2013 Men of PHBC Retreat

2013 Men of PHBC retreat was at Skyview Ranch on September 27, 28, 29. This year’s speaker was Pastor Dave Buncher and he talked to us about how we all FAIL. There were around 70 men at the retreat and we all had a good time with various activities from worship to shooting guns and yes, some even went swimming in the new pool in 56 degree water. Some did the same things they always do and some, AKA Cody (young man in a wheel chair), was helped up the hill to shoot a pistol for the first time, which made his year. But most of all we got down and dirty with the scriptures and with God and learned how to overcome failure. 

PHBC Pavilion Ground Breaking Service

Sunday, October 20, 2013 we gathered to break ground at the site of the future PHBC Pavilion.  It was a wonderful celebration of God's faithfulness, provision, and the dream He has given us to further minister to our community through the use of the pavilion.

 

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.

Haiti Team Update - Day 5

Like each day this week, we started out ministry off with VBS in the morning.  It's fun to recognize names and faces as we get to know the kids, in spite of the language barrier.  As we connect with the kids, we have begun to think of some of them as "our own". As the kids pile off the bus, I find myself looking for "my kids".  I wish we could bring them home with us.  Each day they enjoy singing, crazy contests and games, and work on a memory verse.  While all of this is happening, we become human jungle gyms.  They love climbing, cuddling, and holding hands.  They're also fascinated with our hair.  They love braiding the girls and some of the guys hair.  They find male arm and facial hair interesting, as most Haitians don't have much.

We had a neat honor in the afternoon.  On Monday, we were at Bercy for our afternoon work project. (See Day 3)  Our team did such a great job working on the pastoral and teacher institute and conference center that the foreman asked for us to be reassigned to come back for an extra day.  So we got our sweat on, moving concrete block, backfilling parts of the foundation, trying rebar for the foundation, and a variety of other tasks. While we in no way completed the job, we were able to get large part of the project jump started.  Jake, the foreman, said we saved his crew weeks of work.  We're excited for how God is going to use that facility to further His Kingdom.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Haiti Team Update - Day 4

Today we began wtih VBS, this time right here at the Mission of Hope main campus.  There were tons of kids.  Each campus runs the same 6 stations, some of which were described in yesterday's post.  Another station is lunch - every kids gets a meal.  For many, this is the only meal they will get all day.

In the afternoon, our team went to the city of Cabaret.  Mission of Hope is working to build a relationship with this city. So we spent the afternoon meeting, talking, and praying with residents.  We have some amazing stories and experiences from this time.  Be sure to ask a team member about it when we return.

We closed our day out with a powerful time of worship with the Church of Hope, here on campus.  It was over 2 hours of passionate and engaging worship.  Amazing.

We're grateful for your prayers and support!