Update 2013

It has been a difficult year for the Haitian people, but they are recovering from the effects of having too little water (summer drought) and then too much water (Hurricane Irene). They are a resilient people, who continually pick themselves up and get on with life. When food became scarce in the mountains, people migrated to the cities. Now with new crops planted, they are returning to their homes. We are putting together a team for our next trip which will be March 8th to 16th. Part of our time will be spent in Ti Palmeste (Church of the New Jerusalem) with pastor training and Bible study. We will see completed goat farm and the baby goats! Then on to Baie de Tortue where Pastor Agones has his church and school (Village School East). In 2012 we made two trips here teaching CHE ( Community, Health and Evangelism/Education). There are now several trained community leaders who go into the community to teach their fellow Haitians. Several micro businesses were started here and we will try to expand this program. The building that Agones rents has been sold, and he will have to relocate his school. He had purchased a piece of land nearby and will donate it to build the church and school. An engineering study has been funded, and we will soon have an estimate as to what it will cost. One multi use building will be constructed first as a church, with classrooms added as money is available. Education is the key to escaping the life of poverty in this community. The families want to be self supporting. They are asking for job training and help in starting small businesses. They are learning the value of the education their children are receiving. Without this school, these children would not have an education. Before Agones, they stayed home with no money for school and no clothing to wear. We have helped him to make a huge difference in the lives of these children. Thank you for all of your wonderful support, encouragement and prayers! Amidst all of the negative publicity about Haiti, it is awesome to see progress, even in just one small area! We can make a difference in Haiti, one small community at a time. You have helped to make that difference!