24 beds, hopefully Wednesday. After delivering the beds to Z'Orange, Simon and I went to buy some water, and I went back to work on the beds in Port. We left early today from Port and got back to Z'Orange about 6 p.m.--it was dark, but this is the earliest we have made it in. We had a mechanic come up and look at Gabriel. He said the master cylinder needed something, so he took it to Port to get it fixed. I hope he comes back.

    Even in all this chaos, God is so, so good. I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Jesus said it would not be easy--He was right, but there is joy and peace in the middle of it all.
End of October-November 2011 Haiti Mission Trip Report

  • October 21, 2011
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    TEM Appreciation Dinner
    Fort Walton Beach, FL
    We had a wonderful time at the Truth Evangelistic Ministry Appreciation Dinner on Friday night, Oct. 21. Over 80 people showed up to celebrate what the Lord has done with His ministry. Lewis Miller, Gary Spradling, Jerry Northey, and Jay Campbell started the night out with three gospel songs with Kaye Cain on piano, and then Pastor John from Wright Baptist Church blessed the food. As usual, we had the traditional Haitian beans and rice with chicken. We cheat a little, with cake for dessert. I cannot thank everyone individually, but I have to thank Nadine Lawrence for preparing the food, as she does each year.

    Afterward, Will Tiller spoke about how the Lord has blessed TEM, and how He blesses each one of us who is willing to stay in His Word and be obedient.

    Chuck Gerber, who came down from Wisconsin to attend the dinner, blessed us with a slide show of Haiti with a guitar accompaniment--it was great. Then we watched a DVD produced by Tom and Linda Blizzard, who cover TEM's adventures during the year. It is amazing to see what God can accomplish when His children work as the Body of Christ.

    After the DVD, Brother Chuck spoke of the events of last year, and the upcoming events for next year. God continues to fulfill His visions in TEM, and continues to give us more.

    I want to thank everyone who makes God's ministry (TEM) a blessing to people around the world. As we all know, we are really the ones who get blessed.

  • October 8, 2011
    Truth Evangelistic Ministry North
    St. Louis, MO
    Report from Karl Leiber
    The second annual "fun raiser" was held at the river house in St. Charles, Missouri. The river house has been the home of men's ministries for the past 5 years and refreshed many who have, stopped by. October 8th was no different, over fifty people stopped by to celebrate the on going work of Truth ministry and Global Compassion. Food, fun and fellowship, as we enjoyed the perfect fall day in St. Charles, Missouri, next to the Mississippi river. Clear skies, cool weather, good music, great food, ( I'm talkin great food), jump houses for the kids and even a boat ride down the Mississippi River. What is great, this is a taste of what heaven will be like.

    And what is even better, early projections are that $10,000.00 was raised.

    We are excited that we are known by God and we know God. Praise the Lord and remember, Jesus is the way the truth and the life no man comes unto the Father except through the son. One thousand souls need to hear this message this year. Join with me in this worth while goal. Open your mouth and speak.

    Report from Brother Chuck
    I cannot tell you what a wonderful time I had in St. Louis seeing all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Most of the people have no idea what an influence they have had on my life. I met some of them for the first time in November of 1999 in Haiti and I saw the joy they had serving our Lord. I wanted some of that and I praise the Lord He has given it to me. It my honor a pleasure to work with such a great organization as Global Compassion and hope we work together for many years to come. I know our Lord smiles when he sees His children from different ministries and denominations working together.

  • October 7, 2011
    Truth Evangelistic Ministry North
    St. Louis, MO
    Report from Karl Leiber
    After years of prayer and much discuss Truth Ministry North (Midwest Chapter of Truth Ministry) has officially began its partnership with Truth Ministry out of Fort Walton Beach, Fl.

    Brother Chuck and I have talked and prayed over this for the last three years, but it wasn't the Lords time. But today I am excited to say, the Lord has affirmed, its time.

    The Midwest Chapter will be lead by brother Karl Leiber and his wife Angie and joined by 21 others. Bruce and Lynn Hill, Thomas and Pam Pepper, Jerry and Maryland Lantz, Layne and Shirley Konneman, Steve and Heather McKenzie, John and Meagan Wehrle, Larry and Mary Huggins, Jonathan Leiber, Denise and John Johnson, Vince and Karen Kuhn, Mike and Beth Vincent.

    A vision was cased of "efficiency and effectiveness". Efficiency with the time, talent and funds and effectiveness with the souls God has set before us. In simple terms we would like to partner in proclaiming to 1000 souls, Jesus is the way the truth and the life, no man comes unto the Father except through the son. We are excited for the possibilities that God has prepared in advance for use to do. Ephesians 2:10.

  • September 27, 2011
    Combined Federal Campaign
    Hurlburt Field (USAF), FL
    Report from Brother Chuck
    TEM was blessed to be a part of the CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) at Hurlburt Field's Soundside Club. There were over 50 charitable organizations that the military could choose to support with a monthly automatic deduction from their paychecks. This had to be a hard choice because all of the organizations were wonderful opportunities to help others.



  • September 24-26, 2011
    Range Community Bible Church
    Hurley, WI
    Report from Brother Chuck
    I have always said that walking with the Lord is an adventure. He has taken me to places in the United States and around the world that I never thought I would visit. This weekend was another adventure to Hurley, WI, in the Upper Peninsula to visit Range Community Bible Church. My good friend Chuck Gerber picked me up in Wausau, WI, and we took a beautiful two and a half hour drive to Hurley. The leaves are starting to change color there, and the temperature was in the high 50s.

    Saturday night we met with the Haiti mission team of the church to discuss the upcoming trip, November 5-12. Pastor Neal Schroeter led the meeting with prayer, and then we began to discuss the trip. It was a great meeting. I was really impressed with how they have been studying Ephesians 6, about the armor of God and the spiritual warfare, getting ready for their trip. Also, with the fact that the church as a whole has already begun having car washes, garage sales and bake sales to fund the trip. At this point we have 15 people signed up to go.

    Sunday morning I had the pleasure to talk to all the Sunday School classes about TEM and Haiti. Afterward, Chuck Gerber and I were invited to Dan and Jeannie Broth's home for lunch--what a beautiful Godly family. They have 9 children, and a wonderful home overlooking the woods and their garden. It was a great way to spend the evening.

    The Lord continues to bless TEM with new brothers and sisters who are interested in helping in Haiti. This year we are blessed to have three new churches--Greater Little Rock Baptist Church, Pensacola, FL; Hartford Baptist Church, Hartford, AL; and Range Community Bible Church, Hurley, WI--to partner with us.

Mission Trip to Haiti / September 8-11, 2011


  • Unless otherwise specified, all reports are from Brother Chuck

  • September 11
    View photos
    On Saturday night, Simon asked me if I was preaching Sunday, and I told him not that I knew of, but then he told me that he had told Pastor Do that I was. It was about 10 p.m., so I told him I was going to bed, and I would sleep on it. The next day, I knew that I was supposed to preach, but I had no idea what to preach on--I have been here more than once. As Simon and I sat on the platform waiting to be introduced, I leaned over to Simon and asked him what he was going to say. He told me that he was going to say what I said, and he said if I say nothing, he would say nothing--I told him just to make sure he says it in Kreol. I told this to the congregation, and they thought that was pretty funny. As usual, the Lord gave me the words to say, and we had a great time giving the message.

    After church, Simon, Blanco and I cleaned up a little around the mission house and got ready to leave. We left the mission house about 1 p.m., and arrived at Dottie's around 3 p.m. I had arranged to meet a friend of Simon's to pick up some stone statues to give away for donations when we have a kiosk at Santa Rosa Mall in Fort Walton Beach during Christmastime. After I met with him and got the statues, Dottie made us some hamburger helper, that was delicious for me. I hadn't had any beef since I left home.

    Tomorrow I will be leaving Haiti, and Dottie was gracious enough to let us leave the new Ford there. She spoke to the new owner, Don, and worked it out that we can leave it there till I come back in late October.

    Dottie leaves the country Sept 22, and it will feel really strange not to see her when I come to Haiti. There will be a lot of people who will miss her, especially the children in the school, but the Lord has called her to south Florida, where He has a whole new adventure for her.

  • September 10
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    Today was a very restful day. Simon, Blanco and I got up about 7 a.m., and I put on some coffee and checked my email--it is so cool to be able to check my email here in Z'Orange. After breakfast we went into Port to buy a truck part for George Truelove. I couldn't believe that they actually had the part, and it was only $100. I told George I felt like I should give him more just to make sure the part was a good one. You can't buy any truck part for $100 at the Ford dealership, especially in Haiti. Anyway, we bought it and took it over to his son, who will take it to him this weekend.

    Then we went back over to the mission that builds bunk beds, and I took some pictures and measurements to see how they would fit in our rooms. I'm trying to decide whether to have our teams build the beds, or let them. I'll let the Lord decide; it takes a lot of stress off me.

    We came back to Z'Orange and ate lunch-- I had bought some turkey, some sandwich stuff and Pringles, and some cokes, so we had a pretty good lunch. We had heard there was work being done on a road to Jerusalem 2, so we went to see. It usually takes about 2 hours to hike up the mountain, so we haven't taken a medical team up there because we can't take all our supplies, and some people are not able to hike up the mountain. We were able to drive to the top of the mountain, which is the roughest part to walk. I believe by November we will be able to drive all the way. It will be a real blessing for us and them to have medical teams and VBS in their church.

    Then we drove to Jerusalem 4; the pastor and some of the congregation were there doing a Bible study. He came out and was so excited that we had been able to purchase another lot of land for the church. We had a couple donate the money to buy the land a couple of months ago. I know that the Lord is going to bless them with a real church building one day soon.

    We came back home to the mission house and Blanco started working on the truck. Simon and I started looking through our trunks to find the tile stuff he will need to start laying the tile next week. It is really exciting to see God's vision coming to life. I am so blessed to be His servant and watch as He touches people's lives and fulfills His promises.

    Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Z'Orange. I know that God has a multitude of blessings to come beyond our imagination.

  • September 9
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    Simon and I got up at 5:45 this morning so we could get up to Petionville to buy some Sherwin Williams paint. I put a pot of water on the stove for coffee, and I thought that would be all we would have and be on our way, but Madame Do is always taking care of us, and she had scrambled some eggs with some bread and bananas for us. After eating we took off for the city. Our getting up early paid off because there was very little traffic, and we got there just as the store was opening at 8 a.m. I had met the owner of the Sherwin Williams plant on the plane, and he told me where to go buy the paint. I have been painting with Haitian paint for years and, seriously, it takes 5 coats sometimes to cover a new concrete wall. His daughter is part owner and runs the store, and she was great. She personally took care of us and made sure we got everything we needed, with a discount.

    When we finished buying the paint, we went to pay for the tile and buy some thin set. We found a driver who would load 110 boxes of tile and 70 bags of thin set, and carry it to Z'Orange, for $150. This was a deal we could not pass up--not only did it save us half a day having to go back to Z'Orange and get Gabriel (military truck), but it saved wear and tear on the truck, plus diesel fuel. We called Blanco and he rode with the men to Z'Orange.

    After this, Simon and I picked up 11 more chairs (so we now have 25), and then I stopped by the house of a missionary Dottie knew to ask him about bunk beds. He has a vo-tech school for young Haitians wanting to learn carpentry. He can have the young men build nice sturdy bunk beds with 2x6's for around $200, and that includes the delivery. The mattresses will cost about $120 each, so the bunk beds will cost about $450-$500 each, but they should last longer than I will be around. If we have the young men build them, it will help their ministry, and it will keep us from having to buy all the material, transport it, and then have to build them. I'm pretty sure this is the way we will go. I would love to have the tile down and the beds in for the two November teams--we will see if God wants that. If the Lord is talking to you about sponsoring a bunk bed, let me know; all we need is about 12 sponsors. A family could sponsor one, or a Sunday school or a church--just let me know.

    Simon and I got home about 6 p.m., and we were tired and hungry--if I was hungry, I know Simon was. Some of you who travel with me know I forget to eat sometimes, and today was one of those times. Thank goodness for Madame Do's breakfast!

    Tomorrow we have to go down to the Ford place for George Truelove. He just called and said he needed a part for his truck, and I will check to see if our luggage rack for the Ford has come in.

    We had a great day with the Lord; I hope you had the same. God bless.

  • September 8
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    I'm back to work doing what I love--spreading the Good News of our Lord--praise the Lord! I have said many times I am the most blessed man I know, and I have the best job in the world. Thanks to all of you and, of course, first our Lord--you make it possible.

    Last night I stayed at Dottie's Guest House, just to spend a little time with her. She will be leaving Haiti the end of September; another organization will be taking over the guest house. She will be missed more than she knows, but the Lord has other plans for her now. We have to be ready to move if we are to be obedient to our Lord, even when we don't know exactly where we're going. That's the adventure and the joy of walking with the Lord!

    This morning I probably did the last mechanical thing I will do for Dottie--I put some spark plug wires on her Chevy. I told her I was retired from mechanic work, but I know better--I'm in Haiti.

    Simon came over about 8 a.m., and we got our day started. We went to exchange money at a local market first, and then we stopped at a little market to look for chairs for our dining room at the mission house. We have been sitting on 8-inch board benches; I thought I might be able to find some comfortable chairs and, praise the Lord, I did. You will see them in the pictures; they are really nice and comfortable. We picked up 14 today, and will pick up 11 more tomorrow; that should be all we need. Then we drove out to Simon's land. TEM, along with its supporters, was able to buy this land for Simon and his family after his rental room in Port was destroyed in the earthquake. We have been paying Simon's rent for two small rooms for the last year and a half--no bathroom, no kitchen, no running water, and electricity only occasionally. Simon and his wife Nicole have two children, Nicolson and Sarah. Simon is in his third year of seminary, and Nicole is finishing her first year of computer school. We are hoping to build Simon's family a 4-room house on this property in January 2012. We will lay the foundation and walls in November and December. If you really want to give a wonderful Christmas present to someone this year, send a gift in their name for this house. Simon is my right-hand man here in Haiti. He loves the Lord and never complains--that's pretty awesome when you work with me. The cost of the house is around $11,000. Imagine that, a house for $11,000.

    We then drove up to Z'Orange to drop off the chairs and pick up some tile to see if we could buy some more like it in Port. They did not have the same kind but, fortunately for us, they had some that was much nicer looking, and the owner is giving us the same price for it. We will pick up the tile tomorrow; we need about 2400 sq. ft.

    After checking out the tile, we ran by the grocery and picked up a few items to tide us over while I'm here. We thought we would have sandwiches when we got back this evening, but Madame Do had another idea. She had cooked fried chicken, fried banana, and pickles (hot slaw to eat on the banana), and rice with red sauce--as usual it was delicious.

    When I left Haiti the last time I was here, a Digicel tower (cell phone tower) was being built. Now, not only can I make phone calls from my office here in Z'Orange, I can send and receive e-mail. Man, we have come a long way since 1999, when my wife Shirley wouldn't hear from me for three weeks at a time!

    It is so hard to believe that, in just the last year, the Lord has blessed TEM with a mission house that has 3 indoor toilets and showers, a propane stove and refrigerator, A/C if we need it, new dining chairs, generators, a new 2011 Ford SUV, and the list goes on. We have been able to buy more land for Jerusalem 4, put ceiling fans in the school, and other things I can't even think of now.

    I just want to humbly say, Thank You, Jesus, for touching the hearts of your children to accomplish your visions. Thank You for having them be obedient to your call, and may you bless everyone and their families who are a part of TEM.
End of September 2011 Haiti Mission Trip Report




Mission Trip to Haiti / July 2-9, 2011


  • Unless otherwise specified, all reports are from Brother Chuck

  • July 8
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    Today, as usual, we got up about 6 a.m. and everybody got their coffee and did their personal devotion, and then we had the team devotion. Afterward, we all started working on different projects. I started by cleaning my office and bedroom. I have about 10 trunks in my room, and every so often I have to go through them and label all my boxes so I know what I actually have. The rest of the guys started working on putting on the ceiling to my office and bedroom. They finished by lunchtime, and it looks great. What is really nice is that now we have storage area on top so we can get all our tools, medicines and other things out of the way. This is something that I have really wanted to do, but never had time. That is what is so good about having a work team, but I never want to forget to disciple the people here every time we come, whether it is adults or children. I see so many ministries get so involved in building that they forget what is really important, and that is spreading the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

    After lunch, the guys started work on little projects like working on wobbly ceiling fans, replacing light bulbs, and bracing the tables. These guys never stopped. As I said yesterday, we have exceeded my expectations by far.

    Tomorrow we will get up at 4:30 a.m. and I will take Bill, Joe and Dominique to the airport--their plane leaves at 8:40. After that, George will follow me to Dottie's house, where I will leave the Ford, and then George will take me back to the airport and I'll wait till 2 p.m. to catch my flight out.

    Thank you again for all your prayers. God is so, so good. May God continue to bless you and your families, as I know He will.

  • July 7
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    Sorry I haven't sent an entry in a couple of days; we have been really busy, and I just have not taken the time to take photos and write. We (Dominique & I) start early every morning after breakfast teaching pastors and church leaders. Bill & Joe have been installing ceiling fans--they have installed eight in the school, including one in Pastor Do's office, which he really liked. They put in the fuse box and started the generator, and you should have seen the smile on Pastor Do's face. When they finished with the fans, they started repairing the desks that they built last year. The kids are pretty tough on these desks, so they tightened up all the screws and added some braces. While they were doing this, George was installing ceiling fans in my bedroom and office. Bill came up with a great idea of using some of the leftover steel that we had from the mission house for the beams to mount the fans on. We then took it from there and decided to make steel studs every two feet on the concrete walls in my room and office, and buy some plywood to make a ceiling. The great thing about this ceiling is that we can use the overhead space for storage. This way we can eliminate all of our trunks (medical, tools, electrical, etc.) from being in our rooms.

    Today was the last day of the conference. Everyone really enjoyed the teaching and all are hoping that Dominique comes back. They really enjoyed the Haitian Pastors' book, and said they would like for us to continue teaching from it in the Pastors' conference next April.

    We are far beyond what I had hoped for as far as the work goes. I had hoped that we would be able to get the ceiling fans installed in the school, but the Lord has blessed us far beyond my expectations, as He always does.

    I thank God every day for the Christian men and women that He has surrounded me with. As I have said many times, I am the most blessed man I know of. I want to thank you all for allowing me to spread the Good News of our Lord around the world.

  • July 4
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    We got up today around 6 a.m., as usual, had breakfast, and began our day. Joe, Bill and George installed ceiling fans in the school, while Dominique, Simon and I taught pastors and church leaders from a Kreol book about the work of a pastor. It is a really good book, because from the very beginning it doesn't assume anything. It asks the hard questions like, Are you saved?, because if you're not saved how can you show the way for someone else to be saved. It also talks about the difference between a pastor being called and it just being a job. We will be having classes Monday through Friday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. We are having a great time, and they are, too.

    Joe, Bill and George already had 3 ceiling fans hung in the school. They haven't run the wire to them yet. They are going to hang all 7 of them first, then run the wire and put in the fuse box. We will be using the generator to power them now, but that gets expensive. We really need an inverter and batteries that we can charge using the generator, and later solar panels, to save on gasoline. Gas costs $5 per gallon, so you can see it gets very expensive running these fans every school day for a month. Some people think, as they sit in their air-conditioned homes, that the fans are not necessary, but let me tell you, it feels like an oven in these rooms.

    Around 11 a.m., Pastor Do started feeding the children in this area with the food that we transport up here from Love A Child, that is from Feed My Starving Children. The children love the food, and it is so good for them--full of vitamins and proteins. We are so blessed that Love A Child and Feed My Starving Children give us this food each month. It has made a tremendous difference in the health of the children.

    The rest of the afternoon we worked on the ceiling fans and other projects. We have plenty of projects to do at the mission house, but at this time we don't have the funds to purchase any of the materials. We need lumber and mattresses for bunk beds. Bunk beds will cost about $500 each, but these are made of 2 x 4s and ½-inch plywood, with 6-inch mattresses. We need 15 of them, but if anyone or a group of people would like to donate for one it would be a blessing. As I mentioned before, we really need an inverter and batteries so we can run our ceiling fans all night. I estimate low end at $4000, and high at $5000. I can't begin to tell you how hot it can get here and how uncomfortable it can be in the middle of the summer when you are trying to sleep. We have many other needs, such as paint, tile for floors, and kitchen counters and shelving. I am assured that God will put it on the hearts of His people to provide all we need in His timing--He always has.

    Thank you all for your prayers and gifts--we could not be here without you.

  • July 3
    View photos for July 2 & 3
    Today we all woke up around 5 a.m., after a good night's sleep listening to the sounds of a Haitian night (roosters, dogs, donkeys, katydids). After a breakfast of cereal, oatmeal, and watermelon, we had Sunday School, and then we went to church. Dominique preached for the first time in Haiti, and he did an excellent job. After church, Ginette and Madame Do fixed us a Haitian meal consisting of goat, rice, beans, pickles (hot slaw) and watermelon, with an ice cold coke.

    After lunch, a few of us took God up on Sunday being a day of rest--in other words, we took a nap. When our siesta was over, we took one of the ceiling fans out and formed a Southern Baptist Committee to see who would be in charge of forming a committee to vote on who would be in charge of the committee for the installation of the ceiling fan. After this, we came up with a plan to submit to the committee of committee to see if we can get approved by the budget committee to install the fans. Hopefully, we will get a reply before we leave.

    After our meeting, it was time to eat again and take another nap. What a great day with the Lord!

  • July 2
    View photos for July 2 & 3
    Today Simon and I got up and began getting ready for the team that was coming in. We cleaned the bathrooms, kitchen, and living areas in the mission house. Then we filled up the cistern so we would have plenty of water for the week; our cistern holds 300 gallons. We now have three bathrooms that have working toilets, sinks and showers.

    We finished about 11 a.m. and headed for Port au Prince. We had to cash a check downtown, and then go buy groceries for the team. George Truelove (missionary in Haiti) was to meet us at the airport and help carry up the luggage from the team. George will be working with us this week to put ceiling fans in the school. If we finish with the school, we have two ceiling fans that we will put in the mission house, then we will be finished with all the ceiling fans in the mission house.

    We met George at the airport and picked up Joe Hutchison, Bill Chambless (from Ft. Walton Beach, FL) and Dominique Schwentker (from Kansas City). As usual, the plane was late, and we had a little problem with the luggage handlers--they don't handle your luggage, but walk alongside you and ask for money for helping you. They were disappointed when they received nothing for doing nothing. Their intimidation tactics didn't work this time.

    After getting the luggage and the team, we went up to the mission house; it's about an hour drive. We arrived just about the time it was getting dark, so we cranked up the generator to give us some light, and Ginette fixed us a nice supper. After a little conversation, we all crashed for the night.
End of July 2011 Haiti Mission Trip Report

  • June 16, 2011
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    Update from India
    Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

    Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. By the grace of God we are doing fine and hope the same with you all.

    God communicated His love for mankind through the person of Jesus Christ.

    We communicate our love to God by following and serving the Lord.

    Now I am communicating our News Letter for the month of May 2011 through this attached letter (4 pages) and the photos to tell you that how much God had loved us during the past.
    Read Newsletter (PDF, 147 KB)

    The same way we will be encouraged if you communicate your love by a word of acknowledgement enabling us to continue the work in a renewed spirit.

    So continue to communicate..... for His glory!

    With love and prayers,
    Your loving Brother in Christ,
    Vijay

    Find out more about Vijay and Light of Hope Mission.

Mission Trip to Haiti / April 19-30, 2011


  • Unless otherwise specified, all reports are from Brother Chuck

  • April 30
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    This morning we got up about 4 a.m. and started getting ready to load the trucks.  We had a cup of coffee, and some had hot oatmeal. We drove down to the airport in the van, the new Ford, and Gabriel (for the trunks), and made it in about an hour, which was great.  You will see the photos of the team getting their luggage ready to go into the airport.  Will, Simon and I had to drive back up to Z'Orange to drop off Gabriel, and then Will came back to the airport to drop me off.  Will will be staying at Dottie's for the night and catching a flight out tomorrow.  I don't know what I would have done without him.  It seems the Lord always provides the people we need to get the job done in His Ministry (TEM).

    In just a short week the medical team saw over 800 patients and the VBS team saw over a 1000 children in VBS.  Again God's children were able to show the love of Christ to the Haitian people.  We thank God for the opportunity that He gave us and for His precious hand of safety upon us.
    Thank you for your prayers; hopefully, by the time you read this the team will be home.

  • April 29
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    Report from Ken Lawrence
    Another great day in the Lord! Having accomplished what God brought us here to do this week, we had time today for some sightseeing and a little rest. We were up at daybreak for a brisk walk up the mountain to Jerusalem II. The men went all the way up and back, while the ladies were content with a shorter excursion to the base of the mountain. This truly is a beautiful country. The rains yesterday made the trails very muddy and difficult, but to the people in this area, rain is life. With no significant rain since November, the farmers have been preparing their fields waiting for rain so they could begin planting. We saw many people out working the fields this morning.

    After breakfast, a group made a trip down to Titayan for some shopping. The market is a festival of fresh produce, live animals, beans, pasta, clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. Just like Wal-Mart. Not! The women shopped and the men endured.

    This afternoon, the other team of visiting missionaries left Z'Orange. We sent them off with songs of praise to the Lord. They hugged each one of us before they loaded their bus. They were a very gracious and enthusiastic group of ladies.

    Our final meal this evening was a Haitian feast fit for a king. Jeanette and Madame Dorleon lavished us with chicken, rice, beans, coleslaw, French fries, and plantains. With our bellies full and our spirits blessed by God's great work this week, we are ready to return home.

  • April 28
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    Report from Beverly Andrews
    Well today we went to Jerusalem Four and I had the most amazing experience I ever had in my life. When the team first said the night before that we couldn't go to their church the night before because of the rain I understood why. When we got there, I didn't expect to see that their church was made out of sticks, blue tarp, and grass, but that's what I saw.

    As we started to go inside the church all of the children were still in school. They were so well dressed with their uniforms, I do believe they dress better than people in America and they don't even know it. Once we gathered all of the children for VBS, the medical team started gathering people also. Ken Lawrence did an awesome job teaching the children about the Word of God. What was so amazing was that even though it was early in the morning and they didn't have the best building, they were still engaging in the lesson. We later broke the children down into groups of about twenty and did the crafts with them which they loved.

    When we came back from lunch, school was over so there were not as many children as the first session, but there was still people coming for the medical clinic. At first, VBS just did crafts and none of the children were interested, but we decided to pull out the balloons to see what would happen. All of a sudden, the children started to take the balloons and decorate the church. I think that was wonderful and again, people in America including me, would not have thought to do that at all. It started to rain towards the end, but VBS had already finished. The medical clinic on the other hand was not done, but they treated everyone that was in that line in the rain. I have seen and heard a lot of things that I never even dreamed of, but I know the Lord put me here on purpose so I can continue to make a difference at home.

  • April 27
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    Another night of roosters crowing, dogs barking, sheep baa-ing, people snoring and the Haitian Missionaries singing at about 2:00 in the morning. Most of the team members have gotten used to the sounds and sleep right through it now, but there are some who wake up to these strange noises and, thank God, are able to go back to sleep.

    Today we had both the clinic and VBS in Z'Orange at the church. The clinic was up on the platform, and VBS was in the back. Today they were a little busier than yesterday; it was a steady stream of people all day.

    I had to go into Port to get some more water and groceries, and I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be able to drive into Port with reliable transportation. I can't thank everyone enough for this wonderful gift. I went into Port and was back in 3 hours; I actually got back in time for lunch.

    Pastor Lonnie, Chuck, Ken and Will walked up to Jerusalem II, which is a 2-hour hike straight up a mountain. For the ones who had not taken this hike before, I warned them that this is not a hike for the fainthearted. When Pastor Lonnie and Chuck came back, they said I had not exaggerated. If you would like to see a video of Jerusalem II, click here. It is a fascinating story of how the Haitians built their own church as we supplied the materials. They carried all the materials on their heads and used donkeys. Each day they have to come down to get water for the day.

    In the late afternoon, Dr. Raina and Dr. Saunders came to me with a young boy who they think has meningitis. They said we needed to get him to the hospital in Port au Prince. Dr. Saunders and I took the mother and little boy down to the main road so they could take a tap tap (truck like a taxi) to the hospital. I gave them enough money for transportation, and for doctor and medicines. Hopefully, we will hear from them before we leave to see how he is.

    Pastor Lonnie was supposed to preach at Jerusalem IV and Will was going to show a video of creation, but God had another plan. It began raining about the time we were supposed to start. People here will not go to church when it is raining; it is just too messy with the mud--its bad enough they have to walk in complete darkness. Jerusalem II has a thatched roof, so that service definitely was cancelled. Tomorrow night will be the last night of the Revival, and all the churches will be attending.

  • April 26
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    And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking. - Isaiah 65:24

    We know all of God's words are true, and he proves that everyday if we are just watching; let us have eyes that can see and ears that can hear.

    Monday night we didn't have as many people as I would have liked at the church service, but I know it was exactly how many God wanted. The reason there were so few is that Monday and Tuesday they have market here and the locals walk five or six miles down a mountain and then back up in one day, so they are tired. I prayed that night that the Lord would send more people and the Lord said, "Put some feet on that prayer and I will show you the way." He gave me the thought of sending Will to Jerusalem IV in Gabriel (military truck) to pick up people so they would not have to walk to the main church, and afterwards, we could drive them back home. I thanked the Lord for His solution to my problem, but this was just the beginning. Tuesday afternoon a truckload of about thirty Haitian missionaries pulled up, singing and praising the Lord. The pastor of this group told us he had a vision two weeks ago that this was where he was supposed to come on this day and stay three days. We will be having our revival three more days.

    What is amazing to me is that I did not see this as a miracle as it was happening. I just thought this was strange for these people to come all the way up here from Port-au-Prince and be dropped off for three days. Then at church last night, the Lord nudged me and said, "Here is your prayer answered." How many times does the Lord answer our prayers in another way than we ask and we don't see it? I just have to ask the Lord to forgive me for being slow and thank Him that He shows me that He does answer my prayers. He answered this one two weeks before I asked.

    The team is doing great. They are working in perfect harmony, as the church should.

    We are so blessed that He gave us this opportunity to serve Him. Please continue to pray - the Lord has just begun His work for this team.

  • April 25
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    Monday Morning
    After breakfast, Cathy gave the devotion, and then the team got busy getting the medical and VBS things ready to leave by 8:30 to go to Daniel's voodoo village. When we arrived, very few people were there, as usual. It seems they have to see us coming before they begin to come. Ken, Ginette, Laura, Ivory, Beverly, Lotta, Chuck and Will started the VBS off in front of the voodoo temple, as you can see in the pictures. It was amazing that the children were able to answer most of the questions about Mary and Joseph. They have learned about the Bible and the Bible stories after years of us coming and sharing with them. They were told the story of Jesus' birth, and afterward they made crafts. You cannot describe the joy you see on these children's faces as we showed the love of Christ to them.

    The medical team consisted of Raina, Marilyn, Kat, Cathy, Saunders, Linda, AJ, Simon, and Pastor Lonnie; they started the clinic on the porch of Daniel's house. People slowly began to line up, and it is amazing to see the quiet order in which they did so. Six years ago any medical clinic was total chao; we would have to stop the clinic and tell everyone to line back up before we would continue. We would have to do that several times a day, and threaten to come to a complete stop if they would not get in line. Now, because of God's presence, there is peace and order. Our God is a God of order, and He is pushing satan out of this valley.

    We finished up about 11:30 and headed back to the mission house for lunch. After lunch we are going to a new area that Pastor Do said needs help--another adventure!

    Monday Afternoon
    After going to Daniel's, we returned to eat lunch and get more medical supplies for our next adventure in Tapyo, a little area Pastor Dorleon had told us about where the people needed medical attention. Pastor Dorleon had been the professor of the pastor at this Pentecostal church. We loaded everyone up on the truck and arrived at the church about 1:30, and there was no one there except the pastor. This is not unusual; as I've said, it seems that people don't really believe you're coming until you arrive. The pastor sent some of his men out into the area to tell the sick people that the clinic was open, and sent some kids out to tell the other kids that there would be VBS. Within 30 minutes, we had about 90 kids for VBS, and a line of people to see the medical team. We spent the rest of the afternoon there, until about 4:30. When we left, the pastor was almost in tears, thanking us for coming and hoping that we would return one day; I assured him that we would.

    We arrived back at the mission house in time to eat and shower for church. Pastor Lonnie gave another powerful message, as always. The Americans got up and sang a song for the church--the Haitians love it when the Americans sing.

    Tomorrow we will be staying here in Z'Orange for the medical clinic and VBS.

    Thank you all for your prayers and gifts. You are just as much a part of the work being done here as we are. We are the body of Christ in action in prayer, giving and going.

  • April 24
    View photos for April 23-24
    The ladies woke up this morning about 5:30 am, and eventually everyone was up by 6:00. Ginette had coffee ready, along with our breakfast of oatmeal and cereal.

    At 9:00, I gave the devotion, and at about 10:30 we went up to the church. Pastor Lonnie gave a powerful message about just saying yes to Jesus. This afternoon, Will is taking the group hut-to-hut, while I go back to Port to pick up Kat and the trunks.

    For the families who have members here in Haiti, don't worry; the Lord has His loving hands on us.

  • April 23
    View photos for April 23-24
    We got up early, after about 9 hours sleep, had our coffee and breakfast of cereal, and started planning the day. Today is the day we pick up the team. We have the largest group, from Pensacola, coming in at 1:05 pm, then we have one person coming in at 2:40, and five people coming in at 3:05. As you can see, we would be at the airport half the day. The first thing we had to do was make sure that Gabriel (military truck) would start--thank the Lord, it did. We had some wires burn, so Will fixed it the Haitian way. We have two wires that are under the dashboard that you touch together to start it. Then we had to make sure that we had an extra battery in the old van, because even after we put a new alternator in it, the alternator still does not charge the battery.

    I left the mission house to go to Port, after first making sure all vehicles would start, to buy the groceries that we couldn't buy yesterday. After a few hours, Simon and Will drove in to buy ice at the icehouse for our coolers--Will drove Gabriel and Simon drove the van. We all converged at the airport about 1:00. After bribing my way into the airport, I saw Pastor Lonnie in line at Customs. God's timing is perfect--we had nine members make it in on the team, and we only lost five bags. They said as they were leaving Pensacola they saw their trunks on the tarmac. We then had to go to the lost luggage counter and report the lost luggage--this always takes some time. When we finished with the lost luggage, we had to go out through the Declaration counters and, as I suspected, with so many trunks, they wanted to see what we were bringing in. They look for medications that are outdated. I have learned to put all luggage with clothes on top of our trunks on carts, so that is the first thing they will see. After they see a couple of these, they usually just let you through, and they did this time.

    To get to the airport parking lot, you have to walk at least a quarter of a mile. After our hike to the parking lot, we came to Gabriel, where we loaded up all the trunks and the team members. Will was taking them up to Z'Orange, while Simon and I stayed to pick up the rest of the team. After they left, I went back into the airport and met the rest of the team. This time we only had one piece of luggage lost--Ken Lawrence's trunk. He had had a hard time all day making his connections, and now his luggage hadn't come in, but it got even worse for Ken. After getting everybody out of the airport, we put all of the luggage in the old van, and the rest of the team got into the new Ford. Ken said he would ride in the van, since it would be crowded in the Ford. I told him I didn't know if that would be a good idea if he wanted to be sure he would make it to Z'Orange, but he went with Simon anyway. After we arrived in Z'Orange and had been there for about 45 minutes, a motorcycle arrived and the rider told us the van had broken down. Will and Chuck Gerber went down in Gabriel to check on them, and they ended up having to take a battery out of Gabriel to get it started and get it up to Z'Orange. They arrived about 7:00, just in time to eat dinner. When bedtime came, Ken had no sheets, pillow, blanket, towel or anything, so we all pitched in and took care of him. The people who know Ken know that he took it all with a laugh and a smile. I hope to get all the trunks tomorrow.

  • April 22
    Friday was a busy day getting the mission house cleaned up, going to get gasoline for the generators, and filling up the vehicles with diesel. The first service station we went to in Cabera was closed because of Good Friday, so we went to the next one and it was also closed. They wanted to sell us some diesel from the side of the road in gallon containers at an outrageous price, so I decided we needed to head to Port-au-Price, which was in the opposite direction. So, getting fuel, which should have taken about an hour and a half, took about four hours--just another day in Haiti. Thank the Lord, we did find a service station open near Port.

    When we got back, Brother Will suggested that we go back to Port to buy the rest of the groceries that we needed, so I agreed. We drove all the way into Port to find out all stores were closed. We should have known, because there were very few people on the road.

    We made it back about 6 pm, ate some dinner, and by this time it was time to go to bed. We usually are in bed by 9 pm, but we all went to bed early.

  • April 21
    View photos for April 20-21
    Today when we got up, I put on some coffee while Blanco and Simon bled the brakes on Gabriel. Praise the Lord, they got that done without a problem, and then we started Gabriel up and let it run for a while. When we finished our coffee, we loaded up the Ford with all the empty 5-gallon water bottles and propane tanks, and went into town to pick up the van; we had called the mechanic late yesterday afternoon, and he said he had it fixed. We went into PAP and picked it up, and then went to the airport to pick up Will Tiller. Thank God for my brother Will, who came to help me with the team. He will be driving Gabriel to carry luggage and some of the team. The Lord has so blessed me with brothers and sisters who are there when I need them.

    After picking Will up, I sent Simon to buy water and propane while we went to pick up Rhonda Ledbetter. Rhonda and her husband Danny have a very well known gospel group and are touring in California now. The Lord has put Haiti on Rhonda's heart, and she broke away in between their engagements for a couple of days to come here.

    Rhonda has been coming to Haiti for about four years. Last year, she sat next to Will Tiller on a flight out of Haiti, and Will gave her one of my cards. She called me last month and wanted to meet in Haiti just to see what we are doing. We picked her up with a friend, Yvonne, and two teenage Haitian girls that you could tell were Rhonda's girls. We took them to Z'Orange and showed them the mission house, Jerusalem Baptist Church, Z'Orange school, and Jerusalem IV church, and then we took them to Daniel's voodoo village. We had a great time sharing how awesome our God is. It is such a joy to meet someone who has the same passion for the Lord as you do. We took them back to their place about 2 p.m., and then we went grocery shopping, which is always a treat. This took well over an hour--most of that time was spent waiting at checkout.

    When we finished grocery shopping, we headed back to Z'Orange, had a turkey sandwich and some Pringles, and then Will went to bed about 7 p.m.--he only had a few hours' sleep last night.

    We have a big day tomorrow cleaning house and getting the rest of the supplies for the team that is coming. Pastor Lonnie Wesley III, of Greater Little Rock Baptist Church of Pensacola, and his team will be arriving Saturday. We also have team members coming from San Diego, Memphis, Chicago and St. Louis. It's going to be an exciting time with the Lord in Z'Orange. Please be praying for us.

  • April 20
    View photos for April 20-21
    On Wednesday, I made a mistake and started to work on the old van to see if it needed a new alternator. At first, I just wanted to throw a match on it, because working on it brought back bad memories, but I restrained myself. I called an American mechanic, Curt, here in Haiti to see if he might have one lying around, and he said he might, so Simon and I went down to his shop to see. He had three of them, but none of them was the right one. By this time it was noon, and I realized I had just wasted the morning on the van, as I have many days in the past year. I told Simon we were taking it back to where we park it, and I didn't even want to talk about the van for the rest of the day. Well, that lasted about an hour, and then I asked Simon if he would call his mechanic friend to see if he would take it off and go downtown to try to find one for us. I told Simon that if he would come and take it off, find another one and put it on, I would fix the van, but I wasn't going to waste any more time with it. The mechanic came later on and took the part, telling us he might have it fixed by morning. Then we headed back to Dottie's to get my luggage.

    Last week, I got an email from a couple in South Carolina asking how much it would cost to buy a propane refrigerator. I called and told them about $1500. Without hesitation, they said, "the check is in the mail." Praise the Lord!!!! So Simon and I went to an appliance store, picked out a refrigerator, and loaded it up. We then drove up to Z'Orange. On the way, there was a traffic jam about 2 miles long near where we turn off the main road. Yesterday was the final say on who won the presidential election, and some people were protesting. They had pulled an 18-wheeler across the road and put huge rocks in the road. The UN and the police were trying to direct traffic and restore order. It took about 45 minutes to go half a mile, but we made it.

    When we arrived, I hooked up the refrigerator, and within an hour or so we had cold cokes in the fridge. I had Simon and Blanco with me and, as usual, we had not eaten, so I put some canned spaghetti on the new propane stove, and opened up some fruit cocktail. Simon said he didn't know I knew how to cook, and I said it was nothing. I think he agreed with me, but he didn't say anything.

  • April 19
    View photos
    When I arrived in Haiti yesterday afternoon, Dottie was there to pick me up. She was also picking up some ladies from Myrtle Beach, SC. These ladies have been coming for many years to help Dottie with the school. Most of them go to Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach. They were already outside the gate with their luggage when I arrived. There was not enough room for all of us and the luggage in the new Ford, so Dottie drove the ladies back to the guesthouse and I waited on Nickson (principal of Dottie's school) to come with an SUV to load all the luggage. We definitely had too much luggage; we ended up with some of it hanging out the back window, wedged in between the spare tire and the window that is supposed to close. Then we had two large pieces just sitting on top of the SUV (we had nothing to tie it with). We stopped about every ten minutes to see if everything was still on. We definitely looked Haitian. We actually made it to Dottie's with all of the luggage--a miracle.

    Well, it was bound to happen, just a matter of time. Someone ran into the new Ford. I went up to a little market to buy some things and, as usual, I parked far away from other cars--in the middle of the parking lot, with no cars around me for about 30 feet. I went into the market, and when I came out, there was the security guard and another man looking at the front of the Ford. The man began to explain to me that it wasn't his fault, it was his clutch that had failed. I told him I understood, and I asked him if he was going to pay to get my car fixed. He explained to me again that it was his clutch's fault. I didn't know how I could hold his clutch accountable, so I continued pressing him about paying for the damage. I finally got him to agree to meet me at the Ford place the next morning at 9 a.m. I got his tag number, ID, and phone number. This morning I waited patiently, like I thought he was going to show up, for about five minutes, then went ahead and got the estimate--it was $239. I called him several times and he didn't answer; I'm sure he had an emergency and will contact me later--right!

    After this nothing went right. I had nine things on my list of things to do and the Lord only wanted me to do two of them.

    Tomorrow is another day, full of grace and mercies; I'll see what He will have me accomplish. I always say that if I put myself on my schedule I will be stressed out, but if I put myself on His schedule I will be stress-free, because I am assured He will get done all He wants to get done in a day.

    Please continue to pray for Haiti. You will see a few pictures that describe Port-au-Prince.
End of April 2011 Haiti Mission Trip Report

  • April 10-11, 2011
    View photos
    Hartford Baptist Church, Hartford, AL
    What a wonderful weekend I had in Hartford, AL, which is only about two hours from Ft. Walton Beach, FL. There is an old saying in the South that we will treat you so many ways that you will have to like some of them. Well, I liked all of them.

    About two months ago I got a call from Chris Kroll who used to attend Cinco Baptist Church here in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. He was very active in the church there and now is interim pastor at Hartford Baptist Church. Chris and I worked together in New Orleans with Chris Hughes (Salvation Ministries) feeding the people after the devastating hurricane Katrina in 2005. When Hartford Baptist Church thought about doing foreign missions we were blessed that the Lord put Truth Evangelistic Ministry on Chris's heart and he shared this with Bruce Spivey, the Minister of Music and Adults. I met with them in February 2011 and they invited me to come and speak to their men's group and later invited me to preach last weekend (April 10, 20ll) at Hartford Baptist Church and then speak to the men's group on Monday night (April 11, 2011).

    I arrived Saturday night and I was blessed with an apartment to stay in right across the street from the church. I want to thank Jarod & Lindsey for their kindness to let me stay there. The strange thing about their apartment was that it had University of Auburn things in the apartment and University of Alabama. I didn't know whether to say, War Eagle or Roll Tide. Come to find out Lindsey is an Auburn fan and Jarod is an Alabama fan. You know the Lord had to put them together.

    I was blessed to speak at two worship services Sunday morning and attended The Fort Rucker performance of the Living Last Supper on Sunday night. If you have never seen these performances don't miss them.

    Monday Pastor Bruce took me to play golf and was merciful to me, only beat me by four strokes. I'll get him next time. Monday night I meet with the Men's Ministry and we talked about the November Mission to Haiti. It seems we already have five or six men that are interested. I believe this will grow as the time comes nearer. It's exciting to see how the Lord puts people together to do His will.

    I want to thank all of Hartford Baptist Church for the love and hospitality and look forward to serving our Lord together.

Mission Trip to Haiti / Mar 14-26, 2011


  • Unless otherwise specified, all reports are from Brother Chuck

  • March 26
    The adventure in Haiti isn't over until you get on the plane to leave. I had arranged for a Haitian man to meet us at 6:00 a.m. in Z'Orange to pick up all the trunks and luggage, so we got up at 4:45 and had our coffee about 5:00. We had breakfast around 5:30, and then 6:00 came rolling around and no truck driver. This isn't unusual in Haiti, but I had specifically told Nazon, the driver--American time, not Haitian time. We waited until about 6:20, then I sent Simon on a motorcycle to call him to see what the problem was. By now I was trying to decide whether to take Gabriel down with everyone and the luggage, and take the chance of running out of fuel. There has been no diesel for a couple of days, so I didn't know if we would be able to get any. Then I thought, maybe we would just have to leave all the luggage and see if I could get the Pensacola group to bring it in. I waited not too patiently for Simon to return, and then I gathered everyone together and asked our Father to help us. Finally, I jumped into the Ford to go see what was going on. On my way I met Nazon, and he said that he had had a flat tire. I looked at the front driver's side tire, and it looked like he still had a flat tire, it was so low. I also noticed that it had three lug bolts instead of five. Oh, well, it's Haiti. We made it up to Z'Orange and picked up the luggage and everyone piled into the Ford. At the very bottom of the mountain, in a village called Tetayen, we had to pull over and have more air put into his tire. He had dropped the other one off to get it fixed, and they had it ready, but he decided he could make it to the airport. In Haiti, they have compressors on the side of the road where they air tires up and fix flats manually.

    To make a long story short, we made it to the airport in plenty of time, thanks to our Father in Heaven. He is the Provider!

  • March 25
    View photos
    Today was the first day the pastors didn't have sessions all day, but their day was still busy. It is amazing what this small team has accomplished in one short week. Not only did we have a Pastors' Conference, but we also went into two voodoo villages and shared the Gospel, and we had a revival Sunday through Thursday nights. Nate and Brittany played with the kids every day. You could not open the front door without a dozen of them standing out there waiting for them to come outside. When we were at Daniel's voodoo village, Nate told his dad, Will, that he felt sorry for the children there. Naturally, Will thought it was because they were so poor, but Nate said he felt sorry for them because they didn't know Jesus. How amazing is that--for an eight-year-old to know what is really important!

    Since the team has been here, they have painted my quarters and both bathrooms, hung door trim, stained all trim and four doors, laid tile in two bathrooms, mounted two ceiling fans, and put in lighting in one of the bathrooms. I'm sure I forgot something; they were always doing something.

    It has been a great trip; I always enjoy watching the true church working together for His Glory--no distractions, just getting up every day eager to do His will.

  • March 24
    View photos
    Respectfully submitted by Betty Summer
    Wow, what a week! This has been a vacation from my routine when I come to Z'Orange--no medical team. I have been blessed to spend the week with my son and my grandchildren--how many people get to come to Haiti on vacation with their grandchildren?? Brittany has been here several times (she is 17 yrs old); she would rather be here than on spring break at Disney World. Nathan is 8 yrs old, and he has had a wonderful time playing with the children. He has easily made friends with several of the little boys--this will be one spring break he will never forget!!!

    I am always blessed by the people here--the happiness, the stamina, the interest in learning more about the Lord. This visit, I was honored to speak at two of the voodoo villages. Tuesday we went over to Daniel's village, where I spoke with the women. Daniel is truly blinded to how the Lord is moving in his village; he may never accept the Lord, but his people are hearing the word. Today I was blessed to be able to share at Oceanye's village. I had planned for the women again, but few women came, so I talked to the children about Jonah and how God wants us to listen to Him and do what He asks. They sang songs with Ginette and Simon, and I was more blessed maybe than they were, but what a pleasure to share God's word!! Oceanye is the voodoo priest who claims Christianity but still practices voodoo; he tries to explain that this is how he makes his living--sound familiar? Sometimes we all make excuses for not following what God wants us to do (hope he doesn't get swallowed by a BIG fish--Ha!Ha!)

    I really do feel like a tourist this trip. Bro Chuck picked us up in the new SUV (even smells like a new vehicle), and we are staying in the new mission house--we have flushing toilets!!!! OK, the showers are still cold, but we are in a new facility with ceiling fans and A/C units in the walls. We were able to buy Ginnette a new gas stove, and she baked banana bread for our dinner tonight!! This is definitely different from when I came my first trip 5 years ago. This ministry has been faithful in following God's leading into unchartered waters, and HE IS BLESSING us daily!

    Praise His Holy Name! This is truly the Day the Lord has made--let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!! I have been so blessed to be a part of this ministry over the last 5 years, and I can hardly wait for the next trip!

  • March 23
    View photos
    Pastor Ken's report
    As a pastor, there is no greater joy than equipping the saints to do Kingdom work. I praise God and give thanks to Truth Evangelistic Ministries for the opportunity to come to Haiti for the fourth annual Pastors' Conference. These Haitian pastors come from all parts of Haiti, thirsting for God's Word. Many of them have so many questions about theology, doctrine, and leadership in the church. So many Haitian churches face the same kind of church problems we face in America.

    I believe there is no greater way to reach a nation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ than through the local pastor and the church. What an awesome experience for the few pastors who are here, building relationships with these Haitian pastors in the fourth annual Pastors' Conference. There is so much work to do. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Allow me to extend an invitation to those of you who are reading this: pray for God to burn a desire in your heart to come to Haiti and be involved in this most rewarding work. It has been our past experience that many want to come to build churches and buildings; those things are just temporary. Here is a genuine opportunity to store up treasures in heaven and advance the Kingdom.

    In closing, many of the Haitian pastors would love to see our African-American brothers and sisters come to Haiti. It is my prayer that the Lord would do a mighty work in your hearts to come and join us. To God be the Glory!

    Brother Chuck's report
    Today Pastor Philip and I went to Port au Prince to buy materials. When we drove in, I knew that I needed diesel, so I stopped at the first station where trucks were lined up, but there was no fuel. We stopped at two more stations--still no fuel. We had only about a 1/8 tank. I told Simon that we had to find some diesel, or we would not make it back to Z'Orange. We continued to look with no luck. I called Dottie to see if she had some, and she said she had a little, maybe a couple of gallons that I could use, but she would check around. She called me back later and told me that there was a station close to her that had gas, but there was a huge line. At that point it didn't matter how long the line was, we needed fuel. Before we went to get fuel, though, we wanted to see if we could find a stove for the mission house. As I said before, the Lord put it on the heart of one of the team members to donate enough money to buy a stove. We stopped in a place that had exactly what we needed--you will see a picture of it. We were able to buy the propane stove for $425. As you will see, it is really nice. It has six burners and a large oven. I was concerned about how we would get it to Z'Orange, but it fit inside the Ford. As soon as we pulled out of the parking lot, Pastor Philip saw a gas station and said he thought they were pumping gas. I pulled right into the pump and they filled it up with diesel. There is absolutely no doubt--God is good!

    After getting fuel, we went to a place called Eko Depot, which is like a Home Depot, where Pastor Philip and I bought parts for the installation of another ceiling fan in the kitchen. I couldn't believe how quickly we got in and out; it took only about 30 minutes. We then went to Batimet, another hardware store, and bought paint for the bathrooms. We made it back before 12:00, which is amazing.

    While we were gone, Pastor Harry took Will, Betty, Brittany and Nate to Oceanye's house for a Bible study with the women, but he had misunderstood--there were no women there, but he said he would have them there tomorrow. They had a great talk with him about his conversion to Christ. He was a voodoo priest and, unfortunately, is still practicing--not because he likes what he does, but because he doesn't know another way to make money. He continually asks us to pray for him. This may be hard for some people to understand, but most voodoo priests are voodoo priests because their fathers and grandfathers were voodoo priests. This is the only way they know to provide for their families. It's like a man who accepts Christ in the States, who owns a liquor store or bar. He knows what he's doing is wrong, but it takes time for the Lord to show and convict him about what to do. Please pray for our brother, Oceanye.

    Everybody was busy, as usual. Pastor Sean, Pastor Philip, Pastor Ken and Lane taught at the Pastors' Conference. Afterward, Lane and Pastor Ken tackled the tile job in one of the bathrooms. Pastor Philip installed a light fixture in one bathroom, while Pastor Sean stained four doors. Will and I worked on the plumbing and, hopefully, fixed that problem. Here you never know--everything can be working fine, and then it just self-destructs.

    Will preached at the night service, and by the time we were finished at church it was about 9:30, so it was time to go to bed.

    Another great day with the Lord!

  • March 22
    View photos
    This morning after breakfast, Pastor Philip started off the Pastors' Conference, while Betty, Will, Nate, Brittany and I went to Daniel's village. The Lord had put it on Betty's heart to have a Bible study with the young women and ladies there. Yesterday, I asked Daniel if he thought it would be okay, and he agreed. There were twelve ladies there, and the Bible study began. This is what I really enjoy the most about TEM-- that when we come to Haiti, we have an overall plan, but I want people to come here and listen to God's plan for them, and then allow Him to make it happen. If we had had a strict schedule, this could not have been done. This is the first time Betty has been to Daniel's without a medical team. She had a great time sharing about our Lord.

    When we came back, I was pleasantly surprised--Pastor Sean had painted my bedroom. Pastor Ken had sorted all our trunks into categories, and Lane had begun working on the trim around the doors. Everyone was busy.

    After lunch, Will, Pastor Philip and Simon took Gabriel to pick up some wood for Daniel to take down to Tetayan. I gave them some money to buy diesel at a little village called Cabera, but there was none to be found. I hope we find some tomorrow when I go into Port.

    While Will and Pastor Philip were gone, I began painting my office. I got about halfway through and remembered I had promised Oceanye (converted voodoo priest) that I would come to see him and his family. He has asked me about half a dozen times in the last six months, and I just haven't had time. It seems when I am here I am so busy, but today I was going to go. It's about a 20-minute walk. Betty went with me, but first we stopped off to see one of my favorite people, Slyvest (another converted voodoo priest). I wanted to see how he was doing; he was doing okay, but had swollen ankles. Betty gave him some medicine, and we continued our journey to Oceanye. When we arrived, he was so happy to see us! He immediately got us some chairs so we could sit on the front porch and talk. We asked him if Betty could come up and have a Bible study there, and he said that would be fine, so Betty will have another Bible study tomorrow there in the second voodoo village.

    By the time we got back, Will and Pastor Philip had arrived, and we had dinner. After dinner, Pastor Philip preached. It is amazing how late the preaching is here. The singing starts about 7:00 p.m., and the sermon starts about 8:45-9:00 p.m. After church, it didn't take long for us to turn the generator off and get some sleep. I'm the only one up now, doing my entries.

    Tomorrow could be an exciting day for us and Ginette. One of the members of the team donated some money for a propane stove. We are praying that we have enough, and that we can find one. Pastor Philip and I are going in for some supplies tomorrow, and we hope to find a stove and someone to deliver it to us. Ginette went to culinary school, so we will be in for a real treat when she gets an oven. We are already talking about fresh bread, cakes, pies, biscuits, and all those other goodies that she can cook for us.

    Every team that comes with TEM is absolutely awesome! Everyone pitches in and helps one another. As I have said before, this is the way a church should be--everybody working in harmony. After all, we are the church. I am so blessed to be surrounded with people who just want to please the Lord!

  • March 21
    View photos (photos for March 20 & 21 combined)
    Monday morning started out with our regular breakfast, then preparations for the Pastors' Conference. We needed to set up a chalkboard and get all our tablets, pens, and literature up to the church. We started about 8:00 a.m., and there were about 30 people. A few more came in as the day went on. We have been fortunate in previous years that their spring break has been the same time as ours. This year they changed it, so a lot of pastors could not make it because they teach school. We will try our best to make sure next year that we align the conference with their spring break. It is still a good turnout. We never know how many pastors will come, since there is no registration. We always know that whoever is here, God called them to be here, including the Americans. We know it is not about the numbers, it about those who are called for this time.

    I started off by thanking the pastors for coming, and explaining to them how important their calling is. I explained how we are the examples of Christ and, yes, we will fail, but we need to be able to admit our failures and ask for forgiveness, not only to God but to other people. When I finished, Pastor Ken took over for the first session, and then Pastor Philip concluded the morning. After lunch, Lane and Pastor Sean had the afternoon sessions. They finished about 3:00 p.m.

    While the Pastors' Conference was going on, Brittany, Betty, and Nate constructed crafts for the kids--they love it when Americans bring them something to do. You will see the necklaces and things they created.

    Will and I worked on the water system. We have had to move all of the cut-off valves higher, because the children can't help but play with them. They actually beat one with a rock, for some strange reason, and broke it (kids?). When we finished that, we constructed a little hanging rake for my clothes in my room, and Will made shelves for the showers to put our soap and shampoo on. There are so many projects, large and small, to be done here--there is always something to do if we have the material to do it with.

    Pastor Philip mounted a ceiling fan and light in the ladies' room, which was a priority on my list. As the summertime comes, we will need these fans, and we always need the light at night.

    Pastor Ken preached tonight a powerful message from Job, that it doesn't matter what we are going through, it will make us stronger and, through it all, our Redeemer lives. I personally like the verse that says, though He slay me I will put my trust in Him. Sometimes it is so hard for us to remember the bigger picture, and that our Redeemer lives, and one day we will live with Him--what a day that will be!

  • March 20
    View photos (photos for March 20 & 21 combined)
    This is the first time a team has come in and woken up in Z'Orange on Sunday morning. We usually spend the night at Dottie's and drive up on Sunday after lunch. Saturday night here was really cold--I'm not talking about cool, I mean cold. I had some blankets from Samaritan's Purse, thank goodness, so they were really helpful. There are only a few times a year that you actually get cold here; it really is hard to believe after you have been here in the summertime.

    We woke up to our usual breakfast of pop tarts, cereal, and oatmeal, and afterward Pastor Philip gave the devotion. We then attended a short church service, because most of the adults were in Port-au-Prince voting. The election was on Sunday. We are praying that it will be a peaceful election.

    After church, we had a delicious meal that Madame Do prepared for the team. It was fried chicken legs, plantain, vegetable salad, rice, and red sauce--a typical Haitian meal.

    After lunch, Will had to take Gabriel into Port to pick up some people from Pastor Harry's church, and I had to go in to pick up Pastor Ken. Our problem with Gabriel was that we didn't have enough diesel, so I gave Will some money to try to find some. All the gas stations were closed because of the election. As we figured, Will ran short on gas and he finally had to stop Gabriel on the side of the road so he would not run out. Simon got out and started looking for diesel. In Haiti you can find people who sell it on the side of the road in gallon jugs. Praise God Simon found some, so they made it back about 5:30 that evening. Nate wanted to ride in the back, but we couldn't let him ride back there by himself so, being a good big sister, Brittany rode in the back with him. You can see the pictures of them returning, riding up in the front with Dad (Will).

    After I picked up Pastor Ken, we went to Dottie's for me to send in the photos and report. I have an air card here, but it didn't work, for some strange reason. The air card makes it possible for me to send reports and photos from the top of the mountain, without having to drive all the way into town. This will make the third time I have had to take my computer back into Petionville to get it working with the air card. Well, I say I, but I send Simon on a motorcycle, because the traffic is so bad. Somehow, they reset my computer and then it works.

    Will and I returned about the same time, just in time for dinner. After dinner I preached about love and forgiveness; it has really been on my heart to preach on forgiveness. It seems here, as everywhere, people just will not forgive other people. Pastors, deacons, and the congregation have so many problems with one another. Someone says something about someone else--now they don't talk to each other. It is all about them, and not about our Lord. Jesus showed us a perfect example of forgiveness when He said, forgive them for they know not what they do. I'm convinced we can't truly love until we can forgive, and that is only possible with Him (the Holy Spirit) allowing us to forgive. It is not humanly possible, because we carry that hate and resentment. The congregation listened intently, so I just pray the Holy Spirit penetrated their hearts.

    After church, we came back down to the mission house for a little snack and bedtime.

    God blessed us this day!

  • March 19
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    This morning started out very smoothly as I had planned, but, as you know, my plans change daily in Haiti--always. Simon had rented a pickup truck so we could pick up the luggage for the first team. I had decided to leave Gabriel in Z'Orange in order to save the money I would have to spend for someone to drive me back up to Z'Orange, if I had brought it in to Port. With this team coming in early, I figured that I would have plenty of time to drive Will up to Z'Orange and drive Gabriel back to pick up all of the luggage--I thought this was a good plan. We picked the team up and got the luggage, then went to Dottie's to leave the luggage there. Betty and Brittany stayed with Dottie, while Pastor Philip, Will, Nate, Blanco, and Simon went with me to Z'Orange. We got up there in plenty of time, so we sat around and had a coke and talked for a while.

    When we got ready to go, I had Blanco check the fluids on Gabriel, then went to crank it and it wouldn't start. I just drove it two days ago! Blanco found a loose wire and I traced it to the starter. We tried splicing it, but that didn't work. We tried cranking it again, and sparks flew everywhere. We worked on it for about 45 minutes, and then I had to make a decision to go. We got about 10 minutes down the mountain, and the Lord had me remember that I had bypassed the switch on starters many times. When I told Will, he said let's go back and try it, so we did. It started right up. So now we were running late, but we still needed to stop and buy ice at the ice house. Luckily, it was on the way, so Will stopped to get ice while I drove up to Dottie's to get everything packed that I needed. I thought I could make it back to the airport to pick up Pastor Sean, Pastor Ken, and Lane, but that was another part of my plan that had to be changed! I called Will; he had just finished getting ice, so he said he could go to the airport to pick them up.

    When Will got to the airport, he called and said that Pastor Ken wasn't there. I was afraid something had happened, so I called him in the States. He answered the phone, and I asked him why aren't you here? He reminded me that he had a wedding in south Florida, and that I had made his flight for Sunday. Don't they say it's your mind that goes first, and then something else--I can't remember . . .

    To make a long story short, we all made it to Z'Orange. Brittany and Nate rode on top of Gabriel, Pastor Philip rode in the back of Gabriel, and Lane rode with Will and Pastor Sean. Betty and Ginette rode with me. Nate had a blast riding on the big truck!

    The election is tomorrow. Simon told me that traffic won't be allowed on Election Day. We have people flying in on Sunday--someone has to pick them up. He thinks that by afternoon it should be okay--I guess we'll see. Not only do we need to pick up Pastor Ken, Will needs to take Gabriel to pick up people from Pastor Harry's and another church for the Pastors' Conference.

    In the photos you will see bunk beds. Eventually, we will need 15 bunk beds--ten in the men's room, five in the ladies'--at a cost of about $225 each. You will also see a photo of boxes where chickens can lay their eggs. We will need about 5 chicken boxes, at a cost of about $50 each. If you or a Sunday school class would like to help with some of these items, please let us know.

  • March 18
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    As you can tell by the photos, we worked on the bathrooms today. We now have shower curtains, shower mats, and rugs in the bathrooms. That sounds like it wouldn't take very long, but it took all morning. You don't just hang shower rods here, you make them. For each one, you cut a piece of PVC, then cut pieces of wood and drill a 1-inch hole in each one, and then mount them with concrete anchors. The problem with two of the bathrooms is that the window is where the rod should be, so I had to extend a 2x4 from the ceiling down to the area where the rod should go--a little Haitian engineering. This gives the mission house a hint of Haiti, and keeps it from being so American. Of course, it has a lot of Haiti in it now--concrete floors, unpainted walls, no kitchen cabinets, shelves, or appliances. We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.

    We need to build about 30 bunk beds, paint inside and outside the building, knock out openings and install three bathroom windows, knock out openings for two window A/C units, build cabinets in the kitchen, buy stove and refrigerator (propane), build shelves in kitchen pantry, put in drop ceilings, build front porch, tile floors, install toilets, sinks, and showers in two bathrooms, install three more ceiling fans, finish all electrical, and have an electric pump installed in the well. These are just a few things I can think of; I'm sure there are more, so if you would like to help us with these projects, you can send a gift for one of these items, or you can send yourself. We would love to have you. We're thinking about having a small work team this summer--if you are interested, please contact me.

    We need to purchase a stove, refrigerator, tile, paint, concrete and tin for porch, lumber for beds (will be made of 2x4s and plywood, each with 4-inch mattress), a submersible pump, lumber for kitchen cabinets, and shelving for pantry. If you would like estimates on any of these items, please email me at truthm@cox.net, or call me at 850-582-1458.

    We left Z'Orange about 1:30 and came to Port to buy more groceries for the team. We had to buy the ham, turkey, hot dogs, and bread so that they would be fresh. Simon got to go home early, and I made it to Dottie's by 4:00, so I should have a good rest tonight.

    Tomorrow, part of the team is coming in at 8:30 a.m., then the other part at 3:00 p.m., which is spread out, but we have plenty to do in between. The first group is the Will Tiller group. Will's son, Nathan, is coming on this trip, and he is some kind of excited! Don't worry Kristy (mom)--he will be fine. Then there is his oldest daughter, Brittany, who has been many times, and his mom, Betty Summer, who has worked on many medical teams. Also in this group is Pastor Philip McNeal from First Baptist Church of Batesburg/Leesville, SC, who has made several trips. He will be teaching at the Pastors' Conference.

    The 3:00 group consists of Pastor Sean from Wright Baptist Church, Lane Thompson from Wright Baptist Church, and Pastor Ken Loubriel from Pensacola. All these men will be coming back to Haiti to teach at the Pastors' Conference. The Haitian pastors look forward to seeing these men who take time out of their busy schedules to come and teach.

  • March 17
    View photos
    This morning Simon and I left Dottie's about 8:30 to go buy a few more groceries and exchange some money. For some of you who have never heard of me talking about changing money, it is just like in the Bible days of money changers--they are in certain areas of town on the street corners. I have a Haitian friend named Frank who I call, and he meets me wherever I ask him to, and he brings whatever amount I need. He wears long pants and knee socks, where he hides all his money. He has it counted out in large or small bills, however I need it. It always feels like you're doing something illegal when you're sitting in your car counting thousands of dollars, looking around to make sure no one is watching. We make these quick transactions and Frank is on his way, as I am mine.

    After exchanging the money, we called Blanco to see if he wanted to help us today go to the market and buy food for the Pastors' Conference. As always, he is ready to help, so we picked him up on our way to Z'Orange. When we arrived, I had Blanco check the differential fluid, oil and water on Gabriel before we took it to Cabera (a village about 30 minutes from Z'Orange).As some of you know, we are sending Blanco to mechanic school, and he is making super grades; he loves to work on trucks, which a real blessing for me.Maybe my days of being a mechanic are getting close to being over.

    When Blanco was finished checking out Gabriel, he went with Simon and me to Cabera, where we bought all the food for the Pastors' Conference. We had never been to the market there--it is huge! We had to do a lot of walking around, but we found rice, beans, corn, flour, sugar, spaghetti, ketchup, herring, cooking oil, and other things that were on our list. We also had to buy some 2x4s (they are actually 2 inches by 4 inches) for Pastor John Renel's chicken coop. There were several of us last February who gave him money to get into the chicken business. We also bought some tin for him a couple of days ago. He assures me I'm going to be eating eggs and chicken when I come back in April.

    We returned to Z'Orange about three o'clock and unloaded all the food. The little kids could hardly wait for us to get it off the truck so they could help carry it into the depot. They love to help us, whatever we are doing. Pastor John Renel grabbed the 2x4s and started working on his chicken coop. By this time we were hungry, and Madame Do had made us a kabrit (goat) stew with potatoes, dumplings in a red sauce. This is the first time I had ever had this, and it was delicious. She is always making sure I eat when I'm here.

    When we finished eating, I started working on the projects that we need to do around the mission house--there is so much to do. One of the main things I wanted to do was install the sink in the ladies' bathroom. Karl had completed two bathrooms and had put in the shower and commode in the ladies' bathroom, but didn't have time to put in the sink. Simon and I found all the parts we needed, and we got it installed. I had had Simon buy some mirrors for the bathrooms, and we got a mirror up in the ladies' bathroom. I also bought some LED lights that I have put in each of the bathrooms, so at night after the generator is off there will be light.

    By the time we finished this, it was time to clean up our mess and get ready to shower and relax. It was a great day. We will stay at the mission house tonight and get up in the morning to work more on the bathrooms. Tomorrow afternoon we will go back to Port, and I will stay at Dottie's so I can pick up part of the team on Saturday morning, and the others who will come in the afternoon.

  • March 16
    View photos
    Today is my birthday, Happy 59. How could that be? Fifty-nine--no way! But that is what the birth certificate says. The Lord said they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. I thank God that after three back surgeries, three hip surgeries, two elbow surgeries, one foot surgery, malaria and dengue fever, He still renews my strength to do His work. He is without a doubt The Miracle Worker.

    This morning Simon and I had to do a little shopping before we went up to Z'Orange. Most people don't realize how much preparation goes into getting a team into Haiti, taking care of all meals and transportation, lining up interpreters and making sure everything is working properly. I really don't expect anyone to understand, unless they have been here with me and have seen how much time it takes. This is the reason I come in a week ahead of the teams. I used to come in three days ahead, and I found out really quick that was not enough time. Sometimes I have had three days of mechanic problems alone, but with the new Ford--thanks to all of you--I won't be having those problems now. Today we started out buying groceries for the team. It would be great if you could just go to one store and purchase everything, but we had to go to three stores to find what we needed. We will have to go back on Saturday before the team comes in and buy fresh bread, ham, turkey and cheese and pick up three large coolers of ice.

    After shopping, we met with Blanco to send him to buy three 55-gal. plastic drums that the Haitian pastors will use for showers. The price of these drums has gone from $18.75 to $43.75 each, since the earthquake. Simon and I then went on up to Z'Orange and started getting things ready for the team.

    Our first task was to fill the 300-gal. cistern. We have to fill a 55-gal. drum with water, and then an electric pump pumps it up to the cistern on the roof. We have to fill the 55-gal. drum using 5-gal. buckets from the pump well. Just imagine--that took sixty 5-gal. buckets! Eventually, we will have an electric pump in the well. After the cistern was filled, I turned the water on and everything worked great--three showers, three toilets, and two sinks. Simon and I are going to try to install the third sink tomorrow. While Simon and some men were filling up the drum, I was installing some screens on the windows and cleaning up the kitchen for Ginette.

    Then we met with Pastor Dorleon and got the list of food for the pastors, which Simon and I will get tomorrow at the market. We will also be buying 55 gallons of gas for the generators at $5 a gallon (makes our gas look cheap), and propane for the stove. Since I'm the only driver here, I'll be driving Gabriel (military truck which we left in Z'Orange) down to PAP (so we can have it to carry the luggage up when the team comes), and then will have someone take me back up to Z'Orange to pick up the Ford. That will take at least half a day, but what is time when you're working for the Lord!

    I know I have said this before, but I want to thank everyone for your continued support of TEM. We have spent about six years in Z'Orange, and I can see God's Spirit in that valley now--where before there was only darkness, where voodoo priests didn't want us--and now, some are converted, and the others allow us to come into their villages and teach VBS, bring medical teams, and teach the Gospel to voodoo priests and priestesses. Now, the voodoo priests come to us, just to see how we are doing and asking when we will come and visit.

    I believe that we are just at the beginning of a great work of our Lord. Let us not be weary of well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially those who are of the household of faith. Gal. 6:9

    What an awesome opportunity our Lord is giving us!

  • March 14
    View photos
    After driving military trucks for about ten years and a 1992 Ford van for the last year and a half, TEM has been blessed with a NEW 2011 Ford Everest Diesel SUV. Hallelujah!!!! Hallelujah!!! and AMEN. Take a look at the pictures to see what the Lord has done using the body of Christ. I cannot thank everyone who prayed and gave for such a needed gift enough. I really can't comprehend it yet--that I can get into a vehicle and actually expect to get where I'm going. It is amazing that I don't have to carry two tool boxes full of tools, brake fluid, motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant and a multitude of other things--just in case I need them, and most of the time I did.

    When I was ready to leave the dealership, I noticed that the SUV didn't have floor mats, so I went back inside to ask for floor mats, and he reluctantly gave them to me. Then when I got back in the Ford and started it, I noticed it had only about 1/8 of a tank of diesel in it. I went back in and told him that, in America, when you buy a new car they fill it up with fuel. He told me they don't do that here, but if I wanted to I could drive around back, and they would give me half a tank. I said no problem, where do I go? As I was getting fuel I noticed that I only had one key for the ignition, so I went back in to see if I could get another key, and he told me that even though the keys look different, they are the same. Then he said I guess you want a key chain, too. Naturally I said yes, I do, and if you have anything else free I will take that as well. That was the end of the free gifts. Oh, well, you never know till you ask.

    Thanks again. We have a mighty, awesome Father.
End of March 2011 Haiti Mission Trip Report

  • March 13, 2011
    View photos
    Update from India
    Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

    Greetings and glad to talk to you through this brief newsletter for the month of February, 2011. God is so good and He is doing marvelous works in our midst, for which we are glad.

    We are able to minister to in India effectively with the help of all your prayers and support apart from the grace of God. Kindly uphold us in your regular prayers.

    Now you may kindly glance through this newsletter and see the photos attached herewith for your reference.
    Read Newsletter (PDF, 136 KB)

    You may kindly acknowledge when you can and if time permits.
    Thank you so much,
    Yours in His Service,
    Vijay

    Find out more about Vijay and Light of Hope Mission.
    Note from Brother Chuck:
    If anyone would like to support the efforts in India, please contact us.

Mission Trip to Haiti / Feb 19-26, 2011


  • Unless otherwise specified, all reports are from Brother Chuck

  • February 25
    View photos
    We started off with an inspiring devotion by Karl, beginning in Kings and ending up in Romans. Talking about Elijah and how he was so bold in the Lord, and then he ended up hiding in a cave--how that can compare to our lives.

    After the devotion, we had our breakfast and began work. Karl put in the vent stack for the three bathrooms, worked on Gabriel and numerous other things, while Bruce and Thomas ran the wire and installed another ceiling fan. Ralphy cleaned up after breakfast and started his inventory of the groceries we have here. Chuck and Joe built a shelf for one of the bathrooms, and Bill and I put together a generator and installed a latch on the back door. These are just a few things we did before lunch.

    After lunch, Simon and I took Thomas, Ralphy and Chuck to Jerusalem IV, Daniel's village, and to see Sylvest (converted voodoo priest). The Lord provided the money for us to purchase the land for Jerusalem IV last year, and now we are praying for when the Lord wants to provide money so they can build Him a church. We don't build churches; we provide the materials and let the Haitian congregation build their own church. This way, it is their church built by them, not by Americans, and they have ownership.

    Daniel was really glad to see us. He had come up to visit me twice yesterday; he had missed me the first time. He is the third voodoo priest who has come up to see me just to say hi and see how I and my family are. They all wanted to know if I would have time to come by and see them. We have come a long way from the first time we came here, and they beat voodoo drums all night to keep us up. They did not want us here then.

    We all laid hands on Daniel and I prayed that one day he would listen to the Spirit of Truth and accept Christ. After the prayer, he said he wished he could do something for me; I told him the best thing he could do for me was to accept Jesus Christ. He reminded me that it took me a long time before I did. He said he remembered the first time we met, and my testimony. I told him I pray it doesn't take him that long. I believe in my heart that he will accept Christ one day. Please pray for him.

    I love to visit Sylvest--he is always full of joy. He has been full of joy ever since he accepted Christ a little over a year ago.

    When we finished our visiting, we returned back to the mission house to see that the team had cleaned everything up, and they were finishing up small projects that needed to be done before we leave.

    It has been a fantastic week with Christian brothers who are truly doers of the Word. It is amazing what the Lord has had us accomplish, but the fellowship was the best part!

  • February 24
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    This morning I had to go down to a little town called Cabaret, which is about 30 minutes from Z'Orange, to pick up some cement, rebar and other materials for the Haitian bosses. This was the first time I had really gone into this small town--I usually just go through it. I found everything I needed at one supply store, which was amazing, and got back to Z'Orange by 11:00. I had started helping Karl when I realized that Gabriel had a flat tire. Blanco took it off, and we had to go back down the mountain to get it fixed.

    While I was running around as usual, the rest of the guys were working hard. Karl had installed the sinks, commodes and showers, as you will see in the photos. We now have three completed bathrooms with flushing toilets. Of course, the bathrooms need paint, towel racks, shower curtains, shower rods, rugs, soap dishes, and all that other stuff that I never really thought of, because our houses at home come with all these things. Bruce and Thomas worked on the electrical, and installed four ceiling fans with lights. Bill stayed with the plumbing, but got tired of waiting for a ladder, so he decided to make his own, as you will see--he should go into the ladder-making business. This ladder will probably be here longer than the mission house. Chuck and Joe have mastered hanging doors now. They framed in my door and a bathroom door, and fixed the front door, which was too tight. Ralphy not only cooks for us and cleans up, but helps everybody else when they need it. Everyone works from the time we finish breakfast until about six in the evening, with only about a thirty-minute break for lunch. I am already amazed at what the Lord has had us achieve.

  • February 23
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    I didn't get a chance to take pictures or write for the 22nd; I had to go to Port-au-Prince to pick up materials for the mission house. This took all day, naturally, and the van gave us problems all day; as we started up the mountain we noticed a water leak. At first I thought it was the water pump (the only thing I can think of we haven't replaced), but the leak was too far back from the front of the engine. The van started to overheat, so I pulled over; we could see the steam coming from under the van, but couldn't tell where it was coming from. I had bought drinking water in 5 gallon jugs, so I told Thomas and Simon to break one of them out. We had to stop about three times to keep the radiator full so it wouldn't overheat. Our Lord got us up the mountain one more time--He just continues to bless us.

    Today (Wednesday) I had to go back down Port-au-Prince again, which was no surprise. Ralphy and Simon went with me. We have so many projects going on--we just can't think of everything. I know that when I'm doing a project at home I have to go to Home Depot about three times, so it is the same here. The good news is that we made it back about 12:30.

    While we were gone, the team accomplished a lot. There is no way I can thank each man for being here, but I know the Lord will. They are truly doing everything as if they are working for the Lord. Bruce and George started laying the tile in the bathrooms. They almost finished one, and they got the tile laid in two others where the toilet and sink will go, which is all we need for now. We are hoping to get toilets and sinks in three bathrooms so we will have three out of five bathrooms functioning. Chuck and Joe worked on putting in the door to my room, and they did a great job.

    Karl and Thomas tackled the electrical--it is hard to believe that we have functioning electrical outlets in the mission house! We also have two of the A/C units hooked up, and we ran them today. Bill worked on the water lines again today, getting water to the kitchen and to all the bathrooms. Hopefully, tomorrow we will have one complete bathroom with a flushing commode. For those of you who have never been here, this is awesome--if you have never smelled an outhouse you really can't appreciate this.

    As some of you may know, the Lord showed me His vision of this mission house many years ago, and I have had no idea when it would come to reality. All He asked me to do was tell everyone what He had revealed to me, and He would take care of the rest. He has kept His promise, as always. He told us that we should wait upon the Lord--that He is our Provider. We don't need to get in hurry, we don't need to borrow money or get stressed out, we just need to continue to be about His business, and He will provide in His time.

    I humbly thank everyone who has prayed, given, and gone with me to Haiti. I pray for you and your families often. I could not be here without you, and I am assured that my Lord called me to be here at this appointed time using each of you. God bless!

  • February 21
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    We woke up today with the sun coming up, ready to begin our day. Ralphy started it out with the devotion, and afterward we had breakfast. It was a very simple breakfast with cereal, pop tarts and some milk and, naturally, coffee.

    When we had finished breakfast, we started work. Karl is our lead man, and he points us in the right direction. Bruce and George started enlarging the holes for the A/C units to fit into, while Chuck and Joe started running the sewage pipes from the bathrooms, while some of the Haitian men were digging the septic tank. Bill started running the PVC for the showers, while Raphly and I started pulling all the old kitchen trunks out and going through them.

    I also had the Haitian bosses come in to finish the floors in the bathrooms. They were very rough, and we needed them to be leveled so one day we can lay tile. We are going to try to at least put some pieces down before we put the commodes and sinks in, so we won't have to take them back out. I also had Blanco come up to put new brakeshoes and new brake calibers on Gabriel. We had a lot of things going on, to say the least.

    When the day was finished, Ralph treated us to chicken fettuccine that he prepared, and it was delicious. Afterward, we were able to take our first shower since Saturday night. We have the cistern on top of the building and, temporarily, we have a 55-gallon drum on the ground with a pump in it that pumps the water up into the cistern. We had help from the Haitians to fill the 55-gallon drum up about 6 times, so we could fill the cistern. The water pressure is great, but I have to tell you that water out of the well was cold.

    Tomorrow Simon, Thomas, and I will have to go into Port-au-Prince to buy more material. I'm just going to be praying that the van will take us there and get us back. I will also be going by the Ford place to see if we will be able to get the Ford Everest in March. What a blessing it would be to pick up the March team in TEM's new vehicle!

    The Lord truly blessed us today with wonderful fellowship and many accomplishments, all to His glory.

  • February 20
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    We got up this morning and had breakfast, then we had a great devotion headed by Karl. As you will see by the pictures, it was a beautiful day and what a great way to start it out sharing the Word of the Lord with brothers.

    When we finished, we all tackled the van. We had some men cleaning terminals, some replacing the coil, and some replacing the ignition module. Bruce was the tool man with all the tools laid out to hand to us as we needed them. After all of this, the van is still in the same shape as it was before we started. I don't know what to replace next, except the van! Next month, God willing, we will have our Ford Everest. We are only $3000 short now. It was amazing today how the Lord got that van up the mountain one more time. We had to stop about three times, but we made it. God always takes us where he wants us in His timing.

    Karl and George went by to get Gabriel (military truck,) and George drove his truck up the mountain behind me. When we arrived, we were met by the Haitian kids, and then came Pastor Dorleon and Pastor John Renel. We unloaded all our trunks and set up our cots while Madame Dorleon was preparing our late lunch. We ate about three o'clock and it was delicious--she really went all out. We had the Haitian meal--beans & rice with red sauce, fried bananas, pickles (hot slaw), fresh bananas, fried chicken legs, and French fries. We had brought cokes with us, so we had cokes on ice to wash it all down. After this most of us wanted to take a nap, but we had things to do.

    Karl gathered all of us together and went over the general plan of the electric and plumbing that needed to be done. Thomas is an electrician, so he will be a big help with this. Bill got started on the new generator putting it together, Ralphy started putting together his kitchen (he will be cooking for us), Joe and I started looking at the plumbing, Bruce, George and Chuck started working on getting the A/C units in, among many other things. We all got busy.

    It amazes me still to see what the Lord is doing here. This is a vision He showed me many years ago, and it is still hard to believe that it is coming to reality. I thank God for the men He has called here to do His work, and for all of you who have made this possible. Thank you for being obedient to our loving Father.

  • February 19
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    It was amazing that the whole team made it to Haiti today. We had people flying in from Chicago, New York, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, and St. Louis. It was snowing in Chicago, and for the last two days there has been fog in Fort Walton and Pensacola, but God made a way. There is no doubt that God wants these men here.

    This team will be working on the mission house putting in toilets, showers, fans, electricity, and plumbing. But, as I have told the men, it will not all be work; we are here to listen to the Lord, have fellowship with each other, and love on our Haitian brothers and sisters. We have three men who have never been to Haiti, so we will be walking around the valley visiting. We are not going to be concerned about finishing, because there is no finish line. When we leave we are finished.

    As you will see in the photo section, the first photo is me working on the van. I brought in a new computer for the van and it didn't work, so I barely made it down to the airport and got the team back to Dottie's. The van did stop running on a side of a hill; thank goodness George was behind me to jump me off. Now it looks like the battery isn't being charged, so we may have an alternator problem. We will get up tomorrow and pray the Lord will show us what is wrong. I also brought in a coil and an ignition module. I'm just praying that one of these will fix the problem.

    The Lord has always gotten us where we need to be when He wants us there. I'm assured He will not stop now.

End of February 2011 Haiti Mission Trip Report

  • February 12, 2011
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    Update from India
    Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
    Greetings! By the grace of God we are doing fine and hope the same with you all. God is good and His mercy endureth for ever.

    We are so grateful for the fact that God had blessed our ministry abundantly in the year 2010. When we look back our heart is filled with gratitude over the many blessings God had added into our lives and into our ministry. We are thankful to you for your kind support through your sincere prayers and financial support. May God bless you all abundantly.

    With love and prayers,
    Your loving Brother in Christ,
    Vijay

    Find out more about Vijay and Light of Hope Mission.
    Note from Brother Chuck:
    If anyone would like to support the efforts in India, please contact us.

  • February 5, 2011
    View photos
    TEM Bargain Sale
    Wright Baptist Church
    Fort Walton Beach, FL
    Report from Brother Chuck
    I got home about 12:30 a.m. Friday to Fort Walton Beach, FL. The seniors at Wright Baptist Church had already begun moving things from our storage area to the activities building at church. The seniors and some others join in for at least two bargain sales a year to help support TEM in Haiti. They work from around noon on Thursday until about 2 p.m. on Saturday, moving, tagging and selling stuff. We also have a lady who bakes for months for this sale. People come just for her cakes, cookies, and sweet delights. I have to admit when I got up early Friday morning I was a little tired, but I have only missed one sale in all the years they have been doing them, and that was when I was in Haiti. I thought I was tired Friday, but Saturday morning it really hit me, but the Lord gave me my second wind about 10 a.m., and I was good for the day. It is hard to complain about being tired when most of the people you are working with are older than you. Their strength truly has been renewed; they are amazing.

    I looked at all this stuff that had been donated for the sale and I have to say that most of it was just little small items. There was nothing there that I wanted, but God has such a wonderful way of blessing us for our efforts. At 2 p.m. they announced the amount that the Lord had blessed us with as we were cleaning up, it was $4,555; absolutely unbelievable! He is the God of miracles.

    My thanks again to all my brothers and sisters at Wright Baptist Church. We are the body of Christ, doers of the Word.

Mission Trip to Haiti / Jan 15 - Feb 3, 2011


  • Unless otherwise specified, all reports are from Brother Chuck

  • February 3
    The team started stirring around 5 a.m. today, doing their last minute packing. As they were having breakfast, I took my morning walk down to get Gabriel so I could take them to the airport. My flight wasn't until 1:25 p.m., and theirs was at 10:15, so this worked out very well. This trip to the airport would have cost about $200.00 for the team.

    After dropping everyone off, Simon and I had to go out to Pastor Harry's church (Croix de Bouquet) to drop Gabriel off for a couple of weeks till I return. I had Jojo pick me up and take me to the Toyota place, and it was open. The lady actually had the check ready for me. I went down to the Ford place and the salesman who the owner had told me to work with was waiting for me. All the paperwork went very smoothly; they are going to try to have the vehicle ready for our February team. If they aren't able to, that won't really be a problem, as long as we have it for our March and April teams. They have already ordered a heavy suspension for these SUVs, also luggage rack and 'cattle guard bumper', as I call them. When these come in, we will need to add them all, especially the suspension.

    I really can't imagine how it will feel to be able to have confidence that when I get in a vehicle in Haiti there is a great chance that I will actually make it to where I'm going! The productivity will increase greatly. I know I spend probably 20% of my time, if not more, working on our vehicles. Some of you may know this--we spent over $5,000 on the van last year just to get it where it is today.

    For the people who have read these entries and know of all the hardships we have gone through with transportation, I just want to ask you to pray to see if the Lord would want you to be a part of God's gift to His ministry (TEM), so we can continue to spread the Good News in Haiti.

    Thank you so much for all your prayers, as God has blessed us and protected us as we took His Word into Haiti.

    It was our pleasure to work with First Baptist Church of St. Charles and Global Compassion to facilitate the progress of the church at Croix de Bouquet. I know the Lord smiles upon us and blesses us as we work together to achieve His will.

    Last thing--but definitely not the least--I would like to thank my brother in Christ, Karl Leiber, who had the discernment that his brother, Chuck, could not take care of these teams by himself, and stepped up to help carry his cross. He is what a Christian brother is all about.

  • February 2
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    Hallelujah!!!! The work team got all the tin put on the roof, and there was enough. We were concerned the whole time that there wasn't enough tin. We had already priced the tin to see how much it cost. This is not the first time that the Lord has stretched His resources for us in Haiti.

    While the work team was finishing the tin John, Terry, Karl, Simon and I loaded up all the tools of Global Compassion to take out to Global Outreach to put in the container. On the way, we stopped by the Ford place again so Karl could take a look at the Ford Everest. He liked it, and I had already talked to some other board members, so I put a deposit down on it. They had said they wouldn't have any coming in till next Tuesday, but they found one manual shift in white in stock. They said if I could put 10% down, they could possibly have it ready for me when we return on Feb. 19th. The only problem was I needed to get the refund from Toyota. I called Toyota, and the lady I spoke with told me that it usually takes 2 to 3 days, but she would try to get it for me. While she was trying, we went out to Global Outreach and dropped off the tools. On the way back, I got a call that the refund check was ready at Toyota. My only problem was I needed to get Karl back to the work site in time to take the team to Dottie's, and then try to get to both Toyota and the Ford place before four o'clock. It was already two. The van was acting up, as usual, and it took quite a while to get to the work site, but there was a chance we could make it if we didn't get into a lot of traffic. Bruce went with me, and we tried our best--we got to the Toyota place at 3:15, but they were already closed. We found out everybody was closing early because the election results were supposed to be announced, and with this there could be some protesting.

    I just gave it to the Lord and Bruce and I headed on to Dottie's. On the way, the van was cutting out, and I was stopping and starting all the way, and then it would not start. I got out and took a look, and by this time we had three or four Haitians around trying to help us. They always do this, trying to make a buck; they are all mechanics, but they never seem to have any tools. I cleaned the terminals and tried again—nothing. But one of the Haitians said he saw a spark, so I took the terminals completely apart, and they really needed cleaning. I put them back together and said a quick prayer that went like this: "Lord, you know we are tired and we just want to go home; please help us." I told Bruce to get in the van--that we were going to Dottie's. It cranked right up, and we made it with only about 6 or 7 stops. God is so, so good. It always amazes me how God uses people to help His servants; was that an angel or just a man?

    I had talked to a mechanic friend of mine in Fort Walton, and he thinks the problem is in the computer on the van. He told me where it is, so when we got to Dottie's I pulled it out to take it home with me so he can check it.

    Tomorrow we will see if it is the Lord's will for us to get the refund check or the Ford--or not. If so, we will praise the Lord--if not, we will praise the Lord.

  • February 1
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    Today was a restful day for me and I think I needed it. I'm sure some other team members feel the same way. Just riding on these rough roads every day to work and back is hard enough, not counting the work in the heat.

    Karl drove everyone down to the work site and I stayed behind to wait on the mechanic to drop the gas tank again to take the fuel pump out, so he could take it downtown. I asked him to take the ignition module also, to see if he could find one of those. While he was gone, Simon came to Dottie's and we took care of payroll for the workers in Z'Orange for the week, cooks and materials for the workers. After we finished that, I actually took some time to organize my clothes and trunks so I would have that done before I leave. Usually, I'm so busy I don't have time to organize my stuff, so this was a nice quiet time for me.

    When I finished, Dino the mechanic came back and installed the fuel pump. He wasn't able to find an ignition module. He fired it up and it seemed to sound okay for a while, and then it started cutting out again when he tried to give it gas. Simon and I took it out and it drove okay for about 20 minutes, and then it started the same old thing, but the good news is that when you would turn it off it would run for about 15 minutes before it would cut out. So there was an improvement. The fuel pump had a date of December 2001, so I think it needed changing. I'm going to bring the ignition module home with me, as well as the computer, and let a friend of mine take a look at it. He seems to think it is in the computer.

    Simon and I had to go to the hardware store to take care of some bills; while I was there I asked Philip if he knew the owner of Toyota. He said yes and told me where his office was. Simon and I went by to talk to him and ask why the Land Cruiser was not coming in until March. He wasn't there, but his secretary was, and she was very helpful. She looked up our order and said that it was ordered in November. I told her that I had sent the deposit transfer in August of 2010. She couldn't believe that, so I had Simon go get my paper work and I showed her. She could not explain why that had happened, but she said there is no way we will get the Land Cruiser in March. We may get it in May, but she did say that she would give us a full refund if we wanted. I told her to hold off until I speak with the Board of Directors.

    From here we went to a Ford Dealership where I had seen a Ford Everest SUV that looked pretty nice. It will seat 8. It is more comfortable that the Land Cruiser and costs less, but it holds less people. I talked to the owner's son, and he said they sell a lot of them to the rental companies here and have for the last 4 years, and have had no problems with them. This has a 2.5 meter engine and manual transmission. He has none in stock right now but he said he will have some on Tuesday. I can put a small deposit down and he will hold one for me until I come back on the 19th of February.

    The team did a great job on the roof today. They got one side finished and started on the other side. It is a team effort. There are people on the ground handing up tin and material and Annette lining up the tin by sight and the men screwing the tin down. Everybody's job is important.

    The team will hopefully be finished putting up the tin on the roof tomorrow. Karl and some men will take the tools back to Global Outreach to put back into the container. I want Karl to go with me to the Ford dealer so he can see this Ford Everest SUV and get his opinion.

    God has blessed us as always on this trip. He has allowed us to transport everyone back and forth, even with all the problems we have had. Jesus said, &'You will have troubles in this world but take heart, I have overcome the world." He didn't say you might have troubles--He said you will have troubles, but He gives us the ability to get through them and learn that we can always trust Him, always.

  • January 31
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    This morning was a beautiful morning as I walked down to the Chapel to get Gabriel, praying and talking to the Lord all the way. I checked Gabriel's brake fluid as usual, and as usual, it was low so I added a little. Then I looked to see how much differential fluid has leaked out, and it didn't look too bad, so I cranked her up, praying that the Lord would protect us as we travel around Port au Prince. I drove up to Dottie's and parked and went inside to have breakfast with the team. Yesterday we had spent $150.00 to have the gas tank removed so we could check the fuel pump. The mechanic thought he had found the problem, so we were optimistic that it would run well today. As you will remember from yesterday, we had trouble with Gabriel with the seal leaking in the front differential. To try to make a long story short, Gabriel broke down on us half the way to the work site. I felt the metal against metal in the front left wheel, and pulled over. The differential really wasn't that low, but I added some gear oil to it and it got us to the work site--Praise the Lord. When we got there, Blanco (young Haitian man who we send to mechanic school) was waiting for me to show me his mid-term grades. He had made great grades in all his classes, and had a smile from ear to ear. These are the kind of things that bring you back to Haiti.

    Since Blanco has been going to mechanic school, he started helping Karl pull the seal in Gabriel, while I went to run errands in the van. Karl had had to stop several times on the way down, so we knew it was not fixed. Simon went with me, and it started sputtering as soon as we left, which was about 9:30. Simon and I went and bought some ham, turkey, bread, mayo and mustard for the team for lunch, and I went to borrow a tool to take the seal off with, and it took 2-1/2 hours–it was only about 7 miles.

    When we arrived, Karl and Blanco had taken the wheel off and were just waiting on us. Naturally, the gear puller didn't work, so they had to cut the metal seal to get it out.

    Simon and I grabbed a quick bite and got back on the road, having to stop about every 100 yards, as people blew their horns at us. After going to a Ford place here to see if they had a fuel pump and a modulator (which they didn't), we needed to go to a hardware store to pick up some screws and roofing nails. They had some screws but no roofing nails, so we bought the screws and decided we needed to head back to the work site; it was 2:50, and we usually leave the work site around 3:00. I thought, at the rate I'm going I will not make it to the work site in time, and I wasn't sure that Karl had fixed Gabriel. I called him and he said he was almost finished, so I told him I had better try to get to Dottie's. I didn't want the van to break down on the side of the road. Simon and I had stopped and started it so many times I couldn't turn the key anymore, my fingers were so sore. Simon had to reach across and turn the key for me. Simon tells me that he is praying that the Lord will give us a Land Cruiser soon. We did make it back to Dottie's, and Dino the mechanic met us there; Dottie had called him for us. He worked on it for a while and told me he will come back tomorrow and drop the tank and pull the fuel pump out again and he thinks he knows a place downtown that might have one.

    Karl and Blanco will be working on the Gabriel's other wheel tomorrow, so please be praying for us that the Lord will fix His vehicles. We sure could use them.

  • January 30
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    We had a wonderful Sunday. It started out with a light breakfast and then a truck ride to Z'Orange. It was nice to take the team somewhere else so they could see a little of Haiti. We arrived in Z'Orange about 10:30 and unloaded some materials from the truck for the mission house (tile, doors, lumber, etc.), and then went into the church. This Sunday was Harvest Day, where they bring in their first fruits. There was corn, melons, okra, chickens and other items on the stage that had been given as their first fruits.

    There were churches from all around the area, including Port-au-Prince. Every church has several singing groups that come up on the stage and perform. They sang till 11:30 and the pastor told the other groups that they could sing after the message. I (Bro. Chuck) gave the message on sowing your seed. Are you doing it sparingly or bountifully? As usual, Simon interpreted; I had a great time.

    Afterward, Madame Do cooked a delicious Haitian meal (fried chicken, rice, beans, red sauce, and fried plantain). We ate the first meal in the mission house with the first mission team.

    When we finished eating, we saw a little boy with a really bad cut on his toe; I bandaged it with the help of Annette, Bruce and Tom. He was about three years old and he was a tough little guy. I poured hand sanitation on it, which is 62% alcohol, and he didn't even cry. He wanted to, but he didn't. Annette held his foot while Bruce and Tom cut the bandages I needed. We sent some supplies home so his mom can change the bandage (I hope).

    We then loaded up and left for Jerusalem IV, which has a thatch roof and thatch sides. We purchased the land last year, and now we are just waiting on the Lord to send us the people who want to purchase the materials. We will have the people build this church just like we had the Haitians build their own church in Jerusalem II.

    After leaving Jerusalem II, we went to Daniel's voodoo village, where we found Daniel a little intoxicated, but he was in a great mood. He had just done some of his art work and he wanted me to see it. He also wanted his picture taken with the Americans. As always, I told him I was still praying for him and hoped to see white crosses on all his huts one day. He showed everyone parts of his temple and then asked us to pray for him, but not in his temple. We went outside and prayed for his salvation. Only God knows if he will ever accept Christ, but if he doesn't it will not be because he doesn't know about him.

    It is about a fifteen minute walk back to the truck from Daniel's, and what a beautiful walk. It is so quiet out in the country. There were people around watering their livestock in the creek, waving at us, telling us 'bonswa', which is good evening. I love it up here.

    We then headed back to Pastor Harry's church, and along the way the truck's front right wheel started making a sound like metal on metal, so I stopped immediately. I checked the differential fluid and it was almost empty, and then I noticed the front left wheel leaking gear oil in a stream. It looks like I have a really bad seal problem. We are going to check that out tomorrow. I filled it up with gear oil and made it in--just another day in Haiti.

    Pastor Brad, Annette, Michelle, Terry and Jackie went to Pastor Harry's church late in the evening where Pastor Brad preached. The rest of the team came in and rested from the long day up in Z'Orange. Karl ordered everybody Domino's Pizza (that's right, they have one in Haiti that delivers) and that was a real treat with a cold coke.
    Tomorrow we will be testing the van to see if Dino got it fixed today, and Karl and Bruce will be working on Gabriel, while the team will be putting tin on the roof. It will be exciting to see what God will do.

  • January 29
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    Report from Annette Meyer and Michele Quillo
    Day 6 on the worksite brought completion of two major projects. The "pew crew", comprised of 7 Americans and 2 Haitians working in shifts, constructed 40 - 12 ft pews in 3 days. The "roofing crew" finished setting 17 trusses, to which the tin roof will be added on Monday. Late in the afternoon, several of the team assisted Pastor Harry with a food distribution to local children, courtesy of Love A Child. During lunch, Simon shared the story of his upbringing with a few of the team members, relaying how God has truly blessed him from the time of his mother's death and his father's abandonment when he was 3 mths old, to his Godly grandmother's nurturing, an employer's help with his education, and more recently, the assistance and mentoring by Chuck. What an encouragement and wonderful example of Christian ministry our Haitian friend Simon is to us.

    Brother Chuck's report
    Today will be a short entry for me, because I will be preaching tomorrow at Z'Orange, and I need to be listening to what the Lord wants me to say. We really didn't get a lot done today. After dropping the team off, Dottie and I went out to Love a Child to pick up food for her school. Pastor Harry picked up our food for the school in Z'Orange and for the Northwest. We took the van, and we had to stop about fifty times to let it sit before it would crank again. We did make it back, but I didn't think I should try to take it back to the work site. Dottie knows a man who helps her do all kinds of things, he's also a mechanic. We called him, and he came over about 2 p.m. He dropped the gas tank to see if there was trash in it and took the fuel pump out to see if the filter was clogged. There was no trash in the gas tank, which is amazing. The fuel pump worked while we had it out, but when we put it back together it didn't work. He is going to come back tomorrow and see if he can fix it. If not, we will see if we can buy one here (that will be expensive). He left about 6 pm. Please be praying for the funds for the Land Cruiser that should be coming in February that we so desperately need for the ministry. Tomorrow we are taking the team up to Z'Orange for church, lunch and a visit around the valley to some churches and Daniel's voodoo village. It will be a nice break for the team.

  • January 28
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    Report on children's program
    by: Annette Meyer, Jackie Doss and Michele Quillo
    Each afternoon after school, we've had a children's program under the mango tree just inside the church compound, we sang songs (in Creole), presented a Bible story, shared scripture, and handed out candy and small gifts. Due to our construction schedule, our bible stories, which were translated by either Pastor Harry or Simon, were kept brief. Over the four days, we've shared the creation story, Noah's Ark, the Ten Commandments, and a salvation message with a challenge to pray to receive Christ. The prayer, with all the children's voices in unison, was quite moving. Adding to the excitement of today's bible story, we were entertained by 15-20 Haitian workers who made quite a production of carrying roof trusses right alongside our new pew benches that were overflowing with children. We surely appreciate the donations from friends and co-workers and how we were able to cram more than 300 Beanie babies, in addition to Matchbox cars, pencils, handmade bears and jewelry in every crevice of our luggage. As the singing attracted more and more children, we were comforted to know that we would have enough gifts for each. Thank you to everyone who provided gifts, monies and prayers for our trip.

    Report on construction team at work site
    The men really had a productive day today. They finished seventeen trusses today and put up nine of them. You will see the progress in the photos.

    Report on the van
    The van was running pretty well until the last two days. We now have to stop and start it about a dozen times each way to the work site. We are just praying that the Lord will show us how to fix it so it will at least last till we receive His gift of the Land Cruiser.

    Brother Chuck's report
    Today the traffic was really bad both ways. I have been driving the team down to the work site in Gabriel and Karl has been driving the van. We got to the work site a little before 9 a.m., and Simon and I had to leave to go have Gabriel inspected. The only reason they wanted to inspect it was because they didn't think a 1972 military truck could still be running. Fast Edy (Haitian that handles all my paper work) had it set up so all I had to do was drive up and the inspector would do the inspection. There were hundreds of people around and I pulled up right in the front blocking the entrance, but that's where Fast Edy told me to park. Immediately policemen were telling me to move and I was telling them I was waiting on the inspector. The inspector finally came and told the policeman that it was okay. The inspector told me to turn my lights on, and that was the inspection--I passed. I praise the Lord that Karl and Will had fixed Gabriel's lights last year. It was kind of strange--after the inspector told the policemen that it was okay for me to park there, they started telling me how much they liked the truck.

    From here we had to go to Batiment (hardware store) to order some materials for the work site, and also for the mission house. After we placed our order, we went to a tile store and bought some tile for the mission house bathrooms, so we could lay it before we put the commodes and pedestals for the sinks in. We loaded up the tile and went back to Batiment to get those materials. Some of the materials at Batiment were sheets of tin and clear plastic for sky lights. We tied it all down and headed back to the work site. We had left the work site at 9 a.m., and now it was 2 p.m. Simon and I had not had time to eat lunch or even get a drink. We had either been ordering material, loading material, or driving in traffic--mostly driving in traffic. I was beat, and all I wanted was to get to the work site so maybe I could get out of Gabriel for a few minutes. We got within 5 minutes of the work site. I had paced myself, and knew I could make it; my back was killing me. About that time, a guy behind us started blowing his horn, and I told Simon I thought he was trying to pass us. When I turned onto the road to the church--I could almost see it--and this man behind us jumped out of his car, came up to the truck, and told me the tin and clear sheets of plastic had fallen out of the truck. I told Simon to jump into his car and go back to find where it had fallen off. I just knew that either someone had stolen it, or it had been run over, but praise the Lord when I got there Simon had it all to the side of the road. We picked it all up and made it back to the work site in time for me to rest for about 15 minutes. It was a long, hard day for everyone, but it was a great day with our Lord.

  • January 27
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    Karl and I took the team down to the work site this morning and we got there a little earlier today because the traffic wasn't so bad; we arrived at 8:30. We helped a little but we had to go to Eko Depot and Batimet to make sure all our materials got on the truck for Z'Orange. It all started out pretty good at Batimet because they already had the material on the truck and ready to go at 9:30. We then followed the truck over to Eko Depot to start getting it loaded. We had hundreds of fittings and pvc pipes that had to be counted, and we were doing great till we realized they had forgotten to put everything on the receipt that I had received yesterday. We had gone over all of this, and somehow they forgot all our electrical. So Karl had to start trying to remember what we had ordered, because our sheet was back at Dottie's. While he is trying to figure that out, I decide to go to Atlantic Windows to pick up two windows that I had ordered last week. While I'm loading the windows up, I get a call from the owner of Batimet asking me where Simon is, because the truck driver couldn't find him. We had had Simon ride with them so they wouldn't get lost. I told him that I had left Simon & Karl at Eko Depot and they should all be there. For some reason the truck driver drove off and drove back to Batimet thinking Simon had just left. I'm trying to call Simon and he doesn't answer me, I can't get hold of Karl, and the owner of Batimet is calling me again asking me where Simon is. Finally, Karl calls me and tells me that the men on the truck are gone. I tell him I know and that Simon needs to call them and tell them to come back. I knew the morning was going too smoothly. Things like this happen only in Haiti.

    When we finally loaded everything up we drove up to Z'Orange and unloaded the truck, only to find out the drivers had forgotten four doors. Surprised, I'm not. The good news is they said they would go back and get them for us.

    We have had Boss Wilna and his men working up there since Monday, and they have done a lot of work. They have knocked down the outhouses that are now enclosed and laid block to enclose three bathrooms. They have also made an opening from the kitchen into the main room, and made an opening from my office into a room that will be my bedroom. We also had them level the floor because in the future we will tile the floor. The mission house is really looking good, praise to the Lord!!!!

    We got back just in time to pick up the team from the work site and get them back to Dottie's for dinner.

  • January 26
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    Today was a busy day from the time we got up. We had to stop at Eko Depot on the way to the work site and give them some money for materials for Z'Orange, which took longer than I expected, which put us in the morning traffic. We didn't arrive on the work site till 9:30; normally we arrive around 9 a.m. but God redeems the time. Everyone knows what their job is now. Some started on the pews, some started on the trusses, and everybody got busy. In the afternoon, the children arrived after school and the ladies started singing with them and telling Bible stories. They also gave them all stuffed animals, which they loved. Every day the number of children will grow as they go tell their friends.

    The church is coming along just fine, even though we don't have enough people. At the rate we are going it will only be by God's will that we finish the job by the time we leave, but that will be fine--the Haitians can finish it up. We are all just enjoying working and praising our Lord.

    Tomorrow we will be going to pick up our commodes, sinks, pedestals at Batimet, and other supplies at Eko Depot, including the kitchen sink. Karl and I will follow the truck up to Z'Orange and make sure we have ordered everything we need. We will also check on the progress of Boss Wilna and his men who are working on the mission house. It will be another busy day.

  • January 25
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    Karl and I had a long day today on the roads of Port-au-Prince. We first took the team to the work site, and then we had to go to the hardware/lumber company to find out why all our material had not been delivered. It was to have been delivered Saturday, and part of it was; but we have not received the rest, and here it is Tuesday. When we arrived we went to talk to the owner. The reason he had not sent the materials was that he didn't have everything, so he was trying to find it at other stores so he could send all of the materials at one time. He didn't understand we had men on the work site that needed materials to work with. He promised he would have it for us today, and he did—it was delivered late this afternoon after we left.

    So today while Karl and I went to check on materials and cash checks, the guys on the work site started building the pews for the church. Karl and I were also able to order all the material that we need for the February team. It will be sent up to storage on Thursday (that's the plan, anyway). We didn't get to the work site till after 1 p.m. The traffic was terrible because school was getting out.

    When we arrived, Annette, Michelle, Jackie and some of the men were singing songs with the kids; they were having so much fun, as you will see in the photos. When you see the children laughing and singing, it really touches your heart and you understand why you are here. Satan wants us to be afraid of cholera, hurricanes, earthquakes, malaria and any other fears he can give us, so we will never see the truth. There is nothing to be afraid of. The Lord told us He did not give us the spirit of fear, so if we have it, it is not from our Lord, it is from satan. I believe people all over the world just want to be happy, to be able to feed their families, and to live in peace. Hopefully, they will see the peace and joy in us.

    Thank you all for praying for us and our families. God bless.

  • January 24
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    Today was the first day with the team, so everything was trial and error. I walked down to the chapel where we keep Gabriel and drove it back to Dottie's to pick up the team. Karl took part of the team and I took the other part with Gabriel to the work site. Some of the team went down to Dottie's to help at the school. You will see the pictures of the TLC school.

    When we arrived at the work site, the Haitian men were already working. We unloaded all our materials and tools and began to work. This is a great team; it is a skeleton team, but everyone is willing to work. It was great--everyone just started working together to get the job done. Usually it takes about half a day to figure out what you're doing and what needs to be done. I always say if churches would just work the way the mission teams work, in harmony, it would be awesome.

    We finished up about 3:30 p.m. so we could get back to Dottie's for dinner at 5:00. We made it in plenty of time. Karl had to go to the airport to pick up Pastor Brad Newbold (music minister of First Baptist Church of St. Charles). His flight was on time, and they made it in time to eat dinner with us.

    Tomorrow we will start with the trusses and the pews, and just pray the Lord will bless our efforts. I know He will and His church will be finished when He wants it finished. We are just going to praise the Lord each day in absolute joy.

  • January 23
    Today was a day of rest—sorry, no pictures. Everybody went to a little church down the street, but I stayed behind to spend a little alone time with the Lord. I knew for the next 9 or 10 days I would be around a lot of people. I have to say I had a wonderful time with the Lord, as I always do. I went over the Sermon on the Mountain that I memorized many years ago to see if I could still do it. I need a little practice. I got chapter 5 down; I just need to work on chapters 6 & 7. It amazes me how God allows me to remember those chapters after not repeating them for almost a year. He said He would teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance.

    It was nice and quiet here at Dottie's with no one around, and I could talk with my Father about my life and the plans He has for His ministry, and pray for my family. I always ask for forgiveness when I have fallen short, which is so many times but I know He understands I'm trying. It always amazes me how great I feel when I spend time with Him.

    When everyone returned, they wanted to go to Epidor (restaurant), so I drove and we had lunch. After lunch Karl and I had to get on the road to pick up the team that would be arriving at 4:15 p.m. First we had to go out to Croix de Bouquet to get Gabriel, because this was a big group with a lot of luggage. We had to give a "gift" (if you know what I mean) to a policeman to let us park the truck in the car parking lot. But this gift did get us into the airport, which was nice, so we could help the team. We got everyone loaded up and to Dottie's with no problem, Praise the Lord!!!!!

    Tomorrow will be the first day of construction for the Americans, and that is always a slow day, because it takes at least half a day to figure out what you're doing and where everything is. Please be praying for us.

    I'll have plenty of pictures tomorrow.

  • January 22
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    We had a great breakfast this morning of sausage and eggs, toast, fruit, juices and milk. You can actually gain weight here if you don't watch it.

    This morning when Simon showed up, we went to see Luke, a Haitian friend of mine who works on air conditioners. We needed a can of freon put into the van to see if that would help cool it a little. It isn't working badly, but it isn't really hot here yet either. We met Luke about 10 a.m.; he put the freon in the van and wanted to charge me only for the freon--I couldn't let him do that, so I gave him a little money for his labor.

    Next we had to stop by Batiment (hardware store) to check on 4" cement blocks for the bathrooms at the mission house. Praise the Lord, they had what we needed! Then we headed for Eko Depot, which is like a Home Depot; it even has all the same colors. (I have to praise my brother Karl again. He spent most of yesterday evening laying out the electrical and water systems for the mission house, and figuring out all the parts we will need--a huge job.) Thank the Lord I know a man who works at Eko Depot who speaks excellent English; he helped us with the order. They have everything we need. Now we just have to make sure we get it all on the truck next week so we will have it for February.

    When we finished with this, we went out to Pastor Harry's church in Croix de Bouquet to make sure the materials were delivered for the work that will begin there on Monday. The materials had not been delivered, so I called the company owner and explained our problem. Again--Praise the Lord!--he said he would get the materials out there today. True to his word, he had everything on the work site in just a couple of hours.

    After checking our inventory, we decided to go grocery shopping for the team that is coming in. We also wanted to buy sodas and water to put in an igloo cooler for the team when we pick them up on Sunday. We found most everything we needed at the grocery.

    Before we went back to Dottie's, I wanted to get the van washed--it was pretty dirty. The Haitians use this dirty water that comes from who-knows-where; they have pressure washers on the side of the road, usually in a mud hole, so you can drive your clean vehicle out through a mud hole. Anyway, we got her washed and she looked better.

    Tomorrow we will put the new air filter, fuel filter, sea foam and spark plug wires on her to see what that will do for her performance. She only quit on us once today--that is a huge improvement.

    Also, tomorrow we will be picking up a team from St. Louis (Global Compassion) around 4 p.m., and they will start work on the Croix de Bouquet Church on Monday. It is an exciting time for Pastor Harry's congregation.

    Please be praying for us, there are many obstacles to overcome in the next week and a half.

  • January 21
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    Brother Chuck had issues with his camera so the photos are photos of photos :)

    What a day! Karl and I are really worn out. We worked on the van all day. We changed the oil and oil filter, cleaned the air filter, changed the plugs, fixed the back door so it shuts now, installed the windshield wiper motor, fixed the whole cable mechanism that holds up the spare tire, cleaned all my tools and tool boxes, and did other things I can't even remember now. It was a long day but a very productive one. We have a friend who is bringing in a fuel filter, air filter, spark plug wires and some sea foam for the fuel injectors to see if that will help. It was great to be able to do all these things. Usually I don't have time to do any real maintenance on the vehicles.

    I had a Haitian friend that went to get parts this morning and naturally they didn't have half of them. I had told him that we needed 8 spark plugs but they did not have to be the same kind (meaning the same brand). The auto store told him they did not have any spark plugs like we needed. So when he got back I told him to take the spark plug I had and go to another store and find eight like this one. So he left and told me he could not find any spark plugs anywhere. I explained to him again that they did not have to be like the one I gave him. They had to be the same size but not the same brand. All of a sudden he got it - oh, not the same brand. When he returned he had the sack and he gave it to Karl because I was sending him on to Z'Orange to do some work. As he was walking out the gate, Karl looked in the bag and pulled out one spark plug and asked where the other seven were. He looked puzzled and asked, "What other seven?" I reminded him that I had told him I needed eight. Karl tried to explain to him what an eight cylinder was but I don't think he got it. He has never worked on a car so how would he know? So now he has to go buy seven more spark plugs. What should have been delivered no later than 9 a.m. got to us about 2 p.m. All I could say to the young man was, "I know you're really trying to please me and you are working hard but you need to listen to everything I'm saying, not just part of it." As I tell this story, I know my wife is saying, "How does that feel?" I have been accused of not listening to everything Shirley tells me. I don't recall.

    Tomorrow we will be checking on Croix de Bouquet to see if the materials got delivered and going grocery shopping for the team that is coming in Sunday. It will be interesting to see how the van runs.

    It was a wonderful day with The Ancient of Days and my brother Karl.

  • January 20
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    Not much to write about today but it was a peaceful day with the Lord. We first went by Pastor Harry's church and met with Boss T-Crab, the job foreman. He wanted our approval on something he was doing. He is always trying to please. After this we talked with Pastor Harry about other details of the church and what the needs were at this time. Then we gave Boss T-Crab his gift from Jerry Lantz from St. Louis. It was a yellow hard hat with his name on it. You can tell by his smile (see photo) how happy he was. We then gave red hard hats to the rest of the men that were working on the crew. They were all so proud of their new hats. A good Haitian friend told me one time that Haitians don't ask for a lot and are happy with something but their government gives them nothing.

    When we finished up at Croix de Bouquet, we went up to Z'Orange to meet with Pastor Do to discuss the March Pastor's Conference and team that will be coming in with VBS and Medical. We also gave Pastor Do three Toshiba laptop computers for the children to learn on at the school. His son, Julio, was with him and they were so happy.

    While I was talking with Pastor Do, Karl and Simon were measuring for electric and water lines for the materials we need to get up to Z'Orange before the team arrives in February. It is an exciting time to be able to sit and plan what we need for the next step of the project. If we can get the five bathrooms functioning and electric fans hooked up in February, I will happy.

    There is a lot of work to be done but we have to remember that souls come first and people will always be our priority.

    I also discussed with Pastor Do about how I don't want the Haitian people in Z'Orange to always have to depend on Americans. I don't want us to be there 10 years from now and they still need our help. I want them to be self sufficient, just relying on God. I asked Pastor Do and Julio what they thought about us renting some large piece of land, paying the workers so they would have a job, and bring home money not only for their family but to the valley of Z'Orange, and when we harvest, we take the money earned and pay our teachers and help with the cost of food for the children. They can have three crops a year here. They got excited about this and I told them we need to pray that the Lord would give us some good land and good hard-working honest men. We can use this same principal with a chicken farm and a tilapia pond. Please be praying about these projects. I know ministries that have been here for 30 years that still have to give, give, and give. I know it doesn't have to be this way. With our God all things are possible, especially if we pray and let Him make the miracle happen, not us.

    I would like the valley of Z'Orange to be like a little Jerusalem, a valley of milk and honey, all to the glory of our Lord. If you have any skills in any of these areas, please share your gift God gave you to help His children in Haiti; you will be blessed.

  • January 19
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    This was an easy day. We had a lot of shopping to do for the mission house. We are trying to get everything we think we need up to the mission house for the work team in February. We got prices on commodes, sinks and pedestals, PVC pipe for water and electricity, plus numerous other things. We had to go to several different stores to find everything we need but we found them. We hope to purchase everything Friday and have it delivered to Z'Orange.

    You will notice some pictures of the TLC school. Ron Lusk is here to put in a water purification system for the school. This will be a real blessing for them.

    The reason I said this was an easy day is because we got back to Dottie's about 3 p.m. which is the earliest we have ever been back. We have come in at 7 p.m. and 6 p.m. the last two nights. I thought I could lay down and take a little nap and I did for about 45 minutes and there was someone to see me. It was Fast Edy who does all our paper work. We have to renew all the papers on the van and Gabriel and get new tags. This cost is almost $1,000.00 U.S. This is the cost of trips most people don't know about; to be the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere it sure costs a lot to do ministry here. But we have The Provider who provides for all our needs. It truly is a miracle how He provides for all the ministry needs each month.

    Thank you for all your prayers that continue to bless TEM.

  • January 18
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    What a wonderful feeling I had today as Karl and I steadily did the tasks at hand! I don't know why but the Lord was reminding me where I came from and what He had done for me, my family and His ministry (TEM). As I was driving Gabriel I remembered when I was wondering what we were going to do with the youth team coming over and I had no transportation and I get a call from George Truelove (missionary in Haiti) telling me of a military truck for sale. God has provided so many times in my life. Now He is providing us with a mission house and today we picked up ceiling vans for the church, school and mission house. We also got a new generator for the school and one for the mission house. We are even installing air conditioners in February. If it is God's will, which I truly believe it is, we will have a 2011 Land Cruiser, so I won't have to work on a vehicle everyday. Just to let some of you know, we only need a little over $12,000 to have it paid for. It should be arriving in Haiti in March. I saw one today just like it out at Samaritan's Purse. It is really nice. I have been driving a 2½ ton military truck for 10 years and last year we were blessed with a 1992 Ford van, which has got us where we need to go (when God wants us there), but I believe the Lord has seen us persevere through all kinds of difficulties during the last 11 years and is going to bless us. If the Lord puts it on your heart to help us with this need, please let us know.

    First thing we did today was go to Pastor Harry's church and work on Gabriel's brakes. We got them where they are a lot better now. I feel safer anyway. After this we went out to Global Outreach, which is a ministry that is run by David and Judy Heady. They have been in Haiti for years and help many ministries here. This is the ministry that dug our well in Z'Orange. This gets a little confusing but Global Compassion (from St. Louis) was out at Global Outreach to unload a container from Living Waters Ministry. Living Waters was nice enough to let us put some things on their container to be shipped over and Global Outreach was nice enough to let all of us park a container on their property. I told you this was confusing.

    Anyway we received all our ceiling vans, air conditioners, and two generators. We also picked up materials for Pastor Harry's church. After loading Gabriel we went up to Z'Orange and unloaded everything we needed to and got back to Pastor Harry's church by about 3:30 p.m. As usual, we were late for supper at Dottie's but I always call her and she understood. We got in a little before 6 p.m. which was a lot better that last night which was about 7 p.m.

    I see why the Lord (Jesus) sent out his disciples in pairs. It has been such a blessing having Karl here with me. There is no doubt God spoke to him about coming and praise the Lord he listens to God. Most of my time here in Haiti I am by myself having to make decisions by myself with no other input. It is wonderful to have someone that can encourage you when things don't go right, when things cost three times what you were told last month and now you have to explain that to someone who has given you a donation for a project or if you're just having a bad day. Karl always says he who refreshes others will be refreshed himself. He definitely refreshes me. I am blessed by so many Christian friends.

    As I have said many, many times, I am the most blessed man I know. I know what the darkness looks like and I choose to live in the light. God bless you all and thank you for allowing me to be here.

  • January 17
    (Sorry, no photos - they got deleted)
    Today was a very good day considering we had trouble with the van most of the day. I asked Ron about how many times we had to stop and let the van take a break and his guess was about 15 times. We made it back to Dottie's about 7 p.m. Every hill we came to I had to cut off the engine and let it rest and then it would climb that hill and then we would have to do that for the next one. Unfortunately Haiti has a lot of hills and mountains. It is the strangest thing, it runs for about three hours no problem and then it starts to sputter like it needs air. All I have to do is cut it off and crank it right up and it runs fine for about half an hour but as the day goes on it gets worse and worse. You have to wait longer for it run any time at all. If anyone knows what this could be, please email me via the contact form. Simon came over about 7:30 and Karl and I went and picked up Ron at Dottie's. He is here to put in a purification system for the school. We left there to go buy oil, gear oil and other auto parts to do maintenance on Gabriel (military truck). This took most of the day. We changed out the oil filters, fuel filters, bled the brakes and added to all the differential fluids. Gabriel should have been ready to go but we had some trouble with the brakes that took us about an hour to take care of. After getting Gabriel ready, we drove it to Pastor Harry's church to leave it for the night. We will pick it up tomorrow and go out to Global Outreach to get our stuff out of the container. It will be a busy day just like today.

  • January 16
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    Today Simon and I started our day by going out to Tetayan to visit Pastor Do, and to see the new roof on the mission house. On the way, naturally, the van broke down and it took several hours for the Lord to take care of the problem, but He did as always. We then got up to Z'Orange to find out that Pastor Do wasn't there and had gone to another church to preach so we took a couple of pictures of the mission house and headed to Croix de Bouquet (Pastor Harry's Church). The Mission House roof looks awesome. I will be buying showers, toilets, sinks and wiring for the fans on this trip, and in February we will be installing flushing toilets - that's right, flushing toilets and all the bathroom fixtures. On the way to Croix de Bouquet the van started sputtering and I had to pull over and let it sit for a while and then it cranked right up. It amazes me how God keeps that van running but He does, just enough to get to our destination.

    When we got to Pastor Harry's I was amazed at how much work the men had done, as you will see in the pictures. Karl and I will be getting materials delivered for the work site this week and picking up the rest of the work team on Saturday the 23rd. First Baptist Church of St. Charles is funding the church at Croix de Bouquet and Global Compassion of St. Louis is partnering with them. It was so great to see all my friends that are with Global Compassion and I look forward to working with them the week of the 23rd. Some of these men and women have been coming to Haiti for 20 to 30 years.

    After talking with Pastor Harry, we went to the airport to pick up Karl Leiber and Ron Lusk, who will be staying with me at Dottie's. The first team with Global Compassion will be staying out at Global Outreach with David and Judy Heady and then heading to the North in a couple of days to work.

    Tomorrow Karl and I have a long day; we have to buy new batteries for the 2½ ton army truck (Gabriel) and oil. We are going to change all oil and fuel filters and get her running. Then we are going to stop by Pastor Harry's and see what his needs are for the church. We are then going to David Heady's (Global Compassion) and pick up some things for the mission house that are in a container there: generator, fans, air conditioners, etc. We hope to take all this to the mission house and on the way back pick up the tin for the roof at Croix de Bouquet. If we get all this done, it will be a great day. It is all up to the Lord. It is His day and He will get done what He wants to get done in it.

    Great to be back in Haiti and it was great to see Dottie again. I am going to miss staying here when the mission house is finished but I am sure I will stop by many times.

End of January / February 2011 Haiti Mission Trip Report


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