Haiti September 1, 2012

Report by Lisa Downing

We began our morning with the three P’s: prayer, pop-tarts and protein bars, as we planned our adventure into Port Au Prince. Our team loaded into the Ford Everest ready to start this beautiful morning and….the vehicle would not crank! After several “five minutes” of charging the battery we were on our way! The quest into town was a delight as we wove in and out of traffic avoiding near collisions, but do not worry, Brother Chuck kept us safe!

First, we stopped by to check the construction progress of Simon’s house in Port. While there is still much to do for completion, the house is coming along. Simon places his trust in his Heavenly Father that this home will be complete one day. It was exciting to see Simon’s future home and envision the completion. We even gave his neighborhood street a name – Simon’s Way!

We then travelled further east to visit the Love a Child Ministries in Fond Parisian, which is operated by Bobby and Sherry Burnette. This was certainly the highlight of the day, as we saw the amazing work of Love a Child. We toured the facilities in awe of what God has done with this ministry! The orphanage was filled with beautiful children and the love of Christ permeated everywhere. What a blessing for the precious children who reside at Love a Child which overlooks the picturesque Caribbean Sea and has a view of neighboring Dominican Republic.

We left with a truckload (about 200 boxes) of Manna Pack fortified rice and soy protein packages to be distributed in the Z’Orange area. This food is extremely vital to the people of Haiti, and has certainly made significant changes in their health.

Our afternoon was spent in a great time of fellowship with each other, and of course we made time for a little siesta! Clint and Sandy spent time working on student input and such, while Kaylie and I went on a little trek down the rock-strewn road in our sandals and flops. Of course, as always, we had our own personal tour guides. Two sweet, young children accompanied us along the way. We were given flowers for our hair and Creole lessons as they translated words for the local fruit and vegetation. We sang, danced and laughed with them….it just doesn’t get any better than this! I think Kaylie found a daughter to bring home!

As I write this tonight, we are all working on the sponsorship project program with great excitement and anticipation of what the Lord is going to do here. Please join us in prayer as we commit our work unto the Lord. Merci, Savior!