Friday, January 30, 2009
I May Have Made A Mistake Today
Jesus in Haiti Ministries
January 30th, 2009
Hi,
Today at 10am we bought our new 2009 Kia truck. What a blessing this will be for our ministry and family. I was then home previewing a movie on the Old Testament with pastor Jackie for church tomorrow, before heading out.
This is where my mistake might have happened. I had told the director of the orphanage that I would stop by today to let her know how the boys are doing. As I packed Peterson and Jony into the truck, Peterson got this long face. It was the same face I brought him home with, one void of hope. Then Jony began to scream. Altimae was holding him in the back seat. He cried and cried. Then he was passed to Roger in the front seat and he kept screaming. Finally I said to hand him to me. As soon as I took him, he stopped crying and put his head on my shoulder.
I drove this way down our back road but when we got to the main road, I passed him to Roger and he was okay. Once we got to the Good Samaritan Orphanage, a look of horror was on both the boys faces. We walked inside and all the kids came running to me and the boys. Peterson clung to Altimae's pants. Jony allowed the girls to pick him up. I looked over at Peterson at one point and the tears were just flowing down his cheek. I quickly picked him up and told him again that he was going home with me. He shook his head yes and clung to my neck.
We left a few minutes later and it took until we got home and they began playing before the smiles came back. I should have expected this reaction but didn't. I won't let them visit again until they ask.
Thanks to so many of you who emailed a response to these boys being with me. I still lay in bed at night and watch them sleep, so thrilled that I can give them a home. I have no clue what the future is for these boys, don't know what next month brings but I know what today brings, love, security and happiness for two boys who have never really known these things. Jony, aka Mr. Personality refused to call me poppy, instead calling me Blanc (white). Everytime I would say "what's my name?" he would say blanc, knowing that is not what to call me. Tonight we grilled hotdogs and it was time to eat. I asked Ricardo what my name was, he said "Poppy", I gave him a hotdog. I asked Peterson what my name was, he said "Poppy", he got a hotdog. I asked Jony what was my name, he smiled, looked at Ricardo, looked at Peterson, and finally said "Poppy". And he hasn't stopped saying it since.
I will have my webmaster get some pictures out this weekend of these two precious guys. What is so neat is to see the entire family come to their aid. Ricardo plays with them, Steven carries Jony, the older ones feed them, however, I get diaper duty.
So we push on, being Jesus to those around us, do the same will ya?
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
January 30th, 2009
Hi,
Today at 10am we bought our new 2009 Kia truck. What a blessing this will be for our ministry and family. I was then home previewing a movie on the Old Testament with pastor Jackie for church tomorrow, before heading out.
This is where my mistake might have happened. I had told the director of the orphanage that I would stop by today to let her know how the boys are doing. As I packed Peterson and Jony into the truck, Peterson got this long face. It was the same face I brought him home with, one void of hope. Then Jony began to scream. Altimae was holding him in the back seat. He cried and cried. Then he was passed to Roger in the front seat and he kept screaming. Finally I said to hand him to me. As soon as I took him, he stopped crying and put his head on my shoulder.
I drove this way down our back road but when we got to the main road, I passed him to Roger and he was okay. Once we got to the Good Samaritan Orphanage, a look of horror was on both the boys faces. We walked inside and all the kids came running to me and the boys. Peterson clung to Altimae's pants. Jony allowed the girls to pick him up. I looked over at Peterson at one point and the tears were just flowing down his cheek. I quickly picked him up and told him again that he was going home with me. He shook his head yes and clung to my neck.
We left a few minutes later and it took until we got home and they began playing before the smiles came back. I should have expected this reaction but didn't. I won't let them visit again until they ask.
Thanks to so many of you who emailed a response to these boys being with me. I still lay in bed at night and watch them sleep, so thrilled that I can give them a home. I have no clue what the future is for these boys, don't know what next month brings but I know what today brings, love, security and happiness for two boys who have never really known these things. Jony, aka Mr. Personality refused to call me poppy, instead calling me Blanc (white). Everytime I would say "what's my name?" he would say blanc, knowing that is not what to call me. Tonight we grilled hotdogs and it was time to eat. I asked Ricardo what my name was, he said "Poppy", I gave him a hotdog. I asked Peterson what my name was, he said "Poppy", he got a hotdog. I asked Jony what was my name, he smiled, looked at Ricardo, looked at Peterson, and finally said "Poppy". And he hasn't stopped saying it since.
I will have my webmaster get some pictures out this weekend of these two precious guys. What is so neat is to see the entire family come to their aid. Ricardo plays with them, Steven carries Jony, the older ones feed them, however, I get diaper duty.
So we push on, being Jesus to those around us, do the same will ya?
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
Thursday, January 29, 2009
John and Peter are in the house: A must read
Jesus in Haiti Ministries
January 29th, 2009
Dear friends,
I wrote "must read" because I know many of you only read some of my emails and I think you will be blessed by this one.
Two weeks ago I was at the Good Samaritan orphanage. This is the Haitian run orphanage that we support with food, medicine and finances. While there I picked a little boy named Peterson up. I can't explain the feeling I had picking him up but I knew this, God was giving him to me. I have had this experience with several of the boys, so I knew what it was.
Sadly, I didn't bring that boy home. I had every reason in the world to not bring a little 4 year old home with me. I convinced myself it was undoable.
This past Monday I was at the orphanage when a little 2 year old came up and tugged on my pants. I picked this little boy up and, again, God said, this is your son. This time, I did not fight it. I stood there with tears coming down my face. I knew what I had to do. I shared this with the director, Madam Lucien and she was so happy. I then asked if he had any siblings. She said "just one, let me go get him". As she walked towards the other 100 children, I spotted Peterson. I knew in my heart which child she was going to, and she did. She picked Peterson up and brought him to me, the boy who I didn't take 2 weeks ago.
The tears really began to flow as I held 50 pounds of two human lives. You sure can't blame God on being uncreative. I walked out with those two little boys, 2 year old Jony Isreal and 4 year old Peterson, not having a clue what I was getting myself into. My comment on the way home to those in the truck with me was "no one said you had to be smart to be a missionary".
We got home and you should have seen the 16 boys currently here, and mommy Tia. They flocked to these little ones. A few hours later it was time for bed. I put a mattress on the floor in my room and put them to bed. For the next 10 hours Peterson had diarrhea and Jony whimpered. I was wiping Peterson every 30 minutes, and holding Jony. He insisted on sleeping in my bed. Then he had to be ON my chest. As soon as I put him on my chest, he went right to sleep. I finally slipped him off and fell asleep. About 5 minutes later Jony rolled off the bed, onto pillows I had stacked but it scared him so bad he cried for 30 minutes.
The whole night I got just that 5 minutes sleep. Tuesday was a great day with the little guys. Tuesday night I laid them on the mattress on the floor, turned the fan on, covered them with a sheet and they were already sleeping. They did not move for 10 hours. The same last night. To think that at age 52, God has given me a 2 and 4 year old blows my mind. I will be like 100 when they graduate. During that first night, as I sat waiting for Peterson to do his duty, I began to thank God. I thanked God for choosing me, for this very special assignment.
We have it split up with my house staff, Roger, Altimae, Stephanie and Mommy Tia where we will all share the responsibilities. My shift every day is 7pm to 7am. (I get the easy one)
So along with Shadrach, Haslom, Sonal, Maxim, Roger, Altimae, Deckenson, Clasimay, Tito, Claudy, Matthew, Dearson, Sonson, Mommy tia, Stephanie, Keyley (Stephanie's 3 year old) Manel, Steven, Jay, and Ricardo, we now add Peterson and Jony Isreal.
I first thank God for allowing me to do this, then I thank you for making it possible. To have the God given ability to give life to these two little guys is overwhelming. Thank you to my board for allowing me the freedom to follow the call of God, concerning these precious children.
So much else going on, I pick up our new truck, a 2009 Kia tomorrow morning at 10:00, we are showing a Christian movie after church Saturday, we have 20+ visitors from Minnesota/Florida coming Monday, the actual foundation of the church will be starting within the week, and so much more.
My health has been great, the boys are all happy, healthy and being discipled. May God bless all of you who make this ministry happen on a daily basis. Pray for these two new little ones.
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
January 29th, 2009
Dear friends,
I wrote "must read" because I know many of you only read some of my emails and I think you will be blessed by this one.
Two weeks ago I was at the Good Samaritan orphanage. This is the Haitian run orphanage that we support with food, medicine and finances. While there I picked a little boy named Peterson up. I can't explain the feeling I had picking him up but I knew this, God was giving him to me. I have had this experience with several of the boys, so I knew what it was.
Sadly, I didn't bring that boy home. I had every reason in the world to not bring a little 4 year old home with me. I convinced myself it was undoable.
This past Monday I was at the orphanage when a little 2 year old came up and tugged on my pants. I picked this little boy up and, again, God said, this is your son. This time, I did not fight it. I stood there with tears coming down my face. I knew what I had to do. I shared this with the director, Madam Lucien and she was so happy. I then asked if he had any siblings. She said "just one, let me go get him". As she walked towards the other 100 children, I spotted Peterson. I knew in my heart which child she was going to, and she did. She picked Peterson up and brought him to me, the boy who I didn't take 2 weeks ago.
The tears really began to flow as I held 50 pounds of two human lives. You sure can't blame God on being uncreative. I walked out with those two little boys, 2 year old Jony Isreal and 4 year old Peterson, not having a clue what I was getting myself into. My comment on the way home to those in the truck with me was "no one said you had to be smart to be a missionary".
We got home and you should have seen the 16 boys currently here, and mommy Tia. They flocked to these little ones. A few hours later it was time for bed. I put a mattress on the floor in my room and put them to bed. For the next 10 hours Peterson had diarrhea and Jony whimpered. I was wiping Peterson every 30 minutes, and holding Jony. He insisted on sleeping in my bed. Then he had to be ON my chest. As soon as I put him on my chest, he went right to sleep. I finally slipped him off and fell asleep. About 5 minutes later Jony rolled off the bed, onto pillows I had stacked but it scared him so bad he cried for 30 minutes.
The whole night I got just that 5 minutes sleep. Tuesday was a great day with the little guys. Tuesday night I laid them on the mattress on the floor, turned the fan on, covered them with a sheet and they were already sleeping. They did not move for 10 hours. The same last night. To think that at age 52, God has given me a 2 and 4 year old blows my mind. I will be like 100 when they graduate. During that first night, as I sat waiting for Peterson to do his duty, I began to thank God. I thanked God for choosing me, for this very special assignment.
We have it split up with my house staff, Roger, Altimae, Stephanie and Mommy Tia where we will all share the responsibilities. My shift every day is 7pm to 7am. (I get the easy one)
So along with Shadrach, Haslom, Sonal, Maxim, Roger, Altimae, Deckenson, Clasimay, Tito, Claudy, Matthew, Dearson, Sonson, Mommy tia, Stephanie, Keyley (Stephanie's 3 year old) Manel, Steven, Jay, and Ricardo, we now add Peterson and Jony Isreal.
I first thank God for allowing me to do this, then I thank you for making it possible. To have the God given ability to give life to these two little guys is overwhelming. Thank you to my board for allowing me the freedom to follow the call of God, concerning these precious children.
So much else going on, I pick up our new truck, a 2009 Kia tomorrow morning at 10:00, we are showing a Christian movie after church Saturday, we have 20+ visitors from Minnesota/Florida coming Monday, the actual foundation of the church will be starting within the week, and so much more.
My health has been great, the boys are all happy, healthy and being discipled. May God bless all of you who make this ministry happen on a daily basis. Pray for these two new little ones.
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
Friday, January 23, 2009
Good Friday
Jesus in Haiti Ministries January 23rd, 2009
Hi from Haiti,THERE IS POWER, POWER, WONDER WORKING POWER: Today at noon, we had a part for our generator flown in, four hours later our mechanics had the generator running and we had power. Praise God! ALSO TODAY: Our truck is not big enough to haul our monthly rice shipment but Jony knew a Christian man with a big truck to this morning we took our trek for our monthly rice pickup, 100 boxes. We so appreciate LOVE A CHILD MISSION for giving us this rice each month. This rice feeds our school kids, the orphanage children, people from our church, our home and partially, the New Roads dump folks.
A good day, power restored, warehouse full for another month, a shower for me, things getting back to normal. Thank you to those of you who prayed. Does me so good to be reminded of God's blessing and to know that no matter how bad it gets for me, I still live better than 95% of those around me.
Church tomorrow, day of rest Sunday, Grill out at garbage dump Monday, town Tuesday, a group of 21 coming from Minnestota/Florida and on and on goes life. While this week has been a little tough, life was not bad for a second. God is good, God provides.
I did want to mention that the large gift I talked about was all designated for a purpose, not given to the general fund. I didn't want you to think we were overflowing with funds and did not need your help. Every penny anyone designates towards the church, or property purchase or orphanage or truck or whatever, goes directly to that.
I was playing with a calculator today and these numbers jumped out at me. Now, I know you can make numbers say whatever you want but I am not doing that. I simply divided our monthly budget of 10,500, by the amount of people who eat, go to school, receive medical attention or have housing.
The number of people we help daily is around 450. Divide that by 10,500 and you get 23. Simple, money in divided by people helped equals $23 PER MONTH, PER PERSON. That folks is 76 cents per day, per person. Try to live on 76 cents per day. Now, if I wanted to play with numbers and add another 200 who are partially helped, I could get that number down to about 16 cents per day.
Bottom line is, for not much, many, many people are being helped, with the sole purpose of making disciples to be part of changing a nation for Christ. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done for this ministry, for me personally, for my family but most important, FOR GOD.
For me, a great 23 days to start the year. Please, take the time to let me know about YOUR first 23 days, I would love to hear.
May God bless, 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
Forward email
Hi from Haiti,THERE IS POWER, POWER, WONDER WORKING POWER: Today at noon, we had a part for our generator flown in, four hours later our mechanics had the generator running and we had power. Praise God! ALSO TODAY: Our truck is not big enough to haul our monthly rice shipment but Jony knew a Christian man with a big truck to this morning we took our trek for our monthly rice pickup, 100 boxes. We so appreciate LOVE A CHILD MISSION for giving us this rice each month. This rice feeds our school kids, the orphanage children, people from our church, our home and partially, the New Roads dump folks.
A good day, power restored, warehouse full for another month, a shower for me, things getting back to normal. Thank you to those of you who prayed. Does me so good to be reminded of God's blessing and to know that no matter how bad it gets for me, I still live better than 95% of those around me.
Church tomorrow, day of rest Sunday, Grill out at garbage dump Monday, town Tuesday, a group of 21 coming from Minnestota/Florida and on and on goes life. While this week has been a little tough, life was not bad for a second. God is good, God provides.
I did want to mention that the large gift I talked about was all designated for a purpose, not given to the general fund. I didn't want you to think we were overflowing with funds and did not need your help. Every penny anyone designates towards the church, or property purchase or orphanage or truck or whatever, goes directly to that.
I was playing with a calculator today and these numbers jumped out at me. Now, I know you can make numbers say whatever you want but I am not doing that. I simply divided our monthly budget of 10,500, by the amount of people who eat, go to school, receive medical attention or have housing.
The number of people we help daily is around 450. Divide that by 10,500 and you get 23. Simple, money in divided by people helped equals $23 PER MONTH, PER PERSON. That folks is 76 cents per day, per person. Try to live on 76 cents per day. Now, if I wanted to play with numbers and add another 200 who are partially helped, I could get that number down to about 16 cents per day.
Bottom line is, for not much, many, many people are being helped, with the sole purpose of making disciples to be part of changing a nation for Christ. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done for this ministry, for me personally, for my family but most important, FOR GOD.
For me, a great 23 days to start the year. Please, take the time to let me know about YOUR first 23 days, I would love to hear.
May God bless, 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
Forward email
Where were you at 2:51?
Jesus in Haiti Ministries January 23rd, 2009
Wow, today at 2:51 pm we got city power. After several days of no power, we were just waiting and waiting. Then it happened, the lights came on, everyone was so happy, life was restored again. Our darkness was turned to light and we celebrated. The light had come.
Then something funny happened, I looked across the street and noticed the neighbors were not celebrating, you see, they didn't have the power available, so the light didn't come to them. This caused me to think. (look out when that happens)
I thought, you know, someday "the light" will show up at 5:14, 9:42 or maybe even at 2:51. The light being our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a day that will be, a time cemented for eternity as the time Christ came back for his church. However, some won't be excited, for many, the light won't be coming for them and how sad that is, just like our neighbors who didn't get light today.
I have been thinking of this every since. Think of the skies opening up, the trumpets sounding, Jesus coming for us who He created, who He loves, and who He died for. Are you ready for that day, are you excited about that day? The apostle Paul says "to live is Christ, to die is GAIN". Isn't that what all of us want, to gain? I hear people all the time say "well, I want to go to Heaven but not yet, I want to see my kids/grandkids grow up". When I hear this, I know they have not a clue about what lies ahead, when time stops, and we leave. There is only one reason that any of us would possibly NOT want Christ to come back. That is if a loved one does not know the Lord, or even for the millions around the world who will be lost forever. If you really think watching your kids grow up compares to what God has for us, you will be in for a surprise.
The fact of the matter is, the Bible boldly predicts that Christ will come back again, for his church. Many people believe that time is near. This should even push us more to be Jesus to those around us. How sad for that day to happen and any of us say "darn, we should have spoke up". It will be to late at that point. This really is life or death, eternal life or eternal death. Sorry to say, we lost our light a bit ago but when Christ returns, the light will never go out. Be ready will ya, look forward to that day, What a day that will be, when my Jesus I will see, when we look upon His face, the One who saved us by His grace, and when He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land, what a day, glorious day that will be. I am ready, are you?
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
Wow, today at 2:51 pm we got city power. After several days of no power, we were just waiting and waiting. Then it happened, the lights came on, everyone was so happy, life was restored again. Our darkness was turned to light and we celebrated. The light had come.
Then something funny happened, I looked across the street and noticed the neighbors were not celebrating, you see, they didn't have the power available, so the light didn't come to them. This caused me to think. (look out when that happens)
I thought, you know, someday "the light" will show up at 5:14, 9:42 or maybe even at 2:51. The light being our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a day that will be, a time cemented for eternity as the time Christ came back for his church. However, some won't be excited, for many, the light won't be coming for them and how sad that is, just like our neighbors who didn't get light today.
I have been thinking of this every since. Think of the skies opening up, the trumpets sounding, Jesus coming for us who He created, who He loves, and who He died for. Are you ready for that day, are you excited about that day? The apostle Paul says "to live is Christ, to die is GAIN". Isn't that what all of us want, to gain? I hear people all the time say "well, I want to go to Heaven but not yet, I want to see my kids/grandkids grow up". When I hear this, I know they have not a clue about what lies ahead, when time stops, and we leave. There is only one reason that any of us would possibly NOT want Christ to come back. That is if a loved one does not know the Lord, or even for the millions around the world who will be lost forever. If you really think watching your kids grow up compares to what God has for us, you will be in for a surprise.
The fact of the matter is, the Bible boldly predicts that Christ will come back again, for his church. Many people believe that time is near. This should even push us more to be Jesus to those around us. How sad for that day to happen and any of us say "darn, we should have spoke up". It will be to late at that point. This really is life or death, eternal life or eternal death. Sorry to say, we lost our light a bit ago but when Christ returns, the light will never go out. Be ready will ya, look forward to that day, What a day that will be, when my Jesus I will see, when we look upon His face, the One who saved us by His grace, and when He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land, what a day, glorious day that will be. I am ready, are you?
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
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I AM ALIVE
Jesus in Haiti Ministries
Dear long lost friends, Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
Wow how time flies! Has it really been 3 weeks since I wrote you? Once I started getting the "are you alive?" emails, I figured I better write.
Please never take the lack of emails as a lack of ministry, quite the opposite, if I don't have time to write you, there is a great reason. I know in the past when I have not sent emails, our support for that month has went way down. I pray this did not happen this month. The last two months in 2008 we were about $2000 short on our income and we can't afford that again.
I have been so busy I just have not been able to sit and chat with you and for this I apologize. For this entire year, since Jan. 1, Haiti has not had gasoline. They have had it but it was only sold via the black market and what a mess this created. Just today I was able to fill the little Suzuki up and get our cans filled.
Also as I sit here tonight writing this, our 3 houses are dark with the exception of my little portable generator running outside my door to power my lap top. Our generator has been down a couple days as we await a part (seal) to stop an oil leak. Without this big generator we can't pump water so we sit here with no water and no power. You may say what's the big deal, it's only in the 80's there, but the big deal is, with no fans we get lots of mosquitoes attack during the night, millions. I got a late start on supper but quickly boiled some hotdogs and we ate outside as the inside was to dark.
Despite no water, no power, no showers, no nothing, there is no place in the world I would rather be than right here, right now. The past three weeks have been just awesome. God is blessing in ways I can't begin to share. Each point of light is shining so brightly, that I am blessed.
Our board of directors and a few others just left today. They spent the last week visiting and doing ministry in our points of light, including a wonderful cookout at the garbage dump yesterday. What a joy it was to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the world's greatest people. So much was accomplished in the past week including our yearly board meeting, finalizing details of the foundation of the New Victory Bible church, ministering to people, meeting with a Haitian attorney who is going to help us do some neat things and so much more.
Last night I stayed the night at the hotel with our visitors. As we sat around in a group reflecting on the week, someone mentioned the tough economic times ahead. I reminded them of my favorite saying "God has more loose change in his couch that we will ever need, don't worry about it".
It was a few minutes later my son Claudy called me from home frantically telling me to check my e-mail. I quickly did only to find an email from the USA saying "$95,000 has been given to our ministry, including $25,000 to buy a new truck".
If you will remember it was just a few short months ago I shared the need for a truck. I waited, I prayed and I knew that in God's time, we would get our truck. Today I began the process of the purchase of another truck identical to the one we have, a Kia 4 door, white instead of blue. Our God is so amazing and what a sense of humor He must have. I can just see him sitting near the pool at our hotel, listening to us talk. When He heard me mention the "loose change", I can just imagine this conversation: "Gabe, when you finish your time in the pool, I want you to go back up to Heaven, fish out about $95,000 dollars in loose change from my couch, this Osbeck guy knows it's there". Gabriel did it.
To the party responsible for this gift, words can never express my gratitude for what you have done for this ministry, for these people, for God! Thank you so much!
I wish I could share 20 more days of loving people, helping people, of being Jesus to people but I will stop. Just know that God is moving in big ways and if you can help us keep this going, please do. Our website is full of needs and our general fund is always on the bubble. To those of you who continue to give so sacrificially, from the bottom of my heart I thank you.
Being in the center of God's will is usually never the safest, or the most comfortable place to be, as I am finding out, BUT IT IS THE BEST PLACE TO BE. Thanks for giving me the priveledge of representing you, and Christ in this wonderful place.
May God bless you, 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
Dear long lost friends, Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
Wow how time flies! Has it really been 3 weeks since I wrote you? Once I started getting the "are you alive?" emails, I figured I better write.
Please never take the lack of emails as a lack of ministry, quite the opposite, if I don't have time to write you, there is a great reason. I know in the past when I have not sent emails, our support for that month has went way down. I pray this did not happen this month. The last two months in 2008 we were about $2000 short on our income and we can't afford that again.
I have been so busy I just have not been able to sit and chat with you and for this I apologize. For this entire year, since Jan. 1, Haiti has not had gasoline. They have had it but it was only sold via the black market and what a mess this created. Just today I was able to fill the little Suzuki up and get our cans filled.
Also as I sit here tonight writing this, our 3 houses are dark with the exception of my little portable generator running outside my door to power my lap top. Our generator has been down a couple days as we await a part (seal) to stop an oil leak. Without this big generator we can't pump water so we sit here with no water and no power. You may say what's the big deal, it's only in the 80's there, but the big deal is, with no fans we get lots of mosquitoes attack during the night, millions. I got a late start on supper but quickly boiled some hotdogs and we ate outside as the inside was to dark.
Despite no water, no power, no showers, no nothing, there is no place in the world I would rather be than right here, right now. The past three weeks have been just awesome. God is blessing in ways I can't begin to share. Each point of light is shining so brightly, that I am blessed.
Our board of directors and a few others just left today. They spent the last week visiting and doing ministry in our points of light, including a wonderful cookout at the garbage dump yesterday. What a joy it was to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the world's greatest people. So much was accomplished in the past week including our yearly board meeting, finalizing details of the foundation of the New Victory Bible church, ministering to people, meeting with a Haitian attorney who is going to help us do some neat things and so much more.
Last night I stayed the night at the hotel with our visitors. As we sat around in a group reflecting on the week, someone mentioned the tough economic times ahead. I reminded them of my favorite saying "God has more loose change in his couch that we will ever need, don't worry about it".
It was a few minutes later my son Claudy called me from home frantically telling me to check my e-mail. I quickly did only to find an email from the USA saying "$95,000 has been given to our ministry, including $25,000 to buy a new truck".
If you will remember it was just a few short months ago I shared the need for a truck. I waited, I prayed and I knew that in God's time, we would get our truck. Today I began the process of the purchase of another truck identical to the one we have, a Kia 4 door, white instead of blue. Our God is so amazing and what a sense of humor He must have. I can just see him sitting near the pool at our hotel, listening to us talk. When He heard me mention the "loose change", I can just imagine this conversation: "Gabe, when you finish your time in the pool, I want you to go back up to Heaven, fish out about $95,000 dollars in loose change from my couch, this Osbeck guy knows it's there". Gabriel did it.
To the party responsible for this gift, words can never express my gratitude for what you have done for this ministry, for these people, for God! Thank you so much!
I wish I could share 20 more days of loving people, helping people, of being Jesus to people but I will stop. Just know that God is moving in big ways and if you can help us keep this going, please do. Our website is full of needs and our general fund is always on the bubble. To those of you who continue to give so sacrificially, from the bottom of my heart I thank you.
Being in the center of God's will is usually never the safest, or the most comfortable place to be, as I am finding out, BUT IT IS THE BEST PLACE TO BE. Thanks for giving me the priveledge of representing you, and Christ in this wonderful place.
May God bless you, 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
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