Hi from New Haiti, Thursday

I bet you are wondering if I am still alive, the answer is yes and loving life. Before I launch into today's fun stuff, I have to share this. In my last email I jokingly said "I haven't even had time for a cigarette." One person was very offended so maybe others were also. Let me clear the record, I might be a heavy drinker, and I do cuss like a sailor but, I don't smoke..........(this is where you smile and say "that tom, what a character.")

SO much to tell, where to start, okay..............

Board meeting: I have the best board of directors any missionary could have. They care greatly for me, my family, God and Haiti, and they are very smart and resourceful. My entire board was here for 5 days and it was nearly nonstop planning and strategizing and boy, what a plan. That email will be coming in a couple days.

They did get a chance to spend a few hours at my home for our world famous chicken and rice supper. Also a couple trips to the garbage dump, our school and church. For me it was incredible being with some of my closest friends in the whole world, as we talked about something we love and believe in.

If the world: Today I visited a large warehouse owned by some dear friends of mine. These men are wonderful Christian men, especially Tarek the manager. As you know one of the largest grocery stores in Haiti fell during the quake. Tarek has allowed that store to bring all their shipments that have come in, to his warehouse. They are selling their goods from upstairs in his store. I told him today, if the world could use you guys as an example there would be no war. Two competitors, sharing the same building, working together.

Speaking of the Caribbean: Today I had a chance to talk to one of my friends from the Caribbean, a young lady who cashed my checks. She shared in detail of the 4 story building collapsing on her, and only the cash register stands stopped the building, and gave her and 8 co-workers a place to lie buried, until dug out later in the day.

Orphanages: As many of you know, for the past few years we have stood in the gap for a Haitian run orphanage called The Good Samaritan orphanage. In the aftermath of the quake, many missions and organizations rushed to their aid. Although we were able to help, it became very clear we were not needed anymore. This week, we have rented a large house a couple blocks from my home, and we are starting our own, Jesus in Haiti Children's home. We are so excited. This house only has the capacity to hold 12-15 children but will be a great start for us. After the one year rent is done, we can rent again or look for bigger place or..................we will have ours built on our mission property.

We will begin with 5 children, 5 that lost their parents in the earthquake and have been living with me. This will give them a home and lighten the burden of having so many at our house. We will add as God gives us little ones. We plan on moving the kids in on March 22nd. Pray for this venture and if you would like to be involved, we need your help. There is about a $10,000 start up fee for rent for one year, furnishing, food, utensils and such.

Victory Bible Church: This past Sunday we had over 700 people and had a great, God filled service. We honored our pastor friend, Victor Honorat, gave out a Lifetime Achievement Award to one of our board members, and our Staff of the Year Award. One of our esteemed board members, world famous speaker Dr. Stan Buck, preached and did a great job. Jony from my staff said "wow that was great, you could feel the power in his voice." Fifteen men and women came forward after the service to receive Christ and have already met for follow up with our pastor Roger. Thank you pastor Stan.

And then there were 4: Will try to make this short but many of you are new and don't know the story of my daughter. 23 years ago I had a foster license in Indiana. I would take boys that were in and out of foster care, and make it work. One of these young men got a girl pregnant, and 2 months after the baby was born, both the mom and dad went to prison. Guess who got a beautiful 2 month old baby to raise? Yup, me! When DeAnna was 11 we moved to Haiti, and a few years later she fell in love with my ministry director, Marco Jeanty and they got married. Two years ago they moved to the states, Cincinnati, and Marco is going to college with hopes of coming back some day.

They have given me 3 wonderful grandchildren, 7 year old Calvin, 5 year old Kaylyn and 2 year old Jayden. Did I say 3? I meant 4. Day before yesterday DeAnna gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, NOAH THOMAS JEANTY, 6 pounds and 15 oz. Mom and dad and grandpa are so proud and so happy for this healthy baby. I can't wait to go to Cincy at some point.

Garbage dump: Okay, I will close with this. Ten days ago we began a daily feeding program at the New Roads garbage dump. It is so exciting to go in there and see the complete happiness simply because they get a hot meal every day, something we Americans take for granted. God has used us for many good things in 10 years but if this feeding program was the only thing I ever had a hand in, I would be very happy. We have 3 ladies making a modest salary who cook 7 days a week.

Closing: Personally I want you to know how much I appreciate your sacrificial giving to this ministry, to God and to these wonderful people. Your sacrifice has made a difference and will be making a difference for years. Thank you so much.

A plan is in place for the relief funds that are still available and I will share that with you later. We do need prayer and help with our general fund. Our monthly post earthquake budget is $15,000 per month. In January and February we took in around $26,000, short of the goal we have set. Please pray we make this budget and continue to grow spiritually as we preach the gospel, and make disciples.

God bless you, tominhaiti


For Contributions
Jesus in Haiti Ministries, Inc. Suite 155 10214 Chestnut Plaza Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46814