Kenya Day Three

Day 3: 

Our day began with breakfast and a morning devotion. The devotion was on taking the narrow path instead of the wide one because in the long run the path that is the least appealing is typically the most rewarding. The same can be said about coming to Kenya in order to build relationships. The planning, traveling, leaving behind family and friends might seem overwhelming but in the long run the rewards have already made themselves evident. In the to few days that we have spent in the village we have created relationships and memories that will change both the Kenya’s and our lives. 

After breakfast and devotion, around 8:45, we headed to Kiria. It is Sunday so just like in the US the people of the community attend church. We broke up into 5 teams and attended 5 different churches. Each of our experiences were a little different but the overall consensus is that everyone admires how they worship so freely. The are not restricted by fears of judgement; they dance, sing, and are genuinely happy to praise. During the service that I attended the message was talking about humbling yourself. At one point the preacher said, “Humble yourself and you will feel the hand of God.” This ties into Frans message yesterday, that we need to take the time to appreciate life.

After our church services we were treated to local tea and a small meal. This was the communities way of welcoming us and also a way for us to get to know one another in a more intimate setting. We then took a break for lunch, as a team, on the side of a beautiful mountain. David Muchai (our 410 bridge coordinator) updated us on some local traditions. Once lunch was over it was game time! I have to say that the community games has been one of my favorite parts of the trip so far.

Playing games with the community allowed everyone to be more open. If there is a language barrier it doesn't really matter when you’re playing soccer or volleyball. Not to mention the face-painting that the students and team members had  blast doing. 

Overall, today was a perfect day. We were surrounded by gorgeous scenery, beautiful weather, we had church with friends, and played games with new ones. We were humbled today as individuals and as a team. We are all looking forward to what God has in store for us. 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”

- 1 Peter 5:6

God Bless, 

Amy Lineberry, on behalf of Team Kenya 2011 

Kenya Day Two

Day Two: 

Today I think I speak for the team when I say that we are truly humbled and blessed with indescribable human kindness. From children and adults stopping everything to welcome us into their homes, to the holes in the ground that are considered restrooms. We are in another world! A world were grace and love is given without thought or question. A world where strangers are welcome with a smile and a hug. A world where community supports one another through daily affirmation and continual support. 

I would like to say thank you to Fran for the great devotion topic this morning. The team spoke this morning about taking the time to be still and allowing yourself to feel what God is trying to tell you. Throughout all of our activities today, bus rides, home visits, meals, debriefs, we were all focusing on the task at hand. We are all here for a reason and it is important that we allow ourselves the time to focus on the beautiful things in life such as relationships with others and nature. 

Now, let me backtrack for a minute to tell you about the logistics of our day before I move on. The team had breakfast and a morning devotion in Nairobi then departed for Kiria at approximatley 9:00am. On the way to the village my senses were overloaded by all of the new sights and sounds. It is typical to see a chicken coop on one side of the road as well as children with worn out clothes and no shoes. Not to mention the beautiful landscapes that were mixed among the daily living of the Kenyans.

  

Once we reached the village it was like nothing I have ever seen before. A wave of students in green uniforms came to flood the road. As we got off of the bus we were greeted by one of the community leaders wife, Beth. Then, the students immediately embraced us by taking our hands and leading us to the primary school. Smiling, laughing, asking us our names only begins to diecribe their enthusiasm to see us. Once we reached the school the students sang us a Christian song and danced for us. The community leaders welcomed us and we were able to formally introduce ourselves. At that point we breaked for lunch and then began our home visits. 

The home visit consisted of 5 small groups that entered the homes of the people of Kiria. My group visited three homes and all three left me with a feelings of love, peace, patience, community, and grace. We introduced ourselves to the family and were shocked to know that they were just as, if not more happy to have us in their home. One person that we visited said that she had been waiting a year for visitors. 

The home visits were encouraging for some and difficult for others based on the circumstance of the visit. Just like in the US, there are families here who are more well off than others. The major difference that I can determine so far is that here your value is not based on financial ranking. Here, everyone is apart of the community and supports its needs. 

The bible verse that I have posted below really speaks to me because it mentions being kind to others no mater what. This is what the Kenyan people do. They do not look at us as the rich Americans and treat us bitterly because they live in a small house with no electicity or water. No, they welcome us and treat us as friends. I for one have much to learn here from the people in Kiria Kenya and many friends to make! 

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” 

-1 Thessalonians 5:15

God Bless, 

Amy Lineberry, on behalf of Team Kenya 2011

Kenya Team Day One

Day One: 

We made it!!! We are currently all in our rooms in Nairobi preparing for our day in Kiria tomorrow. It is now past 1:00am here in Nairobi. I wanted to give all of our supporters an inside look at the past 24 yours for the team. 

Time difference: 

London- 6 hours ahead

Nairobi and Kiria- 7 hours ahead

As you know we departed from RDU at 6:15pm on the 28th (after arriving the airport at 4:00pm). We arrived in London for a three hour layover at approximately 7:00am local time (1:00am NC time) on the 29th. We then boarded Kenya Air at 10:20am local time and reached Nairobi at 9:15pm local time.

We are all safe and excited to be here! A team member who was sitting close to me during take off said, “Ya’ll we are really on our way to Kenya!” I immediately wrote this quote down because I was feeling the same excitement. Throughout the first flight to London we got into our on spaces. It was quiet, the plain had come to a calm rhythm. Pages being turned, technology being utilized and people dozing with their pillows tucked under their heads. At this point we all have the same destination but our goals may be unique. The goals of each team member vary beyond the broad goal of building relationships and supporting the people of Kiria, Kenya. How will our individual actions affect the team? How will our individual actions affect everyone around us for that mater? Being more aware and conscious of our actions will help us to be more clear understanding teammates which in turn will help us achieve the goals set before us. So, here we are one team, sixteen individuals, working together for one mission. 

“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”

-Proverbs 22:9 

Thank you for your prayers and support!

God Bless, 

Amy Lineberry, on behalf of Team Kenya 2011 

Kenya or Bust!!

Hey everyone…

We’re all leaving soon, and we just wanted to send a big shout out to all’y’all who’ve supported us and prayed for us and who will continue to support and pray for us.

Lord-willing, we’ll see everyone in Kenya in a day or so.

Until then…peace out, y’all!

Daver

Sing Now...

...for tomorrow you never know…

Here’s a link to a video I just posted to my (Dave’s) Facebook page.  It is, I believe, one of the most haunting songs I’ve ever heard (or sung).  This video was shot by my dear friend, Jordan Albertson, when we were in Kiria, Kenya, last year.

“Sing Now,” as performed by 400+ Kenyan children in unison (Kiria Primary School, Kiria, Kenya, July 2010)

http://t.real.com/PWwD8Q

Kenya 2012: Travel Itinerary, Daily Blog Posts, and How You Can Comment on a Post

Greetings, everyone,

One day and counting!!

For those who are interested, our travel itinerary is as such…

Going…

7/28:  Depart RDU (American Airlines AA 174) for London Heathrow at 6:15p (Local Time)

7/29:  Arrive at London Heathrow at 6:55a (Local Time; Note:  London is 5 Hours ahead of North Carolina)

7:29:  Depart London Heathrow (Kenya Airways KQ 103) for Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta at 1020a (Local Time)

7/29:  Arrive at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta at 8:50p (Local Time; Note:  Nairobi is 7 Hours ahead of North Carolina)

Coming…

8/5:  Depart Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya Airways KQ 102) for London Heathrow at 11:45p (Local Time)

8/6:  Arrive at London Heathrow at 6:55a (Local Time)

8/6:  Depart London Heathrow (American airlines AA 173) for RDU at 11:00a (Local Time)

8/6:  Arrive at RDU at 2:45p (Local Time)

Blog Postings…

During our trip, we will, Lord-willing, be posting to this site on a daily basis.

 
Amy Lineberry, who is a part of our team, will be our official blog master.  Others from the team may, at times, insert their stories and messages into our posts as well.  So...if you want to follow us, please feel free to tune in every day and be a part of what's happening between newhope church (www.newhopenc.org) in Durham, North Carolina, and our delightful brothers and sisters in a little village in Kenya called Kiria (pronounced KEER-ee-uh) through a really fabulous mission organization called The 410 Bridge (www.410bridge.org).

May God bless all of you!!

Your friend,

Dave

PS  If you ever want to comment on a post or, even, to send a message to the team or to one of the team members, please feel free to hit the comment button and write a comment.  Please note that all comments are public and, as such, can be read by any and every person who accesses the site.  :o)

PPS  Oh...and PLEASE feel free to pass our blog link (http://hmi-nc.blogspot.com/) on to whomever you wish.  God's peace...

A Surrendered Life

One is, I believe, on the road to living a surrendered life when he or she…

• Does not have to have a particular thing happen (for example, get THAT job or marry THAT person) to feel like his or her life will work out.
• Does not need notoriety; does not need to be noticed, esteemed, or, even, recognized by others.
• Is genuinely happy for a peer when such a one aces a difficult exam, is promoted, lands a fabulous job, wins the heart of the prettiest girl in school, gets in to grad school, gets married, etc.
• Lends without expecting what has been lent to be returned.
• Has fun helping others to discover their dreams, to live-in to their own unique happiness, or just to enjoy themselves.
• Gives back to God far more than just a tithe.
• Listens to the Whispers of God’s Spirit, and is readily available to serve God whenever God says, "Now, My friend..."
• Does not have to be the best, the brightest, the most good looking, or the most talented.
• Has an almost unquenchable desire to please his or her Abba-Daddy.
• Speaks the truth in love, even when doing so feels incredibly unpopular.
• Would choose 100 out of 100 times to be the one stolen from as opposed to the one who steals from another…even if he or she were assured of never getting caught.
• Actively embraces a heart of gratefulness in most situations, and complains rarely, if ever.
• Forgives without a thought; has chosen to forgive even before anything has been said or done.
• Is not ashamed of Jesus or His gospel.
• Is comfortable with silence and stillness.
• Is an expressive and love-struck worshiper of God.
• Recognizes that everyone on earth is in the same boat:  and that is, that we are all desperately in need of God to do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves.
• Loves purely for the joy of loving "the beloved" and does not consider not being loved in return that big of a deal.
• Delights in inviting God to be a part of every thought, every feeling, every word, and every action.
• Always has enough to share with another.
• Endeavors to do the right thing—especially, when he or she is alone.
• Has been thoroughly tamed by God, is of a humble disposition, and treats others with the utmost kindness, respect, dignity, and compassion.
• Sees himself or herself as nothing more than just a conduit of God’s blessings to those around him or her.
• Is happy…pretty much all the time…even when he or she is feeling sad or broken.
• Loves language and words, but speaks infrequently.
• Listens without interrupting or without trying to think of what he or she would like to say while another is speaking.
• Is frugal, yet extremely generous, with his or her time, money, and resources.

The WAY of "Fineness"

"Spend an hour every day in adoration of your Father, and never do anything you know to be wrong, and you’ll be fine…”—Mother Teresa (to Henri Nouwen)

2011 Kenya Travel Team Members and Their Prayer Requests

2011 Trip to Kiria, Kenya

Thursday, July 28, 2011 - Saturday, August 6, 2011

Jordan Albertson (28 [Going on 29!])

2 Timothy 1:7  That the Spirit would give us Power, Love, and Self-discipline

2 Timothy 2:4-5 That we would seek to do nothing less than the Will of God and to please Him only; not ourselves or our Kenyan brothers & sisters

2 Timothy 2:10  That we may endure everything for the sake of those called by Christ that they may obtain Salvation

2 Timothy 2:21 That we may be cleansed of unrighteous thoughts and behaviors so that we may be made holy and useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work

Ephesians 5:11 That we may expose the fruitless deeds of darkness

Philippians 2:3 That we may live in humility, not looking to our own interests, but to the interests of others

Philippians 2:15-16 That we may shine like stars in the sky as we hold firmly to the Word of Life

Elizabeth Albertson (28)

That I will listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His guidance.

Dave Brown (45 [Going on 11!])—Team Father

That God will bless our Kenyan brethren as they seek to follow Jesus Christ and to create a sustainable community devoted to His Lordship.

That God will prepare the heart of every travel team member to be an open conduit of His loving kindness to our Kenyan brethren and to every other team member.

That God will erect a high hedge of protection around every team member.

That God will bring our team together as a family.

That I will know the Mind and feel the Heart of Jesus.

That I will humbly serve my team members.
That I will live a surrendered life.

Molly Buckley (25)

For safe travel and that the long plane rides don’t take too much of a toll on my teammates and me.

That God wrecks the hearts of us as we fellowship with, worship with, and serve the people of Kiria, Kenya.

That we take the time to breathe and that we treasure each moment that we have with God and the Kiria community.

That we are able to further spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

That our team comes back to the United States with changed hearts.

That we are able to share our experiences with our friends and family here so that they might be changed as well.

Delice Coffey

That I will serve in the ways that I am meant to serve.

For a safe and healthy return.

Fran Helpingstine (Proud 48)

Safe travel for the Team.

A quiet work week (while I’m in Kenya), so that there will be few issues to deal with upon my return.

Team bonding.

My relationship with Christ.  I want to grow in new and beautiful ways.

To leave Africa changed, inspired, and rejuvenated.

To meet someone who will change the trajectory of my life and that I will have the same impact on someone I meet during the trip.

Ease of embracing the culture so that I can encourage and love the Kenyans.

Personally (while I’m away), continued prayers for my Dad’s health to be fully restored.

Safety and protection for my family back home.

Amy Elizabeth Lineberry (25)

Communicating my needs/feelings to others (I tend to keep my feelings to myself).

Rosalyn Lloyd

For our Kiria brothers and sisters.

That everyone will be in good health.

Safe travels.

For Africans that are traveling from Somalia to Dadaab for food and water.  May God bless them!

Sarah Owen (26)

Encouragement to remain focused on the task at hand.

Support in following schedules and directions.

To build meaningful relationships.  Sometimes, I have difficulty with this due to my unique communication style.

For the team’s safety and spiritual development.

Kathy Pittman

Spiritual wisdom and sensitivity.

New lasting relationships.

Ability to communicate in spite of the language barriers.

Physical and emotional stamina.

Protection from illness and injury.

Katy Rogers (17) and Lisa Shear (45)

Health, safety, communications, relationships, healing, and peace.

Britany Smith (24)

An open heart to what God has in store for me and the team.

Safety/health.

Flexibility.

James Smith (16)

Safe travels and no problem getting boarding passes (sometimes I have issues with this as James Smith is a very common name, and has been on a do-not-fly list ever since 9/11).

Good health in mind and body for the entire team.

That our team’s interactions with the Kenyans will remain humble even when it may seem that our arrival is the reason they are so happy.

That we will send all of this joy and praise to God, and encourage the Kenyans in the Name of the Lord.

That our team is able to forget our hardships and problems back at home and focus on giving the Kenyans 110% of our energy, effort, and thought while on

this trip.

Diana Tursi (28)

To build open and honest relationships with my teammates and the Kenyans.

Smooth transition leaving Kiria.

No migraines or other illness.

Patience with strong personalities.

Wes Vanasek (30)

That God will work through me to continue to strengthen the relationships between newhope church and our Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ.

That we have a safe trip to and from Kenya.

Lord of the Harvest

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”—Matthew 9:37-38

“Lord of the Harvest,” The Imperials

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WN7ezuRYpA

Inspirational Quotes from Mother Teresa

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.  Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.  Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.

Not all of us can do great things.  But we can do small things with great love.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

I know God won't give me anything I can't handle.  I just wish he didn't trust me so much.

Peace begins with a smile.

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.

I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, 'How many good things have you done in your life?' Rather, he will ask, 'How much love did you put into what you did?’

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary.  What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.

The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.  We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love.  There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love.  The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty—it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.

It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody…I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.

Never worry about numbers.  Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.

People are unrealistic, illogical, and self-centered.  Love them anyway.

Without patience, we will learn less in life.  We will see less.  We will feel less.  We will hear less.  Ironically, rush and more usually means less.

Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.

Team Kenya 2011!!!

Dear Newhope Church Body,

Amazing are the goals we can accomplish and exceed through Jesus Christ! The Kenya Mission team was blessed by the support of the the Newhope Church Body on Wednesday July 13^th. The Worships Arts Ministry(WAM) supported the mission team through an amazing concert. This was not your typical concert. This concert consisted of fellowship through upbeat favorites and intimate melodies that spoke to your soul. The WAM team also included videos that inspired and uplifted everyone who was present. The night was not only a time to celebrate and show support for traveling missionaries but also a time to fellowship with each other as individuals. This would not have been possible without the help of Pastor Benji Kelley, the WAM team, volunteers, and the church body. Words cannot describe how thankful we, the Kenya team, is for all of your efforts.

Through the support of the church, $21,450.25 was raised to support the 2011 Kenya mission team and future missions. The entire team is overflowing with gratefulness and cannot express the peace we feel knowing that we are supported both spiritually and financially.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

-Romans 15:13

The entire team is blessed to be representing a church where we come together as a community to achieve a common goal. Thank you again for your unfaltering support and encouragement! Please continue to keep the team in your prayers as we will be departing on July 28^th.

God Bless,

Amy Lineberry, on behalf of Team Kenya 2011

Haiti 2011 Mission Trip Video (Aired July 10, 2011, at Newhope Church [www.newhopenc.org] in Durham, NC)

Greetings, everyone…

Provided below is a link to the video that was shown yesterday during services at newhope church (www.newhopenc.org) in Durham, NC.  The video is of the Haiti 2011 Mission Trip, which took place from April 1-7, 2011.  Many thanks and props to Chris Ferrer (Worship Arts Technical Director) and Brian Fuller (Worship Arts Pastor) of newhope church for the production of this video, to the members of the team who so courageously spoke of their experiences, to the Haitian people, who’s warmth of heart and resilience of spirit continue to inspire me to this day, and to Jesus Christ, the Master of Universe, Who has made all of this possible.

God’s peace to all’ya’ll…

Dave

“Haiti 2011 Travel Team Testimonies”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vb1y7ORoK8

Haiti 2011 Trip Compilation Blog (April 1-7, 2011)

Provided below, is a compilation of the "end-of-day" e-mail reports that the Haiti 2011 Team (courtesy of my good friend and brother, Bill Hailey) sent back to our church (newhope church) and prayer partners during our time in Haiti this past April.  Enjoy…

Dave


Day 1…Friday, 1 Apr 11

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We have arrived in Port Au Prince Haiti and are settling in at the New Life orphanage and guest house.  After our arrival, we visited downtown PAP and the destruction of the 2010 earthquake.  Words cannot describe what we saw.  We are tired but are in good spirits as God has been with us and has brought us here safe and sound.  Thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, and support. 

In Christ,

Bill Hailey, on behalf of Team Haiti 2011

Day 2…Saturday, 2 Apr 11

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, God had an amazing message for us.  It echoed over and over and over again.  It was that one person can really make a difference.  It started off with a devotional about the reformation in which one man struck the spark (John Wycliffe), one man kindled the flame (John Huss), and one man dared to brandish the torch of truth (Martin Luther).  The three men led a religious revolution from the 1300s to 1500s and made a tremendous difference in what matters most to us – our understanding of God, the Bible, and salvation.

While at New Life Childrens Home and Guest House, we met with Miriam, who is an amazing woman of God.  Miriam gave us a tour of the place, which is by far one of the best I have ever experienced.  I say that because it is somewhat sustainable in that it has a large garden, septic system, water treatment system, a small tilapia fish raising operation, lots of various animals, a nice plot of land, and a guest house which raises some money to run the orphanage.  Even so, there are still some very present and pressing needs:  The orphanage is home to about 90 + kids, some of which have special needs.  You can certainly feel the love in that place the moment you arrive.  Miriam shared with us how God used the love in her heart for the people of Haiti and turned something so small into something so amazing.  God provided miracle after miracle which eventually became the New Life Childrens Home and Guest House in Port Au Prince.  Miriam knew that she could not accomplish the task alone but that in Christ all things are possible.  

We left Port Au Prince, today, and headed for Bohoc (pronounced BOUGH-hock).  We traveled on route 40 along the smoothest road on which I have ever ridden in Haiti.  We got to see the huge Péligre dam and power plant on the Artibonite River, which is on the outskirts of Mirabelle.  After reaching and passing through the town of Hinche, the road conditions changed into what I have most often encountered (rough, rocky, and bumpy).  It was quite fun, though, and we eventually arrived in Bohoc and met with many of the leaders of the village.  After spending some time getting to know one another we left for the guest house to unwind, eat some manje (food), and get a good night’s sleep.

Again thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, and support. 

In Christ,

Bill Hailey, on behalf of Team Haiti 2011

Day 3…Sunday, 3 Apr 11

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, was another amazing day that God provided for us.  We started off the day with breakfast followed by devotions led by Ethan Mikhail, the youngest person on our team.  He set our day off to great start by sharing God’s word with us and by sharing what was on his heart.  God is doing some wonderful things in this young man’s life.  He is DEFINITELY someone to watch! 

We visited the Eglise De Frere (Church of Brothers) in Bohoc this morning.  It is one of 11 churches in this community, and we were blessed to have been there.  Although the service was in Haitian Creole, the Holy Spirit was with us, and we were (most definitely!) all one body in Christ.  We also had the special privilege of celebrating communion with our Haitian brothers and sisters.  We discovered that this church community, and probably many Haitian churches, uses a portion of the service to resolve any issues between members of the community.  During the service, a husband and wife reconciled with each other in front of the church.  Additionally, two friends, who had, it would seem, been fighting for some time, reconciled as well.  What a privilege it was for all of us to behold such a practice.

After a quick lunch, some of us played a short game of football in the hot sun with another missions team from Buckhead/Northpointe Church in Atlanta Georgia.  We are sharing the guest house with this team and are enjoying their fellowship.  Even though they, too, are working in the area, each team has different assignments.

In the afternoon, we met with the community leaders of Bohoc.  We learned so many things in this meeting.  First and foremost we discovered that the leadership of this community is dedicated to serving Jesus Christ.   Many if not all of them serve as pastors and/or leaders within their churches.  They are also strongly devoted to the betterment of their community and their families.  They shared the problems that they face and the vision of what they want their community to become.  It was a very emotional experience for everyone in the room.  We were so inspired by the love that they possess and the opportunities that they desire for the youth of their community.  Dave described them as all being like Nehemiah (“Comforter”), who brought comfort to his people, the children of Israel, in encouraging and leading them to rebuild the wall of protection and security that once surrounded Jerusalem.  Dave concluded by saying that he felt God had so definitely raised up these leaders in Bohoc to provide love, comfort, and leadership to their people as they all together work to rebuild their lives (and Haiti) and to create a community devoted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  We look forward to watching God change this community, and we feel so very blessed to be able to be a part of what is happening. 

After the meeting, we went to a community soccer game where we watched a little bit of soccer, but spent far more time playing with kids and sharing ourselves with the people God placed in our path.  It was time well spent.

After supper, we held our nightly debriefing.  Many of us shared the things that touched our heart the most.  We also opened some of the letters that our awesome prayer warriors created for us.  Tears of joy leaked from our eyes as we read them.  They were both much needed and appreciated.

Again thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, and support. 

In Christ,

Bill Hailey, on behalf of Team Haiti 2011

Day 4…Monday, 4 Apr 11

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today we started with a Devotional led by Leah & Ramsay MacMillan.  They reminded us that we are called to be faithful, to love God, and to love others and that God is at work and ALWAYS doing more than we know.

In the morning, we worked alongside our Haitian brothers and sisters on the foundation for the new church building @ Eglise De Frere (Church of Brothers) in Bohoc.  While moving blocks and stones, we discovered five tarantulas.  We also discovered truth in the old saying “many hands make light work.” This small investment of our time is already showing a big profit in that we have shown our brothers and sisters that we believe in what they are doing for the kingdom of heaven and that we are with them in this endeavor.  We have learned to never underestimate the power of encouragement.

We also visited the market in Bohoc, where produce, animals, and supplies are available for purchase or trade.  The market occurs each Monday and is located in town just off the roadway.  Although it is a busy and congested area—and is not a place for the claustrophobic or for those who possess a strong compassion for animals, it serves an important function for the Haitian people and is something to be respected.    

After lunch, we visited the Matthew 28 Orphanage, and some of us taught language skills to the kids, while others painted faces, performed animal impersonations, sang number & abc songs, played hopscotch, and played keep away ball (from Dave) with the kids.  Afterwards we went to a community field and played a super-sized version of the game “kick the can” with many kids.  Although it was difficult to organize, due to the number of players (nearly 200 adults & kids), it was a great event and one that we won’t ever forget.

After super and our evening debriefing, we each opened more letters from our faithful and awesome prayer partners.  The letters have been so personally meaningful to all of us.  It is really a great thing to know that many back at home are thinking of and praying for us.

Again thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, and support. 

In Christ,

Bill Hailey, on behalf of Team Haiti 2011


Day 5…Tuesday, 5 Apr 11

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we started with a devotional led by Allison Adler, who shared with us 1 Corinthians 13:  the real meaning of love.  This resonated in our hearts throughout the day.  Stacey Williams, our U.S. 410 Bridge staff member provided us also with a “Hands and Feet of Jesus” team activity, which involved choosing a body part and focusing on how we could use that part of the body during the day to serve Christ.  The intent would be to share our experiences later during our evening debrief.

In the morning we worked on a road widening project with our Haitian brothers and sisters.  We used Haitian chain saws (machetes!) to chop up cactus hedgerows.  We also used rakes and pickaxes to prepare the road bed.  We worked in unison to the help of live music provided by the Haitians.  It was quite a memorable event and one that is sure to be talked about for a long time.  This road will provide someone in the community with vehicle access to their home and garden so that, eventually, crops can be harvested and exported to neighboring homes and villages.  This project deepened our understanding of the need to create micro-enterprises and how this community takes care of its own. 

Afterward, we toured a local garden with a man named Saul, who is local agricultural extension agent.  We were quite impressed with his knowledge and wisdom and with the methods used to cultivate and irrigate the many different crops they grow.

After lunch, we visited the United Christians International (UCI) complex and met with Kristie and Johnjon Mompremier.  Kristie shared an amazing testimony with us of how God redeemed the property (formerly a place of voodoo worship) into a church, a childrens school, a pastoral training center, a feeding center for malnourished children, an agricultural center, which included a huge garden and tree nursery for reforestation projects, and a place where Haitians can make cassava bread, which is made from the native cassava plant.  Krisitie and Johnjon are preparing to build a university in Bohoc that will offer bachelors degrees in Agriculture, Education, and Pastoral Leadership.  Words cannot describe the many ways this couple is meeting needs within the community and making an impact for Christ’s kingdom.

After our UCI visit, we took a quick trip to the souvenir market and then returned to the guest house where we hung out and played with the kids in the neighborhood.  We can’t wait for you to hear the stories about all the kids we encountered on this trip.  They have touched our hearts in so many ways.

After super, we held our evening debrief and shared how we used our bodies to be the hands, feet, ears, and heart of Christ.  We also used the time to share what was on our hearts. 

Again, thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, and support. 

In Christ,

Bill Hailey, on behalf of Team Haiti 2011


Day 6…Wed, 6 Apr 11

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we started with a devotional led by Joslyn Wiley.  She shared with us about having a cultivated sense of courage.  We can all relate to Moses’ “Who Am I?” speech (see Exodus 3:7 -22) and the Lord’s firm and compassionate response.  At some point, all of us doubt our ability (and worthiness) to accomplish what God has purposed for our lives.  It’s good to know that we don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers as our God IS and our God DOES.  Ramsey also shared with us Ephesians 6:10-20, in which Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God.  This was to prepare us for what awaited us next. 

After packing up and saying our goodbyes to our brothers and sisters at the guest house, we stopped on the way out of town to visit a cave which is believed to be used for many wicked purposes, one of which being voodoo worship.  The cave has a large main room, along with a narrow tunnel connected to smaller rooms, which leads to a second exit.  The cave is very out-of-the-way, very dark, contains many bats, and is filled with the guano that they excrete. It makes one wonder why anyone would subject themselves to such darkness and filth.  We know that the evil one seduces with cunning deceptiveness the promises of power, healing, success, and fulfillment of desires in this life.  The imitator also promises freedom yet enslaves his captors to depravity.  Job 24: 13-17 reads… 

“There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay in its paths.  When daylight is gone, the murderer rises up and kills the poor and needy; in the night he steals forth like a thief.  The eye of the adulterer watches for dusk; he thinks, ‘No eye will see me,’ and he keeps his face concealed. In the dark, men break into houses, but by day they shut themselves in; they want nothing to do with the light. For all of them, deep darkness is their morning; they make friends with the terrors of darkness.”

The good news for us is that Christ has already won the victory.  One day, He will reveal the deep things of darkness and bring the engulfing shadows into the light.

After the cave visit, we left Bohoc for the New Life Childrens home and Guest House in Port Au Prince.   After the long and sometimes bumpy ride, we arrived at the childrens home and quickly discovered some anxious little faces waiting to play with us.  We used the rest of our afternoon to either play w/the kids or rest or both. 

After super, we held our evening debrief, and Dave shared with us 1 Chronicles 16, Genesis 2:18, Nehemiah 6, and Philippians 2:13.  Dave challenged us to pray that we would have an overwhelming desire to do God’s will and to be an apprentice of Jesus.  He also gave us a list of questions to ask ourselves over the next few weeks.  These questions are to help us to remember and begin to live-out the life God has purposed for each of us.  One question in particular was, “If you found out that you only had 24 hours left to live, how would you live differently?”  I encourage each of you ask yourself the same.

In closing, we would like to share with you a story from Allison Adler, about our encounter with a little girl:

Tuesday afternoon, after coming back from our day in Bohoc, we played with the local children as was our usual late afternoon activity.  We painted some of the girls’ nails.  One little girl had an open wound on her finger.  According to some of our group members, the finger had gotten worse over the past two days.  Tara, our 410 leader was notified, knowing that the best way to handle the situation was for the local community to become involved in her care. Tara looked at the little girl’s finger, who was able to walk, but not really old enough to talk.  Once Tara figured out the best way to handle the situation, the little girl was nowhere to be found.  None of the other children seemed to know her name or where she lived.  I was incredibly concerned that her wound may be infected and that the infection would spread. The infant mortality rate in Haiti is quite high, and this was my fear in the back of my mind.  I prayed throughout the evening and into the next morning that the little girl would return.  At 0530 in the morning, the kids are usually starting to come out and play.  This Wednesday morning, there were not many, as they didn’t have school that day.  After breakfast, I again said a prayer that the little girl would return.  No more than 10 minutes later, I hear my name being called as the little girl has returned.  She is back with her mother, who runs a little stand near the Haiti Outreach Center where we stayed.  She let us know that the little girl had shut her finger in a door.  I cleaned the wound with some antiseptic spray, put some triple antibiotic spray on it, and covered it with a gauze bandage.  The mother just kept saying mesi mesi (thank you thank you) over and over.  The mother was to bring the little girl by the following morning so this little bit of care could be completed again by another 410 team. If the wound worsens, the little girl will be taken to a local clinic, where she will receive more extensive care that will be paid for through 410 donations that have been made. This simple act of cleaning a wound and covering it to protect it from dirt and germs may be so important to the health of this little girl.

Again thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, and support. 

In Christ,

Bill Hailey, on behalf of Team Haiti 2011


Day 7…Thursday, 7 Apr 11

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we started with a devotional led by Robert Caylor.  He shared with us the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), and he reminded us that God has given each of us different skills and resources and that we need to use those things to serve Christ and to help others.  Robert also pointed out that we need to share with others the important lessons learned and experiences gained from our trip.   
After packing up and saying our goodbyes to our brothers and sisters at the childrens home, we left for the Airport in Port Au Prince.  Once we finished completing the long series of security measures, we grabbed a quick snack and boarded our plane enroute to Miami.  Once in Miami, we went through customs and more security checks.  After grabbing a bite to eat at the airport, we held our final evening debrief at Gate 12.  During our debrief we shared our “lessons learned” from our experiences in Bohoc and Port Au Prince.  Shortly thereafter we boarded our last plane headed for RDU International. 

At 10:15p, we arrived in North Carolina to be greeted by our awesome/faithful friends and family.  Although, we have returned from our trip to Haiti, our mission is far from over. 

Again thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, and support. 

In Christ,

Bill Hailey, on behalf of Team Haiti 2011