Dear Friends:
Kevin reports a good week of work with the volunteers! They are working long days and getting a good amount of work completed!
They had a ‘beautiful blast’ today, no excessive noise, no flying rock! The rock has cracks in it and makes the drilling a little difficult but they are moving right ahead! The welding is actually going faster than planned so it’s working well. The local people have discovered a new repair shop! They have been bringing lots of broken things to the job sight to get repaired so our welders are doing that as well!
Another week of good going and the blasting should be about done! The welders plan to stay on a little longer and finish welding the penstock.
Please do not forget, this all takes financial resources, they are burning a couple hundred dollars worth of fuel a day plus other expenses, thanks for your support and we’ll continue to keep you informed as the project proceeds.(written by Reg B.)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Keeping It Simple
I am taking an afternoon brake and some thoughts been bouncing around my head the last few days maybe even weeks. I am not trying to post too often, but inspiration is contagious and I really enjoy Christian Life.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
One thing I hated is a discussion in S.S., Bible Study, or even at home about "things", culture, and endless questions about what so and does or did somewhere else and then afterwards everyone seems satisfied that we had a spiritual discussion. A merry go round and around afterwards we shrug our shoulders and say who knows. I mean you might as well talk about UFO's or E.T.s. We enjoy talking about other people and places problems. Yet we need to make it personal. No pain no gain. Here are some suggestions to playing it cool and enjoying a full filling life.
1. Ignore the panicky feelings and don't make any rash moves. The Spirit just doesn't work that way.
2.Kick offence and depression out of your life a.s.a.p.
3.Accept that you can't win God's favor and accept that if things get rough he is right there and you only need to quiet down to hear what he is trying to tell you.
4.Be obedient in everything you know to do and then don't sweat the small stuff that is trying to distract you. God fights the battles.
5. Starve the demons. De-tox yourself from excessive media and other stuff like don't walk by the cash register aisle three times to sneak a peek, etc.
6. Get a parallel Bible with KJV and NIV and really read the Bible vs. spending more money on a commentary and owning Gospel Publishers in a quest to find the "Holy Grail". Find out the faults with NIV and then read it. I use it for family devotions. We need to read what we understand. The Gospel is for the common joe like you and me. Having spiritual vision and being fed meat is not about being a wizard that can quote Menno Simons, John Holdemon, the conference book, church history, and can see hidden meanings behind simple passages. The meat is to know the simple words of Jesus and to do those things that you know to do.
7. Accept that you will probaly not gain Martin Luther status or some other notable in your life time. God wants to use everyday people to show His power to all men.
8. Try to avoid putting everybody in the Church in two boxes.
9. Read Will the Theologians please Sit Down by David Bercot. Don't tell anybody I said that, but I think there is some good thoughts in it about putting the wrong emphasis on Doctrine study vs. Bible study. Example: Spiritual maturity is to know the Lord not just be a Theologian.
10.The Church needs people that do what needs to be done, and leave the rest to God. Like even though I don't have all the answers personally, I won't let the nonessentials block my vision of the real issues like naturing the fruits of the spirit vs. can baby pull my whiskers is the long enough for Papa. If my revival minister brings out some really wingers about hair partings, etc. I would make a delegation of brethren and have a discussion. Respectful ,but concerned. Let the Spirit tell the rest.
The moral of this rambling is Keep It Simple.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
One thing I hated is a discussion in S.S., Bible Study, or even at home about "things", culture, and endless questions about what so and does or did somewhere else and then afterwards everyone seems satisfied that we had a spiritual discussion. A merry go round and around afterwards we shrug our shoulders and say who knows. I mean you might as well talk about UFO's or E.T.s. We enjoy talking about other people and places problems. Yet we need to make it personal. No pain no gain. Here are some suggestions to playing it cool and enjoying a full filling life.
1. Ignore the panicky feelings and don't make any rash moves. The Spirit just doesn't work that way.
2.Kick offence and depression out of your life a.s.a.p.
3.Accept that you can't win God's favor and accept that if things get rough he is right there and you only need to quiet down to hear what he is trying to tell you.
4.Be obedient in everything you know to do and then don't sweat the small stuff that is trying to distract you. God fights the battles.
5. Starve the demons. De-tox yourself from excessive media and other stuff like don't walk by the cash register aisle three times to sneak a peek, etc.
6. Get a parallel Bible with KJV and NIV and really read the Bible vs. spending more money on a commentary and owning Gospel Publishers in a quest to find the "Holy Grail". Find out the faults with NIV and then read it. I use it for family devotions. We need to read what we understand. The Gospel is for the common joe like you and me. Having spiritual vision and being fed meat is not about being a wizard that can quote Menno Simons, John Holdemon, the conference book, church history, and can see hidden meanings behind simple passages. The meat is to know the simple words of Jesus and to do those things that you know to do.
7. Accept that you will probaly not gain Martin Luther status or some other notable in your life time. God wants to use everyday people to show His power to all men.
8. Try to avoid putting everybody in the Church in two boxes.
9. Read Will the Theologians please Sit Down by David Bercot. Don't tell anybody I said that, but I think there is some good thoughts in it about putting the wrong emphasis on Doctrine study vs. Bible study. Example: Spiritual maturity is to know the Lord not just be a Theologian.
10.The Church needs people that do what needs to be done, and leave the rest to God. Like even though I don't have all the answers personally, I won't let the nonessentials block my vision of the real issues like naturing the fruits of the spirit vs. can baby pull my whiskers is the long enough for Papa. If my revival minister brings out some really wingers about hair partings, etc. I would make a delegation of brethren and have a discussion. Respectful ,but concerned. Let the Spirit tell the rest.
The moral of this rambling is Keep It Simple.
Power is Dependence on God
I was raised anti-church and even though I attended private school most of my school years I intended to stay aloof from membership. I had and have enough family and resources to disappear from one life and culture and escape to one or two others. However God convicted me and showed me His way for my life. Now I have a small family of my own that keeps me rooted. Before this in my youth, it surprised me how God kept me in the Church. My sister's Church and friends were very attractive to me. I would see my friends fall away and wonder why them and not me. Was it family prayers, my mother's prayer, something shielded me from a world of hurt that I figured would be my lot. I was not bound with any strong ties to the Church culture that would be the answer. It was prayer of others and the fact that God wanted me in this church.
After that I really find OTVC doctrine pretty fruitless for me to tackle. If you fellows cracked the code it would affect my life little. I am here because it was obvious that God wanted me to work for Him in this church and place. When I see some one strongly push that doctrine or smash that doctrine it seems quite evident that they are trying to find extra justification to their own righteousness. When somebody from nonHoldemon membership inquires on these points it makes me smile. No there is going to be alot of nonHoldemon's in Heaven.
It is evident our church has been blessed. However we have allowed ease in Zion to become too self reliant and depend less on God. This results in colder prayers, doubts and fears, and talk without action. Good talk about love and God, but no action or real power. To me if anything discourages me it is these points. It is this independence and self reliance that doesn't need God so much except in Church and when things go wrong. Enough goes wrong in my life that I need God 24/7. I am a wretch without Him. If we want to draw men and keep them we must be broken on the rock vs. waiting for the rock to fall on us. More prayer for one another instead of useless endless reasonings. We need God sourced power and wisdom which is easy for a child's faith to grasp, but eludes the greatest theologian. We will gain more and then keep more. I can accept seismic repercussions in the future if that means more individual dependence on God resulting in real revival. However God's ways are higher than our ways and I will follow where he directs. I am committed to the Church and its teachings out of duty and love, because God led me to this way. I see a real commitment among many young couples that are resolved to press the battle on. There is a future.
After that I really find OTVC doctrine pretty fruitless for me to tackle. If you fellows cracked the code it would affect my life little. I am here because it was obvious that God wanted me to work for Him in this church and place. When I see some one strongly push that doctrine or smash that doctrine it seems quite evident that they are trying to find extra justification to their own righteousness. When somebody from nonHoldemon membership inquires on these points it makes me smile. No there is going to be alot of nonHoldemon's in Heaven.
It is evident our church has been blessed. However we have allowed ease in Zion to become too self reliant and depend less on God. This results in colder prayers, doubts and fears, and talk without action. Good talk about love and God, but no action or real power. To me if anything discourages me it is these points. It is this independence and self reliance that doesn't need God so much except in Church and when things go wrong. Enough goes wrong in my life that I need God 24/7. I am a wretch without Him. If we want to draw men and keep them we must be broken on the rock vs. waiting for the rock to fall on us. More prayer for one another instead of useless endless reasonings. We need God sourced power and wisdom which is easy for a child's faith to grasp, but eludes the greatest theologian. We will gain more and then keep more. I can accept seismic repercussions in the future if that means more individual dependence on God resulting in real revival. However God's ways are higher than our ways and I will follow where he directs. I am committed to the Church and its teachings out of duty and love, because God led me to this way. I see a real commitment among many young couples that are resolved to press the battle on. There is a future.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Lasstic Finally Under Way
Dear Friends:
Here's a quick update/overview of happenings on the Lastic Canyon Project. The GNIF crew arrived at headquarters just before lunch yesterday. After lunch they headed out to the canyon with a 30 min. tour on the way. Last night they made a job list after settling into the house. There is lots of enthusiasm! Everyone is "pulling their weight"..it sounds like a great group of volunteers! They expect to start production drilling today and the welders are already at work. Earlier today, Kevin was on a fuel run with a native brother that doesn't know any English, and a native cook starts in the canyon today, another new experience! We are glad to hear that CDR has put up their first 15 tents.
--
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Atwater, Ca
Here's a quick update/overview of happenings on the Lastic Canyon Project. The GNIF crew arrived at headquarters just before lunch yesterday. After lunch they headed out to the canyon with a 30 min. tour on the way. Last night they made a job list after settling into the house. There is lots of enthusiasm! Everyone is "pulling their weight"..it sounds like a great group of volunteers! They expect to start production drilling today and the welders are already at work. Earlier today, Kevin was on a fuel run with a native brother that doesn't know any English, and a native cook starts in the canyon today, another new experience! We are glad to hear that CDR has put up their first 15 tents.
--
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Atwater, Ca
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Withers Accident GNIF Update
Dear Friends:
Yesterday, the doctors gave Raymond an MRI, EKG, and chest x rays. A neurosurgeon came in to read the MRI and examine Raymond, and the general surgeon came in and examined him also. They have given him a clean bill of health! They stayed in town and are scheduled to return today for a orthopedic doctor to check his chest x rays. He has quite a bit of chest pain, and their concern is he may have cracked ribs. They are also going to see the neurosurgeon one more time. While Raymond's are at the doctor visit, Kevin will go pickup the incoming volunteers from the airport. Then, IF everything goes well, they hope to drive part way back to the border tonight. Thanks to all for your prayers!
--
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Atwater, Ca
Yesterday, the doctors gave Raymond an MRI, EKG, and chest x rays. A neurosurgeon came in to read the MRI and examine Raymond, and the general surgeon came in and examined him also. They have given him a clean bill of health! They stayed in town and are scheduled to return today for a orthopedic doctor to check his chest x rays. He has quite a bit of chest pain, and their concern is he may have cracked ribs. They are also going to see the neurosurgeon one more time. While Raymond's are at the doctor visit, Kevin will go pickup the incoming volunteers from the airport. Then, IF everything goes well, they hope to drive part way back to the border tonight. Thanks to all for your prayers!
--
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Atwater, Ca
Monday, February 22, 2010
Another View or Views on Revival
Somebody sent me this writing to post:
“I often get asked these questions: What is the key to revival? What is the secret that enabled you to plant thousands of churches in just a few years in one of the poorest nations on earth?
My answer is simple. My answer is always the same. First we are called to love God powerfully, deeply and intensely. And second, we are called to love our neighbors in the same way. The plan never changes. The strategy remains the same. This kind of fruitfulness can flow only from a place of radical intimacy.
I believe that revival does have a face. It does look like something. It looks like love. It looks like stopping daily for the one in front of you and looking into his or her eyes. You have to see the one. If you cannot see the one, you will not be able to deal with the multitudes. If you see the one, you will understand suffering, because you will see one dying child under a bridge. You will see one baby with AIDS. You will see one widow living alone under a tree. Revival is about looking into his or her eyes and seeing Jesus look back at you.
Michele Perry has captured this message of revival in her life and in her book. It is the message of love. The message of His heart.
For many years I have seen visions of a radical arm of laid-down lovers – a whole generation of those who are so full of passion and intimacy that they run into the darkness without fear to bring in the lost bride. Michele is a forerunner of this new breed of lovers, those who live only to pursue a passionate love affair with Jesus. They are so full of the Presence that no matter what they are asked to do, they say yes. There is no “no” left in them.
I pray that as you read this book, your heart will be enlarged and you will become so immersed in Jesus that your eyes are opened to see Him in the lost and broken. I pray that you will be stripped of the complications and concerns that cause you not to see clearly, so that you will no longer be able to pass by without stopping for the one in front of you. I pray that as you yield to His immeasurable, ceaseless, bottomless love, you will soar on the wings of the Holy Spirit over your nation.”
Heidi Baker, (of a nondenominational Christian mission to orphaned and abandoned children)
Now here is the correspondance about this article:
OP_NOAH:
Sounds intense. Have you read the book? Sounds interesting. To be right honest with you I like and agree that there are good thoughts expressed, but (I hate to use the word "but") I would like to read the book to see if the walk is the talk. Good words come so cheap nowadays. Love, repentance/grace, and cross is more the full picture revival recipe that I get from the Bible. Thanks for the post, sorry I am not trying to be negative, but I try to be a straight shooter that doesn't beat around the bush.
Sender:
She is charismatic, beyond our American Mennonite 2 arms length ways. In her setting, I’m not sure what you or I would do or how take care of the ‘millions’ on her streets. She walks the walk from what her book says. Includes being born again and repentance and healing as she has nothing else to offer them like we do with endless meds and councilors and church home structure. You can double check the book “Love Has A Face” if you want to include anything on your blog. Shari and I pick out the inspiring contents of books like this and try to grow in this vision. The Bible of course is the core of all our lifesong.
OP-NOAH:
I agree with you that we could use a little less structure and more spontaneity. However a women like that is more free to do her work because she doesn't have to answer to a brotherhood like we have to. Good or bad, alot of our mission work is to uphold our brethren's hand. To honestly prefer your brethren'above yourself when you actually rub shoulders with one another also does honor to God. Personally I would be none the happier to go to the mission or immerse myself in humanitarian work in Haiti. I could kiss all this wishy-washy and money squabble goodbye in a heart beat. Humanitarian work is therapy in action it gets in your veins. However God basically says not for you[myself]- at least for now. It made me stop and think- what does God more honor- being out there, doing my thing or taking care of my family and also enduring something I don't like as much, because God wants me to. We all want to be crusaders, but sometimes we have to pray for those that are and be content to do those things for God that don't get in the books. In the end we are all missionaries and emissaries for Christ, each performing his task for the Master. Hey peace-out! Thanks again. (I am definitely not trying to discourage any one from humanitarian work or limiting your "world view"! Just be sure to start at home. I say praise God for those that get to go and make sure I am faithful in even the little things I am called to do. We all have a part in the Revival!)
QUESTION: WHAT IS A REAL REVIVAL TO YOU?
“I often get asked these questions: What is the key to revival? What is the secret that enabled you to plant thousands of churches in just a few years in one of the poorest nations on earth?
My answer is simple. My answer is always the same. First we are called to love God powerfully, deeply and intensely. And second, we are called to love our neighbors in the same way. The plan never changes. The strategy remains the same. This kind of fruitfulness can flow only from a place of radical intimacy.
I believe that revival does have a face. It does look like something. It looks like love. It looks like stopping daily for the one in front of you and looking into his or her eyes. You have to see the one. If you cannot see the one, you will not be able to deal with the multitudes. If you see the one, you will understand suffering, because you will see one dying child under a bridge. You will see one baby with AIDS. You will see one widow living alone under a tree. Revival is about looking into his or her eyes and seeing Jesus look back at you.
Michele Perry has captured this message of revival in her life and in her book. It is the message of love. The message of His heart.
For many years I have seen visions of a radical arm of laid-down lovers – a whole generation of those who are so full of passion and intimacy that they run into the darkness without fear to bring in the lost bride. Michele is a forerunner of this new breed of lovers, those who live only to pursue a passionate love affair with Jesus. They are so full of the Presence that no matter what they are asked to do, they say yes. There is no “no” left in them.
I pray that as you read this book, your heart will be enlarged and you will become so immersed in Jesus that your eyes are opened to see Him in the lost and broken. I pray that you will be stripped of the complications and concerns that cause you not to see clearly, so that you will no longer be able to pass by without stopping for the one in front of you. I pray that as you yield to His immeasurable, ceaseless, bottomless love, you will soar on the wings of the Holy Spirit over your nation.”
Heidi Baker, (of a nondenominational Christian mission to orphaned and abandoned children)
Now here is the correspondance about this article:
OP_NOAH:
Sounds intense. Have you read the book? Sounds interesting. To be right honest with you I like and agree that there are good thoughts expressed, but (I hate to use the word "but") I would like to read the book to see if the walk is the talk. Good words come so cheap nowadays. Love, repentance/grace, and cross is more the full picture revival recipe that I get from the Bible. Thanks for the post, sorry I am not trying to be negative, but I try to be a straight shooter that doesn't beat around the bush.
Sender:
She is charismatic, beyond our American Mennonite 2 arms length ways. In her setting, I’m not sure what you or I would do or how take care of the ‘millions’ on her streets. She walks the walk from what her book says. Includes being born again and repentance and healing as she has nothing else to offer them like we do with endless meds and councilors and church home structure. You can double check the book “Love Has A Face” if you want to include anything on your blog. Shari and I pick out the inspiring contents of books like this and try to grow in this vision. The Bible of course is the core of all our lifesong.
OP-NOAH:
I agree with you that we could use a little less structure and more spontaneity. However a women like that is more free to do her work because she doesn't have to answer to a brotherhood like we have to. Good or bad, alot of our mission work is to uphold our brethren's hand. To honestly prefer your brethren'above yourself when you actually rub shoulders with one another also does honor to God. Personally I would be none the happier to go to the mission or immerse myself in humanitarian work in Haiti. I could kiss all this wishy-washy and money squabble goodbye in a heart beat. Humanitarian work is therapy in action it gets in your veins. However God basically says not for you[myself]- at least for now. It made me stop and think- what does God more honor- being out there, doing my thing or taking care of my family and also enduring something I don't like as much, because God wants me to. We all want to be crusaders, but sometimes we have to pray for those that are and be content to do those things for God that don't get in the books. In the end we are all missionaries and emissaries for Christ, each performing his task for the Master. Hey peace-out! Thanks again. (I am definitely not trying to discourage any one from humanitarian work or limiting your "world view"! Just be sure to start at home. I say praise God for those that get to go and make sure I am faithful in even the little things I am called to do. We all have a part in the Revival!)
QUESTION: WHAT IS A REAL REVIVAL TO YOU?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Withers Has Accident GNIF HAITI UPDATE
Yesterday we got an email from Kevin that Raymond W. was in an accident. Apparently he was on his way through Fond Parisien, going to the canyon. He was passing a truck, which swung out to go around a parked vehicle, forcing him off the road. He hit a boulder and a power pole, did severe damage to the quad, and ended up in the local hospital with a concussion. His rider, Kervins, has scrapes and bumps but nothing too severe. Now, about 6 hrs later, he is coming out of it, but still woozy. The local Doc is pressing to send him home for an MRI. We haven't heard any news as of this morning, but lets remember him in our prayers. We'll give you an update on his status as soon as it comes in.
--
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Atwater, Ca
OP-NOAH: Withers got sent to the D.R. for MRI
--
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Atwater, Ca
OP-NOAH: Withers got sent to the D.R. for MRI
Thursday, February 18, 2010
GNIF Update #9 Lasstic Progress
Dear Friends,
Contrary to popular opinion, we have not fallen off the edge of the earth!! Its way past time for an update, so here is a short one with more to follow soon. The GNIF crew has been working hard at trying to get the equipment and supplies from the port to the canyon or to a warehouse that is safe to store the supplies. They have got the containers to Lastic Canyon and unloaded, as you can imagine, no small task in a country where there is no "normal" situation. The drill is still at the port where they are working on a repair. Apparently a hydraulic line/fitting was damaged in shipping, and once again, you cant just go to an auto parts store and get the right part, but instead have someone braze it together. Haitian Tractor, the Caterpillar dealer in Port au Prince sent a truck and lowbed to get the drill today, but the trailer broke down on the way (not sure exactly what went wrong) so they will try again tomorrow! Again, nothing is ‘normal’ in Haiti!
So, currently we are planning how to move ahead....with some rains already falling, time is getting shorter and the GNIF crew that is in Haiti now had planned for two months, give or take, which is about up! Well a lot has happened/changed since those first outlines of schedules, timeline and even time allotted for "what if", but they still have responsibilities at home and to juggle that is sometimes difficult. One thing is certain, we want to get as much done with the Lastic Canyon project as possible this year, or I should say, as the Lord sees fit. So we need prayers and support for this and do whats best. We should update again, within the next few days.
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Atwater, Ca
Contrary to popular opinion, we have not fallen off the edge of the earth!! Its way past time for an update, so here is a short one with more to follow soon. The GNIF crew has been working hard at trying to get the equipment and supplies from the port to the canyon or to a warehouse that is safe to store the supplies. They have got the containers to Lastic Canyon and unloaded, as you can imagine, no small task in a country where there is no "normal" situation. The drill is still at the port where they are working on a repair. Apparently a hydraulic line/fitting was damaged in shipping, and once again, you cant just go to an auto parts store and get the right part, but instead have someone braze it together. Haitian Tractor, the Caterpillar dealer in Port au Prince sent a truck and lowbed to get the drill today, but the trailer broke down on the way (not sure exactly what went wrong) so they will try again tomorrow! Again, nothing is ‘normal’ in Haiti!
So, currently we are planning how to move ahead....with some rains already falling, time is getting shorter and the GNIF crew that is in Haiti now had planned for two months, give or take, which is about up! Well a lot has happened/changed since those first outlines of schedules, timeline and even time allotted for "what if", but they still have responsibilities at home and to juggle that is sometimes difficult. One thing is certain, we want to get as much done with the Lastic Canyon project as possible this year, or I should say, as the Lord sees fit. So we need prayers and support for this and do whats best. We should update again, within the next few days.
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Atwater, Ca
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Kevin Bronson Updates from Haiti #8
Time for another short update. This will build on the previous dispatches,
and will mostly reference the changes, without describing all the
background.
Today is something like AQ+25. While the situation is still desperate, we
do see some changes for the better.
Medical: The field hospital system is pretty much up and running. From our
contacts with the various groups, it looks like many of the original
personnel have rotated out and new ones come to take their place, bringing
in new stamina and enthusiasm. All the personnel I talk to are unanimous in
this one thing - there are still patients coming in to every medical center
that have not yet seen a doctor since the quake! The CDR has nurses working
in a local hospital. Yesterday a lady walked in with a compound ankle
fracture. How somebody could survive, work, live, and walk in to the local
facility with such an injury is beyond imagination. Of course many of the
wounds are septic, gangreneous, or just plain rotten.
The black skin is without pigment when it regrows, so healing wounds are
easy to ID. There are many walking around with casts and bandages, but we
are starting to see the light colored skin of healing wounds.
The hospitals are having trouble keeping supplies in stock, especially the
small local ones. We found out recently that a local hospital was
discharging patients in paper hospital gowns. Many of these patients really
have no were to go, and many need to come back for follow up care, so the
areas around the hospitals are turning into refugee camps.
Aid: We still see cargo planes in the air constantly, and land convoys
coming in from the DR. There have been a number of large food handouts
organized and executed under heavy military presence. I have no idea what
percentage of the population is getting aid, but I would think it is
significant. I'm understanding that some of the giveaways are being set up
for regular weekly operations. I have asked about food pricing, but do not
know if prices are falling yet. We have been handing out some food on a
small scale basis to neighbors and acquaintances.
Canyon: We spent a day in the canyon this week. I spent it surveying, and
Loren dug down and found the old dam. We have now done about all prep work
we can do until our ship comes in. Well, actually the ship is in, now we
need to get our stuff through customs. We spent today at the port in
Miragoane, a 3 hour drive each way, and made some real headways. I'm hoping
we will have them in hand next week.
CDR: We have been working on setting up their camp, so they can bring in
their workers. The HQ is ready to move in, so the workers that have been at
the local motel will be there from now on.
We have obtained permission from several landowners to put up tents on
their land - in one owner's case - if he gets one too. I started surveying
the one for drainage and layout planning; these will need to be completed
soon.
Almost daily we see the tent cities growing. Many of them were pretty
helter skelter, but now we are seeing more organization. They are still
just whatever they can find for covering stretched over whatever they can
find for poles. Some aid and military groups are handing out tarps, and the
trees in the local parks are taking a real beating from pole gatherers.
Orphans: I am sure there are large numbers of orphans, but we really hav
seen many. The local hospital was expecting to receive a large number, but
to my knowledge they haven't arrived. One day this week we were at a
medical triage site. The medical director asked us if we were from the
orphanage. We reply "Well, kind of". He showed us a little boy that was
supposedly going to go there, but his birth certificate was supposed to be
presented at the same time. The birth certificate was a day and a half's
bus ride away, and they couldn't afford the travel costs to go get it.
After a quick call to Virgil to confirm the story, we paid the costs so
that somebody could go get the boy's certificate, and he could get to the
orphanage. He is supposed to get there tonight.
Economy: Every time we go through PAP, we see a few more businesses open.
People are starting to repair buildings. Unfortunately they are using the
exact same techniques that made the first ones fall. Any phase of building
trades seems to be at full speed. Employment really hasn't picked up,
except for those who can interpret. There is a huge market for those who
can interpret for all the aid/medical groups.
The ladies have promised us a full blown Sunday dinner for tomorrow, roast
beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and all the rest.
My sign-off prayer remains the same. Please continue to pray for us that
we may accept the things we cannot change, the courage, energy, supplies,
equipment, knowledge, and security to tackle the things we can change, and
the wisdom to know the difference.
Kevin Bronson
Fond Parisien, Haiti
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
and will mostly reference the changes, without describing all the
background.
Today is something like AQ+25. While the situation is still desperate, we
do see some changes for the better.
Medical: The field hospital system is pretty much up and running. From our
contacts with the various groups, it looks like many of the original
personnel have rotated out and new ones come to take their place, bringing
in new stamina and enthusiasm. All the personnel I talk to are unanimous in
this one thing - there are still patients coming in to every medical center
that have not yet seen a doctor since the quake! The CDR has nurses working
in a local hospital. Yesterday a lady walked in with a compound ankle
fracture. How somebody could survive, work, live, and walk in to the local
facility with such an injury is beyond imagination. Of course many of the
wounds are septic, gangreneous, or just plain rotten.
The black skin is without pigment when it regrows, so healing wounds are
easy to ID. There are many walking around with casts and bandages, but we
are starting to see the light colored skin of healing wounds.
The hospitals are having trouble keeping supplies in stock, especially the
small local ones. We found out recently that a local hospital was
discharging patients in paper hospital gowns. Many of these patients really
have no were to go, and many need to come back for follow up care, so the
areas around the hospitals are turning into refugee camps.
Aid: We still see cargo planes in the air constantly, and land convoys
coming in from the DR. There have been a number of large food handouts
organized and executed under heavy military presence. I have no idea what
percentage of the population is getting aid, but I would think it is
significant. I'm understanding that some of the giveaways are being set up
for regular weekly operations. I have asked about food pricing, but do not
know if prices are falling yet. We have been handing out some food on a
small scale basis to neighbors and acquaintances.
Canyon: We spent a day in the canyon this week. I spent it surveying, and
Loren dug down and found the old dam. We have now done about all prep work
we can do until our ship comes in. Well, actually the ship is in, now we
need to get our stuff through customs. We spent today at the port in
Miragoane, a 3 hour drive each way, and made some real headways. I'm hoping
we will have them in hand next week.
CDR: We have been working on setting up their camp, so they can bring in
their workers. The HQ is ready to move in, so the workers that have been at
the local motel will be there from now on.
We have obtained permission from several landowners to put up tents on
their land - in one owner's case - if he gets one too. I started surveying
the one for drainage and layout planning; these will need to be completed
soon.
Almost daily we see the tent cities growing. Many of them were pretty
helter skelter, but now we are seeing more organization. They are still
just whatever they can find for covering stretched over whatever they can
find for poles. Some aid and military groups are handing out tarps, and the
trees in the local parks are taking a real beating from pole gatherers.
Orphans: I am sure there are large numbers of orphans, but we really hav
seen many. The local hospital was expecting to receive a large number, but
to my knowledge they haven't arrived. One day this week we were at a
medical triage site. The medical director asked us if we were from the
orphanage. We reply "Well, kind of". He showed us a little boy that was
supposedly going to go there, but his birth certificate was supposed to be
presented at the same time. The birth certificate was a day and a half's
bus ride away, and they couldn't afford the travel costs to go get it.
After a quick call to Virgil to confirm the story, we paid the costs so
that somebody could go get the boy's certificate, and he could get to the
orphanage. He is supposed to get there tonight.
Economy: Every time we go through PAP, we see a few more businesses open.
People are starting to repair buildings. Unfortunately they are using the
exact same techniques that made the first ones fall. Any phase of building
trades seems to be at full speed. Employment really hasn't picked up,
except for those who can interpret. There is a huge market for those who
can interpret for all the aid/medical groups.
The ladies have promised us a full blown Sunday dinner for tomorrow, roast
beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and all the rest.
My sign-off prayer remains the same. Please continue to pray for us that
we may accept the things we cannot change, the courage, energy, supplies,
equipment, knowledge, and security to tackle the things we can change, and
the wisdom to know the difference.
Kevin Bronson
Fond Parisien, Haiti
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Monday, February 8, 2010
WANT THE SCOOP ON HAITI
These facts are not new, I seen and read them before the earthquake, but many are ignorant of them. Read them and you will be reintroduced to the concept of the Banana Republics of yesterday.
Read
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/some-facts-stephen-harper-should-have-on-haiti/article1458214/
Read
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/some-facts-stephen-harper-should-have-on-haiti/article1458214/
Friday, February 5, 2010
Lasstic Update: Shifting Focus
Dear GNIF Friends:
A lot has happened since our last update. We have some good news, some bad news and some disappointing news. First the good news. Almost all of the preliminary work has been done at the Lastic Canyon project. The spring fed Lastic River has almost doubled in flow since the earthquake, there is actually a good result of the quake! This will help distribute more water to villages along the way. As you know, the ship has come into port and we are working with Senator Lambert on the necessary paperwork. After that is done, Kevin, Raymond and Loren will be working on getting the containers and rock drill in a secure area. Now for some of the bad....because of the earthquake disaster and with Haiti so crippled, it looks to us like the logistics of completing the project this year is not feasible.
To all our Lastic Canyon volunteers: A big thank you for being so available and ready to go at anytime! We hope you will stay on board with us for the Lastic Canyon project in early 2011 and any future projects.
Now, for the disappointing news. CDR and CSI are working in the earthquake relief and have asked GNIF to suspend our efforts in this work. It is a tough decision for GNIF to accept, but they feel strongly this is necessary.
Here is a quick review of our finances:
Short Term Loan received $70,000
Donations Received to date $61,551
Total Cash available $131,551
Expenses to date -$110,927
Cash Balance $20.624
The expenses include purchase of the rock drill, pipe, blasting fertilizer, tools and supplies. More supplies are on the way for the Lastic Project.
To our donors - thank you for your support. We do need to pay back the short term loan soon, so...please consider helping us out a little! Every little bit counts!
GNIF will by no means stop operations, we may slow down a little while we regroup and find other projects, however, we have our sights on a few smaller things to do to keep us involved. Stay tuned, you will hear from us again!
We are working on a website to keep all supporters and friends informed on new activities and ongoing projects.
We hope to have all funding in by the end of this year for the Lastic Canyon project.
Below is a very interesting email that came in from Kevin a few days ago.
Time for another update. This one will not be as adrenaline laden as some
in the past, but from our standpoint that's a good thing. Somebody around
the house a few days ago commented that they have had all the excitement
they could handle.
Conditions are changing rapidly. We were deep in medical evacuations at
the last update. By the end of last week, the number of untreated patients
coming in dropped dramatically; we were mostly seeing people coming in for
bandage changes etc. Field hospitals have been set up by many different aid
groups, and they are doing surgeries on site. Nurses are still being
brought in for post op care. The days of cowboy medicine by Leatherman are
fast coming to an end.
Large amounts of aid MUST be pouring in. We see convoys from the DR daily.
I would guess a C5 Galaxy lands every hour. It would appear that the aid
sending countries are better at getting it here than they are with
distribution. The street price of food is climbing steadily, and is now
over double BQ. We see many hungry (I mean severe hunger) daily, and
starvation for many of them cannot be far away. Many of the ruins and piles
of rubble are being stripped of any recyclables or salvageable materials
that can be exchanged for food. This demo/salvage is being done at great
personal risk, especially with the continued tremors.
The distribution problem can be illustrated with the tent situation. We
have been looking to build and/or buy some tents to distribute. We have
been told they are available at the UN compound. Some of our group have
been there several times. They have registered, so now they would be
allowed to apply to receive tents from the large pile sitting there.
Several days later, we have decided that it will be unlikely that any tents
will be forthcoming, and will proceed for now on our own, and have ordered
some from Canada. And the tents continue to lay in piles on the UN
compound.
Loren, Raymond, and I have taken a couple days to go back to the mountains
and tie up the loose ends so we can shut our project down until next year.
We have a rented excavator and the CSI backhoe, and we are trying to decide
if we can put them, and the scarce and precious fuel needed to run them, to
better use cleaning up and reopening roads, cleaning up piles of rubble,
etc, so that some rebuilding of lives and infrastructure can begin.
We have found our supply containers in the port at Miragaone, and we are
making every effort to retrieve them. we have not cleared Customs yet (see
below).
We are also investigating doing site work for tent cities for CDR. Many
1000s are living under tents built from bed sheets etc in open areas, such
as parks and soccer fields. It may be years before they can all have 'real'
housing, so aid groups are putting up better tents. Rainy season is only
6-8 weeks away. CDR has asked me to handle the survey & site design /
layout, for simple drainage and latrines.
Along the way, we have been able to take food and supplies to 2 orphanages
whose facilities were damaged. There are likely others in need as well. We
are keeping our eyes open for other ways to help individuals in need.
We spent today driving around the Cazeau congregation looking at the
seriously damaged and un-liveable houses. We were looking for ways to get
the excavator in through the winding narrow streets to demo them. After
spending as almost as much as an hour on several of the houses, we think
that we could salvage many of them.
We are using the criteria "Could this be made as good as it was BQ". This
would certainly cost less than demolish and rebuilding them. These brethren
are looking to us to help determine if their houses, which represent in
most cases their life's income and only asset, must be destroyed, or if
they are worth the effort to try to save.
We ask ourselves "If we do what we are considering, would we move our own
family into this house?" The answer is at best a hesitant "yes", and
sometimes "no". What if we spend a bunch of money, effort, and time on a
building, and then another quake takes it down, likely with loss of life?
We were at one site where the house is flat, and the family of 4 lives in
a compact station wagon that was damaged but mostly intact. The sister was
cheerfully combing her little girl's hair, sitting in the passenger seat.
Another young couple lives under several sheets in a makeshift tent.
A 'big picture' problem is that the Central Government is more or less
wiped out. The Palace (Capitol Building), Legislature, and main government
dept office building, are all beyond repair. Some of the gov officials,
including Sen. Lambert, are injured, and others were killed. Judges,
policemen, town councils, etc are the same. (On a village level, enough
officials survived that the locals can operate).
This problems spreads through the entire economy. There are vehicles on
several car lots, but even if you can come up with the cash to buy one, you
can't register it, because the dept of motor vehicles or whatever is
defunct. We can't clear customs with our containers, because there is no
officials in the head office to sign off on them. I have heard that all the
adoption paperwork that was started has been destroyed, and the list goes
on and on.
A few banks have started to open, with long lines. Even those who had
money couldn't get to it for many days, but hopefully that will start to
ease soon.
Work continues on turning the FP church into CDR headquarters. The dorms
are about built, and we worked on wiring them yesterday. They were supposed
to pour concrete for the showers and laundry today, the kitchen is under
construction, and some CDR brethren are working on the plumbing. It should
be ready for use within a week.
We are doing quite well in our house of +/- 1600 sq ft. We average about
20 at mealtime, with a recent high of 29. We have lights, gravity water
from a tank on the roof that feeds our sinks and two bathrooms/showers, and
enough cooks to have an amazing variety of meals. We have three couples,
one with children and a schoolteacher, one CSI board member, and 4 of us
'singles' in permanent residence; the rest are transients and sleep in the
gallery (porch), or in a local motel.
There is no doubt that what we have experienced has affected us all
emotionally. The continued aftershocks keep us jumpy, and unknown rumbles
cause us jitters. I get choked up emotionally, and sometimes cry a little
over things that would not normally affect me that way, and I see some of
the same emotions in the others. We have group devotions every morning, and
they seem to center around these topics, so that must be where individual's
personal study and meditations are taking them. I sense a real need and
desire in everyone's heart to know if being here is happenstance, or if we
were sent to the country 'for such a time as this'.
Continue to pray for us that we may accept the things we cannot change,
the courage, energy, supplies, equipment, knowledge, and security to tackle
the things we can change, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Kevin Bronson
Fond Parisien, Haiti
--
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
A lot has happened since our last update. We have some good news, some bad news and some disappointing news. First the good news. Almost all of the preliminary work has been done at the Lastic Canyon project. The spring fed Lastic River has almost doubled in flow since the earthquake, there is actually a good result of the quake! This will help distribute more water to villages along the way. As you know, the ship has come into port and we are working with Senator Lambert on the necessary paperwork. After that is done, Kevin, Raymond and Loren will be working on getting the containers and rock drill in a secure area. Now for some of the bad....because of the earthquake disaster and with Haiti so crippled, it looks to us like the logistics of completing the project this year is not feasible.
To all our Lastic Canyon volunteers: A big thank you for being so available and ready to go at anytime! We hope you will stay on board with us for the Lastic Canyon project in early 2011 and any future projects.
Now, for the disappointing news. CDR and CSI are working in the earthquake relief and have asked GNIF to suspend our efforts in this work. It is a tough decision for GNIF to accept, but they feel strongly this is necessary.
Here is a quick review of our finances:
Short Term Loan received $70,000
Donations Received to date $61,551
Total Cash available $131,551
Expenses to date -$110,927
Cash Balance $20.624
The expenses include purchase of the rock drill, pipe, blasting fertilizer, tools and supplies. More supplies are on the way for the Lastic Project.
To our donors - thank you for your support. We do need to pay back the short term loan soon, so...please consider helping us out a little! Every little bit counts!
GNIF will by no means stop operations, we may slow down a little while we regroup and find other projects, however, we have our sights on a few smaller things to do to keep us involved. Stay tuned, you will hear from us again!
We are working on a website to keep all supporters and friends informed on new activities and ongoing projects.
We hope to have all funding in by the end of this year for the Lastic Canyon project.
Below is a very interesting email that came in from Kevin a few days ago.
Time for another update. This one will not be as adrenaline laden as some
in the past, but from our standpoint that's a good thing. Somebody around
the house a few days ago commented that they have had all the excitement
they could handle.
Conditions are changing rapidly. We were deep in medical evacuations at
the last update. By the end of last week, the number of untreated patients
coming in dropped dramatically; we were mostly seeing people coming in for
bandage changes etc. Field hospitals have been set up by many different aid
groups, and they are doing surgeries on site. Nurses are still being
brought in for post op care. The days of cowboy medicine by Leatherman are
fast coming to an end.
Large amounts of aid MUST be pouring in. We see convoys from the DR daily.
I would guess a C5 Galaxy lands every hour. It would appear that the aid
sending countries are better at getting it here than they are with
distribution. The street price of food is climbing steadily, and is now
over double BQ. We see many hungry (I mean severe hunger) daily, and
starvation for many of them cannot be far away. Many of the ruins and piles
of rubble are being stripped of any recyclables or salvageable materials
that can be exchanged for food. This demo/salvage is being done at great
personal risk, especially with the continued tremors.
The distribution problem can be illustrated with the tent situation. We
have been looking to build and/or buy some tents to distribute. We have
been told they are available at the UN compound. Some of our group have
been there several times. They have registered, so now they would be
allowed to apply to receive tents from the large pile sitting there.
Several days later, we have decided that it will be unlikely that any tents
will be forthcoming, and will proceed for now on our own, and have ordered
some from Canada. And the tents continue to lay in piles on the UN
compound.
Loren, Raymond, and I have taken a couple days to go back to the mountains
and tie up the loose ends so we can shut our project down until next year.
We have a rented excavator and the CSI backhoe, and we are trying to decide
if we can put them, and the scarce and precious fuel needed to run them, to
better use cleaning up and reopening roads, cleaning up piles of rubble,
etc, so that some rebuilding of lives and infrastructure can begin.
We have found our supply containers in the port at Miragaone, and we are
making every effort to retrieve them. we have not cleared Customs yet (see
below).
We are also investigating doing site work for tent cities for CDR. Many
1000s are living under tents built from bed sheets etc in open areas, such
as parks and soccer fields. It may be years before they can all have 'real'
housing, so aid groups are putting up better tents. Rainy season is only
6-8 weeks away. CDR has asked me to handle the survey & site design /
layout, for simple drainage and latrines.
Along the way, we have been able to take food and supplies to 2 orphanages
whose facilities were damaged. There are likely others in need as well. We
are keeping our eyes open for other ways to help individuals in need.
We spent today driving around the Cazeau congregation looking at the
seriously damaged and un-liveable houses. We were looking for ways to get
the excavator in through the winding narrow streets to demo them. After
spending as almost as much as an hour on several of the houses, we think
that we could salvage many of them.
We are using the criteria "Could this be made as good as it was BQ". This
would certainly cost less than demolish and rebuilding them. These brethren
are looking to us to help determine if their houses, which represent in
most cases their life's income and only asset, must be destroyed, or if
they are worth the effort to try to save.
We ask ourselves "If we do what we are considering, would we move our own
family into this house?" The answer is at best a hesitant "yes", and
sometimes "no". What if we spend a bunch of money, effort, and time on a
building, and then another quake takes it down, likely with loss of life?
We were at one site where the house is flat, and the family of 4 lives in
a compact station wagon that was damaged but mostly intact. The sister was
cheerfully combing her little girl's hair, sitting in the passenger seat.
Another young couple lives under several sheets in a makeshift tent.
A 'big picture' problem is that the Central Government is more or less
wiped out. The Palace (Capitol Building), Legislature, and main government
dept office building, are all beyond repair. Some of the gov officials,
including Sen. Lambert, are injured, and others were killed. Judges,
policemen, town councils, etc are the same. (On a village level, enough
officials survived that the locals can operate).
This problems spreads through the entire economy. There are vehicles on
several car lots, but even if you can come up with the cash to buy one, you
can't register it, because the dept of motor vehicles or whatever is
defunct. We can't clear customs with our containers, because there is no
officials in the head office to sign off on them. I have heard that all the
adoption paperwork that was started has been destroyed, and the list goes
on and on.
A few banks have started to open, with long lines. Even those who had
money couldn't get to it for many days, but hopefully that will start to
ease soon.
Work continues on turning the FP church into CDR headquarters. The dorms
are about built, and we worked on wiring them yesterday. They were supposed
to pour concrete for the showers and laundry today, the kitchen is under
construction, and some CDR brethren are working on the plumbing. It should
be ready for use within a week.
We are doing quite well in our house of +/- 1600 sq ft. We average about
20 at mealtime, with a recent high of 29. We have lights, gravity water
from a tank on the roof that feeds our sinks and two bathrooms/showers, and
enough cooks to have an amazing variety of meals. We have three couples,
one with children and a schoolteacher, one CSI board member, and 4 of us
'singles' in permanent residence; the rest are transients and sleep in the
gallery (porch), or in a local motel.
There is no doubt that what we have experienced has affected us all
emotionally. The continued aftershocks keep us jumpy, and unknown rumbles
cause us jitters. I get choked up emotionally, and sometimes cry a little
over things that would not normally affect me that way, and I see some of
the same emotions in the others. We have group devotions every morning, and
they seem to center around these topics, so that must be where individual's
personal study and meditations are taking them. I sense a real need and
desire in everyone's heart to know if being here is happenstance, or if we
were sent to the country 'for such a time as this'.
Continue to pray for us that we may accept the things we cannot change,
the courage, energy, supplies, equipment, knowledge, and security to tackle
the things we can change, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Kevin Bronson
Fond Parisien, Haiti
--
Good News International Foundation
Associate Writer - Daniel Jantz
209.409.4597
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Check out Messenger Articles
Small notation: Check out article by Rueben Shirk from Virginia in last messenger. Also read article about Intellectualism by Reg Isaac in latest Messenger. Any comments on either one? I might right a little more latter. The Messenger of Truth is our church's bi-monthly magazine of articles written by Church members.
Michigan Girl Engaged to Brother in Guatemala
When my wife and I were teaching in Belize we got to know a brother and sister teaching team in the south part of Belize known as the Toledo District. They became family to us and we celebrated Christmas together along with taking different outings together and talked "school". Precious memories. We went to a wedding in Guatemala and observed good things happening. Now a number a weeks ago we heard that it finally was coming to fruitation. However their are a few hurdles for his paperwork so he can come up here to get married. He comes from a real nice family and though there will no doubt be adjustments, (she is fairly fluent in Spanish and has taught in more than one foreign country, not counting all the countries she has visited), she is not going to live in the back forty, but close to a small city and in relatively comfortable quarters for Guatemala, no doubt. She is quite brave for a NA youth girl in my books anyway, considering her and my wife enjoyed jumping into waterfalls and from thirty plus feet rocks. I guess I can only wish her well. The real reason for this article is that we should pray that her fiance's paperwork can get through so they can set a date for their wedding. May God Bless them (and I hope it can break more ice across borders.??)
OUR CHURCH YOUTH IN HAITI SINGING AT CLINIC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/americas/8489069.stm
Was informed about this link today thought it might interest you. "My Hiding Place" out of the Blue 'Cast Thy Bread' is what they are singing.
ROBBERY IN NORTHERN HAITI
Noah Slabaughs in Haiti were robbed at gunpoint last night. $6,000 was stolen. The couple was naturally quite shook up and are apparently on their way home. We should pray for our workers in that country it could get really bad there yet.
Was informed about this link today thought it might interest you. "My Hiding Place" out of the Blue 'Cast Thy Bread' is what they are singing.
ROBBERY IN NORTHERN HAITI
Noah Slabaughs in Haiti were robbed at gunpoint last night. $6,000 was stolen. The couple was naturally quite shook up and are apparently on their way home. We should pray for our workers in that country it could get really bad there yet.
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