Sunday, December 28, 2008
2008, finally over, almost
Jesus in Haiti Ministries
December 28th, 2008
2008, a look back.......................
Everyone I talk to can't wait for this year to end. It has been a very tough year for all of us, and most people around the world.
It began for me with one of my son's stealing some money from me, leaving home and being gone for 6 months. His restoration process has gone well the past 6 months but we still have a long way to go.
Of course the 4 hurricanes/storms in 17 days brought devastation to Haiti which affected all who live here. Prices before the hurricanes had doubled and tripled for rice, gas and other daily items. After the hurricanes the prices went through the roof.
Many challenges have faced our ministry, family and staff. The battles have taken a toll, but we have stood strong, continuing to be Jesus in Haiti, to these wonderful folks. The rising prices have set us back with our church project but we are praying for the funds to come so we can be in our new building in 2009.
What excites me is that for all the struggles that have hit us all, our 5 points of light have never stopped shining the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. The kids from school, the orphans, our church family, the folks in the dump have been cared for without missing a beat, even with prices up and donations down.
Let me close with the story of Franzdy. I met this young man 9 years ago while working at another mission. I was running a basketball program and Franzdy was on one of the teams. Franzdy was involved very heavily in voodoo and worked closely with a voodoo master. When Franzdy met me, we formed a friendship, and a spiritual conflict began in his life. He wanted to be with me and our program, yet the voodoo master said to stay away from me or he would be killed.
I remember during one basketball game, I was the referee and I had to kick Franzdy out of the game for fighting. He went and got a machete and came and stood 10 feet behind me. Everyone thought I would run. I didn't flinch, for over an hour he stood there glaring at me holding that long knife. He later told me the fact I wasn't scared of him gave him respect for me.
Franzdy found a way to sneak to youth group and even make trips to town with me, until the voodoo master found out. Franzdy's life was threatened and he left the village in the middle of the night. I never saw him again, until today.
To my shock, I found out he is the father of Stephanie's daughter, who is Mommy Tia's caregiver. Franzdy came to visit his daughter today and we met again. He is trying to get his life back together and even said he would come to church. He has broken from the voodoo folks. Pray for Franzdy as I renew a friendship with the purpose of guiding this young man to Christ.
The thing I don't like about these emails is asking for money but I also know that it is something that I must do, for us to continue to shine our light. If you can help with a year end gift, it would be a huge blessing. We are not in debt, nor are we starving but things are tight and if we don't come up with some funds, we will have to make cuts in staff and ministry and that is the last thing I ever want to do. I used to say 100% of what you gives come to Haiti but that has changed, we do have some mailing costs and I do have insurance now. Other than that, nobody gets paid and all funds come to this ministry here in Haiti.
I promised you when I came here that I would be a good steward with the funds you trusted me with. I am trying to do that in a Godly, loving way. Personally we have done the following to keep the budget on track:
Electricity only at night, except city power like we have now, this saves on fuel
We have switched from Culligan drinking water to a cheap well water, saves me $3 per day
Cooking the free rice we get, 6 nights per week for supper, hotdogs the other meal.
And many more little things which all add up. However, we need you more than ever. If the hundreds of you who read these emails but don't support us, could just send $25 per month, it would make all the difference in the world. Please pray about how you can help us to continue to be Jesus in Haiti.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Thank you for your support
Tom Osbeck
Executive Director
Jesus in Haiti Ministries
For Contributions:
Jesus in Haiti Ministries, Inc. Suite 155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46814
December 28th, 2008
2008, a look back.......................
Everyone I talk to can't wait for this year to end. It has been a very tough year for all of us, and most people around the world.
It began for me with one of my son's stealing some money from me, leaving home and being gone for 6 months. His restoration process has gone well the past 6 months but we still have a long way to go.
Of course the 4 hurricanes/storms in 17 days brought devastation to Haiti which affected all who live here. Prices before the hurricanes had doubled and tripled for rice, gas and other daily items. After the hurricanes the prices went through the roof.
Many challenges have faced our ministry, family and staff. The battles have taken a toll, but we have stood strong, continuing to be Jesus in Haiti, to these wonderful folks. The rising prices have set us back with our church project but we are praying for the funds to come so we can be in our new building in 2009.
What excites me is that for all the struggles that have hit us all, our 5 points of light have never stopped shining the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. The kids from school, the orphans, our church family, the folks in the dump have been cared for without missing a beat, even with prices up and donations down.
Let me close with the story of Franzdy. I met this young man 9 years ago while working at another mission. I was running a basketball program and Franzdy was on one of the teams. Franzdy was involved very heavily in voodoo and worked closely with a voodoo master. When Franzdy met me, we formed a friendship, and a spiritual conflict began in his life. He wanted to be with me and our program, yet the voodoo master said to stay away from me or he would be killed.
I remember during one basketball game, I was the referee and I had to kick Franzdy out of the game for fighting. He went and got a machete and came and stood 10 feet behind me. Everyone thought I would run. I didn't flinch, for over an hour he stood there glaring at me holding that long knife. He later told me the fact I wasn't scared of him gave him respect for me.
Franzdy found a way to sneak to youth group and even make trips to town with me, until the voodoo master found out. Franzdy's life was threatened and he left the village in the middle of the night. I never saw him again, until today.
To my shock, I found out he is the father of Stephanie's daughter, who is Mommy Tia's caregiver. Franzdy came to visit his daughter today and we met again. He is trying to get his life back together and even said he would come to church. He has broken from the voodoo folks. Pray for Franzdy as I renew a friendship with the purpose of guiding this young man to Christ.
The thing I don't like about these emails is asking for money but I also know that it is something that I must do, for us to continue to shine our light. If you can help with a year end gift, it would be a huge blessing. We are not in debt, nor are we starving but things are tight and if we don't come up with some funds, we will have to make cuts in staff and ministry and that is the last thing I ever want to do. I used to say 100% of what you gives come to Haiti but that has changed, we do have some mailing costs and I do have insurance now. Other than that, nobody gets paid and all funds come to this ministry here in Haiti.
I promised you when I came here that I would be a good steward with the funds you trusted me with. I am trying to do that in a Godly, loving way. Personally we have done the following to keep the budget on track:
Electricity only at night, except city power like we have now, this saves on fuel
We have switched from Culligan drinking water to a cheap well water, saves me $3 per day
Cooking the free rice we get, 6 nights per week for supper, hotdogs the other meal.
And many more little things which all add up. However, we need you more than ever. If the hundreds of you who read these emails but don't support us, could just send $25 per month, it would make all the difference in the world. Please pray about how you can help us to continue to be Jesus in Haiti.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Thank you for your support
Tom Osbeck
Executive Director
Jesus in Haiti Ministries
For Contributions:
Jesus in Haiti Ministries, Inc. Suite 155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46814
# posted by Tom Osbeck @ 3:20 PM 
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