November 3, 2016

 

GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

The trip up the mountain:   

PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Safe in our home on the mountain. Thanks so much to everyone for your prayers. A long 2 days. 12 hours of it driving through mud and water. But, the rivers we needed to cross subsided today, so they were shallow enough to pass through with some young Haitian guys walking in front of the truck to make sure there no bad holes that we couldn't see. They were excited when we paid them a few dollars to do that. 

First Sunday back: I was so speechless after worship yesterday. It was awesome, but I had to wipe away the many tears that streamed down my cheeks. This church building had half the tin gone and it was raining hard. We were all squeezed on a few benches. They were praising Godas though it was a normal Sunday and all was well. They even thanked Him for the rain. I have had many humbling experiences here, but I think this was the most. Oh how we take so much for granted and get upset with
God for not giving us more.

As you probably know, they don't have a government or any organization to help when disasters hit up here, partly because we are so remote and hard to get to, organizations don't make it up here.

We finally have been able to assess the losses of just the pastors in our 6 groups here in NW Haiti:

• 9 churches completely destroyed, but they were not made of block
• 15 churches need a roof
• 12 churches block walls were damaged
• 1665 animals died
• 212 houses destroyed
• Most gardens destroyed
• 2 people lost their lives
• Also,one of the churches had a block oven and made bread for the community to sell and make a little money and it was destroyed.

Hurricane Matthew was so devastating here in the NW.  Losing their animals is like losing the money in your bank account with nothing to show for it.

What we have done with the money sent for hurricane so far:

• Gardens: Most of the gardens were destroyed so the food note below was a huge blessing.  Most will replant now in March.
• Houses: have not built any yet.  But have been helping some families rent for at least a year while they rebuild
• Clothing etc: Have been able to help with clothing for some families that lost everything
• Animals:  Have not replaced any animals yet.
• Household stuff: Have been able to help with blankets for the cooler weather because of the rain and time of year.
• Food:  We had an organization donate food.  It was such a blessing.  We just had to pay motorcycles to get it to the pastors homes so they could give out to those most in need.  Plus have purchased some food too.

Praise:

The truck is working again.

One of the routes opened up so Terry can go to Port to pick up a pastor coming to help for 10 days.

We were able to bring New Testaments back with us.  Such a need here to get in the hands of those who can read.

Prayers: 

1. The route that opened up is really rough, not traveled as much very rocky and more mountains and takes longer. 
2. Wisdom and endurance for the long drive.  He has only traveled it one time and then not all the way.
3. Need to get new rear brakes for the truck.  Pray we can get a fair price.    
   
   
4. For Terry's trip to and from Port and driving around Port too.  He leaves at 5:00 Thursday morning and return Sunday late afternoon.
5. That God will return all the enemy has stolen from His people.
6. The God's people will continue to help this area rebuild.
7. The truth of God's Word will penetrate the hearts and they will see the false teachings for what they are, sin.

Many thanks for all your prayers and giving to help the Haitian people both spiritually and physically.

Terry and Carolyn

Giving:

Northeast Baptist Church Haiti Mission Fund

619 E Lincoln

Clinton MO  64735