God's blessings!

I had dinner last night with a good friend I have known a long time and we were talking about ALL God has blessed Hearts United with these past months and in the past year. Since I have been working on my "end of year list" of all God's blessings to us I was acutely aware of some of these things. I shared with her how humbled I am to be part of God's plan to reach the people of Haiti, those who come to minister and those who (like many of you) join us in prayer and support this ministry. Sometimes I just have to stop, look back and realize that.....

- in January of 2012 we were approved for 501c3 status

-we had a truck donated but then decided it was cost prohibitive to ship it so it was sold and the money used to purchase another vehicle which we are planning to ship to Haiti the week of Oct. 8th

- over 300 hygiene kits have been handed out to orphans, school children, people in the community, etc... and people were educated on proper hygiene and the spread of disease (as well as wound care, puberty/growing up, women's health issues, etc...)

-many donated supplies were handed out such as pillowcase dresses, shoes, soccer balls (and hopefully uniforms if they get there by our Dec. trip), etc..

-fruit/milk and food given out monthly to the orphans

-Jean Bernard's surgery for two hernias (this was life-threatening) was very successful and there's now a little orphan boy in Haiti who is alive thanks to the combined generosity and efforts of many

-school supplies/uniforms/tuition/books/etc. have been purchased for all sponsored orphans at Life is Wealth in Port au Prince

-clean water is coming SOON to Chaveneau (well is dug, building is being constructed to house the system)

-a roof was put on the outhouse in Chaveneau, water pipes were repaired there, the roof on the host home was painted, etc...

-we were able to rent an apartment we will use as a base for teams who come to Haiti!

** This list could go on and on.  These are just highlights but they are also things that would NEVER have happened this past year without those willing to GO and those willing to SEND/SUPPORT.  I know I get to be on the front lines and get to be the one who seems to get the recognition but this is a group effort. And without God NONE of it would be possible.  He has blessed us with working in spite of some of our mistakes/failures.  He has blessed us with opportunities to become involved and made connections between people that have no other explanation except that God ordained those meetings. (like a nurse examining Jean Bernard at the perfect time when his surgery was urgent- and then her advocating for him like she did)  Yes, working in Haiti has it's share of frustrations and disappointments but it's FULL of blessings and excitement if we stay focused on Him and His love for us and for the Haitian people.

If you are feeling led to come to Haiti with one of our groups, please contact us.  We promise you will be forever changed and if you are willing to step out, God will bless that far beyond what you can imagine!

The same is true for those of you considering supporting our ministry- God will use your support to bless so many.  Without the financial and prayer support from people we could not do most of the things listed above.  A base or applying for a piece of paper from the IRS may not seem glamorous or exciting to donate toward, but the fact remains that they are needed and are important foundational items for the ministry.  With a means of transportation, a place to live while in Haiti and other things such as that, those who come to serve can minister much more effectively.

So, God is good and we need to take time occasionally to reflect upon what He has done to bless us ALL.  This was my time of reflection on the way He has blessed Hearts United and therefore, blessed others and blessed me!  To be able to do this ministry and share it with others is beyond exciting for us!  THANK YOU once again for allowing us to be part of change in Haiti and in those we serve.  - Crystal Funk