Silent Lightning

The past few nights, the sky has been filled with bright streaks of light. It’s like a quick window of heaven before it disappears. But still no crash or rumble can be heard. It’s crazy how the night sky seems hopeful and strong over a land that is in so much suffering. Today was like the silent lightning with all the exciting activities and love that was shown.

We got the opportunity to join the kids in church service this morning. The whole community seemed to transform as the kids sang and danced to loud worship music. Each kid had their Sunday best and smile on. Pastor Bob gave all of us something to think about, something we all struggle with every moment of everyday, idols. It was a wonderful morning with the children. Most of us were blessed to spend a whole day at New Life again. It has been so fun to be able to invest in the kids’ lives and hang out with all of them.  The afternoon was definitely a party. The kids swarmed the soccer field as we put on several soccer scrimmages and crafts. Everyone one seemed to be involved in one way or another. It was so exciting to just stand back and watch the joy the game gives the kids. It was great to see all of it unite in the mist of chaos. Near dinner, we got a surprise visit from a second orphanage who challenged New Life to a soccer game. Of course no one could pass up the opportunity, so we came out fighting and defended the home field.

My favorite moment of the day was during the first game against the orphanage. Everyone was crowded around the field watching and cheering intensely. In the background of all the excitement, there were five little boys banging wildly on the wooden table singing. They were singing lines of different praise songs. It was like a little band for Jesus. I knew at that moment Jesus had to be smiling because I could not take my eyes off of them. There was so much love and hope in all the banging and singing coming from such small bodies.

Today blew me away just like every day has. I am so excited for tomorrow because we are breaking out of these beautiful walls and serving more children and families! Jesus is so good.

Submitted by Lizzie Bergquist

It's All New Again

The following is written by one of our new short term missionaries. It's always inspiring to see the world through fresh eyes. May you be blessed by Marissa's view.

Today is the end of my first day in Haiti. I feel like words can’t even do justice to the experience I have had so far. The drive from the airport to New Life was a lot to take in. I have seen pictures and heard stories but seeing it in person finally made it real. We drove through an alley way and passed a little girl around the age of four or five sitting on a doorstep all by herself. When she saw us through the back window of the truck she got a big smile on her face and waved to us…and I looked back again at a point down the road where she was barely visible and she was still waving. I wanted so back to jump out of the truck carry her to New Life with me.  I think the image of that sweet little girl waving will stick with me for a long time. The moment I got to New Life, I immediately felt like I was at home. The love I feel for each one of the kids here is overwhelming, and it’s only been one day. We played soccer earlier today and a little boy went flying by me dribbling the ball, I watch him take a shot on goal and then realized he only had one leg. He had a crutch under the opposite arm and was able to play. I was amazed. I also spent a lot of time with the handicapped children, and was touched by the big smile that would come across their faces with just a hug or a touch, or a ride down the sidewalk in their wheelchair. It is so easy to see God working here, and it is so easy to give away his love. I was able to meet the girl that I sponsor, and the girl who my mom sponsors last night and gave them each a little cross necklace, then haven’t taken them off since. I am so grateful that I got the chance to meet each of those girls, and hope to continue my relationship with them. Tonight when we were doing worship songs with the kids, I had a little girl sitting on my lap and we were both singing. At that point, I got completely overwhelmed and couldn’t keep a few tears from falling. I am so thankful I have been given this opportunity and I knew at that moment that this is right where God wants me to be.  I am so excited to see what He has in store for me the rest of the week!

Leaving Haiti is Hard...for everyone

Today, the first team of soccer missionaries left Haiti with lots of tears. As I wait behind for the next team to arrive from Chicago in less than four hours, I am very sad and reflective. It was interesting to stay behind to see the tears of the Haitian children. I am de-sensitized to our ride of tears back to the airport but to see a young Haitian man cry, in a culture where men do not cry, was disturbing. I think it was even more so because last night in our final team gathering, a short –term missionary said he hoped he never sees the kids again. After the shock of the moment, he explained he would hope that by the time he returns next year, all the boys and girls would be adopted or “graduated” on to real careers.  While I believe this is all our hope, the reality is many of these kids will be here next year. The thought makes our good-byes even harder and the thought of waiting another year to hug these beautiful children haunting.

Please pray for the team going home. The re-entry into American culture is monumental and always an adjustment. Please pray for the next team of missionaries, they are about to assaulted by the most extreme poverty in the western hemisphere. The entry is always tough. Last week, one missionary could not stop crying for the first 8 hours. Please pray for the soccer events, the tent city feedings, the orphanage visits, the Pastor’s conference we are holding for 80 pastors and our transportation in and around Port Au Prince. But most of all, please pray for the Haitians we will encounter this week. Pray our presence will bring the hope that we have not forgotten them or their children.

Love God. Love Others. Change the World. It’s not a slogan. It’s a mission.

Goal........

"If We Are The Body"

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

by Casting Crowns

These are the words that convicted me as I join the children and youth of New Life tonight at worship and devotions.  I was a very efficient blogger tonight and I had the blog written way before our deadline.  Just for the record we don’t have a deadline.  It started when a young girl of about five named Fabiyan rushed up to me as I was walking to worship and grabbed my hand and sat me on the front row and sat on my lap singing this song and others as we worshipped together.  I was sitting there with kids from the ages of 2-8 and they were singing praise songs in English and it brought a tear to my eyes as it felt like a small piece of heaven when we are all worshipping together bringing praise to his name.  The two year old next to me actually rushed to the projected image on the wall during one of the songs and raised his hands and worshipped and sang as the image projected on the back of his head.  The words from this song and these children helped me to realize that I did not share how we have seen God work while we ministered in Haiti this week.

One of our prayers for the week is that we have the eyes to see and ears to hear where God is at work.  I want to share just a few of the ways we heard of and experienced God’s presence.  The way the young adults on our team came together and would do anything needed to help, serve, encourage and love everyone they encounter was amazing.  We live in close quarters and spend all of our time together and no one ever complains about the heat the dust the dirt the field conditions or the children we meet.  They always find the best in everyone they meet.  One of the children from New Life came to serve with us on Tuesday.  He is a kid who lost his entire family in the earthquake and deals with most adversity through acting out in anger.  He helped us serve at a tent city orphanage and when he returned he had a new attitude.  The act of service to other had changed his demeanor.  One of the young boys here at New Life lost his leg in the earthquake.  He never complains and he will be right in the middle of the soccer field using his leg and a crutch to shoot on anyone who can handle his shot.  Several on our team shared how he will always be an inspiration to them when they think they are having a bad day.  We met with the founder of Respire on Tuesday and she told several amazing ways in which God is working in that ministry the helps educate indentured servant children by giving them an education. Megan found out after she bought the land that a local pastor had prayed for twelve years that the Lord would use that land for his work.  She prayed for the land next door to the property as well and asked God to bring clarity to any decision that was made and she received a call five minutes later from the same pastor that the land was for sale and asked if she was interested in buying the land.  Megan had another miraculous story about how she learned the Creole language as well.

We spent our nightly devotions talking about love, respect, honestly and as the conversations progressed throughout the week I realized how this team was brought together to reach out the youth and young adults using the world’s best ice breaker, a soccer ball. We all could see and hear where the Lord was working as we ministered this week to the babies, children and youth of Haiti offering hugs, kisses, high fives, chest bumps, soccer balls and equipment.  Thank you to all of you who helped us financially, through equipment donations and most importantly through your prayers.  The words of a song and the touch of a child’s hand helped me to realize that we are the body of Christ and we are called to be his hands and feet to those less fortunate.  We prepare to leave tomorrow with heavy hearts that will always have a special place for our Haitian friends.

Bonswa,

John Keefer sharing for the 2012 Haiti Soccer Mission Team

Today was a day unlike any other day since we have been to Haiti. This Fourth of July in the Caribbean is one we will never forget. We celebrated Independence Day in style by taking all the children at New Life Orphanage to the beach! It was the perfect antidote to the Haitian heat. Most of the children could not sleep the night before because anticipation kept them awake with what the next day would bring. As we all rode the Tap Tap (Haitian taxi), the two hour ride felt like nothing as singing and playing games with a few of the older children made time fly. When we arrived at the beach, we were in awe of the beauty and peace hidden beneath all the trash, smoke, disaster, and poverty. What a sight to see: Palm trees and the majestic Haitian mountains overlooking the clear Caribbean Sea. Before we swam, we had a few good old American hot dogs, let them settle, and then hit the waves. So many smiles and laughs among children with such troubled pasts was a miracle in its self, let alone the pleasure of being there to experience it. Of course, there was more soccer on a field of spray painted concrete and 4 big rocks for goals. It was excellent playing conditions.    

Following is a reflective conversation between me and a fellow missionary.

Evan: So what’s been your favorite part about this year’s trip?

Pat: Being able to bond with the children on a greater level then on the previous trip.

E: And what do you think the children of New Life have appreciated most?

P:  Well, for those who play soccer, I believe having the opportunity to have similar soccer experiences as we have had by receiving top of the line soccer gear, playing in competitive tournaments against competitive teams, and receiving large trophies. The kids who do not play enjoyed the compassion from team members that they would normally never receive in many other ways through crafts and other games.

E: In which instances have you seen God at work or felt His presence?

P: God has been at work at all times during this trip but where it is most evident is within each of our fellow missionaries spreading God’s praise wherever we go. We have also seen God within every one of the children that we meet. Their smiles in such troubled times are testaments to God being able to overcome all obstacles.

E: When, if it all, have you seen or felt the devil’s presence?

P: Haiti is the Voodoo capital in the world. Symbols and signs are everywhere tell us that our presence is not welcomed, but through our actions of compassion we are able to tear down all barriers and find the good where people think is impossible.

E: I understand this is your second mission trip to Haiti. How have you changed in the past year?

P:  I am more appreciative about all the things that God has given me. I am more aware of the poverty and need for change in the world, not just Haiti.

E: Lastly, up until tonight we have had 4 themes in our nightly prayer and discussion devoted to God. Of the 4 themes (Love, Giving, Kindness, and Respect), choose a theme and a related moment that was most exemplified during this trip.

P:  Giving has been the most prominent throughout this entire trip as we have given out soccer balls, cleats, shin guards, goalie gloves, jerseys, shorts, etc... Even after all of the giving we have done with the donations you at home have collected for us, the joy given back by the children far exceed the sacrifice we have made.