Ambassadors of Christ from John

This fourth trip to Haiti was, in many ways, the most meaningful for me.  God really blessed this trip in so many ways.  First, He molded together just the right people to make a group of individuals from several different churches and many different backgrounds and skillsets into a team that he knew before the foundation of the world.  How neat is that!  Second, He brought us together with a remarkable group of translators so that we could minister to those that needed our help.  Third, He kept us all in good health and good spirits, so that we could minister to one another.  Finally, we attended two worship services where you really felt God's Spirit (expertise in Creole not needed!), heard from Pastor Esau and a real prayer warrior and marveled at how 70+ orphans ranging in age from 2 years to almost 20 readily participated in and benefited from God's Word and music.

I will never forget the many ways that God uses all of the many and varied gifts that He has blessed each of us with, so that the body of Christ is served in His name.  As ambassadors of Christ, it was truly a blessing to ask so many who came to us for healing if we could pray for them and have them light up and say "Oui!"  And the orphans showed us a level of love and acceptance that we felt from the first day entering the orphanage until the final day when we said goodbye. 

And ... special thanks to Emily, Pastor Daniel and Cliny for their help, support, smiling faces and Haitian hospitality!

John Zamzow
Short-Term Missions Coordinator
Faith Lutheran Church

Photo credit: Sarah ;}

Sarah's humbled and thankful....

As I transition back into my daily life, I find my mind constantly wandering back to my time in Haiti. I wonder if my little patient's seizures have subsided or if the worm medicine has helped the babies' tummy aches. The people of Haiti have made such an impact on my life, and I am so grateful to have had this experience. Someone advised me before the trip to "open your heart up to each and every moment," and that became my goal for this journey. I was humbled when I learned that my patients waited 12 hours in the sweltering heat to be seen. I was saddened when I saw the infections and diseases that were caused by a lack of clean food or water. I was amazed when the children's voices rang throughout the church, singing praises to God, thankful for everything that they had. I can only hope that we touched the lives of the people of Ouanaminthe in a fraction of the way that they
have touched mine.

I am also especially thankful for the team of people that went on this trip. My faith has definitely been strengthened through each member of this team in some way, and I feel so blessed to have spent this time with all of you. I want to especially thank Dr. Tim & Dr. Elizabeth for their constant support and guidance as I attempted to see my own patients and act as a physician. You both were amazing examples and role models of the type of physician I hope to become -- attentive to each and every patient while demonstrating God's love through your work. Thank you to everyone for such a great experience, God Bless! :)

Tim looks back....

As I return to my normal life I am thankful for every moment of my journey to Haiti. My faith has been strengthened by being in the presence of a group of people for whom God is such a central figure in their daily lives.  I have been humbled by the devotion of Pastor Daniel, he, like his name sake, stands surrounded by peril but remains protected by his faith in God.  To see life thrive in soil that is barren, enriched through prayer and faith, is a true miracle. I will always remember the simple dignity of the people of Haiti who waited hours in the midday heat to seek care for their children, then were quick to raise their hand in praise to God for their blessing.  It is easy for me to get lost in this life, in the pursuit of success and the daily grind of my life, I will strive to raise my hand as quickly to praise and thank God for my many daily blessings.  I will be forever grateful for the moments of clarity and grace that God gave me on my mission to Haiti.  I pray that I was able to give half as much as I received during my time there.  Tim Blanchet

Suzie's song and dance....

The song Jezi renmen tout timoun (Jesus loves the little children) is forever stuck in my head as well as images of Ouanaminthe: roosters, cactus fences, motorcycle taxis with five people on them, beans and rice, Haitian roadside food huts, and those laughing, smiling children.....all 73 of them. Handfree walking not allowed! If they see your hand is empty, they slip their's into yours, even on those sweltering days.

I'd been to Haiti before, but never to this corner and never have I been a part of a working orphanage, nor even part of a medical team! It was a unique and humbling experience.

God has gifted me with the ability to learn languages easily, and my French skills came in super handy as most of the orphans could understand moi. But, I would have been nothing without my great team of helpers...especially Janet and Kathy with all the crafts and games they came up with and medical team volunteers, Sandy, Ashley, Jessica, Rosie, Sue, Mel,  Lauren, Greg and X-Ray. Who would have thought the kids would so enjoy jumping rope in 90 degree heat?

When I wasn't working with the kids, I spent spare moments blogging about the trip and throwing up photos on our site so that friends and family back home could see what was happening day by day and continue to pray for us. Thanks to those who gave me their cards to download pics: Dr Tim, Rosie, Sue, Janet (above photo ;)  and Jen Wride.

This ragtag team that our fearless leader Mark brought together worked side-by-side in a very loving and efficient manner. Hats off to Pastor Paul and Cliny in their loving care of the orphans and visions for the future school and to whom I call the Mother Teresa of Ouanaminthe, Emily. To God be the glory. Ke Bondye beni ou.

Robert's Reflections

This was a remarkable mission trip in that there were so many people who have opened their hearts to do missions for the first time. I really enjoyed our evening devotions and sharing and felt as if this was an extremely cohesive team. I know that the transition back home is difficult and requires a lot of patience but I have realized over the years that those who stayed home did not experience the same things we did. I was very proud of Jessica in seeing a change and growth in her in the short week that we were there. I hope everyone will reconsider going again so that we can serve the Lord in our humble ways that we do.

-- 

May God Bless Your Day

Robert Antolak

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 ;}