Dear friends,

Victory Celebration: 11 years ago had you told me I could sit through a 5 hour church service and love it, I would have called you loco. Last night we celebrated our 5th anniversary of Victory Bible church with just that, a 5 hour service. We had 8 different singing groups, 5 from other churches, a Mother's Day (tomorrow in Haiti) celebration of our mothers, oldest, youngest, most children, etc.....We honored staff and church members who didn't miss a service all year. After 3 hours we then began our praise and worship time for an hour, then an hour of preaching. We then fed all the folks, about 500+ and gave them cold drinks, which took another 45 minutes. My perch was on the stage and my worship time was watching our folks worship. What a grand sight seeing a packed house, and a hundred outside standing worshipping God. I have had Americans tell me "of course they can worship that long, they have nothing else to do." GIVE ME A BREAK. These people are no different than you and I, they do what interests them, what excites them. There is other stuff they could be doing, but they choose to spend this amount of time with God. Maybe my American friends could learn a lesson here.

I ended up being the bouncer at the door because when people hear about food, folks that did not attend the church service, bum rush the church and try to get in. It was mine and Bebe's job to keep them out. We did it.

By the time I got home by 10 or so, fixed supper for 25 people, I was ready for bed. Today starts year 6 of Victory bible church. I told the folks last night, "you will all be able to sit down for our next anniversary service, our new church will be built." They cheered.

Mini Miracle: Okay, you naysayers will say this is a coincidence or whatever but to me this was a real intervention with God. I was leaving my room on my way to the truck to leave for English class in Merjay. I was closing the door when I heard "Go back in, you forgot something." I jumped a little, then walked back in not having a clue what I forgot, I had everything. I walked in my room and my eyes fixed on a bottle of pain pills. I walked over, laughed, picked them up and put them in my bag. As I pulled into Merjay, I was greeted by Bebe, of my staff. He said "do you have any pain pills, my head hurts so much I can't stand up." I smiled and said, "I'm sure glad you're sick", he said "what?" I then told him that "him being sick revealed to me how God works and how much he cares for you." I told him why I had the pills. Coincidence?

Finances: My treasurer informed me last night that May was looking tight and she thinks we didn't make budget. This concerns me for one big reason. If we get behind, there is something that I am "forced" to do. I will have to come to the states for a few weeks to raise the funds back up. For some reason, when people see me, when they hear what God is doing, they give.Don't get me wrong, I love having you take me to Applebee's or sitting at your table with your family eating mashed potatoes and ham, speaking in your church, and all the fun that goes with a visit. However, Haiti is where I want to be, as selfish as that sounds. I have much work to do as we start the actual building of the church, our new ministry at Merjay and a family of 22. If my board asks me to go, I will go and I will do what I have to do, but here is what I would like you to do. Pray that the finances will come in so I can stay and do what I am called to do, minister to these wonderful people. Last month we were $350 short, and someone covered that. This month looks to be around a $1000 or so. We can't expect someone to cover that but, please pray that for June we hit our goal of $10,000+. Folks, 500 people eat per day, have clean water and medical services when we hit our budget. Disciples are being made, we can't slow down. Thanks in advance.

New drivers: I now have 3 drivers in my family. Manel, Jony and Claudy each received their driver's license recently and are they ever happy. I can't get behind the wheel anymore and they are doing a great job, minus a few mini heart attacks for me.

Bill Clinton: Someone let me know that Mr. Clinton was in this for the money and that working with Haiti, he would get his cut. I understand this, he is a politician but my point was simply, his name recognition will help bring much needed help and business to this place that so badly needs so much.

Help wanted: I am officially asking you to pray that God sends me another missionary or two to help with this work.

Here is what is needed:*A pastor and wife: a pastor who could help train our pastor and staff as we make the transition to our new church, an executive type pastor. Hopefully his wife would have children's and youth experience. This is a start, we can talk, I just know that I need someone to come along side me, to help continue to train and prepare this ministry for the future. Someone does not have to be married to come join our ministry. If you are interested or know someone that might be, please contact me. We would set up a plan for you to visit and see where God leads. This is very important for the growth of this ministry.

Money: Did I mention we were down in May, oh, I did, excuse me, delete this sentence.

That is all for today, so much more to share but for now we will quit. Thank you for your prayers for me, for my family and for these wonderful people of Haiti. God will bless you for your support. tominhaiti

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