Haiti … We are Coming Home!

Meet Our 2015 November Haiti Mission Team

Greetings newhope church, family and friends!  It seems like just yesterday I was writing this blog for our January Team. Man, how time flies!

It’s so exciting to know that we have the biggest mission team in newhope church history heading to Haiti in just a few short days. Can you believe it?! Thirty of your brothers and sisters in Christ have answered the call that God has placed upon their lives to be the hands of feet of Jesus in the beautiful country of Haiti. I am personally excited to see how God is going to show up and use each of these individuals in their own unique ways.

I am not sure how many of you follow our blog, but in November of 2014, we had the amazing privilege of sending our first medical mission team to Haiti. Because of the remarkable stories that we heard and the way God performed miracles, we have the opportunity to send another team to La Gonave, Haiti for our second Medical Mission Trip. We have a team of 20 headed to La Gonave for a medical mission trip and a team of 10 headed to Bohoc, the village that newhope church adopted about five years ago.

My name is Reah and I will be your medical mission team blogger. My good friend, Dave Brown, will be blogging for our relational mission team. I would like to take a few minutes to ask for your prayers over our mission team as we get ready to set forth on this amazing adventure. We would love to be coveted in your daily prayers throughout our time in Haiti.

Please feel free to journey along with us while we are in-country.

Let’s meet our November Haiti Mission Team!

HEIDI ANKSORUS

Age: 36

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I am excited to be able to make the trip to La Gonâve, again this year! We started building relationships last year on our first trip, and I look forward to spending the week reconnecting with our brothers and sisters on the island and meeting more new friends.

So a few practical prayer requests first. 🙂

Although our trip last year was fairly smooth and uneventful with regards to serious problems such as travel issues, matters of safety, and illness, I know those concerns are very real and extremely valid. For this reason, I would ask you to pray for incident-free travel and safety while flying, and also while riding in trucks and jeeps. I would also specifically ask for prayer as we travel in and out of the city by truck and also while we take the boat from the main island to La Gonâve. Oh, the boat ride. 🙂 Although being on a boat is a fun way to travel, it caused a lot of sickness for many on our team last year, and so I would ask for specific prayer for our team members during those particular portions of the trip.

Because this is a medical trip, I would ask that you pray specifically for protection over each team member working in the hospitals and clinics. As healthcare providers we assume certain risks and take precautions to protect ourselves, but unfortunate events can and still do occur. Please pray that we do not experience any of these.

And finally, I ask that you would pray for each team member as we prepare for the trip and for our families who are not going with us. I would also ask that you pray that God provides renewed strength for each day, willingness and humility to do whatever needs to be done, peace from worry, and moments to reflect. Pray that God would use us to love on people and meet them right where there are. To help in some small way to provide care not only to their physical bodies, but also to their spirits. That He would use us to be an encouragement to those we work with, and use each of them to in turn encourage us. With the pace of our normal day-to-day activities and the constant demands for our attention – work, technology, to-do lists – we don’t often make time to rest. So after long (hot!) days of working as a team with our patients and their families, alongside our Haitian nurses and doctors, I’d ask that you pray that this time in Haiti also provides moments of rest. Time to rest in Him. Time to rest in fellowship with our team. Time to rest in fellowship with our Haitian family.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support they are greatly appreciated!

DIANE ARRINGTON

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• God watches over my family while I am away and keeps them safe
• God watches over the mission team and keeps us all safe and able to arrive back home safely without issue
• We further God’s kingdom while in Haiti and touch lives with kindness and compassion that the individual will never forget

BRIANA AUSTIN

Age: 27

newhope church Campus: Garner

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I pray for safe travels and good health for our team. I pray for spiritual growth and guidance for us as we embark on our mission trip.  That we can use our gifts and abilities to best serve the Haitians according to God’s will. I pray for a renewed spirit and sense of purpose while serving in Haiti and when we return.

 

ANDREW AUSTIN

Age: 28

newhope church Campus: Garner

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• I pray that the team will use their gifts to bring healing to those in La Gonave.
• I pray that lives will be changed for Jesus because of our work.
• I pray that the team will faithfully represent Christ and share His love in all that we do and say.
• I pray that the team will be safe and healthy on our travels.

 

DAVE BROWN

Age: 50 (while on the trip!)

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

Dear Father…I dream of intimate and divine union with You. I dream also of being a nobody, below and behind “the least of these,” a man of unrecognized influence, who’s been completely emptied of himself, his illusions, and anything materially or immaterially distracting…just one grasshopper in the field…just one log in the fire…and a man who knows You but only in so much as he knows himself to be known thoroughly and loved through and through by You. Furthermore, I dream of walking before You in holiness, humility, and purity of heart all the days of my life. I surrender to you, O God, and, more than anything, I ask that You help me to let You love me the way You want to. Help me, too, to consent to more of Your abiding Presence in my life. And help me to let the love You feel for me empty 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. Amen.

TRACY CROSBY

Age: 46

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I am praying that this mission team will truly be a beacon of HOPE and that every person we come in contact with, from the airports, to the ride to/from Bohoc, and every place in between, will truly experience the love and grace of Christ. I pray for a spiritual awakening and revival in Haiti and for the spirit of poverty, depression, and lack be replaced with God’s Holy Spirit who fills every need according to His glorious riches by Christ Jesus!

I praise God that He goes before us, behind us and alongside of us and that His mercy and grace are never ending! I know God has a plan and a purpose for every team member and He has positioned us for such a time as this in Haiti! Thank you Lord for what you’re doing and what you are going to do through this team! Have your way!

ANGELA ESTES

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• That I will be exactly who God wants me to be for the Haitian people.
• For God’s wisdom and guidance in every situation.
• Strength and courage to do what God has called me to do.
• Safety and good health for the whole team.

BETH FOLEY

newhope church Campus: North Raleigh/Garner/Central Campus

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I pray our mission team will bond as a team and trust God’s plan for us. I pray the purpose of the mission will be clear and receive God’s blessing in team ministry activities, also for good health and safe travel.  I pray for protection and blessings to all family and friends while we are away. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayers.

JOSEPH GIAMPIETRO 

newhope church Campus: Sanford

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I pray for everyone’s safety and health while traveling to and from Haiti.

I pray that God protects us and allows us to grow in our faith as we teach His word.

I pray that God allows us to use our medical knowledge to help as many people as we can during our trip.

I pray that God opens my eyes and heart to Him and allows me to grow spiritually and that I can help others to grow.

AYANA JOHNSON 

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• That my heart and mind will be open to what God wants me to experience during this mission.
• That I will be able to meditate on God’s greatness and see His beauty in all of his creation.
• That I will hear God’s voice and know what He is calling me to do.
• That I will return home with a deeper understanding of God’s love and His plan for my life.
• That I will return home with a renewed strength to continue God’s work here.
• That I will connect with my team members with whom I can grow long lasting relationships.
• That we will be on one accord during this mission.
• That God will reveal Himself to our team members and the Haitian community we are visiting.
• That we will build loving Godly relationships with the Haitian community.

KEVIN LIGHT

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Jesus name be glorified.

• Protect the team from attacks or ailments

• I learn more of who God is and how to love people.

• That my and the teams heart is broken for broken people, including myself.

• A chance to have an intentional conversation that will either change my life or the person I’m speaking with forever.

LUCITA LYONS

Age: 48

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• For God to allow me the opportunity to serve in a way that glorifies and honors Him
• To be renewed in the way God wants

 

JEFF MINARD

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

Prayers for every member of this team as they prepare.  Lord work on our hearts to do what you want us to dp.  Please pray for friends and family that are left behind as we go on this trip for thing to go well for them while we are gone and that they will not miss us as we are gone.

CONNIE MONROE

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

My prayer is that  God would use the unique skills he’s gifted each of us with to be put to good use on this trip. My hope is that whatever help we provide will leave a positive lasting impression on those we are able to serve and leave them more self-sufficient than before.

LYNN NICHOLSON

newhope church Campus: Central Campus

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I pray for safe travels for all of our team.

I pray that my spiritual journey will continue to grow.

I pray that with GODs guidance, I can be a disciple and bring the people of Haiti to know Christ.

I pray that as GOD wakes me up every day and I can live each day as HE would have me and that I can go about each day doing his will. I pray that God will guide me and help me be the hands and feet of Christ and come along side our Haitian brothers and sisters and share our love of Christ.

I pray that this mission trip will strengthen my love for Jesus in ways that I never thought possible.

I pray for my family at home, that they will be safe and that they will know that we are in GODs hands and therefore, we are all well.

I pray for my health and the health of everyone on our team during this mission trip.

I pray for GODs blessing on each one of us and thank him for this opportunity.

MYRON NICHOLSON

newhope church Campus: Central Campus

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I ask The Lord to grant us safe travels.

I ask for godly insight during our mission.

I pray that our mission team develops a sense of oneness, purpose and care for one another.

I ask The Lord for protection and blessings to all family and friends while we are away.

I pray for the development of a brotherly and sisterly bond and a sense of oneness in Christ with our Haitian brothers and sisters.

Help me be an encourager as I am encouraged.

Lord help me to surrender all to you.

REAH NICHOLSON

Age: 32 (By the time we leave!)

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• I pray for safe travels and good health for all of our team members.
• I pray that our team will be open to what God has planned for them on this journey.
• I pray that our team will be obedient to God and will be stretched more than they ever could imagine and thought was possible.
• I pray that our team will be willing to step out of those comfort zones so that they can glorify God in everything that they do and in every experience that they encounter.
• I pray that the community of La Gonave will be open to what God has put in our hearts to share with them and that they see God through each of us.
• I pray that our team will be open to learning from the La Gonave community and the missionaries living throughout that community.
• I pray that God will use our team as a vessel to spread His love, grace and mercy to the people of La Gonave, and that through our mission, more and more people will find salvation and their lives will forever be changed through knowing Christ.
• I pray for the health and safety of my family while I am gone.
• I pray that our team will become one family and that so many meaningful relationships and friendships will be developed through this experience.

SANDY PABERS

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Safe travels for all New Hopers
• To do our best for our patients in Haiti and establish good relationships
• To work well as a team and build new friendships

STELLA RABB 

Age: 43

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I pray for safe travels for the entire newhope Mission team.

I pray that my family here at home remains safe and well.

I pray that I can help and make a positive difference in the lives of the people I meet.

DANA RAINES

Age: 42

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

I ask for prayer that God moves through us as we care for His children. Prayer that we have safe travels and no sickness. May we minister to others and may we be blessed by the Haitian communities.

DUSTI SELLERS

Prayer Requests for Trip:

Father, thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I praise you for being my Provider, my Savior and my King! May your Glory be magnified! Thank you for the 410 Bridge organization and their work in advancing your Kingdom.

As we go, I ask that you protect each and every team member’s safety, health, and strength of heart for what you have in store. Be with our families and protect them while we go.

Prepare our hearts and the hearts of all we come in contact with, to encounter you.   Work within each of us so that your son is clearly seen in our actions, thoughts, and deeds.

Use relationships to open the hearts of those who don’t know you and use your servants to lay seed on soil prepared by you.

Open the eyes of each team member to see how truly blessed we are to be able to serve alongside our Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ. I ask a special blessing on the community of Bohoc. Salvation. Healing of mind, body, and spirit. And provision for the future.

Oh God, help each and every one of us to serve, to surrender, and to strive to be more Christ-like in and after this experience.

TINA SWAIM

newhope church Campus: Sanford

Prayer Requests for Trip:

For the Lord to help us bless, care for and treat as many people as possible. To shine the light of the Lord and to be His hands and feet for others. For safe travels to and from, protection while we’re there, and for the people that we have waitng for our safe return home. For the people of Haiti to receive the Lord and our help with open arms, hearts and minds. Lord, just be with us as we travel to do and share you and your word with others. Bless the team as we travel and give peace to our families while we are gone. Lord, I pray that you would put a hedge of protection around each of us and allow us as a church family become closer to you and each other. Lord may your will be done at all times. I pray that our minds and hearts stay focused on you and we are obedient to you and what you would have us to do. Lord just thank you for this opportu nity and for the many blessings that I will receive from it. We thank you, we give you all the glory and praise and it is in your name that we pray. Amen.

BETHANY VALLANGEON

Age: 31

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

This is my second trip to Bohoc, Haiti and I pray for the safety and health of our team as we travel and during our time in Haiti.

I pray that God will continue to open my eyes, that he will create in me a new heart, and conform my mind to His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

I pray that we would all be open to the purposes God has laid out for us in Bohoc, Haiti and that we would embrace the experience without fear and with the confidence that can only come from knowing our Victor, Jesus Christ. I pray that God uses all our gifts for His purposes only.

I pray for spiritual confidence to do, say, and pray the things that God lays on my heart. I pray that I would be changed by the experience and challenged in my faith.

I pray that we would continue to be able to build up the people of Bohoc, Haiti, that we would create new, lasting relationships in Christ and that we would enrich and enhance their lives in a way that builds up their culture and innate abilities and assets, to the Glory of God.

I pray for the people of Bohoc, Haiti to experience God like never before, that they would be encouraged in their faith. I pray for spiritual revival in their community, and that our seeds of compassion and love will grow to be fruitful in the young men and women.

“If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10

CHRISTI WALLACE

Age: 52

newhope church Campus: Sanford / I-Campus

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• The God-given gifts and abilities of each team member will be used together to humbly serve with love, compassion and kindness.
• We will be used as His instruments as He ministers, heals and encourages.
• Protection, strength, safety and good health for the team so He can accomplish His plans through us.
• God will watch over our family and friends while we are away.
• Always remember – With God, ALL things are possible!

SUE WEEKS

Age: 62

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• To be used by God.
• Open to help others and understand them.
• God’s protection for my health.
• To God be the Glory!
• To have God’s eye and see what and how to serve others.

BECKY WHEELER

newhope church Campus: Central

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Safety for the team’s travel and time working in Haiti.
• Ability to make a difference in the health and lives of the people we encounter.

ELAINA WILLIAMS

Prayer Requests for Trip:

• Seizing every opportunity to foster relationships with each child and their families in order to show them Christ’s love through our service, compassion, and empathy
• Seizing every opportunity to share: Jezi remen ou!
• Patience and resourcefulness if resources are limited or limiting the quality of care we are able to provide the these children
• Patience and resourcefulness if my own experience or knowledge of illnesses encountered complicate or limit my ability to provide care to these children.
• Energy to serve each child (and his or her family) as if he or she were our only patient each day
• God’s children and their families would see Christ’s love in every action and interaction of ours!
• Safety and good health of the entire team while traveling and while serving in Haiti
• That we would never forget the gravity of the task God has given us: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”