A team of young women stayed at the House of Joy in January 2016 (and a few of them came back for a three week stay in June/July 2016!)...teaching English, tutoring, doing arts and crafts, playing games and sharing God's love with the girls, the elderly and surrounding villages. As their faith matured, so did their hearts for Haiti and its people.
Be prepared to have your heart melt as you read below what each of the young ladies hope to share with you--their sincerity of their faith and the love for the mission is evident. We are so thankful for these young ladies and their hearts and in their being part of the girls lives at HOJ. Brooke E.: Many people are confused when we tell them where we are going for a week. They question the safety and the risks. But what they don't consider is the life changing experience that Haiti brings. Yes, it can be dangerous. But light is made to invade darkness. Haiti brings me so much joy and the impact made on the team and on the people reached is incredible. Haiti is my second home and my heart aches to be with my second family. Eden B: It seems like the world is quieter in Haiti. You can actually hear God teaching you and see the joy of the Haitian people! We were even able to see God do miracles in our group and see His hand in everything that happened on that trip. I can't wait to go back! Paige S: A lot of events happened in Haiti, but nothing compares to hearing God loud and clear, telling you exactly what He's called you to: to shine His light. God was definitely working through this amazing experience. I must remember that the mission doesn't stop when we land in Springfield- Haiti was just the training ground. Hannah H: When I used to hear about people who would drop their whole lives and move to a foreign country to be missionaries, I was always a little confused as to why. Why would they give up their lives in America to go to a dirty unknown place? But after going to Haiti this Christmas break I totally got it. I would go back in a heartbeat and stay forever if I could. Haiti stole my heart. Julianna F: The best experience in Haiti was really just being there. Every day was perfect; everyday we served. It's not just the orphaned girls or the desperate people in Turbe - not even the elderly in the nursing home that make me want to go back so badly. It's the fact that it was real living - God showed me day by day what life, our purpose on earth, is truly about.
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According to Todd S., first time mission-tripper to Haiti---"I feel like we made a big difference with the help we provided in the short time we were there. There is however a lot more to be done. With God's guidance, progress is inevitable. How quickly is another story. The trip was enlightening and heartfelt." Steve M. expressed gratitude to Pastor B. for inviting the team of men to participate in the build of the New Christian Church of Tabarre's property. "I am forever thankful to God for putting the country of Haiti on my heart as well as for giving me the health and stamina to withstand some tough conditions". He feels a sense of accomplishment and pride in the effort put forth by his team members as well as in working alongside the hard-working men of Haiti. "The everyday weather conditions make work in Haiti TOUGH to put it lightly. This was no easy task and I am grateful to have participated in the project. I am humbled by the generosity of those that opened their hearts to help finance this wall. So much more is left to do and God-willing, it will be done in His name. I recommend anyone even considering mission trips to trust God and make the move." Pastor Brisenault stated that the men working on the land the following week requested the team back-- a Haitian proverb says "Men anpil chay pa lou."...... Many hands make the load lighter! The men took time to partake in a party for the girls at HOJ celebrating their summer months birthday days! So much more is to be done, and very hot, hard work! Still needed as of today, the gate for the entry, a transformer for electric--and yes, believe it or not--more rock--but in gravel form! If you're invested in this project, look for details to come in your email! |
You!Nothing fancy...just your heart. After your trip, share a few memorable experiences with the JIH readers--it's great to know how God is working through this ministry! Archives
August 2017
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