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. 

The day of the Lord

How is it that hearing heartfelt expressions of love and care expressed by family and friends can produce feelings of real tension? Like a dear friend says, "Oh I am so glad you are safe." and in turn that brings even the sensation of a guilty feeling. 

There has been the need to BE GRATEFUL that God provided refuge for us, even when so many of our Haitian co-workers, friends, and acquaintances have no choice or opportunity to 'escape' the troubled place in which they live. MAN! How can it be?

Many people who know us, know Many Hands, know the work God has called us to, have expressed it well... "I am glad you're here, BUT I am sorry you're here." That kind of sums it up. 

While worshipping on Good Friday, a song based on Psalm 37, titled "The Day of the Lord" from the above worship album, really spoke to the current 'wrestling' of emotion in our hearts.

What an encouragement to know... It's not long till the Day of the Lord!

MH planned out the timing for the start of our 'New Community Conversation' series for Savan Tabak  for after the suspension bridge repairs were complete. Here the final touches are happening the very day of the FIRST in the series.  

A great turn out with over 130 local community members present to hear about the subject for the day, led by MH Spiritual Department, "The Importance of Children According to the Word of God". 

We are able to keep well connected with MH staff. I was talking on the phone with Many Hands lead Chaplain, Pastor Jean-Ronel, about the current state of things in and around the area where MH works. I asked him what he would say to encourage supporters of the work of MH to not lose HOPE, to STAY with us. 

He sent these pictures... and added this response... "I would like to show, despite the country's difficulties, MH "ap frape!", 'is knocking it out!' "  He said, "As you can see here, our whole team is knocking it out in each community. Even though things are hard, we continue to encourage and support people in the ways we are able. These pictures can help tell our friends that support us, even though you hear so much bad news from Haiti, you must continue to support us, because as MH, we represent the hands and feet of Jesus. 'Bondye Beni Nou', God Bless You all."

This is Jean-Ronel early Monday morning, on his way to the Love in Action center in Jean Boule after a much needed, beautiful pre-season rain. He led the Jean Boule staff (pictured below) in devotions to share how they can utilize the MH produced "Plan of Salvation" book.

Here Jean-Ronel uses the beautifully repaired bridge to travel to the MBM Love in Action Center Tuesday morning to train the staff there on the "Plan of Salvation' book. And below, the same topic was shared with the Maliarette staff. Many Hands is being clear on what is expected of ALL MH Staff... evangelism is not only the responsibility of the pastors!

Some computer function issues were being reported last week by the First Thousand Days secretary. Craig would typically be the IT guy. This was an opportunity to engage the service of a local Haitian man with knowledge on computer issues. We are very grateful that the issue was resolved and the computer is back to be used for tracking data for the First Thousand Days program. 

With the price of gas being sky-high, we are careful to track WHO and HOW MUCH on gas usage. 

Good Friday was a travel day for us, driving from Holland, MI to Okoboji, IA. 657 miles according to Google Maps! My idea was some solid reading time in a new book I had started earlier in the week. 

During the drive, we encountered TRAFFIC around Chicago. Then came a WhatsApp phone call from MH Nurse Monette. She is the nurse that does all the prenatal care for the pregnant women in the program. She wanted to report that Mikerlande, one of the women in the MBM center who was 3 months pregnant, was experiencing some difficulty that deserved attention. Nurse Monette had told the woman's husband that they needed to go to the hospital. They didn't have money and had no way of seeking the critical medical help. 

Nurse Monette was calling to ask if it would be possible for MH to assist the family. Even though Good Friday is a national Haitian holiday I began making the necessary arrangements. And here is how it went....

The first thing was to try to contact Jean Rene to coordinate transportation, but his phone is not good so I couldn't reach him via WhatsApp. I told Monette to call Jean Rene and tell him he should go to Kalo's house and ask to borrow Kalo's phone and call me. Monette calls back to say she can't reach Jean Rene. So I try calling Kalo. No answer. Next I message a friend, Gedeon, who lives close by Jean Rene. I message Herby who typically will respond to WhatsApp. I message Yves, Kethlin, and Jean Rubert, telling each of them I need to reach Jean Rene. Jean Rene gets word and goes to Kalo's house, he calls me but the signal isn't strong enough, So he goes to Jean Rubert's house. Calls me. We talk and determine that Jean Rene would arrange transportation from MH to the hospital in Hinche. Jean Rene can do that but he doesn't have minutes on his phone.

We have set up that managers get a certain amount of phone minutes each month to use. Micul distributes that. I knew Jean-Ronel had given Micul money in the last couple of days but guess he hadn't yet gotten minutes to Jean Rene. So I tell Jean Rene to talk to Micul to get his minutes. He does that. I say I will try to call my friend in Hinche, Eliamene, who often helps us out at the hospital. I can't reach her so I talk to Jean Rene again. All this is interspersed with calls to Monette to fill her in on our progress.

Jean Rene calls Eliamene on her regular phone number at the same time he is using WhatsApp with ME on Jean Rubert's smart phone. Jean Rene puts his phone with Eliamene on the other end up to the smart phone with ME on the other end. I can talk to Eliamene and verify that she is available to help!

Jean Rene then arranged the transportation and an envelope with a little cash to take care of food and hospital expenses. WHEW! this is how it goes!! Mikerlande, the pregnant lady, arrived at MH campus with a family member, they traveled to the hospital, met up with Eliamene yet that afternoon.

The following day Monette called to say the Doctor had seen Mikerlande. He wanted her to stay close to the hospital and scheduled a test for Tuesday next week. Eliamene will continue to watch out for Mikerlande. 

We are "Knocking it out!"  Monette had sent a follow up message to say a new baby had just been born to a family in the MBM program.. She said that makes 12 babies since the MBM center opened this past September. AND according to my records, MH has offered extra assistance to nearly half of those!

OUR Easter celebration with family included an amazing vegetable basket!

We made Resurrection Rolls

A Crescent roll baked with a marshmallow sealed up inside... After it is baked... 

Just like Jesus' tomb after his Resurrection.... It's EMPTY!

Because Jesus is ALIVE, 'Put your trust in the Savior and cling to His hand. When your heart burns with anger for all that is wrong, Do not let the dark steal your song. It's not long till the Day of the Lord! Everything that is broken will soon be restored. It's not long till the Day of the Lord!' 

("The Day of the Lord" by Wendell Kimbrough)

LIFE

Life makes it's twists and turns. We want to share that LIFE as of Thursday March 14 has brought us to the US through Santiago in the Dominican Republic. We had a driver in place early Wednesday morning to get us to the Haitian border at Ouanaminthe, Haiti, where we crossed into Dajabon in the DR. The same driver got us to Santiago and then in the morning, Thursday, he picked us up and brought us to the Santiago International 'Aeropuerto'. And NOW we are stateside. We are watching and waiting to see what will happen next for the country of Haiti. 

Ariel Henry, the 'interim' Prime Minister, announced his "demisiyon", resignation, as of Monday evening. This is what the GANGS were demanding. BUT even with this, we heard the destruction of property continues on. News from Wednesday shared with us by MH Lead Chaplain Jean-Ronel is that gangs burned down the private residence of a Director of Police in Port au Prince. Also, there is news of another prison break in Port au Prince. And reports of another private PAP residence being burned belonging to an official who works for Haiti's internal revenue service. 

Tuesday morning was a MH management staff meeting which was focused on planning for the coming weeks. The MH management staff is realistic in their ideas for what could come after the Prime Minister's resignation. They expressed that nothing is clear yet, there is still a battle for power, this will take time, and that we will wait in prayer. This is LIFE in Haiti that presses on.

The planning being discussed for the upcoming weeks needs extra strategy. One reason is that the banks in Haiti are barely functioning. The need for a new strategy is caused by the challenge of having access to ministry operating funds. We will be in communication with Haitian staff daily and will be working through this challenge. God can provide the effective channels needed. 

Life, for our Haitian friends, continues. Below is Ti Rosette with her newborn daughter.

MH Chaplains encountered this situation during an evangelism visit. 

A premie, 3 months early, at the local hospital, the mother died.

Many Hands has new life on campus. Five thriving puppies. All napping together after a 'good meal'!

A local man who has had three surgeries already after an accident. 

He needs one more procedure but has no way to pay.

Life is difficult.

MH preschoolers are offering a 'student teacher' experience (student teachers shown on the right). 

The students are engaging in an outside activity led by their regular teachers. 

The student teachers observe and take notes.

A suspension bridge nearby is very important to the area communities. It has been in need of repair. To help improve the quality of life locally, MH has coordinated the funding and purchase of materials for the current repairs needed. 

Local businesses that benefit from having this bridge available to keep things moving are being asked for support to help with future repairs. MH helped establish a committee to arrange a system for these business owners to give their part to be secured in a bank account. The term being used in Creole is 'kotizasyon' which translates to 'dues'. So far there has been willingness on the part of the business owners to contribute and participate in work that would be needed in the future. 

Materials for the bridge repair: 2x8 treated lumber for the new 'decking', 

4x4 treated lumber for new 'crossbeams'. 1/2" rebar for the 'suspenders'. 

There are also 1300 4" galvanized lag screws and 900 1/2" rebar clamps.

Removing rotted decking

Putting a new crossbeam in place

Stopping for a quick breakfast break. 

I can't help but think of this image of the past....

With gas prices 'sky high' on the black market system in Haiti, a vehicle is pushed to it's limit to cover the cost of gas. (close to $19 US per gallon)

Life is pushed to it's limits.

Tragedy strikes in the LIFE of this family with five young children. They lost their home to fire. 

The story shared with me is that the family owed money to another man. 

They could not pay the debt. The man set fire to the house. 

We thank God that no one was home at the time.

MH has some assistance. 

The first being purchase some sheets of tin to add to the effort of building a new home.

Many Hands lead chaplain Jean-Ronel Joseph arranged the text and scripture verses 

for a small booklet to be used by MH staff as a tool to help each staff person with evangelism. 

MH sees evangelism as not just the responsibility of the chaplains but for all staff 

to participate in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19 

"Go and make disciples."

During morning devotions, the booklets were handed out complete with 

their own name written on the top. 

This is a tool which gives scripture verses and techniques to help tell others 

the Good News of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

The responsibility of each Christian living the LIFE of a 'Christ-Follower'.

For the Haitian staff and their people, they have two choices-- to walk by faith or to walk in fear. God has not given us a spirit of fear...

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, 

but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 

2 Timothy 1:7

BUT He has promised to go with us wherever we go in His will...

Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; 

for He has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you. 

So we can say with confidence, 

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" 

Hebrews 12:5-6

God loves to get us to the place where our strength is little so that we can see His mighty power. His power was made perfect in human weakness...

But he said to me, 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." 

So, I will boast more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 

Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamaties 

for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. 

2 Cornithians 12: 9-10

This unique tree drops all of it's leaves this time of year to 'highlight' these equally unique blossoms. Life is still beautiful.

The suspension bridge after the second day of work.

There is encouragement to be found here. The life of a moto taximan is greatly improved!

For us, as we are stateside, we will be in commication with MH staff on a daily basis. There is no way to know just yet when we will be able to return and resume our part of the ministry work. One key factor is when air travel to Haiti is back in the picture. 

For this unexpected stay, we are available and would love to connect with YOU! 💕 We ask for your prayers for the Haitian people who just have a desire for LIFE to be possible.