Oouff, It was a 'day' here.

 Oouff. It was a ‘day’ here. The following is just a summary of how this day rolled out. Just a ‘normal’ Saturday.

Man when you think things are hard for people… then it gets harder. Just don’t know how people keep going. The rain we had Thursday afternoon and evening was so hard.

Erosion, washing out of gardens. I heard of one person’s gardens… he has 5 garden areas… 4 of them were just washed away. Like it pulled the plants right out of the ground. I think maybe the land was on a slope. 

Then I was in Pignon today, several people stopped me which happens often because they want to know if they can find help.

One lady, I noticed was just laying on the sidewalk alongside the street in town. She approached me. She had a one-year old daughter in her arms. She said she was from Port au Prince. Her house had been burned by the gangs, her husband died. She had made her way to Pignon with the one-year old and 2 other kids. She said they were hungry. She lifted the little girls dress up to show she had a bare bottom, no diaper, no underwear. Uffda. We were close to the corner where they sell hard boiled eggs, bananas, peanuts, juice. I figured the baby could eat an egg and part of a banana. I bought 4 eggs, 2 bananas, 2 little sacks of peanuts and a bottle of natural grenadia juice. It would help for part of a day. 350 gdes… same as $2.65. That’s a lot of nutrition for $2.65. Locally grown foods are affordable.

Another lady stopped me. I knew her. She had a family member that had a mobility cart for many years from MH. The guy had died a few months back. She said now she had an uncle that came from Cap Haitien to live with her. She has a big heart to take care of these people. This uncle is also handicapped. The Creole word is ‘kokobe’ (like… koh-koh-bay). So she wondered if there was a way the uncle could get a mobility cart. After the other guy died, we went to the house to get the cart to be given to someone else. Who would have thought she would be asking just months later for another person.

Then a young guy, I knew him too. He was hoping for help to pay for school. He will start 9th grade but doesn’t have money to pay for tuition and books.

Then a guy who had been in an accident two years ago and lost part of his leg. He had a customized mobility cart. I took a picture.

Look at the frame that is supporting the ‘canopy’. It is made from part of a walker. And he has a bigger ‘sprocket’ so he can go farther with each rotation of the hand pedals.

So he wanted help to get a prosthetic leg. He says the hospital in Cap Haitien does that.

Those conversations were all within about 45 minutes time.

Yah, I did ask God quite a lot today…. ‘Why?’

Oh, before that, this morning there were three people at the MH gate that I talked to. All people I know and have provided some help of various kinds.

This couple. 

They were married at MH wedding a few years ago. Each of them has been sick. The husband wants to go to the Dominican Republic to work because he has no way to provide for his family here. He said that shirt and the pants he is wearing are the only clothes he owns. They have three kids and he doesn’t have money to put them in school. Ever since we have known them Craig has called them the smiley couple. I told Craig, today they weren’t really smiling.

The question was asked, “Would he be accepted in DR to work?”

Yah, that is the thing. I told them just yesterday I had talked to a guy that had done the same thing and he was deported back before he had been there a week.

The smiley couple who weren’t smiling today said the wife’s brother went in July and where he is they say there aren’t immigration people.

They think he wouldn’t have issues . But… golly gosh… just can’t imagine. I plan to talk with two of our pastors on Monday. They know this couple from the wedding stuff. I am going to see what they say. Not really sure it’s a good idea, but the husband feels it’s his only choice.

I put a food gift together for the smiley couple and gave it to them as they were leaving. Rice, beans, oil, a couple packages of spaghetti, some soap. They thanked me and said that I had done so much for them. Then I said that I knew the man wanted to be the one to provide for his family. He said, “YES. That is why I need to go to the Dominican.” Oh, the sacrifice people have to make to survive.

Here was another site.  I was spying from across the road. These guys are braiding rope and making hammocks.  My guess is because of all the refugees that have made their way to Pignon from the areas Gangs have invaded, there may be a market for Hammocks. I was talking with a friend and commented that hammocks are used quite a lot in some countries but that I don’t see them being used much in Haiti.  My friend said, “well I remember a long time ago, my grandpa used one.” 

That is a quick run-down of my day. So now, at the end of the day, I am doing a little reading. I have some notes I had written and I can't even remember the book these thoughts came from.

These are the notes... 

Jesus's first sermon was about the way things ought to be. His sermon was short: 

"Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matt 4:17). Jesus was not referring to an otherworldly paradise, heaven, or eternity. Rather, he was reviving a concept in Judaism know as tikkun olam, sometimes translated as "repair of the world". One connotation of tikkun olam is simple enough: We know how things are, BUT how SHOULD things be? By extension, what should I do about it? Where should I turn my trowel to cultivate life in the garden? Humanity has been given a unique job -- to partner with God in making the world into what it might be. Humans are created to be God's partners in making this world a better place, not simply to wait for the afterlife. This is what it means to live the kingdom: living in the midst of a world obsessed with "the way things are." yet choosing to live life directed toward "the way things ought to be." 

For ME.... at the end of this day, I can only say AMEN and AMEN.

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

We had messaged one of Many Hands Haitian staff to say we are excited to see him as we will be returning to Haiti on Thursday, July 31. His response was, "Mwen menm tou. Ke Bondye Kouvri nou ak zanj de pwoteksyon li yo pou vin akonpanye nou e gen kontrol pilot yo pou dirije nou nan destinasyon an." (I am excited too. May God cover you with his angels of protection to come and accompany you. And that the pilots will guide you to the destination.)

There are several perspectives to be seen here. Immediately this hymn came to mind,  JESUS, SAVIOR, PILOT ME. (Written in 1871!) As we return to Haiti to continue serving God among the poverty of Haiti, we ask this...

Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach'rous shaol;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

The obvious, more literal perspective would be the actual pilots that will fly the DC-3 cargo plane to guide us tomorrow morning from Fort Pierce, Florida to Pignon, Haiti. 

That is where we spent the day today, arranging cargo and preparing all things to arrive tomorrow.

MFI, Missionary Flights International, is a HUGE partner for us and the work we are called to do. The organization is bursting with QUALITY people who work together to execute all the complex logistics.

One such quality young gal is Tiki, pictured above and with the 'new' DC-3 300MF shown in the background which MFI is adding to the fleet. Tiki's dad is a pilot for MFI. She is following in her father's footsteps. In August she will begin a year of aviation training at SMAT, School of Missionary Aviation Technology, in Ionia, Michigan. She has logged many hours of flying and also has developed the art of stitching a 'felted' replica of the DC-3 plane she aspires to fly in the very near future. 

Above, a mural of the plane Tiki will fly, on the wall of the MFI Hospitality Center. 

Below, two of Tiki's Hand crafted DC-3 Cargo planes alongwith names of some of the wonderful people that we are privilged to know and visited with today as we were at the hangar.

This is the sight we will see tomorrow, the view of the city of Pignon from the air as we approach the grass runway on that DC-3 cargo plane.

Above, the aerial view of the Pignon Marketplace, lower right corner.

Below, the aerial view of Many Hands main campus in Sylvain, Haiti, where we live and work.

Much has been happening as we have been stateside. We could look at that concept of the 'Pilot guiding in order to reach the destination' as our role of leadership within the organization of Many Hands to include 'piloting' the dedicated Haitian staff to be guided in the direction the vision of Many Hands is designed to go! During the past months, we have been doing just that, only remotely. AND, NOW, we have the privilege again of doing that face to face.

Construction of a new school pod continues for Many Hands 'School of Light' Fundamental School, which will house the class of students entering 7th grade.

This 'breezeway' connects the 7-8-9 grade 'pod' with the other two pods... grades 4-5-6 and grades1-2-3.

And a new school latrine. 3 faculty stalls on the end with 4 boy's stalls and 4 girl's stalls on the back.

The challenges of  'a day in the life' of Many Hands Haitian staff include navigating the primitive paths to reach daily destinations to minister to the poorest of the poor to bring the encouraging GOOD NEWS of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST.

Above is Many Hands Pastor Jean-Ronel as he shares The Good News with people in the community of La Bel Mer.

Also one of 8 community bibles studies Many Hands hosts that meet weekly, often the location...

under the shade of a mango tree!

Many Hands 'First Thousand Days' program which begins accompanying women during pregnancy has been continuing daily. 

The ministry of mobility cart distribution and repair goes on!

Summer School is currently in session for Many Hands fundamental school. English speaking skills and French writing skills are being taught.

Do you see the determination on the face of this man as he labors to provide for the daily needs of his family? It is people like this that cause us to have determination as well.

... and more determination!

We ask for prayer for the Haitian people as well as for us. We GO in confidence because we know that Jesus, our Savior, is in control to guide us through the challenges of mission work in Haiti. Just as the last phrase of the hymn quoted at the beginning of this writing says: 

I will hear Thee say to me,
"Fear not, I will pilot thee."

Trust

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge HIM,

and HE will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Traveling from Haiti to Florida with Missionary Flights International

Trust is essential. Today we trust that God has us carefully under his wing of protection. A couple weeks ago there was a situation taking place in Mirebalais, a community south of where we live in Haiti. This caused plans to be made for us to travel temporarily to the US. This brought the unexpected Joy of being able to have Easter celebrations with our family when we will proclaim, "Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!"

MH Haitian staff are committed to stand strong in uncertain times. The citizens of the city of Mirebalais have experienced violence brought on by gang activity. Many residents of Mirebalais have fled to safer locations. There are many people that could be considered  'refugees' currently finding shelter in and around the Pignon area. The community, we count MH in that community, is doing what they can to care for these groups of people who find themselves homeless. 

Once again we are thankful for reliable internet connection on MH campus so that 'directing' from afar can be accomplished through Whatsapp messages and calls. We had an encouraging update from Pastor Jean-Ronel to say things went well this week. School was on Easter break, the First Thousand Days program was well attended throughout the week. All staff and programs had an official holiday for Good Friday, 'Vandredi Sen' which could be literally translated to Holy Friday. Efforts continue with MH 'Stretch Out Your Hand' ministry. The local area continues to experience tough economic hardship. Construction on the new school building is progressing well. Rain has started to fall bringing HOPE for the growing season. 

Weekly community bible studies led by MH Chaplians are thriving! 

The two newest bible study locations are on MH Me Bel Mer campus (above) 

and Savan Tabak campus (below)

Both centers are studying "New Life in Christ" Volume 1

Through support of generous donors, MH is beginning an Audio bible distribution effort. 

Madam Monchere is part of MH Raised Bed Garden program. 

Now she has her own solar rechargeable Creole Audio bible.

Above, the woman in this picture was being fitted for the wedding gown she would wear as she would be married in December of 2024. Madam Telemaque, in the lower part of the picture, was visited in November 2024 with a MH Stretch Out Your Hand food gift. During the visit she expressed how she became a Christian some years back but that she had not been able to become married to her husband due to hard times.

Today, she and Georges St Fleur, who is blind, are part of twenty couples that are preparing to be united in marriage on MH campus on May 17th.

Ring sizing is one of many steps in preparation for the upcoming May 17th wedding day.

April 11th was "Say YES! to a Dress" day for twenty couples. The same day, Pastor Jean-Ronel, records all the essential personal information to register each couple to receive a legal Marriage License. 

Meet wedding tailor Jean-Gary Joseph (below)

He will handle the project of making all alterations and pressing of the suits and dresses 

for the BIG DAY!

Below lists the grooms. Shoe sizes were recorded. 

Jean-Gary's wife will assist in buying shoes.

We TRUST God has control of all things MH, past, present, and future! For me personally, my prayer is that we can be back to MH Campus in time to be part of the May 17th wedding ceremony. It would be pure JOY to see these couples being united as ONE in marriage before God on that day.

There is a wide variety of life situations represented in the couples shown here. Some are young, no children yet, wanting to start their lives together as ONE in Christ. The other end of the spectrum, much older couples who have lived hard lives together, In one case, a blended family with 13 children (first spouses died and they found each other later in life).

What a BRIGHT outlook WE have for MH and the GOOD that is happening each day. One simple thing of twenty couples being united in Christ to be a blessing to each other, to their families, to their churches, to their communities. Their choices and actions today are passing on a generational blessing for generations to come. Three of the couples are part of a church called "A New Generation" in the community of Bohoc. These marriages bring a REAL change for a new generation!  

These couples expressed their appreciation for the opportunity MH has offered to accompany them in this process of marriage. Don't be misled by a few somber expressions; this is more customary in Haitian culture when having your picture taken.

Would you accept the challenge to pray for these couples? Use the list above. The first groom listed is Frednel. His wife would be Madam Frednel. You could pray for each couple by name. Pray that God's strength, power, and love would be evident to each couple in preparation for the Wedding day and in the years that follow.

We ask for that same prayer to cover all of Many Hands ministry. We TRUST in God's plan to show the path to take. There are hungry souls which can be fed by the love and promises only Jesus can offer.

This verse of an Easter Sunday hymn displays confidence which can be found in the Christian life because of Jesus' Resurrection.

The world against me rages, 

Its fury I disdain; 

Though bitter war it wages, 

Its work is all in vain.

My Heart from care is free,

No trouble troubles me. 

Misfortune now is play, 

And night is bright as day.

All in a DAY!

The day begins... 

Our Father in heaven,
May your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us. 
And don't let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.     Matthew 6:9-13

Many Hands School of Light fundamental school is GROWING! On this day the new classroom pod for upcoming 7th, 8th, and 9th grades began to take shape early in the morning. The work day begins early to beat the heat. Haiti is currently nearing the end of the dry season, ready to move into the rainy season. A consequence of this time of year is water supply can be sparse. Strategies need to be implemented so that MH campus can support the water that is needed for all that goes on in a day.

Here, WATER is a critical element along with sacks of cement, the piles of sand, gravel, and block. These materials will be transformed into a beautiful environment for educating with the use of wooden stakes, string, picks, shovels, buckets, wheelbarrows, and loads of HARD WORK.  

On this day, (below) two local men have been hired to dig a new trash pit on campus. Even though it is hard, dirty work, both men are thrilled for the opportunity for the job which is available to them, even if it is temporary. 

Common elements... Picks and shovels and hard work... all in a day.

At the same time.. MH Spiritual shepherds, Pastor Jean-Ronel and Pastor Jean Rubert, are out and about in the morning visiting people and sharing the Good News that Jesus is our one and only Saviour. This visit finds Jonel Charles expressing his gratitude to MH for the special medical assistance he received in the form of orthodpedic surgery which MH arranged at Dikini Hospital in Port au Prince. A metal plate was put in. Safely back at home in Pignon, Jonel is doing well.

Above, Pastor Jean-Ronel prays with Jonel because he wants to restore his life in Christ to follow Jesus in a deeper way.

This beautiful young girl is Josiane. MH met her a few years ago. She began experiencing weakness and deformity in her knees. MH assisted with medical consulting and at the time, the doctor wanted her to receive follow up care at a hospital in Port au Prince.  Josiane was living with her aunt and the aunt was not willing to send her niece into a dangerous place. MH has remained in contact with Josiane. She is not currently going to school due to the problem with her legs. 

 

All in a DAY for Josaine brings a gift of a Creole bible and a Creole songbook into her hands. She is making it her own by writing her name inside the front cover. Pastor Jean-Ronel added John 3:16 to remind her WHOSE she is!!! She belongs to Jesus.

All in this day, Lumanise Jean-Noel is leaving St. Joseph medical clinic in Pignon. She is being treated for Typhoid and H-Pylori. This was her fourth follow up appointment made possible with benevolence support of MH. She has a 'randevou' again after 15 days. She along with her husband Chansner, seated on the back of the taxi moto, are forever grateful for the support they have received. As MH believes with the effort invested into the First Thousand Days program... "The health of the mother determines the health of her children." Lumanise and Chansner have three children who depend on their mother and father. This day is making a difference.

In the garden, MH agronomy department is working on this day to be able to provide produce to be used in the future for the First Thousand Days program meals. That same strategic approach to managing the water supply is critical to the success of these MH gardens. Spinach, leeks, carrots, etc. aren't going to fare well without watering. All in this day, the garden is getting the needed water.

At the same moment, a new garden space is being prepared with wooden stakes, string, hard work. A common theme all in a day. Green peppers will be growing soon in this garden space pictured below. 

Hard work of a different nature is also going on all in a day. Here is MH adult literacy class. 72 year-old student, Erose Cine, is being helped by Sonide, the teacher. 

More hard work all in a day below as primary grade students are being tutored by MH accompaniment teacher, Venia. These tutor sessions take place in the afternoon after the regular school day has ended.  

Just past the education buildings, a former congo bean field is being cleared to be used as future recreation space for the 'growing' School of Light. More hard work with wheelbarrows and rakes on this day.

Hard work taking place up to the close of the day. MH is committed to tree planting. A 2025 goal for the Ag department is to prepare 8000 trees to be distributed to local community members to plant. An upcoming Haitian holiday, May 1, is similar to Arbor Day in the US. On this day, a large quantity of tree seedlings will be shared in the area. 

More water usage to manage. Without it, the tree planting program won't GROW. ALL in a DAY.

In addition to all this work happening with MH all on a single day, Monday of this week, the signature program "Premye Mil Jou" happened in five locations as well.

Time to rest tired bones, tired muscles, tired well water system because tomorrow is a whole new day to use for God's glory here in Haiti with MH and for others around the world. 

We serve because we strive to 

'Love the Lord God with all our passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.' 

(as found in Mark 12:30 The Message)