On March 8th, Helping Hands is heading back to Haiti to follow up on some of the work we started last month. We have members on this team from Canada, Germany, Maryland and Georgia. We will be posting updates here from Haiti so please check the blog often and pray for our trip.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
We are heading back to Haiti
Sunday, February 14, 2010
It’s time to leave Haiti and it’s kind of like leaving a family. All the remaining team will be up in the morning at 5:00 a.m. and we will be on our way back to Dominican Republic. It will be at least a 10-hour journey and we’ll probably all sleep a lot! Our final day has been busy, as we had clinic here at the mission house, seeing last minute patients, following up on some wound care. Then one other trip to the tent village where most of the church people we know are living. We gave out bread, rice, beans, and oil. We visited the “home” of Junior, who is a fine young man about 20 years old. He and his family had a home nearby, but it is now gone. They are living under a tarp, with some cardboard on the ground, and some blankets. He had asked for a tent and we are leaving behind all that we have. However, Pastor Jean Claude is going to distribute the tents to the people with the most need. So we cannot promise Junior that he will get a tent. Something that seems so simple to provide but we just don’t have enough for everyone.
We hope once we are back in the U.S. we can contact some tent companies and get more tents donated. This will help relieve some of the housing issues for now, until more permanent structures can be built. We are talking with Pastor Jean Claude and others to determine the best way to help out with the housing issue. Most of the people do not own property, land is very expensive here, and thus it is difficult to know how best to provide housing, even on a temporary basis. Possibly simply building larger shelters/roofs over the tents, that will provide protection during the rainy season, which is coming in March and April. Many of the people are still afraid to stay inside block homes, even those which did not receive any damage. Most everyone we meet lost family or friends in the earthquake, and they still have fears about living inside walls that may come crumbling down around them.
As we leave this country, with plans to return in 3 weeks (during this 3 weeks we will be in Venezuela for several days doing a ministry project that we had committed to and gathering supplies during the other few days, Yes we keep a busy schedule), we want to say “thank you” to all those who have prayed for us, donated supplies, and have given money to help the people of Haiti. It is a devastated country, but a place where people still have the joy of Christ in their lives. Our prayer is that God will continue to provide the resources for us to come and work here, helping with medical care, providing food and water, and helping to build houses for the people. We will have teams coming to Haiti over the next several months and we ask that you continue to support this ministry with your prayers and finances. We are grateful to you for your support and it is our joy to work with you for the kingdom of God.
Richard and Brenda
We hope once we are back in the U.S. we can contact some tent companies and get more tents donated. This will help relieve some of the housing issues for now, until more permanent structures can be built. We are talking with Pastor Jean Claude and others to determine the best way to help out with the housing issue. Most of the people do not own property, land is very expensive here, and thus it is difficult to know how best to provide housing, even on a temporary basis. Possibly simply building larger shelters/roofs over the tents, that will provide protection during the rainy season, which is coming in March and April. Many of the people are still afraid to stay inside block homes, even those which did not receive any damage. Most everyone we meet lost family or friends in the earthquake, and they still have fears about living inside walls that may come crumbling down around them.
As we leave this country, with plans to return in 3 weeks (during this 3 weeks we will be in Venezuela for several days doing a ministry project that we had committed to and gathering supplies during the other few days, Yes we keep a busy schedule), we want to say “thank you” to all those who have prayed for us, donated supplies, and have given money to help the people of Haiti. It is a devastated country, but a place where people still have the joy of Christ in their lives. Our prayer is that God will continue to provide the resources for us to come and work here, helping with medical care, providing food and water, and helping to build houses for the people. We will have teams coming to Haiti over the next several months and we ask that you continue to support this ministry with your prayers and finances. We are grateful to you for your support and it is our joy to work with you for the kingdom of God.
Richard and Brenda
Friday, February 12, 2010
RAIN or SHINE
Today started off like every day, in which I thanked God for His Grace and Mercy that we all get to share in, along with His wonderful gift of forgiveness (which I need on a regular basis, just ask Dr. Brenda). As I was doing this it was about 4 a.m. and it started to rain. This is the first rain we have had since the earthquake, and it was so nice to listen to…. until some of the other team members, who are not normally so early to rise, started to get out of their tents in a hurry. They had no rain tops and were getting a shower in their sleep.
Doug (from McQuaey, Kentuky) was flooded out and then was a trooper about helping all the others. This was fun in a way until we realized that all the locals who had no tent were in the same “BOAT” sort of speaking. This gave us a moment to reflect on the blessings that God has truly given each one of us. We all got under some shelter and settled down into our bible reading time. The rain stopped about 6 a.m. and cleared up as the sun came up. Last night I had asked Tom (from Manchester, Maryland) to do our 7 a.m. devotional today and he did a great job.
Our work site today was a return to the Palace sidewalk. We set up and they started to line up. It was extremely hot with no breeze today but no one complained, God is in charge anyhow. We worked straight through the day with no lunch breaks as the team was excited that I had promised them a special dinner. The one and only place that I know of here that is opened, yes PIZZA, Dominos Pizza (a plug for them as it was great) – everyone was very happy! So the work went on without any complaints - only great expectations of the food that would come after the work!
Speaking of food - we were able to buy 200 cans of tuna, several hundred loafs of bread, 200 pounds of rice, 200 pounds of beans, along with sugar, cooking oil and several other items. This blessing is due to many of you – from the USA and Germany- who have given to make a difference. God bless each one of you for the smiles that you have put on the faces of many and the hunger that you have filled. Also George (from Roysten, Georgia) handed out food to the medical patients today as well.
We could talk about all the different injuries, wound care, and things we treated but today the most important was that we were able to continue to share (there were 37 salvations today) and show the love of Christ, so thank you to all of you who are reading this and praying for us, please keep on keeping on.
With Love Drs.K
Doug (from McQuaey, Kentuky) was flooded out and then was a trooper about helping all the others. This was fun in a way until we realized that all the locals who had no tent were in the same “BOAT” sort of speaking. This gave us a moment to reflect on the blessings that God has truly given each one of us. We all got under some shelter and settled down into our bible reading time. The rain stopped about 6 a.m. and cleared up as the sun came up. Last night I had asked Tom (from Manchester, Maryland) to do our 7 a.m. devotional today and he did a great job.
Our work site today was a return to the Palace sidewalk. We set up and they started to line up. It was extremely hot with no breeze today but no one complained, God is in charge anyhow. We worked straight through the day with no lunch breaks as the team was excited that I had promised them a special dinner. The one and only place that I know of here that is opened, yes PIZZA, Dominos Pizza (a plug for them as it was great) – everyone was very happy! So the work went on without any complaints - only great expectations of the food that would come after the work!
Speaking of food - we were able to buy 200 cans of tuna, several hundred loafs of bread, 200 pounds of rice, 200 pounds of beans, along with sugar, cooking oil and several other items. This blessing is due to many of you – from the USA and Germany- who have given to make a difference. God bless each one of you for the smiles that you have put on the faces of many and the hunger that you have filled. Also George (from Roysten, Georgia) handed out food to the medical patients today as well.
We could talk about all the different injuries, wound care, and things we treated but today the most important was that we were able to continue to share (there were 37 salvations today) and show the love of Christ, so thank you to all of you who are reading this and praying for us, please keep on keeping on.
With Love Drs.K
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Starfish
We wake up to the sounds of traffic each day as we are camped on one of the main roads. One of the team proclaims that it is like camping out on the interstate. But the sounds just become part of the background and like many things in life we tend to ignore them. This is the case I fear with many who have seen the news of Haiti’s plight but go on with their daily routines. Many have forgotten that God has called us to be there for each other. In Acts it talks about the first Church as they came together -that many would sell land to help those who were in need. No one went without and all gave with a cheerful heart. I wonder if anyone has sold any possessions so that they may help their Christian brothers and sisters who are hurting here in Haiti. Many people may think, “What can I do that will make a difference?” However, it is like the story of the little boy who walked on the beach after a storm. The storm had washed up hundreds of star fish that would soon die. A man saw the boy throwing them back into the water and asked the boy what he was doing. The boy answered, “I am saving the starfish.” The man replied, “Son, there are thousands of starfish, you can’t help them all.” But the boy said “Yes sir, I know, but I can help one and it will make a difference to this one.”
We can do the same, even helping just one fellow Christian in a time of need makes a difference to that person.
Today we set up clinic in a mountain village that made a difference to those people. Our team, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the middle of their week, now in the flow of things, helped make the clinic function in a well-oiled manner. Even Doug, from Kentucky, was swamped with wound care, but managed to handle each and every case. He had to take stitches out of one little girl, who started kicking him before he ever started. Doug said she was afraid she was getting more stitches instead of getting them taken out.
It is team members like Doug, Tom, Harvey, Zach, DuckAe, Angela, George, and Lourdes, who help make things flow, because they each give part of themselves to help the few. Today we ran out of medicines, which was a stress for Dr. B, but we came up with a plan, so that all of the people who did not receive medicines, received a ticket and they will be able to get their medicines on Friday, as we restock. It is times like these when we need to keep our faith and know that God will supply our needs.
The greatest need that we are able to meet is to continue to share the gospel, giving the people the hope of Jesus Christ. If you are reading this blog, we ask for your prayers and your support so that we may continue to serve God, and help those whom He has called us to help., whether many or only one.
-Dr. K
We can do the same, even helping just one fellow Christian in a time of need makes a difference to that person.
Today we set up clinic in a mountain village that made a difference to those people. Our team, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the middle of their week, now in the flow of things, helped make the clinic function in a well-oiled manner. Even Doug, from Kentucky, was swamped with wound care, but managed to handle each and every case. He had to take stitches out of one little girl, who started kicking him before he ever started. Doug said she was afraid she was getting more stitches instead of getting them taken out.
It is team members like Doug, Tom, Harvey, Zach, DuckAe, Angela, George, and Lourdes, who help make things flow, because they each give part of themselves to help the few. Today we ran out of medicines, which was a stress for Dr. B, but we came up with a plan, so that all of the people who did not receive medicines, received a ticket and they will be able to get their medicines on Friday, as we restock. It is times like these when we need to keep our faith and know that God will supply our needs.
The greatest need that we are able to meet is to continue to share the gospel, giving the people the hope of Jesus Christ. If you are reading this blog, we ask for your prayers and your support so that we may continue to serve God, and help those whom He has called us to help., whether many or only one.
-Dr. K
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 10, 2010
I’m writing this blog at 6:00 a.m. – last night I was too tired. We worked in an area yesterday that they call “The Great Ravine” because it’s kind of down in a valley and is according to one man who has worked there for the past 9 years – the poorest and the worst area in Haiti. That is saying a lot considering that the whole country now seems to be practically a wasteland, at least the parts that we have seen. We had spent one day at The Great Ravine last week, doing a medical clinic, and due to the long line of people who didn’t get to see a doctor, we returned yesterday for another day of clinic. I was surprised when we arrived, because I wasn’t sure the people would remember which day we had promised to come. But a long line had already formed by the time we arrived at 8:30 a.m. As the day wore on, the crowd became more unruly as they waited in the hot sun, which felt like about 110 degrees. At one point, DuckAe, one of our team members, braved the crowds and the sun and sang to them, which did bring a measure of tranquility to the crowd, at least for a while.
Attending in a rooster fighting ring (literally, it is a ring where the doctor stations were set up) – we tried as much as possible to create some semblance of order and cleanliness. It’s not easy, given the fact that we had roosters, ducks, and chickens wandering around. After seeing the doctor, the patients walk around the outside of the circle, to reach the “evangelism” area and then finally they get their medications. We are seeing lots of people, especially children, who have stomach issues, not surprising given the awful sanitary conditions. There are also still lots of wounds from earthquake related injuries; and lots of colds and flu symptoms, since most of the people are sleeping outside in the open. Even though temperatures during the day are extremely hot, it is a little cooler at night, and babies especially can get chilled at night. We do as much as possible from a medical standpoint, but the limitations are great. And if we see a problem that requires more intense medical care, there are few options for the people. There is only one functioning local hospital that we are aware of, but there are long lines and unless an American accompanies the patient, they are unlikely to be seen and cared for.
I have to keep reminding myself why we are here. It is to tell the people about Jesus. The Great Ravine is known as an area filled with practice of witchcraft and voodoo. We hope that the people see something different in us that makes them realize that Jesus has more to offer than their pagan gods. I also must continually remind myself that I am not here to save anyone. I am here in obedience to God, I am doing what I was called to do. God will do the rest. Please continue to pray for our team and for the people of Haiti.
I read something else this morning that I want to share:
“Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it.”
“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”
“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.”
Anonymous
We can make a difference one at a time so don’t give up…. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Attending in a rooster fighting ring (literally, it is a ring where the doctor stations were set up) – we tried as much as possible to create some semblance of order and cleanliness. It’s not easy, given the fact that we had roosters, ducks, and chickens wandering around. After seeing the doctor, the patients walk around the outside of the circle, to reach the “evangelism” area and then finally they get their medications. We are seeing lots of people, especially children, who have stomach issues, not surprising given the awful sanitary conditions. There are also still lots of wounds from earthquake related injuries; and lots of colds and flu symptoms, since most of the people are sleeping outside in the open. Even though temperatures during the day are extremely hot, it is a little cooler at night, and babies especially can get chilled at night. We do as much as possible from a medical standpoint, but the limitations are great. And if we see a problem that requires more intense medical care, there are few options for the people. There is only one functioning local hospital that we are aware of, but there are long lines and unless an American accompanies the patient, they are unlikely to be seen and cared for.
I have to keep reminding myself why we are here. It is to tell the people about Jesus. The Great Ravine is known as an area filled with practice of witchcraft and voodoo. We hope that the people see something different in us that makes them realize that Jesus has more to offer than their pagan gods. I also must continually remind myself that I am not here to save anyone. I am here in obedience to God, I am doing what I was called to do. God will do the rest. Please continue to pray for our team and for the people of Haiti.
I read something else this morning that I want to share:
“Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it.”
“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”
“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.”
Anonymous
We can make a difference one at a time so don’t give up…. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday
clinic day again at the mission house. It is calmer today, even with 150 medical patients. Our next team arrived on time - thankfully they didn't get lost this time. They bring much needed supplies and medicines - including children's vitamins, cold medications, and baby supplies, such as formula. Again, we are reminded of our supporters back home, who are making this mission possible. There have been no other after-shocks, and although there is still violence on the streets, we have been safe. Ten people today received Christ as their Savior - this is our main mission, sharing the gospel.
Dr. K. and Brenda
Dr. K. and Brenda
Sunday - The Lord's Day
Today, surprisingly, was truly a day of rest! We had a blessed worship service in our next-door tent village, under a tarp. The people danced and sang, with joy on their faces. They remind us of Paul, who was content in whatever circumstances - both good and bad. Though most of the people have lost family members, their homes, and their material goods - they worship joyfully. We are working with Pastor Jean Claude, a Haitian pastor who has taken in many street children over the years. The people here love and respect him greatly and when he tells them to stay seated for us to give out food, they listen. So food distribution today goes very smoothly - we give out bread and noodles. We are thankful to all our supporters who have donated money for the people of Haiti - with your help, we are helping with food and medical care. All of you are our blessing today! Thank you from Dr. K. and Brenda and all the Helping Hands team.
Saturday
Another team departed this morning at 6:00 a.m. and arrived safely back in Dominican Republic, with plans to fly back to the U.S. tomorrow. It was a busy week – with several hundred more medical patients treated, and at least 40 salvations that we are aware of. Today was a “re-group” day, as we cleaned, organized medications, and saw a few “walk-in” patients and one “house call.” Dr. K. was asked to go and check on a 100-year old lady who had fallen. She had no broken bones but was extremely malnourished and frail. We will be following up with her tomorrow and providing food and nourishment.
Our next team will arrive Monday and was expected to be 8 people, but we found out today that 2 of them can’t make it, as they are snowed in – while we are here sweating in 100 degree heat! In the midst of all of this today, we continue to realize that we are here because God has called us to help. We are blessed to be able to serve and demonstrate His love in the small things that we do. We want to wish our daughter Jenny a very happy birthday today, and we are sorry that we missed another one. But we know that she understands…..
Late this afternoon as we drove around, we are still overwhelmed at the vast devastation and destruction that surrounds us. It will take years of recovery efforts, but we were reminded by a team member last night, that the eyes of the world are now on Haiti. It may seem impossible to believe that God can bring good out of all that has happened, but we are already seeing Christian brothers and sisters from around the world who are reaching out with arms of love to the country of Haiti. As we sign off for tonight, wherever you are around the world, please pray for the people of Haiti, many of whom will go to sleep hungry, with no roof over their heads.
Dr. K and Brenda
Our next team will arrive Monday and was expected to be 8 people, but we found out today that 2 of them can’t make it, as they are snowed in – while we are here sweating in 100 degree heat! In the midst of all of this today, we continue to realize that we are here because God has called us to help. We are blessed to be able to serve and demonstrate His love in the small things that we do. We want to wish our daughter Jenny a very happy birthday today, and we are sorry that we missed another one. But we know that she understands…..
Late this afternoon as we drove around, we are still overwhelmed at the vast devastation and destruction that surrounds us. It will take years of recovery efforts, but we were reminded by a team member last night, that the eyes of the world are now on Haiti. It may seem impossible to believe that God can bring good out of all that has happened, but we are already seeing Christian brothers and sisters from around the world who are reaching out with arms of love to the country of Haiti. As we sign off for tonight, wherever you are around the world, please pray for the people of Haiti, many of whom will go to sleep hungry, with no roof over their heads.
Dr. K and Brenda
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
River Rafting: A New Way
Today, as all days are in Haiti, was very interesting. On January 22, Helping Hands Missions moved a group of orphans into the mountains outside the city. Today we decided to go pay them a visit and check on their welfare. I was told that the ride would be two hours, but what I wasn’t told was that this two hour ride would take us not over a river, but in a river! After about an hour ride on relatively smooth pavement (smooth by Haiti standards anyway) we turned off of the smooth stuff and onto what I think was supposed to be a road. This “road” was more suited for the donkeys and the motorcycles that we passed than the fifteen passenger van that we were riding in. As I was riding along enjoying the mountain scenery, I just happened to look down below me and I realized that we were riding right on the edge of about a 200 feet drop into a river valley. But that is not the fun part. After about another two or three miles of bumping and bumping and bumping we came to what I thought was going to be a river crossing. But to my surprise Sohn, our driver, turned up river and began driving in the river! As we drove in this river the local women washed their clothes and dishes, people bathed themselves, and little children swam to escape the heat of the day. I had never experienced that in my life! The waves from the van passing were splashing up on the clothes lying out on the rocks to dry. I hope we didn’t make too many enemies with that. After about a quarter mile of running in the river we came out the other side and bumped along some more. And finally we came to a gated complex and as we got out of the van to stretch our legs we heard the joyful shouts of the children on the other side of the fence.
Pastor Jean Claude, the owner of the mission house we are staying in and operator of the orphanage, had just arrived from the States the night before, and he went with us to the orphanage. As the gates to the orphanage opened Pastor Jean Claude was mobbed by the children who were yelling their greetings and hugging him all at the same time. It was one of the most joyful reunions I have ever seen. But the work of the day was still ahead of us.
We were short two nurses, because the Germans had left last night, and Dr. K, Brenda, and Angela had to see all of the children in the orphanage. They all filed into the church’s sanctuary and sat on the homemade wooden benches. These kids were so well -behaved. Aaron suggested that we read the kids a Bible Story while they waited. I decided to read the account of David and Goliath. They all listened intently as they waited. It was a joy to see their faces as the story unfolded. Rick found a precious baby and must have held her for two hours. I also found another infant and decided to give the mother a break and as I held her, I noticed that she had a rash all over her body. Then it was her turn to see Angela and I got some pretty interesting news. The baby had a fever and active measles! I sure hope my MMR still works! The medical team made fast work of the rest of the children and while they were doing their work, the ladies who help at the orphanage was preparing a special treat for us. FRIED CHICKEN AND HOMEMADE FRENCH FRIES! That was a great treat after a week of salami sandwiches and instant soup!
While I was there I completely fell in love with a little eleven year old girl named Belinda. Before I left she told me she loved me and melted my heart. By the way, Lennette, if you are reading this, we almost had a fifth child, but to my regret, she is still at the orphanage. So please, as you read this, say a prayer for Belinda and the rest of the children, some of whom lost their parents in the earthquake.
Pastor Mike
Pastor Jean Claude, the owner of the mission house we are staying in and operator of the orphanage, had just arrived from the States the night before, and he went with us to the orphanage. As the gates to the orphanage opened Pastor Jean Claude was mobbed by the children who were yelling their greetings and hugging him all at the same time. It was one of the most joyful reunions I have ever seen. But the work of the day was still ahead of us.
We were short two nurses, because the Germans had left last night, and Dr. K, Brenda, and Angela had to see all of the children in the orphanage. They all filed into the church’s sanctuary and sat on the homemade wooden benches. These kids were so well -behaved. Aaron suggested that we read the kids a Bible Story while they waited. I decided to read the account of David and Goliath. They all listened intently as they waited. It was a joy to see their faces as the story unfolded. Rick found a precious baby and must have held her for two hours. I also found another infant and decided to give the mother a break and as I held her, I noticed that she had a rash all over her body. Then it was her turn to see Angela and I got some pretty interesting news. The baby had a fever and active measles! I sure hope my MMR still works! The medical team made fast work of the rest of the children and while they were doing their work, the ladies who help at the orphanage was preparing a special treat for us. FRIED CHICKEN AND HOMEMADE FRENCH FRIES! That was a great treat after a week of salami sandwiches and instant soup!
While I was there I completely fell in love with a little eleven year old girl named Belinda. Before I left she told me she loved me and melted my heart. By the way, Lennette, if you are reading this, we almost had a fifth child, but to my regret, she is still at the orphanage. So please, as you read this, say a prayer for Belinda and the rest of the children, some of whom lost their parents in the earthquake.
Pastor Mike
CBS Interview
Here is the link to the interview I did for Helping Hands. Be kind to me...lol I hope I was able to do the team justice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXvNHOfyba8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXvNHOfyba8
Today
We are headed to the orphanage in the mountains that we transported the 45 orphans to on the second day we were here. We are going to bring food, clothing, and medical care, but the most important thing we will bring is the love of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Given to Her for a Covering
Today the Helping Hands team went back to the big tent city just outside the grounds of the collapsed Capitol building in Port-au-Prince. We found a suitable place on a very wide sidewalk and fashioned the most streamlined, well-placed clinic of this week. With plenty of room for a line, sign-in, evaluation and speaking with the proper medical worker, it was easier to keep everyone moving forward.
A line formed quickly and we probably could have seen more than the 100 patients we were able to minister to except that three ladies who had been cleaning up the area and were attacked and beaten. They came up initially and showed us the cuts and then they left. No one had known where they went until they returned. They said that they went to the police and had their attackers arrested prior to their return. One had a minor but painful laceration to her right ear, another had a small but profusely bleeding gash on the top of her scalp (and in the middle of her very long, wiry hair) and the last had a cut under her left eye that required several stitches. As the story unfolded, they were working cleaning the sidewalks when they were attacked by a group of punk cowards who decided that they didn’t want the area cleaned. Two of the wounds were time consuming to clean and bandage or stitch, but it seemed the people close enough to see what was happening were understanding of what was happening.
Our primary care people, Dr. K, Dr. Brenda, Angela (U.S.), Irene and Maria (both from Germany) are simply excellent. There is almost nothing that they cannot do or make a valiant attempt at getting done. Two of our team did evangelization on the sidewalk to those awaiting treatment and curious onlookers. One great blessing was that Michel, one of our interpreters, took the Evangecube and began to share the gospel himself. That is what mission trips are all about: helping the locals to become courageous in sharing the Gospel of Christ. A number of people professed faith in Christ today, perhaps as many as 40; they will be contacted by a local pastor for follow up in the days and weeks after we are gone. A big hit today also was the sidewalk entertainment of balloons, Fruit Loops to the kids, and limbo that did much to keep the small crowd from growing restless.
Today was my first time to do “wound care” which, as it sounds, is the station where cuts are washed or scrubbed, then treated with peroxide or Betadine. Sometimes Band-aids are applied and sometimes bandages with antibiotic cream. Most are minor compared to many injuries receive in the quake but all need to be clean to avoid an infection that could be deadly in this less than sterile environment.
The reason doing wound care is significant for me is that I have passed out before having blood drawn and have tended to make getting any injection an adventure of hyperventilation, heart palpitations or both. No one in my family believed for a moment that I would be able to deal with blood up close and personal. Frankly, I was none too certain myself.
I actually did take a pass on the first one: a boy of about 10 on whom a concrete block had fallen during the earthquake. He had a hole in the top of his head. Yep; a hole in the top of his head. If you’ve ever thought, “I need that like I need a hole in the head,” you are right-it isn’t needed! Dr. K handled it with cleaning and a bandage. No stitches could be given since the infection cannot be closed inside, which would have happened since the wound was so deep.
The next one was the lady who had been struck in the head during the attack. While the gash turned out to be small, it had bled through her hair, down her neck onto her shoulder, soaking her blouse bright red. Dried blood remained on her hand and nails, while her hair was soaked in spots-dried and matted in others. I had to cut much of her hair, getting close enough to her scalp to try and find the actual wound through all the mess. I felt doubly sorry for her since many Haitian women, like many American women, find some amount of identity in their hair. I wondered if she would feel shame after seeing a large shaven spot on the side of her head. Would she feel as if her glory had been turned against her?
As I got into the process, I was moved with compassion for her and her plight, so much that I never even thought about being sick, woozy or anything else. I wondered at the evil in the hearts of men than cause them to attack women who are working to restore order to a broken city, but rejoice in the Christ who loves those who are bruised, battered and beaten.
Marty
A line formed quickly and we probably could have seen more than the 100 patients we were able to minister to except that three ladies who had been cleaning up the area and were attacked and beaten. They came up initially and showed us the cuts and then they left. No one had known where they went until they returned. They said that they went to the police and had their attackers arrested prior to their return. One had a minor but painful laceration to her right ear, another had a small but profusely bleeding gash on the top of her scalp (and in the middle of her very long, wiry hair) and the last had a cut under her left eye that required several stitches. As the story unfolded, they were working cleaning the sidewalks when they were attacked by a group of punk cowards who decided that they didn’t want the area cleaned. Two of the wounds were time consuming to clean and bandage or stitch, but it seemed the people close enough to see what was happening were understanding of what was happening.
Our primary care people, Dr. K, Dr. Brenda, Angela (U.S.), Irene and Maria (both from Germany) are simply excellent. There is almost nothing that they cannot do or make a valiant attempt at getting done. Two of our team did evangelization on the sidewalk to those awaiting treatment and curious onlookers. One great blessing was that Michel, one of our interpreters, took the Evangecube and began to share the gospel himself. That is what mission trips are all about: helping the locals to become courageous in sharing the Gospel of Christ. A number of people professed faith in Christ today, perhaps as many as 40; they will be contacted by a local pastor for follow up in the days and weeks after we are gone. A big hit today also was the sidewalk entertainment of balloons, Fruit Loops to the kids, and limbo that did much to keep the small crowd from growing restless.
Today was my first time to do “wound care” which, as it sounds, is the station where cuts are washed or scrubbed, then treated with peroxide or Betadine. Sometimes Band-aids are applied and sometimes bandages with antibiotic cream. Most are minor compared to many injuries receive in the quake but all need to be clean to avoid an infection that could be deadly in this less than sterile environment.
The reason doing wound care is significant for me is that I have passed out before having blood drawn and have tended to make getting any injection an adventure of hyperventilation, heart palpitations or both. No one in my family believed for a moment that I would be able to deal with blood up close and personal. Frankly, I was none too certain myself.
I actually did take a pass on the first one: a boy of about 10 on whom a concrete block had fallen during the earthquake. He had a hole in the top of his head. Yep; a hole in the top of his head. If you’ve ever thought, “I need that like I need a hole in the head,” you are right-it isn’t needed! Dr. K handled it with cleaning and a bandage. No stitches could be given since the infection cannot be closed inside, which would have happened since the wound was so deep.
The next one was the lady who had been struck in the head during the attack. While the gash turned out to be small, it had bled through her hair, down her neck onto her shoulder, soaking her blouse bright red. Dried blood remained on her hand and nails, while her hair was soaked in spots-dried and matted in others. I had to cut much of her hair, getting close enough to her scalp to try and find the actual wound through all the mess. I felt doubly sorry for her since many Haitian women, like many American women, find some amount of identity in their hair. I wondered if she would feel shame after seeing a large shaven spot on the side of her head. Would she feel as if her glory had been turned against her?
As I got into the process, I was moved with compassion for her and her plight, so much that I never even thought about being sick, woozy or anything else. I wondered at the evil in the hearts of men than cause them to attack women who are working to restore order to a broken city, but rejoice in the Christ who loves those who are bruised, battered and beaten.
Marty
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
More Prayers, More Answers
Who could have imagined that a cockfighting ring could turn into a medical clinic? By U.S. standards our medical clinic would have been shut down due to uncleanliness, but by Haiti standards anywhere you can corral and control the crowd is a good place. So there amid those crowing roosters, cooing pigeons, quacking ducks, and whining dogs we began our day of treating the sick and wounded. They asked me (Mike) to blog today because of my unusual experience with a young lady named Emma. Emma is a beautiful 28 year old young woman who, like all the other Haitians, experienced the trauma of the earthquake. During which a concrete block fell on her ankle and broke it. It has now been three weeks after the event and the village that Emma lives in had not been visited by any relief workers, so Emma had not been treated at all. Her ankle was badly swollen and infected, so much so that the skin had burst on both sides of the ankle and the infection was running down her foot. We knew that she needed intravenous Antibiotics in order to control the infection and that was more than we could do in the field. So I volunteered to take her to the airport hospital. There was a real chance that they would refuse our entry because of the volume of the patients, but as we drove I prayed that God would make a way for us to be seen. Plus, as I looked into the eyes of Emma I knew that I had to convince the U.S. Army guards that we needed to get her the antibiotics. We pulled up to the gate and without a hitch they allowed us on the airport grounds and showed us the direction to the medical tent. Emma was in a lot of pain and could not walk, so I carried her in expecting a long wait before she could be seen, and to my relief, they took her right into triage! Emma was crying and I consoled her and told her that everything would be okay, but she kept repeating the same thing over and over. I cannot speak Creole and could not understand. They took her to X-ray and they found out that her ankle had been broken by the block, but since then it had healed. After her X-ray she was still very upset and was repeating the same thing over and over again. I was finally able to stop an interpreter and asked him to help me understand what she was saying. All this time she had been pleading with me to not let the doctors take her foot. Immediately my heart broke and I began to cry with her. I prayed for her through the interpreter and told her that God would take care of her. Because they didn’t have any beds left in the hospital, they took us back to triage. The nurse practitioner who was helping us came over and gave us the diagnosis. Emma grabbed hold of my arm and held on tightly as the words were spoken. Her face lit up as the news was given to her…the foot would be fine with IV Antibiotics and oral antibiotics! She cried and I told her to look at me. I told her to remember this day. God had heard our prayer and protected her. After the antibiotics were administered and she was given a tetanus shot and a two week’s supply of oral antibiotics we were on her way back to Emma’s village. On our way back she asked me why I would come so far to help her. I told her that I did it because Jesus loves her and so do I. The last time I saw Emma she was using her newly acquired crutches and making her way to her home.
Meanwhile, back at the cockfighting ring we had hundreds of Haitians lining up to receive medical care. Today we saw 150 patients of every age with every kind of illness. Scabies, Measles, fungal infections, severe puncture wounds, and fractures were just a few of the things that we treated today. Shane even removed a leg cast with a pocket knife! We have heard reports of mobs and riots and were a little worried about how the Haitians would respond to our presence. To our delight, they assembled in an orderly line with minimal problems. We were not able to see everyone in the time we had but we will return to this area next week. The team worked very well together from crowd control, to medical care, to pharmacy; we all worked like a well oiled machine. There is no doubt that God sent us and protected us in the middle of this city full of malnourished children and illness, and we are grateful. As we were packing up, we realized that our ride had not returned from the hospital. We packed up our 4 – 50 pound tubs and our table and hiked the 2 miles back to our base. We were exhausted! We were rewarded though with a trip to Dominoes to celebrate Jessica’s birthday. Happy birthday Jess!!!! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. They were answered today!!!!
Meanwhile, back at the cockfighting ring we had hundreds of Haitians lining up to receive medical care. Today we saw 150 patients of every age with every kind of illness. Scabies, Measles, fungal infections, severe puncture wounds, and fractures were just a few of the things that we treated today. Shane even removed a leg cast with a pocket knife! We have heard reports of mobs and riots and were a little worried about how the Haitians would respond to our presence. To our delight, they assembled in an orderly line with minimal problems. We were not able to see everyone in the time we had but we will return to this area next week. The team worked very well together from crowd control, to medical care, to pharmacy; we all worked like a well oiled machine. There is no doubt that God sent us and protected us in the middle of this city full of malnourished children and illness, and we are grateful. As we were packing up, we realized that our ride had not returned from the hospital. We packed up our 4 – 50 pound tubs and our table and hiked the 2 miles back to our base. We were exhausted! We were rewarded though with a trip to Dominoes to celebrate Jessica’s birthday. Happy birthday Jess!!!! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. They were answered today!!!!
CBS Video
The Video from the interview has not been posted yet but here is the link to the video from Haiti that was featured.
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/22429977/index.html
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/22429977/index.html
CBS News Atlanta
Today between 4:30 and 5:30pm I will be interviewed by CBS News Atlanta about the Haiti Mission trip. They will also plug The Helping Hands Blog and the Main website. I invite everyone to watch and to spread the word about the interview. This type of coverage will help drive support for our teams on the ground right now.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Things are not always as they seem. . .
When we were in the streets doing a medical clinic last week, a man came up and asked one of our team members if we could come to his orphanage and treat the children. Dr. K. spoke with him and we decided to go on Tuesday of the following week; which was today. The man told us that there were about 70 children, all very sick and in need of medical attention. But, as the title says, things are not always as they seem! When we arrived to treat the 70 orphans, there were 250 mothers with babies waiting. The pastor of the church where we were working said this was the staff and we needed to see them first. Now, let me explain. The problem was not the mothers nor the babies, the problem was that we were not prepared to see all those adults. We had packed medicines and supplies for 70 orphans, not for 250 mothers with babies. This was a problem for me especially since I am the “pharmacist” and when we arrived, I was immediately concerned with our lack of preparedness. Also, there was no way to keep the large crowds of people from gathering around and being all over the place. There were people everywhere! Children everywhere! Babies everywhere! Men yelling, babies crying, children laughing and mothers desperate to be seen by the doctor. I was overwhelmed. But, God reminded me that He had brought us here and that He could give us strength and calm in the storm that was raging around us. The pharmacy team stopped and prayed for strength and the ability to share with the people the Love of Jesus Christ.
I would like to say that after that everything was wonderful, it was not. It was still stressful, but through God’s strength we were able to finish the day out well, as good witnesses of who God was and His unconditional love. I can say that we did have a small miracle in the pharmacy. We forgot to take medicine bags and dosing cups, but God allowed it to all work out and we were never without the things that we needed to dispense the medicines to the people! God provided!
Also, we were able to physically show God’s love to the people of this community and now the church can follow up with the doors that were opened through this medical clinic. The pastor told us that others have come through the community after the earthquake, but we were the first to stop and help them. I have no doubt that God ordained and planned this from the beginning.
-Jessica Matthews
Well, it wasn’t exactly loaves and fishes, but…
After leaving the clinic at the orphanage community, most of the team was taking a rest, getting some water or grabbing a bite to eat. Dr. Brenda came and explained we were going to walk just down the street to a tent village where several dozen families were living under makeshift shelters supported by ropes tied to nearby trees, by hand hewn posts with sheets and blankets for walls. We were taking lolly-pops for the kids and rice, beans and cooking oil for the families.
We headed out in teams of two and three, walking through the settlement, greeting the families and giving the food in the name of Jesus Christ. As to be expected, the kids went crazy and became instant fans of anyone with candy on a stick. They were extremely polite and well behaved. Not speaking Creole or French myself I’m not sure what they were saying all the time, but the French merci-“thank you”-was often very clear.
The highlight of that time for me was the ministry of a team of young German guys who have been here for a week. Contorting themselves into the human equivalents of carnival rides they carried kids, spun kids and generally had a ball making sure the kids had a ball. After giving away all we had carried, we went back to our house.
After returning, quite unexpectedly, Dr. K ran up the stairs and yelled, “Ok, everyone, come with me.” As it turns out, he had purchased some bread and wanted to go distribute it back at the tent village.
Now, when I say purchased some bread, I mean several large trash bags filled with loaves with other very large sacks with French bread loaves. Some of our team were a little apprehensive about how this might turn out since a food riot at a giveaway spot last week had resulted in three people being trampled. We brought the food up a back alley so as not to be unloading it on the main street. This was a very wise move.
After sneaking through the alley way, we set up shop in the middle of the tent village. One call and people we had not even seen an hour before appeared in a huge mass in the middle. While not aggressive, it was clear that there was a fear of not receiving anything so lines quickly broke down and masses formed. Two or three team members gave bread, threw bread, and attempted a semblance of order while others mingled in the group or took pictures.
While watching that and thinking about the ways that food deprivation has been used around the world to control people and how famines or floods have caused time of great need, it is easy to see how people who never know where their next mouthful of food is coming from quickly fall into hysteria; bread or rice is within arm’s reach and might not make it to them. While watching on TV, Westerners tend to think, “If they would just get into lines, they would all get some food.” That is a very simplistic view. When your child is sick, dirty or hungry and there is no promise of ever getting medicine, water or food, the survival instinct can be overwhelming.
Thankfully, Helping Hands has already set up a church meeting place in the tent village with meetings on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. It is good to know that those who also need the Bread of Life are able to have at least as easy access as the physical bread with which they were blessed today.
-Marty
I would like to say that after that everything was wonderful, it was not. It was still stressful, but through God’s strength we were able to finish the day out well, as good witnesses of who God was and His unconditional love. I can say that we did have a small miracle in the pharmacy. We forgot to take medicine bags and dosing cups, but God allowed it to all work out and we were never without the things that we needed to dispense the medicines to the people! God provided!
Also, we were able to physically show God’s love to the people of this community and now the church can follow up with the doors that were opened through this medical clinic. The pastor told us that others have come through the community after the earthquake, but we were the first to stop and help them. I have no doubt that God ordained and planned this from the beginning.
-Jessica Matthews
Well, it wasn’t exactly loaves and fishes, but…
After leaving the clinic at the orphanage community, most of the team was taking a rest, getting some water or grabbing a bite to eat. Dr. Brenda came and explained we were going to walk just down the street to a tent village where several dozen families were living under makeshift shelters supported by ropes tied to nearby trees, by hand hewn posts with sheets and blankets for walls. We were taking lolly-pops for the kids and rice, beans and cooking oil for the families.
We headed out in teams of two and three, walking through the settlement, greeting the families and giving the food in the name of Jesus Christ. As to be expected, the kids went crazy and became instant fans of anyone with candy on a stick. They were extremely polite and well behaved. Not speaking Creole or French myself I’m not sure what they were saying all the time, but the French merci-“thank you”-was often very clear.
The highlight of that time for me was the ministry of a team of young German guys who have been here for a week. Contorting themselves into the human equivalents of carnival rides they carried kids, spun kids and generally had a ball making sure the kids had a ball. After giving away all we had carried, we went back to our house.
After returning, quite unexpectedly, Dr. K ran up the stairs and yelled, “Ok, everyone, come with me.” As it turns out, he had purchased some bread and wanted to go distribute it back at the tent village.
Now, when I say purchased some bread, I mean several large trash bags filled with loaves with other very large sacks with French bread loaves. Some of our team were a little apprehensive about how this might turn out since a food riot at a giveaway spot last week had resulted in three people being trampled. We brought the food up a back alley so as not to be unloading it on the main street. This was a very wise move.
After sneaking through the alley way, we set up shop in the middle of the tent village. One call and people we had not even seen an hour before appeared in a huge mass in the middle. While not aggressive, it was clear that there was a fear of not receiving anything so lines quickly broke down and masses formed. Two or three team members gave bread, threw bread, and attempted a semblance of order while others mingled in the group or took pictures.
While watching that and thinking about the ways that food deprivation has been used around the world to control people and how famines or floods have caused time of great need, it is easy to see how people who never know where their next mouthful of food is coming from quickly fall into hysteria; bread or rice is within arm’s reach and might not make it to them. While watching on TV, Westerners tend to think, “If they would just get into lines, they would all get some food.” That is a very simplistic view. When your child is sick, dirty or hungry and there is no promise of ever getting medicine, water or food, the survival instinct can be overwhelming.
Thankfully, Helping Hands has already set up a church meeting place in the tent village with meetings on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. It is good to know that those who also need the Bread of Life are able to have at least as easy access as the physical bread with which they were blessed today.
-Marty
February 1, 2010
This post is from February 1, 2010
We are having clinic today at the mission house – and people start to gather at the front gate before we are all awake. We know this because we hear the voices that become louder and louder as the morning goes on. Soon there are several hundred voices, and the crowd starts to become unruly. There is no line, just a mass of people gathered at the front gate. A policeman has brought someone for treatment and volunteers to control the crowd and we are thankful for his help.
Today brought an assortment of patients. I am surprised that some of the ones we saw at the plaza have managed to find our mission house and have come for follow-up. These are people who had wounds from the earthquake, and they are all improving. Simple medical treatment could have prevented many of the infections and complications we have seen.
Other patients really have nothing wrong with them. This is a little frustrating for those of us who want to see a medical problem we can “fix.” Everyone wants a tent. They are all sleeping outside on the ground. I saw one young girl, 18 years old, from the plaza. She had typhoid fever and pneumonia and was sleeping in a tree. Although she had improved medically, my heart is heavy when I think of her, with fevers up to 104, trying to sleep in a tree. But we do not have tents for everyone we see.
A 5-year old boy, brought in by his mother, who asks us several times, if her son is dead. He is lethargic, febrile, with a distended and tender abdomen. We send one of our team members with him to the local hospital to make sure he is seen by a surgeon. It is good news when we learn that he was evaluated and admitted immediately. This would not have happened without one of us accompanying him. Haitians stand in long lines for several hours to be evaluated at the one local public hospital that is still functioning.
A 3-year old little girl named Stacy has pneumonia or typhoid fever or malaria, or all three. She does not have a surgical problem, and thus the overflowing hospital is not an option. The mother pleads for us to treat her with whatever we have available. We fix up a “hospital bed” on a sofa; start an IV with fluids and antibiotics; and begin treatment. Team members are assigned to do “breathing treatments” which consists of her trying to blow up balloons – this makes her take deep breaths. Another team member boils water and we give hot water vapor treatments. Her lungs start to clear a little, and I am more hopeful. At the end of the day, I have to send her home, with instructions to the mom to continue her medications and we’ll see her back tomorrow.
Well, this is way too long – but the patients keep coming. We are sharing the gospel and people are receiving Christ. This is the only way to truly heal them.
We are having clinic today at the mission house – and people start to gather at the front gate before we are all awake. We know this because we hear the voices that become louder and louder as the morning goes on. Soon there are several hundred voices, and the crowd starts to become unruly. There is no line, just a mass of people gathered at the front gate. A policeman has brought someone for treatment and volunteers to control the crowd and we are thankful for his help.
Today brought an assortment of patients. I am surprised that some of the ones we saw at the plaza have managed to find our mission house and have come for follow-up. These are people who had wounds from the earthquake, and they are all improving. Simple medical treatment could have prevented many of the infections and complications we have seen.
Other patients really have nothing wrong with them. This is a little frustrating for those of us who want to see a medical problem we can “fix.” Everyone wants a tent. They are all sleeping outside on the ground. I saw one young girl, 18 years old, from the plaza. She had typhoid fever and pneumonia and was sleeping in a tree. Although she had improved medically, my heart is heavy when I think of her, with fevers up to 104, trying to sleep in a tree. But we do not have tents for everyone we see.
A 5-year old boy, brought in by his mother, who asks us several times, if her son is dead. He is lethargic, febrile, with a distended and tender abdomen. We send one of our team members with him to the local hospital to make sure he is seen by a surgeon. It is good news when we learn that he was evaluated and admitted immediately. This would not have happened without one of us accompanying him. Haitians stand in long lines for several hours to be evaluated at the one local public hospital that is still functioning.
A 3-year old little girl named Stacy has pneumonia or typhoid fever or malaria, or all three. She does not have a surgical problem, and thus the overflowing hospital is not an option. The mother pleads for us to treat her with whatever we have available. We fix up a “hospital bed” on a sofa; start an IV with fluids and antibiotics; and begin treatment. Team members are assigned to do “breathing treatments” which consists of her trying to blow up balloons – this makes her take deep breaths. Another team member boils water and we give hot water vapor treatments. Her lungs start to clear a little, and I am more hopeful. At the end of the day, I have to send her home, with instructions to the mom to continue her medications and we’ll see her back tomorrow.
Well, this is way too long – but the patients keep coming. We are sharing the gospel and people are receiving Christ. This is the only way to truly heal them.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Food or Riot
1-31-10
Today started off with Dr.K preaching in one of the tent cities. There was a great turnout and the people were fed with God’s word, with a promise that we were going to hand out tickets to redeem at the mission house for food at 3 pm. 500 tickets were handed out and 1000 people showed up. They formed a nice line in an orderly fashion -“NOT.” No, not even close. They instead pushed, shoved and nearly tore down our doors. We managed to get through it with no injuries and a lot of prayers. It is a sad thing when people lose hope and fight over 2 pounds of beans or rice. This demonstrates the importance of the mission organizations and churches that are here and others that will be coming - it is important for people to be fed with the Word Of God. Christ is the only eternal hope. We should give food for the stomach while remembering that only with Christ will people be truly satisfied. Pray that we may continue to help physically and spiritually in Haiti – and continue to honor Christ in all we do.
Dr. K
Today started off with Dr.K preaching in one of the tent cities. There was a great turnout and the people were fed with God’s word, with a promise that we were going to hand out tickets to redeem at the mission house for food at 3 pm. 500 tickets were handed out and 1000 people showed up. They formed a nice line in an orderly fashion -“NOT.” No, not even close. They instead pushed, shoved and nearly tore down our doors. We managed to get through it with no injuries and a lot of prayers. It is a sad thing when people lose hope and fight over 2 pounds of beans or rice. This demonstrates the importance of the mission organizations and churches that are here and others that will be coming - it is important for people to be fed with the Word Of God. Christ is the only eternal hope. We should give food for the stomach while remembering that only with Christ will people be truly satisfied. Pray that we may continue to help physically and spiritually in Haiti – and continue to honor Christ in all we do.
Dr. K
Our title today is CHANGE
1-30-10
No matter what stage of life you are currently in, CHANGE is just part of what we must deal with. Some changes are thrust upon us without our consent, such as the situation here in Hiati. I’m sure that most would have not chosen to have this earthquake happen to them. However change also brings with it new opportunities that allow us to chose a different path (maybe repentance is part of that path). If you have been following our blog you would of already read about the many lives that are being changed for Christ. Some that may not have been softened before the quake. God uses many situations in our lives to help guide us in the direction that will be most beneficial for us if we simply open up then look and listen. Today we experienced a change in our team. Some of our members returned to Santo Domingo to fly home tomorrow. We will miss them however we also know that they will be able to take our needs back to our friends and family (all brothers and sisters in Christ) and let them know and understand our needs for supplies and funds. They will still be Christian Soldiers on the front lines serving in our continuous battle against the powers of darkness and principalities.
Damon we will miss your expertise as soon as we figure out just what that was! Kasey while enough said you all understand about her. Pastor Allen, thank you for helping to keep all things in perspective even though you had to sleep in the same tent as Aaron we do apologize for that. Steve all I can say is thank you for allowing us to serve you. Adam, hang in there brother I know that one day your father will get saved. Andrew, you know that redness in your throat this morning, while I don’t want to alarm you but you may need to go to CDC in Atlanta (working without gloves hmmm). Nancy, well I know I promised not to tell anyone but you will always remember that special toy, the “Rolly Poley” no details given here but for more information email me. Butch, I know that you did wear gloves in all the wound care but they were defective. You better get someone to drive you and Andrew to the CDC, I’m concerned. Jo, well Jo I have fear that those braids that were put in your hair, well the truth is that they also used infected beads and you will have to be quarantined, so you may just as well return and work here. I roast all of you because we love you and miss you greatly. You all played an important part in this team and will always be #! Sorry I meant #1 in our lives.
This is a long blog but we miss our team. As changes take place we were able to purchase 600 pounds of rice and 600 pounds of beans along with 15 cases of cooking oil today. The team re-packaged all 1200 pounds into one pound bags. We will help conduct Church services in the morning and Dr. K. has been invited to preach. Following the services we will start to hand out coupons (we made them) for the food (rice, beans, and oil). They will bring this to the mission house, which is more secure for this, and we will redeem it then. This is a safety precaution as we have seen small riots break out for food. Two days ago 3 were killed just a few blocks from our work site, this is why we prayed for a plan that would work. Today we also added a few more tarps to our neighbor tent city, ten tarps 12’ by 20’, along with adding ropes under them and the old ones to hold them up (Butch they finally asked for help).
As I sign off for today we will embrace our change in team members and prepare to welcome the new ones on Monday. God will always be our team leader and we welcome all who can serve. Don’t be like Jonas and run if God is calling you to serve, avoid the belly time it’s no fun, but reap God rewards when you are obedient and summit to his will. Pray for us!!
Dr.K
No matter what stage of life you are currently in, CHANGE is just part of what we must deal with. Some changes are thrust upon us without our consent, such as the situation here in Hiati. I’m sure that most would have not chosen to have this earthquake happen to them. However change also brings with it new opportunities that allow us to chose a different path (maybe repentance is part of that path). If you have been following our blog you would of already read about the many lives that are being changed for Christ. Some that may not have been softened before the quake. God uses many situations in our lives to help guide us in the direction that will be most beneficial for us if we simply open up then look and listen. Today we experienced a change in our team. Some of our members returned to Santo Domingo to fly home tomorrow. We will miss them however we also know that they will be able to take our needs back to our friends and family (all brothers and sisters in Christ) and let them know and understand our needs for supplies and funds. They will still be Christian Soldiers on the front lines serving in our continuous battle against the powers of darkness and principalities.
Damon we will miss your expertise as soon as we figure out just what that was! Kasey while enough said you all understand about her. Pastor Allen, thank you for helping to keep all things in perspective even though you had to sleep in the same tent as Aaron we do apologize for that. Steve all I can say is thank you for allowing us to serve you. Adam, hang in there brother I know that one day your father will get saved. Andrew, you know that redness in your throat this morning, while I don’t want to alarm you but you may need to go to CDC in Atlanta (working without gloves hmmm). Nancy, well I know I promised not to tell anyone but you will always remember that special toy, the “Rolly Poley” no details given here but for more information email me. Butch, I know that you did wear gloves in all the wound care but they were defective. You better get someone to drive you and Andrew to the CDC, I’m concerned. Jo, well Jo I have fear that those braids that were put in your hair, well the truth is that they also used infected beads and you will have to be quarantined, so you may just as well return and work here. I roast all of you because we love you and miss you greatly. You all played an important part in this team and will always be #! Sorry I meant #1 in our lives.
This is a long blog but we miss our team. As changes take place we were able to purchase 600 pounds of rice and 600 pounds of beans along with 15 cases of cooking oil today. The team re-packaged all 1200 pounds into one pound bags. We will help conduct Church services in the morning and Dr. K. has been invited to preach. Following the services we will start to hand out coupons (we made them) for the food (rice, beans, and oil). They will bring this to the mission house, which is more secure for this, and we will redeem it then. This is a safety precaution as we have seen small riots break out for food. Two days ago 3 were killed just a few blocks from our work site, this is why we prayed for a plan that would work. Today we also added a few more tarps to our neighbor tent city, ten tarps 12’ by 20’, along with adding ropes under them and the old ones to hold them up (Butch they finally asked for help).
As I sign off for today we will embrace our change in team members and prepare to welcome the new ones on Monday. God will always be our team leader and we welcome all who can serve. Don’t be like Jonas and run if God is calling you to serve, avoid the belly time it’s no fun, but reap God rewards when you are obedient and summit to his will. Pray for us!!
Dr.K
Team 3
Team 3 arrived in Santo Domingo yesterday. Everyone is fine and all of the luggage made it. We stopped at the Ole store of SD to buy food for the week and other supplies. After that we went to our hotel and ate our last good meal and had our last hot shower of the week. We left for Haiti at 3am and we are on the road now. I would like to take this time to give a special thanks to Palabra de Vida DR, Kenneth, and Juan our bus driver for going above and beyond to transport us to Haiti and make us feel welcomed.
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