Still bothered by the craziness during the holiday season. My wife & daughter were out shopping at midnight last night. Think for my daughter it was more of the shopping in the middle of the night than the actual shopping itself. Myself, I was in dreamland with my girls at my side. One weighs 110 pounds & the other weighs 70 pounds. A yellow & black lab.
Still have thoughts of what we spend on Christmas. The thought of hungry people in D'Ourvey that are in survival mode. To not have anything to eat is horrible. To have nothing for your children must be the worse. As our missionary asked one day, do the kids become competition for food? Sure is a thought provoking question. I read something earlier from a Haitian woman who was giving her kids coffee as it quieted the stomach down as she had no food to feed.
God is faithful & all things work for the glory of God. Sure is difficult for me at times. To see someone slowly starving is gut wrenching for me. How this works for God is beyond my simple comprehension.
When this ministry was started, I truly felt God pushing me to get going, get this started. He has been faithful all along. The thoughts of starting medical clinic seemed to far out, but God was saying it is the time. Worried about raising the funds in 6 weeks & within a week, it was fully funded. I feel the same about our new Sunday Feeding program that we want to start next month. At the present time, have nothing for this & am worried. Why am I worrying, has God not provided? Not at all. Please pray for me to stay focused & to Trust my savior.
We have our website looking decent. If you haven't looked in awhile, check it out. I am pretty happy how it has turned out. Trying to drive more traffic to the site. If anyone has any ideas, drop me a email. www.youhaveachoiceministries.org
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving - Mind on Haiti
Turkey is in the oven, Watching Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Watching this parade, I wonder how much money is spent on this all. It does bother me to some degree. Perhaps it is because I know first hand of people in Northern Haiti that are suffering from malnutrition. Can someone who does have enough funds to buy a cup or two of rice for the family understand how we waste away so much money on entertainment. Things we spend money on just for ha ha's. I guess they can not understand anymore than us understanding what its like to have zero and the kids are hungry. What would you do in that situation? Can you comprehend what its like to be hungry. Not talking skipping lunch, but to be truly hungry. Going Days with out food. Watching your children go days with out food.
I am sure on this day, we will all overindulge. Than when we are almost sick because we ate so much, its time for desert. God has blessed us greatly in this country. I do not mean to take this away from us. Just asking that you give some thought to those without Today. Take a moment to pray for these Haitian people.
For $150, we have been providing for about 240 individual meals for children each month. Not gourmet meals, however they are nutritious meals consisting of rice, beans and whatever is available on that given week. We have decided to expand this to a second day of the week to include adults as well. My point is that, for not a great deal of money, we can help the people of Northern Haiti.
One Hundred percent of all donated funds, go directly to help. All administration expenses are paid by a private individual for us. Not many organizations can claim that. If you donated $20, that entire $20 would be used to buy food.
On this day, Count your many blessings. Thank our Lord for the many things that make our life easier. Thank God that you are able to help someone else. Remember, You Have A Choice.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all from You Have A Choice Ministries
I am sure on this day, we will all overindulge. Than when we are almost sick because we ate so much, its time for desert. God has blessed us greatly in this country. I do not mean to take this away from us. Just asking that you give some thought to those without Today. Take a moment to pray for these Haitian people.
For $150, we have been providing for about 240 individual meals for children each month. Not gourmet meals, however they are nutritious meals consisting of rice, beans and whatever is available on that given week. We have decided to expand this to a second day of the week to include adults as well. My point is that, for not a great deal of money, we can help the people of Northern Haiti.
One Hundred percent of all donated funds, go directly to help. All administration expenses are paid by a private individual for us. Not many organizations can claim that. If you donated $20, that entire $20 would be used to buy food.
On this day, Count your many blessings. Thank our Lord for the many things that make our life easier. Thank God that you are able to help someone else. Remember, You Have A Choice.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all from You Have A Choice Ministries
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Haiti Miracle
As I sit in my living room on this Thanksgiving eve, I think about all the many blessing that God has given me. I thought I would share this letter I received this evening from the missionary we work with in Haiti. Julienne is such a blessing to our ministry. She is always ready for any challenge & has a heart for Jesus & the work she does in Northern Haiti. The following is the letter in its entirety.
Let me start with this phrase in from Nehemiah 2:8 ...... And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.God's gracious hand is so upon this boy.
I went with a fellow Christian in Haiti t
Let me start with this phrase in from Nehemiah 2:8 ...... And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.God's gracious hand is so upon this boy.
I went with a fellow Christian in Haiti t
o the Haitian Hospital to share the Gospel.
This hospital is very poor. No food is provide, no medication, no sheets on the beds, no cleaning of the hospital. If you are poor you go to lay in a bed and suffer and if a Doctor has a stirring in his heart to help you, he stops and assists with the little means they have. This hospital has no specialist just general practitioners.
That day I share the gospel with many people, and 5 of them gave their lives to the Lord. Landy was the last person that I shared the gospel with that day. He accepted Christ as his savior and within moments of praying the head nurse came to me and said, "Please help Landy. Give me something so we can get him some food today. " A Heart for Haiti Mission is small and has a very small budget but we do all through the Lord and our Lord is grand indeed!"
At that time I had no funds nor care packets nor anything available for the people in the hospital. I had gone to bring God's word. I explained to the nurse that I came prepared to share the gospel and pray with the patient that day, and could not give anything.
She shared Landy's situation: He has to beg everyday for food while he is hospitalized, she shared that as a child with the burns, people give to him, but as an adult he will end up in a very difficult life and he would need experts to treat him and help him. I told her I would do my best for Landy and would be back in touch with her. She was fearful of this as she said many groups have promised this but none follow through.
And this is where God is permitting us to see His amazing love for Landy . She shared of the circumstances that led to his burns. He was in a “Mardi Gras” parade a year and a half ago, “Mardi Gras” is a satanist event in Haiti. Landy was wearing a costume representing an evil spirit. Two young boys were afraid of Landy and did not realize that a person was in the costume and they threw gasoline on the costume and set it on fire.
Upon hearing the story I turned to Landy who is 12 and asked him if he knew what the parade he was in was about? I explained to him that it was to worship evil and that he was hurt in this evil event but that today he had accepted Christ as his savior and that he now had Victory in Jesus.
I instructed Landy to pray and pray fervently to God for his future life because God listen's to his children, which he now is.
And from here forth A Heart for Haiti Missions has been witnessing God's good hand upon Landy. God's gracious love. God's fulfillment of His promises to His child! Shriner's accepted to help him. We did not have the funds available to send him to the United States but we asked churches for prayer and we prayed also that we may find the means by which to do so. After one week a friends name came to mind to share this story with and within 10 minutes, he answered back saying that they had all the funds we needed for Landy's trip to and for his stay in the United States as well as fees for proper documentation.
The most challenging part has been to find a host family to accept to care for Landy while he was in the U.S. receiving surgery. Deb (co-founder of A Heart for Haiti Mission) and I, diligently worked at finding a family for him. Deb got in touch with the organization Love a Child who recommended us to contact a particular family in Maine. This is what the family wrote to us. “I always work with a trustworthy liaison, and Love-A-Child's say- so is good enough to make you, Julienne my new liaison!
All things being in God’s most excellent timing, he provided us with this Christian host family, that has not only accepted to care for Landy, but they also have previously worked with 8 other children from Haiti and the Dominican Republic. They know the in’s and outs of us getting the documentation for Landy to go to Shriners as well as to care for him during his stay in the United States. This is an excerpt of the letter they sent us:
“I will be at bedside at the hospital always 24/7 with this child, and will act as liaison to get needs met in the most expedient and fiscally responsible manner without sacrificing quality. There are local physicians + friends who also donate help/supplies for unforeseen circumstances and I will utilize what I can as needed. In addition, I will actively teach this child English and I want you to let him know he is expected to be cooperative. We will reinforce that God has a plan for his life and even at this young age he should seek God to find out what that is. We let the kids know how rare it is to get these operations and how God's hand had to be in the arrangements. We always provide a holy bible, when available in their language to return with. We believe the children sent to us will lead in some manner in their homeland...some way. We want to do our part to prepare all of them.”
God moved the nurse to approach us to help Landy and God moved our hearts to help. On the same day that Landy accepted Christ and he said, "yes".
We still need prayer for all documents to be sent and received speedily and for ease of getting plane tickets and for travel.
God Bless! The Lord is so beautiful and faithful and amazing.
This hospital is very poor. No food is provide, no medication, no sheets on the beds, no cleaning of the hospital. If you are poor you go to lay in a bed and suffer and if a Doctor has a stirring in his heart to help you, he stops and assists with the little means they have. This hospital has no specialist just general practitioners.
That day I share the gospel with many people, and 5 of them gave their lives to the Lord. Landy was the last person that I shared the gospel with that day. He accepted Christ as his savior and within moments of praying the head nurse came to me and said, "Please help Landy. Give me something so we can get him some food today. " A Heart for Haiti Mission is small and has a very small budget but we do all through the Lord and our Lord is grand indeed!"
At that time I had no funds nor care packets nor anything available for the people in the hospital. I had gone to bring God's word. I explained to the nurse that I came prepared to share the gospel and pray with the patient that day, and could not give anything.
She shared Landy's situation: He has to beg everyday for food while he is hospitalized, she shared that as a child with the burns, people give to him, but as an adult he will end up in a very difficult life and he would need experts to treat him and help him. I told her I would do my best for Landy and would be back in touch with her. She was fearful of this as she said many groups have promised this but none follow through.
And this is where God is permitting us to see His amazing love for Landy . She shared of the circumstances that led to his burns. He was in a “Mardi Gras” parade a year and a half ago, “Mardi Gras” is a satanist event in Haiti. Landy was wearing a costume representing an evil spirit. Two young boys were afraid of Landy and did not realize that a person was in the costume and they threw gasoline on the costume and set it on fire.
Upon hearing the story I turned to Landy who is 12 and asked him if he knew what the parade he was in was about? I explained to him that it was to worship evil and that he was hurt in this evil event but that today he had accepted Christ as his savior and that he now had Victory in Jesus.
I instructed Landy to pray and pray fervently to God for his future life because God listen's to his children, which he now is.
And from here forth A Heart for Haiti Missions has been witnessing God's good hand upon Landy. God's gracious love. God's fulfillment of His promises to His child! Shriner's accepted to help him. We did not have the funds available to send him to the United States but we asked churches for prayer and we prayed also that we may find the means by which to do so. After one week a friends name came to mind to share this story with and within 10 minutes, he answered back saying that they had all the funds we needed for Landy's trip to and for his stay in the United States as well as fees for proper documentation.
The most challenging part has been to find a host family to accept to care for Landy while he was in the U.S. receiving surgery. Deb (co-founder of A Heart for Haiti Mission) and I, diligently worked at finding a family for him. Deb got in touch with the organization Love a Child who recommended us to contact a particular family in Maine. This is what the family wrote to us. “I always work with a trustworthy liaison, and Love-A-Child's say- so is good enough to make you, Julienne my new liaison!
All things being in God’s most excellent timing, he provided us with this Christian host family, that has not only accepted to care for Landy, but they also have previously worked with 8 other children from Haiti and the Dominican Republic. They know the in’s and outs of us getting the documentation for Landy to go to Shriners as well as to care for him during his stay in the United States. This is an excerpt of the letter they sent us:
“I will be at bedside at the hospital always 24/7 with this child, and will act as liaison to get needs met in the most expedient and fiscally responsible manner without sacrificing quality. There are local physicians + friends who also donate help/supplies for unforeseen circumstances and I will utilize what I can as needed. In addition, I will actively teach this child English and I want you to let him know he is expected to be cooperative. We will reinforce that God has a plan for his life and even at this young age he should seek God to find out what that is. We let the kids know how rare it is to get these operations and how God's hand had to be in the arrangements. We always provide a holy bible, when available in their language to return with. We believe the children sent to us will lead in some manner in their homeland...some way. We want to do our part to prepare all of them.”
God moved the nurse to approach us to help Landy and God moved our hearts to help. On the same day that Landy accepted Christ and he said, "yes".
We still need prayer for all documents to be sent and received speedily and for ease of getting plane tickets and for travel.
God Bless! The Lord is so beautiful and faithful and amazing.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Haiti as a tourist destination
Vacation to Haiti?? Haiti is better known for its natural disasters and political unrest than for its tourists. Some Haiti entrepreneurs are investing time and money to change that. "People just have no clue," "They know that it's an island, but they don't even know that it's an island with beaches. Yet building a tourism won't be easy. The earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010 destroyed much of the capital as well as this historic southern beach town, killing several hundred thousand people. Political stability and economic growth were hit as hard as Haiti's cinder block homes. Post-quake Haiti was again synonymous with disaster. Helping Haiti became a popular humanitarian cause; mission groups and aid workers flocked to the country.
When they arrived, many aid workers became smitten with Haitian culture, rhythms and art. They embraced the tropical climate and color. "This catastrophe has helped people discover Haiti again,"
Instability, both political and social, is one of the main impediments to Haitian tourism. And it has smothered hopes of building a tourism sector twice before. After an international exposition in Haiti in 1949, the country was termed the "pearl of the Antilles" through much of the 1950s. The brutal dictatorship of Francois Duvalier put an end to that. Tourism began to rebound under the loosened tyranny of the dictator's son, "Baby Doc" Duvalier, in the 1970s, only to be crushed again with the onset of AIDS in the 1980s. Some believe that Haiti may now have another chance.
All this is not without its challenges. Infrastructure for tourism remains minimal. International visitors must fly into Port-au-Prince airport and brave cutthroat competition among porters looking to carry their luggage. Hotel prices are inflated because hotels have to cover the costs of private water sources, electrical generators to augment irregular power, and even private trash incineration.
The humanitarian disaster after the 2010 earthquake also created a dilemma for travelers: Who wants to be relaxing poolside knowing that, just down the road, malnourished children are living in tents? To address this situation, "voluntourists" are being encouraged to take trips that divide time between helping Haitians and enjoying the island. But even this has its problems. Critics say a couple of days of volunteering has minimal effect on needy communities, not to mention the fact that volunteers performing manual labor undermines the local labor market. Yet visitors are still wanted, and needed. "The way to help the poverty in Haiti is to come to Haiti, eat Haitian food, buy local products. You Have A Choice Ministries, Inc
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Weekend Haiti Feeding Project
Thinking about all the kids that had a meal Today, thanks to the Saturday Feeding Program. Looking to expand this next month to Sunday as well. This will be after church, anyone is welcome, not just the kids. This is a great opportunity to feed them spiritually & physically. We need to raise about $200 to get this program started. Unsure what the average monthly cost will be as there will be more fed than the kids program on Saturday. We will have to be flexible and adjust as needed. Food will be same type as on Saturday with a rice & bean base, and extra as it is available. Won't you consider hoping on board with this program? It is such a blessing to be able to be a part of this project. 100 percent of all funds go directly to our projects. We have been so fortunate to have Julienne help us with these projects. She has many connections in this village & visits it often. It is so reassuring to know that the funds go directly to the cause. Many large organizations do a lot of great work, but you just never are 100 percent sure if your donation is making it where it is intended to go.
I am amazed at the doors that our God has opened for us. How many young nonprofits have so many projects in place so early. It is God, nothing or no one else, who has made this happen. For that I am forever thankful. I am so happy to be a part of this ministry.
We are always looking for people or corporations to partner with us on projects. We need prayer partners that will keep our ministry in prayer. We love talking about Haiti, so if there is something on your mind, let us know. You Have A Choice Ministries
I am amazed at the doors that our God has opened for us. How many young nonprofits have so many projects in place so early. It is God, nothing or no one else, who has made this happen. For that I am forever thankful. I am so happy to be a part of this ministry.
We are always looking for people or corporations to partner with us on projects. We need prayer partners that will keep our ministry in prayer. We love talking about Haiti, so if there is something on your mind, let us know. You Have A Choice Ministries
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Haiti = Our First Medical Clinic
We had our first medical clinic this past week. Very exciting from raising the money to hearing the exact details how how everything played out. Julienne gave a very detailed report & thought I would share some of the highlights.
Very difficult to get to the village of D'Ourvey Haiti. Roads are horrible & really bad now after all the rain. They were able to get to the village in the vehicle. There was talk that they might have to get in by horse as the road was water covered. They were met by the Pastor's wife. She had a outbuilding from the church that was set up to run the clinic.
Many people thought the clinic would be canceled as they didnt believe the doctor would be able to make it in. There was a total of 31 people seen as the clinic. Various medical issue from head fungus to high blood pressure.
Many meds were given out. The clinic and all medicine was free of charge to all patients. The cost of everything was paid by You Have A Choice Ministries. We are delighted to be a part of helping our brothers & sisters of Haiti. If funds allow, we are planning to have another clinic in December.
We pray that God will provide the funding for this much needed medical clinic. We would like to thank Dr Kerolle for assisting us with this clinic. Together, We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Thank You & God Bless
www.youhaveachoiceministries.org
Very difficult to get to the village of D'Ourvey Haiti. Roads are horrible & really bad now after all the rain. They were able to get to the village in the vehicle. There was talk that they might have to get in by horse as the road was water covered. They were met by the Pastor's wife. She had a outbuilding from the church that was set up to run the clinic.
Many people thought the clinic would be canceled as they didnt believe the doctor would be able to make it in. There was a total of 31 people seen as the clinic. Various medical issue from head fungus to high blood pressure.
Many meds were given out. The clinic and all medicine was free of charge to all patients. The cost of everything was paid by You Have A Choice Ministries. We are delighted to be a part of helping our brothers & sisters of Haiti. If funds allow, we are planning to have another clinic in December.
We pray that God will provide the funding for this much needed medical clinic. We would like to thank Dr Kerolle for assisting us with this clinic. Together, We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Thank You & God Bless
www.youhaveachoiceministries.org
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Haiti Flooding
Just received word from our friend Deb. As many of you know, Julienne is the missionary in Haiti we work with. Dr Kerolle came to run our first time medical clinic. Please keep them in prayer as this plays out. I will pass on more news when I hear it. The following is the email I received from our friend Deb. www.youhaveachoiceministries.org
EMERGENCY REPORT:
Just got word from Julienne, she is stranded in Haiti in the massive new flooding that started on Thursday, she has been assisting many flood victims with funds she had for other projects and we are PRAYING that our suppo
EMERGENCY REPORT:
Just got word from Julienne, she is stranded in Haiti in the massive new flooding that started on Thursday, she has been assisting many flood victims with funds she had for other projects and we are PRAYING that our suppo
rters will help replace these funds.
She and Dr. Kerolle did have the two clinics, but other programs had to be put on hold. The mission house was flooded somewhat on the first floor. She did help in Paulette, but could not make it out to Phaeton, the condition of D'Ouvre is not known at this time. Phaeton was hit very hard. Cap Haitien is also flooded massively, many have drowned. No report yet from our orphanage, but I am sure she would have said something if it was in danger The orphanage has a flat rooftop with two staircases.
Will keep you updated as I get news. Julienne will try to come back to the D.R. today. Keep her in prayer. Thank you.
Natural Disasters List November 10, 2012-Flooding in Haiti kills 16
She and Dr. Kerolle did have the two clinics, but other programs had to be put on hold. The mission house was flooded somewhat on the first floor. She did help in Paulette, but could not make it out to Phaeton, the condition of D'Ouvre is not known at this time. Phaeton was hit very hard. Cap Haitien is also flooded massively, many have drowned. No report yet from our orphanage, but I am sure she would have said something if it was in danger The orphanage has a flat rooftop with two staircases.
Will keep you updated as I get news. Julienne will try to come back to the D.R. today. Keep her in prayer. Thank you.
Natural Disasters List November 10, 2012-Flooding in Haiti kills 16
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Pastor Noel - Haiti
This is a article that was in the Lincoln County News last year. I thought I would share this piece about This wonderful man of God. We are pleased to help the work that Pastor Noel has started.
Haitian Pastor Apollon Noël has a special relationship with many people in Maine. His work and collaboration with local churches on behalf of Haiti's people was celebrated with a gathering at the Broken Acres Pavilion in Jefferson July 8.
During his 10 day visit to the Maine this month, Noel stayed with long-time supporters of his work, Terry and Lee Johnston in Jefferson.
Noël has been ministering as the founder and pastor of L'Eglise Baptiste (Baptist School) of Terrier Rouge, Haiti for 52 years. His dream to provide a good education to the children in his country, one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, is supported by "His Hands Support Ministries" founded in Maine in 2003.
Terry Johnston has been traveling to Haiti for several years each January to work with Pastor Noël on many important programs including the child and family sponsorship program. Along with Jeanne Bryant and members of The First Baptist Church of Jefferson, The Lincoln County Assembly of God, the South Somerville Baptist Church, and the Spruce Head Community Church, local Lincoln County residents support hundreds of the students with sponsorships.
Haiti has no free public educational system. Private church schools provide the only education, and often the only nutrition, to the heavily populated island. The illiteracy rate in Haiti is estimated at 68 percent.
Noël said education is seen as the doorway to a better life for everyone and is highly valued by the Haitians. In L'Eglise Baptiste, there are often 100 students in a classroom, with graduates still continuing on to higher education. The students work joyously to gain every bit of knowledge they can glean from " this precious gift," as Noël said.
In recent years, Haiti has struggled with problems ranging from near-constant political upheaval, health crises, an annual barrage of hurricanes, and in January 2010, the worst earthquake in the region in more than 200 years. Lincoln County volunteers have been working tirelessly to help in the wake of this monumental disaster, which also caused a Cholera epidemic resulting from the loss of sanitation and electricity in the capital of Port-Au-Prince and areas nearby.
Noël, with two assistant pastors and the dedicated help of his wife, Marie, has made it his mission to educate, protect and feed the children of Terrier Rouge. Terry Johnston assists by gathering information on children and families, then returning to Maine to seek sponsors. Tuition is $70 per year for each student, which covers teacher salaries, student uniforms, and one daily meal.
Books are not included in this stipend, so many share one book and often have to wait to have a book from which to work. With less than half of Noël's students receiving these scholarships, fees are stretched to allow others to attend.
No child is turned away for lack of sponsorship. One hundred percent of the sponsorship payment goes directly to the children's needs. None of it is used to cover any administrative expenses of the program here in the US, Noël said.
Pastor Noël has 1220 children who attend his church school, which is divided into three sections. For the youngest, "The Center of Protection" provides a half-day of education for children ages 3-5.
The second part of the school is just called L'ecole (which means "the school" in French), which is comparable to an American elementary school. The newest part of the school is the middle and high school sections.
Many of the children in the secondary school are older than the typical middle or high school age student in the United States.
Students receive a hot meal at the end of their school day. Feeding the children is, by itself, a full-time job. Pastor Noël personally meets the boats, which arrive weekly, to pick up rice, beans and corn, the staple diet that helps to feed the children.
His wife, Marie, concerned that Friday to Monday often meant no dinner, began a program called Saturday Feeding on her own, which now serves children and families on that day. She cooks for 200 or more each Saturday. On Sunday, a meal comes with the Church Service.
The United Nations, through UNICEF, donates some food each week, with the rest purchased by the parish. When school is out there is no guarantee that the children will receive even this one simple meal, and the UNICEF donations cease for that period. When asked how they manage with such a shortage of sponsors and food, Noël said, "We trust that God will provide, and his loving kindness sees us through."
Noël said he appreciates the kindness and friendships of his Maine family of churches, and enjoys his visits here to meet the people who are helping to care for his large flock.
"My youngest daughter begins college in Florida," he said, "She will be a doctor for the little ones. I can see her safe at her new school before I return home."
He is delighted with the new President of Haiti. "The streets erupted in joy when Martelly won the election," Noël said. "He has a good heart."
Living in a country where one in eight children will never see their fifth year, Noël remains optimistic saying, "God looks down with love on all his children, and takes care of them." With a broad smile and a gesture, he included all the people who have gathered to celebrate his visit in Jefferson, as one family.
"People here are very blessed, and they bless us also with their generous hearts every year," Noël said. "There is no vanity in these Maine people. They follow the example of the Lord Jesus, and are His hands and feet for Haiti."
The impact of the earthquake on Terrier Rouge has been enormous. Although they felt only small tremors in the area, Pastor Noël said, "We lost several students who were in the capital and everyone lost someone. Many children came here to the Orphanage because there is no family left but God's.
Many children are taken to the orphanage simply because their families cannot afford to keep them well and safe anymore. These children also are taught at the schools. Ten other churches in Terrier Rouge have schools and all look to the indefatigable Noël for fatherly advice and encouragement.
William Chouloute, a Haitian seminary student at Faith School of Theology in Charleston, is spending his summer break working on the Johnston farm in Jefferson. He served as interpreter for the French speaking Pastor Noël on Friday. He brought along his guitar and his love of gospel songs and songs of Faith to share with the gathering.
If you would like to help, please visit www.youhaveachoiceministries.org
Haitian Pastor Apollon Noël has a special relationship with many people in Maine. His work and collaboration with local churches on behalf of Haiti's people was celebrated with a gathering at the Broken Acres Pavilion in Jefferson July 8.
During his 10 day visit to the Maine this month, Noel stayed with long-time supporters of his work, Terry and Lee Johnston in Jefferson.
Noël has been ministering as the founder and pastor of L'Eglise Baptiste (Baptist School) of Terrier Rouge, Haiti for 52 years. His dream to provide a good education to the children in his country, one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, is supported by "His Hands Support Ministries" founded in Maine in 2003.
Terry Johnston has been traveling to Haiti for several years each January to work with Pastor Noël on many important programs including the child and family sponsorship program. Along with Jeanne Bryant and members of The First Baptist Church of Jefferson, The Lincoln County Assembly of God, the South Somerville Baptist Church, and the Spruce Head Community Church, local Lincoln County residents support hundreds of the students with sponsorships.
Haiti has no free public educational system. Private church schools provide the only education, and often the only nutrition, to the heavily populated island. The illiteracy rate in Haiti is estimated at 68 percent.
Noël said education is seen as the doorway to a better life for everyone and is highly valued by the Haitians. In L'Eglise Baptiste, there are often 100 students in a classroom, with graduates still continuing on to higher education. The students work joyously to gain every bit of knowledge they can glean from " this precious gift," as Noël said.
In recent years, Haiti has struggled with problems ranging from near-constant political upheaval, health crises, an annual barrage of hurricanes, and in January 2010, the worst earthquake in the region in more than 200 years. Lincoln County volunteers have been working tirelessly to help in the wake of this monumental disaster, which also caused a Cholera epidemic resulting from the loss of sanitation and electricity in the capital of Port-Au-Prince and areas nearby.
Noël, with two assistant pastors and the dedicated help of his wife, Marie, has made it his mission to educate, protect and feed the children of Terrier Rouge. Terry Johnston assists by gathering information on children and families, then returning to Maine to seek sponsors. Tuition is $70 per year for each student, which covers teacher salaries, student uniforms, and one daily meal.
Books are not included in this stipend, so many share one book and often have to wait to have a book from which to work. With less than half of Noël's students receiving these scholarships, fees are stretched to allow others to attend.
No child is turned away for lack of sponsorship. One hundred percent of the sponsorship payment goes directly to the children's needs. None of it is used to cover any administrative expenses of the program here in the US, Noël said.
Pastor Noël has 1220 children who attend his church school, which is divided into three sections. For the youngest, "The Center of Protection" provides a half-day of education for children ages 3-5.
The second part of the school is just called L'ecole (which means "the school" in French), which is comparable to an American elementary school. The newest part of the school is the middle and high school sections.
Many of the children in the secondary school are older than the typical middle or high school age student in the United States.
Students receive a hot meal at the end of their school day. Feeding the children is, by itself, a full-time job. Pastor Noël personally meets the boats, which arrive weekly, to pick up rice, beans and corn, the staple diet that helps to feed the children.
His wife, Marie, concerned that Friday to Monday often meant no dinner, began a program called Saturday Feeding on her own, which now serves children and families on that day. She cooks for 200 or more each Saturday. On Sunday, a meal comes with the Church Service.
The United Nations, through UNICEF, donates some food each week, with the rest purchased by the parish. When school is out there is no guarantee that the children will receive even this one simple meal, and the UNICEF donations cease for that period. When asked how they manage with such a shortage of sponsors and food, Noël said, "We trust that God will provide, and his loving kindness sees us through."
Noël said he appreciates the kindness and friendships of his Maine family of churches, and enjoys his visits here to meet the people who are helping to care for his large flock.
"My youngest daughter begins college in Florida," he said, "She will be a doctor for the little ones. I can see her safe at her new school before I return home."
He is delighted with the new President of Haiti. "The streets erupted in joy when Martelly won the election," Noël said. "He has a good heart."
Living in a country where one in eight children will never see their fifth year, Noël remains optimistic saying, "God looks down with love on all his children, and takes care of them." With a broad smile and a gesture, he included all the people who have gathered to celebrate his visit in Jefferson, as one family.
"People here are very blessed, and they bless us also with their generous hearts every year," Noël said. "There is no vanity in these Maine people. They follow the example of the Lord Jesus, and are His hands and feet for Haiti."
The impact of the earthquake on Terrier Rouge has been enormous. Although they felt only small tremors in the area, Pastor Noël said, "We lost several students who were in the capital and everyone lost someone. Many children came here to the Orphanage because there is no family left but God's.
Many children are taken to the orphanage simply because their families cannot afford to keep them well and safe anymore. These children also are taught at the schools. Ten other churches in Terrier Rouge have schools and all look to the indefatigable Noël for fatherly advice and encouragement.
William Chouloute, a Haitian seminary student at Faith School of Theology in Charleston, is spending his summer break working on the Johnston farm in Jefferson. He served as interpreter for the French speaking Pastor Noël on Friday. He brought along his guitar and his love of gospel songs and songs of Faith to share with the gathering.
If you would like to help, please visit www.youhaveachoiceministries.org
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thinking about Haiti
Sitting quietly in my living room, pondering our future of this ministry. Try to be obedient to God & follow him on his time. Very difficult for me, if its from years in the business world where I made a decision and than jumped head first in to it. Still in awe at how God has opened so many doors on this ministry. Why I must question him is something I need to stop doing.
I think it is a valuable lesson to everyone who follows our ministry that if you are following Gods lead, it does not matter what anyone else says or does to try to stop you, He will provide everything.
I am very anxious to hear from our missionary friend Julienne & Dr Reg. They were conducting our first medical clinic in the village of D'Ourvey. Hoping that it was a success. Hard to imagine that there are a lot of people in this village that have never seen a medical doctor. I hope that it was a success & look forward to having another clinic in a few months. A true blessing these people are to our ministry.
I think it is a valuable lesson to everyone who follows our ministry that if you are following Gods lead, it does not matter what anyone else says or does to try to stop you, He will provide everything.
I am very anxious to hear from our missionary friend Julienne & Dr Reg. They were conducting our first medical clinic in the village of D'Ourvey. Hoping that it was a success. Hard to imagine that there are a lot of people in this village that have never seen a medical doctor. I hope that it was a success & look forward to having another clinic in a few months. A true blessing these people are to our ministry.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Unusual Haiti
One of the things about Haiti that I truly enjoy is the way that some people make money. Some things that we take for granted in the US is not so common in Haiti.
To need a generator to make a copy of something. Again, most of us can do this right in our own home. I do not know what a copy cost to be done in Haiti.
If you need a wrecker, you can always hire these guys. I am sure that it cost much less than your neighborhood towing company.
It is hard for anyone from a developed country to imagine some of the things that are done. Sometimes you just shake your head and say what the heck. Other times you look at these hard working people and just want to cry.
We like to share pictures on our facebook to show the way things are in Haiti. Like us on facebook, You Have A Choice Ministries, Inc.. & visit our website at Nonprofit Haiti Mission A lot of people have been to Haiti and have their own pics like these. For someone who has never been, its hard to imagine
If you need a wrecker, you can always hire these guys. I am sure that it cost much less than your neighborhood towing company.
It is hard for anyone from a developed country to imagine some of the things that are done. Sometimes you just shake your head and say what the heck. Other times you look at these hard working people and just want to cry.
We like to share pictures on our facebook to show the way things are in Haiti. Like us on facebook, You Have A Choice Ministries, Inc.. & visit our website at Nonprofit Haiti Mission A lot of people have been to Haiti and have their own pics like these. For someone who has never been, its hard to imagine
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Medical Clinic - D'Ourvay Haiti
A Medical Clinic is being started in D'Ourvay Haiti. This is a very poor village in Northern Haiti. There are no medical doctors in this area. We have raised the funds & Dr Reginald Kerolle from the Dominican Republic has agreed to come to this village with missionary Julienne Lebrun to have a medical clinic in this village. Many of these people have never seen a medical doctor. It is a common thing for these people to have distended bellies, caused by worms & parasite. This is easily treated when properly diagnosed by the doctor. A large percentage of the people are also malnourished, due to lack of food and resources. Through our feeding programs, we are slowly addressing this issue. A large part of the medical clinic also addresses educational aspects of good hygiene, washing hands, proper use of vitamins and general accepted sanitation standards.
Our initial goal is to be able to have this medical clinic on a quarterly basis. We would love to do this monthly, however funds do not allow this at this time. As our ministry grows, perhaps that will be accomplished. These clinics are much cheaper to run in Haiti than in our developed country, however it still has the same cost for drugs etc..
It is exciting to watch how the Lord is leading our ministry. It is amazing how He lines things up & Opens doors for us. As we move forward with this program, I would like to ask for prayer that His will be done. If you feel the Lord placing this ministry on your heart, won't you consider partnering up with us. After all, You Have A Choice..
Our initial goal is to be able to have this medical clinic on a quarterly basis. We would love to do this monthly, however funds do not allow this at this time. As our ministry grows, perhaps that will be accomplished. These clinics are much cheaper to run in Haiti than in our developed country, however it still has the same cost for drugs etc..
It is exciting to watch how the Lord is leading our ministry. It is amazing how He lines things up & Opens doors for us. As we move forward with this program, I would like to ask for prayer that His will be done. If you feel the Lord placing this ministry on your heart, won't you consider partnering up with us. After all, You Have A Choice..
Friday, November 2, 2012
Haiti Feeding Program D'Ourvay
At the end of September we started a Saturday feeding program that provides a meal for the poor children in the village of D'Ourvay. Many of these kids were not eating anything all weekend. They would eat one hot meal at school Monday through Friday. I find it such a honor & blessing to be able to help this program. I have spent a lot of time pondering what this must be like. I can honestly say that I never have been hungry. Sure I have missed a meal & felt hungry, but never have I went days without eating. I think that must be a awful feeling. Probably one of the things that is worse than that is to watch your hungry children. As our missionary friend Julienne once asked, Does the child become competition for food? How would you react to that? I think its a question that we can not answer until you have been in that position. But in Haiti, this is a daily occurrence.
I was kind of surprised on my Haiti trip to find out that many kids in orphanages are not orphans in the sense I knew. Many kids in Haitian orphanages have parents. Sure there are many that do not, however many do. The parents can not afford them & send them off to orphanage with the hope of being a better place. A place with food & a place that has clothing etc. Again, something else that I can not grasp. What a feeling that must be. Is it a sorrow, in that you losing your kid or is it a joy that your kid will be cared for with food, clothing & shelter.
Many of these things I will never understand. I do know however that I can help. I can provide for feeding a village, one meal at a time. No child should have to go hungry. I do Have a Choice & You Have A Choice.
I was kind of surprised on my Haiti trip to find out that many kids in orphanages are not orphans in the sense I knew. Many kids in Haitian orphanages have parents. Sure there are many that do not, however many do. The parents can not afford them & send them off to orphanage with the hope of being a better place. A place with food & a place that has clothing etc. Again, something else that I can not grasp. What a feeling that must be. Is it a sorrow, in that you losing your kid or is it a joy that your kid will be cared for with food, clothing & shelter.
Many of these things I will never understand. I do know however that I can help. I can provide for feeding a village, one meal at a time. No child should have to go hungry. I do Have a Choice & You Have A Choice.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
It is almost 1:30 in the morning and I was sitting here thinking about how good our God is. Often times we just do not understand Gods timing. We need to really understand this. By habit or our sinful nature, we are such a selfish bunch. Many times we think that when we are doing something we "feel" is the right thing, and it may well be, God is silent. We ask our-self why. It is only down the road when we look back & those times just were not the right time to Gods timing. Tonight as I look back at a very low point in my life, I fully understand. At that time however, I fought with God ever inch of the way.
Our ministry is very young & when I reflect on the last few months, I am in awe in how my Savior has worked everything with this ministry. The timing, the connections, the missed connection all just played according to his plan. There were people that I thought were a perfect fit, but God had a better idea. It did not make sense to me at the time why someone would not want to be involved, but God again gave us what we needed. I need to learn that He is in control and will give us what we need, when we need it.
Our ministry is very young & when I reflect on the last few months, I am in awe in how my Savior has worked everything with this ministry. The timing, the connections, the missed connection all just played according to his plan. There were people that I thought were a perfect fit, but God had a better idea. It did not make sense to me at the time why someone would not want to be involved, but God again gave us what we needed. I need to learn that He is in control and will give us what we need, when we need it.
You Have A Choice Ministries is a Christian organization, based on faith in Jesus Christ, serving the countries of Haiti & the Dominican Republic. Through donations, we are able to assist pastors & orphanages in these countries. 100 percent of all funds raised are used to directly help the people. Due to a large percentage of relief supplies being sold on the black market, we have found the only true way to help these people is by using our connections of pastors & missionaries that live among the people. It is a sad reality of the corruption in these countries.
The key to survival in these areas is through, education, proper nutrition and safe healthy water, a skill or trade and faith in Jesus Christ as a personal Savior. We are committed to this area by partnering up with the local pastors and Christian leaders. Through these leaders, we are able to assist people with starting a cottage industry, emergency food funding, and assistance with emergencies when they happen.
A Christian organization, we are not linked to any one particular church or denomination. We base our ministry in Haiti on the Word of God, highlighting the good news of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are devoted to ministering in His love promoting support and feeding programs, as we can, along with other comforts to alleviate some of the every-day suffering among the people He has sent us to.
We are open to other opportunities as they arise and try to stay flexible with assistance. There are many ways to help. From sponsoring a specific project like a food program, education, starting a business, sending a short term mission in to the field or contribute to emergency fund. Prayer partners are also desired as we constantly seek prayer that God will open doors for us to help these people where it is needed most.
The key to survival in these areas is through, education, proper nutrition and safe healthy water, a skill or trade and faith in Jesus Christ as a personal Savior. We are committed to this area by partnering up with the local pastors and Christian leaders. Through these leaders, we are able to assist people with starting a cottage industry, emergency food funding, and assistance with emergencies when they happen.
A Christian organization, we are not linked to any one particular church or denomination. We base our ministry in Haiti on the Word of God, highlighting the good news of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are devoted to ministering in His love promoting support and feeding programs, as we can, along with other comforts to alleviate some of the every-day suffering among the people He has sent us to.
We are open to other opportunities as they arise and try to stay flexible with assistance. There are many ways to help. From sponsoring a specific project like a food program, education, starting a business, sending a short term mission in to the field or contribute to emergency fund. Prayer partners are also desired as we constantly seek prayer that God will open doors for us to help these people where it is needed most.
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