The Nebraska Global Orphan Project

From Kahoa to Fayeton

2010-05-07T20:43:00.003-05:00

Kahoa Elementary children right here in Lincoln, Nebraska have been learning about Haiti all year in conjunction with raising funds to support our children ( all of OUR children ) at the Fayeton Orphanage in Gonaives, Haiti. In most cases an earthquake in Haiti would not have affected too deeply a child in gradeschool here in the US. However, because of their studies before the earthquake they were deeply affected and worried about the kids they had been learning so much about. Last weekend as they finished their year they had a MAJOR garage sale which was hugely successful! Last weekend as they were doing the sale the 250 pictures they drew and laminated were being hand delivered to each of the kids at the orphanage. Below are a few the heart warming pictures of the Fayeton kids receiving their pictures. They will treasure them forever as they are a few of their only belongings. More importantly they know they have new friends from Lincoln, Nebraska USA that care about them.

Kahoa kids.....YOU had a very successful year!

April 15, 2010 Lincoln, Ne

2010-04-16T08:55:00.000-05:00

Linked-In Thru Him

Yesterday, Adrien and I went to Lincoln, Nebraska to meet with some of our die hard GO Project friends. The Lord rattled me pretty good.

Listen to this…

In 2008, I got a random call from a woman in Lincoln, Nebraska – Susan Browne. Susan heard of C3 through someone who heard from someone else, etc… The Brownes, adoptive parents, have a heart for orphans. Susan said that her family and some friends wanted to get involved in C3. After a couple of conversations, I agreed to come to Lincoln for an intro meeting with Susan and several other ladies. Fox and I drove up. I remember that we made that trip about a week after going to Gonaives, Haiti.

We met at Susan’s church, Lincoln Berean; walked into a conference room; and greeted a group of ladies. One of the women, Kristin Heaton, had a balled-up Kleenex in her hand and puffy red eyes. The whole crew had been crying before we arrived.

Mike and I got to talking; Kristin got to crying. We’d stop. Start again. More tears. (Fox has been known to make women cry, but for me, this was highly unusual.) We really couldn’t get into the meat of what we wanted to say. So we stopped the group and turned to Kristin.

“Are you okay?”

“No. My heart is broken right now and I just can’t stop crying.” Kristin explained why. She and her husband were in the 2nd year of the adoption process for a little girl, Bettania, and it was going nowhere. Even more painful in the moment, they had another young girl, Dieunette, at their home on a medical visa – they sponsored her so she could have brain surgery. All had gone well. God had knitted this little one into the Heaton family. Here’s the problem: their time had seemingly come to an end. The next week, the Heatons had to part ways with Dieunette and their hearts ached at the thought. As we started to talk of the global orphan pandemic, Kristin had specific little ones wrenching her emotions. She couldn’t see past the pain. None of us could after we heard.

We asked Kristin, “Where is this child from?” “Haiti.” “Haiti? Are you kidding?” (Kristin didn’t know of our work in Haiti.) I pressed, “Where in Haiti?” “It’s not a place most people have heard of.” “Where?” “Gonaives,” she replied.

“Gonaives? (I can’t believe this!!!) What if I told you Mike and I were just there last week?”

You could have heard a pin drop. This was one of those God-orchestrated moments where everyone knew to just chill out and soak it in. God is at work in and around us, all the time – and sometimes he shouts a real-time reminder.

Well, the Heatons courageously shepherded Dieunette to Haiti and kissed her “goodbye.”

Over time, Dieunette’s mother couldn’t care for the child. Dieunette was in danger. Upon referral to social services, Dieunette was placed in an orphanage. The Heatons, still embroiled in Adoption #1, began to fight through Adoption #2 – both long shots. The Heatons also joined with gusto what has become a growing and passionate group in Lincoln – The Nebraska Global Orphan Project – battling with us to bring more children into care.

The struggle to adopt Bettania and Dieunette raged on for 2 more years. Nothing. The girls were in an orphanage in Port au Prince, with no end to the adoption in sight.

On January 9, Kristin sent some family and friends an update that the adoptions were going nowhere. She and Scott were losing hope. Here were Kristin’s closing words: “I have to figure out how to live with all of this which I’m not doing very well with at the moment. Hope it get’s easier but I just don’t know how it can. For now I will peel myself off of the floor put one foot in front of the other and try and find joy in each day.”

On January 12, Haiti shook.

**************************************

One facet of GO Project’s relief effort in Haiti has been to deliver food, water, and supplies to other orphanages in Haiti that collapsed during the quake and had no resource pipeline. There are so, so many in this category. We’ve gotten to the ones that the Lord put in our path.

In the immediate aftermath of the quake, we got an email from Dan Southerland, a pastor and friend in Kansas City. CNN ran a report of a collapsed orphanage in PaP with scant and soon-to-be gone food and water for 151 children. A friend of Dan’s let him know, and Dan, in turn, let us know. Dan was able to track down contact information for the orphanage, and Moise got the address: Publin 4 (behind the local of djoumbala), Rue Lamothe, impasse Petion 2. Moise and I had phone numbers for 3 ladies at the location: Jamie, Ali, and Margarette St. Fleur. We got hold of Margarette. She confirmed the problem. She had some food, but no water. Margaret believed this was a short term problem, but needed water, especially, right away. So we delivered water and supplies to Margarette at the orphanage, and encouraged her. We left and moved on to the next location.

That was that.

Honestly, I haven’t given that place, Bresma Orphanage, another thought. Until yesterday…

****************************************

Back to yesterday in Lincoln. Like I said, we met our GO Project friends there for a meeting. But no Kristin and Scott. I asked Susan about them. Susan: “Haven’t you heard about the girls?”

Kristin and Scott are rather busy these days. The girls are home with them! Susan went on to explain God’s amazing provision. After the quake, the Heatons had no idea what happened to the girls or the orphanage they were in. They stayed glued to CNN to follow every detail of coverage, hoping to glean some information about the state of Port au Prince and all there. To their shock and amazement, they learned the fate of the girls through a CNN story of a ruined orphanage with a dwindling food and water supply and no help. While the orphanage was down, the kids were alive. Susan explained the miracles… The Heatons learned the girls survived from a CNN story. Unknown people in PaP responded with food and water. Many of the children were flown to the United States. Adoptions pending for years were completed. Bettania and Dieunette – home.

I heard this and thought, “Hey, I know this story.” “Susan, what was the name of that orphanage?” “Bresma. It’s run by a couple of young ladies named Jamie and Ali.” Yep, I know this story!

God allowed me to share with Susan and the group our little slice of this story – we had the privilege of being some of the unknown others.

God gave us another moment – another reminder.

Scott and Kristin, the Lord’s got His hand on you all. He always has. And GO Family, we’re more connected by God than we can possibly imagine.

Lord, You are trustworthy – no matter what.

Faithfully yours,
Joe
P.S.: I’d love to have a statistician run the odds on these circumstances and call it chance.

2010-04-14T21:07:00.001-05:00

Renise Matters

Hello, GO Family. Many of you have been faithfully reading this blog since Jan. 12. You’ve become attached to these children, like Renise.

On Saturday, March 20, Renise gave birth to her little daughter, Kimberly. We’ve been mum about the events surrounding that day, and the amazing God story that continues to unfold. During a dicey time of uncertainty for us (not for God), we needed to just be quiet.

Now we’re sending a full Renise update that Trace penned.

In the year before the earthquake, this little girl was sold into slavery by her parents; was sent back to her parents only to have her mother die in her arms; lived with her mother’s corpse; went back to her owners where she was sexually assaulted by 2 men at gunpoint; got fired from her slave work unworthy of even that; and was turned to the streets with a troubled pregnancy that would have taken her life. The earthquake freed Renise. Since January 12, she’s found a new hope in a most miraculous chain of events and the deep, daring love of others.

Guess where she’s at today? School. Her first day.

Hope. Love. Redemption. If you sometimes think these are words of mere bloated inspiration tossed about by preachers and politicians, consider Renise. The same God in her life is at work in yours. He can be trusted, even when the chips are down and we can’t understand.

April 12, 2010

2010-04-14T21:03:00.000-05:00

Back To School

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats

Truth told, Back to School time at my house means an annual ritual carrying the same rote emotions.

Disappointment. The kids have been swimming and playing all summer. Summer time means vacation, BBQs, play time, down time, family time. Going back to school means play time’s over. Sleeping in is over. That’s a bit disappointing to my kids, and to me.

Anxiety. Next year is here. For our kids: new grade, new teacher, new unknowns – new fears. For the parents: where have the years gone?

Relief. Worn thin by the summer mayhem, we’re ready for the kiddos to get back to school: not because we’re really excited by how they’ll learn and grow, but because we feel ready for a break.

Today’s a different Back to School experience. School’s open at the Transition Village. Kids who’ve survived an earthquake but lost their parents got up this morning, got dressed, and readied for school. This is a day of excitement; of expectation; of a new normal. For many of the children, this is a first.

This is a spark.

Enjoy these pics:

Teachers Cheesing

Kids Praying (opening school prayer)

Look Out World, Here Comes Renise! (In white hat.)

I’m pretty well jazzed that my kids here in KC are in school as I write, and so is Pierre, Rogelin, and the rest of the crew in Haiti. So are the kids in our homes in Uganda, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and around the world. All kids with a hope and a future.

Thanks, GO Family, for your continued commitment. Your kids in Haiti are back to school!

Faithfully yours,
Joe

April 3, 2010

2010-04-05T13:26:00.000-05:00

New Life

Trace Thurlby, in KC

Two weeks ago today, I held Renise’s daughter twenty minutes after she was born. What a beautiful child! Like all proud families, we wanted to shout the good news from the waiting room of the Haitian Hospital. We were so grateful for the miracle of new life. However, much work was left to ensure Renise and child would receive love and care post delivery. We needed to tend to that first.

The story deserves more than a blog entry. One day soon, we will share every Divinely-designed detail. When we do, we will celebrate with you a God whose ways are higher than our ways, whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and whose love is greater than our love.

Yet with Easter upon us, the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection takes me back to that day in Haiti. Renise’s baby was transverse. Renise is petite. In pre-earthquake Haiti, Renise was living on the streets in the most desperate conditions. How would she have received even basic medical care, much less a C-Section? Ironically the earthquake, which killed so many, saved Renise’s life and her child.

An Italian OB/GYN team in Haiti for disaster relief performed Renise’s surgery. They brought new life into the world at almost exactly the same time Moise’s church was holding a memorial service for the eleven people from his congregation that went to Glory in the quake. Was this mere coincidence? Or, more likely, was this another blatant attempt by God to show us that He is always working in our lives? More specifically, was this more confirmation that life and death are in God’s loving Hands? That’s the message of Easter. God had the power to lay down His life for us. He had the power to take it up again.

He has the power to renew the life of a thirteen-year-old, homeless, orphaned, raped restavik. Through her story, He has the power to pierce the hearts of people all over America and Haiti. (By the way, Renise and her beautiful child are both doing very well.)

The Global Orphan Project does none of this. God does all of it. He is the Author of New Life. He brings it to pass in His time. Because He lives, we live. Because He lives, Renise lives; her daughter lives, and the eleven people from Moise’s church who went to glory LIVE! That’s the hope of the Gospel. Jesus is Risen! Praise be to God!

April 1, 2010

2010-04-03T14:52:00.000-05:00

A Modern-Day Schindler

Trace Thurlby, Live from KC

Meet Chuck Mack. For forty years Chuck was a Teamster Representative. He worked hard, and now it was his turn. Retirement. For many this means a big party to celebrate. A gold watch, maybe even a Rolex, or a Carribean cruise; that’s the best way to top off forty, faithful years of service, right? His friends and colleagues certainly would have thrown the bash and celbrated with him, but Chuck had another idea. Take all the money that would have been spent on parties and presents and give it to those in need. That’s right, all of it, but where and to whom?

Then January 12th happened. Chuck’s heart was heavy as he watched scenes of fallen buildings, people living on the street, no food, no water, no power. Generosity met clarity. Chuck would send his “retirement party” to those suffering in Haiti. Like a modern-day Oskar Schindler (Schindler’s List), Chuck’s “gold watch” will soon be rice and beans for hungry children; his retirement party is helping build homes for kids living in rubble. It will send them to school. We’ve never met Chuck Mack in person, but if we have our way, Adrien Lewis will soon convince Chuck to come to Haiti with us. Our GO Project kids will give Chuck a five-day party he will never forget.

For today, we are more than grateful. We are truly humbled. Because of Chuck and because of you, we get to care for the King’s kids. Thank you! We love you! Press on!

March 31, 2010

2010-04-01T20:33:00.000-05:00

Caring about Stephanie

Trace Thurlby, Live from KC

More than two and half months after the earthquake, God brought us Stephanie. Stephanie is 14. She’s a new mom, and she was in the care of UNICEF. We don’t know much more, except that she’s struggling. She’s angry, frustrated, and closed. I can only imagine what she’s thinking. How many people have betrayed this child? How does she know that she can trust the GO Project family?

While our lives are worlds apart, I see some of myself in Stephanie. At times, I hold onto hurt instead of turning to God. Justifying my frustration, I can resist the One who heals. Maybe, you’ve been there too.

I’m grateful for Moise and Gladys who are gently reaching out to Stephanie in love. Please pray for her. Pray that God will renew and restore. Pray that God will protect her from spiritual attack. A precious life, and maybe two depending on what happens to her child, hang in the balance.

We’re convinced there are more Stephanies in Haiti. Children who were “absorbed” into makeshift tent communities will continue to come out of the woodwork. Pray that God will give us the opportunity to provide safety for chaos; certainty for confusion. That’s who He is. This is what He’s called us to, and there is so much more to do. Thank you for walking this road with us. Thank you for caring about Stephanie.

The A Team March 24, 2010

2010-03-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

Alan Dietrich, live from Croix de Bouquet, Haiti
Remember that show with Mr. T – the A team has come to stand for the best team assembled for a mission. Well, tonight I had privilege of meeting with an A team. Pastor Moise Vaval, our GO Haiti Field Director, met with an amazing group of individuals who are making up our GO Haiti leadership team – including Joseph, Kender, Carmelle, Joseph, Jenette, Gladys – and a few more to come. They are following God’s call in their lives to rescue orphaned and abandoned children in Haiti, and bringing them into orphan villages, lead by the local church. As we talked tonight about what God has done in our lives since the quake, it was thrilling to hear how they have an urgency and life purpose to play their part in this mission. I could not even dream of a more gifted group of people to serve with here, it is another reason why it is so hard to leave Haiti. Thank you for your support that we can assemble such a team to carry out these God-sized plans, and please pray for them by name – to press on for the cause.

Starting Here, Starting Now March 23, 2010

2010-03-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

Alan Dietrich, Live from Croix de Bouquet, Haiti
There is a new work being done here. A movement that we are all blessed to be a part of. This new work is about rescue, hope, joy, salvation and growth in our Lord. It is in some of the most insignificant places, yet its impact is undeniable. We are now beginning the phase of mapping out the new orphan villages that will be planted in Haiti this year – God is leading us to new places where the needs are great. This foundation, pictured below, is the start of new life at Pastor Moise Vaval’s church campus, Source De La Grace. It’s a home funded by Isabelle Redford’s cards, and it will house some orphan girls and their momma. It will be filled with giggles and prayers, hair braiding and hugs. Our prayers are for many more this year for so many who need it. Thank you so much for your generosity that provides for this, its starting here and now.

March 21, 2010

2010-03-21T21:11:00.000-05:00

This morning, the team and I attended Pastor Moise Vaval’s church - some of our group really needed to be uplifted after the KU loss last night. We arrived in time to share in worship, and it was ‘all out’ – especially when the church began singing “I’ll fly away” in Creole, and we joined in English. Moise’s church building was severely damaged during the quake and his congregation were all impacted in some way. To hear us all lift our voices praising God for our eternity in heaven puts it in perspective. Moise’s church, Source de la Grace, is one of our 10 village plants in Haiti for 2010.. Much to be done there – and its a great work that God is doing – reaching scores of new folks with the love and hope in Christ.

Pastor Jimmy Dodd preached this morning on Mark 2, and you could imagine their damaged tin roof opening up to welcome the paralyzed man brought in by his friends. Then, one of the folks on our visiting team here, Magalie, was joined by her dad – who she has not seen for 10 years since she was last in Haiti. Reunions are a beautiful thing – here and in heaven.

And, tonight – while some of you watched about Haiti and orphans on 60 minutes (

www.60minutes.com), we were enjoying Mary Poppins (in french)! The kids here now have a new word

Haiti Update 3/17/10

2010-03-18T21:52:00.002-05:00

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!

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.

Haiti Update 3/15/10

2010-03-15T20:40:00.001-05:00

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!

Haiti Update 3/14/10

2010-03-15T20:38:00.001-05:00

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!

Haiti Update 3/14/10

2010-03-15T20:37:00.001-05:00

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!

Haiti Update 3/10/10

2010-03-11T09:32:00.003-06:00

Pastor Calix is praying for you.

Earlier this week, we celebrated as Juli and her 47 children moved into their new home, which was built on the same piece of property where they were living before the quake. Today, we’re watching another new beginning. Local Haitians are hard at work to give Pastor Calix and his 33 children a permanent place to call home. Remember, we met Calix living in the rubble of his pancaked orphanage. Over the last month he has become a good friend and trusted partner. Several times, we’ve heard Pastor Calix pray blessings over The GO Project. He’s praying for God’s blessings over you and your family! Most of you haven’t met Pastor Calix, but he loves you. In a time of uncertainty and despair, God used your generosity to provide answers full of hope to this gentle pastor with a big heart for kids! He’s part of our GO Family now. Soon, we hope to show you pictures of Calix’s kids moving into their new home!

Haiti Update 3/9/10

2010-03-11T09:32:00.001-06:00

The GO Project continues to see hope abound in Haiti, like the new beginning for Juli and her kids.

After the earthquake destroyed their home, Juli led her children on foot to the Dominican Republic, 50 plus miles away. For weeks, Juli’s kids lived in makeshift refugee camps. Then, in early February, Juli and her 47 orphans came to The GO Project’s Orphan Transition Village. There, Juli told us that, “Home is where people love you.”

From Adrien Lewis live in Haiti:

They won’t forget the day they were all huddled under the mango tree watching everything around them crumble. In fact there was a bit of commotion and one of the little girls began to cry…she was afraid the earth was shaking again. They won’t forget walking to the DR and then being shipped back to Haiti to find themselves in a new orphanage with 200 other children.

They also won’t forget all the people that loved on them the last 30 days…all of you! Some of you came to Haiti to love on them with your time, others continue to love on them through prayer and support. Now, less than 2 months after losing everything, they are home again. So in some ways they are better off than they were before this mess, because they have felt your love from across the ocean. They know, that in the name of Jesus, the one they call on as Lord and savior, they have been protected and provided for.

Thank you for being His hands and feet.

Thanks to you, Juli and her kids found “home” in our GO Project family, but today, with the help of Burns & McDonnell, Juli and her kids are back in their new, permanent home. Juli can now sit on her porch and watch her kids play beneath her beloved tree. Home. Hope. Haiti.

Haiti Update 3/8/10

2010-03-11T09:31:00.001-06:00

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti:

We got back from Cayes last night. Overall, this was a busy and positive leg of the trip.

We were able to go to St. Louis, Cayes, and Cambry – and see Cavaillon. All are in pretty rough shape. Many of you have gone to visit these places. To us, they’re not much to look at. But, the villages mean much more than buildings to the kids. The kids settle into their home environments more than we can imagine. Such a dramatic disruption like this devastates them.

By God’s grace, they are all OK. And they will get through this. We do have a lot of work ahead.

This flash flood was a freak of nature. The area where Cavaillon sits, for example, has never flooded in Dony’s life time. The people in that community and surrounding communities are seriously confused and rattled.

The pipeline of help to the kids is flowing. As soon as we get that truck from DR, it’ll really flow. Please pray for that.

It was a blessing to worship at Cayes and Cambry. No matter what’s going on around them, these folks will not be moved from Jesus. They sang louder than ever. They praised harder than ever. They smiled more certain than ever. Experiencing God like that – in the midst of crisis – is like mainlining Truth.

So we left Cayes full up. And we got back to the OTV to see soccer games and welcoming children.

Today is move day for Juli and the kids. They were buzzing this morning. It’s good.

Today is my exit day. Moise is back. He’s doing great – healing and eager to serve. So our fearless leader is back. Adrien’s here on his wing. I’m taking off in 15 mins in peace, excited to see my Julie and my kids at home.

Thanks for your prayers, and for making this part of your walk.

See you soon.

Faithfully yours,

Joe

Haiti Update 3/6/10

2010-03-11T09:30:00.001-06:00

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti:

Today’s been a humbler.

For some reason, the govt is making it tough to get supplies across the border from the DR. We had a much needed shipment destined for Cayes turned back. Why? A paperwork issue.

We’re bringing in food, tents, and meds by the truckload, and the Haitian govt didn’t like some paperwork. Like we had a truckload of guns and ammo.

Speaking of Cayes, I’m here. This freak flood has wreaked havoc on the ESMI system, and they are busting their humps. Dony and I spent time starting to plan next steps. We’ll hit it again in the morning.

Right now, I’m about to crash for the night… In a seat in a tap tap… Next to the driver… Who has serious toe jam issues…

There’s no room in the inn tonight.

Humbling day.

On the great side, I spent an hour at Cambry snuggling Erinese and Clar (Clarence), Erinese’s little bro. Man that was something. I have a special bond with those 2, and that made my day.

God’s in control. Same as yesterday. Same as tomorrow.

Goodnight.

Joe

Haiti Update 3/4/10

2010-03-04T22:01:00.001-06:00

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti:

“In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Andy Warhol

You know I got a shine for Pierre. Today he had his 15 minutes (15 seconds really). We did a little Skype interview with CNN international – with an emphasis on use of social media and our blog. (It hasn’t aired – we’ll let you know when it will.) Pierre jockeyed into position to see what was happening. Right on time. We got to hold him up to say ”Bonjou” to the world. He thought that was really, really cool.

That boy is amazing. You recall we found him by himself, wearing only a tattered T-shirt, laying in a hospital yard with an untreated broken femur. He’s gone through a lot here. He’s had happy times. He uplifts with his mischievous laugh and winning smile. And he’s also kept us in check, showing that this is not a tea party. These are broken, battered little ones. Hearing a child scream for his dead mother in the pitch black of night – knowing the reality – empties the spoken word. Pierre’s life since Jan. 12 has covered the gamut.

Pierre’s had a broken leg set and casted. His bone is mending. The cast is off. He’s beginning to walk without a walker. I believe Pierre’s heart progress is tracking his leg.

Today he stole the social media show, and got his 15 minutes. Bravo, Pierre Petiel Joseph!

Thanks to you all, GO Family, for given this fella a shot.

Faithfully yours,

Joe

Haiti Update 3/4/10

2010-03-04T22:00:00.001-06:00

Video clip of flooding in Casa Major and southern Haiti that Pastor Louis St. Germain describes as unprecedented. See Louis’ commentary below:

Flooding in Casa Major from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update 3/3/10

2010-03-04T21:58:00.001-06:00

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti:

A most gracious 60 Mins crew has been with us nearly 3 weeks. They’re telling a story of Haiti’s hurting children, a story far bigger than GO Project. Today, our part of that story concluded with some final interviews.

No matter how the story unfolds, I’m grateful for 2 special producers and their staff. They loved on these kids well beyond a story. They loved on Moise and Francoise, well beyond a story.

Join us in praying that God will use all involved to advance His global movement to care for orphaned and abandoned children.

We’ll let you know when the story will air.

Three highlights from yesterday…

1. El Shaddai

Louis, Dony, Doudou and the entire ESMI crew has shown life saving leadership. They made snap decisions to rescue hundreds of orphans. And they are tirelessly working day and night in communities in the south in chaos. We need to continue equipping the ESMI church networks. So many of you know these men. They are amazing. We are humbled to serve with our brothers.

2. Vaval Family

Moise and family left for a family respite in the Dominican Republic. Moise Jr was busting at the seems when they left. Apparently, he never stopped. Moise said last night at bed time that Jr was still eating and jumping around.

Pray for some deep family unity and healing.

3. Renise

It’s definitely a girl! Mommy Fox took Renise for a sonogram. Renise has confirmed she wants her baby to be adopted into a family here in Haiti. And it seems the Lord may have brought to us the parents. We shall see soon! I’m awestruck at Renise’s transformation.

Today’s a full day! Here’s what’s going down:

1. Doing Rounds

Deliver to some of our circuit of orphanages that collapsed.

2. Start Calix Rebuild

Finalize the land details. The contractors are ready to rock.

3. Explore Fond Parisien New Village Site

We’re giving thought to a Fond Parisien village plant. Land’s there. Great location. Strong ag possibilities (Kevin and Janet – your new home??? Hmmmm?)

Exploring deeper today.

4. Cayes Support Planning

We’re lining up resources we can quickly access to take the ESMI work in the south to an even higher level.

5. Clothing Biz

We’re about to launch a school uniform business to (a) creat jobs, and (b) generate funds from biz to help pay for orphan care. More tomorrow on why the biz component is so critical in the relief and redevelopment effort.

6. Juli’s Home

Make final completion and move plans. Looks like Juli and her 47 will return home Saturday.

That covers about 60% of it. As Trace says, God’s doing with you there and us here what he did with the little boy’s lunch.

That’s all for now GO Family. It’s a great day to be alive in God’s grace.

Joe

2010-03-03T13:05:00.001-06:00

Morning Activites at the Orphan Transition Village from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update 3/2/10

2010-03-02T15:54:00.000-06:00

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti:

A signature moment here at the OTV came late last night, when the Fox crew arrived. Renise had her hair all done up, and a cute sundress on – waiting for Momma Fox. When we pulled in, Renise knew what was happening. Giddy, she started jumping up and down. She stumbled in her flip-flops and fell on her bum, laughing hysterically the entire time. What a blessed re-union. Things are well here, and this allows us to focus hard on Cayes now and in the coming weeks.

Cayes is a mess. Louis and Dony and the entire ESMI crew are, as you’d imagine, leading with courage. It’s a true privilege to serve them.

Here is the good news… All of our children are safe.

Here is the bad news… This is a highly unusual flood, as it’s neither rainy season nor hurricane season. We have more than 400 displaced children from 3 villages: Cavaillon, Cherette, and Casa Major.

The Cavaillon children have been re-located to the clinic in Cayes. Pastor Nerva took the Cherette children to higher ground, where they have “settled” for now. Pastor Cloitaire has done the same with the Casa Major children. There will be large scale losses of food, clothing, and stuff. Stuff can be replaced. Kids cannot. So we’re thankful.

We have formed and launched (immediately upon the news of the flash flooding) a GO Project / ESMI relief effort. Obviously, priority one is getting the displaced children food, water, clothing, and shelter where they are – and resettling them elsewhere if and as necessary. That process is underway. Long Hollow, your container couldn’t be more perfect in its timing and content. About 3/4 of that container – shelter, clothing, emergency food rations – will immediately go to Cayes on Thursday or Friday (depending on when it hits here at the OTV).

We will keep you posted with more detail on Cayes as we receive it.

We continue to seek your prayers for our kids, for Louis, for Dony, for ESMI, for Cayes, and for all of Haiti.

Thanks for going deep with us!

Faithfully yours,

Joe

Haiti Update 3/2/10

2010-03-02T15:51:00.002-06:00

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti:

Right now, if you’re like me, at least a part of you is thinking: “What’s the point?”

Hurricanes in ‘08. An earthquake hits in ‘10. Poor! Poor! No, extremely poor! Devastating. We rally with all that we have. The whole world does. Progress. The news fades a bit. Then Chile. And now, an “also ran” – an unusually brutal torrent and flood before Rainy Season in the south of Haiti. A flood that otherwise would have rightly garnered global headlines is a but a blip on the radar screen. We’re all a bit weary.

It’s just Haiti. Pathetic.

Do you speak or think these thoughts, as I sometimes do in the deep recesses of my mind?

Emotion has worn thin, and logic and self-interest invades.

But GO Family, here’s where God really shows-up: when we’re feeling a bit beaten down.

So what, exactly, is the point?

Here is the point. People matter to Jesus. We’re all that matter to Him. No matter what your bent. The people here – orphans here - concern Him a great deal. Ergo, they concern us. They concern us enough to give them what we can out of love. A home. Some food. Some water. Some clothes. Even if these things could get buried beneath rubble or swept away by water, they matter. They represent more than things. They represent our hearts.

And what’s at stake in taking these risks with our hearts? Money. Time. Some thoughts when staring at the back of our eyelids at night. Maybe some embarassment.

It’s so worth it. When love makes no earthly sense – when it brings about a crisis of belief – there we find the real Jesus who ignites a passion that spills over into every area of life.

So, if you’re still tracking this (or just starting), think of it this way: this is just as much about you as about them. Maybe Haiti, Malawi, Uganda, Cambodia have something for you.

Let’s see the river cards. We’re holding pocket aces in Christ.

Faitfully yours,

Joe

P.S. Cayes update coming tomorrow. Mixed bag. But the kids are OK!

Haiti Update: 2/27/10

2010-02-28T07:51:00.004-06:00

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

2010-02-28T07:51:00.001-06:00

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

2010-02-27T10:48:00.001-06:00

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.

Haiti Update: 2/26/10

2010-02-26T22:12:00.002-06:00

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!

Haiti Update: 2/26/10

2010-02-26T22:11:00.002-06:00

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.

Monday Feb. 22, 2010

2010-02-22T21:39:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-22T13:11:00.002-06:00

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: 2/18/10

2010-02-18T16:35:00.004-06:00

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

2010-02-18T16:35:00.001-06:00

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

2010-02-18T16:34:00.002-06:00

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.

Haiti Update: 2/15/10

2010-02-15T21:27:00.002-06:00

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

2010-02-15T21:26:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-15T09:45:00.001-06:00

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: 2/12/10

2010-02-12T12:28:00.000-06:00

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!

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

2010-02-12T12:26:00.001-06:00

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 Relief Update (2/10/2010)

2010-02-10T20:51:00.000-06:00

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.

Haiti Relief Update (2/10/2010):

2010-02-10T15:11:00.002-06:00

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

Haiti Relief Update (2/9/2010):

2010-02-10T15:10:00.001-06:00

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.

Haiti Relief Update (2/8/2010):

2010-02-09T08:19:00.001-06:00

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.

Haiti Relief Update (2/7/2010):

2010-02-07T17:07:00.001-06:00

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.

Haiti Relief Update (2/5/2010):

2010-02-05T10:18:00.001-06:00

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.

Haiti Overview (11:00 AM cst 2/4/10)

2010-02-04T20:32:00.002-06:00

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!

Haiti Overview (7:51 AM cst 2/4/10)

2010-02-04T10:21:00.001-06:00

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.

Haiti Update (4:43 PM cst 2/3/10)

2010-02-03T17:28:00.003-06:00

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.

Haiti Update (9:23 AM cst 2/3/10)

2010-02-03T11:02:00.003-06:00

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

Haiti Update (5:53 PM cst 2/2/10)

2010-02-02T21:34:00.002-06:00

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!

Haiti Update (12:30 PM cst 2/2/10)

2010-02-02T13:35:00.001-06:00

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.

Haiti Update (11:45 PM cst 2/1/10)

2010-02-01T15:15:00.002-06:00

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

NPR REPORTS FROM OUR TRANSITION VILLAGE:

2010-02-01T08:11:00.000-06:00

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

Haiti Update (8:37AM PM CST 1/31/10)

2010-01-31T13:12:00.003-06:00

Via Joie Knittig Live from Haiti:

Oh what a night…

Here’s what went down. We didn’t pick up another crew of children. We learned that the kids are at a hospital. Right this minute, we’re at the hospital to meet w a friend there and the Medical Director. This level of due diligence is required. We’ll keep you posted.

We made 3 runs to 3 destroyed orphanages late in the night. 138 children total out of food and water. By the grace of God, we were right on time to stock em up.

Yesterday was Pierre’s bday. That boy was in tall cotton. We gave him a harmonica. He can’t play worth a darn (yet), but he’s loving it. A CBS producer asked Pierre what he thinks of where he’s staying. He beamed. ”I love it.” Love what? ”Everything.”

That’s not a goofy “everything’s peachy” self promotion. There are kids here who are struggling, hard. Pierre’s testimony speaks to this: good and loving and reliable is a home run for these kids. Perfection isn’t required.

We have a few huge days ahead of us at the Transition Village. We’ll keep you up to date.

This is all of our work, together. Can’t thank you enough. Keep pushing. And know you’re helping bring a LOT of joy to the bottom rungers in this mess.

Talk later…

Joe

Haiti Update (5:21 PM cst 1/30/10)

2010-01-31T13:12:00.001-06:00

From Joe Knittig, via Haiti:

A day of transition at the Transition Village…

Trace is headed home. T, you’re an amazing leader. Godspeed, bud.

I arrived back on the scene early this morning. We spent the better part of the day testing what’s working and what’s not; and adjusting. Strong.

Now it’s time to move again. We got an urgent call to help a crew of children in PAP. We’ll head out in 15 mins.

I’ll keep you posted.

Haiti Update (5:08 PM cst 1/29/10)

2010-01-31T13:11:00.001-06:00

From Trace Thurlby, via Haiti:

One our kid’s kites was just whipping around high above their GO Project home. I wish you could see them make these contraptions of sticks, rice bag string, creativity, and persistence. I smile every time I see one.

Beth brought home two, new daughters today. Jessica, 17, and Valentine, 16, have been at Love a Child healing center since the earthquake. Now they are better and had to leave. They had no family to take them. No place to call home. Until now. They are part of our GO Project family.

Imagine bringing two teenagers that never met you into your family on a Friday night. There are some challenges, but nothing love won’t overcome in time. Your love is what they will see in smiles of the others here. Your love is what they’ll hear in the laughter and song from our GO Project brothers and sisters. In it all, we’ll introduce them to the love of their Father. Welcome to the family, Jessica and Valentine! We’re so glad you’re here!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/29/2010 7:58 am CST)

2010-01-29T10:52:00.002-06:00

Via Joe Knittig;

“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matt 19:13-15

God is showing a divine creativity in bringing the children.

I’m on my way back from KC to the Village. And a funny thing happened on the way to the forum…

Mike Fox and I met a guy from Cypress about a year ago. He introduced us to a new GO friend from Australia, who now lives in San Francisco. That’s Bobbi Dunphy. Bobbi has a friend, a doc, serving now at a hospital in PaP. The doc has a problem. There are 10 orphans at the hospital with nowhere to go. Doc wants to help – he is compelled to help – but doesn’t know where to turn. Doc connects with Bobbi. Bobbi connects with us. We’ll take these little ones, and welcome them with a hot meal and lots of love. God willing, we’ll have them tomorrow.

Let them come, Lord.

We all have our roles to play, huh? We wouldn’t know of these children without the Cypress to Australia to San Francisco to Haiti to GO connections. We couldn’t greet them without your backing. And someone out there is going to sponsor a village that these children will call home. Individually, we’re in way over our heads. Collectively, we’re right on. That’s faith ALIVE. Thank you!

Please pray that there’s no interference to hinder these children coming to receive a new chance.

Haiti Rescue Update (1/28/2010 5:17 pm CST)

2010-01-28T20:30:00.002-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

1 home. 47 more needing a home.

With NPR at his side, our ten-year-old friend, Johnny, returned to his home and to his Mom earlier today. Courtesy of your generosity, we sent Johnny off with a care package which included a 12-man tent and a large bag of food. Johnny and his family now are together and have a little wind at their back thanks to you and the rest of The GO Project family!

This afternoon World Vision introduced us to Julie, a Haitian woman who cared for 47 orphans. The earthquake destroyed their home, and Julie led her children out on foot headed for the Dominican Republic, literally an ultramarathon away. For the last several days, Julie has cared for her kids in two temporary locations, looking for someone to take them in. We will. That is what God has called us to do.

Early next week, our Transition Orphan Village will add 47 more children, whose resilience is inspiring, their current house Mommas, and Julie, a lady with a heart as big as Haiti

Soon after they are settled here, we will work with partners to create a GO village; a new home for these kids, who will know that God cared for them in the midst of crisis. They will feel His love through your love, and we will be here, on your behalf, to welcome them into our GO Project family. What a privilege to serve the Lord with you by loving His kids!

Via Charlene Garrison, Live from Haiti;

2010-01-28T09:43:00.002-06:00

Our pastors on the team have just been awesome! They have prayed over the team as well as all our patients. Both Jim and John have had the opportunity to lead one person each to the Lord! John showed the card that asked ‘how can I pray for you and your child’ to each person and they were so excited to have their child prayed for. One mother asked who is Jesus and so John got the interpreter and shared the gospel to her and she accepted the Lord.

About 1/2 the team went to Biggarouse today to do a general medical clinic with the kids. They are all in good shape! We have one child that needs surgery due to a hernia and 7 that will be coming into Cambry tomorrow to see dentist Mitch.

The other half of our team is working at Brenda Hospital. They truly have been an answer to prayer as they have been able to care for many patients.

I could write much more but hope that gives you a picture of what is going on here.

Haiti Rescue Update (1/27/2010 10:58 pm CST)

2010-01-28T08:08:00.001-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

Most families hold their reunion in the summer. This year, our GO Project family is having some great reunions the last week of January.

This afternoon, just hours after bringing him to our home, we were able to locate Rogelen’s sister, who lives in Miami. (Rogelen is the 15-year old who sought refuge with the 82nd Airborne after the earthquake.) His sister received word that their parents were dead, but knew nothing about her little brother. When we were able to connect them via phone, a huge celebration began that transcended the miles between them. We are committed to doing everything we can to reunite them. It won’t be easy, but as usual, God is way ahead of us. NPR was here tonight and interviewed Rogelen. NPR asked, “Rogelen, what would you be doing if The GO Project hadn’t picked you up today?” Rogelen answered, “I don’t know. I was thinking about selling myself to a family as a slave. That happens in Haiti.” NPR then asked, “What do you want to do now?” “I’d like to go live with my sister in Miami, finish my schooling and become a doctor.”

As you’re reading this on Thursday, we’ll be on our taking Johnny back home. Like Rogelen, Johnny was separated from his Mom when the earthquake hit. We picked up Johnny when he was discharged from Love a Child healing center. With some excellent directions from Johnny, we were able to find his Mom. Now his stitches are out. He’s walking without crutches, and he’s going home. This morning he told me, “I’m going to come visit you even after I get home. I will never forget you.”

Last night 13-year old Renise came to us, scared, alone, and pregnant against her will. Understandably, she was beaten down by her circumstances; couldn’t take her eyes off the ground. This morning she meekly waved to us. Later she sat by and watched our team unload a supply truck. This afternoon, Renise spent held hands with Beth “Momma” Fox. We learned that Renise has a beautiful smile. She’s a sweet, young girl.

World Vision came by today. After watching our kids jump rope, play soccer, and just cut loose a little, Sergio, their Dominican Republic Representative took my face in both of his hands and said with tears in his eyes, “This is the first time I’ve seen children having fun since the earthquake. Congratulations!”

“You should hear them sing,” I replied. “It’s a beautiful sound.” These are special children. They are the King’s kids. They are our brothers and sisters, and this family reunion has moments of great joy!

Tomorrow we will meet again with World Vision to see if we can bring hope to 17 orphans who need it. I appreciated Sergio’s affirmation, but we know the good we see is not of us. It’s the Lord, working through your giving hearts. Thank you for praying! Thank you for caring! Press on! Aslan is on the move!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/27/2010 1:53 pm CST)

2010-01-27T14:46:00.001-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

We’re in the heart of Port Au Prince. If traffic is good, tonight’s GO Project boys’ soccer game will have a new star player. Rogelen is 15. He lived near Moise’s church, but lost both of his parents in the quake. As the 82nd Airborne was patrolling his neighborhood, Rogelen grabbed onto one of their legs and wouldn’t let go. The 82nd heard about The GO Project, and Rogelen is in our family now.

Rogelen claims to be quite a soccer player. I bet he’s right. He’s such a great kid! Thank you for giving him a home. Thank you for being his family.

Thank you, God, for sparing Rogelen and for the plan you have to give him a future and a hope! Amen!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 6:47 pm CST)

2010-01-27T06:49:00.000-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

HE makes all things new…

I want to introduce you to our new sister, Renise. Renise is a sweet girl, 13 years old. Her parents died when Renise was 6. Before they passed away, they sold Renise to a family for cash. Last year on an errand into town, Renise was abducted, raped, and is now pregnant. Thrown out by the family she worked for, Renise has been living on the streets of Port Au Prince the last five months and was picked up today by UNICEF. They needed a safe, loving place for her and called us.

You have heard about our kids singing, playing, and laughing. Most of them are doing great! Their strength is a blessing and example to us. Renise is not there yet. Her wounds are too raw. She came in tonight alone and scared. She’s no longer alone, and soon, she won’t be scared anymore. Renise will soon learn she can trust us. She can trust you. This is a safe place for Renise and the child inside her. And as we love her, we will introduce her to Jesus. He can make all things new. Tonight, Renise has reason to hope. She will soon discover that she has a family; a Father who loves her greatly and brothers and sister (you and me).

I don’t know where Renise would be without your giving. On her behalf, I thank you. On your behalf, I will let her know that you love her. Thank you! Press on!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 4:46 pm CST)

2010-01-26T18:04:00.001-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

We are heading back from Port Au Prince. The highlight of the day was that we found Johnny’s mom. That was no small task in PAP, especially now. We took a picture of Johnny, who we learned today was separated from his mom at the time of the quake. We wont’ forget the joy on his mom’s face when she realized that her son was alive and well. Johnny will stay with us two more days as his feet recover. On Thursday, we’ll take him home to be with and hug on his mom. Tonight, we look forward to showing Johnny the picture of his loving mom.

Beth and I have a meeting tomorrow with the Haitian head of child protection services. The situation is fluid and the rules change on a dime. No worries! We are all in! God gives us the strength to run whatever route is in front of us.

Carrie “Flow” Davidson, RN, worked the nightshift at the General Hospital downtown. While many colleagues clocked out at 5 pm, “Flow” covered four peds tents (two critical care) as the lone nurse….she’s all in!

God has given us a great opportunity to be His Hands and Feet. What a privilege to help reunite Mother and son, to help James get surgery, to care for the wounded, to welcome and love the orphaned and abandoned! We can’t do this without you. This is your work, your ministry! We love you! Press on!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 6:06 am CST)

2010-01-26T07:55:00.002-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

God continues to move for our little brother James. James has a large, deep wound on his face. While he’s fortunate to be alive, the resulting scar would follow him for life, unless someone did something BIG. God arranged it so our GO Project home at Eben Ezer is 20 minutes from a hospital called Love a Child. It’s quite a place. This morning, a plastic surgeon from Operation Smile is coming in. He will operate on James. Only God could have brought in an accomplished plastic surgeon to operate on a seven-year-old Haitian orphan. God loves James, and so do we. If you were here with us, he’d lift his arms wanting you to hold him. He recently snookered two people on our team to take him out of our recovery area and into our team’s room for a nap. He’s hard to resist. He’s part of our GO Project family now. Thank you for welcoming him into the family with us

Haiti Rescue Update (1/25/2010 2:01 pm CST)

2010-01-25T15:33:00.002-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

It’s a good day in Haiti, we made a new friend, Johnny. Johnny is ten. Since the earthquake, he’s spent his days at Love a Child hospital. The physician told us that Johnny might have some developmental delays. At first glance, one might think that. However, when we spoke with Johnny, we found a quick smile and a really fun guy. The world often looks on the outside. ”Johnnys” can get left behind in Haiti and in America. Johnny tells us that he does have a Mom. She hasn’t been back in eight days. We are going to work hard to reunite them. We are posting Johnny’s info to various web sites. We stay in close contact with the hospital. While we are doing all of that, Johnny will be part of our family. Safe. Fed. Cared for…he’s our friend; our little brother for now.
The medical and Longhollow team arrived today. Now that they’ve had their first decent meal in awhile, they are on to their next chapter. The medical team is going to Les Cayes tonight. Hundreds of thousands have fled Port Au Prince, and now live in surrounding areas. Two weeks ago, Cayes had around 300,000 people. Today the estimate is 450,000. It’s busting at the seams. While our focus remains caring for the orphan, Pastor St. Germaine told us that 100 doctors working for a month wouldn’t be able to address the overall medical need in Cayes. These KC docs came to minister to those needing medical care as a result of the earthquake. That’s what they’ll be doing…the only change is the people needing their skills fled. So, their next few days will be like a “Haitian house call.” They brought in their own medical supplies, and they are taking them to Cayes as well. Excellent! The need for food is still dire, which requires we use the storage/warehouse capacity we have for life necessities. After this initial food crisis is behind us (unfortunately probably months away; maybe more), we will be in a better position to receive, store, distribute clothing and supplies. That’s not the primary need right now.
Several members from the Longhollow team went with Beth Fox to pick up two more children. We met “Small Joe” (as opposed to our Joe Knittig) last week at the General Hospital by the Presidential Palace. He’s three and lost whatever parents he had in the quake. We are so excited to have him in our family. At the HHS Hospital, the 82nd Airborne called and confirmed a little guy named Popeye (not sure how it’s spelled yet, so I just went with the tried and true for now) is an orphan that needs to be discharged. How can you say no to Popeye? We’re going to get him as well. Beth’s team took a Tap-Tap ( kind of a cross between an El Camino and a tied-dyed T-shirt). Knowing Beth, she may come back with a few more . Kids abandoned at a hospital. Kids adopted into the GO Project family….because of you! We love you! Press on!

A Surgeon’s Story (1/25/2010 7:47 am CST)

2010-01-25T11:19:00.002-06:00

We’ve got a team of 17 folks arriving in Croix des Bouquets early this morning. Most of them traveled from Kansas City on Saturday, and many of them are clinicians. They spent Sunday in Fort Lauderdale hoping for a medical missions flight to Port Au Prince, but nothing would be available for days. So, they hopped a plane to Santo Domingo at midnight, landed there at 3 am, and took off for Croix on bus. They will be caring for the children brought to Eben Ezer and some will be making the drive down to Les Cayes to do the same there. Please keep them in your prayers!

Dr. Bill Gossman, a surgeon, has been at Croix for a while now. He has performed countless surgeries in Port Au Prince and overseen hundreds of patients. He has one scheduled this morning on a young boy with head trauma. Here’s his experience: ‘It is not unusual to be the only doctor for 300 patients! The doctors here are from all over the world and the French have sent a surgical team that are now doing surgeries. The horror is indescribable. Setting countless fractures, doing amputations and putting back dislocated joints all without anesthesia for the patients. These people are in horrible pain. There are people dying all the time of infections and injuries that are too severe to treat.’ He has seen and cared for some of the worst situations. Courage in the face of calamity. Thank you Dr. Bill!

from Carrie Davidson in Haiti with Global Orphan

2010-01-25T10:21:00.002-06:00

January 24, 2010

> we are here at the orphanage, and having a blast! there are around 125
> haitian orphans here at Ebenezer, which is a transition village. (it seeks
> to give these kids safe housing, food, clean water, etc while trying to find
> their parents. if their parents or family comes, great! we've reunited one
> family). the leadership on the team here is wonderful, but they are
> basically starting this place from scratch again, as a result of the
> earthquake. not to mention their child population has doubled in a week.
> right now the focus is obviously just keeping these kids safe (we're walled
> in, guard at the gate, armed), getting them enough food and water (haitians
> eat two meals a day...beans and rice. so thats what the kids eat and that's
> what we eat too! if we're hungry in the mean time, we snack on things we
> brought), a place to sleep, letting them be kids (they play a lot during the
> day! no schools...destroyed). during the day we make runs into Port au
> Prince to the hospitals and see if they have orphans that we need to take.
> they have no room for them. and as long as they are medically cleared, then
> they can come back here (they can come with clinic-level care. not hospital
> needs.) we also go to villages and do mini clinics ( :) that is
> interesting. :)
>
> i'm doing well. healthy and safe! i've been working here, seeing some
> mildly injured kids at the orphanage. other than that, been helping on the
> logistical side of things too...organizing a health office for them, helping
> them put together some sort of registration for all orphans that come, so
> that they have some way of tracking them. today i went into Port au Prince
> to go to church with a local pastor (me and three others from Global Orphan)
> and cried the whole trip. the devastation and destruction is unspeakable.
> i don't know what else to say about it... starting to wonder if i ever
> will. i mean, the smell alone is enough to make you sick. that's people's
> bodies rotting inside these buildings. and to see the buildings you are
> seeing on tv in real life is more emotional that i would have guessed it to
> be. like the palace. its absolutely staggering in real life. its
> horrific. what else can i say. and people are running out of food and
> water. really. as in...theres no more coming. apparently there is false
> information being relayed and being reported on back in the states that
> theres so much more food/water coming for these people, and the truth
> is...there is no way to get it here. containers can't come from the states
> to the D.R. and cross the border to haiti. apparently there is some
> breakdown there. so people that have figured ways around that breakdown
> (this orphanage) by using a crazy amount of manpower and time just for one
> container that will feed these kids for maybe a week or two are now being
> looked to to feed other people. in a very short time, no one will have
> anything. THAT is when things get really bad. riots, violence, more
> death. i don't even want to imagine it.

> there is a possibility i will volunteer some time at one of the local
> hospitals. they are terribly short on nurses. i will be overworked. but i
> can be of some help i think. right now, at night there are 2 or 3 nurses
> caring for some 400 patients. ALL ICU LEVEL PATIENTS. wow. i take 2 icu
> patients at home, and that's enough. here... no choice. or they will die.
> so if i can help at all...that is the goal. right now i'm helping a lot at
> the orphanage and so i'm tossing that idea around to them. it would mean me
> being campus for a period of 24-48 hours. here's the good part about that:
> sleeping (while not much) will be in tents. military presence is
> HUGE (10 or so of the 82nd airborne are outside gate, and i don't even know
> how many are inside. its very very safe. safest place in haiti right
> now.) i would eat MRE's. so that's why i'm even considering it. i would
> be in very good hands. we'll see. if that is the case, i'll let you know,
> and then you won't hear from me in a few days, because i won't have a way to
> email you. and i probably will only eat, sleep and work! :) it sounds
> like, though, that they are in desperate need of nurses, and especially
> trauma ICU background.
>
the UN has made a deal with United airlines where they are flying people > americans) home to the states
> after having served here for FREE. medical personnel get first priority. i
> think this is their way of trying to get us (medical people) in to meet some
> of the immense need.
>
> this morning i went to a church in Port au Prince. the actual structure had
> a back wall collapse, so they are not in that anymore, but the body of
> Christ is very much alive!! some 125 or so people came. of course when we
> arrived, they'd been having praise and worship and prayer for almost an
> hour. then we had some more praise SO COOL TO WORSHIP WITH THEM!!!! in 2
> languages at once. wow. andon the songs we didnt' know, i mean, just to
> hear these people praising a God that they KNOW loves them, and hears their
> cries. they praise Him because He is able. He is powerful, He is
> sovereign, and is not surprised by these events. Jesus is risen, and they
> truly find joy from these things. EVEN after what they have been through!
> wow. it was a powerful service. a lot of little haitian boys and girls
> stared as the white girl with puffy eyes cried during their praise time.
> note: the pastor at this church had two boys in school the day of the
> earthquake. the school collapsed. one son made it out by tearing his tie
> that was caught on something and escaping just in time. the other didn't.
> they still have not found him. his mother is going to look again tomorrow
> (like she has been everyday) because someone thought they had seen his
> booksack somewhere near. can you imagine? she just wants to find him. she
> knows he's dead. but just to find him. wow. and yet, the pastor gets up
> and delivers a beautiful sermon, preaching the gospel, and truly smiling,
> joyful. 14 people accepted Christ today at that service. God is at work
> BIGTIME.

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/24/2010 6:56 pm CST)

2010-01-24T19:29:00.002-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

This morning, we drove through Port Au Prince, it often looked and smelled like the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Some of the worst parts of the city are by Moise Vaval’s church. We arrived at 7:30 am, and their corporate prayer had been going on for an hour by then. People sat on wooden benches that had been pulled from the destroyed church building. Consistent with Haitian hospitality, we were given the place of honor underneath the only tent they had. Just a few feet away the crumbled wall of their church lay on the ground. People came from the streets to worship. The same people who had their homes destroyed, who lost loved ones. These people sang praises to the Answer. For more than two hours they worshipped the King with all their hearts. The sun beat down, they lifted their hands in praise. Buildings fell, their belief in God still stands. Lives were lost, faith was found. After the gospel was shared, 14 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. “People are turning to Jesus” Moise said. Their hope is well placed. As they walk through the Valley, Jesus is with them. You are a part of His love here. Your gifts are being delivered. Your prayers are being answered. Thank you! May God bless your heart to help. Press on!

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/24/2010 1:23 pm CST)

2010-01-24T19:28:00.001-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

30 children have been reportedly found by the press at 2:30 am this morning in the basement of a building. The GO Project has been working to verify, assess, and care for the kids. We may have 30 more children in our care soon. We are developing a great relationship with Hospital Generale. 8 more kids needing homes. There is such a need for what we are doing. Thank you for giving. Thank you for praying!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/23/2010 8:04 pm CST)

2010-01-23T22:57:00.001-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

Some days you reap. Other days you sow. An unbelievable traffic jam in Port Au Prince made the city nearly impassable. Drivers coming to get us for appointments were stymied, so today, we did a lot of sowing. Three tractor tractor trailors full of supplies were delivered. We loaded one dump truck with close to 10,000 pounds of food for our GO Project kids in other communities. Our new friends from Nebraska, Wisconsin, and New York (Carrie, Bill, and John) arrived and provided medical treatment for dozens in a nearby community. Rob Boyer’s Haitian-genius-friend, Blanchard, even found a Wi-Fi connection for us. Eureka! Yes, you heard that right. Hello, world! The ability to communicate just got a LOT easier here.

God is enabling us to build an operational system that can care for our growing number of Haitian children, independent of how fast the overall national recovery occurs. We hope macro-recovery happens quickly, but we simply can’t wait on that or depend on that. These children are too important, too precious. They are singing again tonight. We just checked on Moliva. She was in a bit of pain and needed some meds so she could sleep. It’s such a privilege to care for them in the name of Jesus with you! We love you! We’ll be in touch soon.

Haiti Rescue Update (1/23/2010 8:54 am CST)

2010-01-23T10:49:00.002-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

Joe Knittig and Adrien Lewis left this morning for the DR. Both gave their all as servants of the King and now look forward to seeing their families who have been amazing in their support of what God is doing here. Please pray for their swift and safe return.

This morning Franzie (11 year old girl) was reunited with her Dad. We loved seeing them together! He was grateful for the care she received here, and we are grateful that God used us as a safe place for Franzie during a scary time in her life. The word is getting out that we are here, and we hope for more of these family reunions as a result. We recognize each one as a blessing and a small miracle.

This morning a one-year-old boy was brought to us with burns. 80 percent of his body was raw as a result of a post-quake accident in the home caused by a kerosene lamp the family was using, because they were without elecrtricity. Our on-site nurse examined him and was able to quickly move him to the nearest hospital. Please continue to pray for God’s healing Hand to move in Haiti. We see the pain and suffering here, but we see it through the lens of Jesus Christ, who loves us, who gave Himself for us, and who commands us to love one another. I hear our children here singing His praises in the background during their morning devotional time. A beautiful sound! Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow!

Big Aid – All Hat and No Cattle (1/22/2010 5:04 pm CST)

2010-01-22T20:59:00.002-06:00

Via Joe Knittig, Live from Haiti;

Little ones – orphaned or displaced - are starting to flow in from the hospitals. Thank God.

These warriors serving at the hospitals are in a terrible position. They have these children. They’re setting bones, amputating limbs, cutting in impossible conditions. They can’t keep track of them in a sea of desparate need. Trafficers are free to waltz in and sneak out with the kids who are alone.

The hospitals and camps can’t wait for big hand wringing aid groups to formulate “strategies” in endless meetings.

We went to a Child Protection “strategy” meeting with major organizations. I kid you not… The next 4 days we can, if we choose, attend meetings for hours. No thanks. We can recognize a child left alone to die. We’d rather move NOW for that child. No meetings needed. It ain’t rocket science.

So enough!!!

We’re offering an option to the hospitals to give them the help they NEED. We’re getting the word out to them.

And now the neediest of children are coming. These are mainly little ones pulled from the rubble.

The first, a little boy with an IV and barely alive. No one knew his name. He is Patient 1013. He is in danger. Broke his pelvis and back, it seems. But he’s still fighting.

Pierre has a broken femur. Stanley will likely have his arm amputated. James has a head injury. Moliva has an infection in her leg. Franzia is scarred and disfigured. Etc…

All are beautiful. And they are bonding.

What a joy they are. Keep ‘em coming hospitals. They matter to you. They matter to us.

January 22, 2010 2:37pm

2010-01-22T14:52:00.001-06:00

There was a big need with Global Orphan in Haiti for skilled medical professionals. Yesterday Carrie Davidson from Lincoln, RN working at Bryan Hospital called and offered to go immediately. She is skilled in trauma care and had planned to go before the earthquake when her plans fell through. She was completely ready! We also received a call from someone in NY who has now paid for her trip. God was definitely in this! Today, Friday 2:30 she is in the Dominican Republic airport waiting for her ride. She will be working beside other medical people from Global Orphan Project. Please pray for her and we hope to have onging communication.

New Life (1/22/2010 8:37 am CST)

2010-01-22T14:37:00.001-06:00

From Trace Thurlby

Last night, the second baby was born at our transitional village in Croix des Bouquets. Weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz, Maliko arrived just after midnight. It brings great joy having a small part in creating a safe place for a child to enter the world.

Took a short break from logistics and inventory management to play with a child this morning. A 2 year old named Kiki just needed to be held. She’s no different than my kids or yours. The same tears, the same beautiful smile, the same need to be loved. That’s why we are here and that’s why you give. Thank you!

A Haiti Rescue (1/21/2010 5:13 PM CST)

2010-01-21T18:52:00.000-06:00

From Joe Knittig;

On our way home with a sweet boy with a winning smile! Welcome Pierre Pietel. Pierre has a broken femur – now casted. We promised him yesterday that we would not forget him. When he saw us today, he lit up! Today at the same hospital, a man tired to kidnap a boy. That’s happening. And that is why the transition village makes sense. Hospitals and camps are overwhelmed. They need a safe and IMMEDIATE outlet for the Pierres. We can’t wait for hand wringers to come up with “perfect” solutions. Trust me, predators don’t tarry.

Anyway, welcome little Pierre. He has a purple tee shirt and a small black plastic bag with a coloring book and snack – all given by the docs who love him. Those are his worldly possessions as he enters the exciting journey – the rest of his life. God bless you and keep you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/21/2010 3:52 PM CST)

2010-01-21T18:51:00.002-06:00

Via Joe Knittig Live from Haiti:

Just got done w a series of meetings at UN re identifying the orphans and displaced kids in a mass of humanity. And doing so in a way to prevent child trafficing, which is a serious problem in this mess.

Went well.

We’re in a position to help provide a safe, loving environment for the little ones NOW. That’s the huge need here. Risk. Urgency. Distribution. Execution. We guaranty that’s what you’ll get with GO Project. Good’s the goal. Not perfect.

We have a follow-up at UN noon tomorrow. Pray for that, please.

We’ll keep you posted.

Haiti Update: 2nd Team Engaged (1/21/2010 2:15 PM CST)

2010-01-21T14:59:00.002-06:00

Via Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

We are starting to understand the working systems that Mike, Joe, Paul, Alan and others so quickly established. Basically we are running a small town with basic services: security, food, shelter, childcare, medical, etc. The interesting part is doing this in the middle of a third world country ravaged by earthquake on top of language and cultural differences. While we embrace the eternal importance of this work, sometimes we have to step back and smile. Today while unloading our supply truck we discovered about a ton of salami and about 40 crates of Haitian smoked herring. No, we didn’t order that. We’re not sure if the shipping company just threw that in to thank us for our business.

On a more serious note, Joe Fox, Mike Helmuth and Paul Dennison joined us today in Haiti. Beth is leading an effort to build records on all the kids we have here. Joe and Rob are at a very promising UN meeting to help find the newly orphaned. After that, Joe will go check on a great little guy named Pierre to see if we can bring him here. Pierre was orphaned and broke his leg in the quake. Adrien has coordinated the loading of trucks for one of our partners that will feed an entire town tonight. Processes and control systems are developed to handle two hundred plus more children and to do it well.

Your giving makes it all possible. Today Moise Vaval asked if we had an extra tent. A widowed Pastor’s wife lost her house and her husband. The last week she has slept in a field. Because of your generosity, we can help her! God bless you!

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/20/2010 8:00PM CST)

2010-01-20T22:21:00.002-06:00

Via Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

Just picked up Stanley, he is pretty banged up – asleep in Beth’s arms in the car. Pierre, 10, has a busted leg. Well have to have that set tonight and come to his new home tomorrow morning. Many more Stanley’s and Peirre’s are now alive in Haiti. I’ll check in on the little guys tonight and keep posted here.

Thanks for you continued prayer and help.

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/20/2010 2:20 CST)

2010-01-20T15:56:00.002-06:00

From Joe Knittig, live in Haiti:

While we were at the Hospital this a.m. the Lead Administrator and Doc had us leave with a little boy, orphaned, pulled from the rubble. We had to drive 2 hrs in a tap tap holding his IV bag. Barely hanging on. Don’t know his name or age. I think he’s about 4 – he’s about the same size as my little guy, Isaac. I consider today his birthday. Pray for him. Going back to the hospital to get more children orphaned by the disaster that the hospital has and cannot house. Many are injured. Doc Bill is going to be busy. Trace and Beth have arrived and are with me now. They’re like a breath of fresh air!

6.1 Aftershock Hits Haiti -Update (1/20/2010 10:00 AM CST)

2010-01-20T12:01:00.000-06:00

From Joe Knittig live in Port au Prince:

Driving through PAP to Eben Ezer hospital, a sick boy needs immediate attention, injured from the most recent aftershock. Doctors and team are readying for his arrival back at Eben Ezer. In addition to and many other kids that are in need of help that we are bringing there. There is no room in PAP hospitals for them so we are having to begin taking these kids and help as best we can.

Continue to pray for Haiti

6.1 Aftershock Hits Haiti -Update (1/20/2010 6:46 AM CST)

2010-01-20T08:40:00.002-06:00

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti

We’re on our way to Carrefour, got a late start because a 6.1 earthquake hit a little while ago (Eben Ezer is fine). Entering the heart of Port au Prince now. We’ll keep you posted on further damage due to the new quake.

Update from Haiti (1/19/2010 6:52 PM CST)

2010-01-19T21:28:00.001-06:00

From Joe Knittig in Croix des Bouguets, Haiti

36 more children showed up this afternoon to the transitional orphan village we have set up, I’m in the truck with 15 more right now, That’s 87 from one devastated community (where Moise’s church is). Not sure all the kids are “orphans” as we might think of them. What I am sure of is that all are in serious trouble and are without help. We’re confident that many of these kids can be reunited with family through the church when the dust settles.

Pray for that.

We’ll pick up the pace a bit tomorrow on penetrating the make-shift refugee camps. Kids who have lost parents are flocking there. They’re just hard to get in to with the mass of humanity. The air in PAP is brutal.

Update from Haiti (1/19/2010 3:35 PM CST)

2010-01-19T16:46:00.001-06:00

One of the two trucks filled with water and food our field team has put to use as a cavan between the Dominican and our Transitional Orphan Village in Croix des Bouguets, Haiti. With so many images of devastation its fantastic to see real help getting to where it needs to go! No doubt that its a great deal of work to make this happen but somehow our team is making it all work well.

Also, an interesting article posted about how critical our transitional orphan village is and will be in the days ahead. Read it here>>
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100119/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_haiti_orphans

Live from Haiti (1/19/2010 9:00 am CST)

2010-01-19T09:11:00.001-06:00

Our next two ‘food and supply’ trucks arrived from the DR this morning, it is perfect timing! Because, we have more children arriving at our transition village in Croix des Bouguets. Our team will be adding more and more kids because there are so many without parents, relatives, food, shelter in Port Au Prince.

Some of the team is riding is a broken down, bald tired, raggedy Suzuki to deliver food and water to a local orphanage of 151 children who are bone dry and without anything.

In addition to the desperate need for more food and water for orphans, they also need folks who will love on them and help them to recover and rejoice again. We’ll be updating our trips page on the web site with upcoming trips starting in February – they need you.

Haiti Update from Joe--our on ground partner.(1/18/2010 10:00 pm CST)

2010-01-19T09:09:00.000-06:00

I felt the most at risk in the wee hours of the morning. Not on the streets. Not in an aftershock. But in a truck with 10 others. We were flying on a road heading north and a horse ambled out on the road… And stopped! We rubbed that horse’s bottom as we whizzed by.

Today was a day of prep for the next wave. We’re planning to scale the transitional orphan village. A lot of planning must occur on the fly. We are ready to rock.

As I write this, the kids are playing buckets as drums, singing, and dancing.

Look, the people here aren’t thugs. Hungry? Hurting? Heartbroken? Oui. But also helpful, hopeful, and humble. Look at these kids’ eyes and you’ll see. Feel their breath on your cheek when they crash in your arms. Listen to them rejoice. There is good news. You are investing in children here and in your own hearts.

We vow to keep telling you the good news.

I’m beat. I have a chance to slip in a bit of sleep and I’m taking it. I’ll get up early and give you more substance. What’s needed for the transition village? What else is needed? What about coming to serve? All that and more.

Goodnight.

Joe

P.S. To Dan Southerland. We connected with your buddy’s orphanage in PAP. 151 kids. One of their homes fell. They have some food. But they’ll go bone dry on water by tomorrow night. We’re bringing them water in the morning.

Monday eve update

2010-01-18T23:37:00.000-06:00

A team will be leaving out of Kansas City on Saturday. If you are a doctor and would like to go please respond to this blog immediately.

You all are an amazing Nebraska GO Project family. The giving is tremendous – we are awestruck by your generosity. Please keep sharing the story – as our partner in Haiti shared last night ‘We’ll likely bring in hundreds more in the coming days, and, God willing, take care of many more than that in damaged and ravaged orphanages. If resources allowed, we could take into permanent care many thousands of orphans.’ You can make that happen!

The Reality of the Orphan situation

2010-01-18T08:17:00.000-06:00

Moise’s Prayer (1/18/2010 7:30 am CST)

Moise runs one of the Global Orphan orphanages and lost his young son in the school that collapsed.

From the rubble at Jean-Marc’s school, here are the verses Moise shared;

Psalm 34:1-7 ‘I will praise the Lord at all times; his praise is always on my lips. My whole being praises the Lord. The poor will hear and be glad. Glorify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together. I asked the Lord for help, and he answered me. He saved me from all that I feared. Those who go to him for help are happy, and they are never disgraced. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear God, and he saves them.’

A Note from Joe (Joe is the director of Global Orphan)(1/17/2010 10:00 pm CST)

Last night we distributed food in PAP until 3:00 am this morning. We went to an orphanage that was destroyed, but all the children survived. They were under a tarp with no food and water. When we arrived late at night, their caretaker was praying for food. Imagine his excitement when an old beater pulled up in the middle of the night with provisions.

I had the blessing of staying with Moise at his church in a rough area of Port Au Prince. Hard hit. The church building didn’t make it. The church body sure did. The group went thru the area waking up mothers (most of whom who were sleeping amidst sewage with their children) and giving them food. Some praised God saying, “manna!” Then we all laid on the ground at the church watching choppers fly, and slept a couple hours.

This morning at 6 am, we went with Moise to Jean-Marc’s school. We know that JM’s little brother, Moise Jr., narrowly made it out. He got his belt stuck in the door. He ripped it off and escaped by a whisper. JM would never leave in front of his responsibility. And he didn’t on Tuesday. This morning Moise honored JM and the Lord. He climbed atop the rubble, and read Psalm 34: 1-7

praising the Lord always.

And the day just started…

Andrew, Paul and Pete continued their amazing work keeping the DR pipeline moving. Mike and Adrien readied for a medical team and supplies. I got to go to church with Moise. Really, we just picked up the blankets and worshipped. This group – who has lost so much – praised Jesus to a fevered pitch. They then took to the streets singing and dancing. And hundreds more joined the procession. They are so certain that Jesus is who He said, that nothing – not even the pain and stench of death – can move them.

The rest of the day was almost too much to handle.

We set up a medical clinic at Moise’s church. Instantly, we got jammed with need. Infections. Gangrene. Too much.

The climax of the day was that we launched the transition site for hurting PAP children at our base camp at Croix de Bouquet. We brought in the first truckload of 38 children tonight.

As we refine the process, we’ll likely bring in hundreds more in the coming days, and, God willing, take care of many more than that in damaged and ravaged orphanages. If resources allowed, we could take into permanent care many thousands of orphans.

The process of getting the children is brutal. There are probably hundreds of thousands of parents sleeping in urine soaked trash who’d give their left arms for someone to take their children – because the kids are fading and getting sick. We have to select the orphans and highly vulnerable children in our path, and turn away from so many. Such are the decisions to be made minute by minute. Not heroic; just tough reality right now.

Tomorrow we’ll let you know more detail on need. Here’s a foreshadow:

1. keep spreading the word and raising funds – that dictates speed and scope.

2. we’ll start planning for teams to go – needing your service here (particularly at the transition site).

3. we’ll likely need 10-15 churches, businesses, families to sponsor a village to take care of the orphans we’ll need to permanently place.

You all amaze us. You continue to move the chains. There are too many of you to thank, individually. Please, keep it up. You are making a huge difference!

Let me close with this. Praise God. We started the transition village and fed so many orphans and hurting children just today. A special day. Today is Jean-Marc’s 9th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Jean-Marc Vaval. The Lord is using you to keep us strong so that many children may live.

Joe

Sunday evening -- moving children from Port au Prince

2010-01-17T21:04:00.000-06:00

Right now our Global Orphan partners are driving trucks from Port Au Prince to Croix de Bouquet filled with children who will be cared for at the new Orphan Village there. They shared it was tense and very emotional finding all these little ones scared and alone. It is a new beginning. More to come.

Orphan relief and rescue update

2010-01-17T17:24:00.000-06:00

We are entering a new phase of our work in Haiti. Everywhere the team goes, they encounter numbers upon numbers of children wandering around – lost, vulnerable, hurting emotionally and physically, not knowing where to go or who to turn to. The refugee camps are ‘tough places’. We're going to create a transitional Orphan Village in Croix de Boquets for orphaned and displaced children. The purpose – to care for them while we work out their future. For some, they might be re-connected with relatives. For others, they might stay with the church family, and for others – we will need to build homes for them in Haiti. This village will also include newly widowed mom’s with children who need help for their kids for a time. We don’t know how many we’ll encounter, and feel this will be significant.

What can you do? A lot! Immediately, we need to get tents, mats, generators, more food, water and medical supplies to Croix for all of these children. Right now, that means we need funds to purchase them. Please Please give generously to our Haiti Relief Fund – 100% will go to this. In the next weeks and months we'll need clinicians and people who love kids to go and care at this village – we'll post more about this in the weeks ahead. We’ll have specific supply needs and will look to churches and groups to be able to fill containers with needed supplies that we’ll ship – more later on this.

And, please keep praying – it is impossible to overestimate the power of your prayers for these children and our team!

Newly orphaned children

2010-01-17T08:28:00.000-06:00

Our partners and facilitators of our orphan home spent the night outside in Port-au-Prince. Today they will be figuring out how to set up a transition center for newly orphaned children. I can't even imagine the trauma these children have just gone through, seeing and knowing family have just died, and they have no one. We are so happy Joe Knittig and Mike Fox are there. You can be assured they are bringing in every child they see that needs help.

Continue to pray diligently for the Heaton's daughters and all the children at their orphanaga, for Jamie and Ali who are caring for them. They need food and water and the US government to give the final OK for them to leave.

Update: Our partners on the ground in Port-au-Prince

2010-01-16T12:23:00.000-06:00

Our partner facilitating support and care to our orphans plus another 1600 children are on the ground now in Port-au-Prince. After flying into the Dominican Republic and loading 2 trucks yesterday with food and water they are now trying to make deliveries to all the kids. This is very difficult of course because roads are blocked and gas is in short supply. We know that the kids in one of the orphanages in Port-au-Prince will be moved because of rubbage and stench. The pastor that ran this orphanage had a son attending school when the earthquake hit. We just got word that they believe he has gone home to be with Jesus. The family is asking for prayer.

We still know that our orphans at Fayeton are ok, but again food and water will be in short supply and at a premium for them too....plus just getting it there will be extremely difficult.

Please continue to pray for the relief efforts and encourage anyone to donate at our Website. The greatest need now is funds to purchase food and water. Please contribute to our relief fund to support this.

Answered Prayers & Prayer Requests

2010-01-14T21:18:00.000-06:00

ANSWERED PRAYERS :This update in at 6:16PM from our partners in Haiti. Dony St. Germain ( the Pastor that oversees the orphanages ) made it to Port Au Prince today. He states that our homes and children in Gonaives are well. Praise the Lord ! Please continue to pray as he also shares that the devastation in Port Au Prince is "horrific with dead bodies on the ground, people sleeping in the streets, no water and no food." The destruction of the infrastructure in Port Au Prince will have a negative impact on the ability to provide food and water to our children in Gonaives. Prayerfully this situation will improve quickly.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
This recent update on the Heaton children.

Status on children and nannies is unchanged. They are out of food and water and in need of shelter. Anderson Cooper of CNN is on his way trying to find the children. When he does he will put the precious faces on the news for their families here to see them and connect Jaime and Ali with their families.
People back here have private airplanes willing to pick them all up if Washington can make it happen to get them out of country.

PRAYERS:
Prayers needed that Mr. Cooper finds them soon with supplies. Also that it hits major media outlets and the story is picked up and broadcast as far and as wide as possible.

Pray that God moves the hearts of those in Washington to cut through the red tape and at least get those children out of there.

Pray for continue protection of the nannies and the children. Everyone is running out of food and water and in parts riots have started only matter of time before they start there.

We serve an AMAZING GOD!! Only He could have made this all possible! So praises are indeed needed. Please help us in continued prayers to bring everyone home safely.

Heaton update

2010-01-14T12:22:00.000-06:00

The Heatons were co-founders of The Nebraska Global Orphan Project. So many of you are asking about the news about the two girls (ages 2 and almost 8) the Heatons are adopting, who are currently in Haiti. The Heaton girls were actually in an orphanage in Port-au-Prince awaiting adoption. (This is not the same orphanage that we support that has 250 children.We still have not received word on those children.) The Heatons have received word that the girls survived the earthquake. They are currently with the two American women who run the orphange. Scott and Kristin have been told that they are not able to be in the house they were currently living in and that they do not have food and water. They have been told that Anderson Cooper from CNN, who is currently reporting from Haiti has heard about the American women who run the orphanage and the dire situation they are in. Reportedly he is making his way to this orphanage to try to help. In addition, the Heatons are being interviewed this afternoon by Channel 7 out of Omaha and Channel 8 here in Lincoln. Many of you will want to know about this and tune in to see what they are doing to try to get help to their girls.

Our kids in the orphanage at Gonaives.

2010-01-14T11:20:00.000-06:00

Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-14T07:48:00.000-06:00

The Nebraska Global Orphan Project was very saddened to learn about the most recent natural disaster, a massive earthquake that happened on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 12, 2010. We have such a love for Haiti and the people there and have gotten involved with financially supporting an orphanage called Fayeton with 250 children. We visited this summer in July and came back and made our committment to these children for $150,000 per year for the next three years. Our hope is that the orphanage can be self-sustaining after three years as the children get older and can become involved in economic development. At this time we have not been able to confirm their safety. They are some distance from the epicenter of the earthquake and we are hoping and praying that they are alright. Even in normal circumstances food and clean drinking water have to be delivered to them on a weekly basis. With the conditions in Haiti this may be a challenge at this time. You can see video of these precious children on our website at www.theNebraskaglobalorphanproject.org

Our partners from Kansas City, The Global Orphan Project (formerly C3) are en route to Haiti to check on all of the children they are responsible for in Haiti, (just over 2,000) and to provide assistance wherever they can. Joe Knittig is one of those people en route. They also traveled to Haiti to do first-responder efforts after the hurricanes in 2008. They will most definetely run into more orphans that will add to their numbers just as they did after the hurricanes.

Once they get to Haiti and are able to travel around to the different orphanges we will start to get information back that we can put on our blog to keep everyone informed and up to date. We have had so many asking the status of the children and this blog will be the easiest way to communicate with everyone who is interested. As we know more we will post more. Thank you your interest in the safety of these precious children.