Following God

Some people are of the belief that when they hear God's voice or sense Him directing them somewhere they should fast, pray and proceed cautiously- constantly asking Him for direction/discernment.  Others step out to follow Him and move forward until He clearly shows that this is not the direction He desires them to take- then they change directions to follow Him in another direction.  I believe that both are good ways and both have times when they are needed/warranted.  And I do not know that they are all that different most of the time.  (in the case of finances it can be very different- "Do we wait until we have ALL the money to proceed, part of the money or do we step out trusting that the money will come?")  Well, this is one of those times when Hearts United has decided to step out and follow His direction and until we feel otherwise. The board feels that God is leading us to form some sort of plan with the pastor of the orphanage where the Son of God girls have been moved with the intention of entering into a long term partnership with him/the girls there.  We do not have all the details worked out yet.  We certainly do not have answers to all the questions, but we are moving forward- one step at a time and trusting that if this is not what God has for us as an organization He will make it abundantly clear.

Right now we are in the process of collecting data from the pastor, answering questions about how he was operating before we came along and finding out what his goals/plans are for the future of the orphanage. We are discerning what our role will be- desiring to partner with him, to provide assistance but NOT to create dependence upon our organization for taking care of the girls.  We firmly believe this is a responsibility God has given him but going from 40 girls at his orphanage to now almost 80 has certainly presented it's own set of challenges.  He was not prepared to provide food, clothing, schooling, etc. for that many new girls.  All that in addition to taking care of their medical needs- and they have plenty.

In the past (at Son of God) there were many organizations and individuals involved with these girls and many have formed close relationships.  But, that is also part of the problem that was created.  The director of that orphanage did not manage his resources well (that is an understatement) but still people all wanted to "help" and did so by donations- many donations.  We truly believe this is not the answer either.  Coming alongside the pastor is one thing.  Helping him develop a long term plan for maintaining his facility while continuing to provide an environment where the girls will be healthy, emotionally stable, spiritually fed, and well educated is another.  Providing him with "hand outs" so he learns to rely on them is yet another.  Things need to be managed well, long term plans need to be developed, partnerships need to be formed, etc..

So, we ask for your prayers as we step out in faith- truly believing that this is where God is calling us as our "other project".  We will continue to be involved with Chaveneau (of course) and will still work diligently to help the people there improve their community, providing clean water, food, medical care, etc... but we will also work with this second project in Port au Prince.  We believe God is directing this and that these projects are actually not too different.  Both are in alignment with our mission statement.  Both are very different areas of need, but both will benefit the Haitian people long term- creating productive members of the Haitian society who will ultimately be equipped to assist their own people and country in the future.  This is (and will continue to be) our primary focus.

If you would like information on sponsoring a girl at the orphanage or a child in Chaveneau please notify us.  We will be launching sponsorship shortly after the new year if all works out as planned.  God bless!  And as always thank you so much for your support and prayers.  :) :)

note:  the photo was taken at the orphanage- it is of Melinda- one of the littlest ones there.  ALL are beautiful and ALL deserve sponsors... just like the children at the school in Chaveneau.

 I am willing to talk to your church or group and show photos so people can hear about our vision and pick a child they would like to sponsor!   Just give us a call or send me an e-mail.  -Crystal