December 2016

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

 

VBS Report:  65 salvations:  671 attended:  several churches were involved.

The Market Ministry has been going really well.  Several have come to Christ and others have recommitted their lives to serve Him and get back in church.

 

Many of you have been such a blessing to us and the Haitian people to pray and give during the year and after such devastation from hurricane Matthew.  Thank you! Those you have helped have also asked that we tell you thank you. Here is what we were able to do because you gave:

2016 spent from special donations (some donations were received in 2015):

• $3000 goats and sheep
• $1500 bibles and new testaments
• $4000 library supplies: evangelism and discipleship/equipping and unity materials and workshops
• $4000 building houses
• $1000 benches for the several churches

2016 hurricane Matthew

• $350 bibles and other personal items lost/destroyed
• $4000 renting or repairing houses/church buildings
• $2000 restoring businesses that were lost
• $2500 replacing animals that died

2017

We would like to build 10 houses for those that we helped to rent a place for one year.  More information to come.

 

We get questions like: What do we do all day?  The best way to see that is to come for a visit, but here are a few things:

Some days are filled with studying to making lesson/teaching plans then work with Rousier to translate them.  I have never done that before, but God is faithful to equip us for what He calls us to do.  I do enjoy making and teaching the lessons.

Other days we are putting screens up for doors and/or windows to help keep bugs out.  A couple of times I have walked into a room and there's a tarantula.

One day a week is filled with laundry and cooking for those helping.

One day a week is filled with walking to market or sending someone then preparing the food when you return.

Each day we have to prepare water for drinking, washing hands and dishes and showering plus preparing food is so different in Haiti.

Three afternoons a week we are teaching and other times we do one on one teaching or counseling.

Almost everyday visitors come by to visit and usually asking for something.  

We trust God for discernment and direction because we can't meet every need that comes.

 

Example of one of the false teachings/traditions/man made rules we are up against:  This is one of many; The church has a meeting the Saturday before they are going to have the Lord's Supper on Sunday.  If you don't show up for the meeting you cannot partake of the Lord's Supper.  If you try to partake they will humiliate you in front of the church. 

We continue to be encouraged though when we hear false teachings like the one above, that now because of the teachings we have been doing and how God's Word is coming to life and causing them to see the truth, the changes the pastors are making in their lives and churches and going against the false teachings with truth.  Also some of them are helping Terry go out to the other groups that have started and doing some teaching and encouraging and building relationships to help build the unity.

 

Pastor Tim Smith from FBC Hughesville was here Nov 6-15 teaching and encouraging the Pastors.  He was such a blessing for us and the pastors.  The pastors enjoyed him and learned a lot in those few days.  Many of them are like a sponge and they are so hungry for more.  Note from Pastor Tim: "I spent a lot of my time teaching and getting to know the pastors one on one.  As I was walking one day with the translator Rousier I found Haitian money on the ground. Rousier said that Haitians, even though they are poor, will not pick money up off the ground because it might have a voodoo curse on it.  

Also as we were walking I had an idea to help the pastors and their congregations earn money and supply food for their families.  Some of the idea was based on the answers the pastors were giving to the questions I asked during our one on one meetings.  The idea is to give six goats to 2 pastors.  They will keep two of the goats and give one goat each to a third pastor.  This will establish a pattern of giving to help others while growing a herd of goats.  As they have baby goats they will then give to the next pastors and continue till all receive 2 goats.  After they get their herds built up they will then start the giving process with their congregations."  

After Pastor Tim left we began the process and the pastors have formed a committee to help make this work.  They are very excited about this idea and believe it can work.  Please pray the pastors and their congregation will be blessed through this ministry.

 

We will be in the states early December to see our new grandson in Sedalia then off to Bejing, China (Dec 21 - Jan 19 to see our oldest daughter and her family).  We are excited for the opportunity to go, not only to see our family at Christmas time but to see what God has in store while we are there.  We desire to be vessels He can use anywhere we go.  Then we will be in the states February and March visiting churches and preparing for our youngest daughter's wedding the end of March.  When we are in the states our phone number is 913-701-8977 or you can call the church and leave a message.

 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Terry and Carolyn

Missionaries in Haiti

 

Giving information: 

Northeast Baptist Church Haiti Mission

619 E Lincoln

Clinton MO  64735