Submitted By Craig Zuithoff
This was our first student ministry trip to Haiti. There were 12 of us on the trip; myself and an female adult leader, 5 guys, and 5 girls. The students were all either entering their senior year of high school or had just graduated. Our purposes were to support the Nikkels who are from our church, help the people of Pignon, and gain some understanding of the need in Pignon and missions in general.
We flew DSM to CHI to MIA, stayed in hotel, MIA to Port Au Prince, MAF to Pignon. Same route on return leg. Also we used Nadar’s shuttle to and from the Port Au Prince airport to MAF. We did not have any problems. Bev Brand had prepared us well for what we could expect in Port Au Prince.
While there we painted Three Bears School, built screens at the hospitals feeding program shelter and at the Olivet Library, painted in the hospital dorms, built a rock path at the library, helped at the orphanage, and visited the Salt and Light school where we saw the well that our group was able to provide the funds for this past year.
We stayed in the MN house. It was great.
I think that students can do really well on this trip set up. I was glad that our high school students were upper classmen. We are already planning to go back over spring break with a new group of students. We love being a part of what God is doing in Pignon.
Thank you so much for allowing us to serve in Haiti!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
CCH TEAM -July 8-15
Haiti mission - Thursday 7/8
We took a cargo plane to Pignon. A beautiful view of Haiti and the ocean as we apraoched the Island. The team visited the hospital ( L'Hopital De Bien Faisance) and met some the staff and patients. The team walked around the villge of Pignon. The people were receptive to us and the children talked with us and walked with us. The Haitian people are beautiful and loving. They are happy just to be living and thankful for what they have. They live in poverty, but are rich in spirit. The Haitain people have touched our hearts with their loving ways. The children held our hands and a couple of hugs. They talked to us in creole and french, and a few spoke english.
Friday - 7/9
We went Bouqueronne and painted the outside of the school and did vbs with the children. We played soccor, frisbee and jump rope with the children. The bible verse was translated to the children in creole and the chilren repeated the verse out loud. They were very attentive. Matt and Jacob did a skit of the story of Jesus healing the blind man as the story was being told to the children in creole. We gave the children crayons and paper to draw anything they liked. They drew pictures of their houses, chickens, pigs, dogs, cars, flowers, hearts, church and the cross. They were excited to show us their pictures. We also served them lunch. In the evening we showed the Jesus film in creole outside the church on a makeshift screen made out of a sheet and a tarp. The film captured their attention and they clapped when Jesus was resurrected. They understood the message.
Saturday - 7/10
The team drove to Bahon in the back of pickup trucks. When we arrived the people were seated under a thatched roof style canopy. There were chairs and table with flowers on it for us to sit around. They spoke about the blessings that have received from God through CCH. A Haitian lady led the people as they sang a hymn in creole to us. Their kindness and graciousness brought us to tears. They served us lime, passionfruit, and coconut. We walked around the vegatable gardens there. Then the team rode to the top of Matannwa on horses to get to a church. It was a very steep, rocky climb, but the Haitians did great job leading us up the mountain. The whole town was waiting inside for us. The pastor and some of the people welcomed us and spoke about their needs and were thankful for all that they have received. Scott spoke the verse John 10:14-18. Jesus states " I am the good shepherd. I know the sheep know me. Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep not of this pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life, only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and take it up again. This command I received from the Father." This verse speaks to the heart, we should reach out and share the love and hope of Jesus Christ to all people. Keith thanked the people and asked God to bless them for ther hard work. We showed the Jesus film in Bahon inside the church.
Sunday - 7/11
Half the team attended Pastor Gregoire's church and the other half attended Pastor Francois' church. They welcomed us warmly. At Pastor Francois' church the choir sang beautifully. Dr. Runion gave the sermon as Pastor Francois translated in creole. The sermon was about the story of Nicodemus. The people responded by saying amen during the sermon. Their intensity and passion for Jesus Christ was evident throughout the church. After the church service we talked to the people and the pastor. We showed the Jesus film at Pastor Gregoire's church in the evening. Again the people clapped when Jesus was resurrected.
Sunday Evening - July 11
The hospital administration had a special dinner prepared for the team, hospital staff, and other missionaries. It was like Thanksgiving Haitian style.
The team met for devotional time and we shared thoughts about our experiences. The team has been having daily devotionals.
Monday - July 12
After breakfast, the team returned to the school in Pignon, and put the second coat of paint on the exterior walls of the school. Then, we played soccor, football, jump rope and parachute games with the children. They loved the games and ran underneath the parachute and began singing songs. The team served the kids lunch. The Bible lesson was given next. The verse Romans 8:28 was translated by Wilkens (One of our Haitian guides who teaches the children at the school) in Creole to the children. They recited the verse back very well. The story of Jesus feeding the 5000 people at the city of Bethsaida with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish was told by Ellen and translated by Wilkens in Creole to the children. And a skit was done by Matt, Jacob and Walter as the story was told. We helped the children make a fish puppet out of paper bags. They were given coloring sheets with eyes and a mouth for the fish. We helped them cut and paste the eyes and mouth they colored on the bags. Then a rubber band was placed around each bag to secure the puppets around the hands of the children. Robin asked the kids to sing again and began to dance with them. Before long the whole group was clapping and dancing. Scott worked on a community farming project with the Haitians on Friday and Monday. He showed them how to plant seeds and recycle their crops. He taught them about a drip irrigation system from a well through a pipe and a hose.Scott designed a gravity based system that proved to be even more efficient. Using a 5 gallon buckets and with an adapter and a hose with holes in it run down through the crop. He taught them efficient farming techniques through soil conservation, erosion control and water quality, crop rotation and scheduling. These techniques create additional food and income sources. A community working together and helping each other in a Christlike manner shows God's power at work. When the team returned to the dorm, Donna and Ellen assisted with a Haitian woman in labor at the hospital. They worked very diligently with the Haitian woman, but she remained in labor all night. After dinner, We showed the Jesus film in Pignon outside the school. The Haitians watched intensely as the story of Jesus unfolded. Once again they clapped when Jesus was resurrected. After the film, Robin played with the children outside the dorm and gave them glow in the dark bracelets.
Tuesday - July 13
In the morning, the team painted some of the walls and tiled the floors in the lower level of the dorm. Ellen and Donna returned to the hospital to check on their patient. They assisted with the delivery of a baby boy. Karen, Mike, Dr. Runion, Robin, and Matt flew to Jacmel and visited the hospital, a refugee camp, and an orphanage. the hospital is in very poor condition as half of it was destroyed by the earthquake. 4000 people live in tents in the refugee camp in an area the size of a football field. The orphanage is small with about 25 kids. They drove through Port o Prince and saw the tent city and devastation from the earthquake. They spent the night at The Isaiah 41 mission house.
After lunch, the team members that remained in Pignon returned to the school. We played soccor, football, jump rope and parachute games with the children. We served them lunch. The verse Romans 13:10 was told to the children in Creole by Wilkens. Donna told the story of the " Good Samaritan" and wilkens translated by Wilkens in Creole. Keith, Jacob, Eric, Scott, Ellen and Debbie did a skit as the story was told. After dinner, the team walked through the village and visited the home of a boy that came to Bible school. He was very proud of his home and his family welcomed us. In the house next door, neighbors gathered together for Bible study. A man was reading Bible verses out loud as the people listened. As we walked into this small, almost dark home they geeted us warmly. They began singing " It is well with my soul" in Creole. We prayed with them. In the midst of the darkness, God's light came shining through. We returned to the hospital and gave stuffed animals to the children there.
Wednesday - July 14
After breakfast, The team went to Campbell's Orphanage. Bill and Jennifer Campbell run the orphanage and a small clinic there. They treat babies and small children for malnutrition and illnesses. They provide milk and food for the kids and the parents. Donna and ellen assisted Jennifer treating the babies. The rest of the team handed out blankets and food. Keith helped Bill work on a small building there. The rest of the team returned from Jacmel and joined us at Cambpell's. Matt help a boy learning to play piano there. Jacob played with the children outside. The team returned to the dorm and finished painting and tiling the lower level. Dr. Runion, Robin and Matt met with several Haitian ministers for pastoral training. Dr. Runion spoke and encouraged them in their work. They discussed future plans to continue training. In the evening there was a concert at Pastor Francois' church.Pastor Francois gave the opening prayer. The choir sang a Creole hymn, " If you want to break the sin, trust in Jesus". Matt played as the choir sang "God is Good", "It is well with my soul", " Lord I lift your name on high", "How great thou art" and "Trading my sorrows". The choir and the entire congretation sang the chorus to "Trading my sorrows" in english. Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord Amen! The congregation sang with one voice. The ladie's and the men's praise teams each sang Creole worship songs in perfect harmony. Matt and Ebans (Our Haitian Guide) sang a duet of " Shout to the Lord'' in english. Ebans Also sang some of the song in creole. The intensity and passion for Christ filled the church. After the Concert, we talked the people and hugged the children. A little girl fell asleep in Robin's lap.
Thursday - July 15
In the morning, we packed up. The team took one last walk through the village and shopped in the street market near the hospital. While were waiting outside the hospital,
a patient was wheeled out of the hospital. A severely burned man was left on a hospital bed in the walkway. His whole body wrapped in bandages and an IV attached to his arm. A pickup truck came to take him Cap Hatien. No doctor or nurse came out to assist this man. Keith and Ellen put their air mattresses in the bed of the truck. 2 team members grabbed sheets from the dorm so Donna and Ellen could wrap the man. Keith, Ebans, and Donna moved him onto the truck. Donna and Ellen tried extremely hard to put the IV back in the man's arm. Robin held the IV bag as Donna and Ellen Continued to try to find a vein for the IV. There was about 50 people standing around. Matt led the people in prayer. All eyes were on Donna and Ellen as they assisted the man. They could not find a good vein in the man's arm for the IV because God had a diffrent plan. the man was transported to Cap Haitian. Donna, Ellen and Keith made an impact in the lives of the 50 people watching as they showed compassion and cared for this man. They were God's instruments and an example of his love and power as they assisted the man.
Shortly after, the team hugged the children and our Haitian guides ( all of them angels!) and loaded up the truck and headed to the airport. This team and many more will return to Haiti to continue God's work here.
We took a cargo plane to Pignon. A beautiful view of Haiti and the ocean as we apraoched the Island. The team visited the hospital ( L'Hopital De Bien Faisance) and met some the staff and patients. The team walked around the villge of Pignon. The people were receptive to us and the children talked with us and walked with us. The Haitian people are beautiful and loving. They are happy just to be living and thankful for what they have. They live in poverty, but are rich in spirit. The Haitain people have touched our hearts with their loving ways. The children held our hands and a couple of hugs. They talked to us in creole and french, and a few spoke english.
Friday - 7/9
We went Bouqueronne and painted the outside of the school and did vbs with the children. We played soccor, frisbee and jump rope with the children. The bible verse was translated to the children in creole and the chilren repeated the verse out loud. They were very attentive. Matt and Jacob did a skit of the story of Jesus healing the blind man as the story was being told to the children in creole. We gave the children crayons and paper to draw anything they liked. They drew pictures of their houses, chickens, pigs, dogs, cars, flowers, hearts, church and the cross. They were excited to show us their pictures. We also served them lunch. In the evening we showed the Jesus film in creole outside the church on a makeshift screen made out of a sheet and a tarp. The film captured their attention and they clapped when Jesus was resurrected. They understood the message.
Saturday - 7/10
The team drove to Bahon in the back of pickup trucks. When we arrived the people were seated under a thatched roof style canopy. There were chairs and table with flowers on it for us to sit around. They spoke about the blessings that have received from God through CCH. A Haitian lady led the people as they sang a hymn in creole to us. Their kindness and graciousness brought us to tears. They served us lime, passionfruit, and coconut. We walked around the vegatable gardens there. Then the team rode to the top of Matannwa on horses to get to a church. It was a very steep, rocky climb, but the Haitians did great job leading us up the mountain. The whole town was waiting inside for us. The pastor and some of the people welcomed us and spoke about their needs and were thankful for all that they have received. Scott spoke the verse John 10:14-18. Jesus states " I am the good shepherd. I know the sheep know me. Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep not of this pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life, only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and take it up again. This command I received from the Father." This verse speaks to the heart, we should reach out and share the love and hope of Jesus Christ to all people. Keith thanked the people and asked God to bless them for ther hard work. We showed the Jesus film in Bahon inside the church.
Sunday - 7/11
Half the team attended Pastor Gregoire's church and the other half attended Pastor Francois' church. They welcomed us warmly. At Pastor Francois' church the choir sang beautifully. Dr. Runion gave the sermon as Pastor Francois translated in creole. The sermon was about the story of Nicodemus. The people responded by saying amen during the sermon. Their intensity and passion for Jesus Christ was evident throughout the church. After the church service we talked to the people and the pastor. We showed the Jesus film at Pastor Gregoire's church in the evening. Again the people clapped when Jesus was resurrected.
Sunday Evening - July 11
The hospital administration had a special dinner prepared for the team, hospital staff, and other missionaries. It was like Thanksgiving Haitian style.
The team met for devotional time and we shared thoughts about our experiences. The team has been having daily devotionals.
Monday - July 12
After breakfast, the team returned to the school in Pignon, and put the second coat of paint on the exterior walls of the school. Then, we played soccor, football, jump rope and parachute games with the children. They loved the games and ran underneath the parachute and began singing songs. The team served the kids lunch. The Bible lesson was given next. The verse Romans 8:28 was translated by Wilkens (One of our Haitian guides who teaches the children at the school) in Creole to the children. They recited the verse back very well. The story of Jesus feeding the 5000 people at the city of Bethsaida with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish was told by Ellen and translated by Wilkens in Creole to the children. And a skit was done by Matt, Jacob and Walter as the story was told. We helped the children make a fish puppet out of paper bags. They were given coloring sheets with eyes and a mouth for the fish. We helped them cut and paste the eyes and mouth they colored on the bags. Then a rubber band was placed around each bag to secure the puppets around the hands of the children. Robin asked the kids to sing again and began to dance with them. Before long the whole group was clapping and dancing. Scott worked on a community farming project with the Haitians on Friday and Monday. He showed them how to plant seeds and recycle their crops. He taught them about a drip irrigation system from a well through a pipe and a hose.Scott designed a gravity based system that proved to be even more efficient. Using a 5 gallon buckets and with an adapter and a hose with holes in it run down through the crop. He taught them efficient farming techniques through soil conservation, erosion control and water quality, crop rotation and scheduling. These techniques create additional food and income sources. A community working together and helping each other in a Christlike manner shows God's power at work. When the team returned to the dorm, Donna and Ellen assisted with a Haitian woman in labor at the hospital. They worked very diligently with the Haitian woman, but she remained in labor all night. After dinner, We showed the Jesus film in Pignon outside the school. The Haitians watched intensely as the story of Jesus unfolded. Once again they clapped when Jesus was resurrected. After the film, Robin played with the children outside the dorm and gave them glow in the dark bracelets.
Tuesday - July 13
In the morning, the team painted some of the walls and tiled the floors in the lower level of the dorm. Ellen and Donna returned to the hospital to check on their patient. They assisted with the delivery of a baby boy. Karen, Mike, Dr. Runion, Robin, and Matt flew to Jacmel and visited the hospital, a refugee camp, and an orphanage. the hospital is in very poor condition as half of it was destroyed by the earthquake. 4000 people live in tents in the refugee camp in an area the size of a football field. The orphanage is small with about 25 kids. They drove through Port o Prince and saw the tent city and devastation from the earthquake. They spent the night at The Isaiah 41 mission house.
After lunch, the team members that remained in Pignon returned to the school. We played soccor, football, jump rope and parachute games with the children. We served them lunch. The verse Romans 13:10 was told to the children in Creole by Wilkens. Donna told the story of the " Good Samaritan" and wilkens translated by Wilkens in Creole. Keith, Jacob, Eric, Scott, Ellen and Debbie did a skit as the story was told. After dinner, the team walked through the village and visited the home of a boy that came to Bible school. He was very proud of his home and his family welcomed us. In the house next door, neighbors gathered together for Bible study. A man was reading Bible verses out loud as the people listened. As we walked into this small, almost dark home they geeted us warmly. They began singing " It is well with my soul" in Creole. We prayed with them. In the midst of the darkness, God's light came shining through. We returned to the hospital and gave stuffed animals to the children there.
Wednesday - July 14
After breakfast, The team went to Campbell's Orphanage. Bill and Jennifer Campbell run the orphanage and a small clinic there. They treat babies and small children for malnutrition and illnesses. They provide milk and food for the kids and the parents. Donna and ellen assisted Jennifer treating the babies. The rest of the team handed out blankets and food. Keith helped Bill work on a small building there. The rest of the team returned from Jacmel and joined us at Cambpell's. Matt help a boy learning to play piano there. Jacob played with the children outside. The team returned to the dorm and finished painting and tiling the lower level. Dr. Runion, Robin and Matt met with several Haitian ministers for pastoral training. Dr. Runion spoke and encouraged them in their work. They discussed future plans to continue training. In the evening there was a concert at Pastor Francois' church.Pastor Francois gave the opening prayer. The choir sang a Creole hymn, " If you want to break the sin, trust in Jesus". Matt played as the choir sang "God is Good", "It is well with my soul", " Lord I lift your name on high", "How great thou art" and "Trading my sorrows". The choir and the entire congretation sang the chorus to "Trading my sorrows" in english. Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord Amen! The congregation sang with one voice. The ladie's and the men's praise teams each sang Creole worship songs in perfect harmony. Matt and Ebans (Our Haitian Guide) sang a duet of " Shout to the Lord'' in english. Ebans Also sang some of the song in creole. The intensity and passion for Christ filled the church. After the Concert, we talked the people and hugged the children. A little girl fell asleep in Robin's lap.
Thursday - July 15
In the morning, we packed up. The team took one last walk through the village and shopped in the street market near the hospital. While were waiting outside the hospital,
a patient was wheeled out of the hospital. A severely burned man was left on a hospital bed in the walkway. His whole body wrapped in bandages and an IV attached to his arm. A pickup truck came to take him Cap Hatien. No doctor or nurse came out to assist this man. Keith and Ellen put their air mattresses in the bed of the truck. 2 team members grabbed sheets from the dorm so Donna and Ellen could wrap the man. Keith, Ebans, and Donna moved him onto the truck. Donna and Ellen tried extremely hard to put the IV back in the man's arm. Robin held the IV bag as Donna and Ellen Continued to try to find a vein for the IV. There was about 50 people standing around. Matt led the people in prayer. All eyes were on Donna and Ellen as they assisted the man. They could not find a good vein in the man's arm for the IV because God had a diffrent plan. the man was transported to Cap Haitian. Donna, Ellen and Keith made an impact in the lives of the 50 people watching as they showed compassion and cared for this man. They were God's instruments and an example of his love and power as they assisted the man.
Shortly after, the team hugged the children and our Haitian guides ( all of them angels!) and loaded up the truck and headed to the airport. This team and many more will return to Haiti to continue God's work here.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Hope Church Trip report
Promise for Haiti June 2010 trip report
Summitted Christi Spencer
Our team for the week of June 24-July 1, 2010 was made up of 11 people from Hope Church in Spencer, IA and 3 people from Sunnybrook Church in Sioux City, IA. Most of this group had originally been scheduled to come into Pignon the end of January, 2010. Those arrangements had to be postponed so we had been eagerly waiting for the time for the June trip to finally come. The purpose of the trip is a combination of work projects, follow up with ministries that are supported by our churches, and representing our communities that have given money for the purpose of sharing food with people in Pignon and the surrounding area. Another focus for the ladies of our team was to hold our ‘1st annual’ Women’s conference where stories of women in the Bible were shared. “Fanm Espwa Nan Ayiti” is the name of the conference, “Women of Hope in Haiti”.
Our travel arrangements involved flying from Minneapolis, MN to Orlando, FL then shuttle to Ft Pierce. The next morning we were on the MFI plane, going through Port au Prince to be cleared into the country, then on to Pignon. All flights were smooth and ON TIME!
We spent the week in the MN House which is wonderful! We were very comfortable with accommodations for 14 people. We did have very low water pressure in the showers throughout the week and, in general, cold water. The shower on the main floor produced a trickle out one hole of the shower head! We had a couple people ‘shower’ and wash their hair in the down pouring rain, God gave us water pressure! Sue Ishee had advised us to be sure not to let anyone but team members into the compound to insure security of our belongings, etc. We didn’t have any issues at all.
Our work projects involved a bathroom remodel in the Doctor’s Dorm and some painting in the new Out Patient Clinic and an OB room at the Hospital. Those projects were completed with the use of the “Little Giant” ladder that was a gift to be left for future teams to use. The 2 churches represented in our group both support Guimby school. Sunnybrook’s support is with the scholarship program and Hope’s support is with the school lunch feeding program. We were all very disappointed when the roads were too SLOPPY to make our way in and around and up and through on the road up to Guimby. We tried our best but had to make the wise but tough decision to head back to Pignon. Feb, 2011 we hope will prove to be a better time for a trip to Guimby.
Distributing rice and beans provides the opportunity to share the Gospel with many families and individuals. We used “Witness Symbols” to share the message: “Jezi te vini, Jezi te mouri, Jezi te resisite, Jezi te monte nan syel la, e Jezi va tounen anko”, which means: “He came, He died, He arose, He ascended, and He’s coming back….FOR YOU!” This was also used as the theme for the Women’s conference. We had bible stories, a bandana craft and several gifts to share. We had ‘sewing kits’, scripture cards, “Witness’ bands that could all be taken home in a bag that had a screen printed “Fanm Espwa Nan Ayiti” logo. The morning conference was concluded with a meal which our group provided. The meal was served in colorful bowls accompanied by ‘sporks’ in many colors, which also could be taken home. We had worked with Stacey Nikkel of Many Hands for Haiti on pre-planning the conference with Pastor Francios of the Baptist Church down the street from Dr Guy’s compound. We were all very encouraged and excited with the results of the effort put forth. Pastor Francios says he is praying for 200-250 women for the next conference to be held in February, 2011. Our God is a BIG God!!
Our Sunday morning worship was with JeanJean and Kristie Mompremier of United Christians International. We were invited for lunch at their house after church. One afternoon, we visited one of their 7 Nutrition Centers, Lapila.
Since Jared and Stacey Nikkel with Many Hands for Haiti started their furlough mid June, we had the opportunity to work with Eric Krob and family who live in Lisbon, IA. Eric, his wife, Stacy, and four sons, TJ, Thatcher, Truman, and Teague committed to 9 weeks in Pignon while the Nikkels are in the states. Eric, along with Ezequias and Wilkin from Pignon, were SO helpful to our team to help us accomplish the tasks we had planned. Because of all of their help and organization, we didn’t have to leave anything incomplete, except our trip to Guimby but that was simply not possible because of the road conditions. THANK YOU, Ezequias, Wilkin, Eric and family.
As we were getting close to home on our last travel day, I observed something that was encouraging. It seemed that all of our team members were in good spirits through to the END! I think that was a sign of a GOOD TRIP! Bonswa until next time. (submitted by Christi Gabhart, Spencer, IA)
Summitted Christi Spencer
Our team for the week of June 24-July 1, 2010 was made up of 11 people from Hope Church in Spencer, IA and 3 people from Sunnybrook Church in Sioux City, IA. Most of this group had originally been scheduled to come into Pignon the end of January, 2010. Those arrangements had to be postponed so we had been eagerly waiting for the time for the June trip to finally come. The purpose of the trip is a combination of work projects, follow up with ministries that are supported by our churches, and representing our communities that have given money for the purpose of sharing food with people in Pignon and the surrounding area. Another focus for the ladies of our team was to hold our ‘1st annual’ Women’s conference where stories of women in the Bible were shared. “Fanm Espwa Nan Ayiti” is the name of the conference, “Women of Hope in Haiti”.
Our travel arrangements involved flying from Minneapolis, MN to Orlando, FL then shuttle to Ft Pierce. The next morning we were on the MFI plane, going through Port au Prince to be cleared into the country, then on to Pignon. All flights were smooth and ON TIME!
We spent the week in the MN House which is wonderful! We were very comfortable with accommodations for 14 people. We did have very low water pressure in the showers throughout the week and, in general, cold water. The shower on the main floor produced a trickle out one hole of the shower head! We had a couple people ‘shower’ and wash their hair in the down pouring rain, God gave us water pressure! Sue Ishee had advised us to be sure not to let anyone but team members into the compound to insure security of our belongings, etc. We didn’t have any issues at all.
Our work projects involved a bathroom remodel in the Doctor’s Dorm and some painting in the new Out Patient Clinic and an OB room at the Hospital. Those projects were completed with the use of the “Little Giant” ladder that was a gift to be left for future teams to use. The 2 churches represented in our group both support Guimby school. Sunnybrook’s support is with the scholarship program and Hope’s support is with the school lunch feeding program. We were all very disappointed when the roads were too SLOPPY to make our way in and around and up and through on the road up to Guimby. We tried our best but had to make the wise but tough decision to head back to Pignon. Feb, 2011 we hope will prove to be a better time for a trip to Guimby.
Distributing rice and beans provides the opportunity to share the Gospel with many families and individuals. We used “Witness Symbols” to share the message: “Jezi te vini, Jezi te mouri, Jezi te resisite, Jezi te monte nan syel la, e Jezi va tounen anko”, which means: “He came, He died, He arose, He ascended, and He’s coming back….FOR YOU!” This was also used as the theme for the Women’s conference. We had bible stories, a bandana craft and several gifts to share. We had ‘sewing kits’, scripture cards, “Witness’ bands that could all be taken home in a bag that had a screen printed “Fanm Espwa Nan Ayiti” logo. The morning conference was concluded with a meal which our group provided. The meal was served in colorful bowls accompanied by ‘sporks’ in many colors, which also could be taken home. We had worked with Stacey Nikkel of Many Hands for Haiti on pre-planning the conference with Pastor Francios of the Baptist Church down the street from Dr Guy’s compound. We were all very encouraged and excited with the results of the effort put forth. Pastor Francios says he is praying for 200-250 women for the next conference to be held in February, 2011. Our God is a BIG God!!
Our Sunday morning worship was with JeanJean and Kristie Mompremier of United Christians International. We were invited for lunch at their house after church. One afternoon, we visited one of their 7 Nutrition Centers, Lapila.
Since Jared and Stacey Nikkel with Many Hands for Haiti started their furlough mid June, we had the opportunity to work with Eric Krob and family who live in Lisbon, IA. Eric, his wife, Stacy, and four sons, TJ, Thatcher, Truman, and Teague committed to 9 weeks in Pignon while the Nikkels are in the states. Eric, along with Ezequias and Wilkin from Pignon, were SO helpful to our team to help us accomplish the tasks we had planned. Because of all of their help and organization, we didn’t have to leave anything incomplete, except our trip to Guimby but that was simply not possible because of the road conditions. THANK YOU, Ezequias, Wilkin, Eric and family.
As we were getting close to home on our last travel day, I observed something that was encouraging. It seemed that all of our team members were in good spirits through to the END! I think that was a sign of a GOOD TRIP! Bonswa until next time. (submitted by Christi Gabhart, Spencer, IA)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Medical Team June 17-23
submitted by
Kimbra.Weesner
Promise for Haiti Survey
1. The group consisted of 13 individuals with a variety of medical backgrounds: general surgeon, family physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, student nurses, army medics, and couple of non-medical support people. The purpose of our trip was to be the hands and feet of Jesus and extend His love through medical care to the Hatian people in the Pignon area who are unable to afford medical care. We conducted four general medical clinics in three different Pignon areas. Day one we went to Santioch and saw 196 people. Day two we went to Camp De La Grace and saw 135 people, we returned there on day four and saw 83 more people. Day three we went to the Rocky Mountain School near the Pignon airport and saw 187. We did triage the patients we saw as there were many more who wanted and needed to be seen.
2. We flew from Indianapolis, Indiana to Port-au-Prince arriving at 3:15pm. We were met at the airport by staff from the Matthew 25 House, where we spent the night. The next morning they transported us to the airport where the group flew in two MAF planes to Pignon. We were met at the airport by designated hospital staff who transported us and our medical supplies to the hospital compound.
3. We were housed in the Hospital dorm. The living arrangements were better than we had anticipated. The rooms and building were clean and safe. Our only problem was that we frequently did not have enough bottled water and had to ask several times for more water, in fact we actually went out and bought more water for the team.
4. Is there information you would like passed on to the next team that is scheduled.
Please seek hospital assistance in arranging interpreters. We hired interpreters through local connections. I would recommend that all supplies be kept where ever the group is staying and not in the hospital.
5. We had an incredible trip and appreciate all of the help that we received from the hospital and the Promise For Haiti team. We look forward to returning to the Pignon area in the future.
Kimbra.Weesner
Promise for Haiti Survey
1. The group consisted of 13 individuals with a variety of medical backgrounds: general surgeon, family physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, student nurses, army medics, and couple of non-medical support people. The purpose of our trip was to be the hands and feet of Jesus and extend His love through medical care to the Hatian people in the Pignon area who are unable to afford medical care. We conducted four general medical clinics in three different Pignon areas. Day one we went to Santioch and saw 196 people. Day two we went to Camp De La Grace and saw 135 people, we returned there on day four and saw 83 more people. Day three we went to the Rocky Mountain School near the Pignon airport and saw 187. We did triage the patients we saw as there were many more who wanted and needed to be seen.
2. We flew from Indianapolis, Indiana to Port-au-Prince arriving at 3:15pm. We were met at the airport by staff from the Matthew 25 House, where we spent the night. The next morning they transported us to the airport where the group flew in two MAF planes to Pignon. We were met at the airport by designated hospital staff who transported us and our medical supplies to the hospital compound.
3. We were housed in the Hospital dorm. The living arrangements were better than we had anticipated. The rooms and building were clean and safe. Our only problem was that we frequently did not have enough bottled water and had to ask several times for more water, in fact we actually went out and bought more water for the team.
4. Is there information you would like passed on to the next team that is scheduled.
Please seek hospital assistance in arranging interpreters. We hired interpreters through local connections. I would recommend that all supplies be kept where ever the group is staying and not in the hospital.
5. We had an incredible trip and appreciate all of the help that we received from the hospital and the Promise For Haiti team. We look forward to returning to the Pignon area in the future.
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