What's Next?

2010 has been an amazing year for me personally.  I have been challenged, stretched, broken, blessed and encouraged all along the way.  Haiti has become a huge thing for me- its people, its churches, its children, and most importantly, its orphans.  God has given our church an incredible vision to make a difference in the country- and the way He has allowed us to be a part of that is through our partnership with The Global Orphan Project.  If you have read the postings to this point, you understand how God has enabled our church to go to Haiti with The Global Orphan Project.  And now we are ready for the next step as a church and I am ready for my next step personally.

It has been proposed that we will partner with a project in Haiti's third largest city of Gonaives.  Fayeton is expanding due to some pressing needs that the children of Gonaives have.  In March of 2011 we will be sending a team to Fayeton to begin the process of building a deep, rich relationship with the local church, the mommas, the staff, and the kids.  I am excited for this opportunity- having been there earlier this year, the need is great and I am excited for the fruit that will come out of a relationship that will greatly bless our congregation as well.

I love The Global Orphan Project and the mission that they have around the world.  I recently re-read what they are all about, and as I read their purpose, my excitement for the work that God is doing was rekindled!

This is from the Global Orphan Project:
The GO Project embraces a culturally-relevant, community-based model, partnering with the local church to provide children with the Good News of Jesus Christ, a house momma, a safe place to live, two meals a day, an education, and access to medical care.  GO also recognizes economic development as a way to reduce the number of orphans in the world.  They launch local businesses that provide jobs, training, and help underwrite the costs of orphan care ministry.  Finally, due to a few donors that cover overhead costs, 100% of donations to the children go to provide care for the children.
The global orphan pandemic will rise or fall based on people responding to God's invitation to care for His kids.  This year more than 500 Americans have already traveled to Haiti with The Global Orphan Project to care for orphaned and abandoned children.  Thousands more have given to help.

Want to know more?  I would love to share personally our experience with The Global Orphan Project or you could check out their website at http://www.theglobalorphanproject.org/

Psalm 117

Christmas is now past and the time for relaxing and spending time with family seems to be slipping away so quickly.  A week from now we'll be back on the road heading back home.  As I sit in the living room of my brother and sister-in-law's home, I reflect back on an amazing year that God has allowed me to play a part in.  This morning I read and mediatated on Psalm 117 which says, "Praise the Lord, all nations!  Extol him, all peoples!  For great is his steadfast love towards us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.  Praise the Lord!"

My heart can't help but pray for the nation of Haiti.  The recent elections seemingly has done nothing to bring a better future for the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  With a controversial run-off election slated for mid-January, it's hard to imagine a better outcome.  But as the psalmist says in Psalm 117- great is His steadfast love towards us- His faithfulness endures forever.  Maybe I can't change anything in Haiti; maybe even the Haitians can't change things in Haiti.  But the Lord can!  Thank God it's in His hands- we just need to trust Him.  So I will continue to pray that the Lord raises up His people to do His work in the country of Haiti- because they are there, and they need our prayers.

October Haiti GO Team

Check out this video slideshow from our most recent trip to Haiti:
October Haiti GO Team

State of Haiti- spiritual and otherwise

I'm gonna step out here a little bit and express some of my heart's wonderings.  Haiti is a tough place- no doubt.  One person had expressed to me before my first trip a year ago that Haiti was the toughest place he encountered in all his travels.  This is a man who's opinion I trust because he works for a Christian organization that ministers in 26 countries all over the world working with the poorest of the poor.  In another publication (which I need to find) Haiti was listed as the 4th most dangerous country in the world behind Iraq, Iran and Somalia.  But as I have now traveled to Haiti 5 times in the last year, I am trying to reconcile those opinions.  I personally have found Haiti to be tough because of lack of infrastructure and government- but the people, the people are warm and friendly, once you break through the tough exterior of a hard life for all Haitians.  Minus my sunglasses, once I smile, a beautiful smile is returned (in most cases).

After the earthquake in January some high profile Christian leaders expressed that the earthquake in Haiti is part of God's judgement on a country that sold its soul to the devil- ouch (we even heard that in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans).  I struggle with flat out declaring a disaster of the magnitude that Haiti suffered as a direct judgement from God.  I think there are too many factors for the plight in which Haiti finds itself in, and yes, it is true in Haiti's history that back in 1804 the leaders of the country officially committed the country to Satan in exchange for his perceived help in liberating them from the French.  But as we point the finger and say this is what's wrong with your country, what about us?  What about the plight of this country?  We have our own issues that stem from turning our backs on God.  Did we sell our soul to Satan, or has the turning away from God been so subtle that after years of not really seeing it, we only now begin to wake from our slumber of quietly denying God because we see the very freedoms that our country was founded on slowly slipping away and endangering liberties that we credit to God?

I am reading a book about a guy who traveled to Haiti and spent a week there.  Upon his return he wrote about his experience and the things God showed him while he was there.  He was addressing the spiritual state of Haiti.  And as I read his thoughts, I could see and resonate with some of his observations.  He finds himself at the top of a mountain looking down on the city of Port-au-Prince.  "Indeed, Haiti was once considered 'the jewel of the Caribbean', with beautiful beaches and mountains.  It was rich in commerce, but that came at a price, as the French colonial rulers treated the slaves 'imported' from Africa with particular harshness and cruelty.  So, one can understand why the newly liberated Haitians rejected all things embraced by the French- including their Christian faith."
"It is not surprising then that so many here live in horrific circumstances.  Block shacks, seemingly piled one on top of the other, dot the hillsides everywhere.  From the mountaintop view, one can see how tightly packed people are between the two mountain ranges.  Paved streets are a rarity.  The infrastructure is crumbling- literally.  Homes, streets and even hillsides defiled by deforestation look like ancient ruins.  If a nation's largest capital city is in a virtual state of anarchy, not much hope can be offered for those living there, let alone in the distant mountains.  Unless, of course, they hear about- and accept- Jesus Christ."

He goes on to say that fortunately for the people there is a concerted effort by Christians both native and foreign dedicated to reclaim the land for Christ.  Protestant Haitian pastors have formed alliances and are even fielding candidates for president.  "But everyone with whom I spoke acknowledged the solution is not political.  While they believe it would surely be better to have an authentically-committed Christian as president, they know that the problems here run deep as the heart of each individual."  There is a sense of urgency in the country and pastors, despite daily threats on their lives continue to minister to the people in the communities.  "Indeed, they are an inspiring example.  Just as Jesus came into a world hostile to his message, His disciples here today are doing the same thing.  They understand, as Paul wrote, 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' (Ephesians 6:12)."

"So, while the nation is in desperate need of reform and basic necessities, Haiti's Christian leaders do not lack faith, hope and courage.  So, as you consider the plight of this nation, respond as Paul counseled. '...pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests,  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints' (Ephesians 6:18)."  Excerpts from "Seven Days in Haiti- Learning from the Meek to be a Bond-Slave of Christ" by Michael Barrick.

This is timely because Haiti is facing a presidential election in 4 short weeks on November 28.  Please pray that this election along with God's hand be in the hearts of the Haitian people and that they truly look to God for their future.

I see Jesus in the eyes of His orphans in Haiti.

Awesome team

I am missing all my new friends from our team.  We had a fantastic team diverse in age and geography.  We sent a third team from Faith, my home church, in which there were 10 of us including for the first time my wife.  Two other members were returning to Haiti from our March trip and 6 others taking the plunge for the first time.  Marci, Hayden, Lynn, Melissa, Roberta, Matt, Bart, Rachel, and Penny- you were a great team that represented our church and the Lord well!  From Indianapolis we had a church team that is exploring ways to partner with the Global Orphan Project for the long term.  One of the founding members of the church and two dear friends represented Higher Calling Church- Mindy, Lori and Christina- I am excited to see where the Lord leads your church body with the Global Orphan Project- press on and NEVER SETTLE!  Ben and Brittany from Baton Rouge- you guys were awesome and I loved our time with you.  You have set the bar for challenging married couples to spend their milestone anniversaries in Haiti.  I can't think of a more fulfilling way to share an experience with a spouse.  And finally a family and friends- Heather, Ashley and John- thanks for including your very close friends Nancy and Jenn.  I was blessed to see how the Lord has been working in your lives and what He has enabled you to do through His blessing- thanks for sharing your lives with us.

This team was a blessing for me in so many ways and I love being able to share what God is doing through a ministry organization like the Global Orphan Project.  Thanks for stepping in, giving your all and experiencing the full scope of ministry in Haiti.  I do truly count you all as friends and hope to one day reconnect with you all!

Catch up

Back home from our trip to Haiti, I am reflecting back on the latest adventure of taking a team on a vision trip for the Global Orphan Project.  Unfortunately, most of our time there we were without power and the internet.  Not that its a bad thing, its just that I planned to blog as a way for people to keep up with all that we were doing in Haiti.  So now I plan to reflect back and recount our experience of the five days we spent learning, listening and loving on kids.  The following blog entries will reflect the trip, our experience and what God was revealing to us, and still revealing to me as I process the latest excursion into Haiti.  I do know that it has had a profound impact on all the team members as I follow their Facebook status updates and read emails.  I thank God for allowing each of us to step outside our world, experience life from another perspective, be rocked by what we see in the desperation and devestations, find ourselves brokenhearted and much richer for the experience.  Each time I go I fall more in love with the country and the people- it has become a home away from home for me- and I don't think I can explain why other than to say when I go, I am completely at the Lord's mercy and disposal.  So naturally, I ask why can't or don't I do that at home in my neighborhood, my city, or my country?  What makes leaving my home easier to fully rely on God?  It's a dicotomy I don't understand or am blinded to.  So my prayer is that I would fully rely on God right here, right now.

Diving in

With a beautiful sunrise this morning, the team is ready to jump in for their second full day with the kids.  I love watching the response of the Americans as they fall in love with the beautiful Haitian kids and people.  These orphans hunger for touch in ways that we don't see at home.  We love our children dearly and we discover a new appreciation for our own children when we spend time with the "least of these" and these kids who don't have their own mothers and fathers.  For just the short time that we are here- we become the mothers and fathers, big brothers and sisters to the kids that the Global Orphan Project provide long term care for.

Five trips later and I have the exact same feelings as I did the first time.  When kids call out your name and run to you to be held, its a feeling that defies description- your heart breaks, melts, jumps, hurts, rejoices and discovers a deep, deep love.

Our discussions at the close of each day have been wonderful.  I challenged the team to be fully present and in each moment while they are here.  Leave nothing in the tank as I like to say- and they have responded like troopers!  Everyone is healthy and doing well.  Thanks for your prayers.

We're here!

As with all things in Haiti, we must be flexible- and patient- "Haitience".  We all made it here safely yesterday and although most were tired from their journeys from around the U.S., everyone is thrilled to be here.  We have gone most of the time without power which is why I am posting so late.  And it may be this way for our entire trip.  Keep checking in, but please know that we may not have internet most of the time.  And if there is no internet, there is no power (no fans, no lights, etc.) which makes our experience here truly Haitian!  I hope to be able to post some pictures as we go along but for now, I felt it important to let everyone know we are here safe and sound.
We've only scratched the surface as it relates to playing with and loving on the kids, but we had a wonderful time with Pastor Moise this morning as he shared his heart and his passion for the Lord and for orphan care.  Keep praying for us and I'll post again as soon as possible.

And we're off!

Our whole team begins the journey to Haiti today.  Our team consists of 10 of us from Fort Collins, 3 from Indianapolis, 2 from Baton Rouge, 3 from Colorado Springs, and 2 from San Francisco!  We're all over the map and from all four timezones!  I am excited to serve with this team and help them have the best experience possible.  Please pray for travel safety and health.  Lord willing we will have internet connection at our home base at the Orphan Transition Village.  Stay tuned...

Another Adventure!

In just 48 hours I will be leaving with another team to visit kids at the Global Orphan Project in Haiti.  God has blessed me greatly by allowing me to go to Haiti for my fifth trip in a year.  This one is special personally because my bride of 21 years will be joining me on this one.  I am excited for her because she has been hearing all my stories over this past year and now she will have her own stories to share!

Things I am praying for:

Health and safety for all 20 of us

That God moves in the hearts of the team members and gives a clear vision for each person

That God continues to confirm our church's vision for making a difference in Haiti through our partnership with Global Orphan Project

For Pastor Moise and his leadership with the Global Orphan Project

For all the kids in the Global Orphan Project's care

That God be glorified in all we do

Team Video

I created a video slideshow with some of the highlights of our trip in August. Enjoy!

Haiti August 2010

Day 6- 8/17/10

8/17/10


Reflecting back on yesterday- our final day in Haiti. Seeing Pastor Moise again was a blessing and an encouragement. I was glad that the other team members had the opportunity to hear his heart.

Then on to the Orphan Transition Village (OTV)- that was a highlight because getting to see the kids I’ve gotten to know over this past year. Ellison- “Chris!” It was so cool to be recognized once again! That made my heart jump when the kids remembered who I was. That feeling just warms your heart. To be able to hug and sit and let your hair be touched, messed with and played with was fun.

I saw the kids I’ve really gotten to know over my three visits- Rogelin, Renise, Pierre, Jocelyn, Erickson and Alina- I continue to pray for these kids as they have built a home in my heart!

The highlight of the day was being asked to “preach” a few minutes to the kids with Rogelin translating for me. I couldn’t think of anything more appropriate than John 3:16- the gospel in a nutshell.

I am blessed! To be given such an opportunity feeds my soul!

I am proud of my team- they are- as Trace says it- “All-Stars.” A young man doing wonderful things with Global Orphan is a man named Joseph Volcy- he is leading the ministry in the area of kid’s programming. He is a kid at heart and has a wonderful ability to connect with the kids and getting them excited about the activities they participate in. I am praying for this young man that God continues to bless him and shows him His wonderful plan for impacting the orphan children of Haiti!

Day 4- 8/15/10

8/15/10

Had a wonderful morning of worship at the church in Mapu with Pastor Woodman. There was a ton of special music by various choirs- probably especially for us. My experience in Haiti has been that they go all out for their guest and make the worship extra special. There were choirs from surrounding churches coming to join us for worship. My buddy and teammate John gave the message to the congregation. It was a 3 hour experience that didn’t feel that long at all.

Before heading out of town we stopped to play with the kids at Beinac one more time. Again, it was fun to engage the kids in songs and games. It was tough for the team to leave because they had grown attached to these kids in a short time.

Our last night in Haiti we stayed in a place called Kalico Beach Resort. Part of the reason for doing this was to show the team some of the jewels and potential that Haiti has in some of its beauty. But as we arrived at the resort it was a shock to the team. Given all that they’ve seen and experienced with the orphan children- somehow it didn’t seem fair to be staying at a place like this. All of Haiti is just outside the gates of this place while we rest at a beach, swim in a pool, and find reasonable comfort all the while reflecting back on the many kids at Mapu who don’t even have a bed. I think it was a good experience- we need to wrestle with that tension and discover what each of us is to do about it.

Psalm 67:1-2, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.”

God, why are we blessed? Did we win some cosmic lottery by being born in America? Do we have a responsibility with our blessings? Yes- I think we do. God, help me to give without holding on selfishly because it’s all from You anyway! I need to trust you more.

Day 3- 8/14/10

8/14/10

We are staying at a hotel in Gonaives and it’s pretty nice and reasonably comfortable for us Americans. And the staff was amazingly gracious since they apparently did not have our reservations. They allowed us to stay after all was said and done. I began thinking- what was our back-up plan? There are not very many options for us to stay in safe and secure locations. Thanks God!

I had a pretty good night of sleeping- the room air conditioner worked really well- almost to a point of being too cold- that sounds crazy I know. Exhausting day yesterday- I’m able to find my bearings in adjusting to the heat and humidity

I’m processing the situation before us and the possibilities in Gonaives. The major hurdle I see is getting up here from Port-au-Prince- a 3 ½ hour drive- and effectively ministering here. The other thing I’m thinking about is that the health of the church= the health of the project. It’s too early to tell, but I would like to see how healthy the local church is here.

HOT- man it is hot! We visited Phaeton and the project really feels like it’s in the middle of the desert. The place is located very close to the water- I thought that it may be a bit cooler- but no. There are no real shade trees present on the property and the place seems barren. Until you hear the singing of over 125 children at this place. Then you realize the life that exists here is wonderful! We were greeted by a chorus of singing kids. Overall the health of the kids seems a little better than what we saw yesterday.

Back in June when we had our VBS we call Kidz Day Camp we had a mission project. We were encouraging kids to bring a dollar to help send blankets to Haiti and the kids would help finish these blankets that my team would personally deliver to the kids in Haiti we would visit. In addition I hid two parrots each day for the kids to find and then keep for themselves. On a Wednesday morning after the opening time a 10 year old boy came up to me with the parrot he found the day before and asked me if I could take this parrot and give it to a child in Haiti. Wow- this kid gets it! He was willing to give up something so that another less fortunate child could have it- way to go Brayden! So when we visited Phaeton I had a little girl instantly cling to me for the duration of the day- I gave her the parrot Brayden gave to me for this little girl.

We squeezed in a visit to our third project- Bienac. This project is located in the city and is a tough location because it is land locked and there is an incredible amount of dust from the passing traffic. This dust is presenting the children with respiratory issues. The dust is a result of the two hurricanes that swept over Gonaives two years ago. Overall the kids were great and they took care of their project really well.

At the end of a long, jam-packed day we had dinner with an American missionary and her kids and the pastor of her church. What a blessing the evening was. The pastor is Filipino and has an incredible story about his ministry there in Gonaives including running a school for the deaf. He has been there 15 years! He has seen a lot and experienced a lot in a city where it is said that every rebellion has had its roots in Gonaives and recently the city has been run by gangs. I pray for this man and his ministry.

Day 2- 8/13/10

8/13/10

This team is fantastic! Here is a team that has been wanting to go to Haiti since February! This team consists of those who had applied for our first trip but were not selected- when I contacted them about this upcoming trip, they were excited to finally get their turn. The team was assembled for a trip in July but the trip was postponed until August. Then when their turn came, our flight was delayed at the terminal and they had to wait ONE MORE DAY! Ah, the frustration. Finally, here we are in Haiti traveling to our first project. The team jumps into getting to know other team members from around the country during our 3 hour bus ride from Port-au-Prince to Gonaives. As a leader I feel the pride of a proud papa as I observe this group of servants jump in with both feet. The moment arrives as we pull through the front gate of the Mapu project and our team dives into action with the kids as they are warmly greeted by 80 Haitian little brothers and sisters! Playing, loving, singing songs- being the hands and feet of Christ- suddenly the frustration and disappointment is gone in an instant with a smiling face of a Haitian child!

Mapu is in great need by my observation. Not enough living quarters for the kids. A large number of kids are sleeping in the church on mats. And yet the pastor felt his greatest need was for a place for the children to eat (which they do need) but is it the greatest need? Our trip leader said that sometimes pastors tell us what they think we want to hear. Why? Is it because they are afraid if the need is too great the American church will shy away from helping? So maybe the pastor starts with a need that won’t scare of the American church. Clearly the need is greater for kids to have proper place to sleep. Some of the kids look like they are struggling with their health- some even suffering from borderline malnutrition. I’m praying for Faith’s role as we visit these projects. Tomorrow we will visit Phaeton, a large project in Gonaives.

Our team time has been very fruitful with members sharing their hearts tonight. And our first bead ceremony went well. I love it when a team is fully engaged and ALL IN!

August Faith Haiti Trip 8/12/10

8/12/10


Another trip to Haiti with a team from Faith to love on orphans and hopefully further confirm the Lord’s plans for our church visiting often and loving the fatherless. Looking back over the past year, God has put me on quite a ride- who would have thought that in the course of a year I will have made 5 trips to Haiti?

The first day of trying to get to Haiti has been a disappointment because of mechanical issues on the plan flying from Denver to Miami. We had a very small connection window and almost any small issue could certainly put chances of connecting to the last flight to Haiti slim and none. As it turned out there was a hydraulic leak with the landing gear- I’d gladly rather arrive safe than the alternative! But the cost was the loss of half a day in Haiti on an already seemingly short trip. While there is some disappointment, the team is resilient- I expect great things from this team!

James 1:27- Why does James say that religion that is pure and faultless is this- to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being defiled by the world? More to come…

New Journey

Well it's been a while since I last posted.  I am only a handful of hours from waking up and beginning another journey to Haiti with the Global Orphan Project.  My mind is racing through a mental checklist to make sure I don't forget anything- if I do, I'll discover what it is about the time we reach DIA.

This current team has been waiting for this trip since we were postponed back in June.  And now we are going to a new location to see if the Lord would have us serving in Gonaives for the long term...  It's kind of funny to me- I had Gonaives on my radar for a potential place to serve.  Located in northern Haiti, Gonaives is the third largest city in Haiti and still suffering from the effects of two hurricanes in 2008- so the need is great.  Gonaives is also located geographically fairly close to other interests that Faith already has established in Haiti like our Compassion Child Survival Project in Limbe and Emmaus Biblical Seminary in Cap Haitien.

When the Global Orphan Project presented two opportunities for Faith to serve, we felt compelled to go to Port Salut in southwest Haiti because of the two options, that was the one with the greatest need.  Now over a month later we are exploring long term opportunities in northern Haiti.  God works in funny ways.  So now I just pray that the Lord will make our next steps very clear.

Reports from the field coming soon...

2010 Kidz Day Camp

A lot of hard work went into last week as we had our 7th annual Kidz Day Camp- here is a snapshot of the fruit from it: 2010 Kidz Day Camp

A New Team

Faith is preparing another trip to Haiti this summer and I have been busy with the details for putting together the next team.  Today we finalized a new team that will travel to our partner community of Port Salut in the extreme southwest section of Haiti.  Faith is stepping into a partnering role with a village that has already begun in Port Salut with the Global Orphan Project.  There is a healthy church plant that was started a year and a half ago.  There are also a few orphan homes with 50 orphans that we will be interacting with and ministering to.  I am excited to meet "our" kids and get to know them and bring back their stories to our church at home.  If you want to see what the model of a village looks like, you can click on this link and get a glimpse of the work we, as a church, will be doing now and in the future: Global Orphan Project- Why Orphans?

News from Haiti

Today's trip to the mailbox brought me something that I have been waiting for since January 12, 2010 when the earthquake shook Haiti.  It was a letter from our 13 year-old sponsored child from Port-au-Prince.  I met Shelda when I went to Haiti last October.  She is a cute girl from the Delmas section of Port-au-Prince.  The day I met her is a day I'll never forget.  When our group arrived at the Compassion project in Delmas, the Compassion workers went to locate Shelda so that we could meet.  One of the reasons for our visit to this particular project was to see a reverse-osmosis water system that the project provided as an income generating source for the church/school.  As we were hearing how it worked, Shelda was brought to me and told to follow me.  It was a bit awkward- I really had come to meet Shelda and spend time with her.  I handed the video camera to another member of our group so that I could focus on Shelda.  After I introduced her to my family through pictures, we were taken to the upstairs of the church where I met her mother and grandmother.  That was a surprise and an honor to meet other members of her family.

We spent the rest of the afternoon talking, playing games and walking around a park.  The time was very special and something that I'll always cherish.  When the earthquake hit, my family immediately began to pray for Shelda and her family.  Images of the Delmas area only increased my fear that she may not have survived.  The buildings in that area are very crude at best and literally on top of one another.  The streets resemble narrow alleyways.  So the buildings had nowhere to fall but into the choked streets where people gather.

We received a phone call from Compassion about the first of March- a month and a half after the earthquake- and they informed us that Shelda had survived although she was injured.  Their family lost their home but that was all the information we could get.  What about the rest of her family?  How bad are her injuries?  We were relieved on one hand, but then anxious to get a more complete story.  So we have continued to pray.  And we have sent letters to her.  Compassion encouraged us to ask questions about the earthquake as a way for Shelda to work through the tragedy that she survived.  So we did ask questions.

The letter I received today said thank you for the support that we sent immediately after we heard she survived.  It helped with food and shelter.  She said she lost a brother.  As I read that, my heart paused because in that instant I knew she felt personal pain in losing a family member.  I'm sure she lost some friends, but when you lose a family member, the hurt is that much deeper.  She tells us her house was destroyed and that the Compassion project was damaged.  She asked if we watched the earthquake on the T.V.  She thanks us again for sponsoring her and asks God to bless us.

What I wouldn't do to go down and just hold her and her family.  I realize that even though I have suffered personal tragedy- this was different because of the terror and the incredible devastation.  Feeling useless, I return to praying because that's all I can do for now.  I long to see the big, beautiful smile of a thirteen year old Haitian child.  God, watch over her and her family.  Be their strength, be their light, protect them and provide for their safety.  Amen

God's transforming power is amazing!

Yesterday was a great day. What I witnessed yesterday was God's amazing tranforming power in the lives of two people I have come to know in the last six months. A father and daughter being baptized together as a public affirmation of their trust in Jesus Christ. I had the honor of playing just a small part in the life change of a single mother searching for her purpose in the midst of pain and struggles. As I shared the gospel with her one November evening, her eyes got wide with excitement knowing that this was the day where it clicked for her and that she truly needed Christ more than she needed anything else.

The following week her father was visiting her and his grandchildren. I had the opportunity to share the gospel with him- well almost. About part way through he said- yes, I know, I trust Jesus. Reflecting back on that evening, I see that God was preparing the soil of this grandfather. And yesterday in his testimony he shared that a family crisis brought him to the point where he realized that he needed to trust Christ alone for his salvation! This happened in the last week! So Sunday morning this father and daughter were baptized in front of our forever family. As I teared up, I couldn't help but praise God for the way He shows Himself to be in control in the midst of a family's crisis. It reminds me of the verses in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Back Home

I've been home for a couple of days trying to get caught up with my other responsibilities. I've had some time to reflect and continue asking God to hone my heart in for helping those who need it- and speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves.

Having a chance to sit down with my senior pastor to unpack what God allowed me to see, feel, hear and experience, I came away knowing that God has a tremendous mission for our church in Haiti. By getting a proper perspective on the spiritual battle happening in a dark place like Haiti helps me in the preparation for our future trips there. What it also showed me is how important it will be for our church to encourage, equip and strengthen the local church in Port Salut where we will be partnering.

A couple of days ago I heard one of my favorite songs- "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath. I was listening to it anew and was reflecting back the past couple of years. The first time I heard that song made think- yeah, that's what I want. I want to view the world and people through the eyes of Christ. That kind of became my prayer, and my ringback tone.

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the brokenhearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the one's forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see


I believe the Lord has been answering this prayer for me by allowing me to experience the things I have experienced and spearheading our church's vision for making a difference in Haiti. And we're just getting started! So, I'll continue praying that prayer, but not just for me, but for our congregation that they may also have the eyes, arms and heart of Christ as we take our next step in Haiti.

Another tough goodbye

I'm sitting in Miami having arrived safely from Haiti. The last day was a fun, tough day. To continue from yesterday, I went to hang out with the kids during their break from school this morning. The kids run to you, grab your hands and your legs and just want to hold you. It kind of makes you feel like a celebrity. The community kids look on with curiosity. They stare and move closer. I smile and ask, "Como rele?" (What is your name?). They move closer and answer and I tell them my name is Chris with a smile. They come even closer to me and reach out to feel my hair. It's interesting to think that this is probably the first time that they have interacted with a white person. I just want them to know that Jesus loves them- Jezi remen ou!

The highlight of my day was the unexpected chance to see Pastor Moise before I left. Moise was in Nashville visiting a church and sharing his vision for the Global Orphan Project. I had hoped to spend time with the Haitian staff team during my visit including time with Moise but I found out he would be in the States while I was in Haiti. He probably got on the plane I had got off in Haiti. He was returning today but I didn't expect to see him. So when he pulled into the OTV an hour before we departed for the airport, I was thrilled to give my Haitian brother a great big hug. He asked how my family, everybody from our team and the church was doing and that he has been praying for us ever since our last visit. I shared with him that it was a joy for me personally to give the message at his church and see his family once again. A very poignant time on Sunday morning was having 6 year old Moise Jr. who goes by the name Junior tell me that he wanted me to tell Ryan to come back to Haiti. Ryan from our team bonded with Junior in a way that seemed as if Ryan became Junior's big brother.

Saying goodbye to the kids again was tough. My buddy Pierre and I spent a lot of time together on this trip. And when he asked me if I was going to leave, he said, "No please don't go" and then began weeping. What do you do with that? It's tough. Yes, I go home to the family I love and back to my life I have in Fort Collins. Pierre stays at the OTV. No mother, no father. Don't get me wrong- he is well cared for and thank God for that- but he doesn't have his parents. And that breaks my heart deeply. As I wrestle with trying to understand it all, I will continue chasing after God's heart for the helpless.

They got my back

Today was a chance to recuperate a little bit. No major tasks to accomplish or places to visit. School is back in session in Haiti as of 2 weeks ago. So many schools throughout Haiti were destroyed and likely will not open. This is a major concern for Haiti. School on the OTV opened although they do not meet in the building, they meet out in the yard with makeshift classrooms set up with black boards included. Each weekday school is in session from 8 in the morning until 1:30 in the afternoon. School at the OTV includes 70 orphan kids in the Global Orphan Project and 100 more kids from the community who come onto the OTV campus for school. All the kids are in uniforms- it's quite a sight to see.

The kids get a break around 10:30 in the morning for something that resembles recess. Even though the kids are in uniform, you can tell the orphan kids from the community kids. I went down to take some photos of the kids playing. The orphan kids called out my name- "Chris! Chris!" The community kids call out- "Blan! Blan! Give me dollar. Give me shoes." Blan is creole for white. The orphan kids shush the community kids and tell them my name is Chris- they got my back.

That brings up one of the main issues with Haiti. Haitians who are extremely poor expect you to give them something. They have been handed well-intentioned aid and they have come to expect that from anyone who is white or from anyone who looks like international aid workers. This isn't a new thing, this has been the problem for decades. It is systemic. Global Orphan is really coming at the problem a different way- a way of helping and not hurting through their model of orphan care. The idea is to create a village that includes a local church, school, medical center, wells, and of course the orphan homes. A strategic part of the village is to create businesses that then support the ongoing care for orphans making the village self-sustainable thus making the need for US dollars history.

Reflecting

As I reflect back on yesterday's events the gravity of things slowly sink in as I scramble to take it in and relect upon it. Yesterday when I said that I wasn't feeling well before giving the message in church, I know it was a spiritual battle. In the moment I knew I just needed God to give me the strength to allow Him to work through me, but as I reflect back, I know that Satan would not want me to give the message I did. While giving the message, I felt fine and for the rest of the day I was just fine- just cautious to not get too hot. So I thank the Lord for His strength and protection.

On the previous trip, I never really felt the strong voodoo presence that you hear about so often. There may be two reasons for this- one, we had incredible prayer coverage over our team from our whole church body. Two, Port-au-Prince is such a large city that you may miss the influence that voodoo has on the culture. This trip has been different. Not because there is any less prayer coverage for me and the teams I am serving Global Orphan with. But I believe God is helping me get a proper perspective for the spiritual battle that is being waged down here. Even in the community around the OTV I am hearing ongoing activities of gatherings with constant chanting that is really yelling and it certainly doesn't sound anything like church I've experienced here. It has been said that rural, outlining communities have a stronger voodoo influence. And I know the community that Faith is going to partner with- Port Salut does have a strong voodoo influence and the the young church is truly a beacon in the community.

And the poverty- I have also seen things that I had not seen on the previous trip. Yes it's horrible; yes the earthquake compounded an already extreme situation. I can't help but think of the children who are without a family and the terror they face everyday trying to survive. On the way to Moise's church yesterday we passed the market. This is the main market in Port-au-Prince and it is near the port. Imagine in your mind what an outdoor market looks like in any city around the world including in other third world countries. This one blew me a way. There was no rhyme or reason for the layout of the market. There was a mass of humanity, people were selling their goods on trash heaps. There were fires burning here and there. And the smell- I have never smelled anything so intense- was almost nauseating. The ground was as black as the people. I have seen poverty before, but this was a completely new level altogether. You can unmistakeably find the market if you look on Google Earth and see it from the satelite image. It really defies description.

On the other end of the spectrum, 4 boys went with us to church yesterday- Rogelin from the OTV, Jacob, Pastor Calix's son who just gave his life to the Lord last weekend, Jeff and one other boy. After church we toured the city so that the California team could see the extent of the devistation before we took them to the airport. We stopped for lunch at a very nice hotel where people from the international community are staying. The boys had pizza for the very first time and loved it. In fact, the poured left-over spagetti sauce from someone else's lunch over the remaining few pieces. There was a pool at the hotel too and it looked very refreshing. I wanted to jump in just to cool off. The boys said they wanted to jump in to bathe. There are the two extremes coming together. Something that I would take for granted is seen by these boys as a blessing and a necessity.

No, wait, it doesn't get any better than this

In an earlier post I said it doesn't get any better than this when I was greeted with a scream and a hug from 13 year old Renise who just had her baby and was someone that our team, and the world for that matter, got to know too. While that was an awesome experience, I had one that topped that- sharing the gospel in Pastor Moise's church this morning and having 3 young boys give their lives to Christ!

I was asked after arriving on Thursday if either I or Pastor Steve who was visiting from California would give the message on Sunday. I have learned that you should always be prepared to give a message in church wherever you are visiting throughout the world. It was decided that I would do it. I've got to be honest with you- I'm not sure that God has equipped me to teach or lead in front of a whole congregation- but I will do whatever the Lord would have me do. I decided that I would share the gospel in a story format. The story was about a little boy who loved to play and was quite close to an old man that had passed away. The boy began to think about what happens after you die and became afraid to die. Then the greatest gift that one could ever receive was shared with him. And that is how I framed the gospel by interjecting the boy throughout the story. The boy came to accept the gift- that boy was me. I told the congregation that God was offering that gift to them today and that they too could receive it.

The message was translated by an incredible young man who is on fire for God and following His lead. Lucson has an incredible passion to do the Lord's work for his people here in Haiti. A highlight during the message was when I shared John 3:16- I said it first and then when Lucson started to say it, the congregation started reciting it right along with him- that was cool.

Three young boys came forward after the invitation and prayer. They were then prayed for by elders of the church and their information was taken.

I have to admit- I was not feeling well- I didn't know if it was nerves or if it was the heat. I was afraid I would do something embarrassing like faint from the heat or puke on the pulpit. But I knew that I could only do this through the Lord's strength and nothing of myself- thanks God!

So now I have to say that it doesn't get any better than this!

A New Home

Today was a hot day- I came about as close to heat stroke as I ever have. And I was drinking a bunch of water. It was a very fruitful day on the OTV playing and loving on the kids. We paid a visit to Pastor Calix's new home where he and his 34 kids moved in last week. When our team was here a month ago the walls were just going up. Now the kids have a nice, safe, new home. Calix's story is another on the Global Orphan blog. Calix's home collapsed in the earthquake but miraculously all the kids survived. However, with no place to go, no wall to protect them, no food or water Calix had to make a very tough decision. He had to place his trust in Global Orphan to provide food and shelter for the kids- it took 3 trips by Global Orphan for Calix to finally allow his kids to come to the OTV. After 2 and a half months on the OTV Calix and his kids moved into their new home and we celebrated with them today.

Another trip we made today was to Pastor Joseph's place- he has a bed making business and he has employees from the community. The business is part of a microenterprise business that is designed to help the community and provide employment. These bed frames are then placed into orphan homes.

Tomorrow is church at Moise's and I will give the message- that's a first time for me.

Old friends and new friends

Didn't get much sleep last night because we lost all power including the back up generator and internet. I tried to lie still and not think about how hot and sweaty I was with no air movement. I woke up at 5 a.m. feeling a little air from the ceiling fan. I put my pillow at the foot of my bed and fell back asleep- for a little while.

Today we got to hang out with my "old" friends at the OTV and play with them. It was funny how they all confirmed who I was since I was there a month ago by the way they kept pointing to their left eye because I have a red spot just under my left eye- anything that makes you memorable right? Oh, and I hate to admit this but they also remember me because I was the guy that could make farting noises with my hands- yep, trying to bring a little humor to the world one fart at a time (with my hands).

We traveled to Juli's House to visit the kids there. A lot is happening- they are getting a new well and an addition to their home. They also have received a lot of rain making it difficult for the drilling truck to not get stuck. When we arrived they were singing their hearts out for us- awesome!

The new friends I met today were at Nicole's House nearby Juli's house. There are over 50 kids that live there. But my newest best friend is Kimberly- Renise's little 4 week old baby girl. Here is Renise's complete story: Renise Matters

Well I'm off to the "cinema" with the kids. They are watching Shrek in French.

Doesn't get any better than this...

I met one of the teams I am leading on behalf of Global Orphan today and we arrived safely in Port-au-Prince after an hour delay from a cargo hatch that would not close. It's kind of fun seeing anew the eyes of a team that is experiencing Haiti for the first time and hearing much of the same reactions to Haitian life that is now defined as normal in post-quake Haiti.

But the icing on the cake for the day came as we pulled into the OTV. We were delayed because of traffic and the overwhelmed gas stations. Apparently a shipment of gas did not come into Haiti and everyone is swarming the gas stations just to get a little- and if you're lucky, it'll cost you $10 a gallon. Back to our arrival- the kids were waiting for us and it was just getting dark. As I climbed out of the bed of our pick-up I was greeted with a scream and a hug by Renise. Renise is the young 13 year old who before the earthquake was a restavek- a child slave and she was raped and became pregnant. The earthquake was a blessing for her although initially she was homeless but then was connected with the Global Orphan Project. Under their care she received prenatal care and then gave birth to a baby girl about 3 weeks ago. If you go to Global Orphan's website you can read the whole story on the blog there. She did not know I was coming so the surprise was overwhelming even to me! Tomorrow I will meet and hold her baby (I'll attach pictures- don't worry). Great start to my time here.

Heading back to the OTV

Last month a team from Faith E-Free went on a missions trip to Haiti to minister and serve orphans as a part of the Global Orphan Project. GO (Global Orphan) cares for over 2300 orphans in the country of Haiti. As a result of the earthquake in January, GO mobilized a plan to care for not only their own orphans but to reach out and make sure other orphans from devistated homes had a place where they could find food, shelter and care. Our team went down in mid-March to be a part of GO's orphan care trips. GO set up an Orphan Transition Village for children who were displaced from their families, earthquake orphans and orphans from area homes that were destroyed. This is the place we went to serve and get to know and love on over 100 kids. Many stories came out of experience that I will share later. But as of now I am getting ready to head back down to the OTV to serve GO by leading a couple of teams going down to love on and serve the kids there. Need to finish packing and head out the door before sun comes up in the morning.

The Beginning of it all

This journey of mine started about 2 years ago. The KidzZone ministry supports several Compassion children and I wanted our congregation to get involved more broadly. I knew we had several families supporting Compassion children. So why not foster a partnership between our church and Compassion International? A trip to Colorado Springs to visit Compassion International's headquarters with the church's lead ministry team began the process of strategically developing a partnership with Compassion. The next question was how would this partnership look? We prayerfully decided to focus on two countries- Haiti and Togo. Haiti because the need is so great with it being the poorest country in the western hemisphere and so close to the United States. And Togo because we had the privilege of helping fund the first ever translation of the Bible for the Moba people of Togo, west Africa. Things have been moving at break-neck speed ever since. And maybe that's why I am trying to discern ALL that God has in store for me personally and for the congregation of Faith.

My first trip to Haiti came last October as a part of a Compassion Vision trip and we decided to explore another ministry that is working in Haiti to see if that would be another ministry we could work with on the ground in Haiti.

Let me frame Faith's vision for making a difference in the country of Haiti. By the grace of God we feel called make a difference in Haiti by saving babies, serving orphans, feeding and clothing children, making sure kids get an education, strengthening churches, developing leaders and sharing the gospel. By partnering with Compassion we fund a lot of these types of programs, but that doesn't give us a way to send people to Haiti. So in seeking out another partner, we were looking for the right fit with our vision and having the ability to send our people to serve in Haiti.

During our visit to Port-au-Prince I had the opportunity to meet the girl that my family sponsors. The bonus was meeting her mother and grandmother. We had a lot of fun as we spent an afternoon hanging out together playing games, talking (through a translator) and going for a walk.

Upon returning from Haiti, we were planning to send a team to Haiti during Spring Break and then on January 12th, the world changed in Haiti with a 7.2 earthquake. Life in Haiti went from bad to horrific...

So, why am I attempting to blog?

I've never been one who journals very well or consistantly. But God has been doing something in my heart over the last couple of years. I'll discuss that a little later but what it has culminated in is a couple of trips to the country of Haiti where God has opened my eyes and wrecked my world. So I've entitled my blog "Chasing after God's heart for the helpless" because as I'm chasing, I don't know where He's leading- exactly. Psalm 82:3-4 says, "Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." This verse came to me at the end of the finger of a little orphaned Haitian boy as I sat down beside him and asked if I could read to him. God has an incredible way of surprising us and showing us what He wants us to see and hear. More on that later too.