Haiti Team Update - Day 8

Just a quick note to say we're all home safe and sound, and praising God for an amazing week in Haiti.  We can't wait to tell you all about it!

Haiti Team Update - Day 7

Today our team enjoyed part of the day at a beach resort. The ocean was beautiful, the swimming refreshing,  and the rest well earned. We look forward to our return late tomorrow night. 

Haiti Team Update - Day 6

Today was our last day of VBS, which was exciting and sad all at the same time.  The most exciting part was during the opening program and Bible story.  The leader presented the gospel, which had been building all week.  He gave the kids a chance to respond, and 117 kids came forward, indicating that they had received Jesus Christ as their person savior.  Praise God.

As we wrapped up our final VBS session, it hit many of us hard that this would likely be the last time we would ever see these kids again here on Earth.  I'm grateful that because of Christ, and the work this week, we will see many of them again for eternity.  Goodbyes were hard.  There were many tears by both Haitians and Americans.  They have left a lasting mark on our lives too.

During our afternoon ministry, we returned to Cabaret for some village ministry.  We went to a church playground and began playing soccer (football), American football, and basketball.  There was an instant swarm of kids. It's fun to love on these kids, many of whom don't have much to look forward to each day.  While we were there, we met a school teacher who was working on registering kids for school.  While education is important to the future of Haiti, only 2% actually graduate from high school.  While schooling is expected, it isn't provided by the government.  Mission of Hope runs a fantastic school, and is working hard to expand their Christian based schools in the 7 villages they are currently working with.

Our village ministry provides so many opportunities for each of us to connect with Haitians on an individual basis.  I can't possibly summarize them all hear.  All I can do is encourage you to talk with the team members when they return to hear the amazing encounters they had each afternoon.