More Thoughts

Today I had the honor to spend about two hours with Jay Wittmeyer, who is the Executive Director of Global Mission Partnerships. I cannot begin to tell you all I learned today and all I have swirling in my mind that I want to learn more about.

I have to admit that I am almost innocent of the knowledge I should have regarding missions in the COB. I have concentrated so much of my energy on Haiti that I have neglected many, many other areas of the world where the COB is making a major impact. But now that my mind is grasping little nuggets of info, I am so starving for more. (It's kind of like chocolate.)

Anyway, I learned today that we have something "new" forming in Spain. SPAIN!! If that doesn't get cha, how about NORTH KOREA!!? Wait.... Ukraine? How about updates on Nigeria, Sudan, India (both churches)? Did you know about the COB's impact on the current International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica? Nope, me neither.

Such well kept secrets going on, that the people in the pews are unaware of. I'm one of those peeps and I am highly interested in Mission work. So in the coming months, as I dig, scrape and otherwise mine, I'll try to share with you what I learn.

This is life in our family. This is what will make us matter when all the other stuff doesn't. This is what defines what I WANT TO BE ABOUT. Don't you?

Til next time :)

PS... Thanks for the invite, Marty. Can't wait til my brain tells my feet where to go first. My heart is already going in 100 different directions.

Some thoughts

It's been almost six months since I last blogged for Missions. It seems like yesterday. It's hard to get information from people on a regular basis, but we do what we can.

Even though it may seem that little is "happening", that is simply not true. It just looks like it on the outside, but when you peel away the layers you find little enclaves of work being done.

During the winter several groups from our District traveled to Haiti. I didn't know until the last minute, but they went and did a fine work.

Our annual trip to Haiti was canceled amid the troubles there. Pastor Geordany just did not feel the area was safe for eleven women to travel at the time we were scheduled to go. Unfortunately, the doctor scheduled to go with us had no other time he could go.

One group went to Haiti with the Disaster Missions. My husband went on that trip. He stated it was rough land where we are putting a Church of the Brethren, but those people deserve a meeting house as well as those in the lowlands.

In my travels I've learned a that a number have been planning for Disaster Trips to the newly opened location in Tennessee, others made recent trips to Haiti and other countries. Life in Missions in Shenandoah District is not quiet.

Mt. Zion, Linville, had a fund raiser for Haiti recently. Mt. Pleasant had their twice yearly steak dinner to benefit Haiti. Others have had events to benefit the island and other disaster work.

In just a few weeks (my birthday weekend), ShenCob will host their annual Disaster Ministries Auction. I look forward to that event each year! This is the one area of Brethren Ministries that everyone rally's around. It causes little dissension in the ranks and few people, if any, are opposed to Disaster relief. It's refreshing! On the same day the Haiti Advisory Team meets once again in Miami to talk about the work going on there. I am sorry to miss that meeting.

In a few weeks Pastor Georges Cadet from the Church of the Brethren in Bohoc Haiti will be in our area. Frankly, I'm not sure of the dates, but he's been in contact with us about staying here for a time. We look forward to it.

Pastor Geordany's orphanage continues to need funding for the children. Sometimes I think folks forget that children need to eat every day, not just a few times a year.

Of course, Haiti has a new President ~ "Sweet Micky" Martelli. No political experience, 68% of the vote with a slogan of "together we can". I am hoping he "can", but I can't help but look at him with a jaundiced eye. Nevertheless, perhaps he will be the shining star that Haiti needs to begin pulling out of their poverty and despair. No matter who had won the election, it's to be an uphill battle all the way. "Sweet Micky" would do well to look carefully at his neighbors in Petionville, Haiti and see how quickly one can fall from grace....

Continue to lift up prayers for Haiti and also for the many, many nations that suffer and look for a savior to take them out of their state.

With Easter almost upon us, I am praying for those with less personal wealth, but rejoicing that many have a stronger faith than the average American. Praying with joy... and sorrow .... Mark 11:9-10

What I Learned in Miami

I am extremely happy to report that attending the Haiti Advisory Committee meeting on November 20th in Coral Springs, FL was an eye opening experience to say the least. I never expected to hear so many wonderful things about what is happening to build the Church of the Brethren in Haiti.

I am so thankful for the invitation to attend from Jeff Boshart and the wonderful weekend hospitality of Wayne and Karen Sutton.

It was reported there that we have completed 85 houses in Haiti!! 41 in the Mirebalais area, 1 on St. Louis; 42 in Gonaives and 1 for the General Secretary, Jean Bily Telfort. A well was also completed in Gonaives which turned out to be an artesian well that will likely provide wonderful water for the village there!!! This is all wonderful news.

Now we are moving on to the rebuilding phase of post-earthquake Haiti. Brethren Disaster Ministries has received 1.1 million dollars for this project. With this we are taking care of the Brethren as well as many other surrounding neighbors in Haiti. The local pastors are trying to do the work of the church by determining who on the island is truly a displaced people from the earthquake. This is not an easy job at all. Add to this a request from La Tortue for help after Hurricane Tomas damaged that area.

The needs are so vast on this island!!!

I found it exciting that we are working toward the building of schools! Iiexene Alphonse reported on his work on the New Covenant School in St. Louis du Nord. We know there is not enough room for all the students there is a need to promote gender equality along with strong minimum standards for Brethren Schools. There is a reality that the culture is far different from ours, yet we must give girls a chance to have a good education in the outlying areas as well. It was wonderful to hear that offerings from NYC gave $5,600.00 to the school. Chris Douglas has also offered a booth at Annual Conference for the St. Louis du Nord School and, perhaps, some other work as well.

Another exciting dream is coming working toward reality as well. A mobile health clinic!!! Personally knowing the medical needs of these people I see this as a really wonderful effort. I would like to see a fleet of these clinics, but one step at a time :) These clinics would have a Licensed Haitian Doctor on Staff. Work toward an endowment is being done right now. (Save your pennies and dollars, Brethren!!!)

Neslin Augustin was there to share with us about his work in La Tortue. Neslin is a member of the Miami Haitian COB. There is a real need in this area. Another mission field for us.

The Theological Conference for COB Pastors in Haiti will be held in August 2011. Galen Hackman has greed to do some teaching there. He will do some work on Brethren History and Practice from his books that have been translated into Creole in the Dominican. There is the possibility of another speaker which is yet undecided. The Conference is expected to be held at the Croix des Bouquet complex which is expected to be complete by June.

With all the other Brethren doing work in Haiti, it's clear to me that Brethren have been called to do a major work on the island of Haiti. May the Lord prosper our work there as long as He is honored as the author and finisher of our Faith!

Til next time...
Janet E.

Updates and thoughts

What tragedy has struck the island of Haiti!!! The cholera outbreak has not stricken Port au Prince in the way it has other areas of the island, especially since the Hurricane Tomas skirted the western edges.

I received a call last week (Nov. 12) that the northern borders into the Dominican were closed due to the outbreak and that food was becoming extremely costly. With Pastor Geordany feeding about 35 children this causes some real issues. Thank God for Antioch COB who sent money immediately to help offset that.

It is disgusting to learn that the customs and government are up to their old tricks again. A package expecting to cost $7 or $8 to get out of customs cost a Haitian pastor $85 ~ more than the contents were worth. I keep wondering why those "peace keeping" forces don't keep peace, enforcing fair trade or fair customs or SOMETHING. Why does the UN or even the Haitian Government (what's left of it), allow the gouging of people, their OWN people and then expect there to be faith in the government. The Haitian people are not stupid. Far from it. On the one hand, you can't blame individuals for trying to make an extra buck, but there has to be order and lawful behavior. It's hard to see between the two.

I know others from our District were scheduled to go down with the Midwifes for Haiti, but I am unaware of their current status. The Cholera is near to Hinche where they would work.

We are planning a trip to LaJeune and other points on the island for January 25 - February 8th. We have a doctor and P.A. heading down with us for the first week. The tickets are purchased, so we shall see how that develops.

The Haiti Mission Advisory Team meets the end of this week (Nov. 20th) in Miami. I will have the joy of setting in on that meeting and look forward to learning what the COB has planned for Haiti in the coming months and years.

Samaritans Purse has a huge settlement in the earthquake stricken area that is doing work removing rubble and helping the people. Practical help. Makes sense to me.

I am convinced that there can never be too many organizations working in Haiti. The government is, for all intents, useless, at this point and the government entities set to help the island aren't doing too great a job either. It appears either Christian organizations do it or it doesn't get done.

What the people need is a well placed government to provide cleanup, food, medicine and jobs. Once the island is stabilized as a viable entity then, maybe, just maybe, they can self-govern. Until then, there is no confidence, so who knows how these elections are going to go.

So, this is my two-cents on the travesty in Haiti for the moment. They desperately need our prayers, our money and our help. Prayerfully give.

Enough thoughts for now... Janet

Haiti Workcamp!!!

Below I am posting all the info I have at this moment on these workcamps. Registration forms can be emailed to you by contacting "me" or the District Office.

Haiti Earthquake Response
2010 - 2011 Haiti Workcamps
work, worship & learn
 November 6-13, 2010
 Register with deposit by October 13
 January 23-30, 2011
 Register with deposit by December 31
 March 14-20, 2011
 Register with deposit by February 14
 Additional dates may be added if there is interest
Join in a Work, Worship and Learn adventure in Haiti. Workcamp volunteers will plunge
into Haitian life as they work, eat, and worship side by side with Haitian Christians. The delegation will help rebuild homes in both the Port-au-Prince area and outlying villages that have received earthquake victims.
Sponsored by Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM), while working closely with the Haitian Church of the Brethren (L’Église des Frères Hatien), participants will help construct homes for earthquake survivors and a guest house at the new Haiti Church offices.

A highlight of the trip will be worshiping with our Haitian brothers and sisters. The workcamp leader will provide background on Haiti and the Haitian Church of the Brethren.
Leaders: Jeff Boshart, Ilexene Alphonse, Klebert Exceus
Max Group Size: 15
Cost: $900/person. A $300 deposit is due with the registration. This fee includes all
expenses while in Haiti: meals, lodging, in-country transportation, travel insurance
and $50 for building supplies. The workcamp participant will need to purchase
round-trip transportation from home to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Requirements for participating in BDM Haiti Workcamp:
 Good health - Stamina for hard work in hot climate
 18 years of age and older
 Passport
 Vaccinations/medications – contact your family doctor or local Health Department.
Tetanus required. Malaria medications recommended.
 Sensitivity and flexibility with regard to cultural differences
For More Information: Brethren Disaster Ministries, tel. 800-451-4407
Email: BDM@brethren.org
www.brethrendisasterministries.org

Interested Volunteers: Please complete the registration form ASAP to show interest.
BDM staff will follow up with more information

Haiti Workcamp Q & A
Work, Worship & Learn Workcamp Questions and Answers
Q: Will I have safe drinking water, or should I bring purification tablets?
A: Filtered, “Culligan” water is available for purchase in any city in Haiti. We will be purchasing 5-gallon bottles and carrying it with us in coolers most days. You will want to bring a smaller water bottle to fill each morning and throughout the day. This will serve as your water for brushing your teeth as well. Do not use any tap water for drinking or brushing your teeth. If you wish to bring purification tablets you are welcome to do so, but there should not be any need for this.
Q: Will we have clean bathrooms everywhere we go?
A: The answer is likely to be “no.” The guesthouse and hotel bathrooms are clean, but
when we are at the worksite bathrooms and even latrines will be scarce. We’ll make
sure we have some provisional latrines available if necessary. You may wish to bring
your own toilet paper supply for our time at the worksite.
Q: Will the food be safe to eat?
A: Yes! We’ll have experienced food handlers preparing our meals while at the
worksite. We’d caution against eating salad in restaurants, however.
Q: Is Haiti a safe country?
A: You probably have read that the U.S. government has issued travelers’ warnings for
Haiti. Mostly this is for health-related issues, however Haiti has other risks as well: poor roads, unsafe vehicles (not ours), political instability and even the occasional kidnapping. We have worked hard to create a safe experience for the workcamp. Things have improved greatly in Haiti in the past few years, and you will notice United Nations military troops along with a large Haitian police presence as you travel in Haiti. This has helped to reduce crime, and foreigners are generally not targets. In fact, Haitians are very friendly toward Americans, and anyone who speaks some English will want to try speaking with you.
We will have Haitian Brethren church members with us, and you can be guaranteed
some of the warmest hospitality you’ve ever experienced. Our hosts take your safety
and happiness very personally and wish you to have a tremendous experience in their
country. You will be blessed by getting to know them.
Q: Will I be able to get a shower every day if I want to?
A: The guesthouse and hotel where we will be staying have cool showers, so you don’t
have to miss out on staying clean. Water will not be heated.
Q: What about tropical diseases?
A: Malaria and Dengue Fever are a significant health risk, particularly in the city of Gonaíves where we will be spending several days. We’ll sleep under mosquito netting at night or have fans, but you’ll want to have plenty of bug spray with you as well. Mosquitoes in Haiti hide in damp places like bathrooms and under tables and beds during the day. You’ll want to spray your ankles if wearing sandals. Also, ask your family physician for recommended immunizations and medicine for preventing malaria.
Typhoid is also present, but the risk is very low if you follow our guidelines for safe drinking water.
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Hot! Very Hot! Rain showers are possible every afternoon, which adds to the
humidity. Temperatures will be in the 90’s every day and can top 100 F. Be prepared to sweat a great deal. Nighttime lows will be in the mid to upper 70’s, but this will be in the early morning and sleeping can be a bit difficult. The guesthouse will have fans, and in Gonaíves the hotel has air-conditioning most nights. It is possible we will have some nights without electricity.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Haitian culture is very modest. Men always wear long pants and women almost
always wear skirts or dresses. However, BDM female volunteers may wear long pants
when at the worksite. BDM male volunteers should wear long pants whenever in public,
including at the worksite. All BDM volunteers may wear shorts when at the hotel or
guesthouse in the evenings.
Please, no tank tops for men or women. Bring good walking shoes and/or work shoes.
Open toed shoes are not recommended for the worksite, but sandals and flip-flops are
fine for travel days and at the hotel or guesthouse.
We ask you to respect the local culture and to remember that we will be working side by side with Haitian Brethren and thus are representatives not only of our churches back home, but of the Church of the Brethren in Haiti as well.
We’ll be attending at least one church service. Haitian men almost always wear longsleeved shirts and ties. It will be very hot, and our Haitian hosts understand that most Americans are not used to the heat. BDM volunteers may wear short-sleeved dress shirts or polo shirts (ties optional). Nice sandals or dress shoes would be appropriate footwear for church. No flip flops please for church. Women may wear skirts or dresses.
Q: I don’t speak French or Haitian Creole, will that be a problem?
A: No. We’ll have several interpreters with us at all times. If you do speak French, we’ll use your gift.
Q: What should I expect in the airport?
A: We’ll be together as a group and should have little trouble in Port-au-Prince. You
may have difficulties coming back into the U.S. if you buy anything which is not
permitted by U.S. customs (i.e. fruits and vegetables, animal products, etc.). Things like jewelry, coffee, wooden crafts and paintings are permissible, but must be declared.
Q: Are there any other Haitian customs that I should know about?
A: We’ll discuss this during an orientation session before we go or right after we arrive.
Q: May I wear jewelry?
A: Women may wear jewelry. We ask that men who have earrings please remove them
during the day when we are in public. It is best to limit jewelry out of respect for our hosts.
Q: When I attend a church service will I be expected to sing or preach?
A: Yes! The expectation will be that someone from our group will give a short message. Of course you can refuse the invitation, but our hosts would be very pleased if someone in the group might be willing to do this. It would be nice if the group could pull together a musical selection or two as well.

Just some thoughts from here

Friday evening we spent some worship time with Pastor Eddy from Petit Goave. It was a wonderful time and allowed the introductions to extend beyond our sphere. In fact, it allows us to have another future time of worship at another church in another denomination that I really look forward to.

These last few weeks I've taken some time to explore some of the missions in Haiti. There are thousands!!! Most all of them are legitimate and have centered themselves on a certain portion of Haiti that needs help.

Being Brethren I have an affinity to those Brethren churches getting started there. You know, it's hard to balance between missions we've supported for years and new possibilities, not to mention how stretched the dollar is right now. And in thinking about that and wondering what "I" can do to help the most with the least this blog came to mind.

If every church agree to support one mission, one pastor, one child, one "something" in Haiti, then, just maybe, we could make a big difference in that island for Christ.

Let it be said that I have no desire to "westernize" them. They are Haitians. As such, their language of Haitian Creole should take the forefront in their language studies and education. Their education should be our first goal. Currently, education if affordable, is first offered to the males. This needs to change. Not the "first offered", but the 100% availability. Every child should be able to get a high school education. After that is accomplished, then we need to work at children getting college education. This insures that those in "power" will someday not be "just" the wealthy. That common people, from common places, may someday lead their country.

There are young men in our country, training in our schools, that have a heart's desire to change Haiti for the better. We need to support their efforts along with others. Develop a plan, pick a mission and covenant to support it.

Join me, will you?