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It was only 16 days ago that I sat with Shelia crying, in this same restaurant, nearly in the same table, at the Miami Airport as we waited in between the same flights I am waiting for today.

As I  tried to pray for our food that day, I found myself so saddened that all I could do was ask the Holy Spirit to intercede to the Father on behalf of the orphans and our dear friends in Fondwa, Haiti because the words for what I wanted from Him just couldn’t come to me–I was so upset. I just asked Him to know my heart.

64 orphans and 14 nuns live in this tin shelter in Fondwa Haiti

Now that we were back on our own turf, that day a little over two weeks ago, it was harder to deal with the discrepancy between the lunch that was spread out before us and what we had just seen–64 children living in a tin shanty with mud floors laying on mattresses strewn across the ground in the torrential Haitian rainy season storms.

inside the Fondwa Orphanage

We had seen our beloved friends, Srs. Carmelle and Simone, two dedicated angels of mercy, and their 12 trainees, living on the other half of the same shelter. They had actually joked about having to hold their feet up when they were sitting down on their beds to avoid the rivers of water that made their way through the shelter. When confronted with horribleness of the situation from my perspective, they only answered, “This is the life God has given us and we will accept it.”

In the restaurant, Shelia and I just couldn’t settle ourselves about the situation. We had both seen many difficult things in Haiti over the past 10 years but this was clearly the worst situation we had seen.  Both of us had spent sleepless nights in Haiti after seeing it. To say we were unnerved would have been a gross understatement.

At that table in the Miami airport, 16 days ago, we both made a commitment to do what we could to see that the situation would change and change soon. Even as we said that, we knew the extreme limitations we brought to this situation.

Luke’s Mission is a small organization.  Shelia and I both have day jobs. Our work in Haiti, while near and dear to both of our hearts, is what we do in our spare time.  Our projects have mostly been driven by what financial resources we had available to us from our dedicated donors and those who believe in our work. We had specifically made the decision long ago not to take on large projects like this because they were beyond our resources-both in time and money. 

But this time, we found ourselves deciding to move forward with a project prior to having any idea where the funding would come from.  To make it even more challenging, we needed that funding quickly because of the desperateness of the situation.   

I had begun to do what we could even before I left Haiti. The night before we left Haiti, I had sent an email to our friends asking them to pray for guidance for us as we struggled with this situation. I found out later that our pastor read this email to the entire church on Sunday morning in all three services-while we were still in Haiti. Even then, an obedient servant, whom I will discuss later, had already begun to think about helping us.

Although I couldn’t imagine how it would happen, I said to Shelia that day, sitting in the Miami airport restaurant, much the same way I am sitting here now, “Wouldn’t it be a fabulous testimony to the power of God and how He works if we will only be obedient to Him, if even now He was getting things in place for us to get this project going quickly.” 

Did I believe that would happen-No. I will admit my lack of faith. But at least I acknowledged it was possible-weak faith from me or not.

We had set a completely unrealistic timeframe of two weeks. The situation was critical. Children’s health was at stake here.

Who could raise $25,000 in two weeks–especially me?

I am not a salesperson. I am more likely to say something like-if you don’t want to buy this, that’s really OK and walking away instead of applying the “salesmen’s pitch”.  But I could tell a story well.  And I thought I can tell this story. 

Two weeks–unbelievable. We usually waited at least 6 months to hear back from grants we have applied for. And we also knew everyone was tapped out from their recent donations to the earthquake relief efforts.

Even then, before we left Haiti, the Lord was working in the hearts of His servants-despite my lack of faith. When made aware of the need, several of our supporters came through in big ways. One even wrote back that they were on vacation in Europe but wanted to give.   Could we wait until the end of the week to get the money?

Another wrote and told us that a large sum was on the way–he just wanted us to know we could count on it. One person even came over to our house to bring the check. One young mother wrote to us and said she couldn’t give a lot but she wanted to give and hoped that many small contributions like hers would add up.  We continued to receive checks-small and large. And by the beginning of last week, we had the seed money we needed to start-every single contribution was precious to us and will be honored by the Lord.

But then we had a faithful partner tell us that they were interested in this project.  Bob Herdman of Hands and Feet Project (www.handsandfeetproject.org) was a person I had sent the email to before I even left Haiti.  Luke’s Mission had partnered with HAF last fall on an agricultural project.  They have a couple of orphanages they run in Haiti. Thiers’s is an amazing story I hope I can tell you sometime. 

They are committed to the orphan population in Haiti and are committed to Jesus too.  (Bob is the founder of the contemporary Christian band-Audio Adrenaline for those of you who can relate to that.)

The Lord was already working.  Bob had scheduled a trip to Haiti the week following our return.  We made arrangements for him to meet Sr. Carmelle while he was in Haiti with some of his board members.  Meeting Sr. Carmelle, one doesn’t come away untouched by the power of Jesus’ love to the poor and orphaned children. She is the hands of Jesus. You know it right away. Hands and Feet Project came through when we needed them. We are so grateful for their love for the Haitian orphans and their support of our work in Fondwa. They gave us a generous and substantial gift to continue to get the shelters built.   

We had plans drafted, got workers in place, coordinated with community leaders and the Sisters on a location, time frame, logistics and a shelter prototype.  

Fondwa Shelters Project Team, Sr. Carmelle, Eden, Emmanuel and Smith, the boss

And, now 16 days later, here I am back from a quick weekend trip to make sure we are all going in the same direction with plans to start tomorrow. 16 days later.  The Lord had worked it all out in 16 days. 

I am now sitting in this same restaurant in the Miami airport, crying again, but for a very different reason.

I am overwhelmed at the power of the God we serve to literally move mountains for His beloved children in Haiti. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of His children and those who are following his mandate to care for the poor, widowed and orphaned. Whether a small or large contribution, the Lord only wants us to be obedient. He will bless us way beyond what we give. I have found this over and over in our work with Haiti.

Can I testify to the faithfulness of our Lord and Savior to make a way where there seems to be now way? Yes, and not just with this situation, but over and over again in my life. This is just one time. I am a living testimony of that.

 Thank you to each person who offered up prayers, sent words of encouragement and reassurance our way, and contributed financially to this project.  We cannot express our gratitude on behalf of the children and nuns in Fondwa. 

We have assurances from the builder in Haiti that the first shelter will be ready to move into by Friday at noon.  So, on this coming Friday, 32 children will experience in a very tangible manner the faithfulness of the Lord as they move into their new home. 

For me it will be the house that love built. 

We still have more money we need to raise more funds for this project.  If you want to be part of this exciting work of the Lord, you can mail checks to  the addreess below.

Luke’s Mission 1403 Mason Road Durham, NC  27712 

Not to us but to Him be all the glory

Yet the Red Cross has received $444 million dollars.  Care has received $24 million, Catholic Relief $165 million and the Clinton Bush foundation $52 million for a total of $685 million dollars for t he relief efforts.  How much has been spent now 4 months later?  $135.75 million.  Less than 1/5 of what has come in to these large organization. 

Even allowing for the fact that it is reasonable to hold back some money for longer term efforts over time, the enormity of the suffering that continues each minute of the day in Haiti requires these organizations to do more than what they have done to bring relief to the Haitians.  Relief should have been accomplished in the first 8 weeks at the most.  Stable and safe housing, sanitation, access to food and water and clothing are the immediate needs addressed by disaster relief.  Yet over 200,000 people still remain displaced in horrific conditions, making their way each day as they can.  The refugee camps are reported to be unsafe with women expecially being brutalized and exploited.  Stealing is common.  Sanitation is virtually non existent.   The first case of diphtheria occurred in one of the camps just this week.   More is likely to come later. 

Why are we not holding these organization accountable for the use of the money that was given to provide immediate relief to the Haitian and to appease their suffering?  80% of the funds remain unspent, now 4 months post earthquake.  80% of the money we gave to help these people. 

It is commonly accepted that the Haitian government can make red tape bureaucracy of this country look like a walk in the park.  However, even with the difficulties that exist in working directly with the government, the large aid organizations could restructure their funding to allow smaller non profits with more grass root contacts to apply for grants for housing projects, transitional and permanent.  Other supplies like beds, latrines and household water filtration systems are easily distributed.  But no plan exists that anyone is aware of to begin this. 

The Haitians have suffered much in their lives.  Many call them resilient.  And that would be appropriate.  However, giving up isn’t an option unless they want to end up dead.  The lazy in Haiti don’t survive.  To see children walking in waist deep water through a shanty town made up of tarp structures that are nearly falling down is more that heartbreaking.  It is inhuman and should not be tolerated.

I return to Haiti next week for the first time since my own first response relief work in January.  Our organization has spent about 45% of the money designated for relief efforts to date.  I am returning as part of the accountability structure of our organization to meet with people and talk with them in person about how the situation is for them and how they have used the funds we have designated for their food, water, shelter and other necessities. 
We need to hold the aid agencies accountable for their lack of providing immediate relief now 4 months later.  And lend support to the smaller non profits who stabilize Haiti on a good day before the earthquake and are now the mainstay of the day to day work to just help the Haitians survive until tomorrow. 

Psalms 46:2  

HOW YOU CAN HELP-Luke’s Mission is accepting donations to help with relief and rebuilding efforts needed for individuals associated with our ministry in Haiti.  NO ADMINISTRATIVE FEES WILL BE TAKEN FROM DONATION S FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF.  ALL MONEY GOES DIRECTLY TO THE HAITIAN INDIVIDUALS AFFILIATED WITH US TO HELP THEM IMMEDIATELY AND WITH REBUILDING THEIR LIVES.  CHECKS only to Luke’s Mission 1403 Mason Road Durham NC, 919-471-6655 .  Luke’s Mission is a registered 501C3 non profit with the US IRS.  Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.  In 2008 Luke’s Mission spent 96% of contributions directly on ministry efforts for hte Haitians.  Only 4% was used for administrative efforts. 

March Newsletter:  

Rains pound refugees in camps video; “We lost everything”-video interview with Sr. Carmelle; thanks-in their own words-from those who have benefitted from your contributions.  Click on the link below. 

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs060/1103027404714/archive/1103291220808.html

 .

In loving memory of our beloved Haitians friends

Bosie Souffrant  Cite Soleil Haiti

1982-2010  

Bosie and Shelia mission trip Cahesse Haiti

 We received the very sad news that Bosie Souffrant, our beloved friend and translator was killed in the earthquake on Tuesday.  His body, along with his fellow students was recovered from the school where he was attending to become an accountant. 

Bosie served as a translator with Luke’s Mission medical mission trips for the last 7 years.  Bosie was one of the highlights of the trip for many team members and someone we all loved to be around.  He loved music and hearing him sing his heart out was nothing short of a real joy and preview of what heaven will be like. 

We are confident that he is now with the Lord, the love of his life.  His life and witness to the saving grace of Christ and what he can do in the life of a  person will always be a testimony in our memories. 

We will miss him greatly.  Please keep his family in your prayers.

BABY JUDE  Fondwa Haiti 2008-2010

Baby Jude was being cared for at the Fondwa Orphanage by Sr. Carmelle and Simone.  He was 2 years old.  We are deeply saddened to report that he perished with the Novice Sr. Oudel in the earthquake on Tuesday.   Please pray for Sr. Simone and Sr. Carmelle as they try to deal with these terrible losses.

Novice Nun in Training Sr. Oudel

We first met Oudel in November, 2009 when we visited Fondwa.  She was a sweet spirit for the Lord and spent many of her hours caring for Jude at the guest house.  the two of them were together when the eartquake hit which took both of their lives.  Oudel was a strong christians and found her strength in the love of Christ for her and her love for Him as her savior.  We are deeply saddened at the loss of novice Sr. Oudel.  Please pray for Sr. Simone and Carmelle as they carry on the work without her and grieve her loss as well as Oudel’s family. 

News story’s on the Prayer Vigil for the Haiti Earthquake Victims and LM partners

http://www.heraldsun.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Emotional+aftershocks+run+deep%20&id=5562191&instance=main_article

http://chatham.mync.com/site/Chatham/news/story/46890/local-church-waits-for-word-on-hatain-missionary-partners/

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From Walls guest house where we stay in PAP January 15, 2010

“Hello,

Praise the lord, we are safe. Thank you for your email , thank for your support, we need you keep praying for us.  But we have one of our guest house is collapse, 2 employees  and 3 guests are dead.  WE NEED YOU TO PRAY FOR HAITI

 Veniel Jean, Manager,  Wall’s International Guest House”

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January 13, 2010 6 AM-As you can realize all of my thoughts are now with the people of Haiti in this devastating catostrophic earthquake.

Slideshow of the devastating effects of the Haitian earthquake

 http://www.newsobserver.com/181/gallery/281557.html

We are having a community wide prayer vigil Thursday January 14 from 7:00-7:30 at Aldersgate United Methodist church 1302 Umstead Road, Durham, NC 27712.  All are invited.

6:45 AM  We have not heard directly from anyone.  All of the cell towers are down in the Port au Prince area.  We cannot access people via skype either. 

 We have heard but not confirmed information related to some of our friends.  Those we have information on are safe but have sustained significant damage to their homes and ministry building/structure. 

 We have not heard from all four  of our ministry partners and are very concerned-

Romel Dorsaint-currently serving his residency in Cayes, Haiti about 30 miles from the earthquake site.  His wife and family are all in Port au Prince now.  UPDATE:  email recieved at 3:00 PM “I’m alive but I cannot contact my wife or parents.  Romel.”  Praise God!!! 

Emmanuel Occidor-translator and assistant with Luke’s Mission-lives right in Port au Prince.  UPDATE:  We have word he posted on facebook at 1PM 1/12-the day of the earthquake that he was in the DR translating.  We are hopeful he is safe in the DR. 

Pastor Jean Revil and family (7 people) lives right in Port au Prince.  Pastor of the Belbede church where Luke’s Mission works.  NO word

  Edmund Franz-medical student we support. NO word.   

To assist the people of Haiti, this is what will help the most: 

Prayers now and throughout the relief/rescue/rebuilding.  Please consider attending the prayer vigil Thursday evening 7-7:30 at Aldersgate UMC.  Details above.

Contributions of clothing and other in kind donation are not useful at this time. 

To make a monetary contribution which is greatly needed at this time, we would suggest the following options:

For general humanitarian help to the country of Haiti:American Red Cross-direct donations to Haiti relief Donations to the International Response Fund -Haiti can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at

 or

American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013

 or

Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to @RedCross relief efforts in #Haiti

Food for the poor -direct donations to relief in Haiti

http://www.foodforthepoor.org/www.redcross.org.

 April Perry named Duke University Hospital’s 2010 MLK Community Caregiver -LUKES MISSION RECEIVES $5000 AWARD FROM DUKE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM

April Perry recieves a check for $5000 from Dr. Fulkerson, CEO of DUke Hospital

Click on the link below for the video and the story. 

 

http://insidedukemedicine.org/news/april-perry-named-duhs-2010-mlk-community-caregiver/
 

MISSION STATEMENT
Luke’s Mission, Inc. is a Christian organization. We diligently and regularly seek guidance from God for the work we do to serve Him by serving the poor of Haiti. We entrust the work of this association to Him and will seek to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our work. We commit to not letting our work with the poor take our eyes off of Jesus and our daily, personal walk with Him. We conduct ourselves in a manner which would be pleasing to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our conduct is governed by the guidelines expressed in the scriptures for Christians. All of our work is done as an offering of ourselves in service to God and the poor in Haiti. We welcome any person to join the efforts of this organization who will function under these guidelines regardless of religious affiliation.

Our purposes in Haiti are:

• First and foremost, to act out the mandate given to us by Christ to care for the poor.
• To foster the provision of health care in Haiti by supporting the training of Haitian health care professionals in Haiti and institutions that provide training to health care professionals.
• To promote illness prevention, treatment and public health education among the people of urban and rural communities in Haiti
• To assist in the provision of food, basic sanitation facilities and hygiene education among the Haitians that we affiliate with by supporting public health initiatives in these areas.
• To promote awareness of the needs of the country of Haiti to interested persons in the United States.

Statement of Faith

Luke’s Mission, Inc bases its ministry on the follow statement of faith:

• ” We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. (II Timothy 3:15-17.)
• “We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; Ephesians 4:4-6).
• ” We believe that Christ is God. We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, that he lived a sinless life, and that his death redeems us through his shed blood.
• ” We believe in the resurrection of the Christ, in his ascension to the Father and in his final return to claim his children for eternity with him. (John 1:1-4; Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:1-4 & 4:15; Acts 1:11 & 2:22-24; I Corinthians 15:3-4).
• ” We believe that, for the salvation of lost and sinful man, repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ results in a new life by the Holy Spirit and that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. (Titus 3:4-7; Luke 24:46-47; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12.
• ” We believe in the Holy Spirit whose indwelling enables the Christian to live a godly life. Galatians 5:16-18; Romans 8:9).
• ” We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; (Revelation 20:11-15; I Corinthians 15:51-57).
• ” We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and that all true believers are members of His body, the Church. (Ephesians 1:22-23; I Corinthians 12:12, 27).
• ” We believe that the ministry of evangelism is a responsibility of both the church and each Christian. (Romans 10:9-15; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20; I Peter 3:15).

Luke’s Mission’s Statement of Faith, founded upon Holy Scripture, finds support in two historic source documents of the Christian faith, the Apostles’ Creed and the Lausanne Covenant.