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)

Sante ki Robus

Take a look at the view through the window of our main administrative workspace in the guesthouse on Many Hands Campus. Most of the time you could label this space "Grand Central Station". It is where all the swirl of MH ministry in Haiti comes and goes. Then one step outside the front door is...

And below is one look to the left ...

You may have heard us use the term Paradise of Poverty to describe where we live and work.  

Part of the 'Paradise' aspect for us is the way in which we are supported in prayer, not only by dear family and friends in the US, also by many friends and MH staff right here in our neighborhood.

For the past three weeks, Craig has been in Ft Pierce, FL getting all arrangements in place with a cancer center so that he can receive the IVIG infusion that he is told he needs on a monthly basis. Since the onset of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, the oncologist has reported Craig's 'immunoglobulin' is low and the 'treatment' is the IVIG infusion. 

After much effort and much patience, the long awaited treatment was scheduled for 9:15 am today, Friday, February 21. I get a message at 9:19 am saying... "Bloodwork shows the immunoglobulin level looks good. No need for the infusion. Come back in two months."

As much as we would have REALLY liked to know that sooner... We can only give GOD all the praise and honor and glory for this unbelievable occurrence. 

Below is a group of women that are bound together as a group of praying warriors. I had been asked if the group could come to MH and pray for the organization and for us personally. Monday afternoon, February 17, by 2:30 this is what was taking place right on MH Main Campus. 

By 3:00 the group had grown to this...

The singing, the shouting of 'Alleluias', and the audible praying like you can't imagine continued till nearly 5:00 that afternoon. At that time there were 80 people gathered in this space!

People would believe that without good health, life has greater challenges. If someone is praying for me I often hear this phrase asking God to provide "Sante ki robus". In English, Health that is ROBUST. I heard this Monday afternoon. So that prayer was heard and answered! 

Thank you Lord God for your faithfulness. Bless our Eternal King!

After two months we will see what that appointment shows.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make you paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6

We Love Because God First Loved Us

The Christmas Story! Think about it... really think about it... "The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel." Isaiah 7:14. The Christmas story is strange, it's foreign, it's beyond the bounds of human imagination. In order to accomplish what God wanted to do for us, he used angels, an obedient virgin, and even stars in the sky. We humans didn't think of it, understand it, or approve it. All we could do, at Bethlehem, was receive it. 

The Christmas story implies that what God wants to do for us is so strange, so far out of reach of human effort and striving. It tells of an unimaginable, supernatural gift that reveals to us how to be receivers. God blesses us with a gift and calls us to see ourselves as we are -- empty-handed recipients of God's Grace. 

SO... here it is... We MUST first RECEIVE before we are able to GIVE.

This verse confirms it. Because we have received God's love, we have the capacity to love.

Le Sapin de Noel - Christmas Tree - a handmade decoration at MH Preschool

A gift I received a few days ago... a homegrown cabbage!

A favorite local restaurant - decked out for the Christmas season.

On the left is a boy named Maykey. I found myself in a predicament one day. The MUD was just a bit too challenging for me on my little moto. Maykey happened by in my time of need and said, "I will help you." We talked while we cleaned my muddy shoes 'in the mud'. I asked Maykey if he knew Jesus as his friend and Savior. Maykey said no. So we talked a bit more. I hope to meet up with Maykey and continue the conversation. Praying that Maykey will RECEIVE the gift of salvation through Jesus.

Below, Maykey proceeded to help another lady. The woman was carrying her child on her back while carrying a heavy bucket. Maykey was there to lend a hand and lighten the load.

Christmas is a time for family, right? I sent this picture to our family and shared that this is Rosita (left) and her granddaughter Elinise. They are working together during the butchering of a cow for MH. I said this is probably something I will never do together with any of my three granddaughters. The response from Lila, 5 years old, in Michigan, "I don't want to do that with you Gramma Christi."

Below is Kalo, Head of Security for MH as well as Chief Butcher! This is father and son also spending time together at the "labatwa" (Creole for slaughter house)

MH moto drivers/mechanics installing a new motor in a MH 3-wheel motorcycle.

A Christmas project! Painting a house that was previously built by MH. Below: The painting crew.

Some events we have coming up here: above is a potential plan for the expansion of the MH Fundamental school. We will be adding 7th grade for the 2025-26 school year. Final plans and construction coming soon. 

In January, our Haitian management team will participate in the annual planning meeting. We will review our vision and objectives and discuss what we will focus on for 2025.

The annual MH wedding ceremony took place in December. 19 couples were united in marriage. During recent days, the wedding gowns are being returned. This is the list with the names of the couples, checking off one by one as dresses come back. Here, below, is a 'gift' I would rather NOT receive.... The day of the ceremony was a rainy day. I was afraid what we might find afterwards. All my fears have been realized! EEECK. This will put the handwash laundry soap to the test. 😟 I can't imagine HOW this can be! Even from a muddy day.

Merry Christmas to ALL you wonderful people.

May you RECEIVE all of the warmth and beauty of God's love.

Then GO and LOVE others!

We love because God first loved us. 

1 John 4:19

TIME

 How is it that TIME can seem to stand still and then it races past quicker than a blink? This is certainly the phenomenon of TIME that applies to us right now. We are back in Haiti, now returning to the ministry work there. This plan is in place through prayer, from being in conversation with MH Haitian staff, and working with MH Board. 

God’s Word inspires and uplifts ALL THE TIME…The Nations Called to Praise God

"God keep us near your mercy-fountain and bless us! 

And when you look down on us, may your face beam with joy! 

Selah - Pause in His presence

Send us out all over the world so that everyone everywhere will discover your ways 

and know who you are and see your power to save.

Let all the nations burst forth with praise; let everyone everywhere love and enjoy you! 

Then how glad the nations will be when you are their King. 

They will sing, they will shout, for you give true justice to the people. 

Yes! You, Lord, are the shepherd of the nations! 

Selah - Pause in His presence

No wonder the peoples praise you! Let all the people praise you more! 

The harvest of the earth is here! 

God, the very God we worship, keeps us satisfied at this banquet of blessings." 

                                                                                        Psalms 67

We go very eager to join the Haitian staff in following the will of God our Father. For the people of Haiti this is an intensely perplexing TIME. We hear of current signs that show some Haitians are turning to Voodoo practices to seek answers of how to get out of their hard-pressed situation. There is opportunity to show that JESUS ONLY can work good in the midst of this hot mess that squeezes into every aspect of the daily effort to survive.

Our desire is to encourage the Haitian staff to love and serve their neighbors and give witness to a new life in Christ. There is no more appropriate TIME than NOW to rejoice and steward resources and TIME in a way that brings GLORY TO GOD.

"The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. "                                                                                              1 Peter 4:7-10

We have been stateside since mid-March. In that TIME we have seen the Haitian staff do well in their individual roles. Our souls have been renewed with experiencing the fullness in love of family and friends. We pray that you feel God's ABUNDANT blessings just as we have felt.

The morning of Thursday, May 23, what a sight as we approached Cap Haitien on the Missionary Flights International DC3. GREEN! Rainy season has begun which is very evident! It is a good sign.

Once inside the airport we see something NEW. This sign is an advertisement for the Haitian version of DOOR DASH!  (OKAP is a nickname for the city of Cap Haitien)                       

Back on the runway to take off for the final landing in Pignon, we see this Sunrise Airways plane. We hear they currently have two flights each day into Cap Haitien. 

Next we see this World Food Program helicopter land. Most likely loaded with food supply.

Back in the air, the view is still green as we approach Pignon.

We landed on the grass strip in Pignon and were welcomed by MH Staff. Pictured here Boss Kalo who is head of Security and Jean Rene who is MH Safe Homes Coordinator.

Jean Rene expressed how happy he was that we were back on MH campus. He says they need to hear the encouragement and reassurance that they have all done a good job during the time we were away. He says it is kind of like parents giving children approval of a job well done. 

School is in session and the kids welcomed us as well. 

We can see the classic "degaje" method of the VERY resourceful Haitian people. This see saw is still 'see sawing' just in a new way.  Degaje means "Make do with whatever you have." and Haiti has ROCKS.

And here we go again with this bridge repair. My first real life experience is... this bridge is SO SOLID, you can hardly shake it even if you try!  This was Friday, on the way to the third community conversation in the new ZONE of Savan Tabak. The topic for this conversation was good nutrition: for everyone, for kids, for pregnant women. We also heard about proper nutrition and care for animals: Cows, goats, pigs. 

Pictured here, on the right, is Elanie. She is a young mother in the First Thousand Days program in Jean Boule. Last year MH began assisting Elanie at the Hospital in Hinche to line up surgery. She is suffering from a very enlarged goiter in her neck. At the time, we went through test after test to prepare for the operation. THEN, the LAST thing they do is give a pregnancy test. Sure enough, Elanie is pregnant. 

Fast forward to 2024, baby is 7 months old. Gramma is pictured on the left with my very good friend Eliamene in the center. Going through the whole process again, Elanie is scheduled for surgery this coming week. Eliamene has been helping MH with getting Elanie through this rigamarole. Nothing is easy.... including... see this baby bottle below which was purchased in a shop just across the road from the hospital... Elanie will not be able to nurse the baby for a time following the surgery, so MH is providing a small amount of baby formula to get them through along with a baby bottle. This is CLASSIC... an example of how hard life is here in every aspect. The markings on the baby bottle are UPSIDE DOWN.  😣

WHY!?!? does it have to be this way?

Sunday was Mother's Day here and it was the first time to attend the local 'Agape' Church since returning. The first song that was sung was very moving to the entire congregation. As Natasha, the song leader, began the song she encouraged the people to "Rele Sentispri a", to call on the Holy Spirit. The words to the song: "Sentispri mwen bezwen ou kounyea. Fe yon bagay nan lavi'm, ke ou poko janm fe, ou poko jamn fe."  'Holy Spirit I need you now. Do something in my life, that You have never done, you have never done.' Each day we do find a new challenge that needs attention. And each day God, through the Holy Spirit, gives the capacity to spur MH on to be LOVE IN ACTION. 

The second song: "Mwen bezwen Jezi, m bezwen Jezi kounyea. M bezwen li le soley leve. M bezwen li le gwo van soufle. Chak moman sou wout syel la, m bezwen Jezi."  'I need Jesus, I need Jesus now. I need Him when the sun rises. I need Him when a big wind blows. Each moment on the road to Heaven, I need Jesus.'

This is the way Haitian Christians stand up to the TEST of life during this TIME.