Friday, March 30, 2012

Ministry needs and update

This past Monday we had our board meeting and discussed many things but for now we have a few I would LOVE to share with you... They are ways YOU can come alongside the ministry and help the people of Haiti.

1.  Feeding program in Chaveneau-  When we were there in March we were blessed to be able to provide a hot meal of rice, beans and fish to ALL 50 students, the staff, our team, and three families who are dear to the ministry.  This was expensive to do on a regular basis, BUT we talked about the feasibility of at least providing a daily SNACK for the children (peanut butter, bread, fruit, etc...) and perhaps do the hot meal a few times per month.  We have set up an account for starting a feeding program and anticipate that it will cost about $500 per week to provide this service (perhaps a bit less- not sure until we begin doing it).  That will pay for the snack, the person to get the food (transportation, etc...), the person(s) to prepare the food (cut it, make the sandwiches, etc...) and all other expenses

2.  Clean water in Chaveneau and at the orphanage.  In Port au Prince we need to dig a well and in both locations we need to construct a building to hold the water treatment system.  Both have been approved and are on the waiting list for a system- we just need to get those buildings up!  WE need people to come (construction teams) and funds for this!

3.  Teacher salaries/operating expenses in Chaveneau.  Currently only ONE class is sponsored and the teachers have been working without pay for over 3 mos. because Pastor Duval can not afford to pay all this out of his pocket.  Would YOU or your church consider sponsoring a class for $75 per month? (or a student who can not afford school- though Pastor Duval lets them still come- for $25 per month?)

4.  Orphan sponsors.  The orphanage has over 80 children on the roster and we only have sponsors for 18 right now.  Sponsorship is $32 per month and helps provide food, clothing, education, personal items, etc..

5.  Physical donations.  We are always in need of school supplies, clothing, shoes (black dress shoes, sandals and sneakers are especially helpful), personal items (underwear, feminine products, shampoo, deodorant, etc..), and more.  ALSO: if you can help with organizing donations we would LOVE someone to take on this project.  We would like to get a container shipped this fall but need to pack, organize and collect all donations as well as raise funds for shipping.  I just do not have time/energy to do it all!

6.  Truck to Haiti.  We are ready to ship the truck (working on details) but it will cost $5000 and we have $2000- not good.  We need to raise the remaining money quickly to get the truck there to use!  This is a very REAL need for the ministry- we spend so much on transportation.  Just this March trip we spent over $1200 for transportation and $800 of that was money that we wouldn't need to spend if we had our truck there! (though we still would have had to pay gas)

7.  House to rent! Again, one of those needs that may not look important to people, but we are spending a lot on lodging which we could save for the ministry to help Haitians.  Without having our own place we are forced to keep donations in bags, suitcases, etc..   It would be so beneficial to have a room set up to keep donations, we could build bunk beds for teams to use, the team would have privacy, a place to keep other supplies we need to have on hand, etc.   Houses rent for about $3500 to $5000 per year which you must pay up front when you sign the lease.  After our initial investment we should be able to keep money aside from each team and maintain annual rent.  We are waiting for God to give us the funds before we start looking at what location He would have for us!

8.  Of course- ANY financial contribution will be appreciated.  If you donate and mark your donation as "greatest need" we will use it wisely - that is our promise to you.  When I go to Haiti, I am blessed to have friends who have committed to paying for ALL my flights - that is their contribution to the ministry.  I do NOT travel around much even though it would be beneficial to do so (to network with other ministries) because of the cost.  I live very frugally- usually eating one to two meals per day as the Haitians do.  As much as possible the money donated goes DIRECTLY to the people of Haiti - particularly the children.  That is our commitment to you and to them.  So please do not worry that your donations are funding all my trips to Haiti. (people have asked since they see that I go almost monthly and it's a good question)

Donations can be sent to Hearts United with Haiti  PO Box 55   Morgantown, PA 19543  or you can donate online from our website.  (www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org).  You can also find information on there about trips to Haiti if you would like to come and serve with us or visit the ministry.  God bless!  -Crystal

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Peterson

For those of you who follow facebook you know that on my first day in Haiti (my last trip- March 2012) I was involved in an accident.  We were hit by a public bus- broadside on the driver's side. I have attached some photos but wanted to share with those of you who asked that Peterson (my driver when in Haiti) thinks he will have to pay about $700 US toward fixing his friend's "tap tap".... His wife is due to have a baby in the end of March and they do not have that kind of money.  So sad.  Please pray for Peterson- he really looks out for me when I am in Haiti and often drives me places when I can't afford it - I only pay for gas or buy him dinner or something.  Praise God (due partly to his good defensive driving) that we were not seriously hurt.  Bumps and bruises which have mostly healed.  Now just dealing with the aftermath......





Here's Peterson in December- he drove me to a friend's wedding!  

(donations to help Peterson can be sent to Hearts United with Haiti  PO Box 55  Morgantown, PA 19543  Any amount will bless him I am sure)

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

home again


Here's the team from the March trip-  We had a great 10 days in Haiti.  Below is a list of SOME of the things we were able to do to bless the orphanage, the people of Haiti, those in Chaveneau, etc... God certainly used this trip to bless each of us as well!

-  painted a hopscotch at the orphanage
-  cleaned/swept the new living quarters for the orphans (get ready for floor and painting)
-  Bible lessons with the orphans
-  games/songs with the orphans in Port au Prince and children in Chaveneau
-  prayer walk around Carrefour and in Chaveneau
-  prayed and spent time with people considering marriage, those grieving the loss of a daughter from malnutrition, etc...
-  wound care for a woman in a motorcycle accident a month prior
-  met with the women of Chaveneau and talked about "women's issues" and health care in Haiti (particularly relating to childbirth and pregnancy)
-  took a group of children to the beach (they had never been more than 3 miles from home so just the truck ride alone was a thrill)
-  funded, helped cook and served a nutritious meal to 250 children who sometimes go DAYS without food
-  prayed with and encouraged the pastors we work with (at the orphanage and in Chaveneau)- as well as the school administration
-  delivered sponsorship letters and photos to orphans who are sponsored

MUCH more that I have not listed!  Will YOU consider coming on a trip so you can experience God at work in Haiti or at least consider supporting the ministry and our various programs financially.  God is using Hearts United with Haiti to bless many-  all praise and honor go back to Him!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Haiti again

This is my 2nd time in Haiti.  I am amazed and grateful that God has brought me here again.  I have experienced some "old" things here and many "new" adventures too. Wonderful & awesome time spent with the girls at the orphanage.  I can not express how good it was to see them  in their new home and meet the added members of  the family!!  I have returned to my "Haitian home" of the Arris's and it has been comfortable, relaxing, & wonderful!  The scenery in Chaveneau is like being in a movie set - unbelievable beauty!  God has some amazing plans for this country & I am excited to see them unfold! If you have not been here, pray about the trip - it will change your life!

Chaveneau update-

Dear Friends,
Well...we are winding down from our heartfelt good byes to the children, staff, and the director. We departed with mixed feelings, and a very strong commitment to continue to support and fund raise for Hearts United with Haiti's Mission, to reach the goals for the school, church, medical awareness, in general, with women and children's health issues, and future educational facilities

We need help to provide clean water, regular food supplies, added toilet facilities, medical supplies, and lots of love. Everyone can assist in this effort. Please contact Crystal, you will be glad you did! -Evelyn

Checking in - will write more later

Hello all!

We are back in Carrefour. Tonight I am thankful for forks - more about that later! :-) Just want to say that all is well and once I process this past week I will post a long ramble.

Warmly (in heart and climate),

Cheryl

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

here

we have arrived in chaveneau- 10% battery  but all is well- sorry I can't write more!

internet uncertain

Just to let everyone at home know that we are "finished" the work in Port au Prince/Carrefour and God is amazing!  We had a blessed final day at the orphanage.  Steve/Cheryl (and their luggage) arrived safely so we will travel early this morning to Chaveneau.  Ministry there will be to the women of the church and community, prayer walks, possible light construction, games/Bible lessons/activities with the children of the community and school, possibly English classes and whatever else God puts before us!  Pray for us- the drive is long and everyone is feeling the effects of the time we have spent at the orphanage- not to mention the heat.  Yesterday the team swept and cleaned the entire area where the orphans will move to (new living quarters).  It was such a blessing to the pastor and he was talking about it still when we left.  Then we were able to paint a hopscotch area on the ground.  The girls at the orphanage drew it out on the ground and then the team painted it.  It will be used for a LONG time.  Though "crooked" it is so beautiful and it's special because all worked together to construct it.  We also had a chance to play with them one more time and give them some encouragement.

As we head to Chaveneau we may not be in touch for a few days.  Our internet "stick" for the computer seems to be giving us trouble but we would like to connect.  We will call the company when we arrive in Chaveneau and see if there's an easy way to fix it.  We finally (as of like 6 pm. last night) got a ride to Chaveneau since our arranged ride cancelled yesterday afternoon- calling Redgi when he was at the airport getting Steve/Cheryl.  Also, last night while I was sleeping our translator called and cancelled coming along on the trip.  So, we will be looking for a new translator to travel with us.  This is Haiti and things are very different  :-)    But, God is God and He is in control!  So we will not fear or be discouraged by these little "set backs"- instead we will have joy in all circumstances and we will sing praises to Him who has brought us here thus far and continues to work both in us and through us.  -Amen!

(blog by Crystal)

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Life Reinforcing God's Word!

Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior,
It is late Sunday night, March 11,2012, and I am filled with the Joy of the Lord.
There has been a reoccurring theme running in my life lately. In my New Hope Baptist Women's Ministry, we are in study of Nancy Demoss book, Lies Women Believe.

This book brings forth the perceptions women have to the lies satan wants us to believe, one of them is...it is okay to live with a man and not be married to him. My Pastor, Jeffery D. Bell, Sr. has preached Gods Word on this subject too many times to count. Living together in sin, is not Godly.

Now let's look how God has reinforced this subject to the members of the March 11th, 2012, Hearts United with Haiti. After two days in Haiti, our assignment by one of the more diligent Pastor wifes, were to visit the homes of single people, who were living together and who shared children.Madame Pastor's wives had a list of ten such couples. We obediently visited three such couples. Most interesting discussions, which centered around "not being financially to afford to get married."

But the highlight of this mission was to offer the unmarried couples rings, dresses, and receptions, The only requirement is that the couple had to be believers.

Now on Sunday, the sermon preached was about living with a partner and not being married. No one in this situation could possibly have the full Blessing of God or even be successful.

Now here is God. Hearts United with Haiti is committed to an orphanage of children from single parents, who were given away because their family found it very hard to financially care for them.

Satan tears down the family,,,but God builds it up. Thank God for His Blessings and Mercies on families.
Get involved help support a solution. Support Heart United With Haiti.

Encouragement for Haiti!

Since coming to Haiti, I am filled with a new resolve of the hope that comes from God, that He is
Sovereign and in control, yes, in Haiti as well. It is heartwarming to see the determination of the people to press on and do those things which are beneficial to grow and prosper. They have inspired me by their courageous example! God continue to bless you, my sisters and brothers, I love you and will continue to pray for your well-being!

Marilyn

Fun with the team

This is Redgi- I am not one to say much but I wanted to write to say that I am enjoying the team and my first official trip as Haitian Coordinator for Hearts United.  I am excited to drive the group to Chaveneau on Tuesday and spend time there again (I was there in December for a few days with another team).  We have been going to the orphanage almost every day and we also spent Saturday walking around the community of Carrefour.  I am not from that town so it is good for me to get to know the area and the people too.  We got to pray with many people and even though I am very tired cause we have been sleeping on the porch (rain so we can't stay on the roof) I am still blessed to work with these people who come to serve in my country.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

photos

Here are some photos from the trip so far... MANY more to follow but thought you would like to see some at least!  :)

Our flat tire!

The city of Port au Prince

dinner the first night

Evelyn and Marilyn with the children who won "prizes" (t-shirts)

standing by the tap-tap with the "broken" tire

teaching the children a lesson

Melissa and some of the children

Having a GREAT trip so far!  Keep praying and THANK YOU for being part of this- God bless.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Day 2

Our second day in Haiti.  Had another interesting tap tap ride.  Spent the afternoon with the girls at the orphanage.  It's so wonderful to see them not "starving"!  Many of them remember me and I remember more names that I thought-Thank You Lord!  Many of the girls bring down letters that my family wrote and show me- they say "you write to me".  Then I say yes and they beam beautiful smiles!  It's crazy how something so small means so much to them.  We toured the new area that the girls will stay in.  It's amazing, big rooms with locking cabinets for the girls personal things; and a very large bathroom with 3 toilets and large shower area.  The girls are very proud to say that soon they will sleep there. There is still sickness but only a few, not everyone.  I am so blessed to see them now and know how much better they are!  -Carolyn

My Adventure of Haiti!

My family had been telling me all about the wonderfulness of Haiti, but I didnt experience it until now. Which I love. This is my second Favorite place in the world right now! I cant even explain why I love this place so much, it could be the many colors or the many people or the language or maybe even the special smells. I have no clue what it is but I love it so much! The orphanage is so fun, the girls taught me how to play jump rope today, we thaught the girls a lesson about how God made you special for the purpose and roads ahead of you. The girls listened wonderfully, they seemed to want to know more. There is a little girl that I have grown so found of, I really want to take her home with me. She is about 2 years old and has the cutest little hair, oh my gosh the girls love playing with my hair. Yesterday they braided it and today they made me look like I came out of the "Hey Micky" music video. The transportation is so much fun! We ride in things called  a Tap-Tap. They are so much fun! The girls just want to be held and told they are loved! they are the sweetest things! Please keep praying for safety and these people in Haiti. They are amazing people! -Marin

Overwhelmed

Just a minute to update while we have internet service.  Overwhelmed is all I can say, I am drawn to this place and I can't explain it.  4 hr. ride in tap-tap from airport to house wh're staying, flat tire on way.  Frustrated with the language barrier, especially when we stopped at the orphanage yesterday and all I could do is smile as kids came running up and hugging.  Already have a favorite "girl" at the orphanage, hoping she remembers me today.  Dinner was great (we had meat- chicken of course- but it was really good).  Slept on the rooftop last night, intermittently, roosters don't crow when it's time to get up, they're at it all night.  People start waking at 4 am to take advantage of the sunlight because they never know if they will/will not have power that day, they are always busy, not too many sit around "lounging", most are in after dark because it's not safe.  Off to get a shower- YES!  we have a shower just need to limit time... then to the orphanage.  Blessed to be here!  (typed Fri. am)

Back from an awesome day at the orphanage- dancing, jump rope (not me!) bubbles, games, bible story and constant hugs.  The older girls liked playing with my hair, "stealing" my sunglasses and posing for photos.  My "girl" did attach to me toward the end of the day! Exhausted and ready to retreat to the rooftop, there is a nice breeze here in the evening that makes for great sleeping.  Please continue with prayers, especially our rides in the tap-tap...crazy drivers!

-Melissa

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Team has arrived

Just to let all of you know that the team is all here and safe and luggage is accounted for.  We will update later, but for now know that your prayers are felt and appreciated.  We had a flat tire from the airport, we got stuck in horrible traffic (so they got to see the FUN side of Port au Prince), we visited (briefly) the orphanage so they could see the girls and we just ate dinner.  Time for debrief from the first day and to get to BED... LONG day for most of us!  Keep up the prayers for Marilyn, Marin, Carolyn, Melissa, & Evelyn- the team~   :)  :)  (and Redgi/Crystal as well as our other translators and those we will minister with/to- thanks)......