Day 5: From the Bohoc Haiti Team

Hello newhopers!  Sorry about the delay on our blog posts, we weren’t able to access the wifi for the past few days.

We started today off with a delicious and nutritious breakfast, prepared by the amazing staff. Before leaving the guesthouse we were told by Ronald that we would not be able to work on the water project this morning. They had just recently put down cement blocks and they were not dry enough yet for us to fill in dirt and rocks around them.

Instead, we took a quick bus ride and a short hike to the water project where Ronald and Gerrome (council leader) told us all about the project. We saw how the water would be pumped into the reservoir and then sent to the village. There was also a long water channel which will feed water down to the agriculture valley to be used for an irrigation system. While learning about the water project, we were able to observe the vegetation and saw many local fruit trees bearing coconuts, bananas, mangoes, and many more. While walking around we even saw some community members harvesting their maize (corn).

We then took a quick ride back into town and walked over to the future water filtration site. Once the project is completed, water will be pumped from the river up to the village where it will be filtered/cleaned and clean water will be made available for the community. As we were standing there talking about what this will mean for the village of Bohoc, we noticed that a couple of children had followed us. Joey, Reggie, and I went over to talk with them. We’re certainly limited by our knowledge of the Creole language, but we know enough to at least ask them their names and how old they are. One of the small boys accidentally stepped in a fire ant mound and Joey used some wet wipes to wash both their feet. They looked very grateful. Afterwards, we drove around the community, stopping at a few homes to pray over people who were suffering.

After lunch, some of us walked around the village talking and playing football (soccer) with the children. I (Bethany) spent some time with Fabnise’s aunt learning how to cook plantains! As soon as I can find some of the special roots and spices they used, I’ll be happy to share the recipe. Later in the afternoon, we went to the home of quite possibly the oldest member of the community; he is 105 years old and will turn 106 in January! He told us stories of how Christianity and God came to the community of Bohoc and the persecution he faced over the years. We were planning on more home visits this afternoon, but God blessed the village with rain, so we had to return to the guesthouse.

Overall, everyone agrees that today was a fantastic day of learning about, prayer for, and building relationships with the community of Bohoc. Tomorrow brings the promise of a Jericho walk, reading with the elderly, and more home visits. Sadly, it will be our last day as we have to head back to Port au Prince on Thursday.

Bethany

Haiti Medical Mission Team Has Internet Again…YAY!!!

Bon Jou New Hopers,

We are having such a wonderful time! We are all being challenged by God daily here in La Gonave; and learning so much about ourselves and the love that our Lord has for us through those challenges. We are blessed daily by the people here. Yes they are poor and many have next to nothing but they smile, and continually praise the Lord our God Almighty.

On Sunday we were kindly welcomed to the Wesleyan church here in La Gonave. The church was PACKED FULL. They had no AC or fans. All the beautiful Haitian people were dressed in their finest. The men in full suits and the women in beautiful dresses. There were children running back and forth in and out. So sweet and kind and loving; curious as to who these strange people were at their church. There was beautiful music being sung throughout and although we were unable to understand it (as it was in Creole) you could feel the presence of Christ in the place.(Actually we did understand one word: hallelujah.That one translated perfectly.) We sat on wooden benches all paced into this church side by side with little room to move yet it was a moving and powerful moment for us all.

On Monday we began our first full day in the dental clinic and the hospital. We were met by the first challenge of the day with the sweltering heat and lack of (what we consider a basic need) air conditioning. We literally had sweat dripping down our spines all day long. While that sounds grotesque (and believe me it feels it too,) it was such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment at the end of our grueling day. The next challenge for us was the conditions with which we had to work in. We managed the best we could with what we had (which wasn’t much.) For all of us the need of the people is evident. In the hospitals people are lying in the hallways to be seen. As there is little to no facility in the hospital the family members of patients have to feed the patient and go out into a hot courtyard to use a tub to wash clothing and linens and hang them to dry on a line, and they even use this same courtyard to bathe the patient. Every morning at the dental clinic there is a mob people literally beating down the door to try and be seen. We feel so terrible when we are unable to see them all.  Despite the lack of comforts for the patients; they are so excited by our being here and we daily see God working around us through the people here. We are truly blessed.

On Monday Dr. Donna along with her fabulous medical team of nurses; was able to remove a 5 year old little girls tonsils and adenoids. The procedure was slightly risky but they managed beautifully with help of God. Praise Jesus! Dr. Teresa was  able to take a small child (who was terrified) to the big hospital and have her IV sedated to extract 8 of her teeth, which was causing systemic infection. Today Dr. Myron and his “hot mess” were able to deliver a beautiful baby boy to a woman who has previously had two still births. She was already 42 weeks, and had been to 2 other hospitals. The Lord placed Dr. Myron here for a reason and has immeasurable blessed us all through this miracle. It is a memory none of us will forget soon. We are all working long hours in the hot heat (to which we are not accustomed) and yet we are all feeling the love that Christ has for us; and the strength of the Lord running through our veins.

The beauty of the people here is impacting all of our lives for the better. We have one more day of clinic tomorrow, and we are so sad to be leaving this wonderful place. The only thing we will not miss is Le Coque. (the dang rooster who is broken!!!) He has zero sense of time. He crows and crows all night long and into the early morning. I even have had to have a conversation with the cook to have him for dinner. I think he knows I am plotting against him; as he was taunting me this evening. That rooster is from the devil. I just know he is. Sorry…enough of my rant. We are sad to be leaving but will always cherish our time here, and hope to return to our friends we have made here.

Blessing,

Shannon

Day 4: From the Bohoc Team

We started the morning off with a group devotional and prayer led by Adrienne. Joey was able to play for us a very fitting song for the day using his iPod, “Here in this City” by Hillsong. We then took a short drive over to the city of Pignon where we visited the hospital. While there, we spent time going from room to room, meeting patients, and praying over them. We saw a total of seven patients with serious illnesses, and we would all like to request the prayer of those back home. This was a very poignant moment for everyone in the group, and it was very empowering to be able to pray over the patients and know that God is in full control.

Afterwards, we traveled back to Bohoc and walked through the outdoor market where the community members come each Monday to buy, sell, trade, and barter food, goods, clothing, and livestock. After lunch some of us took a short walk around the community to visit with community members.

The highlight of today though, was meeting with our sponsorship children. Within the group, six of us had children who were able to come to visit with us. We practiced our Creole, colored pictures, blew up balloons, and took pictures with our children. We then met up with a much larger group of children for VBS-type activities. We shared the Jericho story with them and even did a short reenactment of the marching and God tearing the walls down. Some of us even got a bit of a workout playing jump rope and football (soccer) with the children.

Tomorrow we are all looking forward to working on the 410 Bridge water project, community home visits, and visiting the oldest member of the Bohoc community.

Bethany

Day 3: From the Bohoc Team

This morning we attended church at the Church of the Brethren with the entire group including our hosts Ronald and Fabinese. The service started with a few Haitian worship songs led by one of the pastors. Fabnise even sang two beautiful songs titled “All is Well” and “Jesus I Love You” during the offering. The team was introduced to the congregation and the entire group was very welcoming. Dave led us all in a short sermon afterwards. After lunch, we headed back out again to visit two Bohoc families with members who had been sick recently. Ronald translated as they told us their stories and the group prayed over them. Their gratitude was overwhelming and they were so excited that we came to visit. Despite some rain in the afternoon, we were still able to make our way back to the church to speak with the young men and ladies about living Christian lives. After splitting into male and female groups, we shared some pertinent Bible verses, personal stories, and encouraged the young people to continue praising God and growing in faith. Some of the children were shy, but by the end of our time, they were willingly sharing their struggles and prayer requests. We were asked to share again another time on the same subject we are currently discussing at newHope, Love and Respect. Showing us once again how we are all the same and dealing with the same issues no matter where we live or what language we speak. We then headed back to the house for dinner. After dinner, we had a surprise visit by the 410 bridge sponsored children in the area who sang four worship/praise songs, including “I Have Decided” and “This is the Day.” After they finished the songs we recognized, we sang back to the children in English. This was a very special moment for everyone in the group. A few of us even saw the children that we sponsor through the 410 Bridge. Afterwards, we spent some time teaching Fabinese and Ronald some American card games and struggling to stay awake later than 8 pm. Tomorrow we look forward to visiting patients in the hospital in Pignon and seeing our sponsorship children. Bethany

Day 2: From the Bohoc Team

We woke up this morning to a wonderful breakfast of french toast, bananas, and boiled eggs prepared for us by The 410 Bridge staff. Joey led us in an inspirational and personal devotion before we hopped into the bus and headed to Bohoc. We were all struck by the drastic transformation of landscape between Port-au-Prince and the mountainous landscape. Since today was Saturday, we were able to observe numerous families out in the rivers we passed doing their laundry. We also saw about a million goats, pigs and donkeys tied out on the side of road.

Motorcycles seem to be a favorite mode of transportation for the Haitian people, and the small seat size does not deter them from carrying PVC pipes, livestock, food, and up to 3-4 people. Another interesting sight was cacti that grew along the edges of people’s land as barriers and were often seen being used as clotheslines. Four hours after leaving Port-au-Prince, we arrived in Bohoc.

Next, we took a short bus ride around the community of Bohoc and then stopped at the church to talk with the leadership council. Everyone was so very welcoming and the council reiterated their gratitude for our presence. We were even blessed by an outpouring of delicious refreshments from the council.

Afterwards, we shared Ephesians 6:10-16 with the village children. We spent the next hour or so creating and coloring paper soldiers clothed in the armor of God. Dave had also brought balloons and a pump to create swords and helmets for the children. We also introduced the Creole scripture soccer ball, which the kids immediately began playing with. The kids were an absolute joy and we can’t wait to share our stories and photos.

Tomorrow we will be attending church in the morning and spending the afternoon with some of the older children discussing how to live a Christian life.

Bethany

Myron and The Hot Mess Do Haiti!

Hi there New Hopers,

Apologies as this is my first blog EVER. So it may be random and nonsensical.

We have safely arrived in La Gonave, Haiti.  We are having a wonderful time thus far.

Last night we arrived in Port-Au-Prince, and had wonderful fellowship the entire way down. The plane rides were absolutely smooth and stress free. We went through the airports without any hiccups. By the grace of God (and by His grace alone) we traversed the dangerous streets crammed into the back of vans like little sardines; with our luggage piled high around us. Although we were all terrified for our lives, as the driving here is well….I don’t think you would believe me if I told you just how ridiculous it truly is. We finally made it to the guesthouse. It was a beautiful night. We all had fantastic fellowship, and were finally able to get some sleep; as we had been on the road since 4:45am. (Some of us even earlier than that.)

We woke up early this morning and had a beautiful devotional given by Erin Doak. (The “dezod-cho” herself…that’s creole for hot mess.)The guesthouse chefs (who we are all so grateful for) made us a delicious pancake breakfast. ( Those of you who didn’t come really missed out.) We then began our long and arduous journey to La Gonave. It began with the most chaotic,bumpy hour and a half drive to the Wesleyan missionary’s house; where we hung out in the 90 degree weather by the beautiful Caribbean Ocean awaiting our water taxi to the island. The boat finally arrived, and we loaded up, and started our 2 hour cruise across the channel to La Gonave. (Although for those of us who suffer from motion sickness it seemed like 4.) The sun was shining, and I am told the sea was relatively calm. When we arrived at the compound we got our stuff in the rooms and were immediately fed. (God bless them! We were starving.) Then we started working. Some of us to the dental clinic, where we were blessed to see some children from a remote mountain village. The others to the hospital to tour and go over charts and be blessed by the patients and staff there.

God is so good to us! We can not wait to really get into the thick of it bright and early Monday morning.

Thank you all for your continued prayer, love and support as we embark on this new journey.

Prayers and Love,

Shannon

Day 1: From the Bohoc Team

Our day began bright and early at 4 am at newhope church where we carpooled using the church vans to RDU. Thankfully, everyone made it through security including a few extra bags of medical supplies. We flew to Miami where we had a short layover before continuing on to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We were very excited to be picked up by our host, Ronald from The 410 Bridge.

After traveling through the city, we arrived at The 410 Bridge headquarters where their wonderful staff of women cooked us a delicious meal for dinner. We spent the evening preparing for tomorrow afternoon’s VBS with the school children, while enjoying some worship music, thanks to Joey! Ronald also spoke to us briefly about the mission of The 410 Bridge and we subsequently concluded our evening early as many of us were tired from the full day of traveling. We’ll be up for 7 am breakfast and devotional, and then heading out to Bohoc by 8:30 am for a 3-5 hour journey to the village.

Please continue to pray for our team for a restful sleep, safe travels, and fully prepared hearts for the work that Christ has provided for us.

The Bohoc Haiti Mission Team!

Pictured Left to Right: Adrienne, Mike, Bethany, Dave, Rhonda, Mark, Joey, Cathy, Ronald (host), Debbie, and Reggie.

Bethany

Team Haiti November 2014 and Their Prayer Requests … November 5, 2014

Greetings, everyone! Daver, here. Just wanting to let everyone know what’s ahead and to ask everyone, too, to pray for all of us while we’re in Haiti. The day after tomorrow (November 7th), we leave bright and early for what I know will be a life changing trip in Haiti.

This go-around, some of us will be returning to Bohoc, Haiti, the village we adopted about four years ago, and some of us will be heading to La Gonave, Haiti, where we’ll be serving in the La Gonave Wesleyan Hospital. As I said, we leave this Friday, and we’re scheduled to return the following Thursday (November 13th). Again, please keep us all in your prayers.

Provided below, is each member of the team along with his or her prayer requests. Please feel free to follow us on this blog site while we’re in-county.

Peace…

Dave

Heidi Anksorus

Safe travels & protection, good health both there and when we return, the opportunity to serve as much as we are able to with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Haiti, and that I can use the experience to disconnect/fast from lots of the “distractions’ of daily life and really focus on spending time with God.

Adrienne Barnhart

That I will be guided by the Holy Spirit while in Haiti.

That I will hear and obey His prompting where there is need.

That I will not lose track of a word or translation while talking with or praying for someone.

That I will understand the language easily, and that I will also be able to speak some Haitian with our Haitian brothers and sisters.

That my adult children and aging parents here at home will stay safe and that no emergencies will arise.

That I have peace of mind while I’m away and that God will ease any worries I might feel over those I mentioned above.

That God would place a Psalm 91 hedge of protection around our team. He is our shelter and our protector (from diseases and evil spirits). May we drive-out demonic spirits and proclaim freedom to the people of Haiti.

That we’ll get to meet our sponsor children and that we will learn much about their lives so that we might pray inspired prayers as they grow-up in God.

God…Thank you for this opportunity to experience this trip with Mike. May we grow even closer to you and to each other through these experiences. May this be a time to be refreshed in You, Lord. Thank you for letting us be Your hands and Your feet as we show Your love to the Haitians.

Mike Barnhart

I pray for safe travels and good health for all my team members.

I pray for peace for my family as I do God’s work and participate in this incredible journey.

I pray that God will reveal Himself in ways unimaginable and that my life will be changed in ways I never thought possible.

I pray for those that do not know God personally and that they would be receptive to hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Dave Brown

Dear Father…I want to be a nobody, behind and below even “the least of these,” and a man of unrecognized influence, who’s been completely emptied of himself, his illusions, and anything materially or immaterial distracting. I want, also, to walk before you in holiness, humility, and purity of heart all the days of my life. I surrender to you, God, and, more than anything, I ask that You help me to let You love me the way You want to love me. Help me to consent to more and more of Your abiding Presence in my life, O God. And help me, too, to let the love You feel for me spill into those around me. Help me to love You and other people so much that I don’t quite know what to do with myself. I just want to be happy, God, and these are the things that make me happy.

Jeanie Brown

Please pray for safe travels and that everything we do glorifies our Lord and Savior. Pray that God uses our hands and our talents to help ease the suffering of His children. Pray that our minds are ever focused on Him and that everything we do pleases Him. Pray for our families and friends who have supported this endeavor financially and prayerfully. please pray that we all return healthy. Please pray, too, that I don’t see and spiders, especially tarantulas!

Shannon Emerson

Pray that we are able to provide exceptional care for the people of Haiti and that, though this care, we are able to show the love of Jesus Christ. Also, pray that we are all safe and healthy throughout the journey. Pray that God will touch me through another person that I may meet. May He change me and my life through the people we meet.

Mark Carney

My prayers are for the travel to be so easy that we can focus on God’s love and kindness to those getting us to Bohoc.

That health, travel fatigue, weather, and provision will not hinder our efforts to bring the love of NewHope to Haiti.

That language will not be a barrier.

That the people we meet will find hope and that we will find peace.

That we will be a strength to each other and United in the difficult tasks ahead.

That our community here in the US will feel like we make a difference in Haitian lives.

Rhonda Hall

To remove any anxiety regarding the trip.

That I don;t put myself at risk out of ignorance.

That I remain continually aware of the changes necessary to stay healthy.

That my shoulder not bother me during the trip (I have been under doctor’s care for three months now).

Connie Monroe

Please pray for God’s protection over all those embarking on this trip and over all those who will help us to get there and back home safely. Pray that the gifts God has given each of us will be put to good use and will bring those we come in contact with closer to Christ.

Lynn Nicholson

I pray for safe travels for the Haitian team.

I pray that my spiritual growth will be enhanced as I journey into Haiti and form spiritual relationships with my haitian brothers and sisters in Christ.

I pray that God will help our team bond together as one family in Christ.

I pray that I can do what God is pulling at my heart to do within the community. I pray that I can be the hands and feet of God and do His will.

I pray that I can bring a small sense of hope to those who may otherwise feel hopeless and help them to feel God’s love for them.

I pray for my family that I leave at home, that they will be safe.

I pray that, throughout this journey, I will develop a stronger bond with and love for God and that my spiritual growth will be developed beyond my own imagination.

I pray that our brothers and sisters in La Gonave, Haiti, will experience God’s healing touch as the medical team attempts to help care for them as best they can and, in doing so, give them a sense of God’s healing through the hands of the team.

I pray for all of us as a team, that we can journey through this mission with passion and love in our hearts, and that we can pour into each other and into our Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ.

Myron Nicholson

I look forward to seeing my Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ upon my return to the beautiful, scenic country of Haiti.

I pray for a safe and peaceful journey.

I look forward to traveling with my team members and getting to know them.

I pray for a spirit of oneness and a unified bond to develop between all as we go with the purpose of serving Jesus Christ.

I pray for blessings for our homeland and for our friends and relatives while we’re away.

As we come alongside our Haitian friends, may the Spirit of God penetrate through all of us and bring hope and healing to all those with whom we meet, touch, and speak.

I hope to have an open heart, to learn, to listen, and to share with others the Gospel.

I pray that during our quiet times, that this will allow meditation and that the still, quiet Voice of God will speak to me.

I ask God to use me to be the hands and feet of the Body of Christ.

Help me to encourage others as I am encouraged.

Keep us healthy throughout our mission, and help us return home safely.

Cathy Oakley

For the Light of Jesus to be evident to the people of Haiti through our words and actions.

For the strength and ability to complete our mission goals.

To continue to build our relationships with the Haitians.

To be safe in our travels.

To return home humbled and blessed.

I’m praising God for providing me with the opportunity to serve on this mission.

Dana Raines

I ask for prayer that God will grant our team with safe travel to and from Haiti, that lives may be touched, that relationships will be strengthened, and that our Lord receives glory.

Tawny Ramsperger

Safe travels for me.

Peace of mind for my family while I am gone.

That I make a difference in the lives of the Haitians that I meet.

Joey Reaves

Pray for traveling mercy for our entire team, to and from Haiti.

Pray for Bohoc, Haiti, and that lives will be transformed by the Holy spirit.

Pray for the Leadership Council of Bohoc as they work to encourage and improve the lives of those who live there.

Pray that God uses each of us to reach others and to spread His love.

Pray that I remain open to whatever God has planned.

Pray that everyone going will remain safe and healthy.

Reginald and Debbie Satterfield

That God will prepare our hearts and minds to best serve the people we encounter as we administer His grace in various ways.

That the relationships we begin to establish with the Haitians will be fruitful and long-lasting.

Pray for good health, safety, and traveling mercies for the entire NewHope delegation.

That new and lasting friendships will be formed among the delegation.

Protection of our families, pets, and homes during our absences.

That, through this experience, we will grow closer to God.

Donna Sharpe

Pray for my husband, Doug, and my sons, Justin and Wesley, who will be at home…for safety, peace, and freedom from worry.

Pray that my skills will be used for the glory of God.

Pray that God will grant me wisdom and discernment as I minister to the medical professionals and the patients.

Bethany Vallangeon

That our team will experience Christ-like servitude in the village of Bohoc, Haiti.

That everything I say and do will reflect God’s love.

Safe travels for the team.

That God will bless the village of Bohoc.

That God will continue to develop NewHope church’s relationship with Bohoc, the Leadership Counsel, and the villagers.

Teresa Wooddell

My request is that we all will be sheltered with the love of god and blessed beyond our expectations. Above all, my prayer is that Jesus’ love, compassion, and grace will be clearly visible through us, His humble children.