Daniel Paajanen takes a moment away from the construction crew to help a new friend.
It was a difficult week in some regards, but nevertheless a great week. Daniel was diagnosed with malaria this past week. Although it can be a deadly sickness, it is easily treated once it is diagnosed and so Daniel is getting better. During the past month or so, it seems that more people have had upper respiratory infections than have not. If you think of us during the week, please pray for us – for the health of all the individuals that make up Mission of Hope International and all those that this ministry touches.
Rosenie, Berlandie, Neika, Madona and Christy (in the blanket)
Rosenie Laguerre was the one woman digging holes to put up MOHI’s first building – a 30×60′ thatch building. It housed both the church and the school. I will never forget how heavy the mud accumulation under our shoes was each day during the rainy season. Rosenie has been a vital part of MOHI ever since, filling the roles of teacher, school director, nurse and Fondespwa (micro-financing) director. She’s pictured here with all four of her daughters. Christy, the baby, has failed to thrive. While Rosenie has made great efforts to find medical help for her, she has not yet found a solution. Please keep her and her girls in prayer this week, as well.
"Never ask someone to do something that you are unwilling to do!"
Kim Conrad really stepped up to the plate this week. She was able to lead construction site while Daniel rested. She made sure that everything was prepared for the concrete pour on Saturday – when Daniel came back to the site. We are so grateful for Kim’s great attitude and conviction that she won’t ask anyone to do something that she’s not willing to do herself. Some of us turn to the scripture in Matthew 26:41b “…the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” But not Kim. She got out there and hauled those VERY heavy buckets of concrete on her shoulder with the rest of the team!
Members of the World Race team listen intently as Lex, Renée and Kim give some history and set expectations for the month.
For the next month Kim will be hosting a squad of 7 teams from the World Race at our missionary compound by the ocean. 46 people in tents will be adorning the yard! As the day approached, both Kim and I were feeling a little nervous about such a large group. Then they arrived, traveling by bus from the Dominican Republic and our concerns began to melt away. They seem like a great team of servant for Jesus. This is going to be a great month with them building, teaching, cooking, washing, painting, acting, singing, playing and loving on a whole lot of kids!
An international offering!
Among other things, Pastor Lex shared a little at church this morning about having an international church. Something that he really appreciates about many churches in America is the sense of many nations coming together to worship Jesus. We are so blessed to have people from different nations worshiping together here in Haiti, too. On any given Sunday morning, you will find the Haitian majority accompanied by several Americans. Only two continents haven’t visited us yet: Antarctica and Australia. Notice I said, “Yet!” Just as we usually have a mix on the benches, we have one in the offering basket, as well. We believe that it is important for EVERYONE to give. One doesn’t reap a harvest until after they’ve planted a crop. When I read Luke 21:1-4, I see Jesus praising a poor woman for giving out of her need: Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!” (The Message Bible)
Pastor Lex giving direction to the construction workers in St. Etienne.
We are excited to be working on a project at the St. Etienne campus that goes along with the Sunblazer unit there. This unit will be retrofitted with an access point so that the extra electricity being generated can be used for a business. Since the campus is located on the road to Jacmel – one of the major touristic cities in the country – we hope to make a restaurant/quick stop that appeals to foreigners. Our campus has some breath-taking views and a great nature trail for adventurous folks. We have lots of great ideas, but it’s likely that the main draw will not be the French fries and hamburgers, but rather the hygienic toilets which will be available to the public.
We are hoping to do see many of our staff personally investing in this venture and reaping the benefits of it down the road. We feed thousands of children every day, but that’s a solution to a problem for today. Setting local people up in sustainable businesses is a long-term solution. Both are necessary for now. Perhaps one day the Haitian communities with have a high employment rate and they will be caring for their own poor. In the meantime, we are blessed to be used in that manner.
More concrete was poured this week and some CMU (masonry block) walls were laid.
School construction at Mission of Hope International February 10, 2012
Be Like Brit's orphanage is formed in the shape of a "B" for Britney!