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.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Haiti Update: 2/27/10
From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:
Proverbs 13:20 ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise…’
I’ve been richly blessed to know some spiritual giants in life – people who model what it is like to be a Christ follower by word and action regardless of circumstance. They are attractive by their character, and their life mission – to reach the lost, to disciple others, to help the needy – is as steady and constant as their breathing. One of these is our GO Haiti Field Director, Moise Vaval. He is a model ’servant leader’, and every single life matters much more to him than his own. Today, he will lead the funeral of his precious son, Jean Marc, at 2 pm edt. He shared wise words as we walked together on Friday: ‘Always serve at the feet of our Lord Jesus and love Him more each day’ – his life is a perfect example of this.
Proverbs 13:20 ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise…’
I’ve been richly blessed to know some spiritual giants in life – people who model what it is like to be a Christ follower by word and action regardless of circumstance. They are attractive by their character, and their life mission – to reach the lost, to disciple others, to help the needy – is as steady and constant as their breathing. One of these is our GO Haiti Field Director, Moise Vaval. He is a model ’servant leader’, and every single life matters much more to him than his own. Today, he will lead the funeral of his precious son, Jean Marc, at 2 pm edt. He shared wise words as we walked together on Friday: ‘Always serve at the feet of our Lord Jesus and love Him more each day’ – his life is a perfect example of this.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Haiti Update: 2/26/10
From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:
Was filmed at University Hospital and Moise Vaval’s church by the 60 minutes TV crew this past week. Their producer and team are intelligent, talented and passionate about orphans (I’m sucking up). Actually, they really are, so my shots will end up on the cutting room floor (unless they go with the ‘beefcake/chippendales missionary’ angle I proposed – lol). Their story focuses on two core trajectories for orphaned and abandoned youth in Haiti: one of lost, desperate, violent youth and the other of hope in reunion and restoration in an orphan village. Neither of these have been well told before, both are actual realities in Haiti and the outcomes from each could not be farther apart. Could be a painting of the true impact of James 1:27 – we’ll keep you posted!
Was filmed at University Hospital and Moise Vaval’s church by the 60 minutes TV crew this past week. Their producer and team are intelligent, talented and passionate about orphans (I’m sucking up). Actually, they really are, so my shots will end up on the cutting room floor (unless they go with the ‘beefcake/chippendales missionary’ angle I proposed – lol). Their story focuses on two core trajectories for orphaned and abandoned youth in Haiti: one of lost, desperate, violent youth and the other of hope in reunion and restoration in an orphan village. Neither of these have been well told before, both are actual realities in Haiti and the outcomes from each could not be farther apart. Could be a painting of the true impact of James 1:27 – we’ll keep you posted!
Haiti Update: 2/26/10
From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:
A new family member at the Orphan Transition Village and in Heaven
Two precious lives forever changed by the earthquake in Haiti. The first is Jean Marc Vaval, the son of our dear Pastor Moise Vaval, GO Haiti Field Director. You’ve read that he had not been found since the quake. The excavation of his school where he had last been seen has been occurring, and we visited there yesterday. The massive structure was completely leveled, and the grounds covered in school papers. Jean Marc’s body was found and eventually taken to University Hospital. Though his body is there, we know that he is in heaven with our Lord and Savior. His parents are true faith heroes – serving orphans and their community tirelessly each and every day and night, including during this time of uncertainty, with grace and determination. Please lift up a prayer for their family.
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.
A new family member at the Orphan Transition Village and in Heaven
Two precious lives forever changed by the earthquake in Haiti. The first is Jean Marc Vaval, the son of our dear Pastor Moise Vaval, GO Haiti Field Director. You’ve read that he had not been found since the quake. The excavation of his school where he had last been seen has been occurring, and we visited there yesterday. The massive structure was completely leveled, and the grounds covered in school papers. Jean Marc’s body was found and eventually taken to University Hospital. Though his body is there, we know that he is in heaven with our Lord and Savior. His parents are true faith heroes – serving orphans and their community tirelessly each and every day and night, including during this time of uncertainty, with grace and determination. Please lift up a prayer for their family.
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.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday Feb. 22, 2010
We promised some of you we would update you on Carrie Davidson's travels to the Transition Village. Her trip was post poned for 1 week. She'll now be leaving Feb. 28th. Carrie along with 2 other nurses will be helping to medically document the 500 new children. We'll keep you posted starting next Monday.
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!
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!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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!
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.
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.
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.
Monday, February 15, 2010
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Haiti Update: 2/12/10
ONE MONTH AFTER: Where are we GO-ing?
One month ago today, Haiti’s largest earth quake in 200 years rocked the country. With your support, we were on the ground in 48 hours. By God’s grace, all our Global Orphan Project children were okay. Within 72 hours our first food shipment secured a reliable pipeline for all 2,000 GO kids in Haiti…and for thousands more hurting, hungry, and in need of care.
We then focused on newly-orphaned and abandoned children. By day four, our Orphan Transition Village was operational; a safe place for desperate children fending for themselves. More than 500 new children have come into our GO Project family; some from orphanages destroyed by the earthquake. Others, like James (7), Pierre (10), Renise (13), Moliva and Rogelin (15), lost their parents one month ago.
These children pierce our hearts. We celebrated when Johnny and Franze reunited with family. We hurt when Pierre grieves the loss of his Mom. We see hope in their soccer games. We hear it in their songs. We feel it in their hugs. You are there with us. Your generosity to our Haiti relief fund feeds these children and gives them shelter. Your prayers protect them, and for many on our weekly teams, your presence blesses (may we even say ”spoils”) them?
We love that. We love you.
So, where do we GO from here? We will build new homes for these children. In partnership with the local church, we will bring them into our GO Project family. In the next few weeks, we will share with you specifics as to what homes will be built, where, and when. Many of you have already indicated that you are “in.” You will give these children a future grounded in the love of Jesus, and we trust God to bring more partners to this movement of care!
We are grateful for you. Press on!
One month ago today, Haiti’s largest earth quake in 200 years rocked the country. With your support, we were on the ground in 48 hours. By God’s grace, all our Global Orphan Project children were okay. Within 72 hours our first food shipment secured a reliable pipeline for all 2,000 GO kids in Haiti…and for thousands more hurting, hungry, and in need of care.
We then focused on newly-orphaned and abandoned children. By day four, our Orphan Transition Village was operational; a safe place for desperate children fending for themselves. More than 500 new children have come into our GO Project family; some from orphanages destroyed by the earthquake. Others, like James (7), Pierre (10), Renise (13), Moliva and Rogelin (15), lost their parents one month ago.
These children pierce our hearts. We celebrated when Johnny and Franze reunited with family. We hurt when Pierre grieves the loss of his Mom. We see hope in their soccer games. We hear it in their songs. We feel it in their hugs. You are there with us. Your generosity to our Haiti relief fund feeds these children and gives them shelter. Your prayers protect them, and for many on our weekly teams, your presence blesses (may we even say ”spoils”) them?
We love that. We love you.
So, where do we GO from here? We will build new homes for these children. In partnership with the local church, we will bring them into our GO Project family. In the next few weeks, we will share with you specifics as to what homes will be built, where, and when. Many of you have already indicated that you are “in.” You will give these children a future grounded in the love of Jesus, and we trust God to bring more partners to this movement of care!
We are grateful for you. Press on!
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Haiti Relief Update (2/10/2010)
From Mike Fox live from Haiti:
Our friends from World Vision showed up today with about 200 toys (big cars, balls, and dolls). Out of the blue, they pull up in an old, ratty truck full of toys. Just like Santa.
The kids lined up. Renise, our 13-year-old who came to us five months pregnant, got to go first. She picked up the biggest doll and went and hid it. She named her doll Jennifer.
Renise is just a child. It breaks my heart knowing she doesn’t fully understand all that is going on. A young girl comes to us via a UNICEF phone call, incredibly alone. Now she is smothered in love by a bunch of strangers. Transformed. Remarkably alive. Her little belly growing each day. God created her for this moment. This moment to break my heart even deeper for the little girls like sweet Renise who have to put their entire future in the lives of strangers. I don’t pretend to know how this will play out, but God does. We have to trust Him.
Our friends from World Vision showed up today with about 200 toys (big cars, balls, and dolls). Out of the blue, they pull up in an old, ratty truck full of toys. Just like Santa.
The kids lined up. Renise, our 13-year-old who came to us five months pregnant, got to go first. She picked up the biggest doll and went and hid it. She named her doll Jennifer.
Renise is just a child. It breaks my heart knowing she doesn’t fully understand all that is going on. A young girl comes to us via a UNICEF phone call, incredibly alone. Now she is smothered in love by a bunch of strangers. Transformed. Remarkably alive. Her little belly growing each day. God created her for this moment. This moment to break my heart even deeper for the little girls like sweet Renise who have to put their entire future in the lives of strangers. I don’t pretend to know how this will play out, but God does. We have to trust Him.
Haiti Relief Update (2/10/2010):
From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:
A 60 Minutes crew has been with us for about 10 days. And they’ve been great to deal with, and have taken a shine to the work. They love the kids. And they look to help advance the chains outside of “the story.” They did exactly that yesterday.
Remember the call about the 100 children in La Gonave? Well, we never got another call to know whether or not they would be carried here. The 60 Minutes crew hopped on a boat yesterday morning and went to La Gonave. They asked a bunch of questions. And, sure enough, they found the location. There’s an orphanage there with 100 children. Their home is in tact. They’ve just been struggling to find any food. Yesterday, when the crew arrived, the kids were eating the last of their rice. Tomorrow? Unknown.
This morning, Adrien and Moise packed a month + of food, along with tents, meds, and bedding for the La Gonave children. The 60 Mins crew is taking them to the home. They should be arriving right about now. I can only imagine the scene.
Back here at the OTV, a container Ed Barber packed arrived. This was a fun one to get! Lumber, generators, tools, tents, tarps, meds, powdered milk, diapers, baby formula, clothes. Christmas in February! As I write, I can hear Tate and his crew going to town building shelves.
This afternoon will include at least 2 more new site visits – orphanages with kids in trouble.
And we’re working with El Shaddai on launching a major front in Leogane (the center of the quake, and a city that was about 85% destroyed). It will be a new village plant under the big top – a giant 200′ X 60′ tent, to include a school for 750 kids.
Speaking of schools… Expanding existing schools and building new ones in connection with our villages will be a major focus of our near and long term relief efforts. In Haiti (like most countries of extreme poverty), there are true orphans (lost their parents) and economic orphans (abandoned because parents’ poverty starves them). Pre-quake, the margin between the two was slim. Now the margin is non-existant. In the coming months, there will be scores of thousands of children abandoned by relatives from the unbearable weight of poverty.
Instead of just expanding residential orphan care, we need to reach economic orphans and their families and mitigate the coming tide of abandoned children. A key platform for our effort will be expanding existing and building new schools within our children’s villages. Those schools will include a 1 meal per day feeding program, which will run year round.
In a village with 100 orphans in residential care, we can reach another 400 more kids on the brink of becoming orphans. In listening closely to Haitians who know the grassroots problems, and learning over the years, we’re convinced this is a key intervention for the children of Haiti.
Expect to see very soon opportunities to take part in a GO Schools program as part of our ongoing relief and redevelopment effort.
OK, let’s get out of the high minded stuff for a minute. Pierre’s here sitting next to me. He’s real happy – almost giddy – today. He scored a flashlight and coloring book. He can’t stop giggling. And he has the greatest laugh. Pierre says to tell you all: “Bonjou! Mwen remen ou.”
So there you go. 100 kids at La Gonave have a special and necessary surprise coming; Leogane’s on deck; schools are coming; Pierre’s giggling.
Joe
A 60 Minutes crew has been with us for about 10 days. And they’ve been great to deal with, and have taken a shine to the work. They love the kids. And they look to help advance the chains outside of “the story.” They did exactly that yesterday.
Remember the call about the 100 children in La Gonave? Well, we never got another call to know whether or not they would be carried here. The 60 Minutes crew hopped on a boat yesterday morning and went to La Gonave. They asked a bunch of questions. And, sure enough, they found the location. There’s an orphanage there with 100 children. Their home is in tact. They’ve just been struggling to find any food. Yesterday, when the crew arrived, the kids were eating the last of their rice. Tomorrow? Unknown.
This morning, Adrien and Moise packed a month + of food, along with tents, meds, and bedding for the La Gonave children. The 60 Mins crew is taking them to the home. They should be arriving right about now. I can only imagine the scene.
Back here at the OTV, a container Ed Barber packed arrived. This was a fun one to get! Lumber, generators, tools, tents, tarps, meds, powdered milk, diapers, baby formula, clothes. Christmas in February! As I write, I can hear Tate and his crew going to town building shelves.
This afternoon will include at least 2 more new site visits – orphanages with kids in trouble.
And we’re working with El Shaddai on launching a major front in Leogane (the center of the quake, and a city that was about 85% destroyed). It will be a new village plant under the big top – a giant 200′ X 60′ tent, to include a school for 750 kids.
Speaking of schools… Expanding existing schools and building new ones in connection with our villages will be a major focus of our near and long term relief efforts. In Haiti (like most countries of extreme poverty), there are true orphans (lost their parents) and economic orphans (abandoned because parents’ poverty starves them). Pre-quake, the margin between the two was slim. Now the margin is non-existant. In the coming months, there will be scores of thousands of children abandoned by relatives from the unbearable weight of poverty.
Instead of just expanding residential orphan care, we need to reach economic orphans and their families and mitigate the coming tide of abandoned children. A key platform for our effort will be expanding existing and building new schools within our children’s villages. Those schools will include a 1 meal per day feeding program, which will run year round.
In a village with 100 orphans in residential care, we can reach another 400 more kids on the brink of becoming orphans. In listening closely to Haitians who know the grassroots problems, and learning over the years, we’re convinced this is a key intervention for the children of Haiti.
Expect to see very soon opportunities to take part in a GO Schools program as part of our ongoing relief and redevelopment effort.
OK, let’s get out of the high minded stuff for a minute. Pierre’s here sitting next to me. He’s real happy – almost giddy – today. He scored a flashlight and coloring book. He can’t stop giggling. And he has the greatest laugh. Pierre says to tell you all: “Bonjou! Mwen remen ou.”
So there you go. 100 kids at La Gonave have a special and necessary surprise coming; Leogane’s on deck; schools are coming; Pierre’s giggling.
Joe
Haiti Relief Update (2/9/2010):
From Mike Fox, Founder, live from Haiti:
I am no expert in international rescue and relief. Nor do I pretend to possess but a minimal understanding of the Haitian culture. Additionally, I have not seen a television report about Haiti since my January 16 arrival to Croix de Bouquets. However, I know what I have seen. After personally experiencing 3 1/2 weeks in Croix de Bouquets directly following the earthquake, I have had many opportunities to observe different people and how they reacted to this disaster.
First, regardless of what the media may try to portray, the Haitian people are already rebuilding. They are rebuilding their homes. They are rebuilding their churches and businesses. But more importantly they are already rebuilding their lives. Kender, our 25 year old Haitian operations manager at the Go Project transition village shared this with me two days ago “the Haitian people must move forward. My generation will forever remember the earthquake. We will tell our children but they did not experience it. Then the next generation will know nothing about it. It will pass. We need to move forward.”
Secondly, the international relief effort is a testimony to mankind. Literally tens of thousands of people from around the world had to fight hard just to get here. It was not an easy task. Both the seaport and airport were restricted. But they got here nonetheless. Each and everyone of them mattered. Sure, a lot of redundancy and chaos surfaced but it always has in times of international crisis and it always will. This type of relief always takes too many meetings and far too many assessments. But in the end, goodness prevails. People really care or they wouldn’t be here.
Finally, the staff and volunteers of the Global Orphan Project are undeniably the “best in class”. When it really mattered, you came through. When the ditch was deep you waded though it. When fatique wanted to take you down you fought through it. Whatever it took you did it. Day and night. Tirelessly. Every single one of you matter. Those that have left family and jobs and traveled to the transition village are no more important than any one of us that gave a set of bedsheets, a box of diapers or ten bucks. We all need to do our part. You did.
The dust is settling over Haiti and recovery has began. Thanks to each of you for making this possible.
I am no expert in international rescue and relief. Nor do I pretend to possess but a minimal understanding of the Haitian culture. Additionally, I have not seen a television report about Haiti since my January 16 arrival to Croix de Bouquets. However, I know what I have seen. After personally experiencing 3 1/2 weeks in Croix de Bouquets directly following the earthquake, I have had many opportunities to observe different people and how they reacted to this disaster.
First, regardless of what the media may try to portray, the Haitian people are already rebuilding. They are rebuilding their homes. They are rebuilding their churches and businesses. But more importantly they are already rebuilding their lives. Kender, our 25 year old Haitian operations manager at the Go Project transition village shared this with me two days ago “the Haitian people must move forward. My generation will forever remember the earthquake. We will tell our children but they did not experience it. Then the next generation will know nothing about it. It will pass. We need to move forward.”
Secondly, the international relief effort is a testimony to mankind. Literally tens of thousands of people from around the world had to fight hard just to get here. It was not an easy task. Both the seaport and airport were restricted. But they got here nonetheless. Each and everyone of them mattered. Sure, a lot of redundancy and chaos surfaced but it always has in times of international crisis and it always will. This type of relief always takes too many meetings and far too many assessments. But in the end, goodness prevails. People really care or they wouldn’t be here.
Finally, the staff and volunteers of the Global Orphan Project are undeniably the “best in class”. When it really mattered, you came through. When the ditch was deep you waded though it. When fatique wanted to take you down you fought through it. Whatever it took you did it. Day and night. Tirelessly. Every single one of you matter. Those that have left family and jobs and traveled to the transition village are no more important than any one of us that gave a set of bedsheets, a box of diapers or ten bucks. We all need to do our part. You did.
The dust is settling over Haiti and recovery has began. Thanks to each of you for making this possible.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Haiti Relief Update (2/8/2010):
From Joe Knittig, live from Haiti:
It’s been a busy couple of days here.
We’ve started caring for 87 children at a damaged orphanage. It was a mess. After 24 hours with food and water we brought yesterday, Madame Paul’s children looked much better. We brought them some tents and bedding. Madame Paul, a powerhouse 70 year old Haitian woman, broke down in tears. She asked us to pray that God will keep giving her strength. So I pass that request to you.
Last night, we returned 25 children to their home community, Portail Leogane. Moise’s church helped them home. We provided tents and food. Wow!
Sounds great, right?
Yes and no.
Yes, because these children should be with family who loves them. No, because many of these parents are in such bad shape that they can barely handle themselves. Many of these children are leaving a solid and safe environment and going to squalor. But, they will be with family. That’s how the Lord intended last night. We will continue to monitor and help.
I’d love to tell you that every re-unification has a fairy tale ending. Many do! And we praise God. The truth is, some are heartbreaking. Still, we praise God.
As I’ve been saying, life here’s running on 2 tracks.
As 25 went home with confused emotions, the rest geared-up to watch Shrek. Movie night #2 was another smash.
Joseph, a pastor who’s been helping us, heard about movie night. He asked to come with his kids. Of course we invited him. At 6:30, Joseph showed with a TRUCKLOAD of kids – orphans he and his wife care for. They filed in, all in a row, enchanted at the glow on the wall and what it would become. Just kids. Great stuff.
Today started slow. Our OTV leaders under Moise – Kender, Carmelle, Gladys, and Jeanette – readied for another day. I spent the morning in what’s become a daily ritual: meeting with people at the gate who run orphanages in trouble, and deciding who’s told “no” and who warrants a visit.
This afternoon, the help loop ran. We went to 4 children’s homes out of food to re-load them. This has become routine such that we almost forget the privilege of this service.
One home reminded us…
We stepped in to a sweet little home. Husband. Wife. 9 orphans. 1 family. They had a beautiful home. No food. We stocked ‘em with food and water, and just hung out for about 10 minutes. There was such peace there. It melted away our tensions. Exhale. Whewwww. Selah.
Then the email popped. Here’s the report: 100 orphaned children in La Gonave (island off PaP) are starving to death. The Army wants to helicopter them out as early as tomorrow, but they’ve nowhere to take them. Will we take them?
Answer: YES.
We immediately started scrambling. Some prepped shelter and bedding for 100. Moise got to work with Gladys planning for more mommas and cooks. Mike and I met with our friends at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, with whom we’ve been partnering here. They’re ready to send a medical team to help with intake.
Adrien’s ready to get on a boat @ 6 am to La Gonave to help.
Our blood’s pumping. This is why we’re here.
And another call… Now the situation’s unclear. Choppers may land to offload 100 broken children tomorrow. Then again, maybe not.
Crazy.
Now it’s 10:30. We’re just pulling into the OTV. Just got done rushing one of our girls to HHI – she had a seizure.
Amidst all of this, our first group trip ended today. My Lord, did they do a great work lifting these kids!
I’m headed out of the car and up to bed.
Thanks for making this possible.
Goodnight.
It’s been a busy couple of days here.
We’ve started caring for 87 children at a damaged orphanage. It was a mess. After 24 hours with food and water we brought yesterday, Madame Paul’s children looked much better. We brought them some tents and bedding. Madame Paul, a powerhouse 70 year old Haitian woman, broke down in tears. She asked us to pray that God will keep giving her strength. So I pass that request to you.
Last night, we returned 25 children to their home community, Portail Leogane. Moise’s church helped them home. We provided tents and food. Wow!
Sounds great, right?
Yes and no.
Yes, because these children should be with family who loves them. No, because many of these parents are in such bad shape that they can barely handle themselves. Many of these children are leaving a solid and safe environment and going to squalor. But, they will be with family. That’s how the Lord intended last night. We will continue to monitor and help.
I’d love to tell you that every re-unification has a fairy tale ending. Many do! And we praise God. The truth is, some are heartbreaking. Still, we praise God.
As I’ve been saying, life here’s running on 2 tracks.
As 25 went home with confused emotions, the rest geared-up to watch Shrek. Movie night #2 was another smash.
Joseph, a pastor who’s been helping us, heard about movie night. He asked to come with his kids. Of course we invited him. At 6:30, Joseph showed with a TRUCKLOAD of kids – orphans he and his wife care for. They filed in, all in a row, enchanted at the glow on the wall and what it would become. Just kids. Great stuff.
Today started slow. Our OTV leaders under Moise – Kender, Carmelle, Gladys, and Jeanette – readied for another day. I spent the morning in what’s become a daily ritual: meeting with people at the gate who run orphanages in trouble, and deciding who’s told “no” and who warrants a visit.
This afternoon, the help loop ran. We went to 4 children’s homes out of food to re-load them. This has become routine such that we almost forget the privilege of this service.
One home reminded us…
We stepped in to a sweet little home. Husband. Wife. 9 orphans. 1 family. They had a beautiful home. No food. We stocked ‘em with food and water, and just hung out for about 10 minutes. There was such peace there. It melted away our tensions. Exhale. Whewwww. Selah.
Then the email popped. Here’s the report: 100 orphaned children in La Gonave (island off PaP) are starving to death. The Army wants to helicopter them out as early as tomorrow, but they’ve nowhere to take them. Will we take them?
Answer: YES.
We immediately started scrambling. Some prepped shelter and bedding for 100. Moise got to work with Gladys planning for more mommas and cooks. Mike and I met with our friends at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, with whom we’ve been partnering here. They’re ready to send a medical team to help with intake.
Adrien’s ready to get on a boat @ 6 am to La Gonave to help.
Our blood’s pumping. This is why we’re here.
And another call… Now the situation’s unclear. Choppers may land to offload 100 broken children tomorrow. Then again, maybe not.
Crazy.
Now it’s 10:30. We’re just pulling into the OTV. Just got done rushing one of our girls to HHI – she had a seizure.
Amidst all of this, our first group trip ended today. My Lord, did they do a great work lifting these kids!
I’m headed out of the car and up to bed.
Thanks for making this possible.
Goodnight.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Haiti Relief Update (2/7/2010):
From Joe Knittig, live from Haiti:
We got to the home with 87 children today. It’s a bad, but not hopeless situation. The children have a strong, Godly woman leading them. Madame Paul is about 70, and her strength in Christ and raw physical strength makes her one impressive force.
She does need help. We brought her an ample supply of food. We’ll bring tents and the children clothes when our next container arrives. Her place is physically secure, so cleaning up the conditions and helping where they are is the best option.
Here’s what’s unbelievable about her situation. Madame Paul said Unicef visited twice, as well as other aid organizations, to “assess.” And they left the children as they found them! It’s outrageous.
Tonight was real tough. Pierre has had a terrible night. He kept screaming in pain. His stomach. Now his leg (he has a broken femur). Now his other leg. With the help of some terrific Haitian nurses, Pierre calmed for awhile.
Then the real problem surfaced… For 30 minutes straight, Pierre beat his mattress and screamed for his mommy.
What do you do?
The love of Christ is a constant, deep, persevering love. That’s what Pierre needs. From us. And, by the grace of God, that’s what we’ll give.
We got to the home with 87 children today. It’s a bad, but not hopeless situation. The children have a strong, Godly woman leading them. Madame Paul is about 70, and her strength in Christ and raw physical strength makes her one impressive force.
She does need help. We brought her an ample supply of food. We’ll bring tents and the children clothes when our next container arrives. Her place is physically secure, so cleaning up the conditions and helping where they are is the best option.
Here’s what’s unbelievable about her situation. Madame Paul said Unicef visited twice, as well as other aid organizations, to “assess.” And they left the children as they found them! It’s outrageous.
Tonight was real tough. Pierre has had a terrible night. He kept screaming in pain. His stomach. Now his leg (he has a broken femur). Now his other leg. With the help of some terrific Haitian nurses, Pierre calmed for awhile.
Then the real problem surfaced… For 30 minutes straight, Pierre beat his mattress and screamed for his mommy.
What do you do?
The love of Christ is a constant, deep, persevering love. That’s what Pierre needs. From us. And, by the grace of God, that’s what we’ll give.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Haiti Relief Update (2/5/2010):
From Joe Knittig, live from Haiti:
REDEMPTION
That’s our Lord Jesus. That’s what we see here. Yes, that’s the word.
We’re in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere; in uncharted waters; amidst mind boggling oppression. And the human Spirit breathed by Christ Jesus before time began triumphs here in “throw away” children.
A 13 year old orphan child slave, gang raped and pregnant: she smiles and will look you in your eyes if you’re patient.
A 10 year old with a shattered femur who watched his family perish: he beams when you sign his cast.
A 15 year old boy who lost his parents 3 weeks ago: he joyfully carries Beth Fox’s birthday cake to her tonight.
Sister Marie from The Little Sisters of St. Theresa has lost everything, can’t feed 100 kids, and comes humbly for help: the Body transcends denominational bunk to make sure children facing death eat.
47 children prayed under a mango tree when their home collapsed: that prayer saved their lives, and tonight they sleep in safety.
The most dynamic stories of Redemption occur when oppression exerts extreme, acute pressure. Explosions of divine triumph echo through the valley of the shadow of death, and shout new life into existence.
We see much hope for Haiti. We see much hope for the world. And this hope has the name Jesus.
I want to tell you what a privilege it is to walk this walk with all of you right now. I’m tired of the name Jesus suffering from perversion and empty talk. Our God is One of unconditional love and grace. He is generous. He is Love – of the most radical, selfless, infectious kind.
REDEMPTION.
That’s the word.
We’re seeing it. And you’re bringing it.
It’s a privilege to serve with all of you in the GO Family.
REDEMPTION
That’s our Lord Jesus. That’s what we see here. Yes, that’s the word.
We’re in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere; in uncharted waters; amidst mind boggling oppression. And the human Spirit breathed by Christ Jesus before time began triumphs here in “throw away” children.
A 13 year old orphan child slave, gang raped and pregnant: she smiles and will look you in your eyes if you’re patient.
A 10 year old with a shattered femur who watched his family perish: he beams when you sign his cast.
A 15 year old boy who lost his parents 3 weeks ago: he joyfully carries Beth Fox’s birthday cake to her tonight.
Sister Marie from The Little Sisters of St. Theresa has lost everything, can’t feed 100 kids, and comes humbly for help: the Body transcends denominational bunk to make sure children facing death eat.
47 children prayed under a mango tree when their home collapsed: that prayer saved their lives, and tonight they sleep in safety.
The most dynamic stories of Redemption occur when oppression exerts extreme, acute pressure. Explosions of divine triumph echo through the valley of the shadow of death, and shout new life into existence.
We see much hope for Haiti. We see much hope for the world. And this hope has the name Jesus.
I want to tell you what a privilege it is to walk this walk with all of you right now. I’m tired of the name Jesus suffering from perversion and empty talk. Our God is One of unconditional love and grace. He is generous. He is Love – of the most radical, selfless, infectious kind.
REDEMPTION.
That’s the word.
We’re seeing it. And you’re bringing it.
It’s a privilege to serve with all of you in the GO Family.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Haiti Overview (11:00 AM cst 2/4/10)
From Trace Thurlby, live from Washinton, DC:
God is using Jimmy Dodd and Bob Hogdon to allow us to tell His Haiti stories in DC today. Anyone who doesn’t struggle with the contrast between a Haitian orphanage and a Senator’s office either isn’t paying attention or isn’t emotionally invested. Yet, we are grateful for the heart to help we see in the highest levels of government, and we will willingly go wherever God leads to care for His children. Championing His kids is our privilege and our calling!
In Haiti, most of us don’t speak enough Creole to order dinner. We need our local church partners in every aspect of work. They enable us to go, do, and love in ways we never could on our own. Here, in the US, God has given us relationships, opportunities, and resources that our Haitian brothers and sisters don’t have.
This is no accident. Our mission to care for God’s kids around the world requires partnership. Partnership leads to friendship. Friendship to love, and love to the heart of God…the heart of God back to caring for His kids. It’s a wonderful, messy, familial web.
From a Senator in DC to a housewife in KC; from a Nebraska nurse to a Nashville businessman; from a Wall Street Trader to a Port Au Prince pastor, we are in this together…caring for God’s kids.
But, be careful! In the process God may just pierce your heart and “ruin you for the average.” We love it when that happens! We love you! Press on!
God is using Jimmy Dodd and Bob Hogdon to allow us to tell His Haiti stories in DC today. Anyone who doesn’t struggle with the contrast between a Haitian orphanage and a Senator’s office either isn’t paying attention or isn’t emotionally invested. Yet, we are grateful for the heart to help we see in the highest levels of government, and we will willingly go wherever God leads to care for His children. Championing His kids is our privilege and our calling!
In Haiti, most of us don’t speak enough Creole to order dinner. We need our local church partners in every aspect of work. They enable us to go, do, and love in ways we never could on our own. Here, in the US, God has given us relationships, opportunities, and resources that our Haitian brothers and sisters don’t have.
This is no accident. Our mission to care for God’s kids around the world requires partnership. Partnership leads to friendship. Friendship to love, and love to the heart of God…the heart of God back to caring for His kids. It’s a wonderful, messy, familial web.
From a Senator in DC to a housewife in KC; from a Nebraska nurse to a Nashville businessman; from a Wall Street Trader to a Port Au Prince pastor, we are in this together…caring for God’s kids.
But, be careful! In the process God may just pierce your heart and “ruin you for the average.” We love it when that happens! We love you! Press on!
Haiti Overview (7:51 AM cst 2/4/10)
From Pastor Jimmy Dodd, Pastorserve:
•The Government is reporting that the number of displaced people ranges from 800,000 to one million.
•No matter how much food hits the shores of Haiti , distribution is the key to keep more people from dying. Without that, the volume of aid becomes an impressive but meaningless statistic.
•The United Nations continues to operate with little or no input from Haitian leadership. Haitian leaders are ready to serve. More than 1200 Haitian pastors who survived the earthquake and are ready to serve – but are not being asked. In short, the number one problem appears to be the ineffective use of the local indigenous church. Allowing Haitian pastors into the distribution process would result in an immediate dramatic uptick in results.
•We are moving out of Phase I of the earthquake aftermath. The vast majority of Haitians have either been treated or they are dead. Phase II (the next three to four months) will be to provide ongoing medical care, establish temporary housing and stabilize effective food and water distribution – but, Phase II will also bring a public health crisis with problems such as cholera and dehydration. Phase III will begin to address long term issues such as infrastructure and rebuilding. No doubt, the ongoing health crisis will be at a critical level.
•Food and supplies are still bottle necked at the airport and port. On January 19th, President Clinton lamented the absence of any effective distribution system in Haiti. Since then a voucher system has been implemented allowing women to receive food and water. Yet, many Haitians continue to go without.
•Security is commonly cited as the reason for the distribution bottleneck. There are not enough UN security forces to provide adequate support. Yet, from all NGOs in Haiti I have heard one resounding theme – Security is not an issue.
•The World Health Organization has effectively distributed medical supplies. Yet, food and water are not being distributed. The message is wildly inconsistent.
•Electricity remains unstable which has hindered earthquake relief assistance. Fortunately, the fuel crisis is now passed. Fuel tankers are everywhere in Port-au-Prince .
•In short, the perfect is in the way of the good. Right now, 50% right is better than nothing. There are ways around the airport and port crisis. Supplies can be delivered to the Dominican Republic and trucked into Haiti.
•The Government is reporting that the number of displaced people ranges from 800,000 to one million.
•No matter how much food hits the shores of Haiti , distribution is the key to keep more people from dying. Without that, the volume of aid becomes an impressive but meaningless statistic.
•The United Nations continues to operate with little or no input from Haitian leadership. Haitian leaders are ready to serve. More than 1200 Haitian pastors who survived the earthquake and are ready to serve – but are not being asked. In short, the number one problem appears to be the ineffective use of the local indigenous church. Allowing Haitian pastors into the distribution process would result in an immediate dramatic uptick in results.
•We are moving out of Phase I of the earthquake aftermath. The vast majority of Haitians have either been treated or they are dead. Phase II (the next three to four months) will be to provide ongoing medical care, establish temporary housing and stabilize effective food and water distribution – but, Phase II will also bring a public health crisis with problems such as cholera and dehydration. Phase III will begin to address long term issues such as infrastructure and rebuilding. No doubt, the ongoing health crisis will be at a critical level.
•Food and supplies are still bottle necked at the airport and port. On January 19th, President Clinton lamented the absence of any effective distribution system in Haiti. Since then a voucher system has been implemented allowing women to receive food and water. Yet, many Haitians continue to go without.
•Security is commonly cited as the reason for the distribution bottleneck. There are not enough UN security forces to provide adequate support. Yet, from all NGOs in Haiti I have heard one resounding theme – Security is not an issue.
•The World Health Organization has effectively distributed medical supplies. Yet, food and water are not being distributed. The message is wildly inconsistent.
•Electricity remains unstable which has hindered earthquake relief assistance. Fortunately, the fuel crisis is now passed. Fuel tankers are everywhere in Port-au-Prince .
•In short, the perfect is in the way of the good. Right now, 50% right is better than nothing. There are ways around the airport and port crisis. Supplies can be delivered to the Dominican Republic and trucked into Haiti.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Haiti Update (4:43 PM cst 2/3/10)
From Joe Knittig, live from Haiti:
On the way to the Village with 47 more little beauties.
What a ride this crew has had. Quake hits. Destroys home. They flee – all the way to the DR. Now they come to us at the Transition Village, for a season. The GO Project will build them new homes and resettle them with a head start to their next chapters of their blessed stories.
Our caravan of cars looks like a Shriners’ parade. Kids packed in cars.
I’m holding a little one now in the back of a truck. Probably 1 year old. She just fell asleep. Long day. Great day.
On the way to the Village with 47 more little beauties.
What a ride this crew has had. Quake hits. Destroys home. They flee – all the way to the DR. Now they come to us at the Transition Village, for a season. The GO Project will build them new homes and resettle them with a head start to their next chapters of their blessed stories.
Our caravan of cars looks like a Shriners’ parade. Kids packed in cars.
I’m holding a little one now in the back of a truck. Probably 1 year old. She just fell asleep. Long day. Great day.
Haiti Update (9:23 AM cst 2/3/10)
From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:
This is a big day. Here’s what’s happening so far (and it’s not even 10 am):
A truck of supplies arrived at 6:30 – unloaded.
We’re readying for the arrival of 47 children and caretakers today.
Several others will likely come from other places.
We received a report of 2 orphanages in PAP that crumbled in the Jan 12 quake. 591 children. 28 confirmed dead. 64 unaccounted for (likely under the rubble). The rest are living under hung sheets – no help since the quakes. We’re on the way to these sites now with emergency food and to assess.
The influx of people into Gonaives is creating big problems. Increasing death from infections. Scads of kids (many of whom were orphaned pre-quake and are really in bad shape). We have govt request and approval to bring 240 into care immediately. We pulled the trigger on that this morning. 80 children in each of 3 locations in Gonaives.
NOTE: We need VILLAGE and HOME sponsors for these 3 locations!
So, our efforts in our post quake emphasis on orphaned and abandoned children:
Transition Village – more than 250 children in; staff of 35 (all Haitian) busting their butts; rapidly approaching 300 plus.
Gonaives – 240 children coming in effective immediately.
PAP – 500 new children being assessed – disposition unknown.
Other than that, not much going on.
Last night, Calix broke down crying tears of joy before he and his children went to bed. For the first time since everything changed, they were going to bed in a home and knew they would wake with food waiting.
We sat out listening to kids singing – the most mesmerizing sound of joy. Tonight, the sound will be at least 47 louder.
GO Family, we’re just starting. We could not do this without your generous and sustained partnership.
Merci!
Joe
This is a big day. Here’s what’s happening so far (and it’s not even 10 am):
A truck of supplies arrived at 6:30 – unloaded.
We’re readying for the arrival of 47 children and caretakers today.
Several others will likely come from other places.
We received a report of 2 orphanages in PAP that crumbled in the Jan 12 quake. 591 children. 28 confirmed dead. 64 unaccounted for (likely under the rubble). The rest are living under hung sheets – no help since the quakes. We’re on the way to these sites now with emergency food and to assess.
The influx of people into Gonaives is creating big problems. Increasing death from infections. Scads of kids (many of whom were orphaned pre-quake and are really in bad shape). We have govt request and approval to bring 240 into care immediately. We pulled the trigger on that this morning. 80 children in each of 3 locations in Gonaives.
NOTE: We need VILLAGE and HOME sponsors for these 3 locations!
So, our efforts in our post quake emphasis on orphaned and abandoned children:
Transition Village – more than 250 children in; staff of 35 (all Haitian) busting their butts; rapidly approaching 300 plus.
Gonaives – 240 children coming in effective immediately.
PAP – 500 new children being assessed – disposition unknown.
Other than that, not much going on.
Last night, Calix broke down crying tears of joy before he and his children went to bed. For the first time since everything changed, they were going to bed in a home and knew they would wake with food waiting.
We sat out listening to kids singing – the most mesmerizing sound of joy. Tonight, the sound will be at least 47 louder.
GO Family, we’re just starting. We could not do this without your generous and sustained partnership.
Merci!
Joe
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Haiti Update (5:53 PM cst 2/2/10)
From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:
We’re getting more and more kids with broken bones and stitches.
We will open existing trips to add a doc and/or a nurse to serve at the clinic.
Guys, the kids are rockin’ tonight! You wouldn’t believe the Majesty.
T, Aslan is, indeed, on the move! It’s downright discombobulating.
Alan and Denise, wait til you see!
We’re getting more and more kids with broken bones and stitches.
We will open existing trips to add a doc and/or a nurse to serve at the clinic.
Guys, the kids are rockin’ tonight! You wouldn’t believe the Majesty.
T, Aslan is, indeed, on the move! It’s downright discombobulating.
Alan and Denise, wait til you see!
Haiti Update (12:30 PM cst 2/2/10)
From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:
This morning we set out to pick up Calix and the children at Bon Repost. A big, 24-foot box truck led our convoy. We needed it to pick up their beds and belongings.
This is a little different than my family’s move from Johnson to Platte Country. This move brings life to 34 little ones.
Now, we’ve got’em! 34 kids coming back to our GO Project Orphan Transition Village right now! We’re all in the back of a tap-tap eating dust. The kids are singing and clapping – overjoyed to be out of the refugee-camp hell hole where they’ve lived since the quake. For the first time in days, they won’t have to worry about what is for dinner or whether they will be safe tonight. Soon, they’ll be playing soccer, flying kites, and singing praises with their GO Project brothers and sisters…all because of your giving, your generosity! God is using you to care for His kids! Thank you!
Welcome to the family, Calix and crew! We’re so glad you’re here.
This morning we set out to pick up Calix and the children at Bon Repost. A big, 24-foot box truck led our convoy. We needed it to pick up their beds and belongings.
This is a little different than my family’s move from Johnson to Platte Country. This move brings life to 34 little ones.
Now, we’ve got’em! 34 kids coming back to our GO Project Orphan Transition Village right now! We’re all in the back of a tap-tap eating dust. The kids are singing and clapping – overjoyed to be out of the refugee-camp hell hole where they’ve lived since the quake. For the first time in days, they won’t have to worry about what is for dinner or whether they will be safe tonight. Soon, they’ll be playing soccer, flying kites, and singing praises with their GO Project brothers and sisters…all because of your giving, your generosity! God is using you to care for His kids! Thank you!
Welcome to the family, Calix and crew! We’re so glad you’re here.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Haiti Update (11:45 PM cst 2/1/10)
From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:
Here’s some great news! We have 36 more children coming to start a new life tomorrow; 47 more on Wednesday. And more to follow! You are moving the chains, GO Family.
Today, I want to take you deeper into the great God stories coming out of Haiti. This will hammer home the point that faith, risk, generosity, and reliance upon God are necessities – not feel good punch lines.
We’ve spent the last 48 hours battling the Calix Syndrome. It has been tough, and a great victory.
The Calix Syndrome:
A strong man, Calix, and his wife care for 36 orphans at Bon Repost. They rent a house for the children. Quake hits. Bon Repost crumbles. The home is totalled. Mercifully, the kids survive. They’re living outside with no security, no shelter, no help. No aid is getting to Bon Repost.
We find Calix and the children late at night, 3 days after the quake, with the kids wriggling together like a litter of kittens. The kids are hungry. They have only a cup of flour. We show up with food. Praise God.
But what now?
Food won’t last there; everyone still needs to eat in the days and weeks ahead. The whole community is starving. Merely having food without security means danger. Are 36 orphans going to fight off adults starving to death?
Days later we return. We invite Calix to bring his children to safey at the Transition Village. He has the children get on the truck to go. Then off. Then on again. Then off. The kids need the help. But Calix is overwhelmed and scared. He and the children stay put.
Calix is scared to death of traffickers. He doesn’t know us. And kids get shuttled and sold here in Haiti. Does he take a risk with us? Does he let them die where they are?
So the kids go hungry again. No more food. The children start talking about dying. Calix prays. We go back for the third time with more food. Calix is a broken man. 3 weeks into this, he realizes that he won’t wake up to find this is just a bad dream. It is now reality.
So we bring Calix to see the village. We now have his budding trust. We explain again. We want to bring the kids to safety, for a season. We want to help them safely resettle with him – with the family in tact. This takes time. We can’t snap our fingers and make things perfect. But we can help.
Finally, Calix gets it. And fortunately, it’s not too late. Tomorrow morning, 36 new miracles join us.
Do you want to know what made it click? Calix knows we’ll stick with he and the kids through resettlement.
So here is the Calix Syndrome if left unchecked…
Disaster + Extreme Poverty + Orphan Care = Confusion, Denial, Languishing Death.
So many here caring for orphans suffer from the Calix Syndrome. They’re hurting.
To overcome this, we rely upon the Lord and you. We must go deep with Calix and the kids, and follow through to a homecoming resettlement. That is not “aid.” It’s relationship. Restoration is the Promise!
Thanks for going deep with us – for the long haul.
What an opportunity the Lord has given us!
Faithfully yours,
Joe
Here’s some great news! We have 36 more children coming to start a new life tomorrow; 47 more on Wednesday. And more to follow! You are moving the chains, GO Family.
Today, I want to take you deeper into the great God stories coming out of Haiti. This will hammer home the point that faith, risk, generosity, and reliance upon God are necessities – not feel good punch lines.
We’ve spent the last 48 hours battling the Calix Syndrome. It has been tough, and a great victory.
The Calix Syndrome:
A strong man, Calix, and his wife care for 36 orphans at Bon Repost. They rent a house for the children. Quake hits. Bon Repost crumbles. The home is totalled. Mercifully, the kids survive. They’re living outside with no security, no shelter, no help. No aid is getting to Bon Repost.
We find Calix and the children late at night, 3 days after the quake, with the kids wriggling together like a litter of kittens. The kids are hungry. They have only a cup of flour. We show up with food. Praise God.
But what now?
Food won’t last there; everyone still needs to eat in the days and weeks ahead. The whole community is starving. Merely having food without security means danger. Are 36 orphans going to fight off adults starving to death?
Days later we return. We invite Calix to bring his children to safey at the Transition Village. He has the children get on the truck to go. Then off. Then on again. Then off. The kids need the help. But Calix is overwhelmed and scared. He and the children stay put.
Calix is scared to death of traffickers. He doesn’t know us. And kids get shuttled and sold here in Haiti. Does he take a risk with us? Does he let them die where they are?
So the kids go hungry again. No more food. The children start talking about dying. Calix prays. We go back for the third time with more food. Calix is a broken man. 3 weeks into this, he realizes that he won’t wake up to find this is just a bad dream. It is now reality.
So we bring Calix to see the village. We now have his budding trust. We explain again. We want to bring the kids to safety, for a season. We want to help them safely resettle with him – with the family in tact. This takes time. We can’t snap our fingers and make things perfect. But we can help.
Finally, Calix gets it. And fortunately, it’s not too late. Tomorrow morning, 36 new miracles join us.
Do you want to know what made it click? Calix knows we’ll stick with he and the kids through resettlement.
So here is the Calix Syndrome if left unchecked…
Disaster + Extreme Poverty + Orphan Care = Confusion, Denial, Languishing Death.
So many here caring for orphans suffer from the Calix Syndrome. They’re hurting.
To overcome this, we rely upon the Lord and you. We must go deep with Calix and the kids, and follow through to a homecoming resettlement. That is not “aid.” It’s relationship. Restoration is the Promise!
Thanks for going deep with us – for the long haul.
What an opportunity the Lord has given us!
Faithfully yours,
Joe
NPR REPORTS FROM OUR TRANSITION VILLAGE:
Orphanages Collect The Displaced
At the Eben Ezer children’s village in the countryside east of Port-au-Prince, new children arrive every day — more than 100 since the earthquake. Kids laugh and yell as they play soccer in a dirt field. It’s almost hard to tell how much they’ve been through.
Read more here
At the Eben Ezer children’s village in the countryside east of Port-au-Prince, new children arrive every day — more than 100 since the earthquake. Kids laugh and yell as they play soccer in a dirt field. It’s almost hard to tell how much they’ve been through.
Read more here
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