Frantzie's trip planned by God

For me this Mission Trip was planned by God. I say this because when I returned home from Haiti last June I had not planned another trip until 2014, but God shifted my plan and allowed me to serve and make new friends. This trip was very different from any previous trip. The will of God will never take me where His Grace will not protect me.  This was a very long journey but when we finally arrived in Ouanaminthe at the “Maison Des Agneaux de Dieu” the welcome we received from the Children and the community was overwhelming. The members of the team that have been there previously were waiting with great anticipations to see the children once again but I did not understand their excitement until I experienced it myself.

 

On clinic days the patients waited for hours in the hot sun to be seen by the doctors. As you may know Public Health is a big problem in Haiti. This small village outside the City of Ounanimthe is in great need of support of healthcare. We were told that the public hospital in town is not equipped to care for people and also most of them unable to pay. The average families in the village only eat one small meal per day. It's was apparent the children looked malnourished.

 

I am pleased that this team was able to bring some hope to them. This is a huge blessing to be among a great group of Godly people that with God’s help we were able to make a difference.

 

Haiti Cherie je en vous oublierai jamais!

Ayiti Mwen renmen Mwen pap janm bliye ou!

Frantzie

Greg is forever changed

I saw, smelled, heard, tasted and touched things I had never before experienced and will forever be changed because of it.  No video, book or magazine could prepare me for the realities of extreme poverty. We were immersed in this culture for a week and at first it was easy for me to get overwhelmed with the great need, until I began to focus on the moments -- and there were many moments.  I also had to remind myself that God is God and I am not.  He asks us to be available, willing, and to move/go -- which we all did.  After that, He was in control. 

We gave of ourselves, but also got much in return.  The smiles, love and affection from children just wanting a little a bit of attention and to know they matter just melted my heart.  The hours (sometimes all day) that people waited patiently and with gratitude in the hot sun for a few short minutes with a Doctor was humbling.  Singing in church "Here I am to Worship" with the orphans reminded me that we are all one people serving a Great God. 

Although I do intend to go on more mission trips in the future, we all need to live our lives as if every day is a "mission trip".  People need to be served and experience the love of God in the United States, Michigan, Detroit, our communities, neighborhoods, workplaces and families.

Photo credit: Jen Wride ;}

Sandy's blessings from Haiti

It is difficult to put into words what a true blessing this mission trip to Haiti has been for me.  I knew upon hearing that the mission team would be returning to The House of the Lambs of God Orphanage that I wanted to go.  I so wanted to once again be with precious girls that share their love with you the minute you walk through those gates.  I wanted to once more tell Emily, Pastor Daniel and Clynie how no one is as selfless and committed to doing God’s work as they are.  I was eager to see the boy’s orphanage completed and filled with joyful little boys.  But most of all, I was looking forward to seeing how God would use our team to do His work. God never disappoints, so I will just say He did it perfectly.  Each team member brought their unique gift each day with joy and happiness.  These gifts were designed by God completely for the needs of each day.  Everyday was a blessing to us as we did our best to serve His loving children.  Personally, my favorite part of each day was asking each patient after their triage form was filled out if we could pray together.  There was always a shy smile (male or female) on their face and a “oui” response.  The prayers were mostly for healing and hope but also for sharing God’s love for His children. 

I feel honored to have been a part of this mission team.  I am grateful for knowing and loving all of you and most of all thankful to our divine and loving Heavenly Father.  

Janet elaborates on Ouanaminthe

What did the Haiti mission trip mean to me?  What a question to answer.  I could elaborate on what I saw: the poverty, diseases, the children’s faces, a loving team working together, a pastor with a vision making an impact in his corner of the world.  I could elaborate on what I experienced, language barriers broken down with love/smiles/hugs, forgiveness/patience/dedication/passion among team and staff, heat/dirt/sweat, Jesus at work in hearts~stretching me/others.  I could elaborate on what I know:  prayers were answered, medical and dental needs of Haitians were provided, AND Jesus Died For All with many still needing to experience the hands and feet of Jesus through us.  Maybe what this trip means most to me is “what next”?  The impacting experience can not/should not/I pray it won’t let me go back to who I was before.     

God works through us--Ray Pratt

We landed safely at DTW at 10:50 Monday night. Thank you for your prayers!

I think this trip put me back in touch with a passion that I had lost. I've seen the poverty of other nations as a soldier. I've been on various aide projects.  But somewhere along the way, I just started going though the motions and soon felt helpless to make a difference.

The trip to Haiti has shown me that it's not about what I can do but what God can do through me.  I had to pray constantly in Haiti for strength and wisdom to face those children and adults with a positive and accepting attitude. And God provided. There were may times that I asked myself what was I doing there? How could I help? And honestly I didn't know the answer. I would pray and before I knew it there would be an angel at my side smiling and giving me the answer.

So what did the trip mean to me? I think in many ways it meant a return to what God intended me to be.   X-Ray

Reflections from Jessica Lobaido

Wow what an adventure. This was my first mission trip, and really my 1st time out of the country. I felt God's calling to go, so I went and now I feel so grateful to have had this experience. It was so eye opening to me. Parts of the trip were tough physically and emotionally, but I felt God with us every step of the way. It was a spiritual journey for me. I had to break out of my comfort zone. But I read in a book once that 'God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if he doesn't come through.' I had situations happen to me on this trip where I had nothing else to do but put my complete trust in God and leave it in His hands. And the awesome part is He always came through for me. My favorite memory from the trip was when we stepped inside the orphanage for the first time and all the girls came running towards us with hugs and kisses. And one girl jumped into my arms. It brought tears of joy to my eyes. 

Another favorite part about this trip for me was the group of people I got to go with. Every single person was such a blessing to me. They all took me under their wing and I felt like I was part of a big family. If I was struggling, they prayed for me. I will always remember each person from the group because they each impacted me in a special way. Overall it was an experience I will never forget. And I praise God for our health and safe return. Gods blessings.

Looking back from Sue Mutter

If each step of our lives is a chance for us to learn from God, these trips to Haiti are invaluable.  The Haitian people have nothing (lacking food, clean conditions, medical help, basic utilities, etc) and yet, they have everything (a strong faith in God, love for one another, smiles, and hope for the future).  In America, our people become sick because we eat too much (diabetes, heart disease, etc), while in Haiti they become ill because they eat too little (especially of nutritious food). Somehow, we as a nation, have to learn how to better share our food supply.

I count it a huge blessing to be a small part of such a great team that withGod's help, was able to make a difference. Lord, help us to take "Haiti home" and not forget our friends there and the great lessons we learned.