FROM PV TEENS….
Dear friends and family,
It has been such a powerful day. This morning we went to Daniel, which was a one-hour truck ride over the bumpiest roads ever. After inviting all the towns’ people, and doing the freedom drama, Brad asked who wanted to have a relationship with Christ. Usually a few people would raise their hands, but today almost everyone raised their hand. All of us were in shock and so moved. It was amazing to see that many people influenced by the drama. After talking and praying with the people of Daniel, ten people accepted Christ. Woo-Hoo!! There is a party going on in Heaven right now!
Later in the day we got ready for our pre-teen conference. Yesterday about 60 girls and boys showed up, but today over 150 pre-teens show up! It was truly amazing! The girls talked about being a princess in God and they were each crowned individually as a princess. It was cool to see each girl’s face light up as they got crowned and called a princess. The boys talked about being watchful about the enemy. Tonight we get to perform the freedom drama at the revival. Well auvoir!
P.S. It’s Laina’s birthday!! It’s her sweet sixteen! Oh! Love you mom and dad….and oreo and the cats.
Caleb – P.S.S. Mom and dad, you guys should tell Jaremy that there are some people that brought “Settlers of Catan” and we are going to play. Miss you guys!
Love,
Olivia and Kaley
****
From Texas Tech…
FROM TEXAS TECH
Hello my fellow Americans. This is president Edwards.
…O.K. future president. Just had to add my little political plug in there. AAAAAnyways… Bonjour from Mole St Nicholas, Haiti! I suppose ill start with what its like for me. This is my first international mission trip ever. It has already been extremely influential personally. Its difficult to go from being in a University, listening to people talk about their plans for spring break and drive home to their families and have a blast with friends, to coming to Haiti where almost everything is different. Family is literally all some of these people have, and even that is expendable. We play with orphans and do hut to hut evangelism. Al’s small group helped to dig part of the foundation for the new church today. Mom, don’t kill me but I didn’t put sunscreen on… I’m rockin the raccoon eyes!
We do have times of fun and relaxation though! Some hammock, some have moments with Christ, and some head to the beach to swim and have fun. Don’t worry Jodi, Maddux hasn’t stepped on a sea urchin… yet. 🙂 We have all grown closer to each other as a team and bonds that already existed are growing stronger with every day.
My favorite verse comes to mind when I see everyone having fun, “Proverbs 17:17, and friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Hearing from all of you lifts our hearts so much. In a place that is in deep spiritual turmoil, it helps soooo much to hear one I love you, or We are so proud of you. For some of us, we are still trying to figure out the reason God called us to go on this mission and it helps to know we are being thought of. We read all of your comments everyday and I promise you all, one smile can change our whole day. So…. I offered everyone the chance to add their own personal P.S. at the end of this blog. The first is to my mom.
We miss you all so much and need your continued prayers and words of support.
May God bless you, May God bless Haiti, and may God bless the United States of America.
Love, Dillon Edwards
P.S.
From Dillon Edwards- Hi guys. I want y’all to know I’m ok. Its hard at times to see what they have to live with but I have to remind myself how blessed I am to have you guys in my life. Mom, Dad, everything I’ve learned from guys, no matter how small, is so helpful here. I’m able to explain what a healthy, Godly relationship looks like. It means so much to know y’all are proud of me and are thinking of me. God knows I haven’t stopped thinking of you. You guys are my heroes and I miss you guys so much and cant wait to see y’all when I get back and give you a huge hug. -Love Dillon
From Averie- Steph, Cody, Graden, and Garrison… I miss y’all so so so so much! I could really see y’all here preaching gods word one day. Shout out to you mom! I miss you! OH!!! And tell Dylan Al gave me a big hug for him! Can’t wait to see y’all again!
From Ashlyn Roberts- Thanks for making me cry George! Love and miss you.
-Squirrel
From… Not too sure but it sounds nice.- Hey everyone! I miss you so much and your support means so much to me! I cant wait to see how God continues to move and shape you!
From Brittnee- Hi Mom and Dad! Love and miss you!
From Josh- Hi!! To Gubs, Chip, Ate, Mom, Dad, Victoria, Kardell, Khalil, and Latham Nation. God is Faithful! Miss you all!
From Avery- Hi Mom, Dad, Coleman, Mimi, roomies (!!!) and Jaimee! Haiti is beautiful and God is shining! Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support! Love and Miss you all!
From Dylan Cole- Missing all my WEST peeps! So glad that im serving along side yall in missions, even if it is from a different country! And I love ya Mom and Chuck! Taylor, Suuuuper jealous of family dinner, buuut… the cooks here are saints!
From Emily G- Mom and Dad, I miss you! Don’t worry, I’m being safe. And, I think I’m going to gain ten pounds because the food is so delicious. I can’t wait to come home and tell you all my stories. Love you more than words can express!
***
Please feel free to post comments. Comments will be read every night at dinner. You may notice a delay from the time you post until it appears on the blog as all comments must be approved first. Thanks 🙂
Emily Gardner Jose Misses you and can’t wait till you come home so he can sleep with you Love Mom and Dad and both Grandma’s say they are praying for you
Those pictures of Maddux and Dylan with the kids kill me! I wish I was there with y’all! I love hearing about everything you guys are doing! Praying for you daily and I hope y’all are having a blast!
P.S. Give Samica a big hug for me!
Hello glad to hear the people are reaching out to God through your teachings God is working in you and Texas Tech too be safe and we welcome you home safely keep up the good work P V be safe and we’re praying for all of you Diane
Sounds like an amazing day! Our hearts are blessed to welcome new brothers and sisters. Even if we never meet we are
bound for all eternity through our family in Christ.
Is the trip everything you’ve dream about since you were 10 and wanted to go to Mexico? 🙂
We love and miss you! Stay safe. God bless you and All…
Sister, You have an amazing daughter, I see our mother in her sweet spirit and kind heart. You have taught your daughter to dream big dreams and instilled her with the confidence to move forward with courage as she steps into the unknown…may God’s blessings follow you and yours! I love you guys!
Hi Squirrel! (Ashlyn)
We miss you but are so proud that this is how you chose to spend your Spring Break. Everyone asks me if you were home for Spring Break and I tell them where you are and what you are doing. It makes me smile to let people know that your heart beats for mission work and how you have a passion to serve God. We are praying for you. I am praying that you have some time with the Lord and hear His voice. I know sometimes we wonder why God calls us to certain places but know that in just being there that you are filling the Great Commission and how this pleases God. We find that our service to Him is not really about us…and all about Him. I’m so happy that you are there though I miss you!
Preston says hello. Can’t wait to talk when you return! Tell Shannon Hi. We went to Jeddy’s wedding on Saturday. I thought about Shannon’s wedding and how all the Chi O’s will do their song for her at her wedding. It is going to be so fun!
Well, know that we are praying for safety, good health and that your work for the Lord is blessed.
I love you!
Madre
I loved President Edwards blog…so proud of you Dillon for taking a step of faith to do a international mission trip….sounds like all is well in Haitiville and I am so thankful and glad. Miss you all….keep Payden and Josh in line as I know they are the rowdy ones. 😉 Love, Prayers and Blessings, Penny
“Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.”
John 4:34 NLT
Hi Emily!
I love you so much! You are the best big sister and I miss you! Be sure to have enough fun for me. I like the picture of you with the little kids around you. Are they the same kids you saw in Haiti last year? I bet they were glad to see you again! See you soon!
Love, Grace Trinity
Emily,
Don’t get a ticket. Don’t get lost. Don’t go the wrong way. Don’t get a tattoo. Don’t break your arm. Love you bye,
Moses
Jake Jackson – your family in OK are so proud of you. Meemaw is glad you are safe. We hope you have a great time and enjoy doing God’s work. And Happy 19th Birthday tomorrow. Love, aunt Billie Kay
Bub McIver
Emily- my heart is filled with joy and pride as I see what God has called you to do. The campus looks totally different then it did when we were there in June. Can’t wait to see your pictures and hear about your experiences.
Love you, Dad
Olivia,
We are praising God for the lost souls that have been found in Daniel. We know that the work you and the team are doing in the pre-teen conference will produce fruit long after you leave as well. We are so proud of you and the whole team. We can’t wait to see you Friday, but we know you are having the time of your life as you see God working in such mighty ways. We love you very much!!!
Mom & Dad & Oreo
KJ and Emilee, your ACT1 family prayed specifically for you and your team tonight, both Alpha Omega and a group of us moms. It’s been a joy to follow along with your journey. All of you, it’s so amazing to see and hear all that God is doing. I will be sending up prayers for you as you continue this week. Stay focused on the One who sent you and who fills you with all that you need.
Praising God for harvest!!! Praying for strength to finish strong. 1 Thes 1: 2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 For we know, brothers and sisters[b] loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.
Not just with words, but with POWER! So be it tomorrow, in Jesus’ name and for his glory! AMEN.
-Nancy
Emily M. I pray that you and the TTU team are experiencing God’s
plan and purpose for you this week in Haiti. I pray that the kids are seeing Jesus in each of you. I have been blessed to see your pictures and reading your blog. Keep doing the good work that He has started in you. My prayer is that God will keep you all safe and healthy.
Love,
Tamera
Kaley,
I am so excited to see your smiling face and to hear about everything God is doing thru you and your wonderful team. I am so proud of you and can’t wait to hear your stories . We are praying for you. Keep running the race and doing God’s work.
I love you,
Mom
PS You may need to apply a little more sunscreen 🙂
Hi PV Haiti team!
I just wanted to let you know I’ve been praying for you guys. You have all been on my heart and mind. God has truly been working through your team. I shall continue to pray.
P.S. Kaley Breault you said ‘hi’ to the parents and the cats. You forgot to mention your favorite sister. We’re going to have a serious talk about this when you get home. 🙂
Bessie Hunt
Kate’s Aunt
March 19
Hello to Kate and the rest of this amazing team of Texas Tech students who are sharing the blessings of God in their own lives with the people of Haiti. How blessed you are to be an instrument of God in the lives of others, that they may see Him through the work of your hands and your hearts! I am humbled by the sacrifices which all of you have made in order to do God’s work. I pray for God’s safety around your lives and that through you others will come to know the abundance of His love and saving grace. Katie, I am so proud of you, that you listened to the call of God’s voice and are obedient to His will in your life. I cannot wait to see the fruit of this wonderful journey. God’s blessings on all of you! Stay safe!
Hello Emily McIver!! Glad to see you in pictures again being such a great witness for Christ through those sweet kiddos. Kara Beth misses those children & when I showed her pics your Mom posted, she said she was really missing Haiti & ready to return. We will say a prayer for you safe return & for the people there to be open to the word of a God!!
We are here in a Houston at our last Stock show. We left before I could get a note to you before you left. But we know you are receiving a blessing on the trip.
In Christ’s love,
Kristi & Kara Beth Jones
Kate’s Cousin
Way to go, Katie!! I have to say I am not surprised that you are spending your spring break on a mission trip! I remember watching you dance at your graduation party, twirling around the patio and laughing…I remember thinking that you were going to do great things with your life, and you are making a great start. You talked about wanting other people to come to know Jesus Christ ( I bet you thought I wasn’t listening, lol). I admire the work that you and your friends are doing there. I am proud of you, katie! Hope to see you this summer.
Love, Nick
PV team, in a few short hours you will be waking to a new day and God will have new doors for you to open and lives to influence. I send you words of encouragement for the days may seem to grow long but remain steadfast and strong for his mission for you is not yet complete. It is awesome to read the updates each day of how God is working through each and every one of you to move these people to a closer relationship with God. We are so proud of all the work you are doing.
All of you look like you have seen plenty of sunshine judging by the pink hue that is appearing on your faces. Continue to have an awesome time, enjoy each other, enjoy those children and enjoy the privilege you have of serving.
Sweet Pea, we love you, we are proud of you, so blessed and moved by your obedience to God’s calling. Love you!
Dad
Olivia,
We are rejoicing with you in the lost souls that have been found in Daniel. It is amazing to see how God is working through you and the team to change the lives of those you are serving. We are praying for strength for you and the team and that God would continue to change lives through the pre-teen conference and the Freedom Drama performances. We are also praying that God would be revealing Himself to you in a powerful way as you serve Him. We can’t wait to see you on Friday, but we know you are having an amazing experience there in the Mole. We love you very much.
Mom, Dad, & Oreo
It is so encouraging to hear of the work that God is doing through you all. Thank you for being willing servants to go when you could have stayed, spending your time on your own pursuits. Instead, you are investing in eternity. May God bless you beyond all you had asked or imaged for your investment. We can’t wait to see you home, though! Love ya, love ya, love ya! (Instead of Cool, Cool, Cool, Jordan)
Hey Hannah Mellema and all you PV’ers. Sounds like God had an awesome plan in bringing each one of you to Haiti over spring break. You are changing lives and we ar SO proud of you and celebrate with you. Savor every minute as your time comes to an end, enjoy a few more gorgeous sunsets. Hannah, you are rocking that braid, must be nice to have your own personal stylist. Take lots of pics. We miss you and can’t wait to see all of you. Love Ya – Mama Mellema
PV teens. Prayers this morning for you all to finish strong on your last full day in the Mole. I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed I have been this week watching all of you and the work the Lord is doing through you!! Wow is all that I can say!! The Lord is doing more than we could ever ask or imagine! Much love and hugs to my best girl, Emilee!!
Hannah,
We love you and are so proud of you. It looks like you are having a wonderful time with the children! We pray you will have an amazing rest of the week! We can’t wait to see you Friday night!
Love,
Mom and Dad
Oh my! The beautiful faces in these pictures just fills and breaks my heart at the same time! The people of Haiti and the Mole are receiving such a blessing and message from The Lord through you… And I can see the blessings you are receiving from the people in return. Isn’t that awesome?? The way God spreads His love and even blesses His messengers in their giving!! It’s like you all have an inner light shining through your eyes in the pictures… Amazing…
Emily,
It looks like you are all having a wonderful time. Be sure to stay hydrated and keep the deet and sunscreen on! We are all doing well and enjoying our spring break. Every evening we turn on the computer and look at the Haiti blog and read all the posts and look at the pictures a million times each. Grace and Moses have a bazillion questions!! Then we say prayers for your mission group and for all the Haitians. Love the pic of you with the kids! Just beautiful!!!!
Love you so much! Hope you’re taking lots of pictures! Can wait to hug you and see you when you get back!
Mom
Hey Josh, I hope all the people there feel the love of Christ that radiates through your smile, hugs and words. Love you man!!
Brittnee,
We are so happy to see you and other young people doing Gods work and bringing others to know Christ. Keep up the good work! Have a great day.
Payden, I love yoy bro I am so happy to know such a great servant of the Lord is working in Haiti! I am praying for you bro. I’m not sure what 509 means (from the pic of you with the white bord) but I pray that is the number of lives you change!! All glory to God
Averie, I miss you more than you know, the Lord is gonna do BIG things through you!! Can’t wait to hear all the cool stories about how God is moving in the Haitians lives as well as yours:)
PV Team…the church back here is rejoicing with you at the incredible work God is doing through you all. What an awesome display of the power of the Gospel to save. You guys are modeling the way of a missional life for our church, and we are grateful for your courage, your strength, and your tenacity to spread God’s Kingdom there in the Mole St. Nicholas.
Brad…I know you are proud of your students, and you should be!
If Rodner is there, please tell him I said hi and that I am sorry we missed each other last week. Also, tell Pastor Agenor to get the people of the church ready to do some follow up, because these two teams are planting a lot of great seeds this week.
Love you all,
Pastor Tim
PV Family! Tears filled my eyes as I read of the work God is doing in and through you in Haiti. I am praising Jesus that each of you surrendered to His call to go. Praying strength as you face this new day – that you feel His mercies this morning – and against the enemy in every way!
Love you all!
Brittni
Kaylee and PV team – Such wonderful God stories you’ve been sharing!! God is doing awesome things over there and you get to have a hand in sharing the great news! It is so good to hear how the Freedom Drama is changing so many lives! We all miss ya.. Carmella especially.. and can’t wait to see you. And Grace said her and Clara miss you more ! Papa says thanks for the birthday wishes, he loves you! We all love ya!
Ps…Happy Birthday to you, Laina..a little late!! 😀
Mom
Hi!!! Alll you beautiful Texas Tech Haiti team. This post and pictures were so incredibly uplifting to read and see. Maddux and Dylan seeing you with those precious babies made me cry. I’m acctually crying by the pool in Arizona. I love watching y’all love them so so much! I’m would also love it if the two of you got the chance to write a blog post. Praying for y’all so much.
Al’s beard looks great braided and Maddux your flow is rockin, as well as your fro Dylan! Jealous that y’all are getting to love on all those Haitian babies! Shine the Lord’s light in those dark places! Praying for you all!
Emilee and Paul Spring…. just letting you know that I enjoyed a Peach Nehi float in your honor today….it was most excellent!
Take care you two. See you in a couple days. 🙂
Dad (Mr. Shafer)
Averie
We love you and pray that great things will happen because of the work that y’all are doing. I am so happy that you are getting to experience such an awesome opportunity to do God’s work. Love you and I can’t wait to see more pictures.
Love
Josh, Haley, and Rylan
Our Dearest PV Team,
We knew the time would pass altogether too quickly and indeed that has come to be. With that said, it has been a complete joy to watch from afar the work that God is doing both in Haiti and in each of your hearts. Thank you for being the hands of feet of Jesus. Thank you for every sacrifice made to make your way to Haiti. Thank you for every fear faced and put in the hands of our Lord in order to share the Gospel. Thank you for loving on these beautiful children, giving them both a joy and hope that only comes from Christ. Thank you for the unity that is required to example Christ to each person God places in your path. Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone so that God could use you fully and do a mighty work through you and in you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your team from afar. And although we miss you and look forward to your safe return, thank you for forever leaving a part of yourself in Haiti.
Remember ~ your journey and your testimony continues through your travels – waiting, plane rides, fellow passengers, layovers, restaurants, arrival in KC. May you illuminate Christ all the way home and not give into the weariness until your head hits the pillow on your bed. Live it up in Jesus…every last moment!
Love,
Dad and Mama Stahl
(Hey KJ…hugs and squishes and mama kisses!!!)
I’m so incredibly jealous of you all right now. Seeing these pictures and hearing about the life change occurring, not only in the Haitians but you all as well, brings back awesome memories. I can’t wait to hear more stories when you all get back home. I just wanted to leave you all with a verse of encouragement that really helped me on my trips to Haiti and still continues to help me today. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”- 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT). You all have faced some things that probably scared you or made you nervous. You will probably continue to face those same things during the remainder of the trip. When you feel fear arise, remember that none of that timidity or fear is from God. He’s planted in us power, love and self-discipline. Anytime you feel afraid when sharing the Gospel, understand that that’s Satan trying to keep you from spreading the one thing that could diminish his evil. We’re warriors for Christ and it’s important to remember that fear is merely the devil’s tactic to try to get us to back down in battle. God has given you power, love, and self-discipline to spread his Gospel and to fight off Satan’s attacks, so use it. Anytime I was afraid in situations where the Gospel could be spread, I would recite 2 Timothy 1:7 to my self as a reminder of what God had planted in me. When you let fear keep you from spreading the Gospel the only person who wins is Satan. Someone’s eternal well being is always worth overcoming fear for. Praying for safe travels and life change!
Caleb Eissler
Hi team! So proud of you all! I love your hearts for The Lord and your unselfish hearts. Praise The Lord for His great work through you this week. May you all stay ignited for The Lord as you get back to the states. Can’t wait to see your smily faces. Lots of love!
The chapmans
Hi Al and Maddux from Jodie, Mason and Maddison! We arrived in Arlington and all is well. We all discussed your braided beard, Daddy, and Mason said he will cut it off in your sleep if you still have it! Maddux, Maddi is still concerned about attacking sea urchins, so be careful.
We are praying for the entire TTU Wesley team, that the lives transformed through Jesus using y’all will be abundant. And, that your lives will be forever impacted as well.
Somebody give Maddux and Al great big hugs and wet kisses on the nose from us!!
Loves!
Jodie, Maddi and Mason
Hello, Dylan and the crew from Tech! I’m so proud I figured out how to do this:) Someone needs to braid Dylan’s hair. Congrats on all the conversions, yeah team!
The puppy chewed my charger and I only have 25 min. left. If you don’t hear from me tomorrow that’s why.
Love Ya,
Mom and Chuck
Emily!
I hope your trip is amazing and you are learning so much! Love seeing pictures of what you all are doing and can’t wait to hear stories when you get home! Miss you and I’m so proud of you!
Peace and love from Destin
Allyson Bond
Kate!s Aunt. Another wonderful blessed day. Praying God’s continued abundant blessings on the rest of your time there. Safe days and travels for all of you!!
PV and Texas Tech team,
This is what life is all about. You are doing exactly what we all need to be doing everyday of the week. Take this opportunity and let God’s Love and message ring loud in the Mole and abroad. So proud of each and everyone of you!!
Ashley-we love you and continue to pray for you and the group. Keep up the great work God has started in you!!!
Katie, we are praying that all of you grow closer to God through serving others. Hope all is well and that you are able to make the impact that God needs you to. We will be praying for safe travels and we love you! The Fairchild’s
Kaylee,
We are missing you, but we know that you are doing a wonderful thing by advancing God’s kingdom. We are looking forward to having you home soon. We love you very much.
Mimi and Papa
Hailey, Loved seeing the pictures this morning,(computer went down while I was gone) I can read it on your face that you are having a wonderful time spreading the WORD and loving those children. Can’t wait to put my arm around my baby girl back home! I think I may be sick a day next week 😉
Great pics! Doing a wonderful thing there. Love you Katie!
Proud of you Kate. Sorry we didn’t get to ski with you. Much Love. Grandpa