You could just see and feel the excitement and anticipation as you walked through the small village of Callabasse… the people were thrilled with what was happening in their village to their neighbors. They were so happy that they themselves came to the work sites and getting right in there and helping in any way they could! They watched as their neighbors had new homes built just for them.
On January 12 at approximately 5PM many of the homes in Callabasse were destroyed or damaged by the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti. After the earthquake people constructed make shift homes out of tin and plastic. Some tents became available making it possible for some to have a tent installed on their property for them to live in.
Now, new homes were starting to be built and everyone was excited about this event.
A team of experienced ministry leaders, people committed to leading teams to Haiti later, traveled to Haiti on April 4 through April 10 to start the reconstruction of homes for the people of Haiti. I was one of those fortunate enough to
be on this team of experienced leaders. What I, and others, experienced was exciting and life changing, as we ministered and worked alongside of our Haitian Brothers and Sisters.
A few days after arriving in Haiti and taking a tour of Maxima, the factory where the Pre-fab homes are being built, we got up early – eager to start assembling the three kits that had been delivered to the House Of Blessings Orphanage. The families chosen to get the first of the homes assembled were families where children are sponsored by Children of Promise, Anderson, IN. To have a home built for you and your family, you must agree to assist in the construction of your home plus at least two other homes in the village.
All I can say is: “It was awesome to be there and see everyone who pitched in helping with each one of the homes that we assembled.” We just started carrying the sections of the homes to the sites and people started offering to help and it didn’t ever stop. The work was hard. It was hot and laborious but everyone stayed with it . . . building, clearing debris, moving rock and dirt, mixing and pouring concrete. We had several Haitian’s that stayed with us every day when we worked wheeling concrete and helping in various other ways – and some of them wasn’t even getting a home, at least at this time.
Our group was very blessed and filled with joy as our Haitian friends pitched in and helped with every aspect of the building process. People came up and thanked us for helping the chosen families, saying that these families deserved a new home – while many of those giving the thanks had also lost their homes. People walked long distances just to see what was happening and to see the homes that were being erected for these fortunate families. We even heard that something had been said on the local radio station about the homes being built.
I believe I heard one Haitian say: “Thank you for making our village beautiful again.” When I first heard this comment, I thought of a new home being built, then later I thought of how beautiful it was where friends and families were coming together, setting aside differences and feelings to help one another. Now that is real beauty!
As our group came together at night and talked about what we were experiencing, you could see and hear the change in the people. HOPE was
being restored! It wasn’t about this team of people from USA; it was about people from various races and economical levels coming together for the Glory of the Lord. It wasn’t about us . . . it was about Him, Jesus Christ!! What He has done for us and what he has commanded us to do, “Love our neighbors.”
As we finished the first home we were told that someone came and made the remark that we were not finished with the home. This person said there had to be a dedication and blessing service for the home. On the last evening we were there, we went to each home and had a dedication and house blessing service. The local pastors came and led the services; songs were sung, testimonies were given, prayers were offered with many tears shed. And there were smiles all over the place – everywhere you looked, you seen joy and excitement that you could actually feel. We went around the rooms of these new homes and embraced and shook the hands of our Brothers and Sisters! We were thanking the Lord for what He had done! Oh, the presence of the Lord was surely in that place!
There are so many other exciting developments that have been made and are being now discussed, like how we can help to empower and enable our Haitian neighbors to restore their Hope in themselves and their country. I ask you to pray, as we explore ways of training and business opportunities for our Haitian neighbors.
This is just the start; there are many more homes that will be constructed for our Haitian neighbors. Don’t think you have missed the only chance for this exciting experience. If I understand correctly, there are plans to build over 300 of these homes in several villages throughout Haiti. Many of you have already sent funds to make these homes possible. Now we all need to be praying and asking the Lord how He wants each of us to be involved in “Stimulating the Hope in Haiti!”
Are you ready? How does God want you to be involved?
[caption id="attachment_416" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Home site preparation"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_418" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Finished home with family"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_420" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Dedication Service"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_421" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Celebrating with Family"]
[/caption] ]]>
