Do you want to travel to Chaveneau to check it out, to see the area, to meet the children, the people, etc...? Well, we have made a video so you can do just that- even if only for a few moments. I have attatched the link (click on it)- let us know what you think! We would LOVE to have you visit in person too!! Contact us today for information. Have a blessed day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v3F0W33Xqw
If the link does not work, just go to youtube and type the word chaveneau into the search box. It should be the first video to appear.
Also, you can view the video in full screen by clicking on the icon with the four arrows pointing in different directions on the bottom right side. Enjoy!
Serving Him - Crystal Funk
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Latest news...
It has been a while since I have written to fill everyone in on what is going on in Haiti. Sometimes I get so intimately involved that I do not realize how much is going on until I stop and take a few moments to reflect. Then, I am usually (as is the case now) overwhelmed at the goodness of God and His provision for our organization! I cherish these moments of reflection and praising Him for His direction of Hearts United with Haiti!
This past weekend was one of those times of reflection. We spent the weekend (Easter weekend) with Ron's family in North Carolina. Our family drove 9 hours there from Pennsylvania on Thursday and returned after church and lunch on Sunday. And of course, during the trip there were lots of questions to all of us about Haiti, "what do you do there?", "what is it like?", "do you really think that what you are doing will make any difference?", etc... Maybe some of you have thought these same things, maybe some of you have been asked the same things (if you have been to Haiti or another similar place). So, it really gave us time to think upon just what we ARE doing.... is this God's vision or has it become OUR vision? And the answer is that it is 100 % God's organization and God's vision that Hearts United with Haiti has come into existance and is continuing to develop.
Do we know what the future has for Hearts United with Haiti? NO! But we know that it does involve our obedience to what we feel He is calling us to. Whatever that "looks like". Right now we are still forming the organization, writing bylaws, filling out paperwork for the federal government, praying that He makes our path clear to us. We are planning summer trips and making ministry contacts. We are seeking a vehicle to use in the summer and beyond to transport people and supplies in Haiti.
In just the past week I have received notice from the new company we hired to help us file our application for our 501c3 status (tax- exempt) and they have set up a meeting with me for May 5th at 3:30 pm. EST. I would ask for your prayers at that time since it will be a long meeting and I will have to answer a lot of questions as well as present a 3 year projected budget, my by-laws, etc... to them. They will then fill out the remaining paperwork and get it ready for submission to the federal government. They have assured me that once it is sent to the federal government it will take about 30 to 60 days for approval- THEN we can really begin to solicit donations and they will be deductible for those who donate. I do not know when the application will actually be submitted to the federal government however since it costs about $1400 more to move to the next step and we do not have that. So, we will pray and if this IS God's will for us- He will provide that funding.
I have also been in touch with Haiti and there have been some rumors that have been a bit discouraging about help/support for Pastor Cornet (he is "over" Pastor Duval). I do not want to share the details because have not yet been able to discern what is fact/rumor, however, it appears that some people who were going to work with Pastor Cornet in Carrefour are reconsidering their decision because they were under the assumption that Hearts United with Haiti is helping him and seeking churches to partner with him with the projects his church is working on. So, there have been many phone calls and much "damage control" as I have tried to explain to many the vision of Hearts United with Haiti and assure them that we are NOT giving any financial (or other) assistance to Pastor Cornet. We are too small to make those kind of changes in Haiti- YET and he/his church is not even part of our vision. Right now Hearts United with Haiti is pouring all our energy into Chaveneau and the project there. We also (frankly) have not sent money to Haiti- just one team so far. We are still praying that God will send people to partner with us/Pastor Duval to help him financially, but this is a SLOW process. Anyway, this is just something to pray about with us if you will.
I have also made a new contact with a pastor in a "really bad area of Port au Prince" who has an exciting ministry. He will be a great resource to have when in Haiti- and maybe a possible ministry partner for the future. Also, I have been trying to contact an organization I recently found out about that is in Carrefour (the town the Arris family lives in) but the people running it are from right here in Lancaster County- actually cousins of some of our friends...another contact?? At least it will be someone who speaks English and understands American culture. So, we will check out their ministry when down in the summer too! LOTS to do this summer!
As for the language, both Ron and I can be found listening to our Creole CD's - SLOWLY learning it so we will be better able to communicate when down there this summer. It's a slow process and one that makes us laugh at one another and at ourselves. I am sure the Haitians will really get a kick out of our meager attempts to speak with them. But, they are sooo gracious and patient when we try. :)
As for the Arris family, they are gearing up for a summer full of visiting missionaries. They are sooooo excited and asking all the time how many people we have coming on various weeks. Currently we only have a few people signed up for summer trips, but we are encouraged to hear that there are many considering coming. Those not able to physically come can still help --fund raising so those of us who do go can get supplies, etc to those in need. We know that God is in control of the summer (and beyond- hahaha) and He will provide --- both people and finances.
So, this blog is more about provision than anything... His provision- for us and for Haiti (through us and MANY others)... His provision for each of us personally and for our organization. If God calls you TO something, He will provide the way for you to accomplish that to which He has called you. If not, it is not His will and there's something else out there. So... as we head into this season following Easter- when we think about new life and the new life that we ALL have through Christ, we are encouraged... God is REALLY at work in each of us involved in Hearts United with Haiti and He is really at work in the organization and ultimately, He is REALLY at work in Haiti! Praise God that I was given a little time to renew/reflect on that this past weekend. Ready to begin the next "chapter" and see what He has for this summer ahead!
Contact us if you would like to help or would like information about a summer trip- there are still plenty of openings and the larger the teams, the more ministry opportunities we all have.
In Him- Crystal
This past weekend was one of those times of reflection. We spent the weekend (Easter weekend) with Ron's family in North Carolina. Our family drove 9 hours there from Pennsylvania on Thursday and returned after church and lunch on Sunday. And of course, during the trip there were lots of questions to all of us about Haiti, "what do you do there?", "what is it like?", "do you really think that what you are doing will make any difference?", etc... Maybe some of you have thought these same things, maybe some of you have been asked the same things (if you have been to Haiti or another similar place). So, it really gave us time to think upon just what we ARE doing.... is this God's vision or has it become OUR vision? And the answer is that it is 100 % God's organization and God's vision that Hearts United with Haiti has come into existance and is continuing to develop.
Do we know what the future has for Hearts United with Haiti? NO! But we know that it does involve our obedience to what we feel He is calling us to. Whatever that "looks like". Right now we are still forming the organization, writing bylaws, filling out paperwork for the federal government, praying that He makes our path clear to us. We are planning summer trips and making ministry contacts. We are seeking a vehicle to use in the summer and beyond to transport people and supplies in Haiti.
In just the past week I have received notice from the new company we hired to help us file our application for our 501c3 status (tax- exempt) and they have set up a meeting with me for May 5th at 3:30 pm. EST. I would ask for your prayers at that time since it will be a long meeting and I will have to answer a lot of questions as well as present a 3 year projected budget, my by-laws, etc... to them. They will then fill out the remaining paperwork and get it ready for submission to the federal government. They have assured me that once it is sent to the federal government it will take about 30 to 60 days for approval- THEN we can really begin to solicit donations and they will be deductible for those who donate. I do not know when the application will actually be submitted to the federal government however since it costs about $1400 more to move to the next step and we do not have that. So, we will pray and if this IS God's will for us- He will provide that funding.
I have also been in touch with Haiti and there have been some rumors that have been a bit discouraging about help/support for Pastor Cornet (he is "over" Pastor Duval). I do not want to share the details because have not yet been able to discern what is fact/rumor, however, it appears that some people who were going to work with Pastor Cornet in Carrefour are reconsidering their decision because they were under the assumption that Hearts United with Haiti is helping him and seeking churches to partner with him with the projects his church is working on. So, there have been many phone calls and much "damage control" as I have tried to explain to many the vision of Hearts United with Haiti and assure them that we are NOT giving any financial (or other) assistance to Pastor Cornet. We are too small to make those kind of changes in Haiti- YET and he/his church is not even part of our vision. Right now Hearts United with Haiti is pouring all our energy into Chaveneau and the project there. We also (frankly) have not sent money to Haiti- just one team so far. We are still praying that God will send people to partner with us/Pastor Duval to help him financially, but this is a SLOW process. Anyway, this is just something to pray about with us if you will.
I have also made a new contact with a pastor in a "really bad area of Port au Prince" who has an exciting ministry. He will be a great resource to have when in Haiti- and maybe a possible ministry partner for the future. Also, I have been trying to contact an organization I recently found out about that is in Carrefour (the town the Arris family lives in) but the people running it are from right here in Lancaster County- actually cousins of some of our friends...another contact?? At least it will be someone who speaks English and understands American culture. So, we will check out their ministry when down in the summer too! LOTS to do this summer!
As for the language, both Ron and I can be found listening to our Creole CD's - SLOWLY learning it so we will be better able to communicate when down there this summer. It's a slow process and one that makes us laugh at one another and at ourselves. I am sure the Haitians will really get a kick out of our meager attempts to speak with them. But, they are sooo gracious and patient when we try. :)
As for the Arris family, they are gearing up for a summer full of visiting missionaries. They are sooooo excited and asking all the time how many people we have coming on various weeks. Currently we only have a few people signed up for summer trips, but we are encouraged to hear that there are many considering coming. Those not able to physically come can still help --fund raising so those of us who do go can get supplies, etc to those in need. We know that God is in control of the summer (and beyond- hahaha) and He will provide --- both people and finances.
So, this blog is more about provision than anything... His provision- for us and for Haiti (through us and MANY others)... His provision for each of us personally and for our organization. If God calls you TO something, He will provide the way for you to accomplish that to which He has called you. If not, it is not His will and there's something else out there. So... as we head into this season following Easter- when we think about new life and the new life that we ALL have through Christ, we are encouraged... God is REALLY at work in each of us involved in Hearts United with Haiti and He is really at work in the organization and ultimately, He is REALLY at work in Haiti! Praise God that I was given a little time to renew/reflect on that this past weekend. Ready to begin the next "chapter" and see what He has for this summer ahead!
Contact us if you would like to help or would like information about a summer trip- there are still plenty of openings and the larger the teams, the more ministry opportunities we all have.
In Him- Crystal
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Ways YOU can help!
Just wanted to list a few of the needs and prayer items for this month. These are only SOME of them, but the most pressing I can think of at this time. Thanks guys for caring about the ministry like you do (and the project in Chaveneau).
Physical needs for the ministry are as follows:
- A VEHICLEto rent for the summer (reasonably) or a permanent vehicle for the Arris family- contact us for specifics
(vehicles rent for about $100 or so per day and we need one for NINE weeks- ouch!... plus we need to pay for a bus/van for the trip to and from Chaveneau for teams- it is a lot)
- people to sign up for the summer trips
- money for supplies to build the outhouses, pavillion, etc...
- money to apply for tax-exempt status (need $1400 US)
Prayer items for the ministry:
- churches/individuals to partner with Pastor Duval and/or Hearts United with Haiti to support the school (especially with sending teams to partner with them and form long-term relationships)
- there is still a small piece of land Pastor Duval would like to purchase to build a school building some day- pray that the owner's heart would "soften" and they would sell it at a reasonable price (or better yet- donate it)
- pray as the children finish their first year of school- they are done the last week of June so they are already preparing for final examinations
- people to sign up for summer trips (that God would move in their hearts and prompt them to respond to His call)- also pray for their finances (the greatest concern for those wanting to come)- that He would provide and that it would be confirmation to them that He desires them to be in Haiti this summer.
- for my strength and Michael's as we work to manage the affairs for the ministry- the paperwork, the finances, applying for tax-exempt status, etc... ( pray I can "delegate" what I am able)
- Pastor Duval and his family as we work together to help him with his vision for Chaveneau.
Also- I wanted to mention that even if you are not physically able to go to Haiti, but you have a heart for the work there (especially the work we are partnering with), you can help out a great deal. We can always use people willing to do a yard sale, bake sale, organize a fun raising event, etc. and send the proceeds to us to use in Haiti. This is a great way to be involved and not actually "go" to Haiti- you can specify where you want the money spent or we will discuss options with you so it goes directly where YOU desire- just another thought!
Have a blessed day!- Crystal
Physical needs for the ministry are as follows:
- A VEHICLE
(vehicles rent for about $100 or so per day and we need one for NINE weeks- ouch!... plus we need to pay for a bus/van for the trip to and from Chaveneau for teams- it is a lot)
- people to sign up for the summer trips
- money for supplies to build the outhouses, pavillion, etc...
- money to apply for tax-exempt status (need $1400 US)
Prayer items for the ministry:
- churches/individuals to partner with Pastor Duval and/or Hearts United with Haiti to support the school (especially with sending teams to partner with them and form long-term relationships)
- there is still a small piece of land Pastor Duval would like to purchase to build a school building some day- pray that the owner's heart would "soften" and they would sell it at a reasonable price (or better yet- donate it)
- pray as the children finish their first year of school- they are done the last week of June so they are already preparing for final examinations
- people to sign up for summer trips (that God would move in their hearts and prompt them to respond to His call)- also pray for their finances (the greatest concern for those wanting to come)- that He would provide and that it would be confirmation to them that He desires them to be in Haiti this summer.
- for my strength and Michael's as we work to manage the affairs for the ministry- the paperwork, the finances, applying for tax-exempt status, etc... ( pray I can "delegate" what I am able)
- Pastor Duval and his family as we work together to help him with his vision for Chaveneau.
Also- I wanted to mention that even if you are not physically able to go to Haiti, but you have a heart for the work there (especially the work we are partnering with), you can help out a great deal. We can always use people willing to do a yard sale, bake sale, organize a fun raising event, etc. and send the proceeds to us to use in Haiti. This is a great way to be involved and not actually "go" to Haiti- you can specify where you want the money spent or we will discuss options with you so it goes directly where YOU desire- just another thought!
Have a blessed day!- Crystal
Monday, April 11, 2011
SUMMER TRIPS!
For those of you interested in Summer Trips- here's the story: We are getting more and more calls and people on the "hot list" to come down to Haiti with us this summer. Conditions in Chaveneau will be MUCH better than originally thought (we should have outhouses and a much better shower situation- yay!) If you are interested in one of our trips (two in June, two in July and one the end of July/beginning of August) PLEASE contact me as soon as possible. Even if you have already contacted me, if you have not heard anything recently, I may not have you on the list. So, feel free to contact me again. We are excited to see what God will do this summer and how He will use us as part of his work in Haiti. We pray you will join us in that work! -Crystal
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Update from the trip
The March 27/April 3 mission trip to Carrefour and Chaveneau was a FANTASTIC trip! God put together the perfect team so we could each use our gifts/strengths to come together as one unit and be a blessing to Haiti (as well as being blessed by Haiti at the same time). I got in last night at about 10 pm and have to leave for work in a few minutes so unfortunately there is little time to write much. Thanks to those on the team who updated this blog- we were honestly so busy and internet was so scarce it was a difficult task. But at least you got a little bit of info. (we will do better this summer)
During the week we were able to pray throughout the community with people, take a little girl with SEVERE burns to the medical clinic for treatment, take another little one to the clinic cause she is extremely congested (lives in very moldy conditions), scrub the home where the little one lives to get rid of the mold, purchase (one of the team members paid) 300 block for Pastor Jean Philippe to continue to work on his house, play with orphans at Son of God orphanage, play with children at Sister Cornet's school, cook dinner for the Arris family and share it with them, lead a worship service (and communion/foot washing) at Pastor Cornet's church, hold our own baptism (for someone on the team) in the ocean and then have some "team time" at the beach, and TRAVEL TO CHAVENEAU where everyone got to see and fall in love with this remote community! We were extremely busy but it was such a blessed week! God did so many amazing things and there was no doubt that THIS was the team He assembled for this first trip with Hearts United with Haiti.
Thanks for your prayers - they were essential for our safety and for our ministry in Haiti this past week- no doubt at all! :-)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Last Friday in Haiti :(
Hey there guys!
Its the last Friday night in Haiti. This week has been awesome!Its been filled with tons of God's workings. I wasn't able to do anything today due to my sprained ankle, so today I was on the couch all day just napping, eating and prayed. I felt really bad i wasn't able help the guys with buying cinder blocks and taking the to a pastors house or help the girls clean James house or go to the orphanage again. But I hope i feel better tomorrow cause we are going to the beach :) I pray tomorrow will be a great last day for everyone on the team even though it will be sad knowing it is the last day.
Last night was awesome, being able to doing music at pastor Cornett's church. I was blessed with being able to serve the congregation with music, communion and a foot wash ceremony. Doing worship with Derek was so much fun and such a blessing to me and im sure Derek to. Just being able to look out into the congregation, seeing them raising all their hands and worshiping even though they didn't understand a work Derek and I were singing. I especially love when we would sing a song they knew in their own language and the Haitians singing in their language and the missionaries singing in English and my mom singing in Thai.
This has been a blessed and awesome trip. It's gonna be sad leaving. :(
,Richard (Sam) Samuels
Its the last Friday night in Haiti. This week has been awesome!Its been filled with tons of God's workings. I wasn't able to do anything today due to my sprained ankle, so today I was on the couch all day just napping, eating and prayed. I felt really bad i wasn't able help the guys with buying cinder blocks and taking the to a pastors house or help the girls clean James house or go to the orphanage again. But I hope i feel better tomorrow cause we are going to the beach :) I pray tomorrow will be a great last day for everyone on the team even though it will be sad knowing it is the last day.
Last night was awesome, being able to doing music at pastor Cornett's church. I was blessed with being able to serve the congregation with music, communion and a foot wash ceremony. Doing worship with Derek was so much fun and such a blessing to me and im sure Derek to. Just being able to look out into the congregation, seeing them raising all their hands and worshiping even though they didn't understand a work Derek and I were singing. I especially love when we would sing a song they knew in their own language and the Haitians singing in their language and the missionaries singing in English and my mom singing in Thai.
This has been a blessed and awesome trip. It's gonna be sad leaving. :(
,
Water that saves.
Water in Haiti is one of the few & most tresured gifts that my God aboundantely gives to the people of this land (I am a first han true witness of this truth). It is mst treasured because regardless of how Haiti much has outlive; corruption, earthquakes, hunger, hurracains, cholera, desolation, and so on, it is still standing. We all are created to the image of God, and just as He was hungry and thirsty when He walked the earth, He kows that living without food, we may survive for sme time, but water is IMPERSTIVE to survive. I met a man as he was pulling water out of his well, aboundant, clear and refreshing water. He told me that since the well has been there, it has never gotten dry, through it all his God has provided over and over again, after every attack his country and his people had andure, water and the word have prevailed. It was hard for me to believe that as came to Haiti to heard him shared his testimony with me, in "Spanish" perfect spanish with a little twist of french accent, but perfect. He told me he has been waiting to talk to someone in Spanish for years, he learned long ago, but never used in a long, long time. He remembered every word and cited the verses in spanish, he said; "God gives and takes away, the Lord's word has always being faithful and poured over me, my family and the community just as the never ending, never dry "Well" God blessed us with" My new friend knows that no matter what happens in his country, as long as they have God and water, they will not perish.
Adella Morales. <><
Adella Morales. <><
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