House Of Blessings Praise Report!

Often we are asked about children whom have been raised in House Of Blessings and moved on. Where are they?  What are they doing now?

The founders of HOB – Phil and Lonnie Murphy, Helping Hands In Motion, the friends and supporters of House Of Blessings have all worked hard to provide every opportunity available to the children growing up in House Of Blessings. The philosophy of the House Of Blessings has been to raise fewer children and give them greater opportunities to achieve higher possibilities in life. Instiling in them Christian teachings, values, ethics and morals! Making it a priority for them to get a good education through high school; then making it possible for any and all who wanted to receive higher education the opportunities to do so.  Knowing by following these principles these children will grow up and make a considerable difference in the communities in which they live.

There are many stories we could share; from Bobby pastoring a Haitian church in Indianapolis, Indiana; Isaac ministering in another ministry outside of Port Au Prince and going to H.E.A.R.T. this next semester; Steeve pursuing an education and ministry in the medical field. There are also many more, but I want to focus on one so you can hear more of her story.

Wislande Joseph came to the House of Blessings when she was about 12 years old; she received love, care, instruction and education. She did well in school and after graduating from High School she was given the opportunity through Medical Mission International to go to a college in Ecuador, receiving her degree as a Surgical Optometrist Assistant. When she moved to Ecuador she did not know anyone there, nor the language as she started her studies. She has shared that living there was difficult at times with no family and friends. She did, over time, make friends and learn the language…which didn’t surprise any of us. After receiving her degree she returned to Haiti.

But her story does not stop there.  After coming back to Haiti and the economic situation was difficult, she worked hard to find a job and finally landed a good job working for an Optometrist in Port Au Prince, Haiti. She lived at the orphanage and traveled daily to and from Port Au Prince. For you whom have been to the House Of Blessings for a visit, you know how difficult this daily trip would have been. She was getting paid pretty well in her new position, but it was not fulfilling.

Wislande was very appreciative of her job, but it lacked an aspect she learned growing up in the House OF Blessings, giving back or helping people. Her new job did not do this and it bothered her, to the point she started looking elsewhere for employment. Then she found her current job working as a Surgical Optometrist Assistant with a Haitian Optometrist. The difference between the jobs was this Optometrist makes regular visits into very poor and needy areas helping those who could not afford any eye care. It feed her desire to minister to those in need!! She even took a pay cut to be able to be involved in giving back to her community and to her people. Wislande has shared numerous stories with us of her trips into these areas and helping the less fortunate and giving back to her people. Now, she feels this job is making her life more complete.

But the story does not end there – Wislande is getting married to a great Christian Haitian man who is finishing his medical degree in Haiti to be a doctor.  He, too, wants to help his people and give back to Haiti, to make a difference in their community, Haiti and the world.

Many of you ask how to pray for the House of Blessings, thank you for asking!  Here are some of HOB’s PRAYER NEEDS:

*  A date to drill the well at HOB – we have limited resources for a couple of wells to be drilled at HOB and at the local church, we have been working on this for almost 2 years, trying to get a company with a rig that can travel up to HOB.  We have the company now, and we are on the waiting list, so we are asking for a definite date to drill, for favor when drilling (each hole costs approx. $5000 whether they hit water or not), a great water vein with good water and a strong supply of water.

* For a person/couple to go to HOB as a Missionary/Teacher for the HOB School.  They must raise their own support.  This position is for community outreach as well as for HOB, and needs to be strong in teaching English.

* Good health for the kids and staff at HOB

* Several of the older kids at HOB, and in the community, are in the decision making process of their careers (jobs, higher education, etc.) – asking for guidance as they make their decision, for finances and open doors for them and for protection against wrong decisions.

* For financial support for the orphanage, and for the kids.  The higher they go in school, the more it costs, and several are in the upper grades now.

* Also for my personal support – unfortunately, I must raise my own so I can continue to effectively minister in the areas which HHIM has been called.

* One of HOB’s kids who is now an adult, Wislande (mentioned above) is getting married in June to a doctor – they both are Christians and continue to give back to Haiti. This wedding is a joyous occasion for everyone at HOB.

* For continued vision and guidance for HHIM in the ongoing ministry and work at HOB.

 

If you have any questions, please call me at 863-255-1339.  God bless you!!  We love you all.

Journey church from Dunedin, Fl to Haiti!

Journey to Haiti by Kris Green

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”Matthew 16:24 NIV

For most of the group going to Haiti, we didn’t know what to expect. We had been told a lot of information, asked questions, but still in our hearts we weren’t ready for what Haiti had to offer. We were all challenged in different ways throughout the trip and had our hearts broken for this country and for our new friends at the House of Blessing.

Each one of the kids and workers at the House of Blessing were kind and loving. We had many fun times playing different games or even just sitting around talking. We were moved by their faith in the evening devotions as they sang and recited verses by heart, which put our American memories to shame. And even just walking past them, their smiles resonated the love and grace of Christ.

While we helped out in the House of Blessing and with a widow’s house in the little community in Calabasse, we quickly found between the altitude and the labor, that we were outmatched. We helped in various ways, moving concrete, to digging a hole for a septic tank, and to working on the roof of the House of Blessing. Each moment we shared in labor was filled with laughter and growth. Even when we felt dwarfed by watching the Haitians who were helping us work harder and stronger than we were capable.

While the group grew closer, we now have a unique bond being back in the states and approach each other with hugs rather than handshakes. Each looking into each other’s eyes knowing we both share a heart for this country. And eager expectations as people begin discussing the possibility of returning next year. And our small church in Dunedin, Fl, is alive with anticipation on hearing more about our family in Haiti.

We want to also thank House of Blessings for allowing us to come and be a part of your family. As well as Helping Hands in Motion and Richard Fields for helping provide this opportunity for our group to come and share your heart to spread the gospel.

 

What about the Children?

Ecclesiastes 3:11(NIV) “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart…”

A question that I get asked frequently is “How are the children doing at House Of Blessings (HOB)?” In our messages, we write about the progress of many aspects of the ministry and give updates of how projects are going. Lately during my prayer time I have been asking the Lord about what to include on a House Of Blessings update, He said. ”Tell everyone a little about the children, just enough to whet their appetites to come and spend time with them”. So here goes!

When you have 16 children in one home, it seems there is always a buzz about something. In spite of current challenges, such as decrease in financial support, cold’s and allergies, a very dry season, water shortage, loss of food previously provided by CRS (Catholic Relief Services) and many other challenges, the children are doing awesome!

Rosie is growing so quickly, with a spicy personality and ever so charming and is quickly learning English. It is so awe-inspiring to see her holding the hand of one of the older children walking to school.

Christina is full of energy and charisma, and is now learning French (she already speaks Creole and English). She is in kindergarten now -she’s very smart – and is taken to and from school by motorcycle. It is a little frightening to see her get on that motorcycle and head out!

Schelando is sprouting up so quickly, picking up on English better all the time and not as quiet and shy as he has been. It is great to see him and the others playing, chasing each other through the house.

Nacofa is such a hard worker. Quiet, shy and ticklish, and when you get a smile from her you get a glimpse of her inner beauty, which is absolutely heartwarming. We are so proud of what all she has accomplished.

Mawoole is developing into quite the young lady. She has become a little shy, but she’s so fun to be around her. She still wrestles some, but not as much as she used to, she is growing up!

Woodnorder is our “Mister Mischievous”! He wants to play most of the time (and usually he is), especially wrestling with people just about all the time. He is a people person and great to be around and to have fun with.

Sarah is growing into such a beautiful young lady. Still likes to rough house around with you. She can be ever-so-charming one moment and the very next moment she’s back to being a tom boy!

Sony wants to act rough and tough, but he is so good with the little ones. However he doesn’t like to show his soft side. He is growing up and we know that he will develop into a great young man!

Jonas is our young man with the great big smile! He is studying all the time; I tell him he will go far because he immerses himself into his studies. I can’t forget to tell you he loves video and electronic games.

Fello “Mister Flirty” is full of personality! He recently just graduated from a cooking school and he practices at the orphanage from time to time. We are very proud of him and his accomplishments.

Widlene is a wonderful young lady, fun to be around and I love to tease her just to see her laugh and smile. She likes to dress up and fix her hair all the time… this must be why some many boys are around!

Wiesland is growing so much in the Lord! She has a heart to know the Lord more intimately and to serve and worship Him. I love her leading our times of worship! She has a special young man in her life, just ask her about him!

Carlo is developing into a passionate, loving and caring young man. He wants you to think he is tough, but he has such a sensitive side. He is a great big brother to the kids, learning to be a leader and to set an example for the younger ones. He likes to play soccer; he is also great leading us in worship and playing his drum! He travels with me and helps with the translating, we have great talks where I get the privilege of hearing from his heart and passion!

Woody is overseeing the Children Of Promise ministries outside of the orphanage and doing a great job at it. He has a special young woman in his life, and their relationship sounds serious! He finished his schooling for mechanic and is now doing some teaching. When he is in the home he’s on the computer talking to his special young woman. Congratulations!

Marie is “Mother” to all of us! She takes such good care of everyone; she is working, preparing food or helping the children constantly. She is such a blessing. At times her room is full of talk and laughter as women come together fixing hair, nails and who knows what else.

Gilene goes to a Business School and has just a few more papers to write to complete her degree. She is trying hard to get her visa so she can join her husband here in the US. She is constantly going to the church to serve, help and work.

Others you know:
Isaac is working with another ministry at an orphanage north of Port Au Prince, overseeing teams and work projects. He, too, has a special young woman in his life. We are very proud of him!

Steeve is in and out of the house, as he is taking First Response EMT classes in Port-Au-Prince. He wants to get into medicine and this will get his foot in the door, for only the Lord knows what will happen in his future.

Wiesland (the older one) is ENGAGED! She now lives in Port-Au-Prince, enjoys her job and ministry opportunities. We love it when she comes to the house and surprise’s us for a visit and catches us up with what is happening in her life. Her lucky young man is a doctor, they want to minster together in Haiti! So proud of the both of them! The wedding date set for June!

Nadia is a great mother to a beautiful baby girl, Denia Prencella Alexis. Denia is so good, she doesn’t cry much – probably because she is constantly being held by everyone at HOB. Nadia just recently obtained her US visa and is in the process of coming to the US for her family to be united.

Tanya shuffles being a wife, mother, director, spiritual leader, caregiver as she gives love and direction to her children plus all the children in House Of Blessings. We couldn’t be prouder of her! She has grown so much as she has taken over as Director of the HOB, she is learning more and more each day on how to be the spiritual woman God has called her to be! Praise The Lord!

There is so much more we could say about each person, or previous children who were raised in the HOB and now serving the Lord is various ways. We hope this has peaked your interest in serving the Lord through your service at House of Blessing. Plus we are looking for a Teacher for the School at HOB – we need to get this person in place and preparing themselves to move when the school is complete. Does any of this sound like a challenge and a fun adventure that God is tugging on your heart to do? It is!?! Talk to us and plan a visit to Haiti, the House Of Blessings and Calebasse!

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!

The Least of These!

Hi! I’m Stephanie Huebner, I am 23 years old and I married my husband, Will, at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City two and a half years ago. God gave Will and myself each two very distinct passions: youth ministry, and mission work. While we worked as youth interns at a church in OKC, Will was sending his resume out to churches across the country to become a full time Associate/Youth Minister. After two years of interning in youth ministry and one year of being married, he accepted a position as an Associate Pastor at a church in Western Pennsylvania.

Somewhere between Oklahoma City and Pennsylvania, a piece of my heart seemed to have become hardened towards ministry in America. I came from a place where teens got whatever sports car they wanted and had top notch everything. While I am thankful (and half jealous) that these teens are starting out with such fortunate lives, all I could think was “how is there room for God when you think you have everything you want and need?” Soon, I became almost depressed and felt hopeless. My husbands and my current life is sold out to youth ministry, and here I am not even really wanting to witness because I felt like no one knew they needed God. All I wanted to do was get away to a place where people needed God and desired Him. Which is why excitement grew in my heart when I met Richard and Debi and learned what HHIM was all about.

Will has known the Fields’ for many years because they are family friends, and Will’s father is on the board of HHIM. Will has been blessed to go on two trips to India with Richard, as well as trip to Haiti. As I began thinking of what Haiti would be like, I began thinking about how much I would like to live there. Besides the new (near perfect) position at the church, Will and I are newly weds with no kids, no pets, no house, no nothing! After taking all of this into quick consideration, I declared this chapter of our lives prime time missionary time! In my mind, American teens didn’t need me or Will because they have everything!  Their lives are consumed with the things they “need”. In my mind, Haitians needed me! Haitians are the ones who needed to hear the Good News from me! So, if we’re being honest, I expected to want to stay (long term) in Haiti as a missionary.

Since I had never being out of the country, Haiti was quite the shock to me. I certainly did not expect it to be New York City, but I did not know of such poverty.

I got a massive, throbbing, headache within the first 15 minutes of getting off the plane in Port-Au-Prince. My chest hurt from the heavy pollution and raw sewage. I saw tent cities with kids taking baths in tubs in the wide open. Previously I naively thought these things were staged, or photo-shopped in American commercials and magazines, so we would give more money towards efforts. It was sickening! I was sickened that I was born in such financial wealth when people an ocean away were and still are barely surviving.

As we traveled up the mountain from the airport to the House of Blessings Orphanage, Haiti’s beauty became very apparent. The air was crisp the higher and higher we went… and the mountains were breath taking. The very first day at the HOB, our group went on what Haitians call a “hike”. Some Americans would probably refer to it as rock climbing. We “hiked” down a very steep, rocky mountain. I’m not sure how long it took us, but my body remembered the trip for days. The rest of the week was filled with building houses and working on an outreach building at the HOB.

There are so many big – and little – things you experience on a trip such as this, that finding words to describe how you are affected is a difficult task. My heart was blessed in so many ways during this trip. From the children who saw our group walking down trails and ran to us just to hold our hands and walk with us, to the man who sang “How Great Is Our God” while walking us back to the HOB after building his family a stable new home. From the kids at the HOB singing during devotions, to watching the team you came with encouraging each other when the day is almost over. It is impossible for your core being to be left untouched.

I had such mixed feelings about leaving everything Haiti, the kids at the HOB, and the team I came with. On one side, I was so sad to leave the new family I made in that quick week. I was sad to leave a place that God is needed. On the other side, a fresh desire was sparked in my heart. I had a desire to share God’s love with the youth in our home church and community. God made it very clear to me that while the youth in God’s ministry at our home church may not be in need the way Haitians are in need, they are, in fact, in need. My trip to Haiti fanned the passions in my soul. I understood more clearly that my responsibility as a Christian and in this chapter of my life is to show our teens that the material items we are suffocated with will never fulfill us. No sports car, no shoes, no grades or job will ever satisfy our hunger for fulfillment. The only One mighty enough to wholly fill the hole in our hearts is Jesus Christ!

While this revelation had a great impact on my life and got me excited to head home, my heart still longed to help the HOB. One thing I will never forget is when Richard asked our group to not make any promises to any Haitians while we were there. He said something like, “I know you all have good intentions in the promises you make, but Americans tend to get back to the states and forget their promise. The problem is that Haitians never will.” I was heart broken at the truth in his words. I held my tongue the whole week, catching myself every time I was tempted to make a promise. I left them feeling like they gave me more than I gave them. I left feeling determined that I would not be the American that got caught up with life and forgot about my family-like friends. I started planning how I would financially help the HOB through HHIM. I considered all small things, like sewing and selling dresses, and giving the profit to HHIM. This plan quickly shriveled when I realized the dresses weren’t coming out of the sewing machine the way I had created them in my head. Thank God He had other plans!

One early morning months after our trip to Haiti, I woke up to what I am confident was a God given vision: a walk-a-thon. (One thing to know about me is that I am a dreamer, not a realist, and I have never, ever, been one to carry out a dream. In other words, I rarely stick with something that takes longer than a week to see results.) That very morning I googled “How to plan a walk-a-thon”. The first site I clicked gave me five quick steps to plan a successful walk-a-thon. For someone who isn’t good at committing to long term projects, five steps was probably the best thing I could have read. After considering this, I emailed Richard to see what the top three needs were at the House of Blessings. He responded with my requested top three needs but noted importance on the water crisis. He said he was having to make frequent trips down into Port-Au-Prince to get 1500 gallons of water that cost $200+ per trip. Between these water runs, the kids had to “hike” down that mountain I previously spoke about with buckets to get water for the day. He estimated the price of the water well to be $15,000. I jotted down some ideas and took it to my neighbor lady, who at the time, I did not realize was on our church’s mission board. I told her what God planted on my heart and showed her the 5 quick and easy steps it would take to make the walk-a-thon happen and she said “Great! I’ll arrange a meeting for the missions board. You can present it this Sunday!”  ”This Sunday!?”, I was thinking. This was not quite the answer I was looking for, but it certainly got me moving!

I began praying about different people I could ask to be on my planning team. In the end, I had one friend, Brittany, who felt called to help. As time went on I learned there is significantly more to planning an event such as a walk-a-thon than the deceiving google article claimed. I had never related with the saying “the blind leading the blind” so much in my life. The closest thing I have done to a fundraiser such as a walk-a-thon, was a church youth car wash. Both require sponsors. So this is the first actual task I attempted. Between Brittany and myself, we were able to raise around $2,000 in sponsorships from local businesses to make the walk-a-thon happen. From there I was busy speaking at different churches, researching, recruiting team leaders and members, typing, printing, and sending several different forms to all the teams, getting a website up and running, contacting local radio stations and newspapers, getting a day reserved at our local High school track, getting event insurance, the list goes on and on!

In the early stages of the planning process, the devil attacked me with doubt. I sometimes felt foolish for thinking God could use me, and the small town I live in, to raise the $15,000.

Did I mention the population of the town I live in is 3,000? (I think they added that number up on a high year, too.)

I anticipated how I would react if I fell short of my financial goal. I would no doubt feel humiliated. One night during devotions I read 2 Corinthians 9:10 which says, “For God is the one who provides seeds for the farmer and then bread to eat.” I felt as if God was speaking directly to me about the walk-a-thon through Paul’s words. I thought, “Why would God give me a vision, and not fulfill His purpose?” God is faithful! What a relief that this weight was no longer on my shoulders, that God would provide! I was also reminded of God’s faithfulness through a friend, Linda, who I met on my trip to Haiti. During the months of walk-a-thon planning, I found out Linda was the one searching for someone to drill the water well. After realizing this, we emailed each other back and forth trying to encourage each other to just keep on going. In one email she said, “Stephanie, do you realize how many years the HOB has had mission teams visit to work?”

I am happy to say in the end, 20 teams registered to participate in the walk-a-thon with many “walk-in” participants the day of. The grand total raised $22,887.95. I learned a lot of do’s and a lot more don’ts through the months of organizing. I learned:

1. God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.
2. His timing is much better than my timing.
3. Most importantly, He will provide!

I will end by saying, don’t hold back from what God is calling you to, even if the outcome is scary or seems impossible to overcome. With God, all things are possible and apart from Him, we can do nothing.

 

The trip that has changed my heart and strengthened my soul! by Tina

It is a trip that has changed my heart and strengthened my soul… to a third world country where $1.00 a day is considered a good pay to feed a family. It’s where most Haitians think about getting through today and not worrying about tomorrow, because they are not sure they will see another sunrise. It’s where going to school is very much a privilege and not a choice, but those that are fortunate enough may travel for hours one way to get to school. A parent or relative when is unable to feed and take care of a child has the difficult choice in choosing which child/children will be given a better chance for the future. Then they make the painful decision to take that journey to an orphanage, where a glimpse of “HOPE” is given to a child.

This is where my story begins, at the door steps to the “House Of Blessings”. This is where 16 smiling faces greet you with a “bonjour” and a never ending supply of hugs. You can feel God’s presence in each of the children; from Rosberline age 4 to Steve or Woody the eldest residents. All have a special spot in this home and where they worship the Lord with a nightly group devotion, where songs are sang, Bible verses are recited and a reflection of God’s work for the day is spoken.

“The House Of Blessings” and all who reside there are beacons for the community. Where the gates are opened for resources to help find jobs, community support and where a positive outlook on our Savior Jesus Christ is always present. “Helping Hands In Motion supports “The House Of Blessings”, along with the community. Where houses are being built for God’s children, we built a 14’ X 14’ house with four walls, a roof , two windows and a door, erected within four hours with the help of the home owner Jethroe, his neighbors, family and our team of ten. A couple of days later we laid the cement floor then we were honored as our team blessed the house for his nine brothers and sisters to share and make a home. God brought a team form Skiatook, Oklahoma to touch the lives of this family in Callebasse, Haiti; How amazing is that?

I feel one of God’s biggest gifts given to me is RELATIONSHIPS; a relationship between a team member and a child, a relationship between a team member and God, and even a relationship between a team member and the house mom, Marie. She was raised in the same orphanage and now has her place touching the lives of others. I was in Haiti in October 2010 and worked with these beautiful ladies that cooked our meals, and made sure our needs were met, along with making sure the needs of the children were met. Not only did the kids need a hug, but so did these ladies. I gave them my heart and they gave it back bigger and stronger than ever before, and for that I am internally grateful. When I returned in June 2012, I asked Marie if she remembered me, I reminded her of our time in the kitchen. Her face lit up and said…”yes, I remember you; you wanted to know everything and you took pictures of me”. I replied with a great big smile and said “YES” and shared the pictures I had taken 1 ½ years prior. Before I knew it I was being given the biggest hug and a sway back and forth, then another and another. I know I have many sisters and brothers through Christ, so many that my heart is overflowing with honor and grace. All of this made possible with God’s gift of relationships: I want to thank HHIM for changing my heart and strengthening my soul.

Tina Loncaric,                                                                                                                                                         Skiatook, Oklahoma

House Of Blessings School update from Van Joyner

HOB School

Hello from Haiti,

Progress on the school had been very slow until this last week. I had been spending some of my time helping with gardens and animals. This last week though I hired several of the locals and we were able to complete the roof.

My time here has been such a blessing to me as well as a time of growing and maturing in Jesus. I want to thank all of you that have partnered with me on this journey. We have got a good start on the building that other teams as they visit can continue the work.

God Bless and thanks again for all your prayers and support,

Van

Haiti Video

Haiti Was a Wild Mix of Sights! by Cathy Warden

Haiti was a wild mix of sights, sounds, and feelings. Port Au Prince was full of people selling their wares on the side of the street. Some sold souvenirs, some sold fruits or vegetables, and some sold clothing or kitchen utensils. Their makeshift store fronts consisted of salvaged pieces of corrugated tin, branches of trees, pieces of plastic or tarps or just a bucket or washtub to sit beside. They all sold their items in the grimy streets piled curb deep in trash. Every block or so there would be a small mountain of trash; dogs and children picked through the trash for anything edible or salvageable. Many of these people are still living in “Tent Cities”. I use the term “tent” loosely because these tents are made of salvaged tin and tarps. After much time and weather the tarps are beginning to wear out. The rainy season was just beginning. The rainy season that brings the hurricanes.

Twenty miles into the mountains, Callebasse people are mostly farmers. The tomatoes, peppers, cabbages and lettuces were growing in neat rows. The school children wore brightly colored uniforms to school. A friendly wave from the Americans in the big red truck would bring an instant smile, a wave, and a response of Bon Jour, Bon Soir, or Bon Nuit depending on the time of day. But, as I looked around, I could see the devastation the earthquake had left behind. Crumbling walls and piles of rubble dot the steep sides of these volcanic mountains. The tents here are farther apart and a bit harder to get to. And their tarps are wearing thin as well.

Richard told us that as many as 80% of the homes in the mountain area were either damaged or destroyed in the earthquake. The houses we built while we were there replaced the tarp and tin “house” the families had been living in for over a year.
Finally, these hard working people have a roof over their heads and a solid floor under their feet. Not that it is easy to accomplish the task of house raising. The materials have to be trucked as close to the home site as possible and then carried by hand the rest of the way. The home owners were responsible for carrying the water, sand and gravel needed for the concrete floor. They carried it on their heads in buckets, pans, and whatever containers they could find. Barbara and I carried a front door down the mountainside to one house; slipping on the rocks and mud, trying not to break an ankle or damage the door either one. The wall sections and trusses had to be carried down as well. After the door, I knew I couldn’t carry anything any larger. One trip up or down the path and I was puffing like a steam engine. But the lady at the first house strode up and down that path like it was flat ground, carrying load after load of materials for her home. She was amazing!

So, shall I remember Haiti as I saw it in Porte Au Prince or as I saw it in Callebasse? They are both Haiti. Some of the people were hostile toward us as white people and foreigners. Some were very friendly and ready to give assistance. The airport personnel were wonderful and tried to teach us some Creole words. Some of them played games with the younger folks of our group as we waited for our transportation. Some of them begged without ceasing. Some smiled without ceasing. Some raised their fists at us and some raised their hands in praise to God.

I choose to remember the big brown eyes and smiling faces. The hands touching hearts as they thanked us over and over for their new home. The beautiful, breathtaking mountain views. And the love behind the hugs and tears as we left.

I thank you all for your support both prayerful and financial. We could not have gone without your help. Please know that there are two more families in Haiti that are sleeping in their own homes tonight because you care.

In Matthew Chapter 25, Jesus said, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Now you have built Him a home and I am sure He is well pleased. There are many more homes to be built, many more hungry children to feed. Please keep sending us.

Thank you, again.

HAITI House Of Blessings Earthquake Relief Efforts

This video says it all . . . the devastation, the suffering, the loss to the Haitian people. But it also tells of the hope, the love, the encouragement, the ongoing need for support – the challenges before them, and the opportunities for you to become more involved personally. Contact us with any questions you might have, or see how you can get involved. Perhaps you can travel to HAITI . . . great! Perhaps you can not travel to HAITI . . .great! Either way, you can be involved and impact a person who so desperately needs to feel a loving touch!Haiti House of Blessings Earthquake Relief Efforts

Blessings in Haiti by Sue Sargent

The goodness, bigness and faithfulness of God is always amazing me. Since the catastrophic earthquake in January I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to go to Haiti and do what I could to help with housing for the multitude of people who were left homeless. That opportunity came when Helping Hands in Motion teamed up with FCOG in Vero Beach to take a short term mission trip to the flat-land village of Prospere and the mountainous region of Calebassee. To work hands-on with my brothers and sisters in the Lord on behalf of the Haitian people was a prime example of the body of Christ in action. In so doing I saw God be glorified through the friendliness and gratitude of those who were receiving houses and working right along beside us.
After each house is assembled, the concrete floor is poured and the exterior is painted it is time for a dedication. This is a time for prayer and thanksgiving when the owner has a chance to share with the team and thank God for His provision and members of the team can likewise speak words of encouragement to the owner. The three dedications our team shared was one of the high points of the trip for me.
As a personal blessing for me God reminded me of the culture shock I experienced after my first trip to Haiti in 1975. As Richard prepared the team for our return to the US I could see exactly what had happened to me back then. This trip not only afforded me the opportunity to help those in need but it also provided a degree of unexpected personal healing in my own life.
One day all of God’s children will be together for eternity and there will be no separations or barriers. Until then He will give us the grace and strength to continue to navigate this fallen world and bring glory to Him in the midst of it.