Haitian View Points: Interviewing Three Brethren from Oriani

  The Setting:   I was just returning from a full day visiting the congregation of Savann Mouton, a new fast growing congregation in the Pine Forest not far from Oriani. Since Janurary 20, 2011 there is now 29 members and it is now time to start organizing a school for their children. (By the way they need a US sponsor to help pay the teachers.) Missionary Russ Toews from Chadek was going home and Wes Koehns were taking over for a short term before another couple takes their place. So the visiting that day centered around saying good bye and introducing the new missionaries and I happened to be fortunate to ride along.

So as I was saying I was returning from a full day encouraged with what I had witnessed that day and ready to rest. As I entered back at Keith Toews house that evening I noticed Keith talking to three brethren in the entry. Fre Jwa, Fre Tinom, and Fre Julian. They were all young married men around the same age--I would say in their thirties. They were waiting to talk to me. I had expressed my interest to visit with the local brethren in Oriani and here was my chance. I ran inside to get my notebook. It was dark and we sat cramped together in a circle there in the tight entry, gesturing as the shadows flickered from our oil lamp. I caught my second wind as I was ready to see what these our brethren had to say.

As they had been waiting they had been talking about getting more doctrine books and literature in Creole about the Church of God. I had no time to make a nice sequence of questions so we just asked as the questions would come and scribbled down the answers as they came.

To introduce the brethren, I will have to give my first impressions as time was passing and it was already dark we did not have enough time for small talk.

Jwa: (Joy) Was the main spokesman, very expressive and vocal. His eyes are opened wide and seems quite excitable, nearly jumping out of his chair to make his point.

Tinom: (Little Name) Seemed quite cool and relaxed, would raise his hand when he had something to say and motion to one of the others when he sensed they had something to say. 

Julian: Had a ball cap nearly down over his eyes slouched down on his seat.. Kept reminding me as "One of the boyz in the hood" back in the States. However when he spoke he was brief to the point and I sensed a certain gravity in what he had to say. 

Whether I am right or wrong in my first impressions I think they will help you get a little more of a picture as they told me their view point on the matter.

QUESTION #1

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE CLINIC AND ITS FUNCTION IN ORIANI?

Fre Jwa: It was hard for me to develop as a child. There was a Catholic clinic but it would only treat, "the good Catholics". It was also nearly impossible for transportation to Port for the serious cases---many died. We people would constantly ask God for improvements. In 2005-06 the Catholic Clinic loosened up. Fre Ozias' clinic also helped the poor receive treatment. 2009-10 the Church was established in Oriani. The Church and clinic work well together to reach out to people in the surrounding area. My wife would have died if it were not for the clinic. I do not know the future, but by the grace of God people are not dying like they use to.

Fre Tinom: People are not coming because it is such a great building, but they are coming simply for good service. 24 people would have died since January this year if not for the clinic. Not just this Oriani benefits, but people come from other areas to come to the clinic.

Fre Julian: It even started to get better when the missionaries came, they started to take the worst cases down to Port-au-Prince.

QUESTION #2

WHY HAS THERE BEEN SO MUCH RESPONSE IN THE GOSPEL IN THE ORIANI AREA?

Fre Tinom: It is so big it can not be explained. It has been revealed before coming by revelations from God. We knew it was going to come. The people here are extremely thirsty and it is really like coming for water.

Fre Jwa: The reason it is different is because it has been a special touch by God. The area has not had as many other missionaries to spoil it. The other Pastors in the area have not the same valor and values. (Like identifying sin,  etc.).  Alot of Pastors are "Sunday Pastors". There are actually lots of other Churches but they only help their own people. That is a difference.

Fre Julian: We are thirsty for spiritual water. When the missionaries came right at first the people were not to sure. The words spoken matched the works. People started asking, "How can I come to the Faith."  Before this we started to hear the Word from other churches but did not have spiritual life. The thirst would not be quenched.

QUESTION #3

THINGS ARE GOOD NOW....BUT HOW IS IT GOING TO BE WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH?

Fre Jwa: We always have the weak, but there will also be the strong to carry the weak. The Lord gives tools to combat the devil. Satan has already caused damage, but together we'll put up a barrier.

QUESTION#4

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT A "BLANC" BRINGING THE GOSPEL, WOULDN'T IT BE BETTER FOR A HAITIAN THAT KNOWS HIS PEOPLE TO BRING THE "GOOD NEWS"?

Fre Jwa: It is the same thing. The Lord would have blessed either or; yet there are pluses and minuses to both.

Fre Tinom: Race does not make the difference it is the Holy Spirit.

QUESTION #5

KEITH'S QUESTION: ARE THERE TOO MANY WHITES (BLANCS) WORKING IN THE ORIANI AREA?

Fre Tinom: Everybody wonders for all the stuff happening in Oriani that there is not more workers than there is. The more the better, the people receive strength from visitors.

Fre Jwa: We don't have the authority as Oriani to ask for more "blancs".  The blancs don't have the authority. It was God's will. If it was our authority we would like to see more.

Fre Timon: The first year I worked with CSI, ( after the hurricanes) we worked, travelled and learned about the Faith.

Fre Jwa: Still so many thirsty souls even the blancs can not keep up. [named different towns that are extremely thirsty for the gospel] Oriani zone is huge with 13,000 people. Way more, no. In Oriani we could easily have 5 congregations. The sheep in Savon Mouton (the other congregational area) are still thirsty. Gwo Chevelle want to come, but too far away. Another zone is asking when we are going to come. It is not for material gain. We need to reach out to these zones. That is why we need more workers. We walked in Savon Mouton forest and the missionaries could not see anybody. The missionaries were scared about this work, but God knew. There are more unconverted yet but are waiting. Thank God it is in His hands.

QUESTION #6

WHAT OF THE JOBS AND MONEY POTENTIAL'S EFFECT ON THE AREA---WILL IT NOT BE A PROBLEM THAT PEOPLE WILL COME TO THE CHURCH FOR THOSE BENEFITS MORE THAN THE GOSPEL?

Fre Tinom: Absolutely not. The first converts were here before the influence of the clinic.

Fre Jwa: Absurd question! We used to go to Santo Domingo leaving our families to earn more money than here. We are staying here now because we learned about the Church. The doctrines of the Church weed those out that come for other reasons. The Church is not giving out money. I can go on and on. We have truck drivers that quit their jobs (to not drive on Sunday and other temptations) --now they live in poverty. A brother used to make a good living selling alcohol--now he lives in poverty when he gave it up. A brother used to limp and beg-- now lives in poverty.  

Fre Tinom( or fre Jwa?): For example working for CSI we worked for money helping rebuild for Siklon victims. Our conviction made us reduce our wages. For our brethren we charged nothing.

Fre Jwa: The young people  are helping out our singing.

Fre Julian: Here in Haiti we invite blanc workers here, but in Heaven we will be the same.

Fre Jwa: We can make alright without them, but would like more young people here.

Fre Julian: Local people also support the workers and visitors that come

QUESTION #7

IF WE HAVE ANY NEEDS AS FOREIGN WORKERS WILL YOU LET US KNOW?

Fre Tinom: We will let you know we are of the same flesh.

Fre Jwa: (most likely still answering question 6) Even non Church members cry when the blancs leave and wonder why people only come for only a week.

Fre Julian: We are one in the faith. We are of the same flesh. We are members of one body. I was impressed that we were all one at the Ganthier Conference (March 2011?)

Closing Thoughts

Fre Jwa: Salute the brethren when you go home. My name is Joy. When I came to the Church after two or three days I seen evidence that God was working with me. I was a bad person. God would show me these areas. I started to pray for these lacks in my life. I did not do enough for my family. Since I have chosen God God has solved those problems. Now he has filled those needs.

Fre Tinom: Alot of us here have the same problems. We grew up together and now we are in this church together. We used to go to that other church together. We went to the world together. Now we come to this church together. We were bad guys together in the DR., but now we do not leave our families anymore. The people in our area gave up on us and said that our lives were finished. We had a bad reputation. Our traditional ways were to leave for Santo Domingo. Pray for us not to leave when the going gets tough.

Fre Julian: When we were in the other church there was no limit, but since becoming converted I now have a limit.

Fre Tinom: This group did not have limitswhen we used to try to make money. We used to throw rocks at political rallies. This Sunday at church I seen our brethren singing instead of going to elections. It gave me pure joy being with our families in church (Instead of doing what we used to)

Fre Julian: Absolutely. We used to leave for town. We may live in poverty to stay here and go to church, but there is more joy being with the family.

That is all. It felt we were just warming up. I was looking forward to hearing more about how they had personally found the Lord, but it was already past the time they would usually be all at home possibly sleeping. Jwa was back early the next day to catch a ride with us down to Fond Parisian to see his sister who was possibly dying of Cholera. Let's pray for these brethren and their families; As we all know for every Christian there are challenges that lie ahead............

Haiti Trip: Interviewing Keith Toews on the Confidence Clinic and Independent Programs

I had a few questions to ask Keith as we sipped on some warm glass bottled cokes in their house in Haiti. With all this talk about independent programs, etc here was my chance to ask a few questions. What is the story behind this clinic? Is it something we can support on a congregational level? Conference level? What about CSI? Not like I felt authority or weight to ask on those levels, but to be honest--- they are real questions ---when you see the need and want to help in any way you can. We can as individuals can theorize all sort of solutions about what to do in Haiti in the US, but what is being said in Haiti.  Thankfully we can work together under the direction of the Church. That said it has a amazed me the misinformation or opinions we spawn as a result of  negligence of  genuinely showing interest  and checking out the facts on what is really going on. 
  Between sipps I would ask questions and see what Keith would say. Later there was opportunity to ask the local Haitian brethren, ministers, CSI members and other observers of their direction on the matter. And so here is the first interview.  

Question #1
Are You Independent of the Mission Program of the Church?

Yes and no. We are not independent of the Church. The whole clinic is under the invitation and guidance of the Haitian Mission Board, and my family are members of the local Oriani congregation here in Haiti.


Question#2


How do you recieve Financial Aid? (They use $4-5,000 of meds/mo.)

Through private individual donations. Sometimes they are passed on by a deacon, but not officially sponsered by the congregations. However some of our workers are sponsered by their congregations: Bonners Ferry ID,  United Center KS, and Pincher Creek, AB for example.


Question #3


Do you think Financing such Programs detract from the overall giving to General Mission, CSI, etc. ?

We are involved in the same work. This here does not detract from the Great Commission that Jesus left us. Our Church financial booklet shows that donations have increased in these areas.


Question #4


What motivates you?

The love for the people here, the feeling of home here, and the fact the fact that with so little you can do so much good here. Take a person in the States that is dying from a disease spending $50,000 or more. Here that bill could fund the medication needs of 10,000 people.


Question # 5


Is there a Danger of having a Clinic and Work Projects too close in conjunction with the Church Outreach? Will too many come for the "Loaves and Fishes"?

The local church members and nonmembers both express appreciation that our church came first with the Gospel and after that was established they followed up with the humanitarian needs of the community as continuation versus starting a big project and then leaving as so many other projects done in the past. This is not saying at all that what was done here is the perfect plan elsewhere.


Question #6


Would you object to be under the administration of CSI? What is your relationship with CSI?

No objection. There is a respect towards CSI as a larger branch of the church and we want to work in harmony with them. The CSI director over Haiti was consulted and they gave their support prior to starting this work.


Question #7


Is there any problem with too much interaction between our various workers and missionaries in the area?

Yes, I suppose it could be a problem if we forget what we came here for. That is if our social detracts from the outreach of the Gospel.


Question #8


This is kind of a repeat of Question # 5. But I would like to hear more on : As soon as the "Blanc" missionaries come-- Everything gets better-- Is that a Problem?

No. When you are starring at no job or very little local commerce --when things improve it is not a detriment in their eyes. As their standard of living and education in this area increases, darkness and voodou recedes. We are very careful not to use money or food as any incentive or reward for coming to church. We know that that could be disastrous down the road.

Question #9


I notice Keith's family of seven are very much part of what is going around them. People coming and going down the main path can see what is going on in their yard. All day children are coming and going through their gate. So I wanted to ask a few questions down these regards.


How dangerous is Oriani for you and your family?

We feel very safe here. After we helped save a life, a well respected man in the community raised my arm in the town and warned that if any man would touch this missionary or his family would be surely cursed.

Question #10


Is it not dangerous to have Teenagers  on the field?

There are dangers, but there are also blessings that counteract that. Too many times we focus on the negative. Benefits of helping and in being a part of the Great Commission out weighs the negative. (We discussed a number of things, but some of the highlights was that his sixteen year old son was baptised in the Oriani congregation and his nineteen year old son was doing alot better spiritually. Alot of these things also have to do with the fact that life becomes more family oriented. etc.)

Question #11


How comes a congregation like Oriani grows so fast and seems so stable -- then say if it was in Mexico or Dominican Republic established in the same time period? (In 4 yrs. there is around 50 members, packed church attendance, and 106 students in school)

It seems God has opened the door for His own reasons for a Haiti-wide ingathering.Especially thinking about our missions in Jacmel, Savanne Mouton, Oriani, and other places. Haiti and Nigeria also have their own mission programs to reach there own people.

Question #12


Is there a danger of focusing too much on Humanitarian work and not enough on the Gospel? The otherside of the question: Can you spread the Gospel in a place like Haiti without humanitarian outreach?

As this question for Haiti, Yes it can get lopsided, but it is really inseparable. Jesus did not separate the two Matt.11:1-6


By this time our Cokes are done and the numerous distractions and interruptions have come and go.  It is clear to me that for now the questions are over; we can get up because there is plenty more work that can be done.

The Knowledge of the Holy: Quoting Tozer

A brother e-mailed me these passages. I have already been pondering the subject so it increased my interest. Brother Enel Henry in Haiti had been sharing with me some of the reasons revival seem to be taking off in Haiti's mountain valleys. One point he shared was the quietness caused by the lack of loud music and loud distractions to stir the emotions that you would see in other Caribbean cultures in comparison. When the going gets tough you turn and hear God not just turn the dial to something YOU want to hear or feel. Secular or emotional laden music and other seemingly harmless addictions in our technology driven lifestyles help us to prop up our emotions. Even in times of real need this  robs us of that quiet time that could be rather spent with God. Think following media, phones, computers,--- not that these are wrong, but do they ever replace that quiet personal worship time that could be spent with God. I sense a need lately of more quiet time with God and so pray for me.

Here is the Tozer Quote:

  The low view of God entertained almost universally among Christians is the cause of a hundred lesser evils everywhere among us.  A whole new philosophy of the Christian life has resulted from this one basic error in our religious thinking.

With our loss of the sense of majesty has come the further loss of religious awe and consciousness of the divine Presence.  We have lost our spirit of worship and our ability to withdraw inwardly to meet God in adoring silence.  Modern Christianity is simply not producing the kind of Christian who can appreciate or experience the life in the Spirit.  The words, ”Be still, and know that I am God,” mean next to nothing to the self-confident, bustling worshipper in this middle period of the twentieth century.

 

A.W. Tozer

The Knowledge of the Holy

 

Want to Write a Book on the Haiti Mission

There has been a book on Mexico, Nigeria, Phillipines, but none that I have noticed have been written on our largest mission program which has been Haiti.  I would like to collect letters, stories, history and other antidotes in relation to the Church in Haiti.
 How many have found the Histories of the Congregations a very interesting if not  an inspiring booklet? I believe it is time to write a book about our different mission fields so the next generation can become inspired to continue the work of the Great Commission.

I already have a number of on site illustrations  (our congregational church buildings,etc) , notes, and other material, so there would already be a small start. I just need personal experiences from missionaries, CSI men, CPS unit boys etc. to really get it rolling. Perhaps you know of somebody that already has started. There is truly a large number of our people that would have connection with the Haiti mission.

If interested in this project or have suggestions please contact me at

jonluketws@gmail.com

 Thank-You.

Bible School in Progress

I am not done with the material I gathered in Haiti, but my wife and I are on the Bible School Committee here in Faunsdale AL. Our attendance has been 73 children and so far it has been quite enjoyable and a stable enviroment. The teachers are doing a great job. So after next week I should have found some time to post more on the Haiti projects and mission, etc. Thank-you for your interest.

Survival Tips for in the Interview Room

A brother sent this to me today. I think he intended for it to be posted. I think there may be some valid points in it to consider. I post it for variety, but use you own discretion and feel free to email me your thoughts on the matter.

Be humble. Keep your eyes on Jesus, look UP J! Let His Light shine in your life.

Study and understand the statement, “I’m on the grounds of RECONCILIATION”. This helps prove that you forgave all your ‘adversaries’ and are forgiven by your Redeemer. This is a Life and Death issue whether in and out of the interview room.

Make sure you are NON-RESISTANT. All church members with honed and well used personal armour may have their day in court, but will have to lay their armour (self will) down at the Cross if they want Jesus’ forgiveness and peace in their lives. Remember Jesus’ command, “But Jesus said to Him, Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

Try not to react to rumours about yourself or our congregation. Look up ‘rumour’ in the dictionary. Call or visit directly with the source of a rumour if it “wants to slap you upside yo head”. Drop what you are doing and pray. One popular rumour is, “Did you hear they are leaving the church?”.

Tattling backfires! Do not lose your integrity and consecration by tattling. Do not tattle in the interview room! Tattling people and people who like to be tattled to have fangs and tails tucked between their legs. NEVER tattle to the ministers. What goes around, comes around!

Do not be a lawyer documenting and presenting ‘your’ side to try to equalize the issues at hand. Understand that everyone has opinions and convictions and both ‘sides’ may feel there are doctrines being challenged. After fasting and praying, kindly present your concerns directly to the people whom you are concerned about.

Stay in your own turf. Advocate for and defend the voiceless, widows and orphans... not ‘sides’, concepts or theocracy. It’s not a game of tag.

 The true church is a sanctuary of people with eternal souls, not a political organization or nice building. The true church is not a fuzzy concept in the sky. Christ is coming to receive His virgin Bride, forgiven sinners washed in His blood.

Learn to say, “I’m sorry!” ...lots of times, and “I got offended at **...I had to repent of this evil back in January”, etc. Admit guilt. Remember, LOVE is not a fight! “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34).

Re-read the book ‘You are Special’ about Punchinello and the stars and dots (Max Lucado). Punch finds that the labels people put on him don’t stick if he goes to his Maker regularly.

Reading the Word of God and “praying without ceasing” softens communication. It tends to light up our face J! Remember Stephen’s face. Lift up your eyes!

Sugar Shack Ice Cream Parlor Demopolis AL

Alot of my readers are aware that I run an ice cream parlor. Basically it provides jobs for two to three girls from the area. A factory closed down in the area which cut my business in half making it difficult for me to run the store myself. Finally I am coming to the cross roads of decision.  http://sugarshackicecream.blogspot.com/ is a link to see my building. With a sideline business I could work there myself, providing it could carry me into the winter. I would be open to the ideas of any of my readers. At times I want to just shut it down, but many in the community would not like to see that happen.  I enjoy working there myself and when I work there myself the business of course does better. Please pray for me that I would know what God's will is in this matter. It is a great place to share Christian values and outreach. Thanks.

Any suggestions email me at jonluketws@gmail.com

Recent Haiti Travels by JonLuke

My Trip to Haiti May 25th-June 2nd, 2011

I had already rehearsed the beginning sequence of the trip in my mind. I would fly over Florida and the Everglades and land in Miami. I would then catch the hour and a half flight to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Our plane would bank over the bay giving quite the views of the surrounding mountain ranges and fly over the vicinity of Cite Solie slums. We would exit the craft. Just before customs we would see and hear a live Haitian band welcoming us to Haiti. Customs is not to bad. The inspectors may fumble through your luggage with bored expressions on their faces. The main thing I don't look forward to is all the red caps, begging pushing and shoving and grabbing for your luggage. All for tips.
And so thus it happened and most likely over the next week or so I will share with you some of my discoveries and experiences I gathered on my trip.


Purpose of the Trip
1. Visit and learn about the Confidence Health Care Clinic
Spent a few days with Keith learning the function, history and future projections of the Oriani Clinic. There is a Catholic clinic in the area that used to supply more of the needs of the community and reported by locals mainly the needs of the Catholic community. Dr. Ozias Merizier was a local man that seen that the areas poor had a need. He was a Doctor's assistant in another village and started his own little clinic to help the problem. In time our Church came into the area and Ozias became a Church leader. Anthony and Darla Penner were missionaries in the opening of the Oriani mission outpost. Darla is a sister to Keith Toews who are in turn children of Robert Toews who has been very involved with our Churches development in Haiti. As Keith became more aware of the need for a larger effective clinic things started to fall into place. They received a invitation from the Haitian Church to pursue the clinic project to save lives with medical help. This was July 17, 2010.  If you have read my blog, you will learn of how the first ship with supplies went down off the coast of Miami. However the project has went on, lives have been saved and the compassion of Christ has been mirrored by the selfless devotion of the workers. Dr. Ozias and Nurse Kim Ratliff, (from Bonner's Ferry) handle the consultations and first aid and medication distribution. They each have their own little office to see patients. Sister Daphnne sits at the gate to screen Cholera patients. They treat those patients outside to save the risk of infecting the clinic. The patients sit under a canopy on benches and receive numbers. Sister Jakot is the receptionist and takes down names and complaints and refers them to Dr. Ozias and Nurse Kim. Ashely Dirks (from United Center, KS) and sister Willy Eliese help Kim in her room. They handle the ladies needs and the more serious needs, freeing Ozias to see a bulk of the patients with more minor needs. The clinic reaches out to the needs of pregnant women, but they do not do birthing. Alot of the cases that come in are for simple problems like dehydration and acid reflex. Being up in the mountains with limited water supply; means people come in because they have not drank water for six or seven days compounding any other health problems that may occur. Cisterns in various condition are scattered through the area, but are not sufficient to meet this need. I also interviewed Keith Toews on his involvement and his take on concerns that are directed at projects like this. Was also privileged to interview three local brethren and two Haitian pastors and their opinions or thoughts on the clinic and out reach from a Haitian viewpoint.

2.Visit the Oriani Congregation and Witness the Haitian Church Mission Outreach
A very enthusing chapter is the spiritual progress of the Oriani Mission Outreach.  By the way 90 out of the 300 that joined our Church world wide last year were from Haiti. Nearly one third! The people are "Thirsty for the Gospel". In all directions villages are asking for more direction in serving Jesus. The congregation has dealt with healing people of demon possessions and troubled lifestyles and has helped them find the Lord. This witness has boomeranged as a people in certain confusion and bondage is set free. They are used to Churches, but mainly ones with pastors that confuse and with hold the full gospel. Thus there has been less power to allow people to deal with sins in there lives. The Church growth and depth has been phenomenal. Take Savon Mouton's 29 members since January. They have a full attendance and more interested and are ready to even start a school for their children. This place is located in the Pine Forest in a remote area of Haiti. The Oriani congregation is building a new Church and the feeling is that it may be too small. Their school has an 106 attendance and this Church is only a year or so old. We need to pray for these people. I have never seen or imagined fields so white to harvest in these last times. The mission work in Haiti has only begun. Clinton Holdemons from Iowa are overseeing the Oriani congregation. Brother Ozias is church leader. CSI has a boys unit of two boys building latrines and running a mobile deworming clinic in the district. Russ Toews (Ontario, Canada) were house parents for Trev Nikkels from Virginia and Jay Koehn from Idaho. Wes Koehns of Buhl Ontario came for a two month stint to replace Russ Toews. One former girl that attended the same school as I (in Rosenort MB Canada), Anne Thiessen of Ft. Vermillion AB Canada has served as house help for Russes. Much more could be said, one of these days I want to type out my interview of this outreach from three brethren from a Haitian perspective.

3. See the progress and results of the Lasstic Project
Due to some unrest because of the lack of water in the river bank, due in part that the big rains were late in coming and the  disturbed rock was allowing the water to channel underground, I was not able to visit the site. However the day before I left a flooding rain filled the channel and canal giving hope that soon the project can be completed. More could be said but for now most are just waiting on the reports on maintained water levels in the reservoir. The project is about diverting canyon water into a pipeline that serves a large area with drinking and irrigation water.

4. Studying Who is Who in Haiti
There has been some confusion in what is really happening in our Church in Haiti. Here is a simple version of what is simply happening.
The Church has been in Haiti since the 6o's. In the last ten years or so the North American mission board has slowly been backing out of Haiti allowing the Haitian conference to run their own affairs. North American Humanitarian work still remains the same as
Christian Service International (long standing program of two-yr term boys maintaing wells and clinics and building latrines, etc.) and
Chrisitan Public Service (more short term boys taking over where CDR left off after the earthquake and hurricanes rebuilding houses, etc).
The Liason Committee is a board of brethren that work as a communication board between the Haitian and American conferences, so that all these projects can run smoothly and nobody is left in the dark.


There are a few private projects 
1.Raymond Wither's road building and tree nurseries which I believe is called Hope for Haiti.
2.Then there is a orphanage in Ganthier directed by Virgil Wiebes and Enel Henry.                      
3. Lasstic Project- under the invitation of CSI after years of effort, a group of brethren have made a effort to complete the irrigation project as Good News International
4. Confidence Healthcare Clinic to help with the needs of the Oriani area. At the present time CSI has not been interested in taking over the project so it is currently being administrated by Keith Toews under the guidance of the Haitian Church

Farewell for Now

I guess tomorrow I am on my way to Haiti, {Lord Willing}. Just for a week.

END OF THE WORLD: Free from Fear

Fear, a secret enemy, invades men of every age, and every walk of life. It is subtle and devastating, poisoning our thinking, robbing our inner peace, and squelching our zest for living. It makes us nervous, uneasy, alarmed, disturbed, upset, and fainthearted; what unpleasant, unwanted feelings!
We fear conflict and change, failure and frustration. Some people fear sickness and suffering. Others fear that harm will befall their loved ones. Some are afraid of other people and their opinions. Others fear the dark, or to be alone. Many are afraid to die and to face the unknown. There are Christians who fear their salvation is not secure, or that God has not forgiven their sins. They are not only afraid to die, but also afraid to live.
Fear enters our minds so slowly and silently that we hardly realize we are becoming victims of its damaging influence. Even a little fear, like a drop of ink in a glass of water, discolors everything. When this thin stream of fear is not stopped, it cuts a channel into which other thoughts are diverted. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to think on "whatsoever things are true ... honest... just... pure . . . lovely ...of good report" (Philippians 4:8).
Life is complex, the world is violent, but outward troubles need not mar inner peace. It is the fear within we must face. Fear enters when our most important need has not been met. Our souls, made in the image of God, cry out for Him. When we are away from God we can expect to be fraught with phobias, complexes, and fears.

What is Fear?

Fear is the emotion that springs from the knowledge that one's life is not pleasing to God. It was a tragic day when Adam and Eve yielded to the suggestion from Satan to disobey God's command "not to eat of the tree in the midst of the garden." Through disobedience they sinned and then hid from the presence of God. God called them, and Adam said, "I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid" (Genesis 3:10).
Satan works only in darkness. He cannot work in the light because, "God is light, and in him. is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Satan knows our weaknesses, and in these areas he presents thoughts and fears. He seeks to destroy truth and confuse us with falsehood. If we keep these things covered in the darkness of our hearts and minds, Satan will continue his evil work of discouragement and fear. He can be defeated and his powers can be driven back if we expose him to the light.
Satan takes full advantage of our fears. At every opportunity he intensifies them, and makes them seem even more real and logical. Our way becomes darker and darker, and the burden of our heart becomes heavier and heavier, until we lose all hope of deliverance. Remember, God is greater than all fears. Thanks be to God that in His great love He has a plan to save us from the judgments of eternal death in hell. He sent Jesus, His only begotten Son to earth to be our Savior. In His sacrificial death on Calvary's cross He satisfied God's judgment for our sins. In this redemption God has provided a way for us to be delivered from fear, because fear is a result of sin, and Jesus has triumphed over sin and all its influences.
A story is told of a little boy who was afraid to walk alone in the dark night, but when his father walked beside him and took his hand all fear vanished. The darkness now held no fear, because he loved and trusted his father, and knew he would take care of him. Here is the key for us to be free from fear: we must learn to know our heavenly Father well. By communing with Him we leam of His will. His love, and His tender care for us. As we become acquainted with God, we trust our lives completely to Him, placing our hand safely into His. We humbly speak to Him of the questions that plague our minds, and those sorrows of life that would drive us to despair. We must diligently seek His face, be fully surrendered to Him and His will for us, and follow Him in faithful obedience. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in tow" (1 John 4:18).

The Fear of God

There is a fear that pleases God. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). This is a very proper reverential respect and awe that we feel. We see in part God's greatness, His righteousness. His judgments, His love, His mercy, His wisdom, and His eternal being. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present. We realize that our very existence is entirely in His hands and that we are before Him as His creation. We are afraid to displease such a God. We know that God's righteousness condemns to hell fire those who live in sin "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" (Hebrews 10:26,27). This knowledge brings a fear of sin. As we come to know God as our personal friend through repentance, forgiveness, and obedience, our service to Him is motivated by a godly fear, and by love and thanksgiving for His unspeakable gift of salvation. Our fear of Him is not one that strikes terror to our hearts, but one that deepens our love for Him. When fully applied in our lives, this is one fear that removes all others. Why then do so many allow clouds of fear to grip their hearts, trouble their minds, and shadow life's pathway? God's way is a way of peace and trust.
We have the example of the Apostle Peter, as Jesus bade him walk on the stormy waves of the Sea of Galilee. Peter was unafraid until he took his eyes off the Lord, and began to look at the fearful waves. Then he began to sink (Matthew 14:24-31). As we seek freedom from fear and place our confidence in God, His Spirit will speak to us in a still small voice. As we look to Him rather than our fears, the storm calms about us. He can then answer our perplexing questions, replace our doubt with assurance, and take our hand comfortingly in His. We can, by His grace, be free from fear.

The Fear of the Future

The mysterious unknown of the future makes some people uneasy. Each morning they awaken to an unpredictable day. They face those nagging "what ifs" as their minds race down the dark alleys of imaginary dread. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). This is a simple step to a day without fear. Try it and see!
Many fear the future because they lack direction for their lives. Not knowing where they are going, they have a sense of foreboding. God knows what lies ahead, and when they let Him lead them, their lives will not be an aimless journey but rather the way home.
God has promised to be faithful to those who trust Him even though they face an unknown future. Do you believe it? No matter how severe the storm, or dark the night, or high the mountain, He will take you through.

The Fear of Failure

We have a desire to achieve, but we fear that we will fail-fail ourselves, our families, fail life itself. We fear we will make a wrong choice and carry out a wrong plan.
God commanded Joshua, "be strong and of good courage; be not afraid; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:9). When we place our lives under the direction of the Master, past failures need not be final; they can become stepping-stones to success.

The Fear of Suffering

We all cringe at the thought of bodily pain, the hurt of criticism, the pang of loneliness and grief. God will not shield us from all suffering, but He will supply the grace to bear it. He has promised peace and assurance in the midst of our troubles. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear" (Psalm 46:1,2). If we love the Lord, he will use suffering for our good. Suffering provides an opportunity to know the presence and upholding power of God. It also brings depth of character and an understanding heart. Suffering can either make us or break us. Which will it be?

The Fear of Death

The fear of death is very common to mankind. Saying good-by is a most painful assignment.
We need to come to grips with the age-old question, "If a man die, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14). Jesus came to deliver us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14,15). That is why He died and arose again, and that is why He promised, "Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19). With Him, death is not a door into nothingness but a shining gateway into a new life. "Let not your heart be troubled:... In my Father's house are many mansions:. . . I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:1,2). It will be a prepared place for a prepared people.
Are you prepared? Have you repented of your life of sin? Repentance brings a remorse for past sins and a turning away from the old life. When was the last time you came to the Lord in prayer and gave Him your load of care, your worries and fears? Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). What an invitation! What a promise!
Come - trustfully, prayerfully, and hopefully, and you will have peace of mind.
Come - and you will know the gentle joys of restful living. God invites you to trust Jesus Christ and be free, free from fear. Come! 
Gospel Tract  & Bible Society Publication
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