A difficult day...

Greetings in the name of Jesus

It was a difficult day (July 21).   We were awakened early this morning to the news that the group of troublemakers was blocking the road today.   This was the first time in over 1 month it was blocked.   Unfortunately, the road remained blocked all day, which prevented many from being able to reach the hospital on motorized transportation.   Thankfully, we did see many patients today that were able to come here on foot.  The area police did engage but were of little help to open the road.

Late today, the road was opened, somewhat unexpectedly!   We give God Praise!  We hope it continues to remain open.  

Please know that all of the missionary team, the hospital staff, and patients are safe.  We ask for continued prayers as we work together with all parties involved for a long term resolution.   

The situation is still very fluid and will continue to develop tomorrow.   As we face tomorrow, I think of these verses from 2 Corinthians 12:

[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

We need his Grace and strength.  Specific prayer requests:

• Grace and guidance for us as a team.
• For MEBSH Leadership as we seek to work with them for resolutions.
• For the trouble makers….in many many ways….
• For the police….that they would have fortitude to do their jobs
• For those that were prevented from coming to the hospital today.

Closing note...mid-morning, I (Rick) received a note via text from a sister in Christ in the US.  She expressed that she was praying for me...unaware of what had developed with the road block this morning, the Holy Spirit was moving her heart.  His strength is indeed perfect.

By His Grace,

May be able to comprehend

Greetings in the name of Jesus,

Our missionary team is very thankful for a peaceful week.  The power of the praying church is exemplified in what God has done here over the past week.  As those reading this post may know, there was a planned meeting on July 13.   However, due to one of the involved parties not completing an assignment, that meeting has been delayed.  We have reason to give God thanks that this decision to postpone was met with understanding and peace within the group that has been causing difficulties.  This is clear evidence that God is answering the prayers offered and sending His spirit of peace.   We sense this growing peace in other ways as well. While there have been no organized meetings, we hear positive rumors that continue to give us reason for hope.  In this we are reminded of our own weakness.  Our own efforts could not have achieved what was experienced this week.   I'm reminded of Christ’s words in John 14: “…my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you…”

Over the past week we've met with MEBSH again in our continued efforts to work together to find a good solution.   These discussions are all progress on the path of continued dialogue.   The Senator from Sud (the "state" we are located in) was here at the hospital today, having brought a patient up to see our medical staff.  God arranged the opportunity to visit with him and briefly share the situation and need.  It was His timing that arranged the opportunity to visit with him, exchange ideas, and hear his encouragement and appreciation for the work being done by the Mission for the people of Haiti. 

Despite the positive signs, please know that the journey to a final solution is a long road.  It is expected that satan will continue to try to disrupt the effort.   Our missionary team continues to work with MEBSH and local, regional and national government officials to find resolution to the situation.  The meeting from last week may likely be rescheduled for this coming week, either Tuesday or Friday.  As was the case last week, prayers will result in God’s intended outcome for this meeting.  

To close, I'm overwhelmed at how God has shown Himself in this situation.  The scripture from Ephesians 3:14-21 is descriptive of the emotion and feeling:  

[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, [16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; [19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. [20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, [21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

By Grace.....Rick 

Divide the House

Greetings to all in Jesus name, 

Our family is thankful to have returned home safely this week.   We are glad to be back and settling back in.  Thank you for prayers offered for safe travels.

Over the past week, there have been no further incidents.  The feeling over the past week has been generally positive.  MEBSH was active this week in working in the situation, but we don't have updates yet as to any progress.  There have been no incidents that were 'bad' or 'good', but the general feeling has continued a slow positive upward trend.  We continue in hope, yet also understand this could be a 'lull' in the storm.

The coming week, there is a follow-up meeting scheduled on July 13.    This meeting is intended to include local government officials, MEBSH, our administration team and the representatives of the group from the community.  We need fervent prayer as this week develops.   Some specific requests:  

• That God will continue to soften hearts and minds of those in opposition against the mission and God’s plan for the hospital.  
• That God grants both MEBSH and our Missionary Team grace and Godly wisdom.  
• For Mr. Pheguens and the attitudes in the community toward him.  
• Pray specifically and mightily for the meeting scheduled for July 13.  
• We have a medical team here this week and next week.  Please pray for them in their work as they bring needed services to the patients here.

We see evidence of the prayers of many at work.   This coming week is critically important to be engaged fully in prayer.  

Final thought:   Pray that we stand together, letting God lead, and that satan’s work is divided, so that it shall fall.

Luke 11:17 ….Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. [18] If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?....

press on....(week ending July 2)

Greetings in Jesus name, 

I don't have a long update on the difficulties in Bonne Fin this week.   Things continue to evolve, but I share things with caution in that things can change very quickly.  We have continued working through the situation with further meetings and communication.   

I am very thankful to share that for the first time in some time, we are seeing some positive signs.   This is simply evidence that God's hand is upon us and He is working.  We're hearing some positive 'rumors' (to date, we've only had the negative variety).  We're also further engaging with MEBSH, our mission partner and the organization that owns the hospital.   We are so grateful that MEBSH is assuming a very active and leading role in resolving the disputes with the group causing the troubles.   

There have been several updates and messages that have gone out recently.  We are thankful for the further engagement in this prayer battle!   One point I do want be sure is clear...while there have been threats of physical harm to people, those have all been focused on Haitian staff at our hospital (one in particular, Mr. Pheguens).  All missionaries are safe, and do not feel threatened or in danger.  Of course, this can change, but from almost the beginning, we have not felt that the physical harm threats are toward any of the missionaries.   Pray that this continues and God's hand is upon all those at the hospital, both Haitian and American.

Finally, our family is preparing to end our furlough and return to Haiti next week (July 6/7).  We humbly beg your prayers...not for physical safety (although that is important) but most importantly for God's grace and direction as I (Rick) begin to directly engage/integrate into the work, as well as for our family.....we are returning to a mission under high tension and under change.   We need your prayers desperately.

Thank you again for obedience to the call to prayer through out this!   God is using you and your effectual fervent prayers.

Earlier this week, Komari shared this scripture with me. In turn, I'd like to share it with you:

Psalm 27

A Psalm of David.

[27:1] The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
[2] When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
[3] Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
[4] One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
[5] For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
[6] And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.[
7] Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
[8] When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
[9] Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
[10] When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
[11] Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
[12] Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
[13] I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
[14] Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

By Grace,

Rick

Continue Prayer

Greetings in Jesus Christ,
This has again been a difficult week.  We're thankful that there have not been further incidents this week. However, as the missionary team at Bonne Fin has attempted to continue dialogue this week, we have seen minds and hearts hardened.  The attitudes of the people causing the problems seem to be moving further and further away from reason.  This is evidenced by unwillingness to hear anything contrary to what they already believe, and outrageous demands. 

Those of us that are most directly involved in the situation feel the discouragement of the relentless attack that satan is engaging in.   Please read the previous posts for specific prayer requests, and add to them:

• That the missionaries on-site could be encouraged.
• For God's protection and preservation of the work and mission at Hôpital Lumière

As I was reading the Word tonight, the Holy Spirit reminded me of something very simple....that God is God.  I was encouraged by Psalm 24, which I share here:

Psalm 24

A Psalm of David.

[1] The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

[2] For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

[3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

[4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

[5] He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

[6] This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob.

Selah

[7] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

[8] Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

[9] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

[10] Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Selah

Brief Update on the past week in Bonne Fin

Greetings of love in the name of Jesus Christ,

It has been an eventful week for the mission at Hôpital Lumière in Bonne Fin.   There have been up's and down's.   Today was a particularly challenging day for our missionary team.  Today involved a return to work for Mr. Pheguens as well as a follow up meeting with national and local government leaders, MEBSH Leadership, community members and our team.  

The meeting was positive in some respects, but further revealed how our enemy has been working and attacking.  The element of the community that has been stirring up trouble has taken positions that are based on half truths and self-centered desires.  Some of their demands are put forth with total unreasonableness.   

While Mr. Pheguens was able to return to work today, his return was met with vandalism to the hospital vehicle that he drives.   A group of very angry people again put forth unreasonable demands and threats directed at him.   

Please continue to pray for reason and God's peace to reign as our missionary team engages in dialogue with the various parties involved.   
Please pray as well for our staff, and especially those most directly affected by these events.
Please pray for our missionary team on-site:  Lee and Desma, David and Janella, Kurt, and Sheila.  

Your prayer warfare is evident. God is at work. During the events of these past two weeks we have seen some of our highest patient numbers continue in the hospital.  Despite satan's efforts, people are still finding help and care at Hôpital Lumière.   His name is being glorified.

We'll close with this scripture from Matthew chapter 10:  [26] Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [27] What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. [28] And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

the effectual fervent prayer.....

We are feeling and seeing the impact of God's hand in the situation at Bonne Fin.   As noted in the title, the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.   

While the situation at the hospital remains very tense, we are thankful that the road has remained open for the past 3 days.   We did have a minor incident last night and today that was not directly related to the manifestations, however, the authorities responded quickly.   We see the authorities involvement having an impact.

As an updated prayer request in addition to the previous post, we would ask for prayer for a planned meeting tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.   This meeting has been organized by the local mayor with the community.   It is aimed at addressing one of the chief concerns, electricity.   The meeting will not involve any missionaries or official hospital representatives.  However, the outcome of the meeting will directly impact the situation as it will calm the waters and allow productive dialogue or spiral the situation back into unrest.   Please pray for the Holy Spirit's presence in this meeting and for all involved to have open hearts, minds and ears to listen to voices of reason and calm.

Thank you for battling in prayer.   We feel the truth of the scripture in Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 

...and men loved darkness....

Tonight a short post asking for prayer warfare.  

Over the past months so many things have been going well at the hospital.   God's manifold blessings are evident in more patients coming to us for help and care and more people hearing the word.  The light of Jesus is shining forth at the hospital.  However, in the midst of these joys, the darkness of evil lurks.  For the past 3 days, satan has gathered his forces.  The mission at Hospital Lumiere is under his attack.   Several people in the community have risen up in manifestation and protest beginning Monday (June 6).   For two days, they blocked to road for parts of the day.  They are protesting about long past decisions/actions by the hospital administration related to electricity for the community, jobs at the hospital, and specifically are targeting non-local Haitian employees with their threats and demands.  

Presently, 2 of 5 missionary families are absent from the hospital, which increases the burden and load on the 3 missionaries and their families on-sight.  The situation is tense and stressful.   The past two days (June 7 and 8) we have found several threatening signs/messages around the hospital targeted at two of our Haitian staff members that are not local to Bonne Fin.

This is a very serious situation, one which we've not yet encountered before this time.   We have seen many evidences of prayer answered as God's power has been made evident.   Local and regional authorities have expressed their support for the hospital and told the protesters they must stop in an unexpected visit and meeting.   However, the group protesting is still "breathing out threatenings" if their demands are not met.   

As I reflect this evening, the scripture in John 3 comes to mind: [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Please join us in prayer for this situation.

• Pray for the staff that are being singled out by this group.  Pray for them by name.  Mr. Pheguens (Figgins) and Mr. Blanc (Blan)
• Pray for the missionaries on site:  David and Janella, Lee and Desma and Sheila.
• Pray for the people who are instigating this situation.
• Pray for the entire missionary team as we seek God's grace and direction in dealing with this situation.

We do take comfort in God's protection and peace.  He is guiding and leading us and has the situation in His hands.

Thank you for praying with us.

Life in the Sun (Son)

The sun shines at some point most days in Haiti.  We may have a a few rainy, cloudy days when tropical storms pass the island, but we do not endure days of gray skies like the winters in Kansas.  So "Life in the Sun" on a Caribbean island keeps the winter blues away, gives us plenty of Vitamin D, and gives our skin a healthy glow.   The sun also provides a clean energy source and our big news of this post is that WE ARE NOW SOLAR at Hospital Lumiere!!

Going Solar

The last week in February, this team worked hard to finish the installation of the solar system, test it and then put the hospital online with the new system.   It is quite exciting to have reliable power for the hospital.  Our surgeons have stable power during operations, patients needing to be on oxygen aren't in danger because of frequent power failures, our doctors are able to perform diagnostic tests without interruption.  Overall, the level of care for the patients has increased and can stay consistent!  With all of the pieces that came together to make this installation possible, we are confident of God's hand guiding the process and blessing this hospital in Haiti.  Life in the Sun takes on new meaning when we are able to capture a clean energy source and provide better service to patients, a better work environment for staff and a place where all can hear the gospel and learn how to live a Life in the Son.  

Medicine Ward Renovation

The general medicine ward is the final patient ward in the hospital to be renovated.  As it was in the best physical condition when the renovations began back in 2011, the other three wards were completed first.  This ward is also receiving a reconfiguration along with renovation to add some private rooms and some isolation rooms.  The masons began demolition in the beginning of this year and have been working on construction of new concrete walls.  Here are a few pictures taken in late February:

Here is a photo of some of the new construction to create isolation bays within the ward:

The first week in March, a construction team from the Goodfield Apostolic Christian Church came and worked in the Medicine Ward.  The work they completed included painting, rewiring electrical, installing new lights and ceiling fans, installing new floor tiles and plumbing.  

 

  

Team Photo

 Part of the Medicine Ward has been reopened.  The private rooms and isolation bays are still in the process of being finished.  Here are some pictures of the open wards:

HL Benefit Auction Meal

Last November, our family donated an Island Fusion dinner at the Hospital Lumiere Benefit Auction.  The dinner was purchased by Sam and Marjorie Bertschi; they were in Haiti the first week of March so we hosted their family along with some friends they invited for a 7 course dinner.  We were busy serving up food in the kitchen so I don't have many pictures, but here are a couple:

           

It was a fun evening despite the fact that it starting raining after the 3rd course and we had to move the dinner inside to our living room.  Rick moved the furniture out and made it work!  We hope to be able to donate a dinner to the auction again this year so be looking for it at the HL Benefit Auction in November 2016!!

Another Team...

We can truly say that the past month was "team season" and we are so thankful for all that give of their time and talents to help in various ways.  This team was a large one with some of the team members conducting a Vision (Eye) Clinic, some of them continuing construction work in the Medicine Ward and some of them seeing Cardiac Patients in the clinic.  Here is a pic of the team followed by a few from their week here:

 Tile work in Med Ward         

  Consulting with a patient     

 Entrance to the Vision Clinic

 Inside the Vision Clinic         

The Vision and Cardio clinic were well attended by people in the local and surrounding areas.  It is always exciting to have people come and receive healthcare to which they have limited access.  The team told a story of a woman who was so happy for a pair of glasses that will enable her to read her Bible and the songbook in church.  They said she was beaming and giving them all hugs.  

Our specialty clinics not only provide valuable services to the Haitian people in our area, they also bring people to the hospital where they have the chance to hear the gospel.  We have several MEBSH pastors that minister to the spiritual needs of the patients as well as many other people in the local community that feel led to come and minister.

This morning I talked with a group of about 10 Haitian ladies that came to the hospital on a mission to distribute some beautiful children's Bible story booklets to patients.  Other groups will sing, read and pray with patients.  Many times, it seems that the Haitian people look to the white missionaries to "provide" for them.  It is very heart-warming to me to see Haitian Christians coming to minister.   They were born into a Life in the Sun in Haiti and as converted Christians, they are living a Life in the Son.   

We continue to see an increase in the amount of patients that come to the clinic.  On a recent, busy clinic day, I took these photos to show the activity level.

Clinic patients waiting in the Welcome Center 

People in line to sign-in for the clinic, admissions and cashier

Special Treat

We had a special treat from home a couple of weeks ago when a team from Bern and Sabetha, Kansas came up to have a church service, a meal and fellowship with us.  The team was doing work in Puit Sales, which is about 60 miles (2 hour drive) from us.  It is always nice to see faces from home and we appreciate the effort they made to come up and see us and the hospital.  

Early Morning Sun

Every Easter, a Sunrise Service is hosted by the Yordy and Walder families on their large roof in Cayes.  We got up extra early and headed down the mountain at 5 AM to attend the service. It was a beautiful morning of worship followed by a bountiful breakfast.  He is Risen!  

Prayers

As always, please continue to pray for the physical and spiritual needs of our patients and the Haitian people.  The last few months have been tumultuous in Haiti with protests of the election process and continued delays in the actual election for a new president.  Currently, the government has an interim president and the election is scheduled for April 24th.  

Please pray for the leaders of the MEBSH church as they meet for their annual convention this coming week.  MEBSH is the organization that owns the hospital and our organizations work very closely together.  This year, they are celebrating their 80th anniversary so extra celebrations are planned.  

Please pray that God will work in hearts and minds and direct souls to join us in serving this mission.  We are still seeking doctors and nurses to fill roles on our leadership team. We have some prospects in the process, but wait for God's timing and direction to bring them to the field.  

We are seeking a Teacher for our Missionary School on the HL campus.   Please pray for God to direct someone to serve in this way.  

Photos of Life in the Sun (Son)

I will close this post with some recent photos of Life in Haiti.

Teacher Needed for Missionary School

We are actively seeking a teacher for our missionary school.  If you have an interest in serving in the mission field as a teacher, please prayerfully consider this position.  If you know of someone that may be interested, please ask them to consider in prayer.  Follow the below link for information and feel free to contact us with any preliminary questions.  

http://www.harvestcall.org/teacher-for-missionary-school

Our Students at Work and Play