I'm pretty sure I get the meaning of "greeting each other with a holy kiss" now. Thanks God...
Two days ago I finally made my way over to Port-au-Prince from Santo Domingo. It was the longest 10 hour drive of my life including a 3-hour road block at the border, over 1000 speed bumps (you think I'm exaggerating), and heavy heavy traffic in Port-au-Prince. Needless to say, I was exhausted after the long journey and was thankful to finally get in my tent and pass out.
The very next day, Liz, Teri and I traveled to the Fleury Foundation Orphanage (you can see before pictures here) in Leogane, just outside of Port-au-Prince. This is an orphanage that has literally lost everything. Before the earthquake hit, they ran an advanced medical clinic complete with an ambulance, a bakery, housing for over fifty children, a church, and a school. All of these buildings were completely destroyed and left in ruins. Liz and Teri were doing some work for Children's Hope Chest while I was trying to see how the World Race could get involved. When we finally met the children, each one of them (51 girls and 2 boys) came up and gently kissed our cheeks saying hello. At first, I thought it was really cute after about twenty of them had puckered up, then I just became overcome with their love. It was quite an incredible experience and I instantly connected with them. They were just too precious.
Pastor Kelly then accompanied us to the various sites that had been crushed, recounting the stories of what happened during the earthquake. He showed us the former building that housed all of the children...completely in ruins. All that remained in the wake was a hat and dress draping over the rubble. We proceeded to ask why that was there and here's what he told us...
The day the earthquake hit, the children were out in front of the building sitting down or playing around. One of the house mothers was on the 2nd floor with two of the children as the building came crashing down. She jumped to protect them, hovering over them, agonizing in pain as the walls crumpled on top of her. The children crawled out of the rubble barely scraped while the mother laid there, body beaten and weakened by the blow. She knew that the children had made it safely out as she took her final breaths beneath the rocks. She laid her life down for these sweet sweet babies. This hat and dress were hers. They are a reminder to them of her sacrifice. The way she gave her life as Jesus did, so that others might live. That is a true testimony of God's love for these children. I was blown away by this story...and yet...there are still more and more out there just like this.
To see these little girls after such a tragedy with the ability and capacity to love so greatly is God's grace in action. Although the focus and attention of the world seems to turn away from Haiti these days as other world news takes precedence, these sweet children still show love to us. Foreigners. Strangers. It doesn't matter to them. They smiled from ear to ear welcoming our presence. We were able to get all of their bio information and we gave out some gifts that Teri brought down with her. We prayed for them, laughed with them, and took lots of pictures. We are hoping and praying for God to send more workers and aid down here to get places like this back on their feet. These children have nothing to sleep on and rainy season is coming soon. Food is super expensive now and it's just harder to feed fifty children with the supply that they have.
I am so thankful for this experience. I pray that your heart is continually moved for these people even though the media's eyes are shifting elsewhere. They are still in such desperate need. We felt a tremor yesterday that terrified these kids. I couldn't imagine living every day in such fear. But that's their reality. Pray for these children as they continue to rebuild what was lost.
To find out how you can continue to support me and the ministry that we're doing down here, visit these sites:
There's a verse that I've probably heard more than the familiar John 3:16. It is Romans 8:28 which states:
ALL things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.
Now, I've typically heard this verse from friends and family in times when I was stressed about something or in times of trouble. In fact, I even use it to encourage others more often than not. Does it get old and repetitive? Yes, but only because I realize just how much of the Bible I don't know when it is chock-full of encouraging and life-giving verses. It just makes me long for more and more intimacy with him and his Word. Upon second thought, however, I realize that this verse has been somewhat thematic in my life.
Recently, God has really blessed me through my family and friendships. My family has always supported me through everything I do and have constantly encouraged me even in through the most difficult and challenging times. He really has worked things all out for his good. For instance, last August before leaving on the World Race the second time, my harddrive crashed on my laptop. It was so frustrating as I was leaving in just two days. But through my sister Bethany's love and support, she kindly lent her computer for my use as I'd be blogging out on the field. He used HER to complete his purposes and work things for the GOOD according to his purpose as I'd be ministering to so many people through my blogs. He brought it into alignment.
I already mentioned in a previous blog how God provided through my friend Sarah for me to go to Haiti in January and how my old high school covered my ground costs. Seriously, God knew the work that would be done in Haiti and he worked it out once again. But this time, he blended two familiar stories into one as I prepare to leave for Haiti on Tuesday.
I'm a few days away from leaving for Haiti again when my sister's computer crashes. This is now the second computer right before I'm about to leave for the field. Needless to say, I was frustrated and discouraged. I asked God why in the world did this have to happen again? I'm not under warranty with either of the computers so the costs to repair it would be expensive to say the least. Money which I DO NOT have. Well, here's where God's amazing plan just baffles me. I have a friend who works with computers. He not only replaced the harddrive with one that holds twice the amount of memory for free but installed the newest operating system for free as well. As far as the other crashed computer, it is getting sent in for repairs for a price CONSIDERABLY less than what I would have had to do without connections. And as if God hadn't blessed me enough, this friend also gave me his tent for use in Haiti as well because I had to ditch mine after a violent time battling Irish weather last year. So even in the most frustrating and discouraging hour, God says, "See Aaron, even this I will work for good. Two crashed computers and no tent, pff, no problem"
And it's so true. Isn't he marvelous in that way??? I'm blown away by his goodness and his meticulous design.
So I thought I'd share that story as I prepare for my departure on Tuesday. I can't wait to get back down to Haiti and see how he is moving down there. I will be working closely with the STM (Short Term Missions) department in Port-au-Prince while I will be setting up for the World Race June Relief Trip and the July squad launch over the summer. I will be there until March 25th and I look forward to blogging some stories from there. After that, I'll be reuniting with the J-squad in Thailand for a debrief!!! So excited about that. Praise God for his goodness and bringing ALL things together for good.
For years, Haiti has had a strong voodoo influence. They've also held to traditional festivals of Mardi Gras and the like. However, this year has been different. God has moved and stirred in the hearts of the Haitians. Check out this video that Seth Barnes posted on his blog not too long ago about the new practice that the Haitians have taken up instead of Mardi Gras:
By now, you have all heard about the devastation that occurred in Haiti over one month ago. It is quite possibly one of the most horrific and tragic events of our time. That being said, here is a brief glimpse into our time in Haiti last month. This is your chance to get involved in either going or sending. Take a peek!
Where does anyone begin? I guess I can start by saying that I'm aching. I ache for the Haitians. It's wild to think that even through all of the travels, God still manages to break my heart for specific people groups. When I was in Swaziland, my soul cried out for Moses and his family. In the Philippines, John Ry and Marvin wrecked me. In Cambodia, I was overcome with pain for the teens that suffered physical beatings from their families to attend church. Still, Haiti is different. It hurts, right to the core of my being.
A few weeks ago, God moved and I made my first trip down to Haiti. I had heard stories of bodies being piled in the streets, hundreds orphaned, and entire buildings destroyed. Nothing, however, really prepares you for what you may see with your own eyes. In the midst of stunning physical beauty lies a city that is utterly devastated. It is in ruins. Makeshift tents line the streets of a dilapidated city. Already considered the poorest country in the western hemisphere, Haiti now experiences unimaginable poverty, the likes of which many cannot even comprehend. The overwhelming sense in my spirit is that the Haitians are waiting. They cannot return to what they once had and they cannot rebuild. The children wait by passing the time with nonsensical games while adults struggle to hunter and gather for their respective flocks. It's day one of the rest of their lives. But I know that Jesus had something to say about these times...
Blessed are the poor in spirit for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them
Matthew 5:3
When we are weak, he is made strong. That truth reverberates in my ears as I think of these people. He is about reconciliation and restoration, we see it clear as day in his word. And because of this, it brings me much hope. The Kingdom is at hand for the Haitians.
I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would see the likes of Haiti. Never. Even when the earthquake hit, I was moved, but never realized that I would play any kind of role in what God was doing on the ground. Well, shows how much I know. During my time in Haiti, I spoke on the phone with Allison Johnston. Allison works for the World Race, has squad-led twice, and now focuses her time on staff/leadership development. She has poured many hours of her time investing into me along with other leaders in AIM. In our talk, she said this:
God is doing some big things down in Haiti and the World Race wants to be a part of it. Would you consider praying about your involvement in it?
Nothing was set in stone and I had no idea what that would even look like. But now, two weeks later, the picture is getting clearer. Originally I had planned to move to Gainesville as part of going on staff in the training department but when God moves and desires something different, we go with it. So now, after much prayer and counsel, I will be heading back down to Haiti in the near future. I will be working not only with World Race squads, but I will have a chance to partner with some of the AIM Short-term Missions groups that will be going down as well. I will be doing a lot of logistical work and establishing relationships among our network of Haitian pastors in hopes of providing both encouragement and physical relief. So I will be going back and forth between GA and Haiti over the next year or however long God calls me to it and the need exists. It's time to start seeing this nation rebuilt on a sure foundation and it will be done through the faithful followers in Haiti. This is a big undertaking and it's something that I do not take lightly. One thing that I expressed to Allison was my need for community while I am down there. Being that Haiti is such an intense spiritual climate, I do not want to go in without the support needed. So please begin praying for others to hear the call in going down to Haiti as well. I am currently working a part-time job at home while raising support full-time. If you would like to begin supporting me and this ministry, please take the time to visit the "Support Me" link on the left-hand side of this page. I am in need of monthly supporters as well as one-time gifts. Really, everything counts, great or small. I would love the opportunity to meet with or talk to you about how you can partner with me in this endeavor of seeing Haiti restored. Facebook me, call me, email me, or Contact Me on here and we will make it happen.
The need is great. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord in this way and I am thankful for people like you who are able to send me. What an amazing thing the body of Christ is!
I just wanted to share this story with you. This is a blog from Stephanie Tyrna who was on our Haiti Relief team. It broke my heart to read this account after being there and meeting Sheldon personally.
"Sheldon
is an 11 year old Haitian boy who arrived at the orphanage in the DR where we
stayed. He came there a day or two before we arrived. He speaks French and
Kreyole, which are the main languages in Haiti. I was never able to carry on a
conversation with him because I only knew how to say, "How are you?" and "What
is your name?" in French.
The
entire time we were at the orphanage, Sheldon would just sit there in a chair
off to the side observing everyone. He didn't say a word. He looked like he was
in shock or in another world. He had a cast on his right arm and some gashes on
his head.
Unfortunately,
I don't know his story. I don't know if he has any family left. I don't know
how he got to this orphanage.
All
I know is that his entire world has been forever changed. I see sadness in his
eyes. I see an 11 year old boy who is devastated and lost.
What
can I do? What can I offer him? What can I say?
On
my flight home, God put him heavily on my heart. I regretted not finding out
his story. There was just no one around the orphanage who spoke French to be
able to translate for me.
So
while on the plane I prayed for him and came to the conclusion that he has
probably either lost his entire family or he doesn't know where his family is
or if they are even still alive and he somehow got separated and brought to
this orphanage.
Either
way, this orphanage is the reality of the new life that he has just started.
He
is 11 years old.
He knows what is going on. He is at the age where he still depends on his
family to provide for him in life. And now that is all gone. He will
forever be changed by this tragic event.
Please
pray for Sheldon and the millions of other children who are in an absolute
state of shock and feel like they have no one to turn to right now. They need
our prayers more than ever. "
My heart was racing as I jumped into the back of our truck. Sarah and I were on a mission. A million thoughts flooded my mind as we set out to find babies' milk. Stores had been raped of their supplies and it was already 10pm, hardly the hour to find a pharmacy open. I sat there in the back of the truck bouncing along the bumpy terrain just pondering...will it happen again?
I met Francois at a refugee site in Jimani, a border town on the Dominican side about five minutes from Haiti. He appeared to be a strong man with gentle speech as he approached me. We had traveled to this site bringing hot chocolate to the families and the victims of the tragic earthquake that had paralyzed this nation. Our hope is that they would feel the sense of home even though they now resided in a foreign land. Francois asked what we were doing there and I had the opportunity to share why God had led us there. He expressed his thanks to the many people who had flown in from the outside out of the goodness of their hearts to love and comfort his people. He proceeded to inform me of his current situation.
Just two weeks earlier, Francois was in his house in Port-au-Prince. He and his wife lived in a 5-story building near the center of town. As he was working on the bottom floor, the earth began to shake and suddenly, the building collapsed. Five floors came crashing down on top of him. At this time, his pregnant wife had been in their home on the fifth floor and fell straight through the floor landing a few feet from where he stood. Instinctively, Francois leapt across the moving floor to sprawl himself over his wife for protection. It was the only thing that he could do. Thirty seconds later, the ground stopped and chaos ensued all around them. People were desperately searching for their families and injuries and death increased exponentially as the Haitians began to recover from the trembling. Francois arose from being the protective blanket over his wife to find out that she had begun contracting. She was nine months pregnant.
For five days, his wife experienced tremendous pain as they fled for the Jimani border, hours away from their home. "How was she going to survive?" he would ask. "Who will help us?"
Arriving at the border, Francois began asking questions. Medical teams swarmed the mobs of people pouring through the lines and they quickly assisted Francois and his wife. She went into labor and he waited to find out whether or not he would be widowed or if he would have a new addition to his family. He sat praying and asking the Lord for his sweet mercy. Moments later, news arrived that she had given birth to a baby girl whom they would call Francelina. Overcome with joy that his family had survived this tragedy, the only thing Francois could mutter was "God saved my family". And it's true. Only a divine creator concerned with the intimate details of his children could provide a solution to something so seemingly impossible.
When I met Francois, Francelina was a mere ten days old. The clinic was understaffed, there were language barriers, and there was a shortage of medical supplies. One of these was baby milk/formula. Three other families had newborn babies at this clinic but the milk had run out that morning and it was now 10pm. The need was great considering the babies had not eaten since that morning. His wife could not feed their child because she was unable to produce milk. It all seemed so eerily similar to the story of baby Moses. I had to act. I could not bear to see another family suffer the loss of a child like that. So I left with Sarah to find our Dominican driver.
We tore through the streets with reckless abandon as we interceded and begged God to provide an open store or pharmacy with the supplies we needed. We arrived at a local store whose supplies I'm sure were drastically decreased than what they had before hundreds of Haitians had poured in through the border. But we asked anyway. Sure enough, they had just one box of 12 bottles. This I imagine could last the three families for a little over two days. It was not enough so we continued. I had visited a pharmacy before asking for phone credit, so we headed there. As we charged up the stairs, I kept thinking about Moses and Francelina. I was overcome with anguish for both families. My Spanish rattled off of my tongue with astounding fluidity as I communicated our needs. God was definitely in that considering their dialect is strikingly different from Mexican Spanish. The woman behind the counter smiled and placed three palettes of twelve bottles each atop the counter. Praise God! We paid and made our way back to the compound in hopes of arriving before the gates closed. We made it. I ran over to Francois and informed him of the news. A strong but gentle man sank into a deep sigh of relief with tears welling up in his eyes. The only thing he could do was thank us and thank God for saving his family. We were able to capture his story on video with Steph's camera along with many other stories. The WR marketing team is working diligently in sharing their stories.
Francois like many others probably hasn't the slightest clue as to what his next step will be. Many are just waiting. They can't return to what they had because it no longer exists and they cannot rebuild yet for fear of more earthquakes and aftershocks. So what are they to do? They just sit idly with blank stares across their faces. Our hope is to see pastors emerge as the fathers of this rebuilding nation. They will be the ones to look after the orphans and widows as the numbers are increasing daily. Our time down there was a success in establishing partnerships with different pastoral networks. We will be throwing full support in sending teams and supplies down to them in this time of greatest need. Many are turning to the Lord in the wake of this destruction. Please continue supporting them financially and physically by donating to the Haiti Relief Fund or by joining one of the many teams heading down there this year. EVERY skill set is needed and now is the time to act. I encourage you to do so. May God be glorified in it all!
THERE ARE SEVERAL VIDEOS AND BLOGS POSTED TO KEEP YOU UPDATED ON THE ONGOING SITUATIONS THERE. YOU'LL ALSO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Aaron took the bare essentials on this trip [no computer] and asked me to post updates for him when he is able to send me text messages. He arrived safely in the Dominican on Thursday afternoon, January 21st.
MESSAGE SENT: Jan 28, 2010 9:51 AM A medical/special ops team is arriving today with 50 beds and two mobile medical units to the areas of Sarte and Carrefour where we are partnering with churches. Two big tent cities. I will be arriving in Atlanta tomorrow at 4:40pm on AA 1617. Our time here has been very fruitful and productive. We are excited to see these people restored.
MESSAGE SENT: Jan 27, 2010 2:28 PM Orphanage now has 68 orphans and several refugees living in tents outside. Crossed the border, staying in San Juan tonight and Santo Domingo tomorrow. Will be in touch.
MESSAGE SENT: Jan 27, 2010 8:08 AM Leaving Port Au Prince today. Lots of collapsed buildings, people still trapped underneath. The hardest hit area was the Capitol building area. We have been setting up for more short term teams to come down. There should be a medical team here next week. Heading to the DR border today and checking in at an orphange. There will be a large influx of orphans coming and looking to be adopted in the US.
MESSAGE SENT: Jan 25, 2010 10:18 PM
Just bought baby formula for a clinic that had three children. Francois the father of one of them was with his wife in their house in Port Au Prince when the earthquake hit. She was on the 5th floor and nine months pregnant. The house collapsed but he said God saved him and his family. He now has a 10 day old baby named francilena. The clinic was out of milk for the babies this
morning. God provided and we were obedient. I am staying two days longer to go into Port Au Prince . Pray for safety, people are getting desperate.
MESSAGE SENT: Jan 24, 2010 10:46AM
We are in Haiti at a church converted into a trauma care center. 100 new patients arrived yesterday from Port Au Prince. We are giving lots of water away along with other food. People are desperate and grabbing for everything they can.
MESSAGE SENT: Jan 23, 2010 8:23 PM
Looks like we may be heading into Haiti tomorrow. Not sure if we're going to Port Au Prince yet. Will let you know.
MESSAGE SENT: Jan 22, 2010 10:19 PM
Unloaded water, fed over 100 homeless refugees on Jimani. Desperation is setting in, spirits are low and people are frustrated.
MESSAGE SENT: Jan 22, 2010 9:03AM
Just loaded 5,000 bottles of water in a bus to take to the border Jimani. Tell everyone to follow SARA CHOE on Twitter. She is doing live updates on there all the time.
This is a post from Seth Barnes, director of Adventures in Missions from his blog "In the Midst of Death". Check it out along with the video from CNN.
I
have spent the past five days with the Searchlight participants
urgently praying for Haiti. Our prayers are being answered. Light is
infusing the darkness as we speak. This article from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries illuminates the faith rising from the rubble.
CNN
and other networks went to church today. In Haiti, that is. Because the
faith celebrated there today has become part of the story of Haiti's
darkest hour.
It's not a surprise to those of us who have been
with these precious brothers and sisters. Some of them live every day
with a tenacious faith that sustains them through their grinding
poverty. And when they worship, it's not all buttoned down like so many
American churches. It's exuberant!
That's
why the CNN reporter at a Haitian Sunday service had a hard time
hearing the anchorwoman on the other end. Yes, their church was
destroyed by the earthquake. But that didn't stop them. They
worshiped in a nearby park, patching together a platform from wood
scraps and somehow finding a generator and a sound system. Those
Haitian believers were clearly experiencing the Presence of God in the
middle of the death and destruction all around them.
One reporter
seemed almost incredulous at the faith he had encountered. "Everyone
we've spoken to - they're not questioning God; they're thanking God. We
see spontaneous processions through the streets of Port-au-Prince,
joyously praising and thanking God. At times like this, so many
people's faith has defied the odds. That's what's pulling them through."
Defiant
faith. That's what it is. Not faith that denies the awful grief of
having lost someone whose death and final resting place they may never
be able to confirm. Not faith that doesn't struggle with where to go
when you've lost most of the little you had. Those realities are
painful, undeniable. But for all the pain and loss on their scale, they
have something on the other side of the scale. Something - or Someone -
who balances the scale on the side of hope.
And the world is
watching and listening. What they are seeing is a power that is greater
than even life's most overwhelming shocks. Because its Source goes
beyond this life.
Put simply, their life is in the hands of a
Savior who conquered life's most fearsome enemy, death. Who, according
to history, walked out of His grave under His own power. He stands
above all the religions and prophets of history as the only Man who
validated His message with a resurrection. Most every religious leader
has promised eternal life. But only Jesus proved He has it to give.
What
we are seeing in the defiant faith of the believers of Haiti is, in
short, Jesus Christ alive. In them. The Bible describes this infusion
of uncrushable life this way: "In His great mercy He has given us new
birth, into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead" (1 Peter 1:3 ). Hope that is a Person, not a religion.
Last week, I made the one and half hour drive to Gainesville, GA in hopes of catching the vision and answering the famous World Race question "What's next?" Over the last three years, God has finally brought me to this point. Life is not just about transitioning to the next project, it is about becoming a part of a movement. That being said, I am coming on staff with AIM as an apprentice on the training side of things. I will be learning how to instruct, coordinate, team-build, and direct spiritually in the training arena. I am extremely excited at the opportunity to impart what I've learned over these years as well as learn from those who are investing into me.
So after everything had been discussed, I have made the decision to move up to Gainesville on March 1st. I will be there for 6 months for this apprenticeship before launching out into more long-term options whatever that looks like. This is a crucial and pivotal time of preparation for me. I hope to gain knowledge on how to create and initiate viable long-term ministries abroad during this time. I would love to invite you into a partnership as I continue this journey pressing into what God is doing in this generation. There is a movement and I would love it if you were a part of it. This a movement that is about bringing the Kingdom of God to all corners of the earth. It is a movement that desires to move and be led in spirit and in truth. I am asking that you partner with me through becoming a financial supporter. If you look on the left-hand side of my blog, you will see a link that says "Support me". Please click on that link and follow the steps to come on as a monthly supporter or for a one-time donation to my continued work in this ministry. Without you, I would not have been able to do and be a part of the amazing things that God has done over these past 3 years. Please send me a message through this site to discover what my direct needs are to continue on staff.
In other news, I had been praying about going to Haiti and God has opened the door. A friend called and offered to buy my plane ticket down to the Dominican Republic to be a part of an AIM first-response team on the field. Amazing how God moves!! I will be going down with about 6 other WR alumni on Thursday, Jan. 21st. We will then travel to the Haitian border where many refugees have fled from Port-au-Prince. Our hope is to bring much-needed water to the border, to build trust with the Haitians, and to establish a way for long-term relief effort teams to get down to Haiti over the next year. Please be praying for us as we will be sleeping in tents, and cooking with stoves once again. We do not want to abuse their resources as a visiting team from the US. Pray for divine appointments. Pray for a way in for future relief teams. Pray that God is glorified through our efforts and that Jesus shines in us. For more on how you can donate and support the Haiti Relief fund, go here: Haiti Relief. On this blog, you will find ways and even have an opportunity to give toward relief efforts. This is a tangible way for you to get involved and be connected to what God is doing down there. I implore you to give. I will be posting updates on Twitter and Facebook as I'm able. Blessings to you all and may we show that God is truly the provider and lover in times like these!
The very next day, 
To see these little girls after such a tragedy with the ability and capacity to love so greatly is God's grace in action. Although the focus and attention of the world seems to turn away from Haiti these days as other world news takes precedence, these sweet children still show love to us. Foreigners. Strangers. It doesn't matter to them. They smiled from ear to ear welcoming our presence. We were able to get all of their bio information and we gave out some gifts that Teri brought down with her. We prayed for them, laughed with them, and took lots of pictures. We are hoping and praying for God to send more workers and aid down here to get places like this back on their feet. These children have nothing to sleep on and rainy season is coming soon. Food is super expensive now and it's just harder to feed fifty children with the supply that they have.
Nothing was set in stone and I had no idea what that would even look like. But now, two weeks later, the picture is getting clearer. Originally I had planned to move to Gainesville as part of going on staff in the training department but when God moves and desires something different, we go with it. So now, after much prayer and counsel, I will be heading back down to Haiti in the near future. I will be working not only with World Race squads, but I will have a chance to partner with some of the AIM Short-term Missions groups that will be going down as well. I will be doing a lot of logistical work and establishing relationships among our network of Haitian pastors in hopes of providing both encouragement and physical relief. So I will be going back and forth between GA and Haiti over the next year or however long God calls me to it and the need exists. It's time to start seeing this nation rebuilt on a sure foundation and it will be done through the faithful followers in Haiti. This is a big undertaking and it's something that I do not take lightly. One thing that I expressed to Allison was my need for community while I am down there. Being that Haiti is such an intense spiritual climate, I do not want to go in without the support needed. So please begin praying for others to hear the call in going down to Haiti as well. I am currently working a part-time job at home while raising support full-time. If you would like to begin supporting me and this ministry, please take the time to visit the 
Arriving at the border, Francois began asking questions. Medical teams swarmed the mobs of people pouring through the lines and they quickly assisted Francois and his wife. She went into labor and he waited to find out whether or not he would be widowed or if he would have a new addition to his family. He sat praying and asking the Lord for his sweet mercy. Moments later, news arrived that she had given birth to a baby girl whom they would call Francelina. Overcome with joy that his family had survived this tragedy, the only thing Francois could mutter was "God saved my family". And it's true. Only a divine creator concerned with the intimate details of his children could provide a solution to something so seemingly impossible. 
We tore through the streets with reckless abandon as we interceded and begged God to provide an open store or pharmacy with the supplies we needed. We arrived at a local store whose supplies I'm sure were drastically decreased than what they had before hundreds of Haitians had poured in through the border. But we asked anyway. Sure enough, they had just one box of 12 bottles. This I imagine could last the three families for a little over two days. It was not enough so we continued. I had visited a pharmacy before asking for phone credit, so we headed there. As we charged up the stairs, I kept thinking about Moses and Francelina. I was overcome with anguish for both families. My Spanish rattled off of my tongue with astounding fluidity as I communicated our needs. God was definitely in that considering their dialect is strikingly different from Mexican Spanish. The woman behind the counter smiled and placed three palettes of twelve bottles each atop the counter. Praise God! We paid and made our way back to the compound in hopes of arriving before the gates closed. We made it. I ran over to Francois and informed him of the news. A strong but gentle man sank into a deep sigh of relief with tears welling up in his eyes. The only thing he could do was thank us and thank God for saving his family. We were able to capture his story on video with 