Haiti Recovery: Earthquake Updates

Haiti Update: 2/28/10

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti:

Yesterday was a confusing and anxious day. Today was a day of peace, even amidst uncertainty. The update from Cayes is that all the children there are fine. Thank God. When I head there this week, we’ll no doubt add the severe water issues to the list of assessment needs. I may head down earlier. I’ll make that decision with Louis soon.

Today was a great day of peace here. After the downpour last night in PaP, we’ve had no more rain so far today. The sun was shining. Things dried out pretty well. The kids are out watching “Lion King” right now. Anfom (all good) here. And I’ve had a little time to read and think.

I’m reading a book a friend gave me called “Bury the Chains” by Adam Hochschild. It’s the well told story of the inspired social justice campaign to end the slave trade in the British Empire. If you’ve seen “Amazing Grace,” you’re familiar with some of this story. Well, one of the greatest grassroots movements for social justice started with 12 ordinary men. Sound familiar? Twelve men met in a print shop at 2 George Yard in London in 1787. An antislavery crusade that changed world history virally exploded out of that first meeting. Love. Sacrifice. Courage. Those were ingredients that started the movement of divine Redemption. They are character traits that can define any life, even our own.

The book quotes Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Mike Fox cited this same quote at The Big Event last November. It struck me then. It strikes me now. And it makes me think of all of us and what we’re doing together.

What is happening to the exploding people group of orphaned and abandoned children in the world screams for a shrewd crusade of love, sacrifice, and courage. We’re talking about millions of children worldwide. Staggering reality.

When the 12 men met, well over 3/4 of the world’s population lived in bondage – whether through slavery, surfdom, indentured servitude, or any of their first cousins. The global economy flexed on forced labor. Staggering, impossible, unchangeable reality. Right? I bet it seemed that way.

One meeting touched off a fire storm that largely ended the slave trade in about 3 generations. What can we do? Better stated, what can God do through us? Some would hear this and think it high-minded puffery. One with such a poo-pooing imagination would be wise to search his own heart before dismissing possibility. And then go back to rote living. As for me, I’ll go “all in” with you.

This is a noble and right campaign that we’ve launched. Nothing is impossible with God. We can believe that. It is a promise. Press on!

Faithfully yours, Joe

Haiti Update: 2/28/10

From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

On Jan 12, the earth shook and 47 orphans fled from under the big mango tree while their home pancaked. Wait until they return home next week.

We just arrived at the new home of Juli and her fam of 47. A lot of jobs created here. 15 laborers right now. New home. New kitchen. New wall. The roofers are hitting it hard. And now the painters. Joseph, the construction manager, hand cut two wooden hearts and put them on the wall by the front door. “I want these kids to know we built this home with love,” he says.

The big mango tree is bearing fruit.

Haiti Update: 2/28/10

From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

This is a no-no. I’m blogging in church. Can’t help it.

Myrland, one of our mommas and a gifted singer, has organized a choir with about 20 of the children. They’re singing at church now. I believe this sound is tickling God’s ears, and He loves it. Can you imagine?

Hopefully will have more Cayes info later – problems getting thru.

Haiti Update: 2/27/10

From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

I’m not sure what to make of this night. Really, we needed a late rainy season. Looks like an early one.

I have no further Cayes news. I do know several of our villages were impacted with sudden flash floods, and there’s sheer misery in Cayes. This weighs heavy on my heart, and confuses the mind. Should we just go there? And do what? How do we get there? Can we even get there? How is Louis? The kids? You get the point.

And at the same time, the kids greeted me hear with squeezy hugs that will melt your heart. The real extra tight kind. Pierre got into a little fight while I was gone. And he started it. He came right to me, hugged me, and then confessed that he wrongly started a fight. I explained forgiveness. He smiled. Great moment. And then we celebrated that his cast’s off. The kids are great. The team here is amazing. Wow!

Yet it’s flooding in Cayes. As I tap the keys now, it’s pouring here. Pouring. In my mind, I can hear the groan of a suffering people in refugee camps within sight of what were their homes. Are the kids in Cayes OK? Lord Jesus, protect them! I’m not sure what to make of this night. This much I know. Two tracks. God’s in control of both.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord Most High. We’ll talk more soon.

Haiti Update: 2/27/10

From Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

I just landed in Port-au-Prince and received word from Louis and Sharon St. Germain that rain and floods are pounding the south. The city of St. Louis du Sud is being evacuated. To where? Don’t know. Any higher ground. Louis reports that the streets of Cayes are flooding, and the rain continues. Word from Casa Major, Cavaillon are that the kids are dry and OK. We’ll provide more information when we have it. Please pray.

Haiti Update: 2/27/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Proverbs 13:20 ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise…

I’ve been richly blessed to know some spiritual giants in life – people who model what it is like to be a Christ follower by word and action regardless of circumstance. They are attractive by their character, and their life mission – to reach the lost, to disciple others, to help the needy – is as steady and constant as their breathing. One of these is our GO Haiti Field Director, Moise Vaval. He is a model ‘servant leader’, and every single life matters much more to him than his own. Today, he will lead the funeral of his precious son, Jean Marc, at 2 pm edt. He shared wise words as we walked together on Friday: ‘Always serve at the feet of our Lord Jesus and love Him more each day’ – his life is a perfect example of this.

Haiti Update: 2/26/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Was filmed at University Hospital and Moise Vaval’s church by the 60 minutes TV crew this past week. Their producer and team are intelligent, talented and passionate about orphans (I’m sucking up). Actually, they really are, so my shots will end up on the cutting room floor (unless they go with the ‘beefcake/chippendales missionary’ angle I proposed – lol). Their story focuses on two core trajectories for orphaned and abandoned youth in Haiti: one of lost, desperate, violent youth and the other of hope in reunion and restoration in an orphan village. Neither of these have been well told before, both are actual realities in Haiti and the outcomes from each could not be farther apart. Could be a painting of the true impact of James 1:27 – we’ll keep you posted!

Haiti Update: 2/26/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

A new family member at the Orphan Transition Village and in Heaven

Two precious lives forever changed by the earthquake in Haiti. The first is Jean Marc Vaval, the son of our dear Pastor Moise Vaval, GO Haiti Field Director. You’ve read that he had not been found since the quake. The excavation of his school where he had last been seen has been occurring, and we visited there yesterday. The massive structure was completely leveled, and the grounds covered in school papers. Jean Marc’s body was found and eventually taken to University Hospital. Though his body is there, we know that he is in heaven with our Lord and Savior. His parents are true faith heroes – serving orphans and their community tirelessly each and every day and night, including during this time of uncertainty, with grace and determination. Please lift up a prayer for their family.

And, from the same University Hospital, a new life begins. A ten year old boy, the only child in his family, named Jovani Michel, was returning home from the store with groceries for his mom when the earthquake struck. By the time he reached home, he found that his mother and father did not survive. He wandered to the grounds outside the Palace, which now lay in ruins as well, and slept outside the gates for several nights. Someone brought him to the University Hospital, where the clinicians and US Army soldiers serving there fed him and gave him a cot and sleeping bag, and called us. We are blessed to have a new, very energetic member of our family here at the OTV. And, the rest of his life on earth begins tonight in our care.

Haiti Update: 2/25/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Stephan is gone.

Stephan went home last night to his parents after spending a month here at the Orphan Transition Village – a part of the group in the prior blog. Stephan is 5, about 3 and 1/2 feet tall, missing his two front teeth – the permanents just peeking through, and he knows how to hug. When you are with him, he’d show you that toothless grin that’s worth a million and you’d just have to pick him up. Then, he’d wrap his legs around you, and you had him for a while – priceless.

Well, last night he got to sleep with his mom and I am really missing him this morning. When you come here, you will find you love ’em all and will bond with a great handfull. Its just how our Lord works – He deeply connects you with some. And even though you don’t share a common language – you really do: its all said in the eyes, the smiles, the laughs, the handholding, the hugs, the games. During my first trip to Haiti, I thought I’d have to try and spread the attention out evenly – but it just doesn’t work that way. You will bond with your gang, and when you lay down at night, they will be what’s on your mind – and you will be on there’s. Stephan’s on my mind this morning, so I am heading out to hang with my gang.

Haiti Update: 2/24/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Summer Camp is over.

Here at the Orphan Transition Village (OTV), we were truly blessed to be able to care for a group of children from Pastor Moise Vaval’s church. It is located in severely damaged area of Port Au Prince, and the parents of these children lost their homes when the quake hit. So, Moise offered for the children to come stay at the OTV for the month. It was just like summer camp for them – getting to make new friends, camping out under the stars in tents, crafts, games, and movie nights. The month flew by and it was time for them to reunite with family.

We started out by giving them gift bags (the Pleasant Valley Baptist team had prepared) and also boxing some food for their families. And, they got to make the ninety minute drive in a ‘Tap Tap’. A Tap Tap is an open bed truck with a rebar enclosure and wild exterior paintings used a lot in Haiti as a ‘gang taxi’. The one we rode in would usually carry forty or more people – some in the back, some hanging on the sides, even riding on the top. I rode back there with them for safety reasons (so I thought) and for entertainment (unplanned). We hit a few bumps and our heads kissed the top while our tushies served their God-designed purpose – the kids thought the old white man looked funny. When we got stuck in slow traffic, one poor woman climbed in the back thinking we were for hire. I was being overly protective and shouted “No, No, No!” I think a white dude shouting at her was a shock, she almost fell out the back.

When we turned onto the church road, the kids eyes grew. It had been a great month and most didn’t want to leave, but now all they wanted was their families. When we arrived, there was a crowd at church and lots of hugs and kisses – just like summer camp. And, each and every parent stood in line to share their gratitude for what had been done. Frankly, I felt like i was stealing the hugs, kisses and praises that you all deserve. Those should have gone to all of you who have come here and given to this cause. From the parents: “Thank you very much and God bless you!”

Here's the view from the tap tap as we arrived.

Haiti Update: 2/23/10

From Alan Dietrich live from Haiti:

Got to participate in a reunion of sorts today. It begins with a cool 15 year old guy named Richnel – in the quake, his left arm was crushed and left with no feeling; he also broke his sternum and right leg and cut his left leg severely, requiring skin grafts. He’s been cared for at Love a Child’s stellar campus since the quake, with no family there with him or to visit him – I can’t imagine how he feels.

Our awesome Field Director, Moise Vaval, offered to work with Richnel to take him to the area where he thinks he lives, to reunite him with his Aunt and sister. It happens to be in a hard hit area of Port Au Prince, and yours truly gets to add some value by becoming a pack mule for Richnel – he and I both enjoyed it. A truly loving doc for Love A Child, who had asked us to help, goes along for the experience. When we finally arrive at his street – the first house on the street is leaning over so far, it looks like it belongs in a Dr. Seuss cartoon, so we decide to walk it on foot (or pack mule). Well, when we finally find his home, Richnel’s heart is pounding, his eyes are huge and he’s drenching me in his sweat. Now, comes the tough part – all of these are not disney stories – the place is locked up and the neighbors share that the Aunt and sister have left the city for a rural village, like so many others. I want to cry, cuss and spit – all at the same time – when one of the neighbors hands his cell phone to Richnel and we find out that his Uncle is still in town working and will be by later to visit him. At this slightest bit of good news, he is on cloud nine and its infectious. Everyone around gathers to see him, touch him and celebrate his news. So, we just had to stop on the way back to Love a Child and have some sweet mango juice and his favorite cookies.

Reunions come in all shapes and sizes, thank you for helping us to do what we can for the Richnel’s.

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

We had a real super bowl today. Our guests from Pleasant Valley Baptist have done a great job organizing activities for the kids at the Orphan Transition Village.

Today, they had them do three legged races – which is to wrap one’s left leg to the other’s right leg and have them run. The children were rolling on the ground laughing – while trying to run. It was pure fun. All 200+ kids (and some adult age kids!)

Then, the Pleasant Valley crew had an idea – let’s have the momma’s race. I’ll attempt to define what a ‘momma’s role is – she loves, counsels, coaches and disciplines the children in her home, she is a mom, nurse, pyschologist, trainer, cleaner, tailor, dresser, coach, referee, den mother, storyteller, nightwatchman and tear-wiper. And, I’ve probably only scratched the surface – all of you mom’s out there could describe this much better. Their role is definitely 24 hours a day, and involves truly precious kids – who have been through a lot (gross understatement). These women are miracle workers. Some of them are widows, some are single moms, all of them have huge hearts and strong backs. Its hard to appreciate them enough, and our trip teams have been doing a great job trying.

So, here’s the set-up, the momma’s pair up, wrap their legs and line up. I have never seen the kids more focused or hear them cheer louder. You see, this is their God-given momma, and they love her. These cheers and chants put Miami and the super bowl to shame. This was genuine affection that was expressed as a roar. At the end of the race, it didn’t matter who won, it only mattered that momma was on the stage and they were thrilled to celebrate her. I wish these momma’s (and all momma’s)could experience this every day, they sure do deserve it.

Thanks for supporting our momma’s – they are one great group of gals.

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

Kickball haiti/pleasant valley baptist style

About 200 kids and 12 adults having a blast playing kickball at the transition village.

The screams of joy are so loud they can be heard for miles. Everyone hits here, and hearts are flying as high as the makeshift kites.

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

Madam Paul and her growing clan of orphans

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

Alan Dietrich and crew visiting Pastor Breval’s Orphanage, Church and School in Croix de Bouquets bringing them food and water.

Pastor Breval's Orphanage and Church

Haiti Update: 2/22/10

From Trace Thurlby live from Haiti:

Alan Dietrich and Moise are now running the Orphan Transition Village. Two Godly, gifted men, uniquely equipped for the business and ministry of caring for God’s kids. What a privilege to serve the King with them and call them “Brother.”

As I head home, I remember a conversation I had with Juli. Her 47 kids regularly lead worship at the village. All the while, their new permanent home is closer to being finished.

After hearing her kids worship for more than an hour one evening, I said, “Juli, your new house will become your home the night you all move in and sing your praises to God.”

She smiled. “Home is where people love you,” she said. “We’re excited about our new house, but because of your love, we’ve been home ever since we came here.”

This morning Moise was talking about the fact that we don’t know what tomorrow brings. With a 4.7 aftershock last night and other daily Haiti adventures, that truth of TODAY is easier to see here.

Moise continued, “Since we don’t know about tomorrow, we need to love all the people God brings into our paths today – family, friends, co-workers, people at church, neighbors, strangers.”

HOME. TODAY. I look forward to living out in Kansas City what God is showing me here in Haiti. Sitting in the airport I pray a prayer I learned from Mike Fox, “Dear Lord, please let me live long enough to come back to Haiti one more time.”

Thank you for making all of this happen! God is using you in a mighty way here to impact all of us – the kids, the adults, the entire GO Project family! And He has more work for us to do. We love you!

Haiti Update: 2/21/10

Ellison is on Alan’s shoulders. Stanley is on mine. It’s good to see both of these guys doing well.

Alan, Trace, Stanley & Ellison

Haiti Update: 2/21/10

From Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti:

Several things have been encouraging this morning: 50 dump trucks for clean up, better tents, more containers. Looks like the big boys of Gov’t might be cranking it up. That’s good to see. There’s plenty of need; plenty of work for everyone with a heart to help.

One of the most encouraging things is riding with our team from Pleasant Valley Church, bouncing around Port Au Prince in the back of a tap-tap. They got up before six a.m. to worship their Father with their Haitian brothers and sisters. We’re headed to Moise’s church. It’s raining. Not sure what that means for this morning’s outside service, but I do know that God will meet us there. I’m grateful. Grateful for the courageous, compassionate team.

Church in Haiti @ Transition Village from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Grateful for Moise, a faithful pastor. Grateful to God! Grateful for you!

Haiti Update: 2/21/10

Singing at Transition Orphan Village from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update: 2/21/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

We found land for Pastor Calix and his 34 children! They like living at the Orphan Transition Village, and we’ve loved having them here. We’re pleased to report that they won’t be going far.

We’re closing on a beautiful acre+ of land close enough to Eben Ezer that the children will be able to walk to our school, clinic, and church. Pastor Calix is thrilled!

With God leading and your generosity it won’t be long before we show you pictures of our new GO Project kids moving into their new home. Thank you for helping to rebuild Haiti, one home at a time! We love you! Press on!

Haiti Update: 2/20/10

From Alan Deitrich (Global Orphan Project Operations Leader), Live from Haiti:

This is the ending of my first full day here at the Orphan Transition Village with a great, hardworking team of folks from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church – what an experience.

The last time I was at this location was August, 2009 – introduced to Eben Ezer Foundation by our friends at Cross International. It was a village just north of Port Au Prince that was tranquil – a church and school, an orphanage of about 40 kids, a small clinic and a guest house that was half constructed. The leader is Claude Mondesir, a high energy, industrious man who had been an orphan in Haiti and promised to carry on the ministry that saved him. When we toured the grounds, I had to run to keep up with Claude – he was on a mission to get it all put together. We decided to plant some additional orphan homes there, sponsored by friends from Austin and the Roderys, and that was the plan by the end of ’09.

There was a much larger plan in play. We had no idea that the cozy little campus outside of Port Au Prince was destined to be spared by the tragedy here in Haiti and transformed into a refuge for children displaced and orphaned by the quake.

That the new homes and new tents would be filled with children and the grounds would be roaring with laughter, shouting, singing and all sorts of games and activities. That the guest house is completed and would serve the courageous individuals who want to love on these children. That the lower level of the church would serve as a food depot for these orphans and others in the area who are in need.

Just 10 feet away from this campus there is a large, two story structure that was under construction and lays in pieces on the ground. Just another reminder that our Lord has an important role for this place, these grounds – and your generosity has helped to transform it into a glorious refuge for many. ‘Mesi’ (thank you in creole) for your kindness – and come and play with us here soon!

Alan Dietrich

Haiti Update: 2/20/10

Futbol at the Transition Orphan Village, Haiti from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update Movie Night : 2/20/10

Movei night at the Transition Orphan Village:

Movie night

Haiti Update: 2/20/10

From Trace Thurlby live from Haiti:

– over last two days we have visited 4 orphanages off property. Three were legit and needed food. One wasn’t. The personal visits are key.

– got rain two nights ago. It wasn’t a storm. Our tents held, but I’ve seen several in town that probably didn’t. The weather is changing. It will drive many Haitians back inside; many have a place to go, but just don’t trust it. Hundreds of thousands have no shelter. No rain since, but it’s coming.

– juli’s house/bed construction progressing. Will check house again Sunday.

– taking 4 kids to doc right now. One girl has 6 fingers on left hand. I told her that we both had special hands (I have half a finger missing – “bike accident”), but that we could fix hers. She’s a sweetheart. Another girl, MyLove, has a glaucoma shutting down vision in right eye…then Pierre (xray) and Molivia (check-up).

– Alan Dietrich arrived! That means my time here is drawing to a close. Moise said yesterday that he’s ready for his next round of friends… 🙂

– a couple of mice at the OTV are fat on trail mix. I split a bag with one of our furry friends. Moise thinks we need a cat…not a fat Johnson County cat…a hunter! That’s what I’m talking about.

– last night Chuck asked Sara (Moise’s oldest) what she wanted to do when she grew up….”What my Dad does.” Priceless!

– chuck and I are going 60 in the back of Gladys’s truck. Bertranz is honking his horn. Sun is shining. God’s going to allow us to care for His kids…it’s another good day in Haiti.

Haiti Pictorial Update: 2/19/10

Distributing "Nutritional Biscuits" from the World Food Program

Its coloring time at the Transition Village

Pleaseant Valley Baptist Team arrives and dives right in

Pleasant Valley Baptist Team arrives and dives right in

Haiti Update: 2/18/10

The rain in Haiti last night and early today has parted to sunny skies. The kids are doing what kids do, being kids. Take a look at a few of our kids there, Moise Jr. and Sarah Vaval, our Haitian Kite Runners.

Flying Kites at the Transition Orphan Village, Haiti from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update: 2/18/10

From Trace Thurlby live from Haiti:

Two days ago, a local ministry who ran a Christ-centered Saturday program for kids came to visit. They knew of 25 children in Delmas living in a tent community who were in great need. Aid is getting into the camp, but local power brokers, supposedly representing the people, weren’t distributing uniformly. Families/children, with little to offer these power brokers, found themselves at the end of the line.

The GO Project isn’t positioned or called to deal with corrupt men either. God will make a way.

Through local ministry leaders, we invited these children to church this morning. Chuck preached. Seven children gave their life to Jesus, and then, each child was given a bag of food that will feed their family for five days.

There will be a day in Haiti when an elaborate plan will not be necessary to feed their children. Until then, we’ll use every good idea, resource, and relationship to care for God’s kids. On behalf of 25 children and their families in Delmas, thank you for caring enough to find a way!

Haiti Update: 2/17/10

Spent a few bucks today on some sugar cane…O’Neill is getting the stalks ready for tonight’s movie (The Jesus Film in Creole). I think our kids have earned it. 🙂

On a serious note, I visited an orphanage in PaP today. They were short on food and sleeping on the street. We took them rice, beans, water, oil, three tents, and some mats.

Their orphanage was legit, but very urban. No land. No soccer balls. No kites. No singing…and very little Jesus. Laughter, smiles, and song were in short supply. I asked them about their local pastor…they didn’t know who he was.

God is blessing His GO Project kids (which includes us), in large part because God loves His bride (the Church). What’s going on here is not man made. I pray we never forget that.

Haiti Update: 2/17/10

From Trace Thurlby live from Haiti:

Two months ago, Dafka (18) lived with her Mom and sisters in Croix Des Bouquets. Her Dad worked for the Port Authority downtown. Dafka went to school and had a new boyfriend, Johnny (also 18).

Two weeks ago, Love a Child (an organization) called us and asked us to take Dafka. Dafka’s family died in the quake. She had no place to go. We were happy to give her a home.

Yesterday we learned that Dafka is a few months pregnant. Her boyfriend is in a clinic in the DR. His family is in tact. The question now is: will Johnny do the right thing?

This morning we learned that Johnny’s says he can’t help Dafka, because his arm is broken. Dafka, like many young pregnant girls, is hoping her boyfriend will turn out to also be a man – a strong, gentle man. Moise will graciously reach out to him and speak truth into his life.

If Johnny’s family embraces Dafka, the young couple will make a run of it together. Many of us have been there. If they balk, Dafka will stay in our GO Project family.

Your love will provide the foundation from which she can begin this new chapter. Your care points her to the care of her Father God. Your prayers will strengthen her.

Today, I saw five hundred women standing in a USAid line under the piercing sun. I saw a tent community whose abject poverty defies description.

I also saw food, shelter, and love given to those in great need in the name of Jesus. The movement of God’s hand is a beautiful thing! He’s using you to feed children, to spread hope, to reassure a scared 18-year-old girl that it’s going to be OK.

God bless you! God bless Dafka!

Haiti Update: 2/16/10

Sometimes we have to take a step back in a situation like that in Haiti, and just beat a drum. Our own Adrien Lewis, takes this to heart as he plays with one of our new little guys at the Transition Orphan Village.

Keep practicing Adrien!

Adrien Plays Drum at Transition Village from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Haiti Update: 2/16/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

By Grace Alone

This morning Moise and I met with Sheret. Sheret is a sharp, hard working, articulate young lady with a heart for Haiti’s orphaned and abandoned children. For an hour we talked about how we could partner to care for kids.

As our time ended, she looked at us and said, “I’m not here to beg, but many in Haiti are suffering. I am one.” The rest of her story was tragically common. No shelter. No income. Very little food. Could GO provide a job, a meal, some hope?

I’ve seen enough in Haiti to understand how a hard working, intelligent person reaches a point of great need. Years ago, I was skeptical; no longer.

But what I still don’t understand is this…why am I the one in a position to help feed people, instead of the one in a position of need? Why have I been given so much?

For any who may think the answer is that we are inherently smarter or harder working than others, I’d invite you to Haiti to meet Sheret, Milan, O’Neil and many others. We are positioned to help by God’s grace alone.

A book “Crazy Love” presents this thought: Often people ask God why there is so much hunger and suffering in the world. Maybe God should be asking us the same question?

I fought back tears as we filled a bag of food, water, and basic shelter for lovely Sheret…a bag born from your generosity. Today, you once again helped thousands of GO Project children, but you also helped one (Sheret) who is helping so many. Thank you. We love you! Press on!

Haiti Update: 2/15/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

What’s in a smile? haiti

Magana is a beautiful, 16-year old girl. If you look closely at this picture, you can see the top of a steel rod in her left leg. What you can’t see is that her right leg, crushed in the quake, is amputated below the knee.

She was initially treated on the U.S.S. Comfort; is now being cared for by Gillian, a Canadian physician at Love a Child (pictured to her right); and is close to being reunited with her family due to the help of a caring Haitian Pastor and our GO Project Field Director, Moise Vaval (pictured on her left). Moise is bringing hope and healing to Haiti in the name of Jesus. What a joy to watch him reach out to the hurting.

As we left, Magana today, we said, “Magana, Bonjay Benihou!” (God bless you!)

“AH-MEN!” she sang and flashed her priceless smile.

Every time I’m in Haiti, I’m in awe of the bigness of our God….by the purity of His love…by the resilience of our Haitian family, like Magana. Thank you for loving her! Thank you for helping her! Bonjay Benihou!

Haiti Update: 2/15/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

Many of you prayed and fasted with our Haitian brothers and sisters over the weekend. Last night Moise shared with me that he saw a real 2 Chron 7:14 moment for the country.

“If there is something good that came from this catastrophe, it is that God is taking over Haiti spiritually. I’ve been praying about this for years. At our church alone, 70 people gave their life to Jesus Christ over the last three days.” – Pastor Moise Vaval

New life was also witnessed over the weekend, as our little 13-year-old sister Renise went in for an ultrasound. She’s seven and a half months pregnant. Her daughter is due on April 17th. We’re working with local medical professionals to make sure Renise and her daughter get the care they need and deserve. Many of you have asked me, “What are the plans for Renise’s child?” All I am going to say for now is, “We see God moving in a powerful way to write a beautiful story.” More details to follow.

God is using you to make this new (spiritual and physical) life possible! And, He is faithful to complete what He starts. As they say in Haiti, Benny Swa Le Te Nel! Praise the Lord!

Haiti Update: 2/14/10

From Adrien Lewis, live from Haiti:

This is James on the right: James

If you’ve followed this blog, you’ve heard about James from time to time. James doesn’t know how old he is. He looks like he’s 4. A dentist looked at his choppers and said he’s probably 7. He acts like he’s 17.

After getting his head smashed by a block and undergoing surgery, James had a gash running from just next to his right eye alll the way up into his head. Shortly after the quake and his surgery, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative delivered to us a groggy, bandagd Li’l James. We had sparingly little biographical info on James, though we did have a few leads.

James has miraculously healed, and become the Mayor of the Transition Village. He’s a great character. Funny. Joyful. Mischievous. Bright. Sweet. He has stolen the heart of every person who’s come to visit, and the entire staff at the OTV. To be honest, we’ve become emotionally attached to this little guy.

From the beginning, however, our first priority for the children entrusted to us has been to safely return them to family, if safe and at all possible. Even when re-unification is hard on us.

Our initial efforts at tracking James’ folks – if alive – proved fruitless. Last Friday, we decided to ramp up our efforts under the direction of Moise and I. This morning, a group of 10 people from the OTV took little James and hit the streets in the area where James was found.

On the way our driver called a friend, who met us on a street in the area. Then another joined us who knew the area. We drove deep into neighborhood where we believed James lived. At the top of a one-way we got out and started asking around. James was holding on to me with anticipation because he now remembers this is close to his home. A 10 yr old girl sees James, listens to us, and says that she knows someone who may know something about James’ family. We wind around and find a cousin. He points us further into the neighborhood. Moise follows a lead and disappears. Then he pops back to the rest of us with 3 ladies and a HUGE smile on his face. Who are the 3? James’ aunt, grandma, and mother! Can you believe it?! James beamed. The smile on his face was priceless. By the grace of God, a family was re-united one full month after the quake! By then, a crowd had gathered staring at the scene in utter disbelief. Moise prayed over the crowd to give thanksgiving. It felt so so good!

Today is day 3 of 3 of prayer and fasting. I don’t know all of the prayers the Lord has answered. We do know He’s answered many and many more answered prayers will come. And we credit Him with this victory for little James and his family.

We lost a precious little part of our village today. And the Kingdom gained a great big W.

Look, there’s a lot of tough stuff going on here in Haiti. But there are victories. They are daily. They are huge. And they inspire!

Count this as a Big One. Thanks for not quitting on James and his family. Au revoir, James. May God richly bless your life, little man.

Haiti Update: 2/14/10

From Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

Today, we met Rose who was born in Port Au Prince, but left at the age of six and grew up American. She’s now left her life in Naples, FL to come back and help rebuild her native country. Our flight attendant, Liz, asked us to take our GO kids some toys she had in her suitcase. (Liz, the nerf football will be a big hit!) And, we met Jo, a 73-year old Grandmother who, out of her desire to help, has given to eight different relief agencies since the earthquake. She was fascinated by our partnership with the local church in Haiti. Jo’s parting statement: “I’m proud of you.”

Proverbs 24:11 sounds a lot like Grandma Jo. “If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. Rescue those being taken off to death…”

That is the heart of God, shared by Rose, Liz, Jo, you, and more each day. Thank you for “doing something” during this difficult time. Something important. Something for children. Something for the Kingdom. Something that God is blessing in a big way. We love you! Press on!

ONE MONTH AFTER: Where are we GO-ing? Haiti Update: 2/12/10

One month ago today, Haiti’s largest earth quake in 200 years rocked the country. With your support, we were on the ground in 48 hours. By God’s grace, all our Global Orphan Project children were okay. Within 72 hours our first food shipment secured a reliable pipeline for all 2,000 GO kids in Haiti…and for thousands more hurting, hungry, and in need of care.

We then focused on newly-orphaned and abandoned children. By day four, our Orphan Transition Village was operational; a safe place for desperate children fending for themselves. More than 500 new children have come into our GO Project family; some from orphanages destroyed by the earthquake. Others, like James (7), Pierre (10), Renise (13), Moliva and Rogelin (15), lost their parents one month ago.

These children pierce our hearts. We celebrated when Johnny and Franze reunited with family. We hurt when Pierre grieves the loss of his Mom. We see hope in their soccer games. We hear it in their songs. We feel it in their hugs. You are there with us. Your generosity to our Haiti relief fund feeds these children and gives them shelter. Your prayers protect them, and for many on our weekly teams, your presence blesses (may we even say “spoils”) them?

We love that. We love you.

So, where do we GO from here? We will build new homes for these children. In partnership with the local church, we will bring them into our GO Project family. In the next few weeks, we will share with you specifics as to what homes will be built, where, and when. Many of you have already indicated that you are “in.” You will give these children a future grounded in the love of Jesus, and we trust God to bring more partners to this movement of care!

We are grateful for you. Press on!

Haitians Replace Carnival with Prayer: Haiti Update: 2/11/10

Join us in celebrating 3 days of prayer and fasting for Haiti.

As many may have heard, President Preval has cancelled a Haitian tradition held for decades, called Carnival (a Mardi Gras type celebration).

In place of this huge party an organized 3 day prayer and fasting event is set to start this Friday, February 12th, through Sunday the 14th, from 6AM to Noon each day.

What we are doing:

All children in Haiti under our care will fast and pray from 6am to 12 noon for their country
Adrien Lewis will lead our staff on the ground in prayer and fasting along with the children
No trucks will be unloaded during the prayer and fasting hours
Our GO Project team in the US will be praying and fasting as well

What can you do:

Organize your own prayer and fasting event
Get your church, school or business to hold a prayer and/or fasting event
Simply pray and fast along with us

We consider it a privilege to be working along side each of you to care for His kids! Our prayer is God will continue to heal Haiti for His glory.

Haiti Pictorial Update: 2/11/10

Our friend Jeff Julian, took some great pictures at the Transition Orphan Village. It is so great to see so many smiles.

Haiti Recovery: Earthquake Updates