Hi from Haiti,

Today I was putting together a plan for our ministry and family when the time comes that God takes me home, to Glory. I'm sure it doesn't sound like a fun thing to do, but it is very important not to leave things in confusion.

After making the plan, I began to think about death. I thought about what people say when someone dies:

"Wow, such a normal day, he got up, had some toast, read the paper, took Fido for a walk then mowed the yard. Then he had a tuna sandwhich, took a nap and read some. He then went to the store on the corner for some bread and milk, got some gas and came home. We then had supper, watched some tv and then..............he was gone."

A normal day and we are always curious of these types of details.

I was thinking, what if this was said: "He got up, had his devotions, prayed for about 30 minutes and had breakfast. He dropped some food off for a needy family, mowed the lawn of widow Elsie, and later took brother Alfred to his eye appointment. He met with his friend Russ and shared the Gospel with him, and they had a good talk. He read his Bible for awhile, played hoops with the neighborhood kids, helped me make supper and we had devotions at the table with the kids. Later, he played monopoly, helped pick up around the house, and went to bed, and never woke up." My point is this, each day is a gift, each hour is a time we never get back. My dad used to say "everything done for us will pass, only what is done for Christ will last." What are you and I doing each day, each hour, for Christ that will last for eternity? How precious do we treat each hour?

Are we doing for others, are we sharing our faith, are we spending time with our family instead of our laptop, are we being Jesus to those around us? Are we the hands and feet of Jesus?

I can do better, I will do better. See, I don't know when my last day is but when that day comes, I sure hope my last days account will please my Lord. tominhaiti

Dear friends,

Hello from hot Haiti. Although I know it is hot where most of you live, two letters are the only difference...AC!

Tuesday update:

The Gophers are gone: Every group who visits us on a missions trip is full of wonderful, loving people. The group of 14 who just left yesterday was no different. I don't know when I have enjoyed a week so much. I laughed hard, cried harder and made friends for life.

This group, led by Pastor Dave from Becker, Minnesota made an eternal difference on these people of Haiti, and a fat old missionary guy. Thank you gang.ps- only weakness this group had was they were Twins fans, and didn't like Tiger fans

Time off: I am taking a few days break before a missions team from Washington, D.C. visits next week. The boys finished school today so summer is here.

Kindergarten graduation: This past Friday 8 students graduated into the first grade and we had a ceremony for them as is custom in Haiti. They dragged me up front and one of the teachers read a speech she had written to me. One line touched me "pastor Tom, we can say this in 4 languages but really there aren't enough languages in the world to properly say thanks for what you have done for these 89 students, and us, the teachers."

Elections: This past Sunday was Haiti's 2nd attempt at electing it's 19 senators. The first time only 11% voted and was marred by violence and some say fraud. They tried it again and maybe only got 5% this past Sunday, although that hasn't been announced yet.

WJC: The past two days we have had electricity NON-STOP. Normally it comes on at 4pm and is off by 4 or 5 am. For 48 hours it hasn't stopped. One of the boys said "Wow, Bill Clinton is already making a difference." I had to smile thinking of all you Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh fans gritting your teeth when you heard that one.

Yo Addrianno: I met the younger brother of one of my boys, Sonson, this week. He is 5 and his name is Addrianno. I didn't know he existed. What a sharp little boy. I brought him home after church with us and he stayed until today. He is back with his Mom who is very poor and not very stable emotionally. I am praying what to do.

This past week I was talking to one of the boys and he said "Today I saw my dad, I hadn't seen him in two years. I was on a tap tap going down the road and I saw him by the road, I waved to him and he didn't wave back. He saw me but didn't wave back. Thank you poppy for being my REAL dad."

It is hot here, and gets very discouraging at times but then someone comes along to encourage and remind us that we are making a difference. Pastor Dave who just left said this to me "Tom, in America we make lots of Christians, but very few disciples. Here in Haiti, you are making disciples."

I can't end this without thanking my dad for instilling that in me. 12 years ago today, June 23rd, 1997, we laid my dad to rest. Dad, I miss you, I love you and I will never forget you. I am so happy you have enjoyed 12 years in Glory, with the Savior you loved so much. You told me once "Haiti is yours, go conquer it for Christ." I'm trying Dad, I'm really trying. Love, Tom p.s.- leave a light on will ya?

Dear friends, Saturday afternoon

The past couple weeks has been very productive, and very busy for me at times. Just yesterday a wonderful team of high school students left us to head back to Cincinnati, Ohio. What a group they were. They did something that was a little different, instead of making the rounds; they wanted to focus on just our school and orphanage. For 4 straight days that is where we were.

They also took pictures (over 200) and had a machine that printed them and on the last day we presented each child with a certificate, with their picture on it, saying they were a special child of God. The fun part was handing them out. All of our visiting Americans and Haitian staff formed two lines. We then called the kids names one by one and each child walked the gauntlet getting high fived, hugged and clapped for.

It was so special to see these kids with eyes so big and smiles bigger, hearing their name and walking that line, feeling so loved. This was no small feat when you think of calling the names one at a time, of over 200 children, while standing in the sun cheering and clapping. Very hot and tiring but oh so worth it. This was these kids championship moment, and they will never forget it. Thank you SonRise Church of Cincinnati for coming, for loving and for leaving.........................such a big part of your love behind.

We are enjoying a couple days of rest here and then are excited to have 14 adults from Minnesota arriving this Monday afternoon for a week of ministry. They will be taking the mountain walk doing evangelism, teaching training seminars for our staff and much more. We can't wait pastor Dave.

Yes the heat is on but like anything else, the body adapts. Tomorrow morning we are taking the family up to the top of the mountains overlooking Port Au Prince for some sightseeing and time away. Might stop at the national stadium on the way back for a soccer game. They boys sacrifice so much when groups come. They love it but all lose their beds and space so tomorrow will be a day for the boys.

Some on my board didn't like me telling our shortfall the past couple months and telling the amount we were short. Both months someone covered the shortfall but my methods seemed tacky I guess. I was simply trying to let you know that we need prayer and help in this area. When we have a shortfall, I don't suffer. I still have a home and a hot meal everyday and a electricity. Who suffers are those who don't have what I do as budgets are cut for shortfalls. When I say what we are short, I am not asking for money, just letting you know our need, what you do with that knowledge is up to you. Did I mention we were $5000 short this month? (kidding of course)

We did go through a death here at the mission headquarters. I don't want to alarm or upset anyone but Tabby, one of my turtles died this past week. We are waiting on the autopsy.

All the 5 points of light are going strong. Our school graduation is this coming Friday. What that means is the students in kindergarten graduate to the first grade and every school has a big whoopty do over that. The sad reality is 99% of these kids won't graduate high school in most schools so they celebrate when they can. We will change that with our school. Our oldest class is 4th graders and in 8 or 9 years we will have a high school graduation to top them all. Thanks to your help to make this happen.

Thanks so much for your prayers, emails and financial support. Jesus really is in Haiti, living in us, we are His hands and feet as we proclaim the gospel to these precious people. Thanks so much for your part in this. 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

Hi,

Yesterday as I had my morning devotions, I finished up the book of first Timothy. Talk about saving the best for last, in the very last verse of the book, it says "guard the treasure that has been entrusted to you." That really struck me. I began to think of what had been entrusted to me. 150 orphans who call me Pappa Tom and sometimes crowd around me and squeeze me with all their might.

89 students at our school, none who would receive an education or daily food, without Grace Emmanuel School

200+ in the village of Merjay, receiving love, hope and the life changing message of the Gospel, for the first time

A church of several hundred, preaching the gospel, making disciples, teaching them to do the same

A $9200 monthly budget to make this ministry happen and feed over 500 people per month

A staff of over 30, (including school staff)

And most importantly, 19 young people and children who call me dad. Yes, I have been entrusted with much, an overwhelming amount of treasure. I am guarding these treasures with my life, as I am supposed to. Thanks to God, and to you for making this possible. How about you, do you know the treasures in your life, have you added them up, are you guarding them..............with YOUR life? Just asking. Take care, 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