Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A Real Warrior Goes Home
September 29, 2009
Dear Friends,
This weekend was a very tough weekend for all of us. It began Saturday morning with the death of one of our 19 year old young men. A young man named Macken Joseph. Macken helped us put up the tent, and marched to church for our first service. Friday night he got a bad fever, and 9 a.m. Saturday morning he was gone.
Macken Joseph in the red shirt helping raise the tent, shortly before his death.
As we dealt with this, we were still preparing for our 2nd service at Victory Bible Church in the Victory Tent. Macken's funeral was scheduled for the afternoon.
I was awakened with a text early Sunday morning from Roger, simply saying "tom, mommy tia's gone." At about 430 a.m. Sunday the 27th of September, Mommy Tia, our 72 year old "mommy," went to be with the Lord.
As you know, we took her in 4 years ago, a homeless, wonderful Christian woman. She was to help with the younger boys then got cancer shortly thereafter and we have had the privilege of caring for her, until Sunday. She is now with her Savior.
Mommy Tia, a gentle warrior for Christ
It was very difficult for the boys as they lined up in the yard for the hearse that carried Mommy from her bedroom. Several went off crying. The little ones were kept in their room.
The funeral for this gentle warrior, Mommy Tia, is Wednesday at 2 p.m. at our church, the church she never saw but was a member of.
These two deaths, along with Jordens from Grace Emmanuel School, brings the total to three we have lost from our ministry in seven days. Arriving at church Sunday morning for our 2nd service, with all this on our mind was very tough. However my staff and boys did a great job to pull off church.
As you remember, we had 298 in our first service in the tent. This week the excitement was there again, as we were at about 350. The tent was full but all had a seat. We are building 8 more benches this week as we expect to top 400 this Sunday.
After learning of Mommy's death Sunday a.m., I almost scrapped my sermon which was about dreams and using the gifts and talents that God has planted in each one of us. I thought about talking about death and preaching along this line. I prayed about it but felt God wanted me to stick with the original sermon.
I was blessed after the sermon, when I asked those who want to "start over" and those who want to begin to see those seeds of greatness grow, to join me at the stage. Around 50 young men and women came forward to dedicate their life to the service of God. That was thrilling.
Of course we shared about Mommy Tia and honored her in our service, as well as Macken and Jordens.
Jordens Pierre, one of our school children, died due to a fever
Being a part of this tent church, is very exciting and you can feel it with the people, they can't wait to get to church, and don't want to leave. My staff told me for years, Saturday church was hurting attendance, they told me when we meet on Sunday we won't be able to hold them. They may be right.
We are building a "lean to" type shelter with tarps for our junior church, which numbers over 100 children.
My emotions are all over the place, the loss of life, Mommy's expected, the two young men not, and the entire ministry going on is pushing me to the limit but God is good and we keep moving forward. Thank you for your help, to make it possible to be Jesus in Haiti. Do the same where you are will ya? tominhaiti
Dear Friends,
This weekend was a very tough weekend for all of us. It began Saturday morning with the death of one of our 19 year old young men. A young man named Macken Joseph. Macken helped us put up the tent, and marched to church for our first service. Friday night he got a bad fever, and 9 a.m. Saturday morning he was gone.
Macken Joseph in the red shirt helping raise the tent, shortly before his death.
As we dealt with this, we were still preparing for our 2nd service at Victory Bible Church in the Victory Tent. Macken's funeral was scheduled for the afternoon.
I was awakened with a text early Sunday morning from Roger, simply saying "tom, mommy tia's gone." At about 430 a.m. Sunday the 27th of September, Mommy Tia, our 72 year old "mommy," went to be with the Lord.
As you know, we took her in 4 years ago, a homeless, wonderful Christian woman. She was to help with the younger boys then got cancer shortly thereafter and we have had the privilege of caring for her, until Sunday. She is now with her Savior.
Mommy Tia, a gentle warrior for Christ
It was very difficult for the boys as they lined up in the yard for the hearse that carried Mommy from her bedroom. Several went off crying. The little ones were kept in their room.
The funeral for this gentle warrior, Mommy Tia, is Wednesday at 2 p.m. at our church, the church she never saw but was a member of.
These two deaths, along with Jordens from Grace Emmanuel School, brings the total to three we have lost from our ministry in seven days. Arriving at church Sunday morning for our 2nd service, with all this on our mind was very tough. However my staff and boys did a great job to pull off church.
As you remember, we had 298 in our first service in the tent. This week the excitement was there again, as we were at about 350. The tent was full but all had a seat. We are building 8 more benches this week as we expect to top 400 this Sunday.
After learning of Mommy's death Sunday a.m., I almost scrapped my sermon which was about dreams and using the gifts and talents that God has planted in each one of us. I thought about talking about death and preaching along this line. I prayed about it but felt God wanted me to stick with the original sermon.
I was blessed after the sermon, when I asked those who want to "start over" and those who want to begin to see those seeds of greatness grow, to join me at the stage. Around 50 young men and women came forward to dedicate their life to the service of God. That was thrilling.
Of course we shared about Mommy Tia and honored her in our service, as well as Macken and Jordens.
Jordens Pierre, one of our school children, died due to a fever
Being a part of this tent church, is very exciting and you can feel it with the people, they can't wait to get to church, and don't want to leave. My staff told me for years, Saturday church was hurting attendance, they told me when we meet on Sunday we won't be able to hold them. They may be right.
We are building a "lean to" type shelter with tarps for our junior church, which numbers over 100 children.
My emotions are all over the place, the loss of life, Mommy's expected, the two young men not, and the entire ministry going on is pushing me to the limit but God is good and we keep moving forward. Thank you for your help, to make it possible to be Jesus in Haiti. Do the same where you are will ya? tominhaiti
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Goings On In Haiti
Dear friends,
I trust you all had a great, God filled week. Life as always has been busy, and hot here. Here are the going ons in my little corner of the world.
Mommy Tia: We think Mommy is in her last days here. She has not eaten in 15 days. The hospital could not operate and sent her home. Since she stopped eating we tried to take her back to the hospital for an IV to feed her and they said her veins could not take a needle, they said just take her home.
So she is here, this 72 year old warrior who has lived a very tough life but a life lived for God is a productive life. I am honored that we have been able to be here and make life for her comfortable as she enters into Glory. Mommy Tia was homeless when we took her in.
We are making her as comfortable as we can. Today she can't talk very well. We have contacted what family we could and a grandson visited today.
Grace Emmanuel School: What an absolute joy this tent school has been. I have been there every day this week. Last year was so depressing for me; it was small, dark and so dirty. This year to see the kids sitting in their bright classrooms, with the wind blowing through is neat. I think the wind comes over the hill from the ocean and hits us full force, very cool.
Yesterday at recess for the 3-6 year olds, the boys were playing with 3 balls and all the girls were piled on my lap and we were having a great time talking and laughing. I asked if they wanted to play soccer, they squealed and said “yes.” I stole one of the balls, moved the girls to their own corner and we had a ball. I also helped the kitchen staff do a hotdog cookout, which was fun. We ended up with a ton of buns left so we gave the kids just the bread and I got to put ketchup on their buns, which they love. Problem was I slipped and ran the ketchup half way up their arms, much to their delight.
Victory Bible Church: We have set up a "set up team" to take the school stuff out of the tent, and set up the church. This will involve 4 teams of 8, each taking one week a month to set up and tear down the church/school. If there are 5 weeks, I told my staff we will do it that week.
Family: All the kids are healthy and enjoying life. They are all home for the weekend and happy for that. We are grilling chicken tonight for us and the 5 or 6 friends of the boys who come on Friday night.
The other night about 1 a.m. I heard a pounding. It woke me and startled me a tad. I got my pistol and was going to check on our guard to see what was going on. I opened my door and their stood 6 year old Adrianno. He is so small and had fallen asleep in the crack of the couch in my living room. Nobody noticed, and you know we have 3 houses, and he is not in my house. He had woken up in the dark living room, probably scared, and came to my room pounding on my door. I pulled a small mattress in my room, got him settled and soon we were both sleeping again.
The next morning, his brother Sonson said "we can't find Adrianno," and everyone was in a panic. I calmly said "he probably was sleep walking and left the yard," then I told them where he was. It was funny.
Guess that's it, thanks again for allowing me to be here and be Jesus in Haiti to these wonderful folks. Do the same where you live will ya? tominhaiti
I trust you all had a great, God filled week. Life as always has been busy, and hot here. Here are the going ons in my little corner of the world.
Mommy Tia: We think Mommy is in her last days here. She has not eaten in 15 days. The hospital could not operate and sent her home. Since she stopped eating we tried to take her back to the hospital for an IV to feed her and they said her veins could not take a needle, they said just take her home.
So she is here, this 72 year old warrior who has lived a very tough life but a life lived for God is a productive life. I am honored that we have been able to be here and make life for her comfortable as she enters into Glory. Mommy Tia was homeless when we took her in.
We are making her as comfortable as we can. Today she can't talk very well. We have contacted what family we could and a grandson visited today.
Grace Emmanuel School: What an absolute joy this tent school has been. I have been there every day this week. Last year was so depressing for me; it was small, dark and so dirty. This year to see the kids sitting in their bright classrooms, with the wind blowing through is neat. I think the wind comes over the hill from the ocean and hits us full force, very cool.
Yesterday at recess for the 3-6 year olds, the boys were playing with 3 balls and all the girls were piled on my lap and we were having a great time talking and laughing. I asked if they wanted to play soccer, they squealed and said “yes.” I stole one of the balls, moved the girls to their own corner and we had a ball. I also helped the kitchen staff do a hotdog cookout, which was fun. We ended up with a ton of buns left so we gave the kids just the bread and I got to put ketchup on their buns, which they love. Problem was I slipped and ran the ketchup half way up their arms, much to their delight.
Victory Bible Church: We have set up a "set up team" to take the school stuff out of the tent, and set up the church. This will involve 4 teams of 8, each taking one week a month to set up and tear down the church/school. If there are 5 weeks, I told my staff we will do it that week.
Family: All the kids are healthy and enjoying life. They are all home for the weekend and happy for that. We are grilling chicken tonight for us and the 5 or 6 friends of the boys who come on Friday night.
The other night about 1 a.m. I heard a pounding. It woke me and startled me a tad. I got my pistol and was going to check on our guard to see what was going on. I opened my door and their stood 6 year old Adrianno. He is so small and had fallen asleep in the crack of the couch in my living room. Nobody noticed, and you know we have 3 houses, and he is not in my house. He had woken up in the dark living room, probably scared, and came to my room pounding on my door. I pulled a small mattress in my room, got him settled and soon we were both sleeping again.
The next morning, his brother Sonson said "we can't find Adrianno," and everyone was in a panic. I calmly said "he probably was sleep walking and left the yard," then I told them where he was. It was funny.
Guess that's it, thanks again for allowing me to be here and be Jesus in Haiti to these wonderful folks. Do the same where you live will ya? tominhaiti
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Victory March
Dear friends, Sunday night late, somewhere in the Bermuda triangle
The age old question of what to give first, the good news or the bad news is my dilemma now. Life here is always a roller coaster ride, no more than this weekend.
Friday night, one of our students at Grace Emmanuel School got a really bad fever. This 10 year old boy, Jordens, passed away before morning. Not only is the loss of life so sad, it is sad that it was probably preventable. This past week we had 19 in our home of the 24 who were very sick with headaches and fever. We have the possibilities for medicine and ways to cool them down. This little boy didn't. And we received no call for help. We always let the students and parents know to call if someone is sick.
I am glad I can take care of those in my house the proper way, but so sad to see a parent who can't, and loses a child. This mother had lost everything in last year's hurricane and we let her and Jordens stay in our school for a bit. When school started, Jordens started school. Today he was buried and we pray he is in the arms of Jesus. That is the downer.
The exciting news of the day is today was our first service at our property for Victory Bible Church. I didn't sleep well the past few nights from the excitement of this day. WE met at 8:30 a.m. at the site of the church we rented on Saturday nights. Only about 80 showed up but that didn't damper my spirits. We made our mile walk singing praises to God. (and yes, I walked the whole way)
We arrived at our church tent and each person received cold water and we started church. In the next 40 minutes or so, over 200 more people came, people who missed the march, but still came. I had figured we could hold 250 comfortably in our tent. Our attendance today was 298 at the time I counted about half way through the service. A dozen or so more came after my count but I am sticking with 298, as our first service total and our record attendance for VBC, tent style.
We had about an hour of praise and worship and I spoke for about 20 minutes. Not really preached, just shared the excitement of what God was doing and what lies ahead as far as: youth group, sports, midweek service, leadership training and much more that we could not do, having a building only 3 hours per week.
Another hour of singing than pastor Roger closed with a short challenge. We fed everyone a couple of hotdogs and a cold juice. It was a very exciting day for me, my family, our staff and our church folks. You could feel the excitement in the air.
I hope you enjoy the photos from our first service on our property.
It has been quite a week preparing for this service. Besides having 19 sick ones, our generator was down for 2 days and we had NO power. No power means no water, no fans, no cold drinks, no ice, no lights, no nothing. I sent two of the boys to the hospital, Shadrach and Dearson, and they got prescriptions which we had filled to cover everyone. Tonight, they all go to bed healed, not one sick. Praise God!
Now maybe things can get back to normal with school up and running and now Victory Bible Church on the move. I might even get some sleep. Thank you all so much for your prayers and financial support. This move to the mission for our school and church has cost several thousand dollars NOT in the budget but God has provided. I am short for the next couple weeks of September and am praying that God continues to supply to get us caught up and moving forward. Thanks in advance to those of you whom God will use for this purpose.
I did hear my Michigan Wolverines are undefeated and my Detroit Tigers are in first place with two weeks left so all is well on that end. Take care and may God bless all you do and stay in touch, tominhaiti
The age old question of what to give first, the good news or the bad news is my dilemma now. Life here is always a roller coaster ride, no more than this weekend.
Friday night, one of our students at Grace Emmanuel School got a really bad fever. This 10 year old boy, Jordens, passed away before morning. Not only is the loss of life so sad, it is sad that it was probably preventable. This past week we had 19 in our home of the 24 who were very sick with headaches and fever. We have the possibilities for medicine and ways to cool them down. This little boy didn't. And we received no call for help. We always let the students and parents know to call if someone is sick.
I am glad I can take care of those in my house the proper way, but so sad to see a parent who can't, and loses a child. This mother had lost everything in last year's hurricane and we let her and Jordens stay in our school for a bit. When school started, Jordens started school. Today he was buried and we pray he is in the arms of Jesus. That is the downer.
The exciting news of the day is today was our first service at our property for Victory Bible Church. I didn't sleep well the past few nights from the excitement of this day. WE met at 8:30 a.m. at the site of the church we rented on Saturday nights. Only about 80 showed up but that didn't damper my spirits. We made our mile walk singing praises to God. (and yes, I walked the whole way)
We arrived at our church tent and each person received cold water and we started church. In the next 40 minutes or so, over 200 more people came, people who missed the march, but still came. I had figured we could hold 250 comfortably in our tent. Our attendance today was 298 at the time I counted about half way through the service. A dozen or so more came after my count but I am sticking with 298, as our first service total and our record attendance for VBC, tent style.
We had about an hour of praise and worship and I spoke for about 20 minutes. Not really preached, just shared the excitement of what God was doing and what lies ahead as far as: youth group, sports, midweek service, leadership training and much more that we could not do, having a building only 3 hours per week.
Another hour of singing than pastor Roger closed with a short challenge. We fed everyone a couple of hotdogs and a cold juice. It was a very exciting day for me, my family, our staff and our church folks. You could feel the excitement in the air.
I hope you enjoy the photos from our first service on our property.
It has been quite a week preparing for this service. Besides having 19 sick ones, our generator was down for 2 days and we had NO power. No power means no water, no fans, no cold drinks, no ice, no lights, no nothing. I sent two of the boys to the hospital, Shadrach and Dearson, and they got prescriptions which we had filled to cover everyone. Tonight, they all go to bed healed, not one sick. Praise God!
Now maybe things can get back to normal with school up and running and now Victory Bible Church on the move. I might even get some sleep. Thank you all so much for your prayers and financial support. This move to the mission for our school and church has cost several thousand dollars NOT in the budget but God has provided. I am short for the next couple weeks of September and am praying that God continues to supply to get us caught up and moving forward. Thanks in advance to those of you whom God will use for this purpose.
I did hear my Michigan Wolverines are undefeated and my Detroit Tigers are in first place with two weeks left so all is well on that end. Take care and may God bless all you do and stay in touch, tominhaiti
Friday, September 18, 2009
Prayer for Tom and family
It appears that the Osbeck household has been stricken with a terrible virus. 19 of the 24 that live at Tom's home are sick with fevers. This coupled with the heat is making life difficult. Please lift up Tom's family in prayer that all will be healed and that the 5 that are still healthy, Tom, Roger, Altime, Manel and Claudy, will remain strong.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
From a visitor's point of view
Dear friends,
I arrived back in Haiti on Friday night, was so happy to see my family and friends. Then it was our last service at the rented church on Saturday night. Monday we had our first day of school at Grace Emmanuel School. What a whirlwind week, included was the guest who sent me an email, which I enclosed before.
You get to hear me talk all the time, I thought maybe it better to read someone else's view of what God is at work doing. Also included is a link for a slide show of the tent raising and first day of school. thanks so much, read below, tominhaiti
Tom,
Thank you for the 3 most wonderful and exciting days. It seems like I experienced a week or two's worth of activities and memories. Your family and ministry partners were such a blessing and encouragement to me. Tell each of them I said thank you, What you have and are accomplishing is nothing short of miraculous. I shared with our youth group tonight about my visit and your ministry. Many are excited about going to JiH in April. I am and will continue to pray for your ministry, you have so many "irons in the fire" that I get exhausted just thinking about all you have to accomplish with so little. Thank you for modeling for me what "a life that is well spent" looks like. I wish I could have stayed longer, learned more and been more of a help to y'all. I was so glad that I arrived and was able to help with the tent raising. What tremendous stewardship you are demonstrating especially with using a tent to hold 9 classrooms (M-F) and Church on Sunday. Wow what an incredible use of God's resources, those supporting your ministry are really getting, "incredible bang for their bucks."
Thank you and God bless you.
--
Changing the world one heart at a time, Bob Littleton
Click on link below to view the slide show of tent raising and first day of school at Grace Emmanuel. http://www.jesusinhaiti.org/default.asp?contentID=54
I arrived back in Haiti on Friday night, was so happy to see my family and friends. Then it was our last service at the rented church on Saturday night. Monday we had our first day of school at Grace Emmanuel School. What a whirlwind week, included was the guest who sent me an email, which I enclosed before.
You get to hear me talk all the time, I thought maybe it better to read someone else's view of what God is at work doing. Also included is a link for a slide show of the tent raising and first day of school. thanks so much, read below, tominhaiti
Tom,
Thank you for the 3 most wonderful and exciting days. It seems like I experienced a week or two's worth of activities and memories. Your family and ministry partners were such a blessing and encouragement to me. Tell each of them I said thank you, What you have and are accomplishing is nothing short of miraculous. I shared with our youth group tonight about my visit and your ministry. Many are excited about going to JiH in April. I am and will continue to pray for your ministry, you have so many "irons in the fire" that I get exhausted just thinking about all you have to accomplish with so little. Thank you for modeling for me what "a life that is well spent" looks like. I wish I could have stayed longer, learned more and been more of a help to y'all. I was so glad that I arrived and was able to help with the tent raising. What tremendous stewardship you are demonstrating especially with using a tent to hold 9 classrooms (M-F) and Church on Sunday. Wow what an incredible use of God's resources, those supporting your ministry are really getting, "incredible bang for their bucks."
Thank you and God bless you.
--
Changing the world one heart at a time, Bob Littleton
Click on link below to view the slide show of tent raising and first day of school at Grace Emmanuel. http://www.jesusinhaiti.org/default.asp?contentID=54
Friday, September 11, 2009
Flying High
Dear friends,
As you read this I will be 30,000 feet in the air, on my way back to Haiti. Travel day is never fun as I go back with over 200 pounds of "stuff" and very tiring but very exciting when I pull into my yard and see 20+ people rushing towards me.
After this time babysitting, I need to go back and rest but...
*Friday night with the family
*8am Saturday about 50 of us from church are meeting to put up the tent
*Our new stateside director of our school, Ashley Nuest, is flying in with a friend with all our school supplies and book bags for our 100 students at GES
*Fellowship night at church tomorrow night after the tent raising
*To town for supplies/groceries/cash check
*Sunday afternoon setting up tent for school
*Monday am 100 students and staff will be at the mission for the first day of school
*Ashley will be passing out the supplies, then flying out in the afternoon
*17 of my gang start school also on Monday
*Tuesday visit points of light
*Wednesday staff meeting
*Set up for Sunday, OUR FIRST SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AT OUR MISSION, IN THE TENT
*Then I hope to rest after 8 full, fun, exciting days back in the saddle. Thank you in advance for your prayers and good wishes. I will send you pictures this weekend of us attempting to put up the large army tent.
*It was exciting to hear from so many of you who shared my feelings about the "bashing of the president." The Bible is clear about respecting the authority in the land.
*My last big meal was at Red Robin, wow, what a cheeseburger, cooked in barbeque sauce, wow! Thank you Linda Neal for the nice treat.
There you have it, a full report, hope we land soon, I am ready to get home, tominclouds
As you read this I will be 30,000 feet in the air, on my way back to Haiti. Travel day is never fun as I go back with over 200 pounds of "stuff" and very tiring but very exciting when I pull into my yard and see 20+ people rushing towards me.
After this time babysitting, I need to go back and rest but...
*Friday night with the family
*8am Saturday about 50 of us from church are meeting to put up the tent
*Our new stateside director of our school, Ashley Nuest, is flying in with a friend with all our school supplies and book bags for our 100 students at GES
*Fellowship night at church tomorrow night after the tent raising
*To town for supplies/groceries/cash check
*Sunday afternoon setting up tent for school
*Monday am 100 students and staff will be at the mission for the first day of school
*Ashley will be passing out the supplies, then flying out in the afternoon
*17 of my gang start school also on Monday
*Tuesday visit points of light
*Wednesday staff meeting
*Set up for Sunday, OUR FIRST SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AT OUR MISSION, IN THE TENT
*Then I hope to rest after 8 full, fun, exciting days back in the saddle. Thank you in advance for your prayers and good wishes. I will send you pictures this weekend of us attempting to put up the large army tent.
*It was exciting to hear from so many of you who shared my feelings about the "bashing of the president." The Bible is clear about respecting the authority in the land.
*My last big meal was at Red Robin, wow, what a cheeseburger, cooked in barbeque sauce, wow! Thank you Linda Neal for the nice treat.
There you have it, a full report, hope we land soon, I am ready to get home, tominclouds
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
I saw and talked to the most powerful man on earth
Hi from Ohio,
Wow, my time is up. It is time to head back to my home, my family, my calling, my life. DeAnna finished her nurses training, close to 100 hours, topped off by on site work at a nursing home this week.
She will now begin to look for full time work as a nurse's assistant. Calvin and Kaylyn started school this week so my schedule has been, take DeAnna to work at 6a.m., back home to pick up kids, Marco has them ready for school, and then I get Calvin and Kaylyn to school by 7:30 and Marco is off to work. I get to play with 2 year old Jayden all day. Been real, been fun but not sure it's been real fun.
I have had a ball. Tonight is Kaylyn's 5th birthday so we just finished her birthday supper and cake.
Monday I took the kids to Coney Island here in Cincinnati. It is an amusement park for kids with a 100 yard pool and huge water slides. The funny thing is, of all the places the president of the United States could have been, HE ALSO was at Coney Island, giving a speech at a local Union Picnic.
I have to admit I had goose bumps as I stood in the parking lot watching the events of the day played out. The park was shut down shortly after we got there and secured by the FBI, Secret Service, the Sheriff's department, Cincinnati Police and the Cincy SWAT teams.
I was in the parking lot while the helicopters circled above and to my left was a huge band of protesters waiting for the limo to come by. Then all of a sudden the huge Presidential helicopters flew over and landed on the opposite side of Coney Island, kind of missed the protesters.
Then the 43 car motorcade rolled in as I watched the President, my president, drive by. I sent up a quick prayer for him. I will get in trouble for this from someone, probably a board member telling me not to mix politics with my work but................I am not one of these guys that sit around bashing the man that God has placed to lead our country. I do not condone his stance on moral issues or some of his policies. That doesn't' mean as Christians we should not pray for him, we need to pray for him more.
Can you imagine if this man became a true follower of Christ at some point? Wow, what a difference he could make. So, I pray for him and for his safety.
As I watched the hoopla surrounding this event I began to think of another man who was not only the most powerful man who walked the earth, but is still the most powerful being alive. I thought about the day that Jesus will visit with his "motorcade" of angels. The day every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. What a day that will be!
The excitement of our Lord coming back will far surpass any excitement the president can bring. As I talked to my God that night, I was very grateful for the access He gives us, not hidden behind bullet proof glass, or in a far away Heaven.
I also mentioned that I would not be mad if He came, and came soon. What a day that will be, when our Jesus we shall see, when we look upon His face, the One who saved us by His grace, when He takes us by the hand, and leads us to the promised land, what a day, glorious day, that will be. (Much better than a day at Coney Island)
tominohioheadedtohaiti
Wow, my time is up. It is time to head back to my home, my family, my calling, my life. DeAnna finished her nurses training, close to 100 hours, topped off by on site work at a nursing home this week.
She will now begin to look for full time work as a nurse's assistant. Calvin and Kaylyn started school this week so my schedule has been, take DeAnna to work at 6a.m., back home to pick up kids, Marco has them ready for school, and then I get Calvin and Kaylyn to school by 7:30 and Marco is off to work. I get to play with 2 year old Jayden all day. Been real, been fun but not sure it's been real fun.
I have had a ball. Tonight is Kaylyn's 5th birthday so we just finished her birthday supper and cake.
Monday I took the kids to Coney Island here in Cincinnati. It is an amusement park for kids with a 100 yard pool and huge water slides. The funny thing is, of all the places the president of the United States could have been, HE ALSO was at Coney Island, giving a speech at a local Union Picnic.
I have to admit I had goose bumps as I stood in the parking lot watching the events of the day played out. The park was shut down shortly after we got there and secured by the FBI, Secret Service, the Sheriff's department, Cincinnati Police and the Cincy SWAT teams.
I was in the parking lot while the helicopters circled above and to my left was a huge band of protesters waiting for the limo to come by. Then all of a sudden the huge Presidential helicopters flew over and landed on the opposite side of Coney Island, kind of missed the protesters.
Then the 43 car motorcade rolled in as I watched the President, my president, drive by. I sent up a quick prayer for him. I will get in trouble for this from someone, probably a board member telling me not to mix politics with my work but................I am not one of these guys that sit around bashing the man that God has placed to lead our country. I do not condone his stance on moral issues or some of his policies. That doesn't' mean as Christians we should not pray for him, we need to pray for him more.
Can you imagine if this man became a true follower of Christ at some point? Wow, what a difference he could make. So, I pray for him and for his safety.
As I watched the hoopla surrounding this event I began to think of another man who was not only the most powerful man who walked the earth, but is still the most powerful being alive. I thought about the day that Jesus will visit with his "motorcade" of angels. The day every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. What a day that will be!
The excitement of our Lord coming back will far surpass any excitement the president can bring. As I talked to my God that night, I was very grateful for the access He gives us, not hidden behind bullet proof glass, or in a far away Heaven.
I also mentioned that I would not be mad if He came, and came soon. What a day that will be, when our Jesus we shall see, when we look upon His face, the One who saved us by His grace, when He takes us by the hand, and leads us to the promised land, what a day, glorious day, that will be. (Much better than a day at Coney Island)
tominohioheadedtohaiti
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Hostage Freed
Dear friends, Thursday night, Ohio
Hi, I am still in Ohio. I have less than one week to go before I head back to my Caribbean paradise. I am so glad I came. DeAnna is taking her nurses training and doing so well. She will be doing some on location work in the next few days. By the time I leave, she will be able to be placed for a job as a nurse's assistant. She is so happy to be doing this.
I have enjoyed the grandkids of course. I don't know why but DeAnna and Marco thought it funny when they came home and Jayden's diaper was duct taped to him. Hey, it was a new diaper that would not stick, what else is duct tape for anyway?
Last night me and the kids sat up a cafe for Marco and Dee. We had our own restaurant right in their house. They came in and our waitress, 4 year old Kaylyn seated them and gave them their menus. They then had appetizers of chicken wings and cheese bread. It was then a salad followed by the main course, a bacon cheeseburger and fries. The kids had a ball making a sign and the menus and getting dressed up. They each made a two dollar tip which rocked their world. The chef got nothing.
After it was over DeAnna told me she had just one complaint, when she asked the waitress for a refill, the waitress took a drink out of her cup, just to make sure she needed one.
I have also had the chance this week to meet with our development team, Linda and Dan Neal as we plotted out a 3 year strategy for our 5 points of light. This meeting made me even more excited for the next 3 years, and beyond. We have a good, God filled plan.
A couple days ago you may have received our letter concerning the 365 Club. I received several emails telling me that "you can't buy a cup of coffee for 60 cents, in fact you can't buy anything for 60 cents."
Well, this got me to thinking. In Haiti, the people can buy 15 bags of cold water for 25 haitian gourdes, which is...........60 cents. Since you can't buy anything with 60 cents and we can do so much, why don't all of you join club365, give that 60 cents that you can't spend to us and look what we could do with it. Just a thought!
EXCITING NEWS: As you are well aware, we had a large army tent sent so we can begin school and church here in September, at our property. The problem was once it arrived was that it was taken hostage by the government, in customs. They charged us 1.70 per pound to receive it. You can do the math with a 1200 pound tent.
Praise God, Sonrise church in Fort Wayne paid that ransom and yesterday my staff picked up this tent, taking 7 of them to get it in the truck, and into my living room in Haiti.
We were told it was white but the boys tell me it is yellow so we shall see.
Please pray for Mommy Tia, as you know the doctors can't do anything for her and she is at home, not doing well my boys tell me. Pray for a pain free finish to a pain filled life for this dear woman. Her just reward is just around the corner.
I am so anxious to get back to Haiti but know I made a commitment to watch these kids and I will finish that strong, before heading back to Haiti, in a week.
I so wish I could properly thank ALL of you who make this ministry happen but it is impossible. To many of you who are contributing in so many ways. I pray every day that God blesses you a 1000 times more then you bless us.
I do hope you will consider choosing a day in our 365 club to honor someone you love, your hero in life. I love looking at that calendar and seeing who is special to each of you. (Don't take October 26th, I am slow in getting my folks anniversary)
This is a great, great help to our mission of making disciples through the life changing message of Jesus Christ, in Haiti. Thanks again for simply being here for me, for so long. tom
Hi, I am still in Ohio. I have less than one week to go before I head back to my Caribbean paradise. I am so glad I came. DeAnna is taking her nurses training and doing so well. She will be doing some on location work in the next few days. By the time I leave, she will be able to be placed for a job as a nurse's assistant. She is so happy to be doing this.
I have enjoyed the grandkids of course. I don't know why but DeAnna and Marco thought it funny when they came home and Jayden's diaper was duct taped to him. Hey, it was a new diaper that would not stick, what else is duct tape for anyway?
Last night me and the kids sat up a cafe for Marco and Dee. We had our own restaurant right in their house. They came in and our waitress, 4 year old Kaylyn seated them and gave them their menus. They then had appetizers of chicken wings and cheese bread. It was then a salad followed by the main course, a bacon cheeseburger and fries. The kids had a ball making a sign and the menus and getting dressed up. They each made a two dollar tip which rocked their world. The chef got nothing.
After it was over DeAnna told me she had just one complaint, when she asked the waitress for a refill, the waitress took a drink out of her cup, just to make sure she needed one.
I have also had the chance this week to meet with our development team, Linda and Dan Neal as we plotted out a 3 year strategy for our 5 points of light. This meeting made me even more excited for the next 3 years, and beyond. We have a good, God filled plan.
A couple days ago you may have received our letter concerning the 365 Club. I received several emails telling me that "you can't buy a cup of coffee for 60 cents, in fact you can't buy anything for 60 cents."
Well, this got me to thinking. In Haiti, the people can buy 15 bags of cold water for 25 haitian gourdes, which is...........60 cents. Since you can't buy anything with 60 cents and we can do so much, why don't all of you join club365, give that 60 cents that you can't spend to us and look what we could do with it. Just a thought!
EXCITING NEWS: As you are well aware, we had a large army tent sent so we can begin school and church here in September, at our property. The problem was once it arrived was that it was taken hostage by the government, in customs. They charged us 1.70 per pound to receive it. You can do the math with a 1200 pound tent.
Praise God, Sonrise church in Fort Wayne paid that ransom and yesterday my staff picked up this tent, taking 7 of them to get it in the truck, and into my living room in Haiti.
We were told it was white but the boys tell me it is yellow so we shall see.
Please pray for Mommy Tia, as you know the doctors can't do anything for her and she is at home, not doing well my boys tell me. Pray for a pain free finish to a pain filled life for this dear woman. Her just reward is just around the corner.
I am so anxious to get back to Haiti but know I made a commitment to watch these kids and I will finish that strong, before heading back to Haiti, in a week.
I so wish I could properly thank ALL of you who make this ministry happen but it is impossible. To many of you who are contributing in so many ways. I pray every day that God blesses you a 1000 times more then you bless us.
I do hope you will consider choosing a day in our 365 club to honor someone you love, your hero in life. I love looking at that calendar and seeing who is special to each of you. (Don't take October 26th, I am slow in getting my folks anniversary)
This is a great, great help to our mission of making disciples through the life changing message of Jesus Christ, in Haiti. Thanks again for simply being here for me, for so long. tom
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Change a Life!
Dear friends:
I know economic times appear tough in the US and around the world, but the worst day for most Americans is still better than the average day for a Haitian. In the US, roughly 90% of the population is employed; the average in Haiti is about 40%. The average wages in the US are $104 per day, in Haiti about $2 per day for the more fortunate ones.
I am reaching out to you to support our ministry in an exciting way during 2009-2010.
As we continue to make disciples and shine the light of Jesus at Jesus in Haiti Ministries, we find ourselves simply overwhelmed by the growing needs of those we serve. The majority of people in Haiti are simply surviving day-to-day. In Haiti, because most of the food must be imported, the situation is even more extreme than most.
On August 1st, our ministry kicked off the second year of JiH's 365 Club. I hope you'll be eager to commit to the very exciting way we have decided to raise a portion of our much needed funds for the next 12 months. We would like to ask you to join our 365 Club. What we seek are 365 friends of JiH who will choose ONE day during the year, August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010, to support a portion of the JiH ministry. The day you choose will be your day to help sponsor our missions activities. This will include the following:
� Water for our 90+ orphans and staff at Good Samaritan
� Food and drinks for our 100 students and staff at Grace Emmanuel School
� Food and drinks for Tom's family of 25
� Fuel for the generator and vehicles of the mission home
� Two Grace Emmanuel teacher's pay
� Victory Bible Church pastor's pay
� Medical Fund
I am asking 365 of you to commit to sponsoring ONE day for the entire year, your donation comes to about 60 cents per day. In the United States, for 60 cents per day you can buy a cup of coffee (perhaps), a newspaper or candy bar, but not much more. However, by instead committing to help the Jesus in Haiti ministry, you can change the world for some of Haiti's poorest people. For your ONE DAY, we can simply assign you a day on our calendar, or you can choose a day that has significance to you.
Our website has a calendar which will post all days taken and available. Please prayerfully consider joining our 365 Club. You could join as an individual, a family, with your neighbors, your small group, or any other group you are part of. You can visit our website at www.JesusinHaiti.org/365club to choose your date. The 365 Club is one way you can make a difference in the lives of the people of Haiti. Your donation can be made online using PayPal or by mailing a check to JiHM, Inc., Suite #155, 10214 Chestnut Plaza Dr., Ft. Wayne, IN 46814.
tominhaiti
P.S. I hope you'll seriously consider making a small sacrifice in your life in order to help Jesus in Haiti Ministries continue to shine the light of Jesus Christ as bright as possible in this dark corner of the world.
For Contributions:
Jesus in Haiti Ministries, Inc., Suite 155, 10214 Chestnut Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46814
I know economic times appear tough in the US and around the world, but the worst day for most Americans is still better than the average day for a Haitian. In the US, roughly 90% of the population is employed; the average in Haiti is about 40%. The average wages in the US are $104 per day, in Haiti about $2 per day for the more fortunate ones.
I am reaching out to you to support our ministry in an exciting way during 2009-2010.
As we continue to make disciples and shine the light of Jesus at Jesus in Haiti Ministries, we find ourselves simply overwhelmed by the growing needs of those we serve. The majority of people in Haiti are simply surviving day-to-day. In Haiti, because most of the food must be imported, the situation is even more extreme than most.
On August 1st, our ministry kicked off the second year of JiH's 365 Club. I hope you'll be eager to commit to the very exciting way we have decided to raise a portion of our much needed funds for the next 12 months. We would like to ask you to join our 365 Club. What we seek are 365 friends of JiH who will choose ONE day during the year, August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010, to support a portion of the JiH ministry. The day you choose will be your day to help sponsor our missions activities. This will include the following:
� Water for our 90+ orphans and staff at Good Samaritan
� Food and drinks for our 100 students and staff at Grace Emmanuel School
� Food and drinks for Tom's family of 25
� Fuel for the generator and vehicles of the mission home
� Two Grace Emmanuel teacher's pay
� Victory Bible Church pastor's pay
� Medical Fund
I am asking 365 of you to commit to sponsoring ONE day for the entire year, your donation comes to about 60 cents per day. In the United States, for 60 cents per day you can buy a cup of coffee (perhaps), a newspaper or candy bar, but not much more. However, by instead committing to help the Jesus in Haiti ministry, you can change the world for some of Haiti's poorest people. For your ONE DAY, we can simply assign you a day on our calendar, or you can choose a day that has significance to you.
Our website has a calendar which will post all days taken and available. Please prayerfully consider joining our 365 Club. You could join as an individual, a family, with your neighbors, your small group, or any other group you are part of. You can visit our website at www.JesusinHaiti.org/365club to choose your date. The 365 Club is one way you can make a difference in the lives of the people of Haiti. Your donation can be made online using PayPal or by mailing a check to JiHM, Inc., Suite #155, 10214 Chestnut Plaza Dr., Ft. Wayne, IN 46814.
tominhaiti
P.S. I hope you'll seriously consider making a small sacrifice in your life in order to help Jesus in Haiti Ministries continue to shine the light of Jesus Christ as bright as possible in this dark corner of the world.
For Contributions:
Jesus in Haiti Ministries, Inc., Suite 155, 10214 Chestnut Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46814
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