Hope for “Dependents”

The life of a pastor in Uganda is an eye opener. We’ve been in Lira, northern Uganda.

We arrived to find the pastor hosting us in mourning. He just learned his 6 year old “daughter” died. She drowned. Digging deeper, we learned it was actually his brother’s daughter. Culturally, he considers his niece his own child. That’s important because his brother and his wife are both “sick” (meaning they have AIDS). The pastor embraces that their children will one day be with him in his home – his children.

We had only a short time with the pastor before he left to prepare for the burial ceremony. In that short time at his home, we found he now has 22 children he’s caring for. 7 are his biological children. The rest are “dependants.” These are orphans from relatives or nearby friends. The burden of care has fallen to the pastor, and they are family. He does all he can for them. This is the way – reality.

Hearing this, we surveyed other church leaders in the room. Each one cares for dependants in their homes. One man has no biological children with his wife. They have 5 dependants.

Here’s the problem…

There are too many dependants who have no one like the pastor or other leaders in the room. This extended family system is beyond saturated. Consequently, children suffer and die.

This is where you all come into play, GO family. We work with churches to expand their capacity to care for the children at the bottom – the ones with no support network. We don’t take the dependents from the pastor’s house. In this cultural fabric, they should be with him. Rather, we help the local church reach those who have no one to be dependent upon.

In Lira, the church has started its ministry to these hurting children. The first 20 girls arrived in care in June. Malnourished, sickly, scared, they arrived alive. Praise God. The local church body has poured love into these girls in a simple and safe environment. The children go to school, many for the first time. That’s not easy. For example, a 9 year old girl is enrolled in what we’d call kindergarten. It’s not easy. But it’s good.

Local church leaders are spending time with the children, each day. It’s not just the children and the mommas, alone. That’s the beauty of the local church. This is an extended family that has grown.

One church leader, Tomali Okao, is in her 60s. Her husband was murdered by the Amin regime, and she raised 7 of her own children and the dependents God placed in her care. Tomali now embraces these children as her own. She bought 20 small pine tree saplings and planted them with the children behind their homes to grow with them. Tomali has hope for the kids, offers great wisdom to them, and shows her love in practical ways. Tomali and many others now have more dependents, more family members. They just need a little help to carry this burden. GO family, you’re providing that modest help.

And look what can happen… Here are a couple of clips of the girls at Lira, just 2+ months since they arrived filthy, hurting, and malnourished.

Don’t get me wrong. There are and will be many challenges with these girls. But Jesus is much bigger than our circumstances, and He provides many, like Tomali, to stand lovingly in the gap.

Just take a minute to celebrate this scene. The girls just got home from school. They’re playing. They’re laughing.

God is good.

Faithfully yours,

Joe

Hope in Haiti

Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti

Can life change in six weeks? We know it can. Decisions become moments. Moments build into momentum, and life turns. We experience it personally. Haiti is experiencing it now.

It’s been six weeks since I’ve been back. When I stepped off the plane today, things were obviously better. From baggage claim to air quality, life is improving, but some things were still the same.

Rain still makes mud, and many people still endure in makeshift tents. With all the aid, this is especially mind-numbing and maddening. Yet, our team of 14 came with eyes wide open.

We’re from all four time zones and our ages span four decades. Despite our diversity, we all came to give and receive the love of a child. The joy of watching Hannah, my nine-year-old, play with her Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ far transcends my ability to describe it.

Yes, the battle still rages – hope and heartache in Haiti – but in the hearts of children we see that God can make all things new…and we are more than grateful. Nos Remen Ou! (We love you!)

Arriving at the Orphan Transition Village

Hannah leading story time.

From the Field: Haiti Relief & Redevelopment

Haiti Update 3/19/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

Pleasant Valley Baptist’s team of 20 arrived yesterday afternoon. After a brief time with our OTV kids and dinner, they were able to verify that KU won, a fact met with satisfaction by some and resignation with others.

VBS activities, loading bunk beds for shipment, agriculture and water well meetings are being worked around the rain and broken vehicles. No problem! Looks like we may already caught a break–as the rain has stopped.

Later today Longhollow’s team of 20 or more come for a night. Your heart to help is so inspiring; your love so infectious. What a privelage to serve with you. We have a busy weekend ahead. More to come. 

Haiti Update 3/17/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

His Children

“Can we do something about the kids who don’t have parents? See me after church.” – Sage (age 7)

This note from seven-year-old Sage to the Sr. Pastor at Faith E-Free launched the church’s orphan care ministry, Sage’s Hope. Led by a child’s heart, the question being asked is how, not if, every member of Faith E-Free will help orphans.

Two days ago at the OTV, Pastor Chris walked up to Pierre who had his finger in a pink Bible he carries. Chris decided that he would read to Pierre in English the passage on that page.

“Vindicate the weak and the fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; Deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4

God was speaking to Chris through the well-placed finger of a 10-year-old Haitian orphan. No surprise. God loves His children! Seven-year-old note writers, eight-year-old artists, ten-year-old Haitian orphans, thirteen-year-old violinists…He loves to involve His kids in His work…His kids of all ages.

Two of His children that I met this week are Danny and Karen Logan. They’re a successful farming family. They’ve been married for 50 years. They love God and they love their neighbor.

Now in their 70’s, they’ve been to Haiti six times in the last three years. This trip, they slept on the ground for six days, eating military-based MRE’s, and making sure their Haitian brothers and sisters have clean water. Retired? Are you kidding? They’re just getting started! (See picture)

Danny and Karen, Sage, and God’s other children aren’t out to save the world. They just want to help people, because they love them. It’s that simple. The best things usually are.

In Psalm 131, King David said, “I do not involve myself with things too great or too difficult for me. I am like a little child.”

In Haiti, God shows us what King David knew: God loves His children, no matter what their age! And that’s Good News from one of His kids to another.

Danny Logan, Pastor Jean Claude, Pastor Moise Vaval, Karen Logan and John Guise (left to right)

Haiti Update 3/17/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

Sarah Vaval takes game 1 of the Official GO Project UNO Championships in the OTV parking lot.

Haiti Update 3/16/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

This afternoon we’re visiting a Catholic orphanage we’ve supported with food and water in Mayotte.  Difficult to find this place, windy roads in the hills; I can’t imagine a UNICEF convoy making this drive.

The damage is extreme (see photo).  In fact, it’s tough to look at the living conditions here.  We’d love to bring these kids onto our Global Orphan Project Transition Village.  However, as you can see with this sweet nun (pictured below), this is home for them. We understand and respect that; so we will help them in the way that blesses them the most.

This type of help (food and water distribution) is a big part of what God is asking us to do right now.  In fact, we are helping more than a dozen orphanages feed several hundred children. They are God’s kids and it is an honor to care for them.  It is what God has called us to do. It’s what you enable us to do! Thank you!

Haiti Update 3/16/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

Questions asked at the OTV

In the back of the truck taking the CO team to the airport and picking up Jimmy and Megan Dodd before heading to a Delmas orphanage (a tough place), then to a meeting about drilling water wells, and back for an afternoon food drop.  Just enough time right now to share a few questions being playfully tossed around on a beautiful day in Haiti…

1. Can any team top the love and effort given by Faith E-Free the last five days?

I don’t know…these guys are absolute Champs! They are “all in” for God’s kids. (See video) What a privilege to serve with them!

2. How many rice krispie treats can we eat in one week?

Easy. All of them! How many can you send?

3. Are Joe Knittig and I brothers?

This question has been asked so many times on this trip, I’ve just started saying “Yes.” It’s true enough, at least when looking through God’s eyes.

4. Is Moise Vaval Haiti’s best soccer-playing pastor?

No doubt. The only way we could slow him down was to injure him.  A thigh bruise…nothing too serious; we want to keep him in the pulpit. We just needed a little relief from his All-Star futbol skills.

5. Is there a time of day when you can actually get a hot shower?

Yes! And I might tell you when…right before I leave.

Fiesta at Juli’s from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update 3/15/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

I’m sitting beneath Juli’s beautiful mango tree. With its shade and the March breeze, I may have one of the country’s best seats on this sunny day in Haiti.

If it weren’t for the tree, I wouldn’t recognize this place.  Three weeks ago it was rubble and shovels. Today it’s beds, rice bowls and smiles. Gift bags from Faith E-Free started a kid-led fiesta. The frenzy has now given way to bubbles, suckers and soccer balls.

Juli is part of our GO Project family now. We love the story God is writing (from earthquake to refugee camp back home), but it is far from finished.

We’re looking at an addition and raising the wall to give this family more space and more security. They need it, and you all make it possible. Thank you!  We love you!

Joseph Ude, one of Juli's kids, sporting his new gift bag from Faith E-Free

Fiesta at Juli's!

Haiti Update 3/15/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

Pierre (aka Movie Star) and Hayden

Haiti Update 3/15/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

Monday morning at the Orphan Transition Village from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update 3/14/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

Great day! Church was God-filled this morning. See the blog entry below for more.

Moise and I spent this afternoon with our new friends at Living Water. They have a solar-powered water purification system that will make the most cynical skeptic smile. We were at the launch ceremony of their latest site. I had my first glass of “tap water” in 7 trips to Haiti. Fantastic!

Living Water wants to install another system at Moise’s church and maybe more with other GO Project partners after that. Bottom line: clean water helps people in a big way. Having this system makes the church an even more effective servant leader in the community. Moise and I meet with well diggers on Tuesday, but this is headed in a crazy, good direction.

Then we went to Leogane with Danny, Karen and John from Living Water. I heard Leogane was hit hard by the quake. True. Very true, and sobering, but amidst surreal devastation, we saw hope.

We met Pastor Jean-Claude. He cares for 85 children on probably 4-5 acres of land. His church was pancaked, but was cleared by the Canadian and, get this, Chinese Gov’t as well. Jean Claude needs some help, but he’s doing great work!

God is on the move! GO is feeling called to Leogane. Pastor Jean-Claude is established and caring for God’s kids. The land and location are excellent. We trust God will raise the right partner. He is faithful and active!

All the while, our brothers and sisters from Faith E-Free continue to do the important work…loving God’s kids. Take a look at these pictures. When you figure out who is being a blessing and who is being blessed, please let us know. We’re a bit fuzzy…these kids will make you question a lot…and it’s so good. We love you!

John Crane hanging out with some of the kids

Hayden Camp, another Champ from CO

Haiti Update 3/14/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

Can’t get enough

What would happen if we got on our knees and prayed for 40 minutes to open our worship service? What would happen if we sang songs of praise with all our heart for 40 more minutes, and then spent another hour in the Word? Some people wouldn’t come…I agree. People concerned with checking the church box, being at the game for kick off, or beating the church across the street to lunch – those people would be gone in a Sunday or two.

But, let me tell you what else would happen. God would receive our small sacrifice of worship, and the power of His Spirit would move in such a mighty way that most “church goers” wouldn’t recognize it. He would free us from the chains of sin. He gives grace to the humble.

Grace. God’s grace. People want that, so much that we’d fill the church….and churches would have a new problem, they’d run out of chairs.

That’s what happened at church today in Haiti. And don’t believe for a second that it wouldn’t “work” in America. The team from Colorado is loving it, as I always do, as you will when you come.

Thank you for worshiping the King with us. We just can’t get enough of Him!

Worshiping at Church in Haiti from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update 3/12/10

From Trace Thurlby live in Haiti:

Called for Today

Zagalo is a strapping 14-year-old young man. He’s from Leogane, an area which felt the full effect of January 12th’s devastation. He came to us yesterday, two months after the quake with one, maybe two fractures in his lower leg. It’s never been x-rayed, but a swollen right foot confirms the break. While ashen skin points to infection, Zagalo doesn’t complain. A local pastor brought him, because he heard we would help. This morning we got Zagalo a place in line at Love a Child for the care he needs, and God willing, should soon receive.

Adrien Lewis helped spring the supply truck at the border yesterday. (Thank you to many of you who prayed that through). With that victory and a strong showing on the soccer field last night, Mr. Adrien (aka Adrun, Edwin) goes home with a “Well done!” from Papa…Edwin-a true servant leader of the King!

Kender and Bertranz left for Cayes this morning, taking yesterday’s border-liberated, Longhollow-supplied tents, food, water, clothes, etc. What a blessing their arrival will be to our brothers and sisters in the flood-ravage south.

The kids here at the OTV, like Jeffrey and DeDe (pictured below sporting their new crocs), have been playing me like a fiddle, while Ben and the other Champs from Faith E-Free in Ft. Collins sing praise songs to Jesus with them! (Picture 2)

More than 50 people from Faith E-Free signed up to come and love God’s kids in Haiti. Ten were selected. Their call to this work is unmistakable and glorious. This makes me wonder if sometimes we neglect the work of the Lord (Love Him with all of our mind, soul, heart, and strength; love our neighbor as ourselves), because we don’t recognize what a privilege it is to represent Him. He allows us to be His hands and feet to a lost and hurting world. Would we serve Him with more zeal today if we didn’t presume that we’d have the opportunity to do so tomorrow?

Just a thought I’m wrestling with as I watch Faith E-Free grab hold of today for the glory of God and to the benefit of His Kids. Thank you for grabbing hold of the privilege with us as well. We love you! We love serving Jesus with you by loving on His kids, today!

Jeffrey and DeDe sporting their new crocs

Ben and the other Champs from Faith E-Free (Ft. Collins) sing praise songs to Jesus with the kids

Haiti Recovery: Earthquake Updates

Haiti Update: 2/28/10

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti:

Yesterday was a confusing and anxious day. Today was a day of peace, even amidst uncertainty. The update from Cayes is that all the children there are fine. Thank God. When I head there this week, we’ll no doubt add the severe water issues to the list of assessment needs. I may head down earlier. I’ll make that decision with Louis soon.

Today was a great day of peace here. After the downpour last night in PaP, we’ve had no more rain so far today. The sun was shining. Things dried out pretty well. The kids are out watching “Lion King” right now. Anfom (all good) here. And I’ve had a little time to read and think.

I’m reading a book a friend gave me called “Bury the Chains” by Adam Hochschild. It’s the well told story of the inspired social justice campaign to end the slave trade in the British Empire. If you’ve seen “Amazing Grace,” you’re familiar with some of this story. Well, one of the greatest grassroots movements for social justice started with 12 ordinary men. Sound familiar? Twelve men met in a print shop at 2 George Yard in London in 1787. An antislavery crusade that changed world history virally exploded out of that first meeting. Love. Sacrifice. Courage. Those were ingredients that started the movement of divine Redemption. They are character traits that can define any life, even our own.

The book quotes Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Mike Fox cited this same quote at The Big Event last November. It struck me then. It strikes me now. And it makes me think of all of us and what we’re doing together.

What is happening to the exploding people group of orphaned and abandoned children in the world screams for a shrewd crusade of love, sacrifice, and courage. We’re talking about millions of children worldwide. Staggering reality.

When the 12 men met, well over 3/4 of the world’s population lived in bondage – whether through slavery, surfdom, indentured servitude, or any of their first cousins. The global economy flexed on forced labor. Staggering, impossible, unchangeable reality. Right? I bet it seemed that way.

One meeting touched off a fire storm that largely ended the slave trade in about 3 generations. What can we do? Better stated, what can God do through us? Some would hear this and think it high-minded puffery. One with such a poo-pooing imagination would be wise to search his own heart before dismissing possibility. And then go back to rote living. As for me, I’ll go “all in” with you.

This is a noble and right campaign that we’ve launched. Nothing is impossible with God. We can believe that. It is a promise. Press on!

Faithfully yours, Joe

Haiti Update: 2/28/10

From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

On Jan 12, the earth shook and 47 orphans fled from under the big mango tree while their home pancaked. Wait until they return home next week.

We just arrived at the new home of Juli and her fam of 47. A lot of jobs created here. 15 laborers right now. New home. New kitchen. New wall. The roofers are hitting it hard. And now the painters. Joseph, the construction manager, hand cut two wooden hearts and put them on the wall by the front door. “I want these kids to know we built this home with love,” he says.

The big mango tree is bearing fruit.

Haiti Update: 2/28/10

From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

This is a no-no. I’m blogging in church.  Can’t help it.

Myrland, one of our mommas and a gifted singer, has organized a choir with about 20 of the children. They’re singing at church now. I believe this sound is tickling God’s ears, and He loves it. Can you imagine?

Hopefully will have more Cayes info later – problems getting thru.

Haiti Update: 2/27/10

From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

I’m not sure what to make of this night. Really, we needed a late rainy season.  Looks like an early one.

I have no further Cayes news.  I do know several of our villages were impacted with sudden flash floods, and there’s sheer misery in Cayes. This weighs heavy on my heart, and confuses the mind.  Should we just go there?  And do what?  How do we get there?  Can we even get there?  How is Louis?  The kids? You get the point.

And at the same time, the kids greeted me hear with squeezy hugs that will melt your heart.  The real extra tight kind. Pierre got into a little fight while I was gone.  And he started it.  He came right to me, hugged me, and then confessed that he wrongly started a fight.  I explained forgiveness.  He smiled.  Great moment. And then we celebrated that his cast’s off. The kids are great.  The team here is amazing. Wow!

Yet it’s flooding in Cayes.  As I tap the keys now, it’s pouring here.  Pouring.  In my mind, I can hear the groan of a suffering people in refugee camps within sight of what were their homes. Are the kids in Cayes OK?  Lord Jesus, protect them! I’m not sure what to make of this night.  This much I know. Two tracks.  God’s in control of both.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord Most High. We’ll talk more soon.

Haiti Update: 2/27/10

From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

I just landed in Port-au-Prince and received word from Louis and Sharon St. Germain that rain and floods are pounding the south. The city of St. Louis du Sud is being evacuated.  To where?  Don’t know.  Any higher ground. Louis reports that the streets of Cayes are flooding, and the rain continues. Word from Casa Major, Cavaillon are that the kids are dry and OK. We’ll provide more information when we have it. Please pray.

Haiti Update: 2/27/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Haiti Update: 2/26/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Haiti Update: 2/26/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

And, from the same University Hospital, a new life begins. A ten year old boy, the only child in his family, named Jovani Michel, was returning home from the store with groceries for his mom when the earthquake struck. By the time he reached home, he found that his mother and father did not survive. He wandered to the grounds outside the Palace, which now lay in ruins as well, and slept outside the gates for several nights. Someone brought him to the University Hospital, where the clinicians and US Army soldiers serving there fed him and gave him a cot and sleeping bag, and called us.  We are blessed to have a new, very energetic member of our family here at the OTV. And, the rest of his life on earth begins tonight in our care.

Haiti Update: 2/25/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Haiti Update: 2/24/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Summer Camp is over.

Here at the Orphan Transition Village (OTV), we were truly blessed to be able to care for a group of children from Pastor Moise Vaval’s church. It is located in severely damaged area of Port Au Prince, and the parents of these children lost their homes when the quake hit. So, Moise offered for the children to come stay at the OTV for the month. It was just like summer camp for them – getting to make new friends, camping out under the stars in tents, crafts, games, and movie nights. The month flew by and it was time for them to reunite with family.

We started out by giving them gift bags (the Pleasant Valley Baptist team had prepared) and also boxing some food for their families. And, they got to make the ninety minute drive in a ‘Tap Tap’. A Tap Tap is an open bed truck with a rebar enclosure and wild exterior paintings used a lot in Haiti as a ‘gang taxi’. The one we rode in would usually carry forty or more people – some in the back, some hanging on the sides, even riding on the top. I rode back there with them for safety reasons (so I thought) and for entertainment (unplanned). We hit a few bumps and our heads kissed the top while our tushies served their God-designed purpose – the kids thought the old white man looked funny. When we got stuck in slow traffic, one poor woman climbed in the back thinking we were for hire. I was being overly protective and shouted “No, No, No!” I think a white dude shouting at her was a shock, she almost fell out the back.

When we turned onto the church road, the kids eyes grew. It had been a great month and most didn’t want to leave, but now all they wanted was their families. When we arrived, there was a crowd at church and lots of hugs and kisses – just like summer camp. And, each and every parent stood in line to share their gratitude for what had been done. Frankly, I felt like i was stealing the hugs, kisses and praises that you all deserve. Those should have gone to all of you who have come here and given to this cause. From the parents: “Thank you very much and God bless you!”

Here's the view from the tap tap as we arrived.

Haiti Update: 2/23/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Got to participate in a reunion of sorts today. It begins with a cool 15 year old guy named Richnel – in the quake, his left arm was crushed and left with no feeling; he also broke his sternum and right leg and cut his left leg severely, requiring skin grafts. He’s been cared for at Love a Child’s stellar campus since the quake, with no family there with him or to visit him – I can’t imagine how  he feels.

Our awesome Field Director, Moise Vaval, offered to work with Richnel to take him to the area where he thinks he lives, to reunite him with his Aunt and sister. It happens to be in a hard hit area of Port Au Prince, and yours truly gets to add some value by becoming a pack mule for Richnel – he and I both enjoyed it. A truly loving doc for Love A Child, who had asked us to help, goes along for the experience. When we finally arrive at his street – the first house on the street is leaning over so far, it looks like it belongs in a Dr. Seuss cartoon, so we decide to walk it on foot (or pack mule). Well, when we finally find his home, Richnel’s heart is pounding, his eyes are huge and he’s drenching me in his sweat. Now, comes the tough part – all of these are not disney stories – the place is locked up and the neighbors share that the Aunt and sister have left the city for a rural village, like so many others. I want to cry, cuss and spit – all at the same time – when one of the neighbors hands his cell phone to Richnel and we find out that his Uncle is still in town working and will be by later to visit him. At this slightest bit of good news, he is on cloud nine and its infectious. Everyone around gathers to see him, touch him and celebrate his news. So, we just had to stop on the way back to Love a Child and have some sweet mango juice and his favorite cookies.

Reunions come in all shapes and sizes, thank you for helping us to do what we can for the Richnel’s.

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

Kickball haiti/pleasant valley baptist style

About 200 kids and 12 adults having a blast playing kickball at the transition village.

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

Madam Paul and her growing clan of orphans

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

Alan Dietrich and crew visiting Pastor Breval’s Orphanage, Church and School in Croix de Bouquets bringing them food and water.

Pastor Breval's Orphanage and Church

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

From Trace Thurlby live from Haiti:

Alan Dietrich and Moise are now running the Orphan Transition Village.  Two Godly, gifted men, uniquely equipped for the business and ministry of caring for God’s kids. What a privilege to serve the King with them and call them “Brother.”

As I head home, I remember a conversation I had with Juli. Her 47 kids regularly lead worship at the village. All the while, their new permanent home is closer to being finished.

After hearing her kids worship for more than an hour one evening, I said, “Juli, your new house will become your home the night you all move in and sing your praises to God.”

She smiled. “Home is where people love you,” she said. “We’re excited about our new house, but because of your love, we’ve been home ever since we came here.”

This morning Moise was talking about the fact that we don’t know what tomorrow brings.  With a 4.7 aftershock last night and other daily Haiti adventures, that truth of TODAY is easier to see here.

Moise continued, “Since we don’t know about tomorrow, we need to love all the people God brings into our paths today – family, friends, co-workers, people at church, neighbors, strangers.”

HOME. TODAY. I look forward to living out in Kansas City what God is showing me here in Haiti.  Sitting in the airport I pray a prayer I learned from Mike Fox, “Dear Lord, please let me live long enough to come back to Haiti one more time.”

Thank you for making all of this happen! God is using you in a mighty way here to impact all of us – the kids, the adults, the entire GO Project family! And He has more work for us to do. We love you!

Haiti Update: 2/21/10

Ellison is on Alan’s shoulders. Stanley is on mine. It’s good to see both of these guys doing well.

Alan, Trace, Stanley & Ellison

Haiti Update: 2/21/10

From Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti:

Several things have been encouraging this morning: 50 dump trucks for clean up, better tents, more containers.  Looks like the big boys of Gov’t might be cranking it up.  That’s good to see. There’s plenty of need; plenty of work for everyone with a heart to help.

One of the most encouraging things is riding with our team from Pleasant Valley Church, bouncing around Port Au Prince in the back of a tap-tap. They got up before six a.m. to worship their Father with their Haitian brothers and sisters. We’re headed to Moise’s church. It’s raining. Not sure what that means for this morning’s outside service, but I do know that God will meet us there.  I’m grateful. Grateful for the courageous, compassionate team.

Church in Haiti @ Transition Village from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Grateful for Moise, a faithful pastor. Grateful to God! Grateful for you!

Haiti Update: 2/21/10

Singing at Transition Orphan Village from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update: 2/21/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

We found land for Pastor Calix and his 34 children! They like living at the Orphan Transition Village, and we’ve loved having them here.  We’re pleased to report that they won’t be going far.

We’re closing on a beautiful acre+ of land close enough to Eben Ezer that the children will be able to walk to our school, clinic, and church. Pastor Calix is thrilled!

With God leading and your generosity it won’t be long before we show you pictures of our new GO Project kids moving into their new home. Thank you for helping to rebuild Haiti, one home at a time! We love you! Press on!

Haiti Update: 2/20/10

From Alan Deitrich (Global Orphan Project Operations Leader), Live from Haiti:

Haiti Update: 2/20/10

Futbol at the Transition Orphan Village, Haiti from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update Movie Night : 2/20/10

Movei night at the Transition Orphan Village:

Movie night

Haiti Update: 2/20/10

From Trace Thurlby live from Haiti:

Haiti Pictorial Update: 2/19/10

Distributing "Nutritional Biscuits" from the World Food Program

Its coloring time at the Transition Village

Pleasant Valley Baptist Team arrives and dives right in

Haiti Update: 2/18/10

The rain in Haiti last night and early today has parted to sunny skies.  The kids are doing what kids do, being kids.  Take a look at a few of our kids there, Moise Jr. and Sarah Vaval, our Haitian Kite Runners.

Flying Kites at the Transition Orphan Village, Haiti from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update: 2/18/10

From Trace Thurlby live from Haiti:

Two days ago, a local ministry who ran a Christ-centered Saturday program for kids came to visit. They knew of 25 children in Delmas living in a tent community who were in great need. Aid is getting into the camp, but local power brokers, supposedly representing the people, weren’t distributing uniformly. Families/children, with little to offer these power brokers, found themselves at the end of the line.

The GO Project isn’t positioned or called to deal with corrupt men either.  God will make a way.

Through local ministry leaders, we invited these children to church this morning. Chuck preached. Seven children gave their life to Jesus, and then, each child was given a bag of food that will feed their family for five days.

There will be a day in Haiti when an elaborate plan will not be necessary to feed their children. Until then, we’ll use every good idea, resource, and relationship to care for God’s kids.  On behalf of 25 children and their families in Delmas, thank you for caring enough to find a way!

Haiti Update: 2/17/10

Spent a few bucks today on some sugar cane…O’Neill is getting the stalks ready for tonight’s movie (The Jesus Film in Creole).  I think our kids have earned it.

On a serious note, I visited an orphanage in PaP today.  They were short on food and sleeping on the street. We took them rice, beans, water, oil, three tents, and some mats.

Their orphanage was legit, but very urban. No land. No soccer balls. No kites. No singing…and very little Jesus. Laughter, smiles, and song were in short supply.  I asked them about their local pastor…they didn’t know who he was.

God is blessing His GO Project kids (which includes us), in large part because God loves His bride (the Church).  What’s going on here is not man made.  I pray we never forget that.

Haiti Update: 2/17/10

From Trace Thurlby live from Haiti:

Two months ago, Dafka (18)  lived with her Mom and sisters in Croix Des Bouquets. Her Dad worked for the Port Authority downtown. Dafka went to school and had a new boyfriend, Johnny (also 18).

Two weeks ago, Love a Child (an organization) called us and asked us to take Dafka.  Dafka’s family died in the quake. She had no place to go.  We were happy to give her a home.

Yesterday we learned that Dafka is a few months pregnant. Her boyfriend is in a clinic in the DR. His family is in tact. The question now is: will Johnny do the right thing?

This morning we learned that Johnny’s says he can’t help Dafka, because his arm is broken.  Dafka, like many young pregnant girls, is hoping her boyfriend will turn out to also be a man – a strong, gentle man.  Moise will graciously reach out to him and speak truth into his life.

If Johnny’s family embraces Dafka, the young couple will make a run of it together.  Many of us have been there. If they balk, Dafka will stay in our GO Project family.

Your love will provide the foundation from which she can begin this new chapter. Your care points her to the care of her Father God. Your prayers will strengthen her.

Today, I saw five hundred women standing in a USAid line under the piercing sun. I saw a tent community whose abject poverty defies description.

I also saw food, shelter, and love given to those in great need in the name of Jesus.  The movement of God’s hand is a beautiful thing! He’s using you to feed children, to spread hope, to reassure a scared 18-year-old girl that it’s going to be OK.

God bless you! God bless Dafka!

Haiti Update: 2/16/10

Sometimes we have to take a step back in a situation like that in Haiti, and just beat a drum.  Our own Adrien Lewis, takes this to heart as he plays with one of our new little guys at the Transition Orphan Village.

Keep practicing Adrien!

Adrien Plays Drum at Transition Village from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update: 2/16/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

By Grace Alone

This morning Moise and I met with Sheret. Sheret is a sharp, hard working, articulate young lady with a heart for Haiti’s orphaned and abandoned children. For an hour we talked about how we could partner to care for kids.

As our time ended, she looked at us and said, “I’m not here to beg, but many in Haiti are suffering. I am one.” The rest of her story was tragically common. No shelter. No income. Very little food. Could GO provide a job, a meal, some hope?

I’ve seen enough in Haiti to understand how a hard working, intelligent person reaches a point of great need. Years ago, I was skeptical; no longer.

But what I still don’t understand is this…why am I the one in a position to help feed people, instead of the one in a position of need? Why have I been given so much?

For any who may think the answer is that we are inherently smarter or harder working than others, I’d invite you to Haiti to meet Sheret, Milan, O’Neil and many others. We are positioned to help by God’s grace alone.

A book “Crazy Love” presents this thought: Often people ask God why there is so much hunger and suffering in the world. Maybe God should be asking us the same question?

I fought back tears as we filled a bag of food, water, and basic shelter for lovely Sheret…a bag born from your generosity. Today, you once again helped thousands of GO Project children, but you also helped one (Sheret) who is helping so many. Thank you. We love you! Press on!

Haiti Update: 2/15/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

What’s in a smile?

Magana is a beautiful, 16-year old girl. If you look closely at this picture, you can see the top of a steel rod in her left leg. What you can’t see is that her right leg, crushed in the quake, is amputated below the knee.

She was initially treated on the U.S.S. Comfort; is now being cared for by Gillian, a Canadian physician at Love a Child (pictured to her right); and is close to being reunited with her family due to the help of a caring Haitian Pastor and our GO Project Field Director, Moise Vaval (pictured on her left). Moise is bringing hope and healing to Haiti in the name of Jesus. What a joy to watch him reach out to the hurting.

As we left, Magana today, we said, “Magana, Bonjay Benihou!” (God bless you!)

“AH-MEN!” she sang and flashed her priceless smile.

Every time I’m in Haiti, I’m in awe of the bigness of our God….by the purity of His love…by the resilience of our Haitian family, like Magana. Thank you for loving her! Thank you for helping her! Bonjay Benihou!

Haiti Update: 2/15/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

Many of you prayed and fasted with our Haitian brothers and sisters over the weekend.  Last night Moise shared with me that he saw a real 2 Chron 7:14 moment for the country.

“If there is something good that came from this catastrophe, it is that God is taking over Haiti spiritually.  I’ve been praying about this for years. At our church alone, 70 people gave their life to Jesus Christ over the last three days.” – Pastor Moise Vaval

New life was also witnessed over the weekend, as our little 13-year-old sister Renise went in for an ultrasound.  She’s seven and a half months pregnant.  Her daughter is due on April 17th.  We’re working with local medical professionals to make sure Renise and her daughter get the care they need and deserve.  Many of you have asked me, “What are the plans for Renise’s child?”  All I am going to say for now is, “We see God moving in a powerful way to write a beautiful story.”  More details to follow.

God is using you to make this new (spiritual and physical) life possible!  And, He is faithful to complete what He starts. As they say in Haiti, Benny Swa Le Te Nel! Praise the Lord!

Haiti Update: 2/14/10

From Adrien Lewis, live from Haiti:

This is James on the right:

If you’ve followed this blog, you’ve heard about James from time to time. James doesn’t know how old he is. He looks like he’s 4. A dentist looked at his choppers and said he’s probably 7. He acts like he’s 17.

After getting his head smashed by a block and undergoing surgery, James had a gash running from just next to his right eye alll the way up into his head. Shortly after the quake and his surgery, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative delivered to us a groggy, bandagd Li’l James. We had sparingly little biographical info on James, though we did have a few leads.

James has miraculously healed, and become the Mayor of the Transition Village. He’s a great character. Funny. Joyful. Mischievous. Bright. Sweet. He has stolen the heart of every person who’s come to visit, and the entire staff at the OTV. To be honest, we’ve become emotionally attached to this little guy.

From the beginning, however, our first priority for the children entrusted to us has been to safely return them to family, if safe and at all possible. Even when re-unification is hard on us.

Our initial efforts at tracking James’ folks – if alive – proved fruitless. Last Friday, we decided to ramp up our efforts under the direction of Moise and I. This morning, a group of 10 people from the OTV took little James and hit the streets in the area where James was found.

On the way our driver called a friend, who met us on a street in the area. Then another joined us who knew the area. We drove deep into neighborhood where we believed James lived. At the top of a one-way we got out and started asking around. James was holding on to me with anticipation because he now remembers this is close to his home. A 10 yr old girl sees James, listens to us, and says that she knows someone who may know something about James’ family. We wind around and find a cousin. He points us further into the neighborhood. Moise follows a lead and disappears. Then he pops back to the rest of us with 3 ladies and a HUGE smile on his face. Who are the 3? James’ aunt, grandma, and mother! Can you believe it?! James beamed. The smile on his face was priceless. By the grace of God, a family was re-united one full month after the quake! By then, a crowd had gathered staring at the scene in utter disbelief. Moise prayed over the crowd to give thanksgiving. It felt so so good!

Today is day 3 of 3 of prayer and fasting. I don’t know all of the prayers the Lord has answered. We do know He’s answered many and many more answered prayers will come. And we credit Him with this victory for little James and his family.

We lost a precious little part of our village today. And the Kingdom gained a great big W.

Look, there’s a lot of tough stuff going on here in Haiti. But there are victories. They are daily. They are huge. And they inspire!

Count this as a Big One.  Thanks for not quitting on James and his family. Au revoir, James. May God richly bless your life, little man.

Haiti Update: 2/14/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

Today, we met Rose who was born in Port Au Prince, but left at the age of six and grew up American.  She’s now left her life in Naples, FL to come back and help rebuild her native country.  Our flight attendant, Liz, asked us to take our GO kids some toys she had in her suitcase. (Liz, the nerf football will be a big hit!)  And, we met Jo, a 73-year old Grandmother who, out of her desire to help, has given to eight different relief agencies since the earthquake. She was fascinated by our partnership with the local church in Haiti. Jo’s parting statement: “I’m proud of you.”

Proverbs 24:11 sounds a lot like Grandma Jo. “If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. Rescue those being taken off to death…”

That is the heart of God, shared by Rose, Liz, Jo, you, and more each day. Thank you for “doing something” during this difficult time. Something important. Something for children. Something for the Kingdom.  Something that God is blessing in a big way. We love you! Press on!

ONE MONTH AFTER: Where are we GO-ing? Haiti Update: 2/12/10

Haitians Replace Carnival with Prayer: Haiti Update: 2/11/10

Join us in celebrating 3 days of prayer and fasting for Haiti.

As many may have heard, President Preval has cancelled a Haitian tradition held for decades, called Carnival (a Mardi Gras type celebration).

In place of this huge party an organized 3 day prayer and fasting event is set to start this Friday, February 12th, through Sunday the 14th, from 6AM to Noon each day.

What we are doing:

• All children in Haiti under our care will fast and pray from 6am to 12 noon for their country
• Adrien Lewis will lead our staff on the ground in prayer and fasting along with the children
• No trucks will be unloaded during the prayer and fasting hours
• Our GO Project team in the US will be praying and fasting as well

What can you do:

• Organize your own prayer and fasting event
• Get your church, school or business to hold a prayer and/or fasting event
• Simply pray and fast along with us

We consider it a privilege to be working along side each of you to care for His kids!  Our prayer is God will continue to heal Haiti for His glory.

Haiti Pictorial Update: 2/11/10

Our friend Jeff Julian, took some great pictures at the Transition Orphan Village.  It is so great to see so many smiles.