Haiti 2010
Preface
If I could put a title on this trip … “I would call it the trip where nothing went according to the plan.”
I attempted to journal my trip so you can get a general idea of what it was like – I appreciate all the moral and finical support Westside Christian Church has given me. Occasionally I have received some criticism for the time and money I spend on these trips. But, I am convinced that God is leading in this direction. In addition – I believe we have and will continue to make a difference in Haiti . Most of what we are doing now will be seen 10 years from now. Hope you enjoy reading and experiencing Haiti with me.
Journal Entries by date
July 6, 2010 Woke up at 5:00AM never really slept much. Wilceau and I drove to the hotel last night so we could get to the airport on time (our flight leaves around 7:00AM).
I discovered that I could leave the car here cheaper than taking it to the airport (that was good news). I don’t have to worry about trying to figure out how to the airport or where to park when I get there.
When we get to the airport – time is important because we have to go through security. I am more stressed about time when I am traveling with Wilceau - He is less sensitive to time than I am. He is also a very compassionate man and always finds someone to help. This time he found a lady who does not know English (she is Haitian) and very confused.
He decides to help her … which is fine and he should do … but it becomes complicated when she has one too many bags and has to figure out what to do with the extra bag. Wilceau finds a phone so he could call someone to pick up the bag for her. The two of them go outside to wait for someone who is supposed to pick up her bag. In the mean time … it is getting closer and closer to our flight time.
Eventually he leaves a message on someone’s phone - he set the bag outside and we leave to go through security. To be honest – I thought leaving that bag outside unattended would become a disaster … (but apparently everything worked out – I haven’t read of anything that would make me believe different). He did say that one of the baggage men knew.
When we arrive in Port-au-prince you can hear the Haitian music so you know you have arrived. I noticed some of the changes at the airport due to the earthquake – but they seem to have adapted. In fact things seem to be a little better.
When I get to Wilceau’s house I unpack and take a shower along with a nap. Wilceau’s son Jon goes to get me a sim-card for a phone that Jason gave me so I could call home. I gave Wilceau $900.00 cash and kept $300.00 for myself … knowing that I will likely give him another $250.00 somewhere along the way. It cost a lot of money to travel and feed the men and women who come to the convention. Then there are always unforeseen emergencies that will surprise you.
Started reading my book written by Mark Driscoll … Vintage Church . It is a very good book. My prayer … “Father help me have your peace, bless this day and this trip and may you be glorified and may I be a blessing to the kingdom of God . And may my teachings be lead by Your Spirit, Amen”
After we ate we went for a ride through Port-au-prince . It was amazing to see all of the people living in tents next to the capital building. It was as if they were pleading for help from the government. I saw a sign that read, “We still need help!” and a picture of Haiti crying.
It is a strange calm I have – I am becoming use to the country and habits not as anxious this time as I have been in the past. I think the many prayers have been blessing my life. But this trip I am searching for closeness with God.
July 7th 2010
My prayer … Father I pray that Your Spirit would help me communicate Your truth in a way that men and women are drawn to You. I pray that this trip do good for all. I pray Jesus be glorified and that I am able to handle whatever comes my way with dignity. Please Lord, help me communicate what needs to be communicated.
This is a day of travel, three of us; me, Wilceau and his son Jon. It cost us about $90.00 U.S. to get to the port that takes us to Laguanave. (It will cost another $90.00 when we return. (Gas is over $6.00 a gallon) The traffic is always scary – school busses filled with people are flying down the road towards us and around us. I see one young man hanging out the side door letting the wind cool him down. All along the way you see dead animals (I’m not talking about squirrels) I’m talking about goats and bulls that have been hit by cars or trucks.
On the way to the port we come across an accident that just happened – apparently a car swerved to miss a motorcycle and hit a pedestrian… It is madness.
I arrive very thirsty it is a very hot day! The boat ride will be about two hours or more – it is very very hot (I believe it cost us about $10.00 a person to make the crossing). We choose to sit on the top because to sit inside seems like it would be worse. However, sitting on top has one big disadvantage and that is direct sun light. I put a towel over my head to cover my head and face – it helps but it does not take away from the fact that the heat is intense.
We arrive on the Island and once again I am very thirsty and ask for something to drink. We stop and get a little bag of water – it helps but does not satisfy. The trip up the mountain seems worse to me than normal. There were a few strips of the road that have been greatly improved – but it hardly makes up for the stretches that are grueling.
We make several stops along the way … 1). To fill up with gas 2). Another to put air in our tires 3). A third to pick up some supplies and an occasional stop to say hi to someone for various reasons, all together the trip is about 2 ½ hours long (I believe it cost about $60.00 a trip up to our location). One of the stops along the way is the church that Westside Christian Church help build – I took a few pictures of some of the minor improvements they have made – nothing monumental.
When we arrive in Teepalmees (which is the phonics version – I really don’t know how to spell the name of the village) we are greeted by Pastor Samuel who is there with a small part of the medical team that had been with him for the past two weeks. Pastor Samuel informs us that last night they had a thief broke into the church late at night and took three guitars and a organ pedal.
We had planned on holding a revival that night but without those items it is all but impossible. News came that the thief had been caught about 20 miles away and that he is being held in a room until a judge can hear the case. Wilceau is friends with the judge and writes a letter requesting our equipment back. It is eventually granted but because of the sever weather and the theft … the revival is postponed for the night.
Several of the churches from different villages are apparently having difficulties getting to our location. They start trickling in around 7:00PM and all the way up until about 11:00PM. As they arrive they are tired and hungry. Some won’t show up until tomorrow.
When we get settled Wilceau and I go up and look at the finished cistern and baptismal. We still owe the contractor about $500.00 but we have to make a difficult decision. We can either pay the contractor or use the money to pay for meals for the travelers to the conference. We choose to feed the people. This of course aggravates the contractor – we understand his frustration – but really we have little choice. Wilceau and I plan on getting him his money as soon as possible.
The cistern is ready to go – but because the contractor didn’t get his money he didn’t finish putting the pipes that hook up to it to receive the rain water. We will take care of that by Monday. Wilceau insist we also need to finish some concrete work on the outside to protect the cistern from the elements which is another $200.00. It is a fine looking cistern the biggest in the area – but it has been expensive from my point of view. The good news is – that we constructed in such a way that you can build a house on top of it. Which will be a real blessing later.
Then we walk over to the Baptismal. It is a lot bigger than I thought it would be … but it is nice … because of its size it will need more water. This could become a problem – (will see). Wilceau and I both agree that if we build another one – it doesn’t need to be this big. When and if that time comes (and I hope it comes) I will be a little more instructive to how to build it so that it demands less water. That is more critical than it sounds. Water is a valuable commodity in the mountains.
I am feeling a little ill and have been all day … I think the day is catching up with me – but – I am notably ill … I hope this will pass (I fear it will not).
Before I retire for the evening Wilceau and Pastor Samuel reassign me responsibilities – the way I am feeling right now – they seem like an awful lot. Here is the present schedule.
· Thursday morning … teach “Family Values” to the ladies and teen girls. 9-1:00PM
· Thursday afternoon … Teach the Leaders of the church “Family Values” the men 2:-4:00PM
· Thursday evening 7:00PM – 9:30PM revival
· Friday Morning … 6:00 AM Devotions
· Friday morning … 7:00 AM Teach the Leaders on Discipleship
· Friday afternoon … 1:00 – 4:00 Teach the Leaders on Discipleship.
· Friday Evening … 7:00-9:30 PM revival
· Saturday … 8:00 AM – Noon …Teach congregation on Baptism … Q&A after Lunch.
· Sunday … Preach on “The Lord’s Supper”
After we talk = I realize this is not exactly what I had expected to do … so I start scrambling to put thoughts and ideas together and pray with the pastors before I go to bed.
That night I was so ill … and so hot …there was no breeze in my room – the room was at least 100 degrees. That night about 2:00AM Pastor Samuels groups loads up the truck to head for the port. After they leave I fall into a deep sleep to be woken up about 3:00AM to what I found out later was the pastor of the church and his deacon walking around our building praying for us and singing praise to God. I’m sure it was a good thing … but I am now sick and tired.
July 8th
Woke up about 5:30 to all of the noises and smells that go along with Haiti … dogs barking, donkey heehawing, roosters crowing, people talking, pots and pans banging and babies screaming. I head down the hall to try to take a shower – my body is full of fever and I am aching all over – as the day goes on – so does my illness. I casually say something to Wilceau and my interpreter about feeling ill just incase – things get worse.
We end up not starting until 9:30AM which help give me a break. Groups are still coming in from the night before – weather is really bad. At 9:30AM I teach the ladies “Family Values” you will be able to see the study on line. It was so hot that even the Haitians had to lay their head down to rest. They would arise to ask and answer questions – but you can see they are exhausted. At 11:00 I gave them a ten minute break – which turned out to be a one hour break because they had not eaten for some time. The heat is oppresive - the worst I have ever experienced.
By the time they come back – my illness is starting to dominate me – the fever is getting worse. I can’t get out of my seat … if I do I will pass out – I teach until 1:00 PM and that’s all I can manage for the day. I have to tell Wilceau … I can’t go on. I haven’t eaten all day because I’ve been sick and can hardly drink a thing without going right to the bathroom.
The rest of the day I stay in my room very sick. It is the worst illness I can remember in a long time (Fever, aches and pains in my back especially). I am trying not to throw up because I’m trying to conserve energy. I’m being urged to eat something but I insist I can not!
About 9:00PM I remember asking God to send someone to put a cool rag on my forehead I was so hot. I shocked myself by thinking of the rich man who begged for a drop of water. Was God reminding me of the severity of Hell. If it is worse than this – I pray no one ever go to hell! Sometime after 9:00 PM I remember the electricity from the generator coming on and the little fan at the end of my bed blowing a stream of hot air towards me … I didn’t care … it was moving air. Thank-you Jesus … Amen!
July 9th
Got up at 5:30AM to go and try to take a shower and will myself to be better – hurry my sick body in the bathroom … I have diarrhea very bad. I can’t even take a sip of water without it going straight through me – at least most of the nausea has left. I still have no appetite – food is repulsive to me.
As I am going to the rest room … I see a 6 inch round tarantula … I decided he could have the shower – I would skip mine for the day. I had briefly contemplated scooping him up in a bucket – I was unsure of his skills and knew mine were probably lacking.
They decide to delay my session until 9:00AM it is becoming more obvious that I’m not up for the task. I taught my session on discipleship … (you can see the lesson on line) it started with 15 church leaders and went very well. I even got a round of applause after my first session. I let the guys have a 10 minute break and during the break … I became so light headed that if I didn’t lay down on the bench I was going to fall down.
We started the second session at 11:00 AM and by noon I had to stop … I was loosing the ability to think clearly – though I had not said much to this point. I had Bob my interpreter help me back to my room and I stayed there as long as I could.
Wilceau decided that he needed to get me to the clinic in Port-au-prince ASAP. He made arrangements for the truck to pick us up Saturday morning at 3:00Pm. We moved the baptisms up to 5:00PM that evening.
At 5:00PM my interpreter knocked on my door to let me know they were getting ready for the baptisms. I got myself ready … you can see me in the pictures on the DVD on this Web page. I looked ok to the human eye — but I could barely stand at this point. They had intended to let me do the baptisms (I am unable) I am actually glad it turned out the way it did.
The pastor did a good job … asking the right questions and calling them to a commitment to Christ for eternity. I was very proud of this accomplishment. Thank – you Jesus!!!
July 10th
The driver was late – not really a surprise … but I was glad to head toward Port-au-prince . When I got into the truck, they made sure I sat in the front seat … I didn’t even try to arguer – I am happy for a comfortable seat. The breeze was great and was cooling me off – when all of a sudden for some strange reason he rolled up the window on my side of the truck. The cool ride home I had anticipated had become an oven ride.
When we got to the boat – for some reason no one was setting on the top of the boat. That seemed strange … but once we got underway and a few miles out to sea I found out why. The waves were crashing over the top and I was getting drenched. I was now fevered, sore and chilled from the cold waves – not to mention wet. You start wondering what else?
Once we tied up to the dock Wilceau started insisting he get me to a clinic or hospital. I did not want to go … I agreed to eat something if I didn’t have to go to the clinic. I ate two drum sticks of chicken. I started chocking on the drumstick because it was so salty and I had very little saliva left. But, must confess I think eating was a good thing – it actually made me a little hungry for the first time in a couple of days.
When we arrived at Wilceau’s I took a really good shower put on clean clothes and took in the afternoon breeze … for the first time in days I was feeling a little better. There seems to be hope.
By 4:00 PM I had another forced feeding … I didn’t mind eating but didn’t want much … I felt like a third grader arguing over whether or not I should eat my peas.
The remainder of the day … I just sat and read my book, “ Vintage Church .” I highly recommend it. Marc Driscoll is a good solid Bible teacher. He is very Calvinistic but if you know that you can maneuver around it and even sometimes learns from it.
I really wanted to call Yvonne Saturday night – but didn’t want to put her in a position that she would have to answer a lot of questions about my health on Sunday morning – so I restrained from calling her until Sunday afternoon. I was really missing her and was wishing I could just talk to her – but I knew I could tomorrow.
Later that night around 8:00PM Wilceau and I had a nice talk about ministry and our love for the Lord and His church. We both agree that the fruit of our labor will not be seen right away but years down the road. My own belief is – that this is an opportunity to change this part of the world for Christ. If we do not – the Muslims will.
July 11th
Here are a list of noises in Haiti … they start getting to you after a while.
ü Donkey’s
ü Chickens
ü Dogs
ü Children
ü Motor cycles
ü Ice cream truck with Christmas music ???
ü Water splashing as people shower outside
ü Loud talking people
ü Horns beeping
ü Trucks loaded with stone
ü And when it is quiet … the gnat in my ear!
Still not strong … but gaining … ate a good breakfast and made a difficult decision not to go to church. I hate not going – but if I go I’m afraid to go backwards in my health. It is too long, too hot and I wouldn’t know what anyone was saying. So I have a quiet time with the Lord reading and praying.
In my prayer time – I have this burden that as a pastor I need to urge people to live more for Jesus. I pray God help me lead my congregation closer to Christ. I often feel burdened wanting to be the nice guy and just overlook remarks, attitudes and general disregard for the Lord’s work. I also know I can’t be the only person to address these kinds of issues. So Father, guide and direct me with Your love and peace. God has placed this tremendus burden to challenge my congregation to draw close to Him.
I get a hold of Yvonne … it was so good to hear her voice. We had a nice conversation which was mainly catching up with what was going on in our lives. After talking with Yvonne I finished reading my book it was such a great book and glad I had a real opportunity to read it.
I remember asking Wilceau at one point why he thought his house did so well when so many other homes didn’t. He said it had nothing to do with the construction and everything to do with a mighty God. What a great answer.
The remainder of my time I read through David’s life and reflected on many things. I fell God is drawing me close to Him. Monday – I was feeling better on the one end – but, because of the smoke in the air from burning trash … I am now getting sick a different way … I just want to get home.
This is the last of my journal entries … again I became ill (I am going to have to see a doctor when I get home) – I know most of this has been about me being sick. But, we were able to accomplish a few things for the Kingdom of God . For the good that was accomplished I rejoice.
Please be sure to watch the DVD “Haiti 2010” on this Web page and look over the lessons below.
Thank-you for those who make these trips possible. I know God will bless you if not in this life in the next.
Pastor Gary
Family Values … (This was taught to the women both young and old) about 40 attended.
Satan wants to attack your family and keep your nation from being all that it can be …
Here is a formula to remember …
Strong families + strong churches + strong communities = strong nation …
The question is do you want a strong family – a strong church – a strong community – strong nation???
Biblical principles to help build strong families
· Parents & Children
ü The only perfect parent was God and even His children were fell short …
ü Romans 3:23 … All have sinned
ü Ephesians 2:23 all have loved among them at one time – gratifying the craving of our sinful nature …
ü My wife married a sinner(Me) and I married a sinner (Her) and we have sinful Children (5 of them) … because all have sinned
ü We are all broken people
ü We all need God’s help raising our Children … right?
ü The best Help you have is God’s Word … learn how to read God’s Word – then read it to your children.
ü The less you live by God’s Word – the less functional your family life will be.
ü Talk about dysfunctional homes …
Ø Lazy
Ø Liars
Ø Thieves
Ø Sexually immoral
ü Children often become what they see … What do they see well in your life? – What do they see badly in your life … it is in them?
ü You are a parent so you love your children
Ø teach your children,
Ø guide your children,
Ø correct your children,
Ø encourage your children, talk to your children (Deuteronomy 6), pray with your children,
ü What does God say about children
Ø Psalms 127:2-3
Ø Matthew 18:6-8
Ø Matthew 19:14
Ø Proverbs 22:6
ü You need to disciple your children …
Ø Methods of disciplining your children …
Don’t be too harsh …
Purpose to discipline … direction
Ultimately – they need to be on their own
You are preparing them for the world
Someday they will understand … the yearling
ü Four principles of letting them go
Ø Teach them the importance of family
Ø Help them find their strengths
Ø Warn them about life’s dangers
Ø Help them to be connected with a church
ü What do you do if you have a child that does not live up to your expectations? – What would God do?
· Problems (Make a list and discuss) …
· Prodigal son
Session Two
Marriage:
Hebrews 13:4
ü God’s best plan is one woman one man for one life …
ü What is love … Contrast a husbands love to a wife’s love …
§ Ephesians 5:22-33
ü I Corinthians 13:4-7
ü There are three types of love
Ø Lust
Ø Friendship
Ø Sacrifice
ü The way we communicate demonstrates our love for each other.
§ Love is truth spoken in love
ü Three ground rules for communication in marriage
Ø Don’t try to manipulate other people … attacking them – blaming them or be full of rage or withdrawal
Ø Don’t make winning an argument your goal – give people time and space to understand what you are trying to tell them
Ø Know when to stop communicating – there will come times when you have to listen or just stop talking
A healthy marriage is not free from Conflict … but – a healthy marriage deals with conflict in a healthy way. Conflict identifies an opportunity for resolution.
ü Four ways to draw closer as a husband and a wife
Ø Have common goals
Ø Share common rituals …
Ø Share Common symbols –
Ø Common memories … do things together
Divorce
ü Last resort …
ü Matthew 5:28
ü Matthew 5:31-32
ü Matthew 19:9
ü Mark 10:10-12
ü Luke 16:18
ü I Corinthians 7:
· General thoughts about Father’s, Mother’s and families
ü The best thing a father can teach his children is to love his wife through example.
ü The way you treat your wife is the way your son is going to treat his wife
ü And the way you treat your wife is the way another man is going to treat your daughter.
ü Everything said about the father’s treatment of his wife can be said of a mother’s treatment of her husband.
ü Let a child know what you expect out of them and they will try to please you
ü Pray with your children
· Family life
ü Is full of ups and downs
ü Matthew 6:33 … seek first the kingdom
Discipleship
This was taught to the church leaders who attended … there were anywhere from 15 to 50 depending on the time and the session.
I Began by asking each of the 15 churches represented to tell me a little about their church. The average church in Haiti on the Island of Laguanave seems to be about 90.
I followed this time by telling them a little about my experiences with churches over the past 30 years. Explaining to them that I’m not coming as an expert but as someone who shares their burden for the Church and I may have some ideas that will be helpful.
Goal setting meetings:
· What is the mission of the church?
ü Matthew 28:16-20
ü Stay focused on your mission it is easy to get side tracked.
· Begin to learn the history of your congregation
ü Put up a long paper with the date the church began and ask your members to put an “their initials” on the year they began attending
ü Put an “X” on the year there were different preachers or key leaders
ü Do the same concerning special events or building projects that took place
ü Then as a group discuss your history
· Then make a list of reasons why people started coming to your church.
ü From this list you will discover that is why most people will start attending your church
ü It is up to you as a leader to teach those principles to your congregation.
· Then on a separate paper make a list of what you believe are the most important things to a church
ü Members who understand what it means to be a Christian.
ü Leaders who are qualified to lead – they love Jesus, want to see the church grow, and work well with people.
ü Commitment from leaders especially – to attend on Sunday and give faithfully to the church.
ü Stress the importance of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.
ü Teach and preach unity … and when there is a problem the elder’s should address.
ü Need to disciple young men and women to become leaders in various areas.
ü A commitment to teach our young children the gospel.
ü God’s Word to be taught
ü Prayer to be very important
ü Reaching out to other’s to become a part of God’s community of believers.
Review …
· Acts 2:42-47
· Matthew 16:13-19
· Question and answer time
When problems come …
· Don’t give up
ü Hebrews 11
· Prepare for battle
ü Ephesians 6:10-18
· God only blesses the over comers
ü Rev 2:7 … eat from the tree of life
ü Rev 2:11 … won’t be hurt
ü Rev 2:17 … given a new name
ü Rev 2:26 … Rule over the nations
ü Rev 3:5 … White robe
ü Rev 3:12 … Write on him God’s name
ü Rev 3:21 … The right to sit on God’s throne
I have a dear friend who is a captain of boats … when we go to sea … sometimes the seas get difficult … he has never left me just because things got tough. In fact it is when things get tough that I need him the most. I would think him cowardly if he left me in the middle of a storm.
The same is true for preachers … people depend upon us to get them through the tough times …
I was able to talk to the preacher a little about baptism and the Lord’s supper … he did the baptizing and I was satisfied that he did as good of a job that I could have hoped for.
I was unable to preach on Sunday morning – I had become very ill … but I left him 250 wafers and juice … it is my hope that this a beginning of something that will grow in their understanding.