Janette has a bigger mission than her cancer....

This story began on January 28, 2021 when I was waved down while on the main road close to the community where we live. Wilgens, a moto taxi driver, asked if it were possible to pray with his wife Janette who was having some ongoing health problems. I knew Jean Rubert, the MH mobility cart chaplain, was the one to accompany me for this this encounter of prayer because he SO believes in the power of healing through prayer. I mean, ya know, we believe it can happen but Jean Rubert expects it!

On February 3, 2021 we met Janette, learned of her health issues and began supporting her with prayer. 

At this time, several American prayer warriors were commissioned to support Janette in prayer across the ocean. Our God is THIS big! that an ocean is nothing by way of a barrier.

On March 26, 2021 the MH Benevolence Committee met to discuss what MH might offer in the form of investigating what her medical needs were. Experiencing extreme pain, Janette started a two week stay at the hospital in Mirebalais on April 4, 2021. After tests, x-rays, and a biopsy, the doctor encouraged Janette on April 26 to keep a positive attitude. The next thing, the doctor asked,"Ou konn priye?" Basically asking, "Do you believe in prayer?"

This was the beginning of lots of waiting, requiring lots of patience, and practicing lots of prayer. There were follow up appointments made for May 31 and July 15. 

Janette's diagnosis was breast cancer that had spread to her lungs, her bones, and most likely her spinal column. Chemotherapy is available at the Mirebalais hospital and after much prayer and consideration by Janette and her husband and with the assistance of MH, treatments were scheduled for every 21 days in Mirebalais. 

God had already begun to use Janette and her story, even through her pain, to be a balm to others. This along with her the testimony of her unwavering faith was making its IMPACT on many lives. 

For us in the US, we often need the reminder that our circumstance shouldn't be an excuse to be a witness to others. God can use YOU and ME! Also we sometimes forget what real suffering looks like. 

Janette and Wilgens at their house on July 15, 2021

After a trip back to the US in October for us to visit family, several of Janette's US prayer partners sent back cards or a small gift to help her remember she was being covered in prayer. Here is Janette on Nov 8, 2021. During this journey so far, Janette, as well as her husband Wilgens, have shown their testimony through their courage, their faith, their absolute belief that there is NOTHING that GOD cannot do. 

As prayer partners would periodically receive WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger updates, the requests for prayers for Janette would come back to bless the ones praying. These are some of the responses from those that continue to pray for Janette:  "Many could never imagine the way they have to suffer on this earth..."  "...so encouraging yet so hard with physical pain... emotional pain..."   "All I can say is WOW!  Love to see God showing off for HIS glory."  "Prayer: OH Jesus, You know the needs of Janette and her husband. Surround them during this very difficult time. We pray you will give her a miracle to be a testimony of your glory through all of this. We love you and worship you! in Jesus name, AMEN."   "Lord please answer Janette's pleas for a miracle in your perfect will and timing. Hold her tight. She trusts you. You are a Good God."   "So many thoughts and emotions..."    "Being reminded of the reality of their circumstances..."

March 2022 brought Janette back to the hospital for a longer stay to drain fluid from her lungs, a LONG and painful process. Janette knew all along the blessing of her new friends praying for her but in this very challenging time she said directly that she knew, when she DIDN'T have the strength to pray, there were prayer warriors holding her steadfastly in their prayers. 

April 2, 2022. This is Nounou, the friend that is staying at the hospital with Janette and Janette's husband Wilgens on the right. 

During the one-month stay at the Mirebalais hospital, Janette had another opportunity to be a witness. A young woman named Cherline from a communty called Gressier. She had been in an accident that left her with burns so deep that she nearly had no skin to cover the bone of her left leg. Cherline was in the bed right next to Janette. Cherline would CRY in agony non-stop. Cherline's mother was there to care for her daughter. The mother had confided in Janette that Cherline had a daughter that died since they had been in the hospital but the news would be too hard for Cherline to take so she did not yet know. Cherline and her mother are not Christians with the hope and belief of eternal life. 

Janette was able to be strong for Cherline and her mother, encouraging them to understand the saving grace of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. 

On the map above you can see the "hand" (literally!) center near the top...That is Pignon. MH, Janette, Wilgens, Jean Rubert, etc. The RED CROSS pin in the center area gets you to the Mirebalais Hospital. Then the "hand" on the lower left is Gressier where Cherline is from.

MORE from the faithful friends that have been on this journey with Janette....    "I pray that God uses Janette and Wilgens among the people he places in their lives, that people can see HOPE and want to know why?"    " ...for Cherline, God wants to use Janette and Wilgens THERE. Janette's HOPE, despite her circumstances is the kind of hope people like Cherline desperately need."   "Lean on the Lord and He will continue to renew her strength."    "Praying against discouragement."   "God is working and will bring Beauty from the ashes!"   "Janette's perseverance is remarkable... and now God has placed another patient near her who she can be a witness to."    "Yea though I walk through the valley I will not fear THOU art with me, YOU comfort me."    "God's plan is unfolding according to HIS timing. He alone is sovereign. He is GOD."   "I will continue to pray for peace in Janette's heart and a miracle cure in the mighty name of Jesus."   "I am blown away by their faith and gratitude. What a different world we would live in if everyone had just a small piece of that. What a true inspiration she is."    "That hurts my heart so much about the little girl and her mother not knowing. How can things be so bad? I think Janette has a bigger mission than her cancer. God is using her and her faith in a much bigger way than can ever be imagined."     "Oh MY! how these people endure the pain of this life."     "Isn't it amazing how someone so sick can be used by God to do great things when we are the ones that should be doing things for her and her family."      "Holy Smoke, That would try even the most patient person but I'm sure you found a lesson in it. She has a strong soul and spirit and I am sure God is using her illness in ways she can't even imagine."

I hope you are encouraged by this story to be strong for the Lord in whatever circumstances appear on your journey.

Prayer time with Janette on Easter Sunday April, 2022.

Currently, Janette's chemotherapy treatments have been changed so that she will have a treatment once a week rather than every 21 days. I keep reminding Janette and Wilgens that they have a choice in this. We will keep communicating before and after these hospital visits. Still praying for a miracle of healing.

Through all this, several of the 'praying warriors' have indicated their own family members have health issues of cancer. I have been able to share these challenges with Janette. Know that SHE is praying for others as well. And be reminded, Janette, and each of us, has a mission BIGGER than the troubles we face.

We are staying in touch with Cherline. She is back home in Gressier. She is at great risk not having money to get to the hospital there to have proper bandaging of her burns. Janette continues to pray for Cherline. I feel the main thing is to pray for people to continue come to Cherline with the GOOD NEWS of JESUS CHRIST, that she and her mother can come to know the confidence of eternal life with Jesus. 

 

A Glimpse of Shalom amidst the Chaos of the World

Shalom. Much more than peace. Shalom is a condition when things are aligned the way God intended them to be. Complete. Whole. The presence of serenity, mutual agreement. A feeling of contentment, well-being, harmony. 

This would very well describe the aura of the Saturday morning in December where twenty couples from various communities, attending various churches, shepherded by various pastors, were gathering together for an incredible display of intentional commitment to lead a God-honoring life.

The ties were tied, the suits and dresses altered and pressed, the shoes shined, the jewelry borrowed, the veils creatively and beautifully placed on the radiant brides.

The Grooms waiting to see their Brides. Some brides arranged for gloves, flowers, even a tiara. Filling the air is an atmosphere of anticipation and gratitude. And here is where we sense the serenity, the harmony, the contentment.

Meet Jeanrilus and his bride Ronie. With eight children, they have been together for years. You can probably conclude, from Jeanrilus's size 13 wedding band he will soon be wearing, that he is a hard working man. More of their story to come.

This is truly a Many Hands event! Many hands of Many Hands staff have been working to prepare for the event. Even a group of girls from the MH Primary School and Venia, one of the MH teachers, prepared a liturgical dance as part of the processional as the brides and grooms walk down the aisle.

Do you suppose these school girls, on either side of the couples walking in, are beginning to dream of their wedding day?

This young groom, Anyol, with his bride, Madeliene, are looking very serious. They came to MH by way of the common form of Motorcycle transportation. However, they were in an accident and had to pass by way of the hospital before reaching MH where they would dress for the ceremony. With some scrapes cleaned and bandaged, and some extra tender loving care at MH, all the bride could do is repeat, "Mesi! Jezi, Mesi! Jezi." Madeliene was simply grateful that God had provided protection, not at all dwelling on, "How could this happen?" 

They were able to be focused on the blessed moment and exchanged their vows with confidence. A picture of shalom apart from the chaos.

MH Chaplain, Pastor Jean Ronel, tenderly calms this couple to get through their vows and exchanging of rings.

Imagine sharing your 'Special Day' with nineteen other couples. Does it sound like a time of uncertainty and commotion? On the contrary, look at the faces in the background as they each are in support of the other! This also, a picture of Shalom.

Another couple, together for years, seven children... Magualiter and her groom, Fleuridor, have class, spunk, and JOY! While repeating the vows from the prompts of the pastor, they make their vows complete and whole by making them personal. They have an obvious mutual adoration of each other.

The couple resides in the same area wbere MH will soon open the third First Thousand Days center. (Notice Ronie with her tiara in the background.) 

See Ronie in the background.  Her JOY overflows as she waits her turn.

Benitha is one of the mothers enrolled, with her child, in the MH First Thousand Days program.  Husband-to-be Judnel wiped tears from his eyes as Benitha spoke the words of promise to live together as one.

After all had declared their promises and exchanged rings, the couples stood face to face, arm in arm... in a posture to receive a marriage blessing through prayer.

For Ronie and Jeanrilus, above and below, their day is not yet complete. This couple attends the church that MH Pastor Lumanes leads each Sunday morning from 6:00-9:00 am in the community of LaJeune. To bring an even greater sense of shalom to the chaos of the world, the couple will be baptized by Pastor Lumanes at their church on this very same day.

In the chaos of the world, approximately 350 people witnessed this moment in time in alignment the way God intended it to be. Complete. Whole. In harmony. Serenity. Contentment and well-being. 

Here is the group of supporting pastors who will continue to walk in step with these couples.

What a team MH Staff continue to be. Guesthouse cooks Evenie (L) and Beatris (R) Bake, frost, and decorate the deliciously beautiful wedding cakes.

A whole army of MH Staff scrub high, low, and everywhere in between. The decorations are simple with an easy elegance about them. The night security guards join in the 'tying of the wedding tulle bows'. The bows may be less than 'fluffy' as these guys are more accustomed to tying with ROPE!

MH very own Jean Wil, transportation staff, was united in marriage to his beautiful bride Mania.

The Daily Survival Challenge... Our God is Greater, Stronger, Higher!

This past Sunday’s church service was FOCUSED! There was a confidence about how we are to deal with the present challenges facing Haiti. This confidence was expressed through the songs sung, the prayers prayed, the scripture read, the message shared and heard.

A special prayer time to pray for the country and the world was announced for Monday morning 8 am to noon, citing that where two or three are gathered Jesus is also there and will hear the prayers of his people. There was a confidence in the words spoken by Pastor Lumanes, “Peyi sa se pou nou! Li pa pou bandi yo nan Potopwens. Tout bagay ki imposib pou lòm li posib pou Bondye.” ‘This country is for us! It is not for the gangs of Port au Prince. Everything that is impossible for man is possible for God.’ The invitation came, “Vini, nap mete tèt nou ansom pou bay Bondye lwanj.” ‘Come, let’s unite together and give God praise.’

So we sang! “Prè la kwa mapè vèyè, kwè, obèyi, priyè, Jouk tan lè la va sonnen Pou li vin chèchè mwen.” ‘Close to the cross I will watch, believe, obey, pray, Until the time he calls to come to get me.’

“Jezi, pran mwen jan ou wè’m la, san fòs.” ‘Jesus take me as you see me here, without strength.’

“Bondye ou Fidel, ou pa janm pa la.” ‘God you are Faithful, you are always here.’

The sense of confidence was displayed all the way to even the name of the women’s choir… “Konbat” which is a verb meaning combat, struggle.

Psalm 1 was the basis of the meditation. (Please take time to read this psalm!) Pastor Lumanes said for mankind, we more easily imitate what is bad than what is good. “Chak jou mechan ap vin pi mechan.” ‘Each day wicked becomes more wicked.’

“Si ou p’ap viv anba yon benediksyon, w’ap viv anba yon malediksyon.” ‘If you aren’t living under a blessing, you are living under a curse.’

There is indeed a continued stronghold in this world that thinks Truth is power enforced through violence, chaos, hostility, and revenge. It is through this cycle of revenge that Satan remains the ruler of the world

NOW... Please search the song and lyrics of "Thank You Jesus For the Blood Applied" by Charity Gayle.

The song describes to me how at the cross Jesus paid the debt "I" owed. HE made a WAY and gave HOPE. Jesus took MY place, laid inside MY tomb of sin. JESUS was buried there for three days but then JESUS walked right out again, overturning the verdict of the sentence of death. Now death has no sting and life has no end. By your blood YOU have saved MY life, brought me from the darkness and into glorious light. Glory to HIS name.

Read what Jesus says in John 12:31-32... "Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself."

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is much more than just a happy ending; it's the Judge's surprising verdict! It was the verdict of heaven's Supreme Court, and it overturned all the verdicts of the rulers of the world. Jesus introduced a new and beautiful truth--the truth of forgiveness. Our God is greater, stronger, higher!

"This is my house! God gave me this house!" Wilta exclaimed with great JOY and confidence. Wilta's family, with her husband and four daughters, was selected to receive a new Safe Home as a result of a generous donation to MH Safe Homes fund.

Jean Rene, MH Safe Homes Coordinator (below L), leads the family in dedicating their new home to continually look to God as their refuge. We read together Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. Jean Rene described a common sight here in Haitian culture of little chicks finding refuge from a storm under the wings of the mother hen. The wings of the mother act like an umbrella for the young chicks where they know they don't need to be afraid. Jean Rene reminded us that as Christians in the ‘daily survival challenge’, we are in a good place, a good place to take shelter; on a good path. That God is where we find safety and we need not be afraid. 

 

Our God is greater, stronger, and higher, than any other! 

You may recognize Mizou (back). She and her daughter Alisyen (front) live together with great grandson Dabentz pictured below. On a visit, this past week, they were found preparing beans to cook that they had grown in their garden. Later that day, the beans were cooking in a pot placed on three rocks over a wood fire. Mizou had gone down the path to "chanje kabrit", to move their goat to a new place to graze. 

Some small provisions were purchased from a neighborhood seller: two gode of rice at an all-time high price of 75 gourdes per gode, one gode of cooking oil and a small baby food jar filled with locally made peanut butter. The corn harvest drying in the sun is also from their garden. 

Below great grandson Dabentz is taking a sack of shelled corn down the road to be ground into corn meal. As our visit was nearly concluded, it was time to walk their two pigs down the road to find a little something to root out to eat. Everyone participates in the 'daily survival challenge'.

MH Ag Department is utilizing many hands to shell the peanut harvest. No question about it, it is a time-consuming process. 

The PRIZE purchase from the Pignon Saturday market... this "Bef" which will provide 'lunch meat' for the First Thousand Days program for the entire month of November. The butchering will start as soon as Kalo changes his 'go to market to buy a "Bef" clothes'...into his 'Butcher's uniform'! (below) 

Kalo says, "Anpil vyann", Lots of meat!  According to Kalo, this one 'rump' hanging from the tree will supply as much meat as eight to ten goats.

Above, Sunday lunch buffet with beautiful presentation. Below, a simply beautiful decoration for October Breast Cancer Awareness month at the Mirebalais hospital. 

This is eleven month old Djuvens. He is in Group A of the Sylvain First Thousand Days program. The problem with his lower lip began to show up at three months of age. Insecurity issues in the country prevent travel to Port au Prince where some specialized medical attention is needed. 

Here you can see the current school pod for elementary grades one, two, and three. The white paths are part of the Prayer Path that encircles the Sylvain campus. See also the Prayer Labyrinth (right). Soon a second pod for grades four, five, and six will undergo construction to the left of the current pod, to be ready to house fourth graders in September 2022.

You also may recognize Elirose. She is a young wife and mother who is by default in the ‘Daily Survival Challenge’. Elirose herself carried the wood to her small piece of land to start her small home with beautiful Mt Pignon in the background. 

Elirose and her family have had many touches from the beneficial ministry functions of MH. She and her husband were married through MH marriage ministry, two sons have passed through the First Thousand Days program and moved on to have a place in MH school.

Along with this is the Power to the Parents program where a family with a first year preschooler is gifted two goats during the first semester. A recent visit with Elirose offered the opportunity for her to share the daily survival challenges she faces with her family. To date she has successfully raised and sold six goats back to MH.  When purchased back by MH, there is benefit of some 'matching funds' going into an education savings account.  

Elirose shares the common daily survival challenge of not having any money to buy food. She says there is no money to buy a little lamp oil to break the darkness of the night. Their three month old baby boy wakes in the night. Elirose says she knows there are roaches crawling on him where he sleeps but she can't see to help him. 

These are the times of real temptation when she says she could quickly decide to take one of her goats straight to the market to sell to get all the money to buy food and other necessary things for her family. BUT, she stands firm against that temptation in favor of investing into her children's education by selling at a later date and getting the additional benefit of the money put into savings to pay school tuition. Elirose is not giving up. 

Last year her son Kerventz was burned by a cooking fire. MH was able to assist with some medical expenses that were out of range for the family to pay. Even with all these hard life difficulties Elirose says she will never be discouraged. She must keep up the fight of survival. The minute you let discouragement steal from you, you have nothing. Her faith and trust that our God is greater, stronger, higher than any other is how she gets through the day with courage and confidence. 

Elirose with her husband and third son when he was one day old!  They are NOT giving up. 

John Muir, a naturalist renowned for the establishment of Yosemite National Park in 1890 is quoted as saying, "The mountains are calling and I must go". Well, Saturday early morning the mountain called and I went. At the top, as the sun was coming up, God gave this sign. The shadow inside the circle is me with my hiking friend Herby. I heard God say to me, "I know you are here, I love you, and I will always be here with you. See, I have you framed in this circle of light." 

So if Elirose is not giving up, nor Mizou … Wiltha … Djuvens’ family… How could we possibly give up?

Our God is greater, our God is higher, our God is stronger than any other. Into the darkness You shine! Out of the ashes we RISE! Our God is healer. If our God is for us WHO could ever stop us? WHAT could stand against us?

(Words taken from “Our God” written by Chris Tomlin)

Jesus continues speaking in John 12:35-36. Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

So for ME…JESUS has saved my life. He has brought ME from darkness into his glorious light. My job is to BELIEVE—God’s job is the outcome. How could I give up? How could I NOT give my ALL to HIM?