Goodbye, Bohoc

Today is the day. Our last day in the village we have spent a week serving. It’s bittersweet. We are all ready to return to the states and our friends and families…but we go knowing a piece of us will always be here in Bohoc and a part of Bohoc will always be with us.

We began the day with a delicious breakfast of oatmeal, apples, and fresh baked bread. Byrian (our birthday boy) led us in a heartfelt devotion on love…he asked us to examine how we love our family, how we love God, how we love those less fortunate, and how we love our enemies. Do we love them all the same? Should we? We all had a lot to think about.

Before loading up on the bus for the drive to Port au Prince we had to meet with the 410 Bridge leadership counsel. We had no idea the blessing about to be bestowed upon us. They thanked us so sincerely for our service to their community. After talking about Jesus washing his disciples feet we realized where this was going…and several of us began crying. These people who have taught us more than we could ever teach them brought in bowls and towels. They knelt in front of each of us and gently washed our feet and patted them dry. It was the most moving experience I have ever been a part of. We were honored to wash their feet in return.

The bus ride back to Port au Prince was very exciting. The roads were a mess from all the rain and the bus got stuck coming up a big slippery hill. It was quite the adventure! About a dozen Haitians jumped in to dig and pull the bus out, we’d never seen these men before but that doesn’t matter here. These people are amazing, simply amazing.

We finally arrived in Port au Prince just after 4pm. After a short group debrief Reah led us in communion and the Lord’s Prayer, then we sat down for our last supper in Haiti. As usual, the food was amazing. We had amazing chicken, beets with peas, rice, fresh avocado, and corn muffins. After dinner we had a cake to celebrate Byrian’s birthday and we sang to him. It was an honor to spend his special day with him.

We have to get up in the morning at 3am, breakfast is at 4am, and we leave for the airport at 5am. So, we are going to bed a little early tonight. We’ve been blessed beyond measure today. God has surely been with the Hope Missions team this week.

 

Last Day of Clinic – Bittersweet Goodbyes

By Day 3 of our clinical mission, our team was really starting to get into a good flow.  We started again in  prayer with Jerome, then set to work.  Haitian Dr. Ben again very graciously shared his Haitian medical knowledge and experience with our team, particularly about the identification and treatment of malaria, typhoid and cholera.  This was very helpful!  The pharmacy was running out of meds, so we had to be VERY sparing with our remaining supplies.  We learned that Haitians are expected to bring their our bottles to the clinic to take home medications, so there were no bottles in pharmacy.  We ended up putting liquid meds in zip-lock bags.

In the pediatric room, we saw a kid with severe dehydration that we rehydrated, a newborn with fever for 2 weeks, lots of kids with bad skin infections, and EVERYONE seemed to have nighttime fevers, cough and stomach aches.  We gave out lots of worm medication.  In the gyn room, Dr. Myron was very busy treating female infections, with 2 people holding up a sheet for a makeshift privacy “wall”.  Meanwhile, outside, we had people playing with and loving on the kids, Byrian and others praying with patients, and lots of collaboration between Haitians and Americans to reach out to patients in all areas.  We had planned to shut down at 12, but once again agreed to stay until one so that the sickest patients would all be served.  Sadly, we still had to turn away many others.  My hat is off to everyone involved for their flexibility!

We hurried back to the house for late lunch and a many joyful reunions with sponsored 410 kids from Bohoc!  There were smiles all around!  Then on to an oral health presentation to a small group of students at a private school.  And more home visits and prayer with some wonderful families.  Topped off with some shopping at an impromptu souvenir market held just for us at the school.

That evening at debriefing, we discussed the many joys and challenges of our first clinic experience and started working on ways to improve the experience next time!

 

Fatigued but Blessed

Day two of the medical clinic, we arrived to a full “waiting area” of Haitians, both young and old, anticipating American medical and dental care.   We served an estimated 80 patients in 4 hours the day before and unfortunately walked away with many left untreated at the end of a day we had already extended beyond scheduled hours.   Those same people, with the addition of new as word spread, awaited us.

Just as the day before, the work day was begun by our Bohoc community leader, Jerome.  In true Haitian style, he opened, once again with prayer, a song and a word from God.  As we spend time and years on these trips, we begin to appreciate the Haitian way, not so American.  He asked us to continue to be patient.  Unfortunately in America, and as Americans on these trips, we are so focused on the agenda, the task at hand, that we forget our purpose to love and engage.  This culture reminds us that we are not always right, that there are other ways.  And that often times, other ways, although uncomfortable for us, are better.  We are all slowly learning or relearning on this trip, as always.

We decided to extend our day another hour in order to serve more patients the second day.  Amidst the beautiful, organized chaos, we lost count.  We watched many patient Haitians, waiting hours without complaining.  We learned not to complain, again.  On this day, I was both a pharmacy tech and a dental assistant, neither of which I am in the States.   All of us moved outside of our comfort zones and many of us worked in many areas.  As expected, Haitian brethren came along side us to perform our duties, including physicians, nurses, dentists, community leaders and translators.  It is always a beautiful joining of hearts, minds and bodies.

After a brief break and lunch to refuel in order to pour out again, we went out as a group and divided.  Half of our group taught a Bible lesson and story to the community children.  One of the activities taught the children they could pray to God to ask for help.  Since their community is a very dry deforested area (despite the recent hurricane and rainy season), it remains very difficult to grow anything here.   Therefore the children made a prayer chain with our team and prayed for rain as a group.    Next door, the other half of the team was educating on First Aid, CPR and HIV/AIDS.  Little did we know that when we heard a gentle rain begin on the tin roof of the building, that the children’s prayer for rain had been answered by a loving God, literally pouring a blessing.

Bon Nuit.

First Day of Clinic – Joys and Challenges

This is the first time a NewHope team has done a medical mission in Bohoc, so we didn’t know what to expect.  The clinic building was on the campus of HAFF (Haitian American Friendship Foundation).  Jerome, the president of the leadership council, met us there, and led the team and patients in song, prayer, and a sermon about the parable of the talents.  I was so impressed that in Bohoc, the politicians lean heavily on God for guidance and support!

The dental clinic is apparently used only a few times a year by an American dentist, so Dr. Stephanie and her many helpers went in and did a thorough cleaning and assessment of what they had to work with.  The compressor and sterilizer were not working, but this amazing team adapted and went to work cleaning, assessing and pulling teeth.  We were thankful for collaboration with a local Haitian dentist who saw many patients as well.  They had a continuous long line of patients waiting for relief of dental pain.

The medical clinic had been used by another team a month earlier and was in much better shape.  We quickly set up a gynecology room for Dr. Myron and a pediatric room for Dr. Sue.  We were joined by 2 wonderful Haitian doctors (Dr. Ben and Dr. James) who treated general medical patients and taught us many things about Haitian medicine.  The pharmacy team was also staffed by a partnership of Haitians and Americans who quite capably filled numerous prescriptions with limited supplies.  Meanwhile, other team members checked people in, played with waiting kids, facilitated flow, and prayed with patients after their visit.

We felt guilty about closing our doors at noon in the face of so much need, and ended up agreeing to work until 1 pm.Then we rushed home for lunch and visits with team members’ Compassion kids, many of whom traveled for 8-9 hours to get there.  It was a very emotional experience!

Then off to the community for home visits.  This was the first time that we visited all houses, not just those who requested visits.  We were met at times with some hesitation, but all seemed appreciative at the end of the visits.  Our team prayed with a man who had been bedridden for quite some time with a stroke.  The next day, his wife showed up at clinic to report that he had sat up for the first time after our visit!  God is good!

The evening debriefing was full of feedback about clinic joys, challenges and possible solutions.  Very productive!

 

Worship the LORD!

Today we woke up excited to have the opportunity to attend church service in Bohoc, Haiti. We dressed up nicely and met in our outdoor eating gazebo for breakfast and morning devotions led by Stephanie. She referenced Isaiah 43:18,19 which talks about God doing something new, God making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Coming here was a new thing for many of us but we need not fear, God is with us.

We were incredibly blessed by worshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The church building had a dirt floor, tin roof and simple wooden chairs.  With nothing but pure, beautiful singing we entered into a very intimate time of worship and praise.  The Spirit of the Lord filled the sanctuary as the youth choir sang song after song. Such an overflowing joy and passion overwhelmed our group. We were asked to sing a song and we had chosen This little light of mine. After practicing the night before, we sang our song and did the motions too. We felt awkward but gave it our best. Ramsey and Leah pointed out that they were there when there was nothing but a field in that place and they helped clear the stones to be used for the foundation. Now the church stands strong on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Amen!

After a great lunch of beans and rice and some meat stew we drove over to another church building where we met the children and did the first of our VBS lessons. Perseverance is the theme this week and we read and acted out the old classic story of the tortoise and the hare. The tortoise was overconfident in his ability to win the race and he ended up being distracted by other stuff. The tortoise ran the race slow and steady and didn’t give up even with many obstacles. He of course wins the race. A reminder to us all to not give up and let God help us along the way. After storytime there was crafts, games, parachute and lots of hugging, laughing, and general running around. It was fun and we were once again blessed by God being in our midst. It was hard leaving but we we will get to see them all again later this week.

Soccer is everything around here! So afterwards we were invited to watch a soccer match between Bohoc 1 and a team from Port Au Prince. It was very intense and even though “our local team” won the match 2-0, a player was seriously hurt and was taken to the hospital. We are praying for him. After the game we headed back to the house, had delicious soup and bread then took some time to debrief and talk about what we experienced today.

This was a fulfilling day and God’s grace poured out on us. We are learning, growing and loving each moment on this adventure here in Haiti.

Mwen Rele Heidi

The Journey to Bohoc

Breakfast in Haiti was quite the experience. The peanut butter is HOT …and delicious! The main activity Saturday was the drive from Port au Prince to Bohoc. Did I say drive? It was more like an obstacle course at top speed and countless hairpin turns along the mountain’s edge. Exciting, for sure! We dodged boulders the size of cows, potholes that looked like ponds and even crossed a creek coming into Bohoc. Along the way we saw entire families, heads piled high with their wares, walking miles to the market.

We arrived in Bohoc around lunch time and were treated to delicious sandwiches and a little bit of downtime. Saturday afternoon was an experience we will never forget (and I personally will forever cherish). The committee here arranged seats outside of the church under the shade of the trees for a brief meeting. They sang Psalm 92 in Creole and thanked us for coming. It was touching and there weren’t many dry eyes among our group. One of the men spoke about us sitting outside…like Jesus did with his disciples. Talk about putting our purpose here into perspective!

In the evening we toured the medical clinic where we will be working and spent some time getting to know everyone. We walked along the street waving to children and exchanging ‘bon swas’. Haitian children are so beautiful, their smiles light their whole face! We are excited to spend time with them this week. We wrapped up the evening with a delicious dinner of chicken, rice and beans, and fresh tomatoes. We are all doing well and are very excited about heading to church here Sunday morning. We rehearsed our song after dinner. We’ll be singing ‘This Little Light of Mine’ for the locals at church and it’s going to be awesome!

Bienvenu a Haiti

For the first time I ever remember,  we didn’t leave in the middle of the night.  Naomi survived her first flight ever- and she choose an international flight to go and serve!  After smooth flights and an easy layover, we were met by Major, our Haitian guide, at the Port au Prince airport.  We landed after dark, so didn’t see much beside the lights in the hills and the lightening in the sky.  We had a less than 10 minute trip to the guesthouse in Port au Prince.   We had goat, rice and beans and hot cinnamon/chocolate pudding for dinner.  And fruit champagne! (Guess who’s blogging 😉  (No, it’s not alcohol) After a debrief, we are all preparing for bed.  The Haitian muumuu is making it’s annual debut.  We head to our beloved village of Bohoc in the morning.  Bon nuit.

Prayers for our Haiti Team

It’s that time of year again! On Friday, October 14th, a team of 20 missionaries from newhope church will head to the beautiful country of Haiti to participate in the church’s first-ever medical and service combination trip in our adopted village of Bohoc. With the devastation and destruction left behind from Hurricane Matthew, the team covets your prayers as they head to a country that has been torn apart.

With a death toll of nearly 800 and still counting, there is no better time than right now to be the hands of feet of Jesus Christ to a country that so desperately needs it. We are honored to have that opportunity! Please pray for the country of Haiti and the Haitian people as they deal with this devastating disaster and continue to try to put the pieces back together. Pray for those who have lost loved ones, their homes, their livestock and everything they own. The impact that Hurricane Matthew has left on that country is bigger than anyone imagined. Please continue to pray!

As we head to Haiti, not knowing what we will see and what we will experience, we ask that our newhope family pray for us. Please pray for our safety, our friends and family that we are leaving behind, and for all those people that we will encounter and impact throughout this journey! May God use our team in mighty ways! We are praying for Haiti!

Thank you,

Reah P. Nicholson

Meet our team and their prayer requests for this trip:

Allison Adler

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

Dear God-

While I’ve been to Haiti several times, you know my prayers for this trip involve not just our travel to Haiti, but what I’m leaving behind. I pray that you’ll watch over Emily Grace. That you’ll be with Steve as he cares for her. He’s so great with her, I just pray that you’ll give him the energy to keep up with her. I ask you to be with me as I travel away from my family. Please give me peace.

I’ve thought about medical missions since before I went to Haiti in 2011. I’m so excited that God has made that plan come to fruition in a community in which we know one another. I’m amazed at the diverse group of people God is using for his work. The team is made up of so many that specialize in different areas of medicine and others who are not medically trained, and I pray that God will use each of us to impact His kingdom through this work.

I pray that my love for these beautiful people will shine through in our crazed “all about me” culture, and that I will attract others to this country, and they will become interested in Haiti, and understand ways they can support others both in Haiti and closer to home. I pray that God will reach others who we interact with about ways they can show love to Haiti, whether it’s traveling there in the future, donating resources, donating time by giving platelets and blood to the American Red Cross for those affected by the hurricane.

I pray for our travel and safety, and our Haitian brothers and sisters.

 

Naomi Ball

Age: 35

newhope church Campus: North Raleigh

Prayer Requests for Trip: My nerves over my first flight, and for my husband and kids to be ok without me…I’ve never left them for more than a weekend.

 

Adrienne Barnhart

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

To fully enjoy and experience the community of Bohoc. To show Christ’s love to the people of Bohoc through the ministry that we will be doing there, just to be open to all aspects of the trip.

Protection at home for my family and that no serious issues arise for my dad and mother in law while I am away.

For the team: team health, protection from mosquito bites and disease, unity and great fellowship, safe travels and easy access in to Haiti with medical and dental supplies.

Hurricane protection for the island of Haiti. That the rivers do not rise too high for all the rain and that the people would be protected from any diseases as it travels through/over the island.

 

Stephanie Eissens

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Prayers for health and travel safety for our team.
• Prayers for myself and the other doctors that God will use our medical skills not only to bring help and healing but as instruments of His love to the people of Bohoc.
• Prayers for Haiti and the devastation left by Matthew, that God takes our small efforts and multiplies them in a large way to bless this country.
• In the words of one of my favorite singers…”why sit around and wait for a miracle to come when we can BE ONE”.

 

Keith Fox

Age: 55

newhope church Campus: Sanford

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I am praying for a safe trip to and from Bohoc and for our time in Bohoc for the duration.

I pray for my spiritual growth and the spiritual growth of the team and the people of Haiti.

I pray for the doctors, dentists and nurses of our mission team as treat the people of Bohoc.

I pray for God’s guidance for me on the trip and that he humbles my heart and strengthens my soul.

I praise God for the opportunity to go on this mission trip and the opportunity to meet the sponsor child that my family supports in Bohoc.

 

Rachel Jordan

Age: 29

newhope church Campus: Central (Durham)

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I pray that God helps me to let Him be in complete control and that He opens the eyes of my heart to see things the way that He sees them. I pray that He uses me in ways that I could never imagine to bless others. I am generally an anxious person and I pray that I can keep my eyes on Him and be able to give all of my anxiety to Him and remember that He is 100% in control. I ask that he allow me to be flexible when changes are made last minute or anything that may try to stand in our way. I also pray for a stronger since of boldness.

I am excited to go on the trip and see what God has in store, not only for the Haitian people, but for our team!

 

Sean Jordan

Age: 27

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

To be flexible and receptive to God’s word. To work out. To be His hands and feet. To serve with a humble heart. To walk with our friends in Haiti and lead them to Him.

 

Leah MacMillan

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

Health and safety for my husband, Ramsay, while on this trip.

That Jehovah Shalom will bring comfort and peace to my children at home in the states while we are gone.

That God will show me how I can help this people, this community, this country, moving forward in our shared futures.

 

Ramsay MacMillan

Age:45

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I am asking for safe travel for my team, my wife and I to and from Haiti.

Jehovah Shalom, please provide peace and comfort to my children and family here in the US in my absence.

Pray that we provide some glimpse of hope to those we come in contact with.

I pray for peace and understanding in my role in fulfilling God’s will on this trip.

 

Lynn Nicholson

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I pray for the country of Haiti.

I pray that Haiti can receive the supplies and food necessary to rebuild their infrastructure and their homes.

I pray for safe travel to and from Haiti for our team.

I pray that the family we leave behind will be safe and healthy.

I pray that the members of our team remain healthy.

I pray that God will open my heart to experience the love and compassion of our brothers and sisters in Christ in Haiti. I pray that I will be able to share my love and compassion for them. I pray for spiritual guidance and growth while on this mission trip.

I pray that I can be the hands and feet of Christ and represent HIM in all aspects whether it be what I do or what I say, that I will be able to share God’s love.

I pray that our team will bond together as we go about each day and together we can share God’s love and God’s grace.

 

Myron Nicholson

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I am thankful for the opportunity to go to Haiti to come alongside, fellowship and serve my brothers and sisters. I ask prayers for a safe journey, especially in light of the devastating hurricane, that preceded our arrival. We certainly pray for those affected and hope that we can be a beacon of light and hope, to those we may come in contact with.

I pray that God will humble our hearts and place us in a position of service that will truly magnify him and show his love for all of his children.

I ask for safekeeping of our family and loved ones who we leave behind.

May we truly be the Lords hands and feet. We ask that our Haitian brothers and sisters see Christ in us and we see Christ in them.

I pray for peace of mind for all of our team members.

 

Reah Nicholson

Age:   32

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Praying for the country of Haiti and the Haitian people as they deal with the devastating destruction left from Hurricane Matthew.
• Praying for the health and safety of The 410 Bridge Staff as they work to rebuild communities and supply food, water and shelter to the survivors.
• Praying for my leadership over this team as I lead them to Haiti during one of the most devastating times in the country’s history.
• Praying for the health and safety of our team members and all those that we will encounter throughout our trip.
• Praying that our team will be open to what God has for us when we arrive and that He will open our hearts and our minds to what’s in store for us. That God will be ever present in all that we do.
• Praying for the friendships that will be formed from this journey and the lives that will be changed through this experience together.
• Praying for the beautiful people of Bohoc. That they will see the love that we have for them and experience the love of Christ through each of us. That our ministry will bless the community of Bohoc.

 

Cathy Oakley

newhope church Campus: Durham

Prayer Requests for Trip:

That God will place a hedge of protection around our group and our Haiti brothers and sisters.

To feel God’s presence.

To be a light to all I encounter.

To make a difference.

 

Susan Pitts-Tate

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

For the wisdom to know what each kid needs in clinic and to be able to meet that need.

Also for no neck trouble during the trip!

 

Byrian Ramsey

Age: 43

newhope church Campus: Central/Internet

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Pray for my anxiety over the trip. I am not sure how God wants to use me, but I am at HIS mercy.
• Pray for my two Haitian kids, Ronald and Kelly. I do not know if they or their families were affected by the hurricanes. I hope to see them both on October 17^th.
• Pray for my stomach. My stomach is weird with different foods, so I am concerned I may develop a sickness or problem.
• Pray for our group. We have such an awesome group. I pray I release my worries about blending in and open up more to everyone.
• I pray for our leader, Reah, that we are guided well from our Haitian contacts.
• I pray for the Haitian people in this devastating time of need.

 

Debbie Satterfield

newhope church Campus: Durham

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I ask prayers for the newhope church mission team prior to our departure on October 14th, that God will go ahead of us and prepare the way for what’s ahead for the week of our stay.  Please pray that God will keep our newhope church missionary delegation well; enable us to share His word with the unreached; to have the strength to press on when the heat and hurricane aftermath drains us of our energy; and that the gospel of Christ will be lived out loud to our brothers and sisters who are suffering life and death crises at present.

Please pray for our families, loved ones and homes while we are away.  That they are safe and protected, as well, as they support our mission efforts.

Lastly, please pray for our safe return.

 

Christina Stolarchuk

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• That our team will be able to reach as many people as possible through our medical and prayer missions.
• Wellbeing and safe travels for our team.

 

Heidi Soden

newhope church Campus: Durham

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Pray for the beloved people of Haiti
• Pray that our team has compassion
• Pray that we are humble servants
• Pray we don’t get Zika

 

Tina Swaim

newhope church Campus: Sanford

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• I pray that God will look over my family and give them peace while I am away.
• I pray that God will give me the words to speak while I am there.
• I pray for the health and safety of our team while we are in Haiti.

 

Christi Wallace

Age: 53

newhope church Campus: Sanford

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Each of the team member’s hearts will be open to God’s leading and the opportunities He places before us, that we will be used as His hands and feet.
• The God-given gifts and abilities of each team member will be used to humbly serve with love, compassion and kindness.
• This time will draw us ever closer to you and will change our lives
• Protection, safety and good health, so He can accomplish His plans through us.
• God will plant His seeds of truth in the hearts of the Haitian people.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Our final workday of the week brought us to Soulshine Drive in West Asheville. Last years team worked on the first few houses built in this narrow mountain street. When we arrived it became clear that the 25 houses built by Habitat for Humanity were nearly all  completed. Our team worked on laminate flooring and painting one of the lovely 3 bedroom cottage homes. Our team lead had only recently started working for Habitat. Amazingly he told us that they were able to pay him a competitive wage compared to other building contractors. Thank the Lord for Habitat for Humanity and the wonderful people that provide the resources for their work in this community.

We were able to spend some time with one of the homeowners who was working in her house.  Habitat owners are required to attend classes on a variety of topics related to the care and maintenance of the home. Kathy is a mother of 2 working at a local Ingles store. Please keep her in your prayers. She is working hard to complete the required 200 hours of work of move in her home before she can move in.

In the evening we went back to The Depot in  Marshall for a regular Friday evening music event. The Depot is a converted train station next to the French Broad river. Local favorite Dwight Arrington played guitar and sung old country music songs as the locals danced. The highlight of the evening was when Dwight lead everyone in singing “Happy Birthday” for team member Sue Ellen. I think she has just recently turning 29 or…or something. There were several cakes walks to help raise money to “keep the lights on” One person won an extremely large watermelon!. The kindness and hospitality was amazing.

Good has truly blessed our time this week.  The weather was perfect. We worked, we played, we worshiped….thank you Jesus for our time together here.

Mark

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Today we had the privilege and honor to serve at the Black Mountain Children’s Home.  The setting for the home is located in such splendor of the mountains.  The home was been in existence for 110 years and was initially an orphanage for abandoned and orphaned children. It has developed into a home that takes children that are in DSS custody that have been abused, abandoned and neglected and are cared for in a loving home-style environment.  They are currently assisting 64 kids and their mission is “To glorify God by caring for children and families.”

This was our first visit to this ministry and we were able to bless them by painting the office of an employee, staining the handicap ramp and we also had the wonderful surprise of being asked to move 9 rooms in one of the houses.  To our joy and delight that allowed us to spend sometime with a few of the younger children while we switched the girls rooms to the back of the house the boys to the front of the house in order to allow them to bring more boys in and keep them together.

Words can’t describe the beauty of the facility or the hearts of the staff that dedicate their lives to caring for these precious children.  The following scripture was posted on the grounds of the 200 acre facility and also in the house: I Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

At the front of the home there is a cross with water flowing from it.  How very appropriate as it is clear that God’s love, favor and blessings are continually flowing over this ministry.  They recently partnered with 4H and the kids are loving “Rodney’s Roundup” as they teach them about the animals.  Make sure you ask Shannon who, or I should say what, photo bombed her picture!  They are also in the process of adding walking and biking trails.

Scripture says God is the father for the fatherless.  It also says that we are adopted into the family of God. Tonight we had communion and much to our surprise we had the pleasure of having Will and Danny Tompkins visit and bless us with live worship.  One of the songs they played was, “You’re a Good Good Father.”  How very appropriate given the day we have shared and the lives we were able to touch and reflect a portion of God’s love.

Rhonda