Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Wiebe Quote on Dependance
Katie Davis, missionary to the orphans in Uganda. She was back in the US for a short furlough, and wrote the following:
“What has been the biggest shock to my system, the huge disconnect, is that I have stepped out of my reliance on God to meet my needs. I “miss” Jesus. He hasn’t disappeared, of course, but I feel so far removed from him because my life is actually functioning without Him. By “functioning”, I mean that if I am sick, I go to the drugstore or to the doctor. If I am hungry, I go to the grocery store. If I need to go somewhere, I get in my car. When I need some advice or guidance, I call my mom or go plop on my roommate’s bed. If I want to feel happy, I get Brad, my little brother, or someone else to make me laugh. I keep forgetting to ask God first to heal me, to fill me, to guide me, to rejoice with me. I have to set aside “time to pray” in the morning and at night instead of being in constant communication with Him. In Uganda, because I was so physically poor I was completely dependent on God, and spiritually… as wealthy as ever.”
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Oriani Haiti
Keith Toews is coming to Winton/Ballico CA this week Thursday for talks on Haiti--jlt
Keith Toews
Its 5pm Fri. The sunbeams are streaking pink and blue across the sky because they are reflecting off the ocean unseen yet 5000 ft below us. The clinic is silent and empty except for me sitting in the office at a “desk” made of a half sheet plywood and 4 wobbly cardboard boxes to hold it all up. Another week, come and gone. In reflection I see things that were good and some things that need improvement. We dealt successfully with a trust issue with one of the employees, and I think there was a lesson learned and another step gained in his conscience development. I try to impress upon all here that trust and accountability are imperative. But try to imagine never developing much of a conscience until adulthood. Growing up with the attitude that anything goes unless you get caught. I guess King David had that problem too, and I see a similar follow-up of repentance in our employee’s life too. We need to strengthen the clinic principles and regulations on starting time and a few other minor points, but we will mark that down to address in our next employee meeting on Monday. We also are surviving without Heather our former nurse. She went home Nov 21. We are trusting in God to supply the clinic with its nursing needs now. We hired a Haitian nurse for a month to fill in, but it is not ideal. We would like an American volunteer RN or LPN if possible.
One day last week I made two trips to Port au prince in one day. The second trip was at night and to take two people to hospitals. The one young man had a brother who got mad at him and decided to use a dagger to perforate and vent his brother’s lung. The other one was a child terribly burned in the face who also had parasitical prolapse of the derriere. Not a pretty sight no matter what end you looked at. Praise God both people survived and are doing ok. I would love to take anyone of you to Hospital General (at night!). It is an experience to remember. HG is being rebuilt, and the service they give is getting better all the time, but I think there was 50 suffering people lying on the floor, in the hallways, outside, by the counters, and everywhere imaginable. We had to step over handcuffed and chained prisoners who were moaning and laying on the floor. Guards with guns out were watching them. Bloody people who had been in accidents and now felt obligated to make the most awful sounding groans, gurgles and noises, just to try to get someone to pay them attention… etc etc. I again realise why we try to do EVERYTHING possible in the mountain so we don’t need to use these hospitals, but we still do need them for surgeries etc.
We assisted in a “mobile clinic” recently. It was setup and arranged by another American mission group. They invited us to join them which we were happy to do so. Our clinic had talked of doing this kind of thing for a long time, but never had the guts to just shut down our clinic for a day and go do this. Finally we just did it. We loaded up all the staff in the back of the 6 wheel drive ambulance and went back into a far area on a mountain edge. We borrowed a church building that overlooked a valley and lake 5000 ft below, and therein we had 4 consultation stations and a triage setup. A lot of minor coughs and colds, and yet some very needy situations too. That day we saw and treated over 200 patients.
The baby bundles, the hygiene kits, and birthing kits that have been donated to the clinic have been put to good use and we thank you for them. It’s so cool to be able to see a newborn child wrapped up in a clean new sleeper and diaper and given back to an exhausted but happy new mother.
Winter season is here and it is becoming very beautiful, and yet drier and cold. We don’t have frost yet but it has happened twice in that last 3 yrs that some isolated fields have been froze off. I have a crops of potatoes, red beans, and carrots. I am learning how very expensive it is to grow crops here. The chemicals needed to ward off mold and insects, and all the chemical fertilizer we pour on is making me think farming is a rich man’s occupation. I have wanted to use local animal manure etc but they all tell me that it contains and attracts beetles and worms which eat the crops and that it actually does more harm than good. I still want to try a few things like composting manure first etc. But I already struggle with enough time for my family, so when do I have time to do all the neat little experiments and projects I want to do??
Personally we feel invigorated and alive here. We don’t have any sickness or anything that is pulling us down. We see enough sickness and problems all around us, so we are very glad for the protection that God has given our family. Candace and I are working on getting Haitian citizenship. After that we will begin adoption proceedings for Ketli. She is such a little charmer we can’t imagine life without her anymore. Our teacher’s family Doug Minnigers are coming for a visit next week. Pat Kaufman a missionary from another mission closeby was killed recently when his vehicle went off the road and plunged 70 ft into a river. Pray for his wife Cheryl. A neighbour of ours was murdered in Port au Prince recently. The funeral was so beyond description with the wailing and flailing and seizures that I can’t begin to tell you about it here. One of those “gotta be there to believe it” experiences again.
Recently some of us missionaries had a time of fellowship and prayer together that strengthened and brought us closer together. We each cited our needs and took turns praying especially for each other. I felt blessed and felt the nearness of God among us. If you think of us and need to know what to pray for specifically….
Pray for Francios. A girl who is mentally troubled and possibly is demon possessed. She used to be a Christian sister in our church but went back to her old ways and it seems like it is destroying her.
Pray for Mafi. A very similar girl who maybe isn’t quite as bad off, yet. Pray that she can return to her heavenly father who abundantly pardons and that she can walk in newness of life.
Pray for the clinic in general and also each worker here that we can be strong and can follow God’s leading in all things and show light in a dark world, lifting up the Great Physician to all.
Pray that the coming late-winter-hungry-season won’t be too hard on these dear people.
Pray that the Gospel will spread to more young people around here, and that children who are now growing up in new Christian homes can give their hearts to God.
Thanks for everything, the prayers, the gifts, the clinic donations…. Everything!! I wish you all courage and zeal to work in the place God has put you too.
God bless,
Monday, December 9, 2013
Christian is Killed every 11 Minutes Around the World
Members of the House of Commons were told that the persecution of Christians is increasing, that one Christian is killed around every 11 minutes around the world, and that Christianity is the “most persecuted religion globally”.
see: http://au.christiantoday.com/article/one-christian-is-killed-every-11-minutes-uk-parliament-told/16583.htm
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Wow what a Thanksgiving!
It was a really busy season and holiday for me and now it is almost gone. Besides Thanksgiving there was birthdays, farewells and other engagements all throughout the week. On Thanksgiving Day our congregation gets together at 6:30 am and we start the "Potato Mash". They set up assembly lines in our fellowship hall where people peel potatoes. When those people fill up big mixing bowls with freshly peeled potatoes---those bowls get hauled to the kitchen for washing and touch-up cutting. From there they go to a homemade potato slicer. It is a PVC pipe with a plunger. Young fellows put the potatoes in the top hole while Grandpa runs the plunger. Knives are stuck into the pipe, so the potatoes get diced as they slide through the pipe. Next the pieces are hauled to a table of men who sort and grade the pieces for cooking. Too big a pieces need to be cut so they don't take too long to cook. Small pieces need to be seperated, because they take less time to cook. Outside of the building is a group of brethren with propane cookers boiling water. The potatoes are then cooked. The final process is that they are given to a table of big mixing bowls to be mashed by blenders and put into tinfoil pans. Each portion is weighed before blending. People go back and forth putting in salt, butter and milk as needed. The end result is the mashed potatoes are boxed and ready to go to the veterans hall to be used to feed the homeless in our local city. The other next door congregation does the turkey and wraps up a number of sweet potatoes for the same meal.
We hope in a small way that we can serve Jesus and fulfill the verse:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in Matt 25:35
We hope in a small way that we can serve Jesus and fulfill the verse:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in Matt 25:35
We as a people are so much in debt to mercy and grace that it is only right to find something to do to show our gratitude. Find a need in your local community and see if your congregation can fill that need. It is interesting to work together on a project like this. They have done it for four to five years instead of our Thanksgiving service. I think it would be advised to have singing and devotions incorporated into your gathering. We finished at around 9:30-10 am. Alot of hands pitching in to help clean-up. By the time the noon meal comes around you have had time to reflect on what Thanksgiving is really all about....Can you Guess? Kind of like the little girl that was trying to figure how God, who is so big, could fit in her little heart...She guessed that he would just end up sticking out everywhere. The Truth is that is how it should be, he is too big to only stay in our hearts. Enough said--- I just hope I can find the grace not to only think about my selfish wants and needs this Thanksgiving--Christmas Season. JLT
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Fillipino Update
It is quite difficult to get too much information on the latest disaster in the Philippines. I want to be careful with the information that I give out and also want to be sure on accuracy. All that I can say is that a couple from a Texas congregation rode out the storm in a motel as they had arrived from the US. The other report is that a Fillipino family from our church had their roof blown off---a god send-- because it allowed them to climb up into the rafters to escape the water. Do not build on these details, but rather use them to get a picture in your mind, so you can pray for the thousands affected by this tragedy. That is the best thing for our brothers and sisters and their families----remember them in prayer. No doubt they are in shock and have special needs. Thank-you for your interest.
I had to think of the perils have Paul and yet he still stood firm----
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 2Cor. 11:25-27
I apologize for any typo errors on this blog, but it seems that I rarely have enough time to thoroughly edit any of the material--Thank-you for your understanding. JLT
I had to think of the perils have Paul and yet he still stood firm----
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 2Cor. 11:25-27
I apologize for any typo errors on this blog, but it seems that I rarely have enough time to thoroughly edit any of the material--Thank-you for your understanding. JLT
A Short Take on Technology
It seems there are many snares and pitfalls for the Christian with technology. What does it teach me?
Lean on my brother and the Church while standing on the Rock. Jesus Christ. He is unchanging.
Our human natures are selfish by nature.
That is why we need to look around us and help others (to escape our self absorbed natures.)
I believe the brotherhood, the Church, and its give and take is the force of sandpaper that prepares me in my service to God.
Technology is the latest ultimate test.
It is a storm that will try us to see if we are truly grounded on the Rock.
If He is our security we will shun anything that desires to undermine our relationship with Him.
I do not like the thought of business use only allowances for technology.
I believe a Christian needs to give 101% effort to make it.
Do not be an empty storehouse waiting to be filled with entertainment---fill up by memorizing songs and treasures that motivate service.
Too often the Lord gives us a clean slate that we squander-----trying to keep clean yet never using it to do good.
If the desire of the heart is set on Christ----like the sun flower you will always strive to face the "Sun".
So let the winds of technology or trials howl---I know where my security lies.
JLT
Ps 18:2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation,and my high tower.
Isa. 50:7
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Wiebe Quotes on Destiny's Wilderness
Do not forget that every man that has great destiny ahead has a wilderness to pass through.
Mary-Jane Akissin
From Trials to Triumph
The Voice of Christians’ Fellowship
April 2013
Wiebe Quotes: Tom Skinner on the Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit
I hasten to add that there is a distinction between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. We need also to understand this as it pertains to the evangelist.
Quite often we become enamoured with gifted people. And we often assume that because they are gifted, that they are also spiritual. We say, “Wow, that sister can really sing. She’s a great woman of God!” But the fact that she can sing does not make her a woman of God. We say, “Boy, that brother can preach!” He is not a man of God because he can preach. The Bible says God gives gifts as he pleases.
For 28 years, I have been preaching the gospel on every continent. I am gifted to preach. But I recognize it is a gift from God. It has nothing to do with me. If you judge my spirituality by my preaching, I will snow you—because there is no relationship between my gift to preach and my spirituality.
If you want to find out whether I am a spiritual person, if you want to find out whether I am filled with the Spirit, you have to wait until I finish preaching and hang out with me.
The fullness of the Spirit is not a state of perfection; it is a state of surrender. It is not a state of sinlessness; it is a state of abandonment to Jesus Christ—when a person simply says, “I renounce all rights to myself and I give Jesus the right to do with me whatever he pleases.”
-Tom Skinner
© 1989 BridgeBuilder. This is an excerpt from an article originally featured in BridgeBuilder Magazine, published in Washington, DC.
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? Ps. 130:3
Wiebe Quotes on Creativity
A quotation from Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship written by Paul C. Vitz (copyright 1977)
CREATIVITY AND THE CREATOR (pg. 138, 139)
For the selfist, creativity is conceived as personal growth through self-expression, and hence as an achievement. It is the way the individual self gains value, very often in comparison to others. In a sense, wealth, intelligence, and integrity all take a back seat today to this truly middle-class value of "creativity". Most application forms for graduate and professional schools give prominence to it, and to be labeled creative has become the ultimate goal for millions.
For Christians the emphasis is very different. It is on developing one's abilities in the service of God and others, as shown in Christ's parable of the talents. C. S. Lewis describes the Christian's indifference or antipathy to preoccupation with creativity as follows:
"Nothing could be more foreign to the tone of scripture than the language of those who describe a saint as a 'moral genius' or a 'spiritual genius,' thus insinuating that his virtue or spirituality is 'creative' or 'original'. If I have read the New Testament aright, it leaves no room for 'creativeness' even in a modified or metaphorical sense. Our whole destiny seems to lie in the opposite direction,... in acquiring a fragrance that is not our own but borrowed, in becoming clean mirrors filled with the image of a face that is not ours." [C. S. Lewis "Christianity and Literature" in Christian Reflections, ed. Walter Hooper (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1967) pp.6-7.]
Therefore a Christian artist or writer should never strive for creativity per se but instead should try to embody some reflection of eternal beauty and wisdom. Lewis notes that the Christian approach to literature, for example, groups itself with certain existing theories of literature as against others. The Christian position...
"...would have affinities with the primitive or Homeric theory in which the poet is the mere pensioner of the Muse. It would have affinities with the Platonic doctrine of the transcendent Form partly imitable on earth.... It would be opposed to the theory of genius as, perhaps, generally understood; and above all it would be opposed to the idea that literature is self-expression." [Lewis, "Christianity and Literature," p.7.]
I Am Still............
(A thought provoking piece)
I was hungry and you formed a committee to discuss my hunger,
I was imprisoned and you crept off to your chapel to pray for my release,
I was naked and in your mind you debated my morality,
I was sick and you prayed God thanking him for your health,
I was homeless and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter found in the love of God,
I was lonely and you left me alone to go pray for me,
You seem so holy, so close to God…
But I am still… very hungry, and lonely, and cold.
I was imprisoned and you crept off to your chapel to pray for my release,
I was naked and in your mind you debated my morality,
I was sick and you prayed God thanking him for your health,
I was homeless and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter found in the love of God,
I was lonely and you left me alone to go pray for me,
You seem so holy, so close to God…
But I am still… very hungry, and lonely, and cold.
-Author Unknown-
source: Wiebe Quotes who sourced it from Confidence Clinic, Haiti
What the Bible says in Mat. 25:35-40
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Typhoon Haiyan Hammers Fillipino Congregations
Not much has been reported in how it has affected our congregations there, but it could be bad. USA Today news mentioned the devastation at Tacloban with up to 10,000 dead. I do not have very many close contacts with that area, but will try to find updates. It seems important that people know---- so prayer can be offered as well as aid in the future.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Oriani Haiti Clinic Report
(Picture did not come with article)
Clinic news from Oriani, Haiti
Sometimes it seems the clinic is almost a life of it’s own, something that we are a part of instead of the clinic being something we are doing. It never ceases to impress me how well things are working and how God’s presence is seen and felt. It humbles and inspires me. We are nothing and HE is everything. So very many people pass through the doors, each with a need or a story to tell. The following experiences are just a sample from yesterday morning…
The former devil possessed young man named Delson (I wrote about him earlier) came in just to say hi to us. He was clear in his mind and as I visited with him he says he remembers nothing of his former possession experience. I asked him if he remembered coming to the clinic a couple months ago and he said he remembered just a little. When I asked what part he remembers he said he remembered us asking him if he was wanting to be free and if he wanted Jesus instead of the devil. God answered those prayers and he really is free from the tormenting possessing spirit that controlled him, gave him superhuman strength and made him speak in other tongues. When he was asked if he never carried a magic bottle around anymore, or if he had a red devil-handkerchief, or if he had powders in his house, he replied emphatically NO NO NO to everything. Said he left it all and had cleaned house.
And then there was the CUTE little girl who had fallen into the large cooking pot, burning severely her leg and buttocks and her arm up to the elbow. The skin came off her arm like a glove. Leaving fingernail holes in the “glove”. She came back in for her 5th dressing change yesterday and it is so amazing how it has grown back without infection or anything. Thanks to antibiotics and faithful dressing changes. This charming little 4 yr old girl will be healed to the honor and glory of God, but what made me choke up and almost cry… is the fact that she is growing up in a very ungodly home that is filthy, depraved, immoral and demonic. About as bad as it comes. Pray for Wandaika and her mom and dad.
And then there was the child (around 10 yrs old) that had TB in her lymph glands in the neck. Painful and horrible open lesions that erupt. This is the first time she came to the clinic. The grandparents brought her and said that the sores were because the mom had nursed her with “bad milk” when she was a baby. We are going to help them get on treatment at the CSI tuberculosis clinic 3 hrs away.
Another case that took attention all day was a lady that came in that was pretty badly hit with cholera. We don’t have a Cholera treatment center here anymore and we really shouldn’t infect our clinic with this disease, so we laid her on a cot outside and dealt with her out there. After drinking lots of ORS she had enough fluids that we finally could get a vein and get some IV going. Her sis had cholera the other day at our clinic too. I caught the husband tying a red cord with matchsticks around her neck as a devil charm. I pulled his hand away and told him this clinic didn’t serve the devil and if he wanted help here he couldn’t do that. He listened. What struck me again is the fear and ignorance of some of these people. They need teaching. They need Jesus. One precious moment was the time Jeetan (our Haitian nurse) had a baby come in with a devil charm tied around the stomach. She grabbed a scissors with a flourish and quickly said to the mother… “I cut this cord off in the name of Jesus”. SNIP! And into the garbage it went.
A man was sitting on the bench waiting to be seen by the nurses and then he just passed out and slid onto the floor. I heard the people with him say that he hadn’t eaten for a couple days and that’s why he went “indispose’ ” (unconscious). He also had a very high fever.
That was all yesterday, and then there was the other 80 people of the day with their many varied problems.
We want to put out a plea for a nurse who wants to come to Haiti to work in the clinic. Please help us find one. The Haitian Mission board (to whom I am answerable to) encouraged usto find nurse from our Church if possible. I urge any nurse who has a conviction for this great work to prayerfully consider it. The work is very rewarding. You will likely go beyond your “comfort zone” at times, but you will realise that every effort made to help people here is a positive, even if it is beyond our scope of practice. These people often have no other place to turn to. Our main health care workers, Dr Ozias, Nurse Heather Isaac, and Nurse Jeetan are doing awesome in their work, but we all feel that God so often has to help us understand how to help people, and then we trust Him to fill in our gaps.
I see the calendar says it’s almost November and if there is anybody that feels to top up their year 2013 donations, we urge you to consider the clinic and the needs here. I hear God has again blessed many areas “back home” with good harvests and successful businesses. We thank God for that and for your help. If you need info on who and where to send money, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can arrange donation receipts too.
Our family spent a few weeks back in Ontario in Sept. It was busy getting our things arranged to be gone to Haiti for another year, but it was also refreshing. But now we are happy to be back here with our dear Haitian friends and church that we love. Pray for us. We feel needy at times. I recently was reminded by the Holy Spirit to never let our “program” “our duties” even the “clinic responsibilities” to ever blind my eyes to the person, the individual soul, that God puts in my path each day. Pray for our church here too. We have an adversary, who is as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. And he is trying to bring division and problems between brethren here too. It seems like position and honor are highly sought after in this culture. Pride is terrible thing.
God bless you all K. T. and family
Time is Busy and the Days Seemed Shortened
Between moving, teaching school, and raising a family time seems to a commodity in great demand. I am also trying to finish the Haiti book though that has been more of a mental exercise. I may post here more again when time permits. I have 21 students and for the first year in an established school I have to really apply myself to keep things to the status quo. This coming week I get to have a workshop at a teacher meeting in Idaho so that also takes time and effort. Yet I had the priviledge to sit with an elderly man for Sunday dinner that kept stressing the fact that we need to do more for the Lord. He eighty years old and kept telling us young men that we need to do more for God. And it is true ----because he has done so much for us. Life is a test and what grade will you settle for?
Monday, August 5, 2013
Wiebe Quotes on Exercising Christian Graces
Our focus should not be on our humility or how much love or mercy we can bestow, but rather in seeking the One who is the divine essence of mercy and love. By spending time with Jesus in prayer, meditation, and reading His Word, we become more like Him. By directing our love to Him, He fills us with His love. As we consider what He has done for us, our hearts abound with thankfulness. The secret of our strength is found on our knees, owning our utter need of Christ and His power. As we rise from devotion and communion with Him, we will find these graces become an expression of Christ in us.
Exercising Christian Graces
Lesson 9
July 28, 2013
July 28, 2013
Adult & Youth Sunday School Lessons
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Wiebe Quotes Mother Teresa
"It is one thing to say I am a sinner, but let someone
else say that about me and then I feel it. I am up in arms. If I am falsely
accused I may suffer, whereas if correction be founded on even a small
reality, something in me having deserved it, then often it hurts more. We
must be happy that our faults are known as they are."
Mother Teresa
Moving Back to California
Four years ago we moved to Alabama. Presently we are planning to move back to CA-- so I can teach school there. Pray for us that it will go well with us, that we can remain faithful, and that I will fulfill my duties as a dedicated teacher. Thank-You.
Wiebe Quotes on Time for Family
Very Thought Provoking:
If you don’t have enough time for your family, you can be 100% certain you are not following God’s will for your life.
Patrick M. Morley
Source: The Business Bulletin . July 2013
Good News Update July 2013
Dear friends; since our last update the crew has returned from Haiti and the dam is completed as we planned. Thanks so much for all your support in whatever way you have given! This has been an extremely dry year in Haiti! The normal spring rainy season only gave a few showers, not nearly enough to water the crops and produce food for the many families all over the country! The hunger is beyond what has been seen for many years! The floor of the basin behind the dam is seeping water like it did after the initial construction, this water is collecting in the river bed downstream from the dam, more on this later.
We need silt from rain runoff to seal the basin, after the initial construction only one rain has “came down” as they call it, or flash flooded. It brought down some silt, but not enough to do the job. With the extremely dry conditions we are still waiting for enough to seal off and then fill the basin.
We need to return soon to complete some downstream erosion control to prevent a reoccurrence the wash out that happened last hurricane season. An estimated 8ft wall of water came over the dam during Hurricanes Isaac & Sandy last fall. This tremendous force needs to be broken up and diverted to successfully maintain what we have. Our plan is to install some Gabion below the dam to take this brunt force. Gabion are large wire baskets which we will fill with rocks and tie together, a very common erosion control technique used in Haiti as well in North American. We have been consulting some US engineers and we think we have a workable solution. We anticipate this taking about 2 weeks for a small crew; our estimated budget is about $35,000. Of this we have a good 40% and we still need about $20,000, we would appreciate those of you who would feel to help with this to do so. Thanks again for your help and support of dear hungry folks, including Church brethren in Haiti.
Currently the water that leaks through the dam is continuing to run down the streambed. We are currently diverting that stream into a clean out on the pipeline about ¾ of a mile downstream from the dam. This is not a new idea; it has been done many times since the pipeline was installed. The downside to this maneuver is that a flash flood can fill the cleanout with rocks, and plug the pipe (this has also happened several times over the years). To prevent this, the Water Committee has hired a full time watchman to close the lid if a flood seems imminent.
Since the country is so dry, the irrigation system is a real bright spot, since those farmers can keep growing a crop. We are happy with the Water Committee’s performance, and it seems they are taking their job very serious. When we appointed the Committee, some in the community thought it was a power grab by those folks on the Committee, and did not want to recognize them. As they have gone about their work in a conscientious manner and with a visible presence from us on a frequent basis working with them and supporting them, it seems that the community is also taking them serious. They have also used their authority to deny water to those who have not paid their water fees, and to have some vandals arrested recently, which establishes the pecking order, so to speak. This seems to have further heightened the respect the community has for the Committee.
On the Mexico front, The cool of winter is over - and the heat of summer is on, recently reported as 120°F! Our involvement at Agua de Vida continues. This past winter we donated a van for Mario & Veronica's personal use and a 15 passenger van for the children. Now they can go on field trip as a family! Or just have reliable transportation again.
A new beginning at Agua de Vida is Babies! They have recently accepted 4 babies and with it a new commitment. This also includes higher cost of operations! We are putting out a plea for monthly commitments for the next five months. If the Lord speaks to your heart you can give your monthly donation to GNFI. This will be a blessing to all involved with the children at Agua de Vida enjoying the benefit of faithful givers. May we join God in his passion of loving the children of the world.
Wiebe Quotes Allen on Missionary Methods
“From what has already been said it is manifest that St. Paul did not go about as a missionary preacher merely to convert individuals: he went to establish churches from which the light might radiate throughout the whole country round. The secret of success in this work lies in beginning at the very beginning. It is the training of the first converts which sets the type for the future. If the first converts are taught to depend on the missionary, if all work, evangelistic, educational, social is concentrated in his hands, the infant community learns to rest passively upon the man from whom they receive their first insight into the gospel. Their faith having no sphere for its growth and development lies dormant. A tradition very rapidly grows up that nothing can be done without the authority and guidance of the missionary, the people wait for him to move, and, the longer they do so, the more incapable they become of any independent action. Thus the leader is confirmed in the habit of gathering all authority into his own hands, and of despising the powers of his people, until he makes their inactivity an excuse for denying their capacity. The fatal mistake has been made of teaching the converts to rely upon the wrong source of strength. Instead of seeking it in the working of the Holy Spirit in themselves, they seek it in the missionary. They put him in the place of Christ, they depend upon him.”
(Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours? page 81. Roland Allen © 1962.)
(Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours? page 81. Roland Allen © 1962.)
Source: Bob Goodnough - flatlanderfaith.wordpress.com
Monday, June 24, 2013
Wiebe Quotes on Which Side of the Peer Group You Stand
In December I attended the baptism of one of my good friends from a neighboring tribe. I watched her sober face as she knelt and said her vows, and thought back to my own baptism day. For me, it was a joyful day full of praise and thanksgiving. I loved God with all my heart, and had only a dim realization of the magnitude of what I was promising. I think the seriousness of her vows was far more real to my Kenyan friend. For me, to put on a covering was to be one with my peer group. For her, it meant to stand out from everyone in her peer group…
Kenya, East Africa
The Christian Mission Voice
May 2013
Wiebe's Quotes on Six year old Haitian girl weighing 23 Ibs.
Here is an article I recieved six days ago from Wiebe's Quotes. I believe the last time I contacted Keith the hunger situation has abated somewhat in their area. However we need to rememer how good we have it and not forget that we may be able to help others. At least I need to remember that. It never hurts also to sigh a prayer for a family like this even though you may never see them. The end of the world will come not because of injustice alone, but because people lack faith in God.......
Last week we had a 6yr old stick thin girl of average height come in to the clinic and she weighed 23 lbs. 23!!! 23 lbs on this growth chart is the weight of a thin 2 yr old! http://www.pampers.com/en_US/
Pray for us,
Keith Toews
Administrator- Confidence Health Center
Oriani, HAITI
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Articles on Haiti Hunger
Here is an excerpt of an article sent to me with a link to the whole article below. This was news about two days ago.
Three years after an earthquake killed hundreds of thousands and international donors promised to help Haiti "build back better," hunger is worse than ever. Despite billions of dollars from around the world pledged toward rebuilding efforts, the country's food problems underscore just how vulnerable its 10 million people remain.
In 1997 some 1.2 million Haitians didn't have enough food to eat. A decade later the number had more than doubled. Today, that figure is 6.7 million, or a staggering 67 percent of the population that goes without food some days, can't afford a balanced diet or has limited access to food, according to surveys by the government's National Coordination of Food Security. As many as 1.5 million of those face malnutrition and other hunger-related problems.
"This is scandalous. This should not be," said Claude Beauboeuf, a Haitian economist and sometime consultant to relief groups. "But I'm not surprised, because some of the people in the slums eat once every two days."
Much of the crisis stems from too little rain, and then too much. A drought last year destroyed key crops, followed by flooding caused by the outer bands of Tropical Storm Isaac and Hurricane Sandy.
Here is the link
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/two-thirds-of-haitis-people-face-hunger-and-malnourishment-as-problems-worsen-in-storms-wake/2013/06/10/9253ec30-d1a1-11e2-9577-df9f1c3348f5_story.html
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Help Haiti Distress
For those interested in our conference to help our church in Haiti. Get your deacons to phone Daryl D. in W. KS in Scotts ___. He is a committee man that can give the latest info. Our congregation has went through these channels and found ways we can help in the present situation. I only post this to encourage others to find ways we can help. Thanks.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Hunger Distress in Haiti
I thought to mention that there is a hunger distress in Haiti. It also involves our church members with around 70% or more affected. Last years hurricanes and a dry spell have affected parts of the country. Read the last report of the clinic posted today. I have more information but I do not feel it necessary to post it here at this time. Pray for this need and our brethren there. If you or your congregation want to donate contact the Haiti Liaison committee for the particulars. I think the bottom line is to pray and get informed from the right sources and share the concern with others. Thank-you.
Clinic News from Oriani Haiti
What people say…
-No I don’t want to be a Christian yet. I want to play and gamble some more. And, I’m still too young. – Redin (57 yrs old)
-No I don’t want to be a Christian yet. I want to play and gamble some more. And, I’m still too young. – Redin (57 yrs old)
-I come from a far area that is 5 hrs walk. This clinic is my only hope! And God! God first, then the clinic. – Sylvie (a frail woman with a skinny and sick 4 yr old child)
-I can make a semp (incantation and sign) and have the Devil show himself in a bodily form to you. “what form?” He is a spirit so I never know what form he will visually show. Sometimes a body of a lion with the head of a cow. Sometimes a huge writhing snake that will stand head high and look me straight in the eye. You would be VERY scared! It takes a brave man to be in voodoo. I am brave and I can talk to the Devil. “why do you do this?” For power, and because he does things for me. Helps me or my children get healed, or he gives me money in gambling. “so why aren’t you healthy, fat, and rich?” I am really not in that anymore, because the price the Devil demands is high. Everything he gives me demands a sacrifice. To get money he takes my health. To give me long life, he demands me to sacrifice my child to him. Everything is a tradeoff and it is not worth it. – Woolow (a young man who used to work with a voodoo priest)
-The children who come to school are so hungry they sometimes just cry. They can’t study or concentrate. We teachers are about the same. When I don’t get supper and then no breakfast the next day, then by 11 am I am almost too weak to stand before my class. – DieuFe (our best-paid church school teacher who makes 3 dollars and 50 cents a day, which is not enough to buy clothes and food for his family of 10)
-A man Jesus came to me and bathed me and then covered me in powder and then asked for my hands. When I gave him my hands he squeezed them so hard that my bones still hurt. I now have a magic belt-buckle that can make me invisible.– Daniel ( a wild young man who was demon possessed until we gathered a group of church brethren to pray for him. He got delivered, PRAISE BE TO GOD! It took 5 men to carry him in to the clinic and he walked out normally.)
-I don’t want to be healed if I fall sick. Why do we want to stay here on this earth? In Heaven with God there is no hunger, pain or sadness. Why do we fight to live here? I don’t understand that. “ok but what about your family? Think of them!” Why? If they know I am in heaven and am just waiting for them to come join me, won’t they be happy? We need the eternal view! – Fre Junel ( a nice young healthy family man who looks “beyond”)
-Pray for us all in this time of hunger and desperation. Focus your prayers that the women of the community and even our church ladies won’t sell their bodies for food or money, and that the men won’t be tempted to steal. – Fre Julian (he told me this yesterday with tears in his eyes)
-Yeah I know my Bible stories! “yeah? ok who were Jesus’s disciples?” umm… I can only name a couple. “ok who?” umm… Adam and Eve. – Ognel (a young man who knows EVERYTHING)
Our new clinic inauguration was a great success. We had almost 500 people show up and we served rice and beans for about 350. It was all done Haitian style. A service was held in front of the clinic, thanking God for what has been accomplished. A sermon, singing and speeches by many notable people. We were privileged to have several special visitors one of whom was CSI director who opened the service. The next Monday we opened the doors for the poor, the sick and the curious. We were swamped till 7pm. The whole first week was chaotic with EVERYONE coming. Even had people who were paralyzed for many yrs who were carried in on beds to get healed at the new clinic. Was kinda heartbreaking to see that and then see their disappointment when we tell them there is nothing we can do for these extreme cases. Our first baby born to the new clinic (a girl) was named Benjiana, after her parents Benjamin and Juliana. Cute eh? We have seen a lot of serious stuff lately again. Knife fights, demon possessed man, huge MRSA infections, fingers cut off, strokes, extreme blood pressures, etc etc.
Heather is going back to visit Alberta for the month of June, then coming back to take her place here as nurse again. Here is her bloghttp://www.
We thank all of you donors who made this new clinic possible. But please don’t forget us now… because operating costs are still a weekly worry. Why is this clinic so necessary? Because this clinic is now the ONLY health provider for a HUGE area that is 4-6 hrs walk in all directions. Within this area there are 4 nice(ish) Haitian government and private hospitals and clinics that are all closed due to the Dr’s not coming to work, or they stole the meds, or the government doesn’t pay the workers, etc. It’s beyond awful the way the system is dysfunctional here. When the people see a place that is consistently open, has meds, has nurses, and operates with the love of the Great Physician… it makes Clinique Confiance en Dieu a popular place. And we are happy to be here working and doing in Jesus’ name what God has given us to do. It is exhausting but incredibly rewarding work. God has opened so many doors with these dear people and at the same time they have taught us so much about faith and giving Him our all, that we feel we are the ones who have been blessed.
Other than that… our family is still very happy here and since our current schoolteacher has offered to come back to teach our children next fall, we see God is still keeping our way open to stay.
I could write a lot about the tremendous hunger in some areas of Haiti now again, but I won’t. I don’t want to desensitize you to this need by constantly talking about it. But it is a yearly cycle here and now it is extra acute. Pray about it. Pray for these people. If you feel to donate to the clinic or to this community, we will be happy to channel your funds to where you want it to go.
Last night a group of us were singing the song… “I Am Sending You” (to the barren lands and dry, to the hungry,… etc.) Because we live that song and feel the cries around us, we broke down and wept during that song. Was just too real.
May God bless and keep you all in His will and may you also be rewarded for the place you are filling in His kingdom,
Keith Toews
Administrator- Confidence Health Center
Oriani, HAITI
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