I am not quite sure how I feel about change. I suppose it is something I cannot refuse to not like, because it happens so frequently around here. People are constantly coming and going, projects and priorities change daily. A year ago a family moved to Haiti that I have grown to love. Aaron and Shelli Elliot moved their three kids and dog to live in a big, blue and white circus tent. They left their beautiful home, their cars, their steady jobs, their family and friends to join Nehemiah Vision Ministries. I had known Aaron for a while because he led my first trip to Haiti in February 2010. He also helped mentor me and guide me through the process of moving to Haiti.

Shelli and I became instant friends. In fact, it was a few weeks after she moved to Haiti that she told me I could not leave in July and I can move back in November with them. Thinking yea right at the time, (mom you have Shelli to blame for this second year), I felt the Lord tell me I was indeed staying.

Aaron and I have been to the hospital together too many times to count. Most times involved him jetting through traffic with me in the back of the pick-up praying for safety, but I learned I could trust Aaron and count on him no matter the circumstance. Shelli and I have shared many laughs and tears over the past year. The night we held a life-less baby that weighed less than a pound in our arms, made us life-long friends. I do not know what it is like to go to war but at times I felt like we all went to war together fighting against the enemy that is unseen. We struggled together and I think we came out stronger on the other side.

Aaron and Shelli moved back to Indiana last week. Their presence here will not be forgotten. The impact they made on me alone cannot be forgotten. They may not know the impact they had on the people they served while here, but knowing is not what is important to them. Their faith and trust in God is so clearly seen that they know God led them to Haiti and that is enough. They do not need to see the tangible results. I am pretty sure that is the kind of faith that moves mountains.

The “requirement” before leaving Haiti is that you find your replacement before you leave. Brandon and Katie Hutchens came to Haiti last January for the second time, and it was then Shelli told me they are going to take our place. Not really knowing Brandon and Katie, I was like cool, whatever, how can you possibly know that? Well, the Hutchens returned to Haiti, November 3, and have done an extraordinary job filling the big shoes the Elliot’s left behind. It feels like they have always belonged here and they fit into our family perfectly. I am so excited for Brandon and Katie to be here and to see where God will take them while they continue to serve the Lord here.

Another big change that has happened this month is Jay and Amy Shultz returned to campus together. Amy has been back several times, but it was Jay’s first time since his accident. I have never blogged about his accident, because it was too painful at that time. June 15th is a day I will never forget. The Shultz family moved here in January 2011. Jay and Amy also left the comforts of their home, along with their three children and moved to Haiti to help decrease the work load Pastor carries daily. They were also in the process of adopting Fifi, who lived in our children’s home.

Jay was in an accident with the backhoe and gator that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Seeing him wheel through customs brought back such a flood of emotions. It was the first time I had seen him since June and I was so happy and shocked and just emotional. After the accident and Jay and Amy left Haiti we had about 80 new people on campus and life went on. We were forced to move on and continue to lead and guide the new teams that had no clue who Jay Shultz even was. Talk about stuffing in emotions. Anyways…Jay and Amy’s faith in God moves mountains as well. Their devotion and trust that God works all things for his good was amazing to see as they returned to Haiti together.

The clinic has been pretty low key over the past month. Nothing too exciting and out of the ordinary has happened, which I am content with this change. We did have one patient that lacerated his radial artery, but he is now okay! A medical team that was here in the beginning of the month helped us finish up physicals on the school children. We also had an eye doctor here that did eye screenings on the kids. Dr. Rod was able to give glasses to a boy with terrible vision. How cool is that? A boy that no one even knew could not see now has the gift of sight!! The more I live in Haiti, the more I fall in love with life here. I enjoy going to work every day and being a part of NVM that wants to not just offer healthcare, schooling, jobs, but also changes lives and rebuilds the dignity that Haiti and the Haitians deserve.

I do not always ask for prayer request through my blog, but I want to be open and share my heart with you over the past month. The security in Haiti and anywhere in the world can be unsafe. I believe my safety in Indianapolis can be compromised as easily as it could be in Haiti. The Lord has woke me up in the middle of the night several times over the last month and told me to pray for the safety of our campus. So, every other night or every three nights I wake up and pray. I want to invite you as well to pray with me. You do not need to wake up at 3 in the morning, but each day please say a little prayer for Haiti, for the safety of NVM’s campus, and the leaders of Haiti. I am confident that this is where God has called me and that He will protect me, but please continue to pray with me.

Happy Thanksgiving from the NVM Family!!!!

by David Ingala

What would a trip to Haiti be without a bit of adventure around every corner?  You're not in Haiti if your not having adventure as part of your journey.  We made it through immigration and trouble ensued while getting our bags.  An "airport official" was having trouble because my bags were the only ones without the neon duck tape.  I came alone from Kentucky so I wasn't part of the Grace Point group from San Antonio I met in Miami and they had all used the same tape to easily find their baggage.  A human wall was made by airport workers prohibiting us from leaving.    We finally assured the official that we were not stealing someone else's bags and we were allowed to leave.  It may sound strange to those who have not been to Haiti, but I was in heaven to be in a tap tap on a dusty road inhaling diesel fumes and enjoying the aroma of burning garbage and tires.  

The new children's homes on campus

I watched the school children line up to enter school and they had prayer, singing, and finally raising of the Haitian flag before entering school.

posted by Jim & Cheryl Warner, GAiN USA Missionaries

Well, the week has passed quickly.  The GAiN mission team in Haiti has had a great week. It was obvious that God has been moving in our lives as we shared at our last team meeting.  As always, God has allowed us to minister but also to be ministered to by those we were with here in Haiti. Here is a quick look at our final day of ministry.

On Friday we conducted a vision clinic on the NVM compound for folks living in Chambrun.  It was a national holiday so the numbers were down slightly. However, we saw 32 people all of which needed glassed, most needed them badly. It was a blessing to help them.

After lunch we took one final walk to the village of Chambrun.  Team members had been there a number of times during the week and had formed some great relationships with people in the community – especially with the kids!  These kids have so much energy and just want to be loved.  We had a great time playing with them.

Just before supper we took the team to a beautiful overlook on the mountainside.  From our position we could see completely across Haiti. The ocean was on the right and the Dominican Republic was on the left.  It was a great view.

I end with pictures of the team and our ride to the airport.  This was a great team and we are so very grateful that they all responded to God’s leading to come.  They touched so many lives and did such great work. Their attitude was fantastic and we formed some great friendships.  We pray that God will richly bless them all as they continue to minister in the various areas of their lives. And thank you to all who have been praying for our time in Haiti. Your prayers made a huge difference.  God bless you all.

Posted by Jim & Cheryl Warner, GAiN USA Missionaries: 16 Nov 2011 12:31 PM PST

Hello again from Haiti.  It is Wednesday and we have had a full day. Once again we remained on the NVM compound to minister.  There were three main projects: painting, working on the septic system for the new children’s home and the sewing class.

The base of the school building and the current office needed to be painted and our team was up for the challenge. Bright blue was applied to the school and white to the office building.  In just two weeks, the current office building will become the pre-school building and the staff will move to the newly constructed office building.  The results of the painting were fantastic!

The two men and a number of the women once again tackled the septic system for the new children’s homes.  The main project for the day was to dig a trench deeper. The pipe was coming out too high so dig they did. The ground is so hard they had to use a pick axe to soften the dirt. And move the dirt they did.

At two o’clock the women headed over to the large outdoor tent to continue their work teaching Haitian women how to hand sew.  The project for the week is a cloth shoulder bag. They are doing a great job and the ladies on the team have been helping a great deal.  Cheryl is working with these Haitian ladies to teach them this skill to help them make a living for their families.

We are so grateful to be working along side this great team. They have been willing to do whatever we have put before them. They are true servants. Please continue to pray for our week. Tomorrow is like today and Friday we conduct our second vision clinic. We will keep you posted.

from E'Tienne's blog: http://etienneyork.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/break-my-heart-to-what-breaks-yours/

17 Thursday Nov 2011

“See that you do no despise one of these little ones.  For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matt 18:10

Students singing Haiti's National Anthem

 School has been in session for a little over a month. I remember the first day it started; children of all ages walked in the gates in navy blue uniforms, boys in shorts or slacks with a light blue blouse and the girls in their jumpers/skirts with ribbons in their hair ready for school. The children held hands with their parents, siblings, or friends and were smiling from ear to ear. I loved watching as the children waited outside the school to enter, they were filled with joy. I also loved watching them stand in line singing the National Anthem to the rising of the Haitian flag. Quickly my mind traveled back to my first days of school; the unforgettable excitement that I shared with family and friends, when I too felt lie I was on top of the world. Standing in class saying our Pledge of Allegiance.

Nadia on her way home from school

 

What joy the children bring here on campus. It brings about a spirit of hope. I occasionally wonder if NVM was not present how many less children would be attending school. Children cover the campus and sound of laughter fills the air. Early morning I watch children utilize our playground and swing-set before beginning their school day and as soon as school is out they are right back at it. As I walk to clinic in the morning many children run up to me and greet me with a hug and a quick “Bon Jou.” I love it, it’s a great way to start the day. As soon as school is out Brooke, Aubree and I have our own little posse waiting for us on the backside of the clinic curious as to what we are doing. When I see about 6-8 heads peeking in the back of the clinic I know for sure it is about 1:30pm and school is out.

 

Some of the Children in Primary School

My favorite though is seeing children (especially my buddies) arrive on their first day of school full of joy and excitement even though they have missed a month of school. For example the other day I walking in the school and I had a student pulling on my arm. I wasn’t paying attention but then when I looked down I gasped, out of excitement of course. There standing was my friend from the village who for the last 3 weeks wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to tend school, but there he stood attending his first day of school with uniform and all. And now I see him and his little brother walking into school everyday with such dignity. They are just happy to be there for the rest of the year. Their facial expressions are PRICELESS!

 

Brothers attending school

 

It’s hard to believe that 4 weeks ago Dr. Anna and I began the children physicals. It seems like just yesterday I was walking our 3 year old preschoolers to the clinic undressing and redressing them and tying their shoes; shy as ever. They were so cute, one little girl was so scared of us she couldn’t stop crying. Doctor Anna and I would just laugh because it would easily take us an hour to assess 5 preschoolers. I still can’t figure out how the little girls put their uniform on without any difficulty, there is no extra room for movement what so ever. There were many occasions where it would take both Dr. Anna and I to dress one preschooler and we often had to try more than one technique. We would just laugh. By week two we began on the 1^st and 2^nd graders, so different than the little ones.

 

We always assess 5 children at a time.....our group of kindergartener's

 Definitely fearless of pretty much anything with little desire to listen. By the end of 3^rd grade I wanted the preschoolers back. As the children began getting older I was able to carry on more of a conversation with the Creole I know. It’s been great, I learn so much about them, not only do I know their name now but I know their favorite color, what they want to be, their dreams and also who they live with and how frequent they eat. By week 3 things began to get tough for me, I think I finally hit my emotional peek.

 

 

Dr. Anna checking out the ears.... Me checking temps

 

Measuring arm circumference for malnutrition

  

 Story after story, some so hard to comprehend and their eyes just heavy on the heart. When you have a child one on one, it is so surprising to see how they open up to you. One early afternoon I was sitting talking with a boy, we were having a great conversation. I was hearing about all the things he’s so passionate about like going to school, playing soccer with his friends and helping his little siblings at home. Then I asked him about his parents and how they were. He told me that he wasn’t sure. He had never known his father and his mother had left him like 4 years ago. She chose a man over her own children, a man who she now is married too and living in another country away from her children. I know I’m not suppose to judge but how does a mother do that? What was her reasoning? Is there something more to the story that we don’t know?

The children love Dr. Anna (volunteer doctor from Austria)

 

In that same day I have a 9 year old girl tell me that her and her 3 younger siblings had lost their father 4 years ago in a motorcycle accident. Now it’s just mom, without a husband and without a job trying to raise 4 children. For now 2 of her children attend school and she prepares 1-2 meals for the children each day. I can’t count the number of children that tell me they do not receive a meal everyday unless they attend school or the children who do not know their parents.

 

How does a parent leave a their children to move out of the country? What would it be like losing my dad at age 9? When was the last time you had to wonder when your next meal was? Not sure I ever had! These are just a few of the things!

 

Sitting with some 3rd grade boys

 

My heart has been broken, although difficult and hard to process, yet needed. My heart will never be the same nor am I finished in processing it. I know that God is in everything and that His plans are greater than we can fathom, but it’s so hard sometimes to not want to question His thinking or His plans. To live on faith and faith alone can be so challenging. For me it has been especially hard lately. I keep telling myself if I turn away or stay naive to this suffering it would be easier. Yes, easier it would be but my heart would be beyond convicted, but I know God has called me to more than that!

Got to love the kindergartener's

 

                                They all love listening to their hearts : )

Posted by: Jim & Cheryl Warner, GAiN USA Missionaries on 17 Nov 2011 02:49 PM PST

The week is flying by. We just finished Thursday and it was great.  The team has high energy and are going to finish strong tomorrow.

Today there were three main projects.  The ladies completed day three of a sewing class, the team did some inventory of humanitarian aid and the two guys did some lawn care.

In front of the warehouse are 10, 40-foot containers that are being used as cold storage. We weren’t sure what was in them so we set the team loose to take a physical inventory. They pitched in and did a great job.

The Haitian ladies completed their sewing projects. They each made a shoulder bag.  You can see them in the pictures below. Everyone had a great time and many friendships were forged. The session today started with the ladies learning an English chorus and Jim doing a couple of magic tricks. The tricks are designed to share the gospel and they were led in a prayer of salvation.  It was a great afternoon.

I didn’t get any pictures of the David and Adam doing lawn care. But trust me, the place is looking great. Thanks guys.

These trips always go so quickly.  But as I think back over the week, it is amazing how much they have accomplished. Tomorrow we conclude our week with a vision clinic on the compound.  I will check in tomorrow.

Thanks again for your prayers.

by Jim & Cheryl Warner, GAiN USA Missionaries

Hello everyone.  Well, God has been faithful to our mission team here in Haiti. We have had a wonderful start to our week. Here is the overview with pictures!

On Monday we took the team to a nearby IDP camp called Onaville.  This is the largest displacement camp in Haiti where over 200,000 people live in temporary housing. On Monday we conducted a vision clinic. The team did great!  We saw 80 patients and 15 of them prayed to received Christ for the first time.  We also helped most of them with their physical vision as well.  Here are a number of photos from our day in Onaville.

Here you see Jim with the men who run the Jesus Film ministry in Haiti.  They work under Pastor Pierre and organized the clinic for us on Monday. We are so grateful.  After the clinic, we stopped by the Onaville police department and blessed them all with sunglasses. They were very thankful. It never hurts to have a good relationship with the police!

Today (Tuesday) we stayed on the NVM compound. The ladies helped Cheryl with here ministry to local Haitian woman teaching them the skills of jewelry making and sewing. These skills will be used to help them make a living to support their families. The ladies reported that they had a ball. Today I include photos of the jewelry making class. Tomorrow I will show you the sewing class in action.

The men (and Tobye) worked on installing the septic system for the new children’s home buildings.  The day was hot and they worked hard.  There was a lot of rock and dirt moving going on.

And finally I need to include a photo of our alarm clock. The sun rises early in Haiti and our turkeys make sure that everyone is up.  A blessing and a curse!

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Keep it up because God wants to continue to do great things this week.  Blessings on you all.

By Aaron & Shelli Elliott, NVM Missionaries

Not long after arriving on campus Jay climbs aboard the Gator to tour the campus.

Jay and Amy with Narette and Clerice

Jay jokes around with all the construction guys.

Jay challenged Mierta to a race... but it still hasn't happened :)

Making Pizza

Which came first?

The Tilapia Farm

Happy Birthday Fedlaine!

by Jim & Cheryl Warner, GAiN USA

Posted: 13 Nov 2011 06:28 PM PST

Our mission team of 19 had a full Sunday of activities. During our debrief meeting this evening, one of the members said it was wonderful to start the week by worshipping with the Haitians we will be ministering to this week.  It made us realize that we are all members of the same family as we sang and worshipped God together.

We started our day in the dining hall for breakfast and fellowship. Then during the service Pastor Pierre invited the team to the platform to be introduced and to sing a song. This is a tradition in the church. We sang, This Is the Day and the church musicians joined right in.

After lunch and a break we headed for the village of Chambrun. As I have mentioned in the past, this is a community about 1/2 mile from the campus were over 6000 live in very poor conditions.  NVM has a children’s home in Chambrun and we had a wonderful time playing with the children. We played soccer (their football), had a traveling puppet show, started a “bell choir” and generally had a great time with the kids.

Tomorrow morning we head out to Onaville, the largest IDP camp in Haiti, to conduct our first vision clinic.  We will report in again when we return to let you know how it went. Please be praying that God will prepare the hearts of those we minister to.

We love you all and are grateful for your interest and prayers.

Jim, Cheryl and the Girls