Amanda's blog

       We’re here!!  Although everyone from family to stewardesses were wary of our little group from SC going to Haiti during this political storm, I’m glad we were led to brave it. The flights were easy, the streets docile and the people of Haiti, as always, were welcoming. This mission building is in a much more urban area than we were in during my 2012 trip. At first it gave me pause for concern due to our proximity to the capitol, but in reality it gives us more opportunity to be among the people. 
Church with Pastor Robbie was a treat. We got to experience the community feel of the service which acts as both the place for Sunday worship as well as a general neighborhood meeting.

Service included:
• A Dietitian sharing on good food choices and personal hygiene
• A preview from the VBS boys and girls dance troop
• Pastor Robbie’s message on dedicating what is God’s back to Him
• A wedding announcement as a piece of public forum
• Witnessed a baby dedication

      During the service we were able to see how impactful our mere presence was for this community. The fact that we came in this time of political unrest and were all still willing to be here truly touched this group and in turn was quite affecting. I think it is more of a witness to show our dedication to them, to God and the work he has planned than most of the “help” we will lend this week.
       In the afternoon we worked our way up to the top of the little mountain church, quite affected by the earthquake. With nothing but concrete floor, ceiling and pillars the place offers an inspiring panoramic view of Port au Prince, the gulf and the mountains beyond.  On the way down we participated in a prayer walk where we were able to utilize our 5 fabulous translators who are lovely and Godly, funny and informative to interact with the community through small talk and prayer.  We met not only a long time friend of the ministry who happily invited us in and accepted our prayer, but also a voodoo practitioner who was quite nice, but not at all willing to have us pray with her. It was the first prayer walk I had done with a translator. Apprehensive at first, it was a new challenge to share through random friendly conversation despite the speech barrier.
      Ultimately we are gearing up for the rest of the week. Filling up on God, water, bug spray and Madame Damus’ fabulous cooking; we are looking forward to serving the local church with VBS support in whatever way needed.

-Amanda

Rachel's blog

        I cannot explain the incredible anxiety I felt the day of our flight.  Though, I wasn’t afraid of the warnings against going, it was the thought of going somewhere completely new that frightened me to death, but as soon as I stepped foot outside the airport and into Haiti, an incredible peace came over me.  In fact, I felt quite at home as we rode the bus through the hectic streets, as crazy as that might sound.  The people of Haiti are so friendly and it’s very contagious.  I am an introverted person who doesn’t necessarily like getting touched, but I didn’t feel any qualms about their show of love in church this morning.  I was amazed at how many people and children came up to me, hugged me, and told me thank you for coming.  It truly blessed my heart.
        My favorite part of today, though, was our trip up to the lookout that consisted of the ruins of an old church that was built high up on the mountain.  The trek up the last hill almost killed me but the view was worth it.  And on the way back down amidst all the slips and stumbles on the uneven road, we split up into groups and were able to pray with many of the people along the way.
        Even though, the heat is near unbearable, I am still so happy and blessed to be here.  I wouldn’t trade this week for the world, and I cannot wait to see what new adventure God has in store for me tomorrow!  Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement.
-Rachel Mayo

Team coming soon!

We are excited to be hosting a team from Gateway Baptist Church in South Carolina next week! Follow here to see how God uses them as they assist our local church i Haiti with Vacation Bible School and conduct a soccer clinic for the youth from our Center and in our local community.  To Him be all the glory! .

Kylee's blog- Jan 6

Kylee here and as always, I am struggling to find the words to sum up my time here in Haiti. These past 10 days we were pushed, challenged, crushed, and sometimes felt without hope. There were days that were hard, when reality just felt like too much to handle. But God in his infinite goodness reminded me of His beauty and faithfulness, even in the devastation. He filled me with peace knowing that His plans for His children are so good and that is more than enough. The Haitian people are such an example to me. They reflect the joy of the Lord in the most incredible way and that is one thing that I want to bring home with me to the states and I pray it never leaves.

Today we took a visit to Children’s Health Ministries, which is a nutritional / neonatal clinic in Haiti that has such a fruitful ministry that is impacting so many sweet babies’ lives. Their ministry was exactly what my heart is passionate about and it was so refreshing to see the care they are helping to provide to the wonderful people in Haiti. I definitely recommend you all check them out and continue to pray for their ministry- God is on the move!

I’m sorry for this blog being so short but I’m struggling to process what exactly I’m feeling right now. Trusting in the God who will never let us down. Praying you all know how loved you are by the Father and that your worth is found in Christ alone. Be blessed!

Photos- Day 8

The group walking to clinic. 

Pharmacy set up

Pharmacy again (I spent all day here so not many other photos. I will post more when others share) 

Rapid HIV and syphillis tests- both negative. 

Prayer station

Intake

With the doctor

James getting his BP taken

Julia's blog

Last night was rough. If I’m honest, this whole trip has been rough for me. I’ve witnessed so many hard things—so many people hurting. I’ve been wrestling with trying to reconcile the head-truth I know that God is good, while at the same time, my heart is breaking under the weight of what many of these people have to go through. None of it seems fair. None of it seems just, much less the plan of a God who is good and only does good. Last night, the disconnect felt like more than I could bear. I weakly prayed a psalm into my pillow: “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust” (Psalm 43:8). I woke to the sound of rain.

God is good…He has been proven that in countless ways. He reminded me at Church on New Years Eve in the pounding and praising of my brothers and sisters, He showed us in providing for KB, He even made me feel it in the great-heart love of the staff for the Haitian people. He shows His goodness in the fullest moon. He pours His goodness on the earth in the falling rain.

Hope deferred and sorrow and pain in this life are real…but they are not in vain, all because of Jesus. He has the victory over sin and death. He made a way for even the most broken lives and stories to be made whole. He is a God of redemption. He came to bind up the broken-hearted (Isaiah 61). I realized in the sound of rain that my God is able, His arm is not shortened, He is always good. And He has us here to tell and be conduits of His goodness. The doubt I’ve let take root in my heart has eaten away at me all week. Today God reminded me that He is good…even if I can’t see it. I’m thankful He is also a God whose mercies are new every morning. He helps my unbelief. God’s okay with questions. I’m still processing all this…very slowly…but from now on, I’m going to ask God my questions with an intention to trust in His goodness. 

Today we hosted a clinic for the people in our community. We saw around forty-five patients. People came from all around: small ones and big ones, grandma ones and kid ones, and everyone in between. Many got help and medicine, not to mention a bucket load of prayer and even some preaching (shout out to James). I sat in several consultations with the doctor. Before any patients came in, I prayed that God would give me eyes to see these people the way He sees them. A little, strong lady walked in with a solemn smile and a hot pink hat. The hat immediately pulled me back to being home with my mom. My mom wears a hat just like it (only gray) whenever she works in her garden…she folds the front up the same way too. The whole time the doctor talked with the little lady, I kept thinking, “what if this was my mom, sitting here next to me.” My heart went out to her. After the hat lady, a quiet old man shuffled in, his hand trembling as he clutched his call number. It was a sure sign of Parkinson’s disease. I saw in the man an elderly friend I know who has Parkinson’s too. Suddenly, he was more than a stranger from a different culture, a different country, a different life. I looked into his wrinkled face and saw my brother. I felt such a connection to the people we served. Today was a good day to be human.

Taylor's blog

Hi Everyone!

This is Taylor, a Malone Nursing Student. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to serve God and His mission in Haiti. Haiti is a beautiful country that quickly stole my heart. As you know, a couple days ago we visited a general hospital. It hit a lot of us hard to see the poor condition and lack of resources this hospital had. However, today restored my hope for the future of Haiti. We had the opportunity to tour a private hospital ran by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Five of us, including myself, were able to scrub into the OR. The OR team exceeded my expectations. They made sure sterile techniques were implemented and their equipment was advanced just like in the US. I was very impressed and pleased with the condition this hospital was in and was reassured that Haitians were getting above average care here. Some units even made American hospitals look subpar. Tomorrow we are holding a public clinic for the community. I am anxious and excited to see how God will continue to work in the community during our last couple days here.

p.s Mom, I am okay… just really hot. Love you