As I sat here in front of my computer, thinking about our time here in the United States, this chorus came to mind: “All around, all around, everywhere I look Your love is all around.”  The Lord is at work here in the US, while He’s at work in Haiti.  It’s so awesome!

In America

We have spent most of this week in Manchester, Connecticut with our friends at the Full Gospel Interdenominational Church and World Wide Lighthouse Missions.  Pastor Kalinsky welcomed us into her home and has treated us like royalty.  She even made special meals with fresh fruits and vegetables, using only natural ingredients, because she knew that was how I eat in Haiti.  What a blessing!!!

We enjoyed helping with their giant tag sale, which benefits missions.  I do mean GIANT!  Most of the WWLM facility was open with hundreds of people shopping.  We all got to work – Lex in electronics, Alexis and A. Jay at the meatball sub prep area and myself in baked goods.

I love the pervasive attitude here – “Every little bit helps!”  It’s so true!  And everyone gets involved.

Friday night, as we were organizing and pricing all the goods, the 5 and 6 year old children’s class came in with their donation to the tag sale.  They had taken pretzel sticks, dipped them in chocolate and covered them with sprinkles.  One child thought they should sell for $5 each.  Another suggested we break them in half so that we could bring in twice as much money for missions.  The children know that the money that comes in can buy rice and beans for hungry families in other countries or clothing for someone who has nothing.

Pastor Lex was privileged to share with the church congregation this morning.  He shared his own testimony of finally going to school at the age of 10, because of a mission that opened up in his village.  He shared what it felt like to sit home, watching other children walk by in their pretty uniforms and just longing to go with them.

He encouraged people to be a missionary in their own town – to help people who are going through difficulties – to share what they have with them.  He talked about one woman who sponsored him so he could get an education.  That woman changed his life and now he is changing the lives of thousands of others.  Isn’t it amazing what God can accomplish through one selfless act?

Hundreds of jars of peanut butter have also been donated by FGIC members.  They will be added to the others that so many of you have given.  We will bring them to Boston next week to be shipped out to Haiti.  There are a lot of 3-5 year old children that will get a nutritious protein boost from all our efforts here!  Thank God for so many generous folks all around this country.  Thank you!

In Haiti

Here we are in America, but everything is functioning in Haiti at the same time.  (“All around, all around, everywhere I look Your love is all around!”)  We rejoiced this afternoon as we looked at pictures from church in Haiti this morning.  We pointed out all our friends by name.  It was so nice to see Carline back in church leading worship, after having experienced a terrible tragedy last month.

We saw that the Hands and Feet Project had a group of Americans at church this morning.  The World Race teams that we are hosting right now were able to encourage the church a bit.  Gama was translating and Tony the “crazy Canadian” was there, too.  (He’s not really crazy.  He just tells a lot of wild stories.)

School is in full swing at both campuses and construction continues moving forward at the Thozin campus.  Are you praying for the first phase of construction to be finished in a timely manner?  Please do and please let us know you’re standing with us.  Send me a note at renee@mohintl.org

I thought you might enjoy some of the (174!!!!) pictures that Maestro sent to us today…

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Next

We leave Connecticut tomorrow, to head back to Massachusetts for most of the rest of our time in America.  We have many people to see still.  Are you one of them?  Be sure to contact us sooner rather than later!  Email me at renee@mohintl.org to see if we can meet.  You can also join us at the Evangelical Church in Fall River next Sunday morning, as we visit there with our long time friends, Pastor Carlos & Rita Periera and their wonderful church.

A Special Thanks

We want to thank Angela Parayson for really stepping up and hosting all the visitors to MOHI in September and October.  She has done an outstanding job!  Thank you, Pitit!!!!