August Adventures – Day 1 AND 2…

From Monday Morning Mommas (MMM Small Group)…

Hello Everyone!! I’m so happy to send you a message tonight! I don’t really have words to explain these first couple of days of our trip. . . . let me try. . . exhilarating, exhausting, rewarding, eye-opening, and extremely out of my comfort zone – EXACTLY where God wants me. It’s so evident to us that God is up to huge, big things in Haiti. He is going to change us – for the better – in the short time that we are here. The people are amazing, we are so anxious to learn more and more about them, and pour into their lives all that we can in these four days. The children are precious – I never dreamed that holding little Roselandy (the child that we sponsor in the orphanage) would make me feel so complete. To love these kids, and these people for this week is truly an honor. Trey, Dylan, Drew and Jakie – Mommy loves you sooo much and keep praying for us! Wes – hope practice starts well tomorrow – I LOVE YOU!!! — Sarah Thank you everyone, for your thought and prayers. They are certainly being felt and we love you for it – keep praying!!

Hello from Haiti! It’s hard for me to believe that we are actually here! We’ve had a very interesting two days so far….my favorite part today was getting to go to a Haitian church service this morning and worshipp ing with the local people. Even though we didn’t understand the words to their songs, we could still feel the love and praise for Jesus pouring out of them. We even recognized a few tunes of old hymns…like “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and “As the Deer”. To my family back home (Thad, Emma, Noah, Eli, and Jack)….I’m having a wonderful time here and can’t wait to see you in a few days. I’ll have SO many pictures to show you guys! All my love, Allison (Mom)

Bonswa from The Mole! I woke up well rested this morning and ready to do God’s work! The Missionary, Jody Castillo, led our orientation this afternoon and provided us with lots of useful cultural information regarding the locals. Her presentation was heart wrenching and gave me a higher sense of purpose for helping the locals. I’m very anxious to get started tomorrow on our work with the orphanage mommas and excited to interact with the orphanage kiddos. God must be really working on me because I’m surprised not to be struggling with my vanity. God has really suppressed my need to feel pretty in this place where people’s main focus is survival. What a reality check! Jeremy, Stella, and Anderson…missing you and look forward to sharing this experience with you when I get home. Love, Lori

This message has been approved by Kerri Barnes- lol!! Hello to my children & husband- Dan, Gabe, Grace, Faith & Hope- I love you!!!! Peace out!

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From Northside Team…

Sundays are a day of relaxation in the Mole.  The laid back approach to the “Lord’s Day” reminds me of my childhood when stores closed and people limited their activities to church, family, friends.
This doesn’t mean there is no work going on.  In fact, in some ways, when we celebrate rest, the greatest work of all transpires.  We form new relationships and renew old ones.  And because our minds are less occupied with worldly tasks, they are more receptive to the work God wants to do in us.  I look forward to our first day of physical labor tomorrow, but I am thankful we have begun in worship with the Lord’s people.
I should speak to the worship.  It was, as you might expect in a place where people are not absorbed in selfish pursuits, pure and energetic.  Our team members were welcomed warmly.  But you must know, we were not perceived as heroes who had come to rescue others from their circumstances.  Indeed, the brothers and sisters in Christ we met have already been rescued, and demonstrated a keen awareness of their place as sons and daughters of the King of Kings.
It is humbling to think we have come with so much, but because of our lifestyles in America have lost what the Haitian people still possess.  We were guests in a church body where people already deeply understand the majesty, peace and provision of God.
From a personal perspective, I am thankful to find both physical and spiritual rest in Haiti, together with our team and the new friends we have made.   I feel certain I will be glad to be home when the time comes.  And our first day of physical labor will likely take away my perception of “rest.”  But for now, I have it.  And I pray I can keep it for a while.
Perhaps we would be more restful in many ways if we thought of God more and self less.
Larry Jones

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From Freedom Reigns…

Hello from Freedom Reigns!!
We are all safe and healthy! We are getting ready to kick off our first night of revival! Pastor Jake is going to bring a fresh word and we are believing God for several salvations, signs, wonders, and miracles!  We were able to get a mini break this afternoon and hang out by the beach and talk with some locals.  God is doing amazing things here in Haiti!

We have already picked up about 14 orphans and helped transfer them to the orphanage here at the mission base, and was able to enjoy the Haitian church service this morning with them. Leah and I (Kelsey) were asked to lead children’s church this morning. Leah spoke about Daniel in the lion’s den and how God protected him and that God would protect them too. Keep those prayers coming as we continue to minister throughout the week! Thanks in advance! We love you guys!!
-Freedom Reigns

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