Monday, July 20, 2009
A Good Bible Story, In Real Time
Dear friends,
This past couple weeks have been very tough for me. Seems like every possible thing that could go wrong, went wrong. Lots of frustrations and things to deal with. Add the heat and you have a not so fun situation.
Last Wednesday I needed some time alone so took our friends from Minnesota to the airport and then headed to town. I normally don't go alone but did this day. As I was taking my usual route, I found myself right in front of ex-President Aristide's residence, in the middle of thousands of screaming, shouting people.
You see, it was his birthday and his followers were celebrating. Traffic was backed up and I was right in the middle, all by myself. The worst part was my truck was being rocked back and forth and people were pounding on my truck.
I finally made it through this and was headed up the hill. Coming down a hill right at me were several hundred, running, screaming people, all chanting and banging drums. I quickly pulled into a grocery store parking lot and parked the truck. A ring of about a dozen guards circled the store with their machine guns ready. I stood behind them feeling pretty safe watching the birthday celebration race past. I was happy to get home and will never forget July 15th, and the birthday of President Aristide.
The next couple of days I was really down and discouraged. I even thought about not going to church. At the last minute I thought "hey stupid, that is what charges your batteries and gets you ready for another week." I went to church.
We pulled up to church in the middle of a huge monsoon. I was sitting in the truck with the little ones, as the older ones had ridden with Manel and were in the church. I ran the kids one by one through the blinding rain.
There were about 35 of us in the church with this monsoon hitting full force. The rain was coming in the south window, so we were seated on the north side. The rain also began to come in the north window so we all ran to the middle of the church. Then unexpectedly, the rain came through the front door, right down the middle of the church. We all ran for the stage and huddled, trying to keep the sound equipment dry and the little ones warm.
We ended up having about a 40 minute church service with some singing. I gave a challenge and then we headed home before the roads began to flood. On the way home we came across an attempted ambush of a local judge. The road had been blocked by rocks waiting for the judge but his body guards with machine guns cleared the area, moved the rocks and we got through. Never a dull moment here.
Part of the frustration of the past week was with some of the boys. Their report cards were poor and they didn't want to accept their discipline. One went to the village to stay without permission. He is 18 and he was safe, so it was not a dangerous situation. I had heard he was going to stay 2 weeks.
He was there 2 days and last night he walked in the house. I was so happy to see him. I just jumped up and gave him a hug. I asked him if he was hungry, he said "yes." I went to the freezer and took out my personal stock of beef. Haitian beef is only about 40% beef so I get some 100% beef for my own personal use at a lunch here and there.
I grabbed two of these burgers, ran to the grill and began to cook them. As I was standing there cooking the beef, an unbeleivable feeling came over me. I thought, son upset....son leaves home.....father sad......son comes home....father happy......father cooks beef for son.....son happy. I thought, wow, I just lived out a real time Bible story, even down to the beef part.
What happened next stunned me. Another one of the older boys came up to me and said "why did you do that for him? He left mad and you are treating him like he did nothing wrong, you even gave him the burgers that were for you." What a way to finish that Bible story.
I didn't remember if this was part of the story but I went in and got two more burgers and made him two, which he was happy to eat.
Probably nothing world changing, what I just wrote, but a glimpse of my life and what I deal with.
As most of you know, we get 100 boxes of rice from an organization in Minnesota called Feed the Starving Children. This Thursday the executives of that large organization are coming to Haiti and I have been asked to take 10-14 of them with us for the day. We will visit our points of light and they will get to see their rice in action. I quickly accepted their invitation and I am so excited about Thursday. These folks do missions work all over the world and will get to see what God is doing, in our little corner of the world.
We currently have some friends from Fort Wayne here, 6 college students, who will be doing ministry for the next week. Lots going on, God is still changing lives, and His kingdom is advancing, here in Haiti. Thank you so much for your help with your prayers and finances, to make this happen. 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
This past couple weeks have been very tough for me. Seems like every possible thing that could go wrong, went wrong. Lots of frustrations and things to deal with. Add the heat and you have a not so fun situation.
Last Wednesday I needed some time alone so took our friends from Minnesota to the airport and then headed to town. I normally don't go alone but did this day. As I was taking my usual route, I found myself right in front of ex-President Aristide's residence, in the middle of thousands of screaming, shouting people.
You see, it was his birthday and his followers were celebrating. Traffic was backed up and I was right in the middle, all by myself. The worst part was my truck was being rocked back and forth and people were pounding on my truck.
I finally made it through this and was headed up the hill. Coming down a hill right at me were several hundred, running, screaming people, all chanting and banging drums. I quickly pulled into a grocery store parking lot and parked the truck. A ring of about a dozen guards circled the store with their machine guns ready. I stood behind them feeling pretty safe watching the birthday celebration race past. I was happy to get home and will never forget July 15th, and the birthday of President Aristide.
The next couple of days I was really down and discouraged. I even thought about not going to church. At the last minute I thought "hey stupid, that is what charges your batteries and gets you ready for another week." I went to church.
We pulled up to church in the middle of a huge monsoon. I was sitting in the truck with the little ones, as the older ones had ridden with Manel and were in the church. I ran the kids one by one through the blinding rain.
There were about 35 of us in the church with this monsoon hitting full force. The rain was coming in the south window, so we were seated on the north side. The rain also began to come in the north window so we all ran to the middle of the church. Then unexpectedly, the rain came through the front door, right down the middle of the church. We all ran for the stage and huddled, trying to keep the sound equipment dry and the little ones warm.
We ended up having about a 40 minute church service with some singing. I gave a challenge and then we headed home before the roads began to flood. On the way home we came across an attempted ambush of a local judge. The road had been blocked by rocks waiting for the judge but his body guards with machine guns cleared the area, moved the rocks and we got through. Never a dull moment here.
Part of the frustration of the past week was with some of the boys. Their report cards were poor and they didn't want to accept their discipline. One went to the village to stay without permission. He is 18 and he was safe, so it was not a dangerous situation. I had heard he was going to stay 2 weeks.
He was there 2 days and last night he walked in the house. I was so happy to see him. I just jumped up and gave him a hug. I asked him if he was hungry, he said "yes." I went to the freezer and took out my personal stock of beef. Haitian beef is only about 40% beef so I get some 100% beef for my own personal use at a lunch here and there.
I grabbed two of these burgers, ran to the grill and began to cook them. As I was standing there cooking the beef, an unbeleivable feeling came over me. I thought, son upset....son leaves home.....father sad......son comes home....father happy......father cooks beef for son.....son happy. I thought, wow, I just lived out a real time Bible story, even down to the beef part.
What happened next stunned me. Another one of the older boys came up to me and said "why did you do that for him? He left mad and you are treating him like he did nothing wrong, you even gave him the burgers that were for you." What a way to finish that Bible story.
I didn't remember if this was part of the story but I went in and got two more burgers and made him two, which he was happy to eat.
Probably nothing world changing, what I just wrote, but a glimpse of my life and what I deal with.
As most of you know, we get 100 boxes of rice from an organization in Minnesota called Feed the Starving Children. This Thursday the executives of that large organization are coming to Haiti and I have been asked to take 10-14 of them with us for the day. We will visit our points of light and they will get to see their rice in action. I quickly accepted their invitation and I am so excited about Thursday. These folks do missions work all over the world and will get to see what God is doing, in our little corner of the world.
We currently have some friends from Fort Wayne here, 6 college students, who will be doing ministry for the next week. Lots going on, God is still changing lives, and His kingdom is advancing, here in Haiti. Thank you so much for your help with your prayers and finances, to make this happen. 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, July 14, 2009
Walking on Clouds
Hi from Haiti, Tuesday night
I trust this email finds you well, happy and loving life. Life is moving fast here and the below is just a touch of what is going on.
2 old goats: Today we bought two goats to live on the mission property and keep the grass low, a male and female of course. Of course the boy we named "Billy" and his mate I named.............Hillary. Billy and Hillary are getting settled, although Billy has been checking out the female goats on the other side of the fence. Our grass is greener but Hillary doesn't seem to mind so........................
Bobby update: My son Bobby, who had surgery two weeks ago, and was brought to my house 10 days ago, is doing very well. He went to church with us and has been up and around. He went Monday to get the stitches out of his stomach, but the doctors are still on strike. It was pretty dangerous around the hospital so it did not get done. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for him.
Cloud walking: We have a farmer visiting from Minnesota who is committed to starting some farming here in Haiti. The old "give them a fish they eat for a day, teach them to fish they eat for a lifetime." This is not fish, it is corn, beans and such. Monday morning Steve, the farmer, and my Jony and Altimae flew by plane to the southern tip of Haiti to check out some farming projects that are working in Haiti.
The boys have never been in a plane and really enjoyed that part of the trip. Jony at one point said to Steve "those clouds are beautiful, if I stepped on them, could I walk on them?"
They had a great trip and made some great contacts as this project will be getting off the ground shortly, we pray. All seed money and any land bought will be separate from any mission funds. The money has been donated for this project.
Ricardo: This is the little boy I brought home from the garbage dump this past fall. Two weeks ago I prayed to the Lord to find an adoptive family. Ricardo needs special attention that only a mom and dad could provide and.................today I received an email from a family interested in adopting Ricardo. Guess God heard my prayer and passed it on.
Told you so: To those of you who doubted me, my Detroit Tigers are in first place at the all-star break. If you aren't happy with this, go take a long walk off a short plank.
Ministry: Being summer, things have slowed a little with day to day ministry as our school is closed and we are taking a couple of weeks break from English/Bible classes. Church is going well with attendance pretty solid, which is unusual for the summer.
Today I spent several hours at the Good Samaritan Orphange and the kids are really doing well. They look so healthy and, Pastor Jason, those water jugs are a life saver for these kids. None were sick and all very happy to be playing and having fun.
My boys are of course out for the summer so having a houseful all day is not always fun, but I can know this, school is coming again.
Closing: I reminded our church folks this past week that the original search and rescue mission was done by Jesus Himself. He went to Jericho looking for a man. He found him sitting in a tree, then went to his home and changed his life.
Jesus said "I come to seek and to save that which was lost." That is what Jesus did, that is what we are to do. Too many times we wait for the right time and the right place. Guess what? Rescue situations happen when least expected, where least expected. In other words, they don't come to you. The word "seek" means to look. Are you looking for those who need to be rescued? We can't save anyone, but we can sure throw them a lifeline. When was the last time you threw a lifeline? It's important you know.
Drop me a line, let me know about that lifeline, or, why you haven't thrown one lately. God doesn't ask us to evangelize, He commands it. My dad used to say "just following my marching orders." That's what I try to do, how about 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
I trust this email finds you well, happy and loving life. Life is moving fast here and the below is just a touch of what is going on.
2 old goats: Today we bought two goats to live on the mission property and keep the grass low, a male and female of course. Of course the boy we named "Billy" and his mate I named.............Hillary. Billy and Hillary are getting settled, although Billy has been checking out the female goats on the other side of the fence. Our grass is greener but Hillary doesn't seem to mind so........................
Bobby update: My son Bobby, who had surgery two weeks ago, and was brought to my house 10 days ago, is doing very well. He went to church with us and has been up and around. He went Monday to get the stitches out of his stomach, but the doctors are still on strike. It was pretty dangerous around the hospital so it did not get done. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for him.
Cloud walking: We have a farmer visiting from Minnesota who is committed to starting some farming here in Haiti. The old "give them a fish they eat for a day, teach them to fish they eat for a lifetime." This is not fish, it is corn, beans and such. Monday morning Steve, the farmer, and my Jony and Altimae flew by plane to the southern tip of Haiti to check out some farming projects that are working in Haiti.
The boys have never been in a plane and really enjoyed that part of the trip. Jony at one point said to Steve "those clouds are beautiful, if I stepped on them, could I walk on them?"
They had a great trip and made some great contacts as this project will be getting off the ground shortly, we pray. All seed money and any land bought will be separate from any mission funds. The money has been donated for this project.
Ricardo: This is the little boy I brought home from the garbage dump this past fall. Two weeks ago I prayed to the Lord to find an adoptive family. Ricardo needs special attention that only a mom and dad could provide and.................today I received an email from a family interested in adopting Ricardo. Guess God heard my prayer and passed it on.
Told you so: To those of you who doubted me, my Detroit Tigers are in first place at the all-star break. If you aren't happy with this, go take a long walk off a short plank.
Ministry: Being summer, things have slowed a little with day to day ministry as our school is closed and we are taking a couple of weeks break from English/Bible classes. Church is going well with attendance pretty solid, which is unusual for the summer.
Today I spent several hours at the Good Samaritan Orphange and the kids are really doing well. They look so healthy and, Pastor Jason, those water jugs are a life saver for these kids. None were sick and all very happy to be playing and having fun.
My boys are of course out for the summer so having a houseful all day is not always fun, but I can know this, school is coming again.
Closing: I reminded our church folks this past week that the original search and rescue mission was done by Jesus Himself. He went to Jericho looking for a man. He found him sitting in a tree, then went to his home and changed his life.
Jesus said "I come to seek and to save that which was lost." That is what Jesus did, that is what we are to do. Too many times we wait for the right time and the right place. Guess what? Rescue situations happen when least expected, where least expected. In other words, they don't come to you. The word "seek" means to look. Are you looking for those who need to be rescued? We can't save anyone, but we can sure throw them a lifeline. When was the last time you threw a lifeline? It's important you know.
Drop me a line, let me know about that lifeline, or, why you haven't thrown one lately. God doesn't ask us to evangelize, He commands it. My dad used to say "just following my marching orders." That's what I try to do, how about 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
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday update from the land of sun and fun
Dear friends, family,
Maryland: We have 7 wonderful people visiting from Maryland and we have enjoyed them here as they assist in ministry. They have been a blessing to us and the folks here in Haiti. Thank you Amy for making this trip happen.
North to Alaska: One of our board member couples from Florida, Anna and Bill Blaisdell took a trip to Alaska for the 4th of July week. The day they arrived, the governor resigned. Not sure if Anna is planning on being their new governor or what is going on.
Fondi, our school director: His mother is dying from TB. She has been suffering for a few weeks but they have begun to plan the funeral. A funeral is cheaper if you buy it before a person dies so they are making preparations today. Pray for the Moses family and for mom who is on her way to Glory.
Jony/Peterson: Pastor Chad and his wife, Julie Ricks, from Cincinnati, Ohio have asked to adopt these precious brothers and have begun the process here in Haiti. We are so excited for the boys and their new family, but we will miss them.
Finances: I know economic times are tough around the globe and we too have experienced a budget shortfall at JiH for the past four months. Please continue to pray for improved economic conditions for everyone. If you find a few coins lying around and send them to JiH we will put them to good use for ministry in Haiti.
School is out for the summer: So I have a houseful everyday. Takes some time to get adjusted, but I always do.
Honduras: In reading a letter from a missionary there, he said NOT to believe the media in their reporting of what is going on. He said the people protesting aren't even from the country. I also noticed Israel supports the coup. That might tell us something.
Lost my room: One of my older sons, Bobby, was jumped a couple weeks ago and beat up pretty badly in the village near his aunt's home where he lived. He was beaten with rocks inside towels.
He suffered internal bleeding and had surgery this past Sunday. His surgery took place downtown in the General hospital, the largest hospital in Haiti. While visiting him, I got so upset, downright angry. The place is a dump. When you walk in the door, you walk over trash, and the smell of human waste and urine is overwhelming.
Bobby was in a room with 50 other people, no electricity for fans, one nurse, dirty beds and floor and a real mess. I was angry that these people, thousands per day are forced to deal with this. His surgery was successful they said and he was to be in the hospital 3 weeks recovering with a cut from his bellybutton to his chest.
Four days later, they released him. The doctors said they haven't been paid in 6 months by the government so they were going on strike. The hospital was sending people home. I quickly told Bobby he could come to our house. Friday he moved into my bedroom. I had planned on putting him on a mattress on the floor but he could not even walk, so he could only get into my bed. The past few days I have been sleeping in the living room, and Jony has been sleeping in my room with Bobby, taking care of him. Pray for Bobby, he is in bad shape, probably should still be in the hospital but is safe and comfortable.
I have to admit while sleeping on the floor in the living room last night I began to mumble to myself. Losing my room, losing my bed, my privacy................Then I began to think about what sacrifice is, too many times we do something for someone when it is convenient to do. Real sacrifice is when it isn't so convenient. I will enjoy my time on the floor while Bobby heals.
Finances, part 2: With our contributions down the past 3 months, I thought this might be a good time to let you know what our monthly budget of $10,000 goes for. To some of you this will seem like a huge amount, to others you will think it can't be enough. Whatever the case, we run this ministry for that amount.
The following happens:
*89 very poor children go to school, and get a hot meal everyday
*100+ children at the Good Samaritan Orphanage are cared for
*A church of around 300 is in full operation
*Ministry in the garbage dump and the nearby village ministers to around 300 weekly
*My home is a home to 24 people, people God has placed here for me to care for and make disciples
*A mentoring group of 20 young men between the ages of 16-25 are being discipled
*Over 500 people eat daily, because of this ministry
*Insurance on vehicles, medical insurance on me, house rent, and much more is paid
*A full time staff of 26 people, being Jesus in Haiti, teaching others how to be Jesus in Haiti
The above happens because God has blessed you to give. If you can help financially, please do, if not, please pray that the budget is made for July. I have committed to pray 3 times per day every day this month to ask God to provide for our budget to come in. Will you join me in prayer as well? Thanks!
Hope you enjoyed the update. Drop me a line. May God bless, tominhaiti
Maryland: We have 7 wonderful people visiting from Maryland and we have enjoyed them here as they assist in ministry. They have been a blessing to us and the folks here in Haiti. Thank you Amy for making this trip happen.
North to Alaska: One of our board member couples from Florida, Anna and Bill Blaisdell took a trip to Alaska for the 4th of July week. The day they arrived, the governor resigned. Not sure if Anna is planning on being their new governor or what is going on.
Fondi, our school director: His mother is dying from TB. She has been suffering for a few weeks but they have begun to plan the funeral. A funeral is cheaper if you buy it before a person dies so they are making preparations today. Pray for the Moses family and for mom who is on her way to Glory.
Jony/Peterson: Pastor Chad and his wife, Julie Ricks, from Cincinnati, Ohio have asked to adopt these precious brothers and have begun the process here in Haiti. We are so excited for the boys and their new family, but we will miss them.
Finances: I know economic times are tough around the globe and we too have experienced a budget shortfall at JiH for the past four months. Please continue to pray for improved economic conditions for everyone. If you find a few coins lying around and send them to JiH we will put them to good use for ministry in Haiti.
School is out for the summer: So I have a houseful everyday. Takes some time to get adjusted, but I always do.
Honduras: In reading a letter from a missionary there, he said NOT to believe the media in their reporting of what is going on. He said the people protesting aren't even from the country. I also noticed Israel supports the coup. That might tell us something.
Lost my room: One of my older sons, Bobby, was jumped a couple weeks ago and beat up pretty badly in the village near his aunt's home where he lived. He was beaten with rocks inside towels.
He suffered internal bleeding and had surgery this past Sunday. His surgery took place downtown in the General hospital, the largest hospital in Haiti. While visiting him, I got so upset, downright angry. The place is a dump. When you walk in the door, you walk over trash, and the smell of human waste and urine is overwhelming.
Bobby was in a room with 50 other people, no electricity for fans, one nurse, dirty beds and floor and a real mess. I was angry that these people, thousands per day are forced to deal with this. His surgery was successful they said and he was to be in the hospital 3 weeks recovering with a cut from his bellybutton to his chest.
Four days later, they released him. The doctors said they haven't been paid in 6 months by the government so they were going on strike. The hospital was sending people home. I quickly told Bobby he could come to our house. Friday he moved into my bedroom. I had planned on putting him on a mattress on the floor but he could not even walk, so he could only get into my bed. The past few days I have been sleeping in the living room, and Jony has been sleeping in my room with Bobby, taking care of him. Pray for Bobby, he is in bad shape, probably should still be in the hospital but is safe and comfortable.
I have to admit while sleeping on the floor in the living room last night I began to mumble to myself. Losing my room, losing my bed, my privacy................Then I began to think about what sacrifice is, too many times we do something for someone when it is convenient to do. Real sacrifice is when it isn't so convenient. I will enjoy my time on the floor while Bobby heals.
Finances, part 2: With our contributions down the past 3 months, I thought this might be a good time to let you know what our monthly budget of $10,000 goes for. To some of you this will seem like a huge amount, to others you will think it can't be enough. Whatever the case, we run this ministry for that amount.
The following happens:
*89 very poor children go to school, and get a hot meal everyday
*100+ children at the Good Samaritan Orphanage are cared for
*A church of around 300 is in full operation
*Ministry in the garbage dump and the nearby village ministers to around 300 weekly
*My home is a home to 24 people, people God has placed here for me to care for and make disciples
*A mentoring group of 20 young men between the ages of 16-25 are being discipled
*Over 500 people eat daily, because of this ministry
*Insurance on vehicles, medical insurance on me, house rent, and much more is paid
*A full time staff of 26 people, being Jesus in Haiti, teaching others how to be Jesus in Haiti
The above happens because God has blessed you to give. If you can help financially, please do, if not, please pray that the budget is made for July. I have committed to pray 3 times per day every day this month to ask God to provide for our budget to come in. Will you join me in prayer as well? Thanks!
Hope you enjoyed the update. Drop me a line. May God bless, tominhaiti
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