Wednesday, July 23, 2008
An email from the future..............
An email from the future..............
Tom Osbeck
July 23, 2008
Hi,
Sometimes I wonder what the future hold for this ministry, my family and for Haiti. This email is one that you might get....in 10 years. (this is not an actual email, one you might get of things that might happen)
JiHM Update- July 24th, 2018
Grace Emmanuel School: We are getting ready for our 13th year. I am pleased to announce that all 10 graduates from our first graduating class last month are enrolled in college for the fall. What a blessing.
Victory Bible Church- As you know, we started our 3rd service 8 months ago and this past week, all 3 services were full to capacity, for a total of over 2000 people in church. Guess it's time to build that 5000 seat church.
Also, we are very excited for our latest missionaries sent out. David and Madeline just arrived in Los Angeles and have planted a church, Victory Bible church of LA. The Rabins are the 19th and 20th missionaries we have sent from our church, to the United States, and Canada.
Jesus in Haiti Children's Home: Our director Jony Louis and his wife Richna had their 2nd child, Jonathan Andrew Louis, born Monday at 6:45am. We also took in 4 siblings, to bring our total to 91 children in our care. A new playground was also built by our visitors from Michigan, thank you.
Good Samaritan Training Center: We have over 100 young people living and being trained at this site which used to be an orphanage. It is awesome to have the younger children at Jihm children's home and the older children learning a trade here.
New Roads Ministry: New Roads Bible church went over 200 for the first time ever and more importantly, had 4 new converts. Pastor Mo Emerick is doing a great job building this church, on the former site of a dump.
Tom's family: Dearson and his wife Angie had their first child, a healthy baby girl. Shadrach just finished his junior year at Ohio State, Tito is working as a full time chef in Port au Prince. Jay and Steven are in their senior year of high school, that last two to graduate. All the boys are doing well. I will update you on different ones each update.
Political update: President Marco Jeanty has a very tough task rebuilding Haiti but stays in contact with us and of course there are perks for us, having him as Haiti's president. DeAnna and children, Calvin, Kaylyn, Jayden, Isiah, Mary Lou, Joshua and Sueann are all doing very well.
8 years ago today: Our Poppy went to Heaven. We miss him but continue the work that God led him here to begin.
Mission Director, Claudy Francois
OKAY, SILLY YOU SAY, A WASTE OF GOOD SPACE BUT, I DISAGREE. FOR THE ABOVE TO HAPPEN IN 10 YEARS, WE HAVE TO BE FAITHFUL TODAY. 10 YEARS WILL PASS, ONLY WHAT'S DONE FOR CHRIST WILL LAST. WILL YOU HELP US MAKE A GREAT FUTURE FOR GOD, THROUGH THE JESUS IN HAITI MINISTRIES. THANKS, AND I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS EMAIL, TOM
For financial contributions JiHM Suite #155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Dr. Ft. Wayne, IN 46814 Att: Pat Hinen
Tom Osbeck
July 23, 2008
Hi,
Sometimes I wonder what the future hold for this ministry, my family and for Haiti. This email is one that you might get....in 10 years. (this is not an actual email, one you might get of things that might happen)
JiHM Update- July 24th, 2018
Grace Emmanuel School: We are getting ready for our 13th year. I am pleased to announce that all 10 graduates from our first graduating class last month are enrolled in college for the fall. What a blessing.
Victory Bible Church- As you know, we started our 3rd service 8 months ago and this past week, all 3 services were full to capacity, for a total of over 2000 people in church. Guess it's time to build that 5000 seat church.
Also, we are very excited for our latest missionaries sent out. David and Madeline just arrived in Los Angeles and have planted a church, Victory Bible church of LA. The Rabins are the 19th and 20th missionaries we have sent from our church, to the United States, and Canada.
Jesus in Haiti Children's Home: Our director Jony Louis and his wife Richna had their 2nd child, Jonathan Andrew Louis, born Monday at 6:45am. We also took in 4 siblings, to bring our total to 91 children in our care. A new playground was also built by our visitors from Michigan, thank you.
Good Samaritan Training Center: We have over 100 young people living and being trained at this site which used to be an orphanage. It is awesome to have the younger children at Jihm children's home and the older children learning a trade here.
New Roads Ministry: New Roads Bible church went over 200 for the first time ever and more importantly, had 4 new converts. Pastor Mo Emerick is doing a great job building this church, on the former site of a dump.
Tom's family: Dearson and his wife Angie had their first child, a healthy baby girl. Shadrach just finished his junior year at Ohio State, Tito is working as a full time chef in Port au Prince. Jay and Steven are in their senior year of high school, that last two to graduate. All the boys are doing well. I will update you on different ones each update.
Political update: President Marco Jeanty has a very tough task rebuilding Haiti but stays in contact with us and of course there are perks for us, having him as Haiti's president. DeAnna and children, Calvin, Kaylyn, Jayden, Isiah, Mary Lou, Joshua and Sueann are all doing very well.
8 years ago today: Our Poppy went to Heaven. We miss him but continue the work that God led him here to begin.
Mission Director, Claudy Francois
OKAY, SILLY YOU SAY, A WASTE OF GOOD SPACE BUT, I DISAGREE. FOR THE ABOVE TO HAPPEN IN 10 YEARS, WE HAVE TO BE FAITHFUL TODAY. 10 YEARS WILL PASS, ONLY WHAT'S DONE FOR CHRIST WILL LAST. WILL YOU HELP US MAKE A GREAT FUTURE FOR GOD, THROUGH THE JESUS IN HAITI MINISTRIES. THANKS, AND I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS EMAIL, TOM
For financial contributions JiHM Suite #155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Dr. Ft. Wayne, IN 46814 Att: Pat Hinen
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Wow, what an exciting week.....
Wow, what an exciting week.....
Tom Osbeck
July 22, 2008
Dear friends,
Club365 41 of 365 filled
The reaction to my last email was interesting. Some of you thought I was going to quit, some said they cried and others felt really bad for me.
Some told me if they could, they would write a big check and clear up all the financial woes.
I want you to know a couple things. That email was not about money, and it was not about looking for sympathy. I simply share from my heart, letting the chips fall where they may. I wasn't asking for money, I was asking for prayer. I know you all did that, listen to this.
Monday AM:
We got my son Tito to Haiti's only "skin hospital" and since then he has had blood tests, we found out for sure he has psoriasis and he is being treated for it.
We found out the electric bill was only going to cost us $700, not $1000. That has been paid and we are supposed to have city power again in the morning.
The new Honda Generator that we thought was broke, was not. We didn't even have to take it back to dealer. Come to find out, I had left the choke open when I started it at church, and that caused it to stop. Monday AM we ran it and it was perfect.
I talked to the boys school director and for some "unknown" reason, the first month of school, starting August 4th, for the boys is free.
You see, your prayers saved me hundreds of dollars plus some other aggravations solved. God is so good.
Monday night, I walked with the boys, 8 of them to a local soccer field. A player from Haiti's national soccer team was on one of the local teams. That brought several thousand people and wow what a match. This player, Elipin Carter scored a goal and everyone went home happy and I had a great time with the boys.
Today Marco and Manel picked up the president of Aircalvary, a helicopter ministry who has helped us do ministry before, and was his guide for some government meetings as Aircalvary tries to get their permits and such, to do ministry in Haiti. We are always thrilled to assist the spread of the Gospel in any way we can.
Let me add this, I was told by a board member that I probably confused you all with some of our needs, and wants. Let me quickly make our needs clear, from the financial point of view.
CHURCH PROJECT: We are about $100,000 short of finishing the church project. We have been given an offer of $30,000 to do a matching grant. That means, up to $30,000, every dollar you give, gets doubled. So if 30,000 is raised, that will double to 60, leaving us just 40,000 short to finish our church.
CLUB 365: If we can find 365 people to sponsor one of our ministry days during the year, this will clear up most of not all of our financial burdens. This would be $6000 per month of additional income which would solve all our school funding, orphanage funding and so much more. Please pray about joining by picking one, or more days.
Truck: We really need a new truck so badly. In God's timing, we will have one, just pray.
That really is all. Two things! Oh yes we are short with funding for our school for books and such, and I am in a crunch to get my boys all in school by September 1st but these are just things to pray for.
One of my board members said she felt bad for all my problems. I emailed her and told her I have NO problems, just challenges that if solved, will mean raising the quality of life for people and bringing them the life changing message of Jesus Christ.
Some one emailed me and said "you know Tom, the economy is tough, we are all struggling". I accept that but will say this, with no disrespect intended: Try living on $2 per day, with rice at 40 per bag, and gasoline at 6 bucks per gallon and you have to buy all your water to drink, bathe in and cook with. Oh, you have to buy charcoal to cook on also. Folks, I know you struggle but................I never knew what the word struggle meant until I moved here.
Please pray about helping with club365, helping with our building fund, or supporting us monthly. Thanks so much, tominhaiti
For financial contributions JiHM Suite #155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Dr. Ft. Wayne, IN 46814 Att: Pat Hinen
Tom Osbeck
July 22, 2008
Dear friends,
Club365 41 of 365 filled
The reaction to my last email was interesting. Some of you thought I was going to quit, some said they cried and others felt really bad for me.
Some told me if they could, they would write a big check and clear up all the financial woes.
I want you to know a couple things. That email was not about money, and it was not about looking for sympathy. I simply share from my heart, letting the chips fall where they may. I wasn't asking for money, I was asking for prayer. I know you all did that, listen to this.
Monday AM:
We got my son Tito to Haiti's only "skin hospital" and since then he has had blood tests, we found out for sure he has psoriasis and he is being treated for it.
We found out the electric bill was only going to cost us $700, not $1000. That has been paid and we are supposed to have city power again in the morning.
The new Honda Generator that we thought was broke, was not. We didn't even have to take it back to dealer. Come to find out, I had left the choke open when I started it at church, and that caused it to stop. Monday AM we ran it and it was perfect.
I talked to the boys school director and for some "unknown" reason, the first month of school, starting August 4th, for the boys is free.
You see, your prayers saved me hundreds of dollars plus some other aggravations solved. God is so good.
Monday night, I walked with the boys, 8 of them to a local soccer field. A player from Haiti's national soccer team was on one of the local teams. That brought several thousand people and wow what a match. This player, Elipin Carter scored a goal and everyone went home happy and I had a great time with the boys.
Today Marco and Manel picked up the president of Aircalvary, a helicopter ministry who has helped us do ministry before, and was his guide for some government meetings as Aircalvary tries to get their permits and such, to do ministry in Haiti. We are always thrilled to assist the spread of the Gospel in any way we can.
Let me add this, I was told by a board member that I probably confused you all with some of our needs, and wants. Let me quickly make our needs clear, from the financial point of view.
CHURCH PROJECT: We are about $100,000 short of finishing the church project. We have been given an offer of $30,000 to do a matching grant. That means, up to $30,000, every dollar you give, gets doubled. So if 30,000 is raised, that will double to 60, leaving us just 40,000 short to finish our church.
CLUB 365: If we can find 365 people to sponsor one of our ministry days during the year, this will clear up most of not all of our financial burdens. This would be $6000 per month of additional income which would solve all our school funding, orphanage funding and so much more. Please pray about joining by picking one, or more days.
Truck: We really need a new truck so badly. In God's timing, we will have one, just pray.
That really is all. Two things! Oh yes we are short with funding for our school for books and such, and I am in a crunch to get my boys all in school by September 1st but these are just things to pray for.
One of my board members said she felt bad for all my problems. I emailed her and told her I have NO problems, just challenges that if solved, will mean raising the quality of life for people and bringing them the life changing message of Jesus Christ.
Some one emailed me and said "you know Tom, the economy is tough, we are all struggling". I accept that but will say this, with no disrespect intended: Try living on $2 per day, with rice at 40 per bag, and gasoline at 6 bucks per gallon and you have to buy all your water to drink, bathe in and cook with. Oh, you have to buy charcoal to cook on also. Folks, I know you struggle but................I never knew what the word struggle meant until I moved here.
Please pray about helping with club365, helping with our building fund, or supporting us monthly. Thanks so much, tominhaiti
For financial contributions JiHM Suite #155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Dr. Ft. Wayne, IN 46814 Att: Pat Hinen
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Ups and Downs of Being a Missionary
The ups and downs, of being a missionary
Tom Osbeck
July 4, 2008
UP: Yesterday our cookouts were awesome. Grilled over 650 hot dogs along with passing out chips, cookies, cold drinks and lots of love. Thank you Washington team, my family and our staff for working together in such a great way. Well over 200 people were given food for the body, and food for the soul.
Down: A fired security guard is taking us to “small claims” court to try to get more money then he is entitled. Marco will take care of this and will be no big deal but still a distraction.
UP: Momy Tia is doing much better, so much better she has spent the last 2 days visiting an aunt in town.
Down: This morning, leaving the driveway the something or another broke under the wheel. A bar that connects the tire to the axle I guess. I am sure it is from the overloaded truck we have been taking to church. We can’t even get it to the dealer so are trying to find the parts to fix ourselves.
UP: MY Arab friend Fadi let me borrow his truck today and we still got to go to town for cookout stuff and a Funky Monkey.
Down: A funky monkey is a cold coffee with peanut butter and chocolate at a Christian coffee shop above the building we get our mail in. We found out today that 2 hours after we left, they were closing down, for good.
UP: Our budget needs for June were met, barely……but met.
Down: We have had no city power for a month costing me about $100 per week. Our landlord did not pay his taxes and so they shut off our power, and we are in a quagmire with this.
UP; Today, a Christian pastor, who is a certified plumber with his own company, finished work with his team on our 3 houses. 4 brand new toilets were installed, 4 showers fixed, kitchen sinks working again, two new bathroom sinks installed, floats put in our on the roof tanks and much, much more. Praise God for this and for running water again.
Down: The cost was over $1500 US dollars for parts and labor.
UP: Today we installed a full time staff person, Pierre Abbdias at the Good Samaritan Orphanage. More details on that later.
Down: The prices of food in Haiti are going through the roof. Might have to stop eating.
UP; The two little girls I have had here have been such a blessing to me and our house. They are so excited to be here, and enjoying every minute. I originally told them they could spend two weeks this summer, so that is what they will be doing. I don’t know what the future holds but we are just not ready for them to move here. Lots of factors and something I have prayed much about.
UP: Jony visited the Double Harvest Mission’s clinic and I so appreciate my friend Arthur Spaulding for taking care of all this for me. Jony had several blood tests and will have to have hernia surgery very soon
Down; Yesterday, while at the Good Samaratan Orphanage, we saw a young 8 year old boy. Leonce who said he had a headache. He was given water by our visitor Barb and she loved on him for about an hour. He didn't seem very sick but the director of the orphanage said she was going to take him to the medical clinic. I gave her $2000H for this and other things she needed to do. This morning early, she called me and said Leonce was very sick. Our truck was broke down and I could not get to her but we called Pierre and sent him as he lives just a couple miles away. An hour later he called to let us know that Leonce had died. As I write this, I have tears streaming down my face. Marco and I have spent much time today re-creating everything, trying to figure out how this could possibly happen, on our shift. It just breaks my heart when this happens. Yes I am sure he is with God, in Heaven in a much better place but that doesn't make it any easier. I feel in ways we failed him but at this point don’t know what we would have done different. I know this, with a staff person there full time, I pray this never happens again. Every sick child will be dealt with that day, either with medicine or taken to a clinic. We also plan on having a doctor visit weekly to check all the kids. Pray for this..Closing: Sometimes my mind gets overwhelmed by all the “stuff”. Today we spent close to $500 getting a funeral planned for tomorrow. A funeral of a child, who came into this world not only with 2 strikes against him, but not even having a bat to swing at a pitch. I am so sorry for losing Leonce, but all the more determined to continue what we are doing, for the several hundred other children in our ministry. Continuing to love these children, and to care for them because they are our children, given to us by God, to safe guard, to love, and to give hope to. If there is any silver lining in this, it is that this little boy was loved for over an hour, by someone who was sent here, maybe for this reason. Leonce is in Heaven, knowing that he was loved and that he was special. Dad, this little guy is yours now, we did our best, give him all our love.
tominhaiticlub
365 update: 40 days taken, 325 to go
Tom Osbeck
July 4, 2008
UP: Yesterday our cookouts were awesome. Grilled over 650 hot dogs along with passing out chips, cookies, cold drinks and lots of love. Thank you Washington team, my family and our staff for working together in such a great way. Well over 200 people were given food for the body, and food for the soul.
Down: A fired security guard is taking us to “small claims” court to try to get more money then he is entitled. Marco will take care of this and will be no big deal but still a distraction.
UP: Momy Tia is doing much better, so much better she has spent the last 2 days visiting an aunt in town.
Down: This morning, leaving the driveway the something or another broke under the wheel. A bar that connects the tire to the axle I guess. I am sure it is from the overloaded truck we have been taking to church. We can’t even get it to the dealer so are trying to find the parts to fix ourselves.
UP: MY Arab friend Fadi let me borrow his truck today and we still got to go to town for cookout stuff and a Funky Monkey.
Down: A funky monkey is a cold coffee with peanut butter and chocolate at a Christian coffee shop above the building we get our mail in. We found out today that 2 hours after we left, they were closing down, for good.
UP: Our budget needs for June were met, barely……but met.
Down: We have had no city power for a month costing me about $100 per week. Our landlord did not pay his taxes and so they shut off our power, and we are in a quagmire with this.
UP; Today, a Christian pastor, who is a certified plumber with his own company, finished work with his team on our 3 houses. 4 brand new toilets were installed, 4 showers fixed, kitchen sinks working again, two new bathroom sinks installed, floats put in our on the roof tanks and much, much more. Praise God for this and for running water again.
Down: The cost was over $1500 US dollars for parts and labor.
UP: Today we installed a full time staff person, Pierre Abbdias at the Good Samaritan Orphanage. More details on that later.
Down: The prices of food in Haiti are going through the roof. Might have to stop eating.
UP; The two little girls I have had here have been such a blessing to me and our house. They are so excited to be here, and enjoying every minute. I originally told them they could spend two weeks this summer, so that is what they will be doing. I don’t know what the future holds but we are just not ready for them to move here. Lots of factors and something I have prayed much about.
UP: Jony visited the Double Harvest Mission’s clinic and I so appreciate my friend Arthur Spaulding for taking care of all this for me. Jony had several blood tests and will have to have hernia surgery very soon
Down; Yesterday, while at the Good Samaratan Orphanage, we saw a young 8 year old boy. Leonce who said he had a headache. He was given water by our visitor Barb and she loved on him for about an hour. He didn't seem very sick but the director of the orphanage said she was going to take him to the medical clinic. I gave her $2000H for this and other things she needed to do. This morning early, she called me and said Leonce was very sick. Our truck was broke down and I could not get to her but we called Pierre and sent him as he lives just a couple miles away. An hour later he called to let us know that Leonce had died. As I write this, I have tears streaming down my face. Marco and I have spent much time today re-creating everything, trying to figure out how this could possibly happen, on our shift. It just breaks my heart when this happens. Yes I am sure he is with God, in Heaven in a much better place but that doesn't make it any easier. I feel in ways we failed him but at this point don’t know what we would have done different. I know this, with a staff person there full time, I pray this never happens again. Every sick child will be dealt with that day, either with medicine or taken to a clinic. We also plan on having a doctor visit weekly to check all the kids. Pray for this..Closing: Sometimes my mind gets overwhelmed by all the “stuff”. Today we spent close to $500 getting a funeral planned for tomorrow. A funeral of a child, who came into this world not only with 2 strikes against him, but not even having a bat to swing at a pitch. I am so sorry for losing Leonce, but all the more determined to continue what we are doing, for the several hundred other children in our ministry. Continuing to love these children, and to care for them because they are our children, given to us by God, to safe guard, to love, and to give hope to. If there is any silver lining in this, it is that this little boy was loved for over an hour, by someone who was sent here, maybe for this reason. Leonce is in Heaven, knowing that he was loved and that he was special. Dad, this little guy is yours now, we did our best, give him all our love.
tominhaiticlub
365 update: 40 days taken, 325 to go
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Dead man walking
Dead Man Walking
Tom Osbeck
30 Jun 2008 3:10 pm
Today a wonderful group of people came to Haiti from Cornwall church in Washington. We met them and along with 3 of my boys took them and their luggage to Kalico Beach. When we pulled in, I saw a dead guy at the gate, he said hi, I said hi. Okay, the rest of the story. Last year this young mans brother came to me and told me that his brother Ebert had died. I was so sad as I knew Ebert. I helped his brother Fredo get some shoes for the funeral. Well, lo and behold, Ebert came back to life.
Prayer request: Jony has a bad hernia and while singing at church Saturday, it forced it's way out (groin area) and he was in much pain. He is going to a medical clinic in the morning, I assume surgery will be needed. Pray for Jony and the expense of this.
Junior Church: Our kids program had been going down the past year and we made the mistake many churches make, we never really trained the staff and they never got a break. Seemed they were burned out. I made a decision to give them a break and along with my boys, I took over Junior church for June. They were happy for the break. That first Saturday of June, we only had 34 kids but it was a starting point. I told my boys and the kids our goal was to have 10 more kids each week. So, June 7th-34 kids, June 14th-44 June 21st-57.
The first 3 weeks, we gained 10+ kids each week. Yesterday I was worried, it was so hot. We got down to junior church and I thought it might be close. I counted..............66 and our goal was 67. I thought "oh no we can't miss it by one", I looked outside and about 20 yards away, I saw about a 10 year old boy sitting under a tree. I quickly went outside and said "would you like to come to Junior church and have fun with us". He of course said..."NO". I said "great" and picked him up and threw him over my shoulders and walked back into junior church, and 66 clapping and yelling kids. We hit our goal, next week 77, will be tough.
Blast from the past: okay, funny story speaking of kids clapping. 10 years ago I was the missionary speaker at a camp in Missouri. The last day, the grabbed me and drug me about 100 yards to the pool. I struggled and fought the whole way, in fun of course. By the time I got thrown into 15 feet of water, I was so out of breath, I could not swim to the side. I remember thinking, "wow, I never thought that when I died, it would be with 200 kids clapping and yelling my name". I somehow managed to get to the side, avoiding drowning by not much.
Club365club: Wow, we are up to nearly 40 members. My admiration for the kids at Vacation Bible school, from Robinson Baptist church for bringing 6000 pennies, or 600 dollars and selecting 3 days for next year. My new, tiny heroes. Now, the rest of you, what are you waiting for, this would be great for your SS class, men's prayer group, ladies Bible study, or any of 100 other things. One dear friend said "oh, I have a year to pay, I am going to save my pennies every day and sponsor a day next June. Nice. Thanks to all of you who have signed up, the rest of you go to our website www.jesusinhaiti.org and check out the calender.
My tribute: My dear friend Len Dietz is having heart trouble and for now, the doctors can't do anything. "Uncle" Len is nearly 90. (he won't tell me). His daughter in law says he only gets my mass emails, not the several personal emails I have sent in past month so, Uncle len, I have something to tell you. I know you are having a hard time, please know we are all praying for you. Your trip here a couple months ago was the highlight of my year. Remember the trophy you received from our church, THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD? We have only given away ONE, you my friend. That award was for 70+ years of kingdom building around the world, including here in Haiti. You promised me you would come back so I am going to pray that ticker better. However, if God chooses to take you to Heaven, I know you are ready. Please Uncle Len tell my folks what you saw. Tell them what God is doing. Tell them how much I love and miss them and oh yeah, tell my mom to leave a light on, she will understand. I love you Len!
On tap: Tomorrow Marco comes back from Ohio. Tuesday another dear friend from Rollins Church in Manton, Barb comes. (okay, just because she was my high school sweetheart, don't read anything into the fact she is coming to visit) She will be staying in the Jeanty's guest room and we are looking forward to her visit.
Tuesday and Wednesday we will be sharing our ministry with our Washington friends, including a cookout with over 600 hot dogs for the folks at the dump, and our orphanage. Friday we are having a cookout for staff, family and some of our Arab friends here in Haiti.
Please pray for all of our activities as we pray for you and all you do. Together, we must continue to be Jesus to a world who so badly needs hope. Tell them God created them special will ya, tell them God loves them will ya, tell them God has a plan for their life. Will ya tell them?
Thanks, tominhaiti
For financial contributions JiHM Suite #155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Dr. Ft. Wayne, IN 46814 Att: Pat Hinen
Tom Osbeck
30 Jun 2008 3:10 pm
Today a wonderful group of people came to Haiti from Cornwall church in Washington. We met them and along with 3 of my boys took them and their luggage to Kalico Beach. When we pulled in, I saw a dead guy at the gate, he said hi, I said hi. Okay, the rest of the story. Last year this young mans brother came to me and told me that his brother Ebert had died. I was so sad as I knew Ebert. I helped his brother Fredo get some shoes for the funeral. Well, lo and behold, Ebert came back to life.
Prayer request: Jony has a bad hernia and while singing at church Saturday, it forced it's way out (groin area) and he was in much pain. He is going to a medical clinic in the morning, I assume surgery will be needed. Pray for Jony and the expense of this.
Junior Church: Our kids program had been going down the past year and we made the mistake many churches make, we never really trained the staff and they never got a break. Seemed they were burned out. I made a decision to give them a break and along with my boys, I took over Junior church for June. They were happy for the break. That first Saturday of June, we only had 34 kids but it was a starting point. I told my boys and the kids our goal was to have 10 more kids each week. So, June 7th-34 kids, June 14th-44 June 21st-57.
The first 3 weeks, we gained 10+ kids each week. Yesterday I was worried, it was so hot. We got down to junior church and I thought it might be close. I counted..............66 and our goal was 67. I thought "oh no we can't miss it by one", I looked outside and about 20 yards away, I saw about a 10 year old boy sitting under a tree. I quickly went outside and said "would you like to come to Junior church and have fun with us". He of course said..."NO". I said "great" and picked him up and threw him over my shoulders and walked back into junior church, and 66 clapping and yelling kids. We hit our goal, next week 77, will be tough.
Blast from the past: okay, funny story speaking of kids clapping. 10 years ago I was the missionary speaker at a camp in Missouri. The last day, the grabbed me and drug me about 100 yards to the pool. I struggled and fought the whole way, in fun of course. By the time I got thrown into 15 feet of water, I was so out of breath, I could not swim to the side. I remember thinking, "wow, I never thought that when I died, it would be with 200 kids clapping and yelling my name". I somehow managed to get to the side, avoiding drowning by not much.
Club365club: Wow, we are up to nearly 40 members. My admiration for the kids at Vacation Bible school, from Robinson Baptist church for bringing 6000 pennies, or 600 dollars and selecting 3 days for next year. My new, tiny heroes. Now, the rest of you, what are you waiting for, this would be great for your SS class, men's prayer group, ladies Bible study, or any of 100 other things. One dear friend said "oh, I have a year to pay, I am going to save my pennies every day and sponsor a day next June. Nice. Thanks to all of you who have signed up, the rest of you go to our website www.jesusinhaiti.org and check out the calender.
My tribute: My dear friend Len Dietz is having heart trouble and for now, the doctors can't do anything. "Uncle" Len is nearly 90. (he won't tell me). His daughter in law says he only gets my mass emails, not the several personal emails I have sent in past month so, Uncle len, I have something to tell you. I know you are having a hard time, please know we are all praying for you. Your trip here a couple months ago was the highlight of my year. Remember the trophy you received from our church, THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD? We have only given away ONE, you my friend. That award was for 70+ years of kingdom building around the world, including here in Haiti. You promised me you would come back so I am going to pray that ticker better. However, if God chooses to take you to Heaven, I know you are ready. Please Uncle Len tell my folks what you saw. Tell them what God is doing. Tell them how much I love and miss them and oh yeah, tell my mom to leave a light on, she will understand. I love you Len!
On tap: Tomorrow Marco comes back from Ohio. Tuesday another dear friend from Rollins Church in Manton, Barb comes. (okay, just because she was my high school sweetheart, don't read anything into the fact she is coming to visit) She will be staying in the Jeanty's guest room and we are looking forward to her visit.
Tuesday and Wednesday we will be sharing our ministry with our Washington friends, including a cookout with over 600 hot dogs for the folks at the dump, and our orphanage. Friday we are having a cookout for staff, family and some of our Arab friends here in Haiti.
Please pray for all of our activities as we pray for you and all you do. Together, we must continue to be Jesus to a world who so badly needs hope. Tell them God created them special will ya, tell them God loves them will ya, tell them God has a plan for their life. Will ya tell them?
Thanks, tominhaiti
For financial contributions JiHM Suite #155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Dr. Ft. Wayne, IN 46814 Att: Pat Hinen
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