Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Eve, can you spare me a rib?
Hi all,
Anyone who really knows me knows I'm not the smartest guy on the block but I have never received lower than an A- for effort.
My effort at church this past Sunday has caused me some problems. I had met a very large body builder a few months ago named Mr. Marluke. He was Mr. Haiti and has won competitions on the world stage so this past Sunday I asked if he would come to church with us and..............show off.
When it came our time in the service, I introduced this very huge man. As he stood next to me he flexed his chest and muscles (all preplanned) and I flexed mine. Then he ripped his shirt off and stood there bare chested, and wow, he was huge. The people gasped and clapped and most were standing to get a better look.
Not to be outdone, I ripped my shirt off but still had on my t-shirt. The crowd went wild. I then walked out into the congregation and picked up a 20 pound boy and held him with both hands, above my head.
Mr. Marluke, as planned, then picked me up, and hoisted me above his head to the amazement and cheering of the crowd. After he put me down, I interviewed him about body building and winning competitions. I also asked him about how to become strong and how long it took and the advantages. I gave a short challenge on how that compares to the Christian life, and being strong in Christ. It went really well...................until.....
I realized he cracked or bruised one or more of my ribs. Since Sunday noon, I have been down and I mean down.
I can't stand up or sit down or lie down or move or turn or lift anything or do anything. Some of you will say "what a dummy" and I will accept that. However, if you know me, I am the type who will do anything to reach people for Christ. I often have described my time here as having one foot just inside hell, trying to pull people to safety.
Guess what, miles from that line, in the safety of your church or house, you will probably never get burned or hurt but once you cross that line, once you are that close, things do happen.
You might say, "do you really think one person will come to Christ because you got tossed in the air?" I don't know. What if someone says "wow, this is a neat place to come" and they come back and they hear the Gospel and receive Christ and............they are in heaven with you and I. THEN YES IT IS WORTH IT. And to tell you the truth as I type this in more pain than a body should be allowed, I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER, IF IT HELPED THE CAUSE OF CHRIST.
Some of you will think maybe it was just God saying "hey bubba (he calls me bubba sometimes) time to take a couple week break on your back before you go to the states."
We did have one of our biggest crowds of almost 1000 people and had a great service. This coming weekend, we are having a Friday night movie, the Passion of Christ, followed by my preaching Saturday night, big Easter morning baptism and service followed by Sunday night service concluding Easter weekend. We might have 5000 people in our tent this weekend. Please pray for the logistics, travel safety and that people will respond to the Gospel.
Also if you can pray for this rib situation to get better before April 12th, I would appreciate it. I have 3 grandkids that like to use grandpa for a human jungle gym so.....................
The family is doing well. Last night I told 17 year old Matthew that his Lakers were playing, did he want to watch them? He said "no, since the earthquake basketball doesn't matter anymore." This is a boy that lived, breathed and ate LA Laker basketball. Today as I write this, he is with the boys holding a mentoring club for younger boys. I think Matthew gets it.
Many of you sent money for us to help rebuild homes. Here is where we are at with this. The government told the people over the radio NOT to rebuild until the aftershocks stop. A month ago I talked to our Esther girls asking if they were ready to have their homes built, every one said "no, wait, wait." And they made a motion with their hands showing they wanted the shaking to stop.
So we wait, your funds have not gone anywhere. We continue to invest in earthquake related problems and I have been very thankful for the resources to do it. The building of approximately 250 homes is coming very quickly and you will be the first to know, and see pictures.
Thanks for all your prayers, you guys are the best and don't forget, our prequake budget still needs a monthly boost as our ministry has exploded since January 12th and costs have gone up here. May God bless you, tominhaiti
p.s. Eve, where is that rib?
Anyone who really knows me knows I'm not the smartest guy on the block but I have never received lower than an A- for effort.
My effort at church this past Sunday has caused me some problems. I had met a very large body builder a few months ago named Mr. Marluke. He was Mr. Haiti and has won competitions on the world stage so this past Sunday I asked if he would come to church with us and..............show off.
When it came our time in the service, I introduced this very huge man. As he stood next to me he flexed his chest and muscles (all preplanned) and I flexed mine. Then he ripped his shirt off and stood there bare chested, and wow, he was huge. The people gasped and clapped and most were standing to get a better look.
Not to be outdone, I ripped my shirt off but still had on my t-shirt. The crowd went wild. I then walked out into the congregation and picked up a 20 pound boy and held him with both hands, above my head.
Mr. Marluke, as planned, then picked me up, and hoisted me above his head to the amazement and cheering of the crowd. After he put me down, I interviewed him about body building and winning competitions. I also asked him about how to become strong and how long it took and the advantages. I gave a short challenge on how that compares to the Christian life, and being strong in Christ. It went really well...................until.....
I realized he cracked or bruised one or more of my ribs. Since Sunday noon, I have been down and I mean down.
I can't stand up or sit down or lie down or move or turn or lift anything or do anything. Some of you will say "what a dummy" and I will accept that. However, if you know me, I am the type who will do anything to reach people for Christ. I often have described my time here as having one foot just inside hell, trying to pull people to safety.
Guess what, miles from that line, in the safety of your church or house, you will probably never get burned or hurt but once you cross that line, once you are that close, things do happen.
You might say, "do you really think one person will come to Christ because you got tossed in the air?" I don't know. What if someone says "wow, this is a neat place to come" and they come back and they hear the Gospel and receive Christ and............they are in heaven with you and I. THEN YES IT IS WORTH IT. And to tell you the truth as I type this in more pain than a body should be allowed, I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER, IF IT HELPED THE CAUSE OF CHRIST.
Some of you will think maybe it was just God saying "hey bubba (he calls me bubba sometimes) time to take a couple week break on your back before you go to the states."
We did have one of our biggest crowds of almost 1000 people and had a great service. This coming weekend, we are having a Friday night movie, the Passion of Christ, followed by my preaching Saturday night, big Easter morning baptism and service followed by Sunday night service concluding Easter weekend. We might have 5000 people in our tent this weekend. Please pray for the logistics, travel safety and that people will respond to the Gospel.
Also if you can pray for this rib situation to get better before April 12th, I would appreciate it. I have 3 grandkids that like to use grandpa for a human jungle gym so.....................
The family is doing well. Last night I told 17 year old Matthew that his Lakers were playing, did he want to watch them? He said "no, since the earthquake basketball doesn't matter anymore." This is a boy that lived, breathed and ate LA Laker basketball. Today as I write this, he is with the boys holding a mentoring club for younger boys. I think Matthew gets it.
Many of you sent money for us to help rebuild homes. Here is where we are at with this. The government told the people over the radio NOT to rebuild until the aftershocks stop. A month ago I talked to our Esther girls asking if they were ready to have their homes built, every one said "no, wait, wait." And they made a motion with their hands showing they wanted the shaking to stop.
So we wait, your funds have not gone anywhere. We continue to invest in earthquake related problems and I have been very thankful for the resources to do it. The building of approximately 250 homes is coming very quickly and you will be the first to know, and see pictures.
Thanks for all your prayers, you guys are the best and don't forget, our prequake budget still needs a monthly boost as our ministry has exploded since January 12th and costs have gone up here. May God bless you, tominhaiti
p.s. Eve, where is that rib?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Scrambled Brain
Hi, Tuesday PM
The earthquake happened 10 weeks ago today. Most missionaries have already been back to the states, had their break and are back in the trenches. My break will come on April 12th as I head to Cincinnati to see little Noah, and my other 3 grand kids, daughter and son-in-law................and rest.
My board encouraged me early on to get a break and have wanted this to happen. I appreciate them for trusting me enough to know when it is time.
This past Friday I was scheduled to speak in Chicago at a huge Feed My Starving Children fundraiser. I so badly wanted to go to the windy city, enjoy the hotels, the food and the people and be a part of this.
I have stayed not because I had to but because I felt it was the right thing to do. These Haitian folks could not jump on a plane and escape; they had to fight it out. They suffered more than I did, and have no place to go for decompressing.
We have had so much going on, I wanted to wrap some things up and make sure we have a good handle on everything. The spiritual explosion at our church has kept us all very busy.
There is no danger of me imploding, burning out or quitting. I have lived through death threats, a revolution, 3 years of kidnappings, an attempted kidnapping on me, hurricanes, rioting and this earthquake. I think I am a little battle tested for this stuff.
My grand kids are already excited and talking nonstop about grandpa coming. They know Chuckie Cheese, McDonald's play land and bowling is on the schedule.
Topic change: All of you know that the earthquake brought 10 more kids into my home. It was the right thing to do and I would do it all over again. Then weeks and weeks go by and the drain of having so many kids gets very tiring. I began to question myself. Dirty bathrooms, trash in the yard, broken sofas, jobs undone and messy living rooms made me question the validity of bringing so many kids in.
Visitors came and it was tough on them. There were kids everywhere, stuff everywhere and probably not the environment they would live in. I again questioned what I was doing. I began to think how I could downsize. I offered 4 of the older boys a nice tent if they wanted to go back to the village. I knew 5 of our school kids who came with me would go to our children's home. I asked another boy to go with relatives. I was on a roll; I was knocking the numbers down. We could attempt to have clean kitchens, clean bathrooms and some better order.
One thing I forgot, one mistake I made. I had begun to lose focus on why I was here, what I was called to do. It is easy with an American perspective to downsize. Not so easy when you are THE CHILD involved.
The four older boys I offered the tent deal to, timidly came to me and asked if they could stay, that they would do better. It broke my heart to think that they thought they needed to do better. The other young man I had asked to go to relatives asked what he had done wrong and why he had to leave.
Fifteen year old Robert last night cried all night, because I was moving him to the children's home. I asked him this morning what was wrong. He said "poppy, this is the only home I have ever had, you are the only dad I have ever had, please don't make me leave my home." I am the one in tears tonight.
This afternoon we brought a lady that I have known for years to come live at the Children's Home, be the cook, nanny and housekeeper. Today I met with Odette and we were almost done with everything and she dropped this bomb "by the way, I have my 8 month old granddaughter with me, the mom abandoned her and went to the Dominican."
My first thought was "what, are you kidding me, you waited this long to tell me that, that is a game breaker, we can't bring a baby here, not now, not yet."
This wonderful missionary you all support said to her "that might be a problem, can she go with anyone else?" She quickly said "yes, I can leave her in the village with friends."
It was not long later when God had a little chat with me, and I listened. I was in my room when I realized this; I raised a little baby from the age of 2 months, to 21 years old. You would have had to kill me to take my baby from me. We have a home for children who have no parents, a safe, clean, healthy, happy place to raise kids. For a few minutes I forgot that, I was willing to allow this little baby to grow up in the village with no mom, no grand mom, no clean water, no bed....no roof over her head. Why? Because she didn't fit into that nice, neat little box I had.
I met with Anderson and Mona, the directors, and shared my heart with them. They want the baby. I want the baby; the grand mom wants the baby..............most important, God wants this baby. I am sorry for my behavior in treating some of these kids like numbers, and not children created by God, given to me, to care for and to disciple.
Remember the email title, scrambled brain. I am not sure I am thinking clearly at all times, the past 10 weeks with no break has taken a toll. Maybe my ramblings are evidence. Please don't hold it against me. It makes sense to me. tominhaiti
The earthquake happened 10 weeks ago today. Most missionaries have already been back to the states, had their break and are back in the trenches. My break will come on April 12th as I head to Cincinnati to see little Noah, and my other 3 grand kids, daughter and son-in-law................and rest.
My board encouraged me early on to get a break and have wanted this to happen. I appreciate them for trusting me enough to know when it is time.
This past Friday I was scheduled to speak in Chicago at a huge Feed My Starving Children fundraiser. I so badly wanted to go to the windy city, enjoy the hotels, the food and the people and be a part of this.
I have stayed not because I had to but because I felt it was the right thing to do. These Haitian folks could not jump on a plane and escape; they had to fight it out. They suffered more than I did, and have no place to go for decompressing.
We have had so much going on, I wanted to wrap some things up and make sure we have a good handle on everything. The spiritual explosion at our church has kept us all very busy.
There is no danger of me imploding, burning out or quitting. I have lived through death threats, a revolution, 3 years of kidnappings, an attempted kidnapping on me, hurricanes, rioting and this earthquake. I think I am a little battle tested for this stuff.
My grand kids are already excited and talking nonstop about grandpa coming. They know Chuckie Cheese, McDonald's play land and bowling is on the schedule.
Topic change: All of you know that the earthquake brought 10 more kids into my home. It was the right thing to do and I would do it all over again. Then weeks and weeks go by and the drain of having so many kids gets very tiring. I began to question myself. Dirty bathrooms, trash in the yard, broken sofas, jobs undone and messy living rooms made me question the validity of bringing so many kids in.
Visitors came and it was tough on them. There were kids everywhere, stuff everywhere and probably not the environment they would live in. I again questioned what I was doing. I began to think how I could downsize. I offered 4 of the older boys a nice tent if they wanted to go back to the village. I knew 5 of our school kids who came with me would go to our children's home. I asked another boy to go with relatives. I was on a roll; I was knocking the numbers down. We could attempt to have clean kitchens, clean bathrooms and some better order.
One thing I forgot, one mistake I made. I had begun to lose focus on why I was here, what I was called to do. It is easy with an American perspective to downsize. Not so easy when you are THE CHILD involved.
The four older boys I offered the tent deal to, timidly came to me and asked if they could stay, that they would do better. It broke my heart to think that they thought they needed to do better. The other young man I had asked to go to relatives asked what he had done wrong and why he had to leave.
Fifteen year old Robert last night cried all night, because I was moving him to the children's home. I asked him this morning what was wrong. He said "poppy, this is the only home I have ever had, you are the only dad I have ever had, please don't make me leave my home." I am the one in tears tonight.
This afternoon we brought a lady that I have known for years to come live at the Children's Home, be the cook, nanny and housekeeper. Today I met with Odette and we were almost done with everything and she dropped this bomb "by the way, I have my 8 month old granddaughter with me, the mom abandoned her and went to the Dominican."
My first thought was "what, are you kidding me, you waited this long to tell me that, that is a game breaker, we can't bring a baby here, not now, not yet."
This wonderful missionary you all support said to her "that might be a problem, can she go with anyone else?" She quickly said "yes, I can leave her in the village with friends."
It was not long later when God had a little chat with me, and I listened. I was in my room when I realized this; I raised a little baby from the age of 2 months, to 21 years old. You would have had to kill me to take my baby from me. We have a home for children who have no parents, a safe, clean, healthy, happy place to raise kids. For a few minutes I forgot that, I was willing to allow this little baby to grow up in the village with no mom, no grand mom, no clean water, no bed....no roof over her head. Why? Because she didn't fit into that nice, neat little box I had.
I met with Anderson and Mona, the directors, and shared my heart with them. They want the baby. I want the baby; the grand mom wants the baby..............most important, God wants this baby. I am sorry for my behavior in treating some of these kids like numbers, and not children created by God, given to me, to care for and to disciple.
Remember the email title, scrambled brain. I am not sure I am thinking clearly at all times, the past 10 weeks with no break has taken a toll. Maybe my ramblings are evidence. Please don't hold it against me. It makes sense to me. tominhaiti
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Of New Names
Dear friends,
Monday update
Victory Bible Church: Another great day under the big tent, 803 people came to experience God and that we did. There are those who get on me for always mentioning numbers, say I am obsessed with numbers and guess what, they are right.
It is about numbers, as large of numbers as we can lead to eternal life. Jesus said "For God so loved THE WORLD...." "Go ye into ALL the world......" All is a pretty big number and so the more numbers we have, the more people hear the Gospel and more disciples to make.
Grace Emmanuel School: Our school started today after a nearly 3 month layoff. The plan is to go through the summer, take August off and start up next year in September. The bad news is, on the high school level, the school my boys go to will not be holding classes, until September. That really is a bummer for the boys as they were excited about going back to school.
New Children's home: Thank you so much, we had about 25 name suggestions for the children's home and I loved several you sent in. The winner and name of our new home....drum roll please................The Lighthouse Children's Home. I, our staff and our board agreed on this and we go with it. Today, Fondi from my staff, registered the name with the government and we have to wait 15 days to make sure there is no other organization with this name.
Friday the boys and I moved Anderson, his wife Mona, and daughter Monica into the home. They have been getting settled. Tomorrow we take 10 year old Bony and his sister, 8 year old Kimberly over to get settled in. Wednesday 8 and 10 year old brothers Marckendy and Robenson will move in, then 15 year old Robert on Thursday.
We have already had over a dozen inquiries from the villages asking if we are taking kids. We are going to go slow, do it right and not add until we are able to, unless an emergency comes up.
Church again: Sunday we baptized 15 more in our cistern. After the message Sunday, another 12 or 13 accepted Christ. I tell you this, it will never ever get old, seeing someone come to Christ, knowing at that moment their name is being written in the lamb's book of life, and a new person has come to God. This is why we are here, this is why you write checks, this is why you pray and send stuff. It is fun and right and needed to feed people and help them survive but OUR PRIMARY REASON FOR BEING IN HAITI IS TO FIGHT FOR THE ETERNAL SOULS OF THESE PRECIOUS PEOPLE.
Tonight:Just had a great chicken and rice meal, in a few minutes it is family fun night in which we play games as a family and the boys have a ball.
Good news: In case you were wondering, my approval rating is hovering around the 20 percent mark, which is about 10 points higher than that of the wonderful men and women in congress..................................
There you have it, a short update. Please keep praying and keep sending those checks. Don't forget, God has more loose change in his couch then we will ever need. He just needs you to check the couch. Love you guys, tominhaiti
Monday update
Victory Bible Church: Another great day under the big tent, 803 people came to experience God and that we did. There are those who get on me for always mentioning numbers, say I am obsessed with numbers and guess what, they are right.
It is about numbers, as large of numbers as we can lead to eternal life. Jesus said "For God so loved THE WORLD...." "Go ye into ALL the world......" All is a pretty big number and so the more numbers we have, the more people hear the Gospel and more disciples to make.
Grace Emmanuel School: Our school started today after a nearly 3 month layoff. The plan is to go through the summer, take August off and start up next year in September. The bad news is, on the high school level, the school my boys go to will not be holding classes, until September. That really is a bummer for the boys as they were excited about going back to school.
New Children's home: Thank you so much, we had about 25 name suggestions for the children's home and I loved several you sent in. The winner and name of our new home....drum roll please................The Lighthouse Children's Home. I, our staff and our board agreed on this and we go with it. Today, Fondi from my staff, registered the name with the government and we have to wait 15 days to make sure there is no other organization with this name.
Friday the boys and I moved Anderson, his wife Mona, and daughter Monica into the home. They have been getting settled. Tomorrow we take 10 year old Bony and his sister, 8 year old Kimberly over to get settled in. Wednesday 8 and 10 year old brothers Marckendy and Robenson will move in, then 15 year old Robert on Thursday.
We have already had over a dozen inquiries from the villages asking if we are taking kids. We are going to go slow, do it right and not add until we are able to, unless an emergency comes up.
Church again: Sunday we baptized 15 more in our cistern. After the message Sunday, another 12 or 13 accepted Christ. I tell you this, it will never ever get old, seeing someone come to Christ, knowing at that moment their name is being written in the lamb's book of life, and a new person has come to God. This is why we are here, this is why you write checks, this is why you pray and send stuff. It is fun and right and needed to feed people and help them survive but OUR PRIMARY REASON FOR BEING IN HAITI IS TO FIGHT FOR THE ETERNAL SOULS OF THESE PRECIOUS PEOPLE.
Tonight:Just had a great chicken and rice meal, in a few minutes it is family fun night in which we play games as a family and the boys have a ball.
Good news: In case you were wondering, my approval rating is hovering around the 20 percent mark, which is about 10 points higher than that of the wonderful men and women in congress..................................
There you have it, a short update. Please keep praying and keep sending those checks. Don't forget, God has more loose change in his couch then we will ever need. He just needs you to check the couch. Love you guys, tominhaiti
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Who got affirmed after all?
Hi,
Sunday at church, we surprised everyone by giving every family a ticket, red, white or blue. Each color represented what day they came to mission to get a surprise.
The surprise was a water filter system that works great. I demonstrated in church, pouring in very dirty water, and then drinking the water, as did my staff.
Monday my 20 boys and I packed and put 100 systems together and filled them with food. We filled the bucket system with: rice, spam, toilet paper, juice, veggies, cereal, dry milk, crackers, potted meat, cookies, tuna and other surprises.
Tuesday early we loaded the three trucks and headed to the mission. At 9 a.m. 100 families began to come. They sat in church and sang while we brought them to the school tent.
We had a table set up with Pastor Roger, Altimae and myself. Each head of the household came to a private area and sat down. We then affirmed that person, asked how they connected to our church and asked some their testimony.
It was awesome. One man said "I drove by your mission every Sunday and finally said I had to check it out, it looked interesting. The first service I came to I accepted Christ."
Another man actually was on a tap tap when Roger got off. The man got off and asked, "can you tell me how to become a Christian?" Roger led him to the Lord in front of our mission, and he hasn't missed a service yet.
We did this to encourage and affirm these folks. What happened is we are coming away more encouraged and affirmed than them. What an absolute joy to embrace these folks, tell them how much we appreciate them and love them, then listen to them.
For many, we prayed with them if they were sick or needed prayer. Then we gave them their bucket with probably a month's salary of food in it, and money for charcoal or whatever else they needed.
The joy on their faces and the appreciation are something I will never forget. We met with 100 Tuesday, 120 families Wednesday and another 100 on Thursday. We make up the buckets the previous day.
After we gave them the buckets, we loaded 10 at a time on the trucks and I had two of my drivers take them home with their stuff.
There has been lots of excitement in the village all week from the people who already received their system and food, and the ones yet to come. Of course a few people are not thrilled that they weren't at church and missed this bonanza. Pastor Roger is putting together a list of a few families' who were not there, but are a faithful part of our church.
This has been a busy, tiring, but great, great week. That is just part of my week. Our target of opening our new Children's home is next Monday the 22nd. By the way, we do not have a name yet for it so if you would like to submit one, I will consider it. Click here to visit our website and suggest a name for the Children's home. My board doesn't like my names: The house that Tom built, Tom's Palace, Tom's Tots, King Tom's place......
I interviewed a married couple, and was so impressed; I hired them as house parents. They move in this Friday. Their names are......Anderson and Mona Jeanty. Yes, the same Anderson I just told you about a couple weeks ago. How God works, wow!
This young couple is so excited about this and Anderson told me "We have been praying how we could minister to more kids." God answered their prayer.
Claudy and Manel and I have been running buying beds, tables, couch, chairs, fans, pots and pans, rugs, etc. for the house........... you name it, we are getting it. I couldn't find a stove but found a fridge that was out of my price range, about 700 US dollars. I will continue to look.
Pray for the new Children's home. Pray as I meet with the 5 young ones from my home that will be moving there. I don't want them to feel unwanted. I will make this a win-win. I am hoping to buy a couple of bikes, to give them the first day there. They have never owned a bike. We are very, very excited!
My family is doing really well. I am so proud of my boys as they continue to amaze me with their love for each other, for me, this ministry and their people. We have started picking one of the boys each week to teach the rest of the boys a Bible lesson. Sonal and Dearson have led the teaching so far, and have done great. Sonal was so funny, I asked him to teach, and even gave him an outline to use.
Sonal asked me later that night, "Poppy, how many hours do you want me to teach?" I said, "well 30 minutes would be okay." He had a hour long lession.
Today we had 600 at Wednesday prayer meeting. How many did you have at your mid week prayer meeting.......................what, you don't do this, that is outdated? Sorry.
We have another baptism this coming Sunday with 18 more getting baptized and another 3 week new member class has started. Roger asked me if churches in the states had baptisms every month. I didn't answer that one. I did tell him the New Testament church did baptisms daily so we had a way to go to catch up.
Okay, done for now. I haven't forgotten about the stuff we have planned for the future that is coming. tominhaiti
p.s.- I have been only getting emails from my board. Please, I need some fresh air. I would like 100 personal emails in the next 5 days. Can you do it, Elisabeth, Patti Jo, Morri, Robin, Barb, Becky, Minnesota, Tim, Bud, Carolyn, Bobby, Linda, Len, Jason, and the rest of you? Come on, rock my world. Tell me about your family and how you are being Jesus where you live, will ya?
Sunday at church, we surprised everyone by giving every family a ticket, red, white or blue. Each color represented what day they came to mission to get a surprise.
The surprise was a water filter system that works great. I demonstrated in church, pouring in very dirty water, and then drinking the water, as did my staff.
Monday my 20 boys and I packed and put 100 systems together and filled them with food. We filled the bucket system with: rice, spam, toilet paper, juice, veggies, cereal, dry milk, crackers, potted meat, cookies, tuna and other surprises.
Tuesday early we loaded the three trucks and headed to the mission. At 9 a.m. 100 families began to come. They sat in church and sang while we brought them to the school tent.
We had a table set up with Pastor Roger, Altimae and myself. Each head of the household came to a private area and sat down. We then affirmed that person, asked how they connected to our church and asked some their testimony.
It was awesome. One man said "I drove by your mission every Sunday and finally said I had to check it out, it looked interesting. The first service I came to I accepted Christ."
Another man actually was on a tap tap when Roger got off. The man got off and asked, "can you tell me how to become a Christian?" Roger led him to the Lord in front of our mission, and he hasn't missed a service yet.
We did this to encourage and affirm these folks. What happened is we are coming away more encouraged and affirmed than them. What an absolute joy to embrace these folks, tell them how much we appreciate them and love them, then listen to them.
For many, we prayed with them if they were sick or needed prayer. Then we gave them their bucket with probably a month's salary of food in it, and money for charcoal or whatever else they needed.
The joy on their faces and the appreciation are something I will never forget. We met with 100 Tuesday, 120 families Wednesday and another 100 on Thursday. We make up the buckets the previous day.
After we gave them the buckets, we loaded 10 at a time on the trucks and I had two of my drivers take them home with their stuff.
There has been lots of excitement in the village all week from the people who already received their system and food, and the ones yet to come. Of course a few people are not thrilled that they weren't at church and missed this bonanza. Pastor Roger is putting together a list of a few families' who were not there, but are a faithful part of our church.
This has been a busy, tiring, but great, great week. That is just part of my week. Our target of opening our new Children's home is next Monday the 22nd. By the way, we do not have a name yet for it so if you would like to submit one, I will consider it. Click here to visit our website and suggest a name for the Children's home. My board doesn't like my names: The house that Tom built, Tom's Palace, Tom's Tots, King Tom's place......
I interviewed a married couple, and was so impressed; I hired them as house parents. They move in this Friday. Their names are......Anderson and Mona Jeanty. Yes, the same Anderson I just told you about a couple weeks ago. How God works, wow!
This young couple is so excited about this and Anderson told me "We have been praying how we could minister to more kids." God answered their prayer.
Claudy and Manel and I have been running buying beds, tables, couch, chairs, fans, pots and pans, rugs, etc. for the house........... you name it, we are getting it. I couldn't find a stove but found a fridge that was out of my price range, about 700 US dollars. I will continue to look.
Pray for the new Children's home. Pray as I meet with the 5 young ones from my home that will be moving there. I don't want them to feel unwanted. I will make this a win-win. I am hoping to buy a couple of bikes, to give them the first day there. They have never owned a bike. We are very, very excited!
My family is doing really well. I am so proud of my boys as they continue to amaze me with their love for each other, for me, this ministry and their people. We have started picking one of the boys each week to teach the rest of the boys a Bible lesson. Sonal and Dearson have led the teaching so far, and have done great. Sonal was so funny, I asked him to teach, and even gave him an outline to use.
Sonal asked me later that night, "Poppy, how many hours do you want me to teach?" I said, "well 30 minutes would be okay." He had a hour long lession.
Today we had 600 at Wednesday prayer meeting. How many did you have at your mid week prayer meeting.......................what, you don't do this, that is outdated? Sorry.
We have another baptism this coming Sunday with 18 more getting baptized and another 3 week new member class has started. Roger asked me if churches in the states had baptisms every month. I didn't answer that one. I did tell him the New Testament church did baptisms daily so we had a way to go to catch up.
Okay, done for now. I haven't forgotten about the stuff we have planned for the future that is coming. tominhaiti
p.s.- I have been only getting emails from my board. Please, I need some fresh air. I would like 100 personal emails in the next 5 days. Can you do it, Elisabeth, Patti Jo, Morri, Robin, Barb, Becky, Minnesota, Tim, Bud, Carolyn, Bobby, Linda, Len, Jason, and the rest of you? Come on, rock my world. Tell me about your family and how you are being Jesus where you live, will ya?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Of Babies, Survival and the Future
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
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
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Larger Than Life
Hi from Haiti,
Thursday morning.
I do apologize for being out of touch past week or so. I have been so busy I have not had time to even have a cigarette. (That is for those of you who think I am losing my sense of humor.)
We are in a phase of going from 5am to midnight and very, very busy. Part of that going though INCLUDES family and the needs they have and the time they need. We also have had a couple of large groups here helping so much. Currently, we have friends from Seattle. Yesterday they sorted several thousand pounds of food that we had donated to us.
Today my board of directors arrives. They were originally scheduled to come two days after the quake but rescheduled for today. Because of the air mess, they are coming in 5 different flights at 5 different times so we will be doing some running. Add working with the group here, having a family and making a rice run for 100 boxes of rice...it will be quite a day.
Last night, a dear pastor friend of ours, Pastor Victor Honorat was taken to his Heavenly home. Pastor Victor is the pastor of the church that our church, Victory Bible church rented for 4 years. Pastor was a bear, over 400 pounds, 5' 9" but a very powerful man of God. I have not met many better in my life. He pastored the Wesylan Church, has 10 children, runs a school and....................was Jesus every day. I can't tell you how many times I would "catch" him in Cabaret, preaching and loving on the homeless people, when nobody was watching.
The Quake destroyed his church and so they held worship on the front steps every Sunday from 6-9 a.m. Every Sunday, as I would drive by on the way to our church, he would be there preaching and always would wave to me, while preaching. Then at 10 a.m. he would lumber down and come to our church. This morning, the villages are shedding large tears for a large man who did a large work for a large God. Pastor Victor's reward will be large. (My one prayer is they have coke in Heaven.)
We will be trying to help his family is some small way-- we are already reaching out to his church to see what we can do. They are only a half mile from our church. Pray for a very hurting family, a very distraught congregation, and a village in mourning.
Now some better news. This past Monday we started, are you ready for this, might need a drum roll..... We started our permanent feeding program at the New Roads Garbage dump. We have been feeding them when possible off and on but now, as of this past Monday, 80-some people will eat 7 days a week, until Jesus comes, if God wills.
A young man named Alex from Seattle Washington, had a dream to make this happen. He started a fund raiser called "Simply Haiti" where he challenged people to eat only rice for one week, then save the money to feed the folks at the dump. What he didn't know when he planned this fund raiser last year for the week of January 11th, was that the next day an earthquake would hit, putting his fund raiser on the front page. He hoped to raise $5,000. In a month, this project raised $30,000 with every penny going to feed these people, every day, for a very, very long time.
This week I have been to the dump every day. Tears were hard to fight back as, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIFE, they knew they would eat every day. Their whole attitudes have changed so positively. Life has just handed them the golden goose: they get to eat. What a joy to be a part of this. We went from providing 10% of their daily needs, to 100% concerning food and water. We have already been bringing a truck load of water in weekly. Thank you Alex, thank you Seattle, thank you God for loving these folks and allowing us to be Jesus to them.
I wish I could go on and on for what God is doing. Because so much has changed, this weekend the board and I will be planning the next couple years out. The one thing we know has not changed and that will not change now or in the future is what we were doing on January 11th: Giving hope to the hopeless! Preaching the Gospel, making disciples of Jesus, and teaching them to do the same. Some of the rules changed, the game is the same.
Someone said to me we have to make sure we are on top of our game because all the new donors of relief will expect this and that and.................I simply said, we have always done it right, we have always been good stewards, we need to change nothing. Just keep being Jesus to these folks. Only difference may be, instead of feeding 500 with our fish and loaves, we may now be feeding 5,000.
Please don't stop praying, don't stop helping our relief fund, don't forget our general fund. We are rolling and have everything at top speed. We can't afford to slow down a bit, especially because of a lack of funds that God has already placed in our pockets for this.
I am off (no not mentally) physically I am off to get rice then airport runs then meetings tonight from 6-9 and then driving and then maybe some sleep. Pray for this weekend and the next few days. This will be an exciting time for all of us. Tuesday, I promise to take a day off, maybe even Wednesday.
Love you guys, and do me a favor will ya? E-mail me and tell me about your "Anderson" that God has used you to reach out to this week, or last.
tominhaiti
Thursday morning.
I do apologize for being out of touch past week or so. I have been so busy I have not had time to even have a cigarette. (That is for those of you who think I am losing my sense of humor.)
We are in a phase of going from 5am to midnight and very, very busy. Part of that going though INCLUDES family and the needs they have and the time they need. We also have had a couple of large groups here helping so much. Currently, we have friends from Seattle. Yesterday they sorted several thousand pounds of food that we had donated to us.
Today my board of directors arrives. They were originally scheduled to come two days after the quake but rescheduled for today. Because of the air mess, they are coming in 5 different flights at 5 different times so we will be doing some running. Add working with the group here, having a family and making a rice run for 100 boxes of rice...it will be quite a day.
Last night, a dear pastor friend of ours, Pastor Victor Honorat was taken to his Heavenly home. Pastor Victor is the pastor of the church that our church, Victory Bible church rented for 4 years. Pastor was a bear, over 400 pounds, 5' 9" but a very powerful man of God. I have not met many better in my life. He pastored the Wesylan Church, has 10 children, runs a school and....................was Jesus every day. I can't tell you how many times I would "catch" him in Cabaret, preaching and loving on the homeless people, when nobody was watching.
The Quake destroyed his church and so they held worship on the front steps every Sunday from 6-9 a.m. Every Sunday, as I would drive by on the way to our church, he would be there preaching and always would wave to me, while preaching. Then at 10 a.m. he would lumber down and come to our church. This morning, the villages are shedding large tears for a large man who did a large work for a large God. Pastor Victor's reward will be large. (My one prayer is they have coke in Heaven.)
We will be trying to help his family is some small way-- we are already reaching out to his church to see what we can do. They are only a half mile from our church. Pray for a very hurting family, a very distraught congregation, and a village in mourning.
Now some better news. This past Monday we started, are you ready for this, might need a drum roll..... We started our permanent feeding program at the New Roads Garbage dump. We have been feeding them when possible off and on but now, as of this past Monday, 80-some people will eat 7 days a week, until Jesus comes, if God wills.
A young man named Alex from Seattle Washington, had a dream to make this happen. He started a fund raiser called "Simply Haiti" where he challenged people to eat only rice for one week, then save the money to feed the folks at the dump. What he didn't know when he planned this fund raiser last year for the week of January 11th, was that the next day an earthquake would hit, putting his fund raiser on the front page. He hoped to raise $5,000. In a month, this project raised $30,000 with every penny going to feed these people, every day, for a very, very long time.
This week I have been to the dump every day. Tears were hard to fight back as, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIFE, they knew they would eat every day. Their whole attitudes have changed so positively. Life has just handed them the golden goose: they get to eat. What a joy to be a part of this. We went from providing 10% of their daily needs, to 100% concerning food and water. We have already been bringing a truck load of water in weekly. Thank you Alex, thank you Seattle, thank you God for loving these folks and allowing us to be Jesus to them.
I wish I could go on and on for what God is doing. Because so much has changed, this weekend the board and I will be planning the next couple years out. The one thing we know has not changed and that will not change now or in the future is what we were doing on January 11th: Giving hope to the hopeless! Preaching the Gospel, making disciples of Jesus, and teaching them to do the same. Some of the rules changed, the game is the same.
Someone said to me we have to make sure we are on top of our game because all the new donors of relief will expect this and that and.................I simply said, we have always done it right, we have always been good stewards, we need to change nothing. Just keep being Jesus to these folks. Only difference may be, instead of feeding 500 with our fish and loaves, we may now be feeding 5,000.
Please don't stop praying, don't stop helping our relief fund, don't forget our general fund. We are rolling and have everything at top speed. We can't afford to slow down a bit, especially because of a lack of funds that God has already placed in our pockets for this.
I am off (no not mentally) physically I am off to get rice then airport runs then meetings tonight from 6-9 and then driving and then maybe some sleep. Pray for this weekend and the next few days. This will be an exciting time for all of us. Tuesday, I promise to take a day off, maybe even Wednesday.
Love you guys, and do me a favor will ya? E-mail me and tell me about your "Anderson" that God has used you to reach out to this week, or last.
tominhaiti
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Anderson, The Man, Not The City
Let me tell you about Anderson. Anderson is a young man who graduated high school. He went to college and got a degree in computer science and accounting. He was hired at a spaghetti factory. He got married and had a beautiful baby.
In other words, he has done it right, every step of the way. He is also a devoted follower of Jesus. I spoke at his mother's funeral 7 years ago. Anderson is 31 years old. He calls me poppy.
The earthquake ended his job and for 44 days he has been looking for work, with no luck. He has been living under a piece of plastic with his wife and baby, for 44 nights. Today he stopped by to check on "his poppy." What I saw was a look of defeat, a look of hopelessness, a man who has done it right, but now sitting with nothing, not even a bed for his family.
My heart broke and I knew right then, right there what I needed to do, what I had to do. I asked him if he would come to work for us. He looked up with shock and said "what, are you serious?" I said yes, could he start tomorrow morning at 9am. I then gave him some MRE's (meals ready to eat) a small advance of pay and off he went.
I went in my room and wept very hard. I thought of a man, who has done it right, sitting on a tap tap, with some money in his pocket, food in his hand, and a job. The first thing I said is "this is one of the reasons I am in Haiti."
Some might say, is that normal business, giving jobs because you feel sorry for someone? No, it is called giving hope to someone who deserves a break, and can fill a hole in this puzzle.
I already have a job description for him. It will involve a couple different hats. He will set up some computer files on our relief efforts recording food distributions. He will work with my board member Dan Neal helping with the website from Haiti. He will do ordering for our church and home for supplies and such. He will be contacting and working with some organizations that may have supplies for us and...............much more.
Anderson, a man of God, doing it right, part of our team. tominhaiti
In other words, he has done it right, every step of the way. He is also a devoted follower of Jesus. I spoke at his mother's funeral 7 years ago. Anderson is 31 years old. He calls me poppy.
The earthquake ended his job and for 44 days he has been looking for work, with no luck. He has been living under a piece of plastic with his wife and baby, for 44 nights. Today he stopped by to check on "his poppy." What I saw was a look of defeat, a look of hopelessness, a man who has done it right, but now sitting with nothing, not even a bed for his family.
My heart broke and I knew right then, right there what I needed to do, what I had to do. I asked him if he would come to work for us. He looked up with shock and said "what, are you serious?" I said yes, could he start tomorrow morning at 9am. I then gave him some MRE's (meals ready to eat) a small advance of pay and off he went.
I went in my room and wept very hard. I thought of a man, who has done it right, sitting on a tap tap, with some money in his pocket, food in his hand, and a job. The first thing I said is "this is one of the reasons I am in Haiti."
Some might say, is that normal business, giving jobs because you feel sorry for someone? No, it is called giving hope to someone who deserves a break, and can fill a hole in this puzzle.
I already have a job description for him. It will involve a couple different hats. He will set up some computer files on our relief efforts recording food distributions. He will work with my board member Dan Neal helping with the website from Haiti. He will do ordering for our church and home for supplies and such. He will be contacting and working with some organizations that may have supplies for us and...............much more.
Anderson, a man of God, doing it right, part of our team. tominhaiti
Anderson, the man, not the city
Let me tell you about Anderson. Anderson is a young man who graduated high school. He went to college and got a degree in computer science and accounting. He was hired at a spaghetti factory. He got married and had a beautiful baby.
In other words, he has done it right, every step of the way. He is also a devoted follower of Jesus. I spoke at his mother's funeral 7 years ago. Anderson is 31 years old. He calls me poppy.
The earthquake ended his job and for 44 days he has been looking for work, with no luck. He has been living under a piece of plastic with his wife and baby, for 44 nights. Today he stopped by to check on "his poppy." What I saw was a look of defeat, a look of hopelessness, a man who has done it right, but now sitting with nothing, not even a bed for his family.
My heart broke and I knew right then, right there what I needed to do, what I had to do. I asked him if he would come to work for us. He looked up with shock and said "what, are you serious?" I said yes, could he start tomorrow morning at 9am. I then gave him some MRE's (meals ready to eat) a small advance of pay and off he went.
I went in my room and wept very hard. I thought of a man, who has done it right, sitting on a tap tap, with some money in his pocket, food in his hand, and a job. The first thing I said is "this is one of the reasons I am in Haiti."
Some might say, is that normal business, giving jobs because you feel sorry for someone? No, it is called giving hope to someone who deserves a break, and can fill a hole in this puzzle.
I already have a job description for him. It will involve a couple different hats. He will set up some computer files on our relief efforts recording food distributions. He will work with my board member Dan Neal helping with the website from Haiti. He will do ordering for our church and home for supplies and such. He will be contacting and working with some organizations that may have supplies for us and...............much more.
Anderson, a man of God, doing it right, part of our team. tominhaiti
In other words, he has done it right, every step of the way. He is also a devoted follower of Jesus. I spoke at his mother's funeral 7 years ago. Anderson is 31 years old. He calls me poppy.
The earthquake ended his job and for 44 days he has been looking for work, with no luck. He has been living under a piece of plastic with his wife and baby, for 44 nights. Today he stopped by to check on "his poppy." What I saw was a look of defeat, a look of hopelessness, a man who has done it right, but now sitting with nothing, not even a bed for his family.
My heart broke and I knew right then, right there what I needed to do, what I had to do. I asked him if he would come to work for us. He looked up with shock and said "what, are you serious?" I said yes, could he start tomorrow morning at 9am. I then gave him some MRE's (meals ready to eat) a small advance of pay and off he went.
I went in my room and wept very hard. I thought of a man, who has done it right, sitting on a tap tap, with some money in his pocket, food in his hand, and a job. The first thing I said is "this is one of the reasons I am in Haiti."
Some might say, is that normal business, giving jobs because you feel sorry for someone? No, it is called giving hope to someone who deserves a break, and can fill a hole in this puzzle.
I already have a job description for him. It will involve a couple different hats. He will set up some computer files on our relief efforts recording food distributions. He will work with my board member Dan Neal helping with the website from Haiti. He will do ordering for our church and home for supplies and such. He will be contacting and working with some organizations that may have supplies for us and...............much more.
Anderson, a man of God, doing it right, part of our team. tominhaiti
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