God's Face Haiti Mission: January 2011

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Memorable Moment

In November, we spent three days in Ti Palmeste meeting with pastors, community leaders and the ladies of the area churches. We did not have a vehicle available to us, so we walked the couple miles to the church from the Guest House every morning, and then back home. The last day there we attended an evening church service. Pastor Ambroz kindly found a truck to take us back at night. However, the ride was so rough over the rocky, potholed road, we decided walking would be better. Imagine our surprise on leaving the service about 10:00 o'clock to be directed to a fleet of six motorcycles all lined up with drivers and engines revving, waiting for us. "Pick one." Pastor Ambroz told us. Janice looked at me. "Can we go together?" I replied that we were all on our own. So we selected our steel steeds, and Janice, David, Ed, Floyd, Aunel and I dutifully climbed aboard for a wild ride down the rocks and bumps that pass for roads in the mountains of La Gonave. As the young men raced each other, kids, dogs and chickens all scattered out of the way.
Peter stepped out of a boat because he trusted Jesus. Sometimes the boat is a motorcycle, but the trust we have in God is the same. When God sends you, He supplies you with all you need for the journey. While I prayed through the dark, His peace enfolded me and brought us all safely home.
-Sally Ritter January 6, 2011

Pastor Agones Jean Jaques

My name is Agones Jean Jauqes and I was born in 1977 in Baie de Tortue, a neighborhood of Anse-a-galets, the main port city on the island of La Gonave, Haiti. My family was very large and very poor. My first year of school was at age 12 in 1988. A family friend, Isnel Angrand and his mother, Mrs Eliese Angrand,took me into their home to provide for me, as my family could not afford to feed or take care of me. I met Ralph Tuthill in 1989 when Isnel was working for an NGO called Service Chretien d'Haiti and was in charge of a mission team from Mattituck Presbyterian Church in Long Island, NY. Ralph was part of that team. I had a chance conversation with Ralph, after which he made the decision to take charge of my education. I attended the Nazarene School, and then St. Bernadette Catholic School from 1990-1993. I went to school in Port-au-Princea and began studying English.

Ralph died in 2002, but he left money for me to finish my schooling. Pastor George Gaffga of Mattituck Presbyterain Church pledged to pay for seminary. I received a bachelors degree form Revelation Message Bible College in 2008. I then received the call to return to La Gonave. I had promised God that I would return and help the poor kids just as Ralph Tuthill had helped me. I now run a school for these kids in an unfinished orphanage, which I rent. I named it the College Ralph C. Tuthill in honor of the man who first had faith in me. With the continued help from Mattituck and some friends from Florida, Gods Face Haiti Mission, I now have 80 children attending classes. We are teaching English, which is so important.

I am greatly saddened when one of my students dies from lack of basic sanitation. The lack of education is a terrible thing in this community. Teaching the children will help to solve this problem.

I praise and thank the Lord for all he has done in my life, and I am thankful I can use my life to help the least of these children of God.

The Miracle Moringa Tree

Pure water for drinking and bathing is a top priority. Most of the common diseases the people suffer from are a result of contaminated water. CHE teaches how to purify the water using simple methods available to anyone, such as sunlight and the moringa seed, which grows so plentifully. The moringa is truly a "miracle" tree as every part is useful. The seeds can turn polluted pond water into safe, potable water. The crushed leaves can be given to children as vitamins, and when fed to the goats they produce more milk.

Seeds brought over in November have been planted, and are thriving. This is a quick growing tree, so results will be seen soon.

God's Face Haiti Mission

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Memorable Moment