EXCITED...

.... about what God is doing!  I have been getting phone calls and e-mails from people just putting out "feelers" about possible trips with Hearts United with Haiti... most want to either come to Chaveneau in the Spring of 2012 or the summer of 2012... how exciting is that???   Please keep us in prayer as we get back on track with scheduling and organizing trips.... pray that we continue to see God and HIS plan- we can certainly not do this alone.  Pray for those interested in trips- that God will make it clear to them where/when He wants them to serve.  Pray for us as we work with our contacts in Haiti to organize things and coordinate trips that honor and glorify God.  Pray for future participants - that they follow His lead and that they begin even now to develop a love for Haiti and the ministry/people there.  Thanks :)

Here are some POTENTIAL dates for trips.... let me know if YOU would like to join one of them or if you would like to organize your own trip...

December 8/9 to 17, 2011-  This group will focus mainly on getting the base in Chaveneau more "team friendly"... they will be finishing the outhouses and possibly building steps to the roof.  You can also join this group if you are interested in prayer walks, medical care, nutrition, English classes, etc. for this community.

Dec. 28 to Jan 8, 2012-  This group will be finishing up what the previous group did not get done plus (hopefully this will be a college group but individuals are welcome to inquire- only God knows the group He is assembling) they will be continuing to form relationships within the community in Chaveneau.

March 10-18, 2012-  Spring Break trip (college group???)   very tentative- but I have three colleges who MAY be considering taking a trip with us this spring break.... that would be fantastic! These dates are flexible and will depend on the college and when their spring break is.

** I also have some people to talk to who ALSO want to do a spring break trip as well as organize a trip for the summer of 2012.  So.... it will be a busy week ahead.... lots of phone calls, lots of "catching up" with people, lots going on... God is good

Also- the application for Tax-exempt status should be filed in the next week or so... then... 30 days usually until we are APPROVED... Praise God!!!  Another thing to pray about with us- please?

NEEDS:
-- school starts in the end of Sept. and books still need to be purchased as well as teacher salaries need to be paid.... so money toward that would be appreciated GREATLY

-- Hearts United with Haiti still needs funds to ship the "short bus" to Haiti.  We are aiming to send it in October.

--  funds are needed for building supplies (for the outhouses, storage area, steps to the roof, etc...)

-- medical supplies and FOOD are always needed (we can buy them in Haiti and transport them to the site)

 (if you would care to make a financial donation you can mail your check to Hearts United with Haiti  PO Box 55  Morgantown, PA 19543 and note what you want the money used for if it matters to you... if not, we will put it where we feel there is "most need")

Praise God!

It has been a whirlwind since Michael and I got to the states... but it has been AMAZING... God is soooo good and He is giving us both the strength to get things done that need to be done, to get to places we need to go, etc...  Here's a BRIEF overview...

Tues. Aug. 9th- we flew "home" the US- Ron, Emily and Danika (my hubbie and 2 of our daughters) picked us up at the airport and we arrived at our house by 11 pm.

Wed. to Sun we spent getting used to the US- experiencing routine- answering e-mails, phone calls, exploring the area, going to a concert, outlet shopping, going out to eat, going to church in America (though our church is not a "typical" American church- attendance was very low due to a lot of vacations), etc..

Monday morning we left to tour Philadelphia (art museum steps, center city, liberty bell, independence hall, etc..) and then went off to New York City... spent about 6 hours in New York City- saw the usual "sites" (Rockafeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, St. Patrick's Cathedral, etc... and then rode the Staten Island Ferry for a "glimpse" of the Statue of Liberty)

Tuesday morning we drove 2.5 hours to Connecticut to meet a friend of Michael's from New Hampshire (thanks Sarah for meeting us halfway) and dropped him off with them while Emily and I continued home to PA. He got to spend time in New Hampshire until Friday when we met again in CT (11 hour drive round trip for me-just about as long for them).  During those three days he got to reunite with the New Hampshire group when they threw a surprise party for him and also travel to Boston to see a good friend before meeting me to drive back to PA.

Saturday was his birthday- we went out to breakfast with our family but then he spent the day relaxing and resting from his whirlwind trip to NH (and resting up for the presentation yesterday).  We had plans to do a bunch of things to make his birthday special but it didn't take long to realize that just being with "family" is special enough and he needed to REST - even Jesus took time to rest and refresh himself- especially before and after times of great ministry.  :)

Yesterday (Sunday 8/21) was church, then lunch with a good friend (who donated school supplies to the ministry and treated us to lunch) and then the presentation followed by dinner with Lili (from the July mission team) and her family.  The presentation was not very well attended (it IS summer and people are very very busy- that is understandable) but for those who were there it was a good time.  We were able to share the ministry and what God is doing in Haiti with many and we pray He will use that presentation and time to continue to grow the ministry and to bless many in Haiti and beyond.  Only He knows what seeds were planted.  :D :D :D

Today we will depart for Florida (with a stop planned in Georgia to visit another good friend/family).  Please pray for us -- as we drive so far, as we try to meet/please everyone we need to, as we spend MANY hours on the road in the car (about 24 hours total on the road) and then pray as we spend some time in Florida.  My youngest daughter is moving in with her older sister in Fort Lauderdale so it will be a bit emotional.  I will fly back (Sunday I think) alone because Michael will fly Sunday to California to spend almost two weeks with his fiance' there before traveling back to PA on the 10th of September.  While in California he will speak at a few churches and meet up with many friends he has there.

Hope that all made sense and you understand why I have not posted in a bit... it has literally been running from one thing to another but God has orchestrated it all and we have been SO BLESSED to get to see so many, to share what He is doing with so many, etc... THANK YOU for your prayers as always... we could never do all this on our own strength- He is amazing!

Presentation...

Just to let you all know that we will be having a presentation on Sunday afternoon- Aug. 21st at 2 pm. to at Living Rock Bible Church  ( 2672 Ridge Rd., Elverson, PA 19520).  At this time visitors will have a chance to hear about this past summer in Haiti, the future plans for Hearts United, how THEY can get involved and make a difference in lives in Chaveneau, and they will also have a chance to meet Michael Arris- Haitian coordinator for Hearts United with Haiti.  This is his first visit to the USA and this is an excellent chance to ask a Haitian national some of your questions about his country, the vision God has given him, etc...  Please do not miss this opportunity- you WILL be blessed by hearing how God is at work in Haiti and in this organization.  It is amazing!

When?  Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011   2:00 pm.  
Where?  Living Rock Bible Church
                   2672 Ridge Road
                   Elverson, PA  19520 
   (call 484 332-5021 for help with directions and/or questions)
       ** light refreshments will be served 
Who?  Anyone interested in hearing about how God is at work in Haiti and in/through Hearts United with Haiti- INVITE your friends!  

Depart tomorrow...

Well, at this time tomorrow I will be packing the rest of my things and getting ready to leave for the airport.  Today will be filled with all those "last minute" jobs-- the most important is to get the money I got from SELLING the SUV deposited into the account that Michael and I opened over a month ago here in Port au Prince.  That way he will have some money here in case a need arises so we do not have to pay a fee to wire it.  :)  The cool part of this story?  Guess who bought the SUV?  A good friend of Duckenson (the oldest Arris son) who is currently out of town on business.  He wired the money to Duckenson on Sat.  Since he will not be around for a while we are transferring the SUV into Duckenson's name (Hearts United and I were never on the paperwork- the guy was never available- coincidence?? I don't think so) today.  The SUV will be sent to the shop to get the necessary work done to it AND the friend will let Duckenson and the Arris family use/keep the SUV here at their house until he returns and then they will complete the transaction.  This means that they will have a vehicle for a while to use for themselves!  Isn't that amazing?  We did not sell it for much but we still were "ahead" because rental on it would have been much more than we paid (less what we got for selling it).  God is good!  Now we will just pray that God will provide another vehicle for Hearts United to use in Haiti.  An ideal vehicle would be a 4 wheel drive truck (a small Toyota or somthing like it) with an extended cab.  This will hold the same number of people but will haul a LOT more in the bed and will be really handy in Chaveneau.  Please pray with us about this need and let us know if you know of anyone who can help us!  Thanks-

Michael will travel with me tomorrow- his first time on a plane, his first time in the USA, etc... Exciting times!  We are blessed to have him as part of Hearts United and we pray you will be able to get out to at least one of our presentaions to meet him and to hear his heart for his people (as well as what God is doing in his father's ministry).  We will post dates and times here but for now plan on the afternoon of the 21st- that is still being arranged.  

I am so excited to get home, see Ron and begin to discuss what God has for our future.  From his e-mails to me, it sounds like he is VERY excited too. :)  But, part of me is always sad to leave Haiti.  Last night Obed and I layed on the roof watching shooting stars for about an hour and discussing God and life and talking about all the things 17 year old guys go through.  It will be hard for him when we leave- I am taking Michael with me, James is moving out (for more about James look at my posts from early June), and the internet will probably be shut off because it is too expensive to maintain right now with school getting ready to start.  Independently these are no big deal, but collectively they are a lot for him. 

After about an hour of Obed and I discussing "life" James came up.  "Mom, I did not get to say goodnight to you".  With that he gave me a huge hug and then was gone down the steps.  Then, about 10 min. later Michael came up with his cot (he has not slept on the roof in about 2 weeks) and he set it up and then returned downstairs to do some things.  When Obed left I laid there looking at the stars, listening to Haiti- listening to HOME.  I love hearing church and people praising God.  I love hearing the goats and chickens at all hours of the night.  I even love hearing the rap music playing at 2 am from a property nearby.  I just LOVE Haiti.  Eventually I fell asleep- happy, content and wishing I would just freeze the moment and stay on that roof forever.  But then I will miss ALL that God has coming in the future.  So.. Lord, I am ready- WE are ready- show us what Your plans for Hearts United with Haiti are-  Amen!ll

Summer of 2011

It all began on June 10th when my "baby" (youngest daughter) graduated from High School and less than 12 hours later my husband and I were on our way to Haiti - me for 9 weeks and Ron for 3.  At the time many asked, "Why are you going?",  "Your family needs to be your focus- why spend so much time/energy on those people?" or "All you talk about is Haiti, Haiti, Haiti.  Don't forget God has given you a mission field here in the states too."   Sometimes though they mean well, those words/thoughts are just what the enemy uses later to keep me from being an effective minister for God.  I find myself asking the same questions when I am alone here in Haiti and homesick- missing my girls and husband so much.  But, then I hear that soft voice that says, "Crystal, you have not chosen this path - I have chosen it FOR you.  If you let me, I will teach you much.  I will help you grow and I will show you things that may not make sense now, but some day you will be able to use those lessons to bless others in My name."

So, I sit here with one week left in Haiti.  I should have two weeks left, but I am coming home a week earlier than expected - both to give Michael a little more time to see people/do things and more importantly because God has said, "it is time- your work in Haiti for the summer of 2011 is done".  It has been an AMAZING summer- God has been so good and it has obviously been exactly (again) where He has called me.  I have made LOTS of contacts and friends along the way.I have grown more and more "independent/dependent" in the process (independent- meaning I have learned to stand up for myself and those I am serving, dependent- meaning I have learned to rely on Him totally to provide)  I have seen other ministries and been given a glimpse of what God can do when we are in obedience to His will.  God has spoken directly to me about the future of Hearts United with Haiti and my future here and (better yet) He has confirmed that through my husband and best friend of over 30 years.  :)

So... what does that future look like???  I believe it involves bringing short term mission teams to Haiti- to present them with the opportunity to come alongside Pastor Duval (and eventually other pastors) and to partner together to bring proper nutrition, medical care, education, etc. to those in Haiti who are lacking those basic things.  But, more importantly it involves building relationships with the people of Haiti- to work WITH them, to learn FROM them, to pour into one another's lives and to become UNITED in our desire to spread God's love and message of salvation to His people.

 If we only come to Haiti to feed people, to care for their health needs, to teach them we have created a community of people who will live longer and healthier but did we REALLY make a difference?  We need to show them Jesus.  The Jesus we love.  The Jesus who loves them.  That Jesus is real folks- I know Him and have seen Him at work in Haiti.  We need to show them His love in concrete ways-- by getting involved in their lives, by loving them like He does.

 Everyone wants to know they matter.  Everyone wants to know their life has meaning to another.  Everyone wants to feel special.  The people of Chaveneau DO matter, their lives DO have meaning and they ARE special.  Very special.  Anyone who has had the chance to travel to this amazing place knows that.  God has shown me very clearly that some day Ron and I will live in Chaveneau or another part of Haiti.  We will form many friendships there (already have) and we will be used by Him to bring others to that community (and other communities) and to help this world become a bit "smaller"- that together we all learn that we are NOT so different from the Haitians.

Yes, materially we have more but is that what life is about? We can not take our wealth or posessions with us when we die and they can not guarantee our happiness. Yes, we have food to eat- in abundance while they go hungry.  We waste so much and they use every little bit they have. Yes, we have a faith in God but do we TRULY rely on Him and trust Him when we can just go to our bank account or to the corner store to get what we "need"?  We have much to learn from Haiti and other third world countries. MUCH to learn.

So as I look back upon this summer I realize how BLESSED I have been to have this opportunity two years in a row.  The chance to form relationships with some GREAT friends- lifetime relationships.  The chance to immerse myself in a new culture, learn a new language (it's going slowly but I'm trying), to spend time with my God- growing in my love relationship with Him.  I am soooooo grateful He has given me this time (two years in a row) in Haiti.  I am soooo grateful to those of you who have prayed for me, for the ministry, for the participants I have had,  and who have supported us in other ways.  Thank you just doesn't seem adequate.  But know that you matter- you have made a difference and God will reward you for your faithfulness and desire to serve Him in whatever way you do.  I for one have been changed this summer and it is due to many of YOU.

Blessings from Haiti- (for at least one more week)....

PS- there is a tropical storm expected to hit here later tonight and tomorrow- please pray for the MANY who are still living in tents or under tarps.  We see them every day and my heart breaks for them.  Pray for Pastor Duval as he travels to Chaveneau early tomorrow morning with his wife and some others from the "home church" here in Carrefour- they are going on a mission trip there to work with the children and the community.  Pray for my last week- that I can get done all I need to get done before I leave- not quite sure yet when I will return (God knows).  And pray for the future of Hearts United with Haiti- that God will send people to partner with us/Pastor Duval- either by coming to Haiti, raising funds for the school/medical center/food for the community, praying for our ministry, etc... and THANK YOU -

Reflections on 7/16 trip...

I (crystal) did not read this blog... it was sent to me by e-mail by Kim Harrell who was a participant on our trip 7/16 to 7/23/2011.  I usually ask participants to "blog" about their trip DURING the trip, but Kim asked if she could have some time to reflect and then post later (plus if you read my earlier blog entries you know she was very sick when she left Haiti so she was not up to writing a blog earlier).... so.. here are her "reflections" from the trip... I pray you are blessed (and I am as well- when I push "post" and then read them).... It's been a GREAT summer! -  Crystal   :)  

"I would say that our week was a success.  It was tough at times, but in the end it was worth it.  I learned a lot about myself and about life in general.  The Haitians will always amaze me.  I wil never look at water the same.  Seeing how they live compared to me just blows me away.  Being 16 and  being able to experience this was amazing.  God really worked through our team.  I couldn't of asked for a better team.  I love you guys and I will return!" Zoe

 

"This was my 2nd trip to Haiti.  My first trip was in May, and before I even left the country I knew I wanted to go back.  I was blessed to know Crystal and decided to make this trip. 

 

I didn't write much from Haiti b/c it takes me time to process my thoughts and reflect on all that we saw and did.  I took my 16 year old son and a 16 year old family friend on this trip with me, and I am so glad that we shared this experience!

 

My husband and I lead and facilitate short term mission teams all over the world-it's our goal to come alongside pastors and missionaries and help them accomplish their vision.  Secondly, we want the participates to take what they learn on the "field" back to their realm.

 

I saw firsthand the work and vision of Hearts United With Haiti, Pastor Duval, and Crystal last week.  I saw the passion Pastor Duval has for his people!  Crystal has a passion and love for the people of Haiti as well-a passion that is contagious!

 

Sunday we had the opportunity to go to church.  If you have never been to a Haitian church-it would do everyone good!  Every church in America could learn something.  I couldn't understand a word that was being said or sang, but the Holy Spirit was there!  Unlike the churches here in America that are "schedule" driven-getting from Point A to Point B-or "program" driven-what program do we need to provide-this service was led by the Holy Spirit!  It was truly an amazing experience.  A highlight of my trip-we serve a God of ALL people and ALL nations!

 

Monday we were able to lead VBS at a local church-our focus for the week was the Wordless Book.  It took a few times for them to grasp what the colors mean-but by the end they could explain what the colors meant.  We also gave out 72 dresses that my friend, Lisa Ward from Dress a Girl Around the World had sent with me.  I explained just as the dress covered their physical body-Jesus' blood had covered their sin!  I was so excited to see Alexis step up and lead the prayer walk that day.  She set such a great example for Zoe and Landon!

 

Tuesday we left for Chaveneau.  We were having car problems and we couldn't carry all our supplies and the team in the truck, so we had to rent a van (which was an extra expense for the ministry).  I had watched the video and seen pictures, but still was "shocked" upon arriving there.

 

But, i will say it was so peaceful-untouched by materialism and worldly things.  The kids yearned, not for material things, but for your attention!  There are many needs in Chaveneau.  Crystal, Pastor Duval, and HUWH know and see these needs.  But they need your help to make it happen!  Children are hungry, they are hungry for physical food and spiritual food.  They are hungry to learn-as is evidenced by the eagerness of the adults in the English class.  There are construction needs-in order for groups to go & help-facilities need to be "updated."  But, there needs to be a balance, as Crystal says-this area is still "virgin"-we don't want to Americanize them.  As much as we Americans may think, we do not have the monopoly on "church." 

 

My time in Chaveneau was dampened by the fact that I started feeling bad on Wednesday.  We pushed through, even though Zoe wasn't feeling well either.  On the first day of VBS we had over 100!  They listened so intently as I told the Bible story.  The 2nd day we had about as many!  Once again-they listened.  We gave out 100 dresses in Chaveneau to little girls in the community.

 

We ended up leaving a day earlier then we had planned.  This wasn't our,plan, but it was God's plan.  We finished the week in Carrefour doing prayer walks and handing out more dresses.  i was amazed that with all the prayer walks, when we asked the people if we could pray with them it was a resounding "yes!"  Then to my surprise, when we asked what their prayer requests it was the same over and over again "for my spiritual walk, for healing, for my family."  It was never for material things.

 

I am glad that we came back when we did, as I got worse throughout the week.  By the time I got back to NC I ended up in the hospital with dehydration and a nasty intestinal virus.  I just started feeling better this weekend!

 

I have been on many mission trips over the past 12 years, and have lived in Mexico for 4 of those years, and I must say that this was the most challening trip I have ever done.  I was stretched physically and spiritually.  This, however, was a good thing.  I was taken out of my comfort zone-which is good b/c we all need to see how much we have to be thankful for.

 

As a missionary, I know it is hard sometimes to ask for help or present needs.  A lot of times it takes seeing these needs firsthand to realize how much they are needed.  I will say from seeing the  ministry of HUWH last week that there are several needs.  First, they need a reliable means of transportation.  It shouldn't be a daily concern of how you are going to get to a place to minister!  We had supplies and desire to minister in Chaveneau, but it almost didn't happen b/c of lack of transportation.  I have someone that is donating a short bus to HUWH-they need the money to get it from the states to Haiti.  Secondly, they need people to go and help!  If you have never been on a mission trip-this would be a great trip for you!  Lastly, if you can't go they need your financial support.

 

Even through all the sickness and challenges, I will return to Haiti.  Next time I will go back with my whole family!" Kimberly Harrell-URMissions, Inc.