tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10456851382403445362024-03-13T14:46:53.648-07:00Casey Dean's Call to HaitiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-22175962787097549682017-07-17T16:48:00.001-07:002017-07-17T16:51:58.105-07:00Conversations with Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have always been intrigued with how children learn and their view of people and the world around them. A lot has changed in Haiti since I first started coming in 2001. One of the local villages has tripled in size since the devastating earthquake in 2010. Saturday we spent a couple hours worshiping, learning, and feeding un-churched children. There is a program that has about 50 or so young children that come each Saturday to learn about God because they don't typically attend the local churches. They sat so attentively for two hours singing and hearing the Gospel. Afterwords, I was privileged to get to play around with a few of the kids. To one of them I said, "I feel like you probably get into a lot of mischief." He agreed that he does and so I asked another little boy if he did too. He replied with "I do, but not as much as him. He causes a lot of mischief." I laughed and went on to ask which of the kids standing around me did not cause mischief. What the young man told me next was the most honest response I have ever gotten from a child.<br />
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He looked at me perplexed and responded with, "All of cause mischief. Everyone in this zone. We all sin, but we pray for forgiveness and try not to do it again." I was blown away and asked how old he was. He told me he was 9. I told him he was a smart boy and I asked who around us didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus. He pointed at the other young boy and said "Him, he causes a lot of mischief and is not a Christian." He went on to tell me the other little boy was "a child of Satan." Though a lot of what he said was an honest reflection of what he knew, I wanted this other little boy to know the love of God. We kept talking and the other little boy became pretty shy. I asked my open and honest friend what he wanted to be when he got older and he told me he wanted to be a pastor. I also found out that no one in his home attends church and he just walks to church with his friends. He was such a sweet and loving little guy and I pray as he continues to grow up, he continues to have that boldness and honesty. I love conversations with children! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-40072302583052967722017-07-12T10:53:00.003-07:002017-07-12T13:36:17.996-07:00New RespectThis summer has been one of learning to respect the jobs that others do. I have strengthened many relationships and have absolutely loved getting to know our workers on a deeper level and learning about Haitian culture. Don't get me wrong, they are loving asking me questions about American culture too. I have always tried to be respectful to others and make sure that I help others. My desire is to make sure that I always leave things better than I find them. However, I have learned to respect masons, construction workers, fireman, and mechanics much more this summer. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxTtGoKFFpA/WWZaiOpkw1I/AAAAAAAAEaA/P6vz5P5cXHo9xfpfRTS4_GiqXnY1kXHOACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxTtGoKFFpA/WWZaiOpkw1I/AAAAAAAAEaA/P6vz5P5cXHo9xfpfRTS4_GiqXnY1kXHOACLcBGAs/s200/DSCN8753.JPG" width="150" /></a>Within the last 2 weeks, I have had the privilege to go out and work with our two men that repair wells. This is a NEVER ending, tedious job with lots of job security. There is a lot of lifting involved and trying to get the people watching to help. Most places they go, people have no problem helping out, but from time to time they encounter communities that just want the well fixed but don't want to help. I must say, I had a great time when I went out to help. It was extremely hot but getting to interact with local people is so much fun for me. There are two things I love about this particular area of ministry. One is seeing the joy and relief in the people when the well is fixed but the best part is seeing our two men witness and minister to other Haitians. Sometimes, they actually get pretty fired up and start preaching. :) These two men gain the respect of the community while they are restoring water, and then they are able to share the gospel. I find such joy in listening to their conversations and then hearing them share God's Word.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cd5ahlaS3e0/WWZa9xhCqQI/AAAAAAAAEag/ZqMF5dLjcjQ7e4sqNSOkEg9PPSQgyMFKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN8803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cd5ahlaS3e0/WWZa9xhCqQI/AAAAAAAAEag/ZqMF5dLjcjQ7e4sqNSOkEg9PPSQgyMFKwCEwYBhgL/s200/DSCN8803.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RzSOhhUrTw/WWZa9x-Lf5I/AAAAAAAAEac/Lu38wmco_7Yds67tIpaWcwa-ADrHu-58ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN8802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RzSOhhUrTw/WWZa9x-Lf5I/AAAAAAAAEac/Lu38wmco_7Yds67tIpaWcwa-ADrHu-58ACEwYBhgL/s200/DSCN8802.JPG" width="200" /></a>For the masons and construction workers out there...cheers to you. It's a lot different here in that we are in the middle of the desert with no shade around us. Even the small breeze we get is pretty hot. The guys mold their metal, and make everything they need. My job, a couple of days was tying rebar. We used figure 8 ties and for two hours each afternoon I helped. Apparently I wasn't the best and I was sent to cut wire. Often I messed that up too but we had fun.<br />
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There have been a couple days that we have used a really old firetruck to water trees on the property. Some days we have kids/teenagers that help move the hose around and spray the water. However, yesterday we just had a driver and myself with the hose. Things started off fine because it isn't an extremely powerful hose, though heavy, and I could manage it. After an hour of this and refilling the truck twice things quickly began to change. Things were beginning to spin and it was getting darker, my arms and legs were pretty shaky and the 110 degree, desert heat was getting the best of me. I was sent to sit in the truck and even got to drive it a little. For the firemen who can do this, while running up flights of stairs, with 80+ lbs of gear, I respect you even more. Thank you for your service. </div>
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Lastly, I spent a day in the shop with our mechanic. That was a much more desired job in that we weren't in the heat so much. My OCD self didn't love the grease and dirt but I managed. I don't know how you all work with all of that yuck on your hands so long. I helped change the oil in the van and checked the other fluids. We also changed out brake-pads, all of which I have done with my dad in the past so, I kind of looked like I actually knew what I was doing. </div>
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The joy and love I've been able to share with our workers over the last couple years has been fun, relaxing, and even rejuvenating. It's amazing the difference when you get away from technology and actually have conversations with the people around you. I have grown to love each of these men and women as my own brothers and sisters. Being single affords me the ability to be adopted into many families and this is one big family!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-45057595765171479632017-07-02T13:44:00.003-07:002017-07-02T13:44:39.042-07:00Burden for the LostThis one has been brewing for a few days. This past year, I lost two very important people in my life. Zachary was only 18 and my Granny was almost 93. Two very different people. Zachary was young and full of life. Granny was elderly, had suffered for years with Alzheimer's, and was bed ridden. I had babysat Zachary for years, enjoyed birthdays, holidays and even vacations with his family. Granny was my last remaining biological grandparent. These two losses have made me think long and hard about the purpose of life, afterlife, and Christianity. To sum all of this up, I can honestly say that God is faithful and provides strength, comfort, and hope through all of life's circumstances. <br />
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This past week, we had the privilege to pray with 10 young people who made their own personal decision to accept Christ. As we began preparing for Haiti, our goal was to bring honor and glory, through service, to Jesus Christ. Ultimately, leading people to Christ is our desire. 10 brothers and sisters have joined my family and committed their lives to Christ. <br />
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If I'm honest with everyone that reads this post. I wasn't thrilled about doing a VBS. VBS requires a lot of work, a lot of planning, and quite frankly is exhausting in the heat of Haiti. I love the kiddos but pulling off VBS is hard and there is a lot to sacrifice. God reminded me this week that he said, let the children come to me. Had we not been obedient to what God had asked us to do, 10 people may have never committed their lives to the Lord. <br />
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As someone who has a desire to do missions, I allowed my own personal likes and dislikes to distract me from focusing on the Lord. Seeing people give their lives to the Lord has always been something that I desired for all, but over the last year, I realized just how short life can be. I have always been saddened by lost souls, but this past year, my heart has been literally broken by them. I have a burden to see people come to the Lord.<br />
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Friday in clinic was very difficult. There was a middle-aged man that came in and had been previously burned. God spared his life and he was able to get the medical attention he needed. However, he has a place on the back of his leg that never quite healed. The smell of infection was nauseating. Well, at least to me, because I have a very weak "medical" stomach. He handed Sheryl (the nurse) a piece of paper and she began a conversation with the man. It was evident that everything on that paper hadn't been explained to him. The paper indicated that he had cancer. We aren't real sure why that hadn't been explained but as we worked on his leg, I asked if he had accepted Christ. He said the famous Haitian phrase, "not yet." My heart immediately ached for this man. Without a miracle from the Lord he was going to die. For the next 30 minutes we poured into this man and we prayed with him. I wish I <br />
could say he accepted the Lord but he didn't. We explained how serious his medical condition was. I have been burdened for him since he left the clinic. In one day, he learned he had a condition that would sooner rather than later take him to his grave without a miracle from God and that he was destined for an eternity of suffering if he didn't make a decision to personally accept Christ. God is faithful but it is ultimately our decision to accept or deny. I honestly believe that God has given him a second chance and that we can continue to pour into him in the short amount of time we spend with him. <br />
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Please be in prayer for the 10 children that gave their lives to the Lord. Pray that someone will come along and disciple them and they continue to grow in their faith. Also, please be in prayer for our friend at the clinic with cancer. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-47346981497374110112017-06-28T15:07:00.000-07:002017-06-28T15:07:05.926-07:00Teamwork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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About 9 months ago, a team from my home church began to come together. As weeks unfolded, there were 11 people that committed to go on a mission trip together, to Haiti. I knew of everyone on the team, but didn't know everyone well. There were a lot of personalities and I wasn't sure how everyone would mesh. We met monthly for about 3 months, bi-weekly for about 2 months, and weekly for a month. <br />
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Walnut Memorial Baptist Church out of Owensboro, KY should be extremely proud of the 11 people that represented them in Haiti. This was the first team I have ever led and was apprehensive about doing so. I knew it would involve hours of planning and preparation but in the end it all paid off. With the hours of meeting and praying together this group was very unified. Our purpose for going to Haiti was to win souls, disciple the saved, and be hands to help the missionaries on the ground. All of this was accomplished and I will have future blogs about this. However, this blog is dedicated to thanking the Lord for such a supportive home church and thanking the people that made this a great week. <br />
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Why do I say WMBC should be so proud? First and foremost, 10 lives were eternally saved this week. Secondly, the spiritual preparation of the individuals on this trip were evident from start to finish. Each team member gave their testimony and several led in devotions. Thirdly, your senior pastor and his family are one that dedicates their lives to serving the Lord, their church, each member, and others. Pastor Travis serves as God leads him. He may not always make the easiest and most desirable decisions, but he makes them led by the Spirit and seeks God's direction through prayer and His Word. We watched as he loved on, poured into, and discipled pastors in Haiti, and we watched on with pride in what God was doing through him. <br />
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Other members wrapped their arms around children, presented God's Word to them, did crafts, and played games in a way to help lead them to a new or deeper relationship with Him. We loved on the elderly, the wounded, and missionaries to encourage them in their walk and work. There were several elements of physical labor, all to help relieve some of the burden of the missionaries. Walnut you had people all over the world this last week serving. We had people in Owensboro, Georgia, Zambia, and Haiti. Praise God for the work He is doing within our church as we become more and more missional. <br />
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To each member of our team, I say thank you. Thank you for your dedication, thank you for your service, and thank you for loving our Haitian brothers and sisters. You all were a GREAT first team to lead. It makes me apprehensive to lead another group because you were so great. I love and appreciate everyone of you!!!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-1251846085867796992016-07-19T20:03:00.000-07:002016-07-20T07:46:44.089-07:00You Can't Follow Jesus Standing Still Jesus said, "get up for your faith has healed you". Getting up is a physical response. Jesus said, "come, cast down your nets and follow me." Again, this is a physical response. The response wasn't sitting in listening to Jesus. The response or responsibility of those listening was the physical response to what Jesus had said or done.<br />
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Our response to Jesus cannot just be a mental response. We, as followers of Christ, cannot merely sit, listen to Jesus' message, and leave and until the next message. Changes to myself and those around me don't occur without the physical response to what I hear. Hearing alone doesn't change anything.<br />
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Remember the game follow the leader, and how often kids play this game. It doesn't work if the non-leader only listens and/or watches. There has to be a response. Lastly, when I was younger and even in my adult life, I can hear my parents and even coaches say, "Did you hear anything I said?" Often, my response was or is, "yes, I heard everything you said!" However, if I don't physically respond or act, there is no way of knowing I have heard.<br />
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I want to be so connected to Jesus, it's as if I'm walking side-by-side, hand-in-hand, or like a child I'm grasping his leg/clothes, trying to not get far away. Much like LiLu, in the picture below, I want to hang tight to Jesus.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-83015979593107074652016-06-24T07:34:00.000-07:002016-06-24T10:39:43.726-07:00Scars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week has brought about a lot of things. We had a great team from CO here that really blessed everyone. They were so encouraging and discerning. I love when God uses people to pour into your life that you never saw coming. I have been doing a devotional called Steams in the Desert. It has been really good and perfect timing. In one of the devotions, I read from Hebrews 12:12-13. Lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees; and make straight the paths for your feet, lest that which is lame excuse turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. It is important when we go through trials, that we let our body be healed and our faith strengthened. Wounds heal, but many leave scars. Where those scars are will never be the same but they also serve as a reminder of just how far we've come and just how powerful God is. I've seen this happen over and over. Recently, I felt it first hand and continue to struggle through the loss of such a young person, but I know God does strengthen us, he lifts our hands when we can't, and he stables our feeble knees. We grieve here for ourselves and the sadness we feel but PRAISE God, in Christ we are promised eternity. I do not understand how people, apart from Christ, deal with their scars. <br />
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Another way this has been a reminder for me this week is through a little 5 year old girl. For those of you that followed my blog last year, Miley came by for a visit. I have included pictures of her scars. God healed her and her parents were faithful to keep bringing her. We tried several different ways of treating her burns, but God chose to do so much slower than we really wanted. His timing was perfect. A lot of people formed good bonds and were able to pour into this family's lives. <br />
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Miley graduated kindergarten with an extremely high average, despite all of the school she missed seeking treatment for her burns. It is probably the highest average I've ever seen. This may not seem like a big accomplishment for most, but kindergarten graduation is a BIG deal here. Many don't get to attend school and those that do must sacrifice much to be able to send their kids to school. If they attend, many don't go on after kindergarten. Miley has a great future ahead of her and I look forward to seeing what all God has in store for this strong willed, never back down, sassy, beautiful, full of joy blessing I've been able to form a friendship with. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-44131187887575237892016-06-13T14:53:00.003-07:002016-06-13T14:53:32.479-07:00Mountain Highs to Valley Lows and God's Faithfulness Through it All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, Friday, I made my way back to Haiti. It was a week later than scheduled but nonetheless, I arrived safe and sound. The last 3 weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions. The next to last week of May, I wrapped up my first year as an assistant at College View Middle School. It was a wonderful year and I absolutely loved my job. Some days were better than others but the kiddos were great. I never saw myself working with middle school students but I love them. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWWOVJrhpVo/V18peYQ5soI/AAAAAAAAELI/YMuW9p1tndEqeX8Vm4N5a4NRX84Xx68_ACLcB/s1600/memphis%2Bkids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWWOVJrhpVo/V18peYQ5soI/AAAAAAAAELI/YMuW9p1tndEqeX8Vm4N5a4NRX84Xx68_ACLcB/s200/memphis%2Bkids.jpg" width="200" /></a>The last week of May and beginning of June, I was serving on the mission field in Memphis, TN. A group of 30 people from my church, Walnut Memorial Baptist, traveled to Memphis. It was a great time of serving the Lord but also, a revival for our group. There were bonds made that will never be broken and I pray we continue to serve alongside each other. There were two salvations and many seeds planted and watered. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlCLhnY-nvU/V18pdzLOtuI/AAAAAAAAEKw/oD-_uxvyxykpyLf5VNTlex4EBScfBy7JwCLcB/s1600/Zach%2BKinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlCLhnY-nvU/V18pdzLOtuI/AAAAAAAAEKw/oD-_uxvyxykpyLf5VNTlex4EBScfBy7JwCLcB/s200/Zach%2BKinder.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EA50w7VA73M/V18pebJzgWI/AAAAAAAAELA/ff_uMtf3UQE4iJ7_hDyeE82azClQbVawACLcB/s1600/zach%2Bhug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EA50w7VA73M/V18pebJzgWI/AAAAAAAAELA/ff_uMtf3UQE4iJ7_hDyeE82azClQbVawACLcB/s200/zach%2Bhug.jpg" width="178" /></a>The Wednesday we were in Memphis forever changed my life. I received a call that a young man that was VERY near to my heart lost his life in a horrific automobile accident. Zachary was a sweet, 18 year old kid that we all felt had a life ahead of him. However, we were reminded of just how short life can be, and the importance of a relationship with Christ. Those that knew Zach have learned so much from him. We learned to not sweat the small stuff, to fully trust God and not stress over the petty things of life, to serve others wholeheartedly, love unconditionally, and SMILE often (or always in his case). Though we mourn him, we know God provides peace, comfort, and love for us during this time.<br />
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The Thursday after Zach passed away, I was contacted and told that I had a teaching job at College View Middle School starting in August. That was a huge answer to prayer and very welcomed good news!!!!<br />
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After celebrating Zach's life and being encouraged by the faith of his sweet family, I headed to Haiti. I have seen Zach's smile in so many young Haitian children, I have felt his embrace in so many friends here, and I was even able to share his story, my first day here. A young 20 something year old man shared with me he was going to live to be an old man and didn't have anything to worry about now. I was able to share that we were fortunate to know that Zach had a relationship with Christ and had confessed his sins and accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. However, we thought Zach would live for many more years, but that wasn't the case. I continue to pray for this young man and pray he makes a profession of faith before it's too late. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-67383637631121103282014-12-10T16:22:00.001-08:002014-12-10T16:23:51.820-08:00Cry of Alexa<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Miracles still happen!!! Today, we were in the clinic when Alexa and her family walked in. We were hoping not to see her, because we wanted her to go to the hospital yesterday. The family didn't have the means to get there, so they went to a doctor that was closer to their home. The doctor tried to find a vein that he could get an IV in. As the family tells me, he turned to walk out of the room telling them he couldn't find a place to put an IV but he would be back soon. Her godmother and cousin told me they sat in the room with her as the doctor walked out. When he left, Alexa, the little girl we had just seen hours before that could barely grimace in pain and talked very little, raised her hands and began to sing a hymn. According to the family, what they witnessed next is the miracle. The doctor returned to the room, looked at Alexa, and said he saw a vein in her neck he thought he could put an IV in. It was successful. Just minutes before, he was certain he could. BUT GOD!!! I honestly believe this was because so many of you were praying for her!!!!<br /><br />This little girl cried out to her Creator, and he provided. <br /><br />When she returned today, she had much more strength. We occasionally saw her eyes, and she spoke very clearly to us. As I laid her down, and covered her wounds with warm cloths, she said to me "I need to pee pee." That was the happiest I've ever been to hear a kid say those words. She later told me, "raise me up." She actually told us that several times! She also told us she was ready to leave and she wanted to go to her house. She put up a slight fight today. <br /><br />When her family was telling me this story, she sang the song for us! When we were all done, she asked us for a sucker. I asked her what color she thought she wanted and she immediately responded "RED." <br /><br />Little Alexa is not out of the woods yet. Please continue to pray for her. It's very important that we and her family keep her hydrated over the next several weeks. It doesn't take long for someone burned this severely, to dehydrate. However, we will praise the Lord for the life that we saw in her today, and pray for him to continue to intervene and heal this child. <br /><br /><br /><br />Sent from my iPad</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-37565246241954820842014-12-08T12:19:00.003-08:002014-12-08T12:19:50.905-08:00A New Brother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week, I was joking around with one of our Gran Moun (elderly) in our feeding program. I tease them each week on who's misbehaving. It's an ongoing joke between all of us but it brings lots of laughs in the clinic as they wait for their weekly medications. Last week, one of the men that I tease the most was raging mad. He was screaming at a young lady that was there and threatening her. When I confronted him, I asked why he was so mad. He said she was being disrespectful to him but that she was also not respecting the clinic and the things that we had done for her family.<br />
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He told her that he wasn't going to fight her in the clinic because he had respect for us, but he would find her in the village. Once I had him calmed down and laughing again, I asked him if he knew what her problem was. He said yes, "she doesn't have respect." I went on to explain to him that her real problem was her heart. She didn't respect us because she didn't know Jesus. I told him we needed to pray for her to become a Christian, not to threaten her. I went on to say that if we were Christians, we would not be threatening her anyways. I asked if he was a Christian. He said "not yet." When I asked him what he was waiting on, he told me he didn't have a Bible. I shared with him for a while and promised I would try to find a Kreyol Bible. He told me he would find me at church on Sunday.<br />
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I sent a good friend of mine with money to the market to buy a Bible. When he brought it back, Sharron volunteered to go through and highlight some Scriptures from a pamphlet that we have. He didn't come to church, but he came for food and medicine today. I asked him where he was, and he said he went to another place but not church. Upon further investigation, I found out that he had gone to a place where Voodoo is practiced. It's a very dark place and well known for Voodoo. I asked him to come back to the other room so Sharron and I could talk with him. Sharron walked him through the Scriptures, explaining each verse, and asking him to repeat what they meant. He listened and engaged very well. At the end, we asked if he wanted to pray to accept Christ. He said yes and immediately dropped to his knees. WOW!!!!<br />
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After he prayed we explained that he couldn't practice Voodoo and Christianity together. That if this was the life he wanted, he had to walk in the Lord. He agreed to do so. I asked him if he knew why I was so happy, and he said "because I prayed to accept the Savior." I agreed with him. As he left the clinic, I yelled out the door, "Why are you smiling?" He responded, "because I have Jesus in my heart!!!!" We are working on getting him connected with a Haitian pastor to disciple him but that was a great start to a CRAZY Monday. <br />
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I praise the Lord for years of Judy and Sheryl showing him the love of Christ; I praise the Lord for a relationship with this man that would open the door for such conversations, and I praise the Lord for Sharron being able to speak the language I haven't mastered so eloquently to lead him to the Lord. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-80926974034419791892014-12-03T14:51:00.000-08:002014-12-03T14:51:25.643-08:00It's Our Turn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been able to take several teams into the homes of our elderly individuals that we give food to on Monday mornings. We have a feeding program for them and some are home bound and send family to pick up food. This has truly been a blessing. It is pure joy to see the faces of the individuals as they invite us into their homes. For the most part, Haiti cares for the elderly much better than people in the US. There are no nursing homes or in home care for these individuals. They are fully at the mercies of God and their family and close friends. I have been in the homes of a man that rents one room and lives alone, a woman that is blessed to live with family, and a woman that is 104, her daughter, granddaughter, the daughter-in-law of her daughter, and 3 great grandchildren also lives in the house. The men have either died or run off to be with other women. All of them so happy to just have someone come visit, talk, sing, and pray with them.<br />
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My heart is heavy for them because they have so little yet they have so much, but it breaks for the elderly in the US too. I long for the next time I sit with my Granny and hold her hand. The next time I can feed her ice cream and reflect on the solid foundation her, Pa, and Grandma Dean laid out before me and the faith that each of them had. Granny can't talk, she sleeps most of the time, and she doesn't know who I am. But I know who she is. So many people say they don't want to remember the elderly in their current state or the person doesn't know if we are there or not. Each of these may be true, but when Granny opens her eyes and communicates with a smile, I know she knows someone is there and someone cares. <br />
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Please don't forget the widowed and elderly. One day we will be that person and I pray that no one thinks these things about us and leaves us abandoned. I encourage each of you to fight the battle of age with your family and friends. Stay by their sides, and visit someone that needs love. They've done so much for each of us, they have so much to teach us (even if it isn't with words), and now it's our turn to love on them. <br />
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Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-16252978517646515082014-11-20T14:25:00.000-08:002014-11-20T14:25:21.044-08:00Balaam, Coaching, Teachability, and Gentleness<div class="MsoNormal">
I never envisioned sitting in Haiti, working through a Beth
Moore Bible study on gentleness, and it reminding me of sports and
coaching. However, this one did. Teachability is crucial for gentleness. James 1:22 says “Do not merely listen to the
word, and so deceive yourself. Do what
it says.” Athletes do this all the
time. Often as an athlete we can get
caught up in giving an ear to the coach but then going on the court or field
and doing what we want. We can hear the
coach but don’t do what is asked of us.
Christians are not just people that say they believe in God or go to
church. A true believer confesses their
sins, hears the Lord’s word, and tries their best to do what it says. We will fail along the way but there is
redemption. We will lose games along the
way but have a much better chance of winning when we are all on the same page
and that’s the coach’s page.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our willingness to be teachable relies heavily on our
teachers or coaches. When there is a
level of respect for that person we accept their ways but if we don’t respect
them we do not heed to their instructions.
I have been fortunate enough to have several great coaches in my
life. Coaches on athletic teams and life
coaches/teachers have been instrumental in making me who I am. My Christian faith strengthens when I respect
and fear the Lord. Without those, we
cannot implement the teachings and instructions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In this study, we read the story of Balaam and his donkey in
Numbers 22. To recap, Balaam basically
wanted to do his own thing. God finally
tells him to go ahead do what you think is best. I remember when coaches would throw up their
hands and sit down on the bench, they were clearly saying, you are going to do
it your way, no matter what I say, so see how that works out for you. More often than not, the lead we had would
shrink or the deficit we had would grow.
At which point, a timeout would be called; we would circle up around the
coach and then try to get back on the same page. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it
didn’t. Balaam had to be instructed on
three different occasions. Three times
he went his own direction and something was placed in front of the donkey to
stop him. Three times he beat the donkey
when it stopped and then God opened the mouth of the donkey to speak to
Balaam. <o:p></o:p></div>
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God opposed Balaam because his path was a reckless one. God had grievances with Balaam because he
loved to do his own thing. The Bible
tells us that if Balaam would have continued his way that Balaam would have
been killed. As an athlete, when one
chooses to do their own thing, they kill the team. Balaam admitted his wrong doing and God
allowed him to continue on his journey but he could only speak the words God
gave him. Coaches, teachers, bosses do
this all the time. They continue to give
us playing time as long as we realize our ways are not their ways and we do as
they instruct. God does that with each
of us too. There is forgiveness if we
admit out wrong doings and decide to walk in his way and not our own. <o:p></o:p></div>
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God’s ways often seem difficult or harsh but then we have to
realize that Christ was the hand-picked king.
Coach’s way may not always seem like the right way, but he/she has been
chosen to lead and instruct. Proverbs
13:13 says “He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects
command is rewarded.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-775063380855975672014-11-07T10:59:00.000-08:002014-11-07T10:59:21.274-08:00Burning as Discipline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is no doubt I am a firm believer in discipline one's children. I was spanked as a child (not often but a few times) and I am relatively normal. It did nothing to me physiologically. However, abuse is a whole other story. I am also in favor of abusing those who abuse children. <br />
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One morning a beautiful little girl was brought in by a neighbor. She said that she heard the girl screaming and ran to check on her. Upon arriving, she could see the girl was badly burned. She had 2nd and 3rd degree burns on both hands. She couldn't grip anything, hold anything, and seemed very sad... The story we received from the neighbor was that the 5 year old girl was hungry and took a bite of fish her mother told her she couldn't have. In her anger, the mother submerged her hands into boiling oil and held them there. We were able to build a relationship with her, though she didn't talk much. She would answer ever question with "Yes." Eventually we would ask, "Who's beautiful, who's intelligent, who do we all love so much?" She would answer them all with a smile and "Me." <br />
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One day she entered and had a small burn on her arm. She told us her brother lit a match and placed it on her arm. She was conditioned not to cry. She would sit calmly and grimace a few times, though we knew she was in excruciating pain. She had learned that crying would only bring more pain or that it didn't matter if she cried, no one cared. She told us one day that her Mom didn't love her. That was hard to stomach. She's certainly not the first abused kid I have ever seen but she was the most aware of what was going on and that her parents didn't care. <br />
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The neighbor brought her every other day so we could treat the hands. We would shower her with love and affection and then we would give her water and something to eat EVERY morning. She told me every day she hadn't eaten. <br />
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It's now been 2 weeks since she was released but Sheryl happened to see her in the village shortly after her release. She came running to her and hugged on her. Sheryl was also able to speak with her father and explain how she needed to be cared for, loved, and provided for. That this little girl was a gift from God. <br />
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She was one happy girl with all of her gifts on her last day of treatment. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-73214227993832278972014-10-20T13:09:00.003-07:002014-10-20T13:09:40.915-07:00Eternal DestinationThe same week as the electrocuted elderly woman, we showed the Hope film in a nearby village. When the film was over and the invitation was given, there was a young teenage girl and her friend sitting beside me. They were teasing each other about not being converted. I immediately asked them if they were and both said not yet. I began a conversation during the invitation and the one that was more open to the discussion told me she couldn't get converted because she didn't go to this church. She went on to tell me her mother wasn't a Christian and if she became one she would be spanked (possibly beaten) for her decision. I asked her if she would like me to walk with her to talk to the man leading the invitation and she said, not in front of all these people. After some persuading she decided I could have my Haitian friend come back to the back and talk with her.<br />
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When the service was over, I had him come share with her. Others gathered to listen as he spoke with these young people. He was able to eventually lead 4 people to make decisions for Christ. THAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT. Praise the Lord I have 3 new sisters in the faith and one brother. All four were probably between the ages of 12-22. <br />
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My heart still breaks for the elderly woman, that was electrocuted, and didn't want to be converted, but I rejoice with these 4. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-6454139590595695492014-10-20T12:50:00.000-07:002014-10-20T12:50:11.136-07:00Late Night ArrivalI've had a couple weeks to reflect on a couple events. It was 10:30 one night and the dogs were going crazy. I looked outside and could tell they were barking at the gate about 100 yards away. I turned out the lights and tried to watch with them. I had been looking for about 3 minutes when 2 men ran across the field. I immediately contacted the closest missionary family to me, to see if they were aware. While the phone was ringing her husband shot across the field on his Polaris. <br />
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I was finally able to reach his wife and she said there was some commotion at the gate and that she had seen our nurse (Sheryl) take off that direction. I knew immediately we had an emergency burn. The two men, were in fact workers of ours that had run for the gate when they heard all the noise. I got dressed and headed to the clinic. Upon entering there were probably 15 people in the lobby of the clinic and someone moaning in the exam room. I entered to find Sheryl and one of our team members trying to get an IV in an elderly woman. Nicky was helping get things set up too. I put on gloves and became the person talking with the patient, trying to keep her calm, and holding her burned arm, with the IV. She had been electrocuted at a well, and had many exit wounds. She was burned on both legs, her stomach, both arms, and the back of her head. <br />
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It was serious. She told me she was 68. She was able to answer most questions but was also somewhat disoriented occasionally. The back of her head was mush and we knew there was some head trauma too. In talking with her to keep her alert, I asked if she was converted. She said not yet. I began to share with her. I wish this story ended with her accepting the Lord, but unfortunately it doesn't. We rushed to get her wounds dressed so we could send them to a hospital. She was going into shock and she needed more than we could provide. She said she didn't want to pray to accept Jesus but we prayed with everyone and sent her on her way. Apart from a miracle she wasn't going to make it, and I knew when she left here, unless she prayed on the way there, she was going to die without a relationship with Christ. It's a sad reality.<br />
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I finally got back to the house around 12:30 AM. As I laid there in my bed, I was reminded of my friend Tony, that was recently burned by electrocution. He fought hard for a month and I have a little better understanding, what he went through. My heart broke for his family and I prayed for extra comfort that night for Tony's family and friends. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-59564932628486313042014-10-13T13:14:00.003-07:002014-10-13T13:17:31.070-07:00Smiles and Trials (update on Miley)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This little guy has been a buddy for me. When he first arrived he was burned badly down his left leg and his whole midsection. He came malnourished, feverish, and terrified. He would cry and scream that we were making his burn worse. Of course, one would think that when he came in with a black leg and left with a red and white one. We would have to continue to explain to his grandmother what she needed to do for him. He has been coming for over a month, and only has one little spot left. </div>
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His mother has come once, and couldn't remember his name. He is full of love and has a grandmother that loves him and does everything she can for him. Today, we treated him for Malaria. He has all of the typical symptoms and has been battling nightly fevers for 2 weeks. Pray with us that he will start feeling better as we prepare to release him from burn care. His smiles have turned to exhaustion and sadness from his illness.</div>
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Unfortunately, Miley's skin grafts didn't take. We tried them two different times, but God has different plans for this little angel. It's been tough on her, her family, and the GO staff because we were all hopeful that we would not have to go back to scrubbing her. Her screaming is more intense now than ever before and caring for her is extremely difficult but she really is a sweet little girl and such joy. She loves to show off her uniform when she is done and gets dressed, because she has returned to school after 5 months and thoroughly enjoys that. I have forced my headband love upon her and she has embraced it well. She knows she is loved by everyone around. Please keep praying for Miley too. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-47482605177412475352014-10-06T16:49:00.002-07:002014-10-06T16:50:07.289-07:00A Huge Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well,the week before last was a whirlwind but what an incredible week. September 20th became a day I had prayed for since 2001. Mom first came to Haiti in 2000 and then I came with her the following year. For years we have been coming to Haiti and desired to have Jim, my step-father, join us. It's difficult with his work and the timing of our trips, but this year, God provided a great opportunity. It had been 9 months since I had seen him and to spend a week here in Haiti with Mom, Jim, and the rest of the WMBC team was such a joy. It was a busy hot week filled with lots of things and a full schedule but I was so refreshed and blessed having them here. We were able to show them a lot of Haiti being my family and having a small team. Jim and Lisa preformed in church singing and playing guitar, the men worked on the tractor and in the shop building most of the week, we visited the village, Mom and the ladies had her annual boutique day, which is a time for our female employees to come and pick out many items they like, we had a reception for a young couple, team members were able to meet sponsored kids, and the team did a special night for all the missionary couples. They were able to have a relatively quiet dinner with their spouse and then the team showered them with special treats and gifts for each couple. What a blessing!!!!<br />
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At the end of the week, I flew home to surprise my family for my younger sister's wedding. My wonderful friend Brandy and her 3 boys picked me up in Nashville and drove me all the way to the church were my sister and the families were having the rehearsal dinner. I think my siblings were excited, my niece and nephews were confused (because they thought I wasn't going to make it home until Christmas), and my Dad was trying to figure it all out. Afterwards, I went home and surprised my step-mom and another nephew. We continued surprising family and friends. Seeing everyone's face was wonderful, and I even found time to watch the hometown football team defeat a big rival, that they had lost to 12 years in a row. All of this was made possible because I had an airline voucher that had to be used within the year. Praise God for his provisions!!!!<br />
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This is Dad and I nervous that Ashle is about to get married!!!</div>
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My sister's wedding was beautiful and I gained an incredible brother-in-law and new niece. I am so proud of her because of the man she has chosen to marry and spend the rest of her life with. I was also able to pay my Granny, some aunts, uncles, and cousins visits all before heading to Nashville to overnight with one of my college roommates, who generously took me to the airport at 4:15 in the morning. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-74482614036821007572014-09-19T16:14:00.003-07:002014-09-19T16:15:17.363-07:00Big Day for Miley (one graphic photo at the bottom)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, today was a great day. Miley has struggled for months with a severe 3rd degree burn. Many of you have come and watched the battle 3 times a week for the last 3 months with us. She was burned in April and after being turned down for surgery at several places, the Lord sent her and her family to us. Day in and day out we hold her down as she relentlessly screams for us to let go. We have been kicked, slapped, and even bitten, as we have tried to help in any way that we could. It hasn't been easy on her, Momma, or even us. <br />
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Our greatest joy was seeing her dress back in her uniform this week. She missed the 2nd half of her 2nd semester last year of school and she was more than ready to return this year. She proudly put on her uniform, grabbed her backpack and lunch box and strutted out of the clinic. However, today was an even more special day.<br />
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Today, an American surgeon came and preformed a skin graft, free of charge for her. Lord willing, we will never have to soak her or scrub her again. From this point on, we will monitor it and lightly wash it but nothing like we have been used to. Going to the clinic today she was scared, hungry, and thirsty. She clung to her father (her favorite person). Papa and Momma struggled with the concept. <br />
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When it came time to take her back, she held on to my hand and Papa's hand. We walked into pre-op/recovery and she began to cry. We medicated her and she started to relax but not enough for the IV. We held her down and she began to get sleepy. As she drifted off, the anesthesiologist picked her up and I held her IV bag as we started down the hall. We entered the operating room and laid her down. They began to numb the area and she began screaming at everyone to let go and that it hurt. Surprised the doctor asked if she fought like this every day. He seemed surprised when I told him I thought she was being very calm. I mean, only 2 people were holding her down and we usually need 4. He added another dose and she began to fall asleep. After about 20 minutes the surgeon was finished. <br />
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As the surgeon began taking his gloves off, Miley's mom handed me her purse and went and wrapped her arms around the surgeon, kissing him and telling him thank you. Tears began to flow from my face as I watched her gratitude and knowledge of what had just been done for her and Miley. She then hugged the translators, the nurses, the anesthesiologists and thanked each of them. She turned to me, looked at me and collapsed in my arms thanking me. I told her I did nothing and that God had provided this blessing. That this surgeon was the one that sacrificed to help. It was an incredible experience.<br />
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As Miley woke in recovery, she began crying saying she was hungry. Her parents handed her a can of pringles and she began chowing down. They took out the IV and we loaded up. As we arrived back at the compound, I kissed her and explained that we wouldn't need to wash it, soak it, or rub it when she returns Monday. She was a HAPPY girl!!!!!!! Praise the Lord for your provision. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGGoR8oW3RI/VBy4N-GAtEI/AAAAAAAADeI/FIy9Ef6_T_g/s1600/stomach%2Band%2Bleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGGoR8oW3RI/VBy4N-GAtEI/AAAAAAAADeI/FIy9Ef6_T_g/s1600/stomach%2Band%2Bleg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-90933436496202939092014-09-16T13:44:00.003-07:002014-09-16T13:44:46.279-07:00An Awesome Night with the LordWell, we had an incredible night of worship a few weeks ago. I just got pictures uploaded and wanted to share. The Restavek foundation here in Haiti hosted a talent search competition over several months. They narrowed their search down (similar to American talent shows currently airing on TV). The final night saw 13 (I think) original acts that wrote and preformed songs of freeing Restavek children. These are children that are forced to work in the homes of other Haitians for little to no pay and often being abused in other areas. <br />
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The talent was incredible. Chris Tomlin offered his talents to preform that night as well. With several thousand people, we worshiped the one TRUE God, under His magnificent night sky, and some stadium lights at the Haitian National Soccer stadium. WOW!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-923431692344484192014-08-19T09:03:00.002-07:002014-08-19T09:03:30.722-07:00Lets Get Real..The Cross is BIG!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Well, as God begins to break down walls, I feel I need to be more transparent in this blog. This one will be the most difficult one to write but pray someone else benefits from what God is revealing to me. The last couple weeks, haven't been easy but especially the last few days. Wounds and insecurities make one vulnerable and for someone that doesn't like to be vulnerable, I meet it with resistance. So, when God sends someone into your life to help open you up to what God wants from you it can be difficult. The reality is, if you can't be real with yourself, who can you be real with?<br />
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So often, the love that we know is conditional. American culture teaches us that we have to seek approval from others, that we must do something to be loved and constantly fight for it, and if we mess up along the way, we are a failure. God's love is unconditional. When I fail, he still loves me. The only prayer that God answers the way we want it answered every time, is when we pray for Grace and Forgiveness. He may not always heal the way we want Him to, He may not always lead us down the path we want Him to, and He may not always provide everything we think we need, but He ALWAYS offers grace and forgiveness. So, when I hold on to failures and sin in my life, I try to place restrictions on God. I am in essence saying the cross wasn't big enough for me. You see, I know the love and forgiveness of the Father, but I often want to hold on to and beat myself up over things I know God has the power to forgive. The cross is big enough but the apologetic in me wants to "prove myself worthy" of all He has done for me. IT ISN'T POSSIBLE, because apart from God's forgiveness I'm not worthy. <br />
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Not only for myself do I try to place restrictions, but when I say he will never change, she could never do that, she'll never understand, he/she can't or won't... I mar God's creation. I again say God and Jesus' cross aren't big enough. <br />
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I am forever blessed that God sent someone who was real with me. Someone that was willing to not sit silently when God asked them to be bold and speak openly and honestly to me. So often, we want to sugar coat things when what people really need is for someone to be real with them. To be "respectfully real" with them. <br />
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-Instruction does much, but encouragement everything. <br />
-To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength. Criss Jami<br />
-You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do. Eleanor Roosevelt<br />
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I'm thankful that I've known forgiveness and the love of my Heavenly Father for 20 years but we all need a good wake-up call. I'm thankful that I made a decision for myself, not others, to walk with the Lord at the young age of 11. There have been and continue to be bumps along the way, but I recognized my need of salvation <br />
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(the grace that God offers) that only a relationship with Jesus provides. I recognized that we aren't born saved from Hell but that I must make the decision for myself. That moment, I was immediately obedient to the truth God revealed to me. Shouldn't we always be immediately obedient rather than questioning what we think is being said? Whew...that's far more difficult!!!<br />
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God continually calls us to closeness with Him. He offers rest for each of us. He offers refreshment for our minds, body, and soul. Waiting on the Lord keeps us connected to Him. It makes us aware of what He has to offer us. We must trust Him in every moment and stage in our life. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-33441413362778372792014-07-22T11:57:00.001-07:002014-07-22T12:04:42.521-07:00Pity to Passion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I heard a team member this week mention the phrase "pity to passion." I began to think about that. I feel like that can be said with the poor, children, people with special needs, or just people in another culture. Anyone that has ever done a mission trip knows the feeling of seeing someone in need and thinking, "I should give them money" or " I should give them shoes, clothes, food, ETC..." The pity we often feel for others is overwhelming. It's the southern "Bless her/his heart" syndrome. <br />
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I remember my first several trips to Haiti. I had so much pity. I wanted to give anything I could to people, because in some sick way, that was supposed to help them or make their life better. It was hard to see someone at the gate that wanted something and turn them away. Pity isn't the answer. Pity tends to give way to materialistic wants. <br />
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Passion on the other hand, tends to produce meaningful relationships. It's no longer "the foreigner" but now it's "Casey." Pity causes us to see people as objects while passion causes us to see people as people. Those equal to ourselves. Passion eliminates cultural boundaries, financial differences, or race dominance. Once I was able to get past the pity view of things, I inherited a HUGE family. I have more parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins, ETC... than I did before. Now we are one family in the body of Christ instead of Americans, Haitians, Africans, Hispanics, Asians. With God as our Father, and Jesus as our Savior, we are one GIANT family. We are all accepted equally, with our own quirks, annoyances, and aggravations. <br />
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People do this with their kids all the time. Kids from divoced families see this a lot. Parents will give the kids something or money to make a kid happy but as children age, is it the kid that was given "things" that is better off and has good relationships, or the kid that was loved and shown affection? The child that had a "healthy relationship" with a parent?<br />
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We must work together, cross culturally to impact the world for Jesus Christ and we must move from pity to passion!!!!!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-66443683103434713312014-06-30T11:17:00.000-07:002014-06-30T11:17:34.858-07:00Where It All Began<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a Christian, we all have those that have helped us along the way and we can credit for Spiritual guidance. There are so many people that have helped form me into the person I am. Parents, grandparents, aunt and uncles, and several friends or coaches that have played a role in showing me what it's like to truly follow Christ and what the life of a real Christian should look like. The road is long and difficult, but God never leaves us. <br />
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This weekend I had the privilege of hearing a testimony that I have heard over, and over, and over. It was different this time. David and Judy Heady (Pap and Aunt Judy) have always been Godly examples of what living a life for Christ really looks like. What committing one's life to the Lord may require. What sacrifice means. How to face hardships, trials, and criticism while standing strong in their faith.<br />
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It was different this time because I was actually with them where Pap preached his first sermon in Haiti. This weekend, he returned to preach and visit the church where it all began. It was also where God confirmed His call on their lives to sell everything, leave everything, and follow Christ. This was when God revealed to them that His desire was for them to move to Haiti and minister full-time. They start their 32nd year in Haiti this week and the impact that they have had on the lives of Americans and Haitians alike is phenomenal. There is now a picture in my mind and the story came alive for me. I saw the love and passion that they have for the Haitian people. <br />
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I recommend all Christians, that have the opportunity, to visit the location where Spiritual leaders in your own lives were saved or called and hear the story from them. It was so encouraging and uplifting to be a part of this special weekend. I thank God for the opportunity to see where something that I have become so involved with originated. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-76049612304277011842014-06-02T15:45:00.000-07:002014-06-02T15:45:20.558-07:00Changing Hearts/Eternity NOT Culture!!!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, we have language and culture classes every Tuesday and
Friday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cherish these times
together and it has taken on a different look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have recently started having a Haitian lady sit in, and ask us
questions about American culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
been so enlightening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lots of
Haitian friends and feel like I know much about the culture but there is always
more to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my friend asks us
questions about our culture, she always asks in a way that shows us what the
Haitian culture thinks of such issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She often will explain to us her cultural view after she hears our
stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She asks the questions and we respond in Creole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a missionary here that is fluent and corrects
us when we are wrong or helps us when we don’t know the right words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week was a very important week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discussed divorce, rape, clothing, and
alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many things in other
cultures are confused by right or wrong, when in fact, they are just different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember classes at Lee University when my
professors would present topics of discussion in relation to other cultural
views and am thankful I can be an informed listener and try to differentiate
between right and wrong or different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has become so
incredibly easy for people to get divorced in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Haitian culture, divorce doesn’t occur
often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divorcees are really looked down
upon in the community where I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
in adulterous situations the spouses are responsible for taking care of each
other, even if they don’t live together because they are legally married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though,
I don’t agree with all of the cultural differences, divorce is a major problem
in the U.S, and I feel we have a lot to learn from a culture like this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What about clothing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those of you that know me know that I don’t love skirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Christians, in this culture are
expected to wear skirts to the market, church, and through the villages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people in the older generations do not
believe you are a Christian if you wear pants and especially shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do our clothes have an eternal value?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not at all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is this different than my personal belief?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely, but I am a guest in this culture
and have not come to change the culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have come to impact hearts and people’s eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is my ultimate responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul says “To the weak I
became weak, to win the weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have become
all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a guest in this country and as a result
and a woman of God, must present myself as a Christian to this culture, not my
American culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to do
anything that may harm my witness, especially on something with NO eternal
value. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As Americans we have become so relaxed in our expectations,
that it’s hard to identify true Christians/ Christ followers because we are
not truly set apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our lives should
reflect God, and we/I often fail to be “set apart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone comes to church in pants and not a
skirt, should we let them in the door (here in Haiti)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely, but that doesn’t mean we should
make it the norm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially as
Americans, it is not our responsibility to change culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our responsibility to show love,
compassion, and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Much is the same with alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone is seen in our village drinking
alcohol, people will say they are not Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why then should we as Americans try to change
this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shouldn’t we follow the Christian
culture in which we are guests?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1
Corinthians 8:13 reads, “therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister
to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to
fall.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If my clothes or what I consume
cause a brother to stumble, I am responsible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want to be the result of causing someone else to stumble because
of my cultural pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attitude that
my culture is better than another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
therefore, must focus my attention on eternal differences and showing Christ’s
love by being like those that have accepted me into their land, families, and
cultures without compromising the Gospel.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-38196093331111755372014-05-23T17:37:00.001-07:002014-05-23T18:05:01.463-07:00Thank YouIt's a Friday night, and the distractions of the week are behind me. As I sit here reflecting on where I am, where I've come from, and what God has in store for my future, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for all those that have gotten me here. So many have given of their time, finances, resources and love to grow me into the person I am today. Without you, there is no way I would be here in Haiti sharing the acceptance and love that Christ gave me and continues to pour out on me. I am completely broken listening to Ray Boltz "Thank You," <a href="http://youtu.be/1lVzeS5i8WQ">http://youtu.be/1lVzeS5i8WQ</a>. I know it's an old song, but the message is incredible.<br />
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Tomorrow I'm going up the mountain to visit another mission, and I'm so excited about a new adventure, new friends, and God to reveal Himself in a powerful way. I look forward to what God has in store and I'm looking forward to the blessings that will come of this outing. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-57348439744104998592014-05-13T18:21:00.003-07:002014-05-13T18:21:49.975-07:00Sponsorship Success<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cIesNS1vArY/U3LE7TjjH6I/AAAAAAAACGM/OCCdUMpzx5k/s1600/fritzner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cIesNS1vArY/U3LE7TjjH6I/AAAAAAAACGM/OCCdUMpzx5k/s1600/fritzner.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
I've had a lot of time to think about our sponsorship kids and the benefit of the program. Helping parents educate their children in this country has multiple benefits. Sure their are some that are less grateful, and some that don't have good endings to their stories, but the majority of our families are extremely grateful, will do anything they can to show their appreciation, and we witness, firsthand, the success stories. <br />
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The director of our morning and afternoon school is a young man that is building a house, earning a degree in civil engineering, and preparing to get married, all while running two schools. He was one of our students that was given a chance, as an older student to attend school. He worked hard, graduated, passed his national exams, and is now in university. Without the afternoon school, he would have never had the opportunity for an education. He knows what it's like to go through the sponsorship program and works so hard to help students with similar stories.<br />
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Peter, also pictured above is an achiever. While at the schools one day, he said "Casey, do you remember me?" Sadly, I didn't. I had to ask. He said "I'm Peter, I was a sponsored kid." He went on to thank me for all those that invested in him, and told me how much he loved substituting and hoped to teach full-time one day. He wants an opportunity to help other kids succeed through their education to give them a chance in this society.<br />
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Thanks to all that have sponsored kids through this program and the vision my mom had to start and maintain the program. You have helped to educate hundreds both academically and spiritually with a Christian education.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02297708451014206231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1045685138240344536.post-249270112971970582014-04-26T16:41:00.001-07:002014-04-26T16:44:29.679-07:00When Other's See a Shepherd Boy, God Sees a King!!! (Special Needs) <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vivVPgiRtYU/Ubi9mJvxp0I/AAAAAAAAADo/SvecqGngRl4/s1600/hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vivVPgiRtYU/Ubi9mJvxp0I/AAAAAAAAADo/SvecqGngRl4/s1600/hands.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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God looked into a field and saw the shepherd boy, David. Those around him said he's just a shepherd boy, but God saw a king. Today I have been reflecting on those around me with special needs. As I was looking through all the Facebook posts of the Cleveland, TN Special Olympic events and friends of mind that have been trusted to care for these blessings from God, I reflected on the children here in Haiti with special needs. Currently we have two 3 year old boys in the clinic that have special needs and are both burned. <br />
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Mikey came to us burned from his face to his waist and a little on his legs. When he first came to us, he would scream, cry, kick, fight, whatever he could to try and get out of the clinic. It was a daily battle but we realized he didn't communicate with us like many of the other children and then his mom explained that he screams and fights her a lot at home. Love is what Mickey needs. One day, after about a month of treating him, I walked out into the lobby, picked him up out of the water and sat him in my lap. Almost, instantaneously he stopped crying but whimpering off and on. I walked him outside watching the cattle go by and I began making a cow sound. He smiled, but a small one as if he didn't want me to know he thought it was funny. Then a moto went past and honked at us so I made the sound of a moto and he cackled. You see, Mikey has probably never been shown affection. In this society, the parents aren't educated on how to deal with disabilities. There are no awareness activities, no education for these children, no Special Olympics, they are still seen like a leper in Biblical times. A large majority of the children aren't even diagnosed. Who speaks for them, who educates others, who shows them love? That day, and every day since, God has given me the responsibility. He has trusted me. Mikey will sit in my lap, and we pour the water over both of us. Sure treating him is still difficult and when we have to hold him down, he is terrified, but I can look in his eyes and know he trusts me. <br />
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Today, Nielson came in. Another beautiful child, but doesn't know how to communicate. Nielson doesn't have that trust with me that Mikey has learned. He lets me know he is in pain by biting. It took one time for me to realize he was going to try every chance he had. He is burnt on his foot. His cousin brought him in. The love of God shines in her. She knows he has special needs but she loves him anyways. She talks to him and tries to calm him. It's difficult for her to watch him being treated because she hurts for him. However, I know that God can use me over the next few days or weeks to help ease his fears and suffering, if they continue to bring him.<br />
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They are both kings in God's eyes!!!!<br />
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