Pray for Haiti

What a great day yesterday! As our team gave testimony and praise to our most marvelous God for His amazing provision and presence. I sat and watched as both of my kids and my niece expressed their relationship with God: one singing praise and worship, the other sharing His observations of God's presence and boldness in Haiti, and the later as her eyes welled with tears at her longing to continue to serve God with her life. It was a glorious day. The bible, the WORD of God, came alive in Haiti for 29 precious servants of God, and they returned with a translation that touched the hearts of a packed building. In the words of St. Francis- Preach the gospel and if necessary use words.

Even after the return of our team from Haiti, I still find myself surfing Janiel and Heather's blog looking for news. Today I stumbled upon a new post from Heather. It is worth the read. Check out the link to Janiel and Heather's blog. And then take a few minutes to pray for Haiti...

and thank God for your blessings.

I think Haiti has my heart.

Dieunika has surgery!

Awhile back, Marla Pergrem shared with our youth group about a little girl who was trying to get to Arnold Palmer Hospital from Haiti to have a surgical procedure performed that could not have been done in her own country. She is only two years old. Marla sent me this email today along with an article (pasted at the bottom) explaining her circumstances. She certainly needs our prayers and we feel very connected to her just because she is from Haiti. (Dieunika is not from NWHCM)

From Marla:

I wanted to let everyone know too that I just got out of the OR after Dieunika’s (pronounced Janeeka) case, the little girl from Haiti we brought over to have surgery. The case went very well and she will only be in the hospital here for 2 or 3 days. She will be back in about 3 weeks for some follow-up surgery and at that time we are trying to get a dentist to come in and do something to help her smile better since sugar cane has done a number on her teeth! She is a real cutie and tired of seeing all of the American doctors and nurses in scrubs. When I went in to see her this morning before her surgery (in my scrubs), she put up her little hand and told me in loud Creole to “go back to your house” (and leave me alone lady!) Please continue to keep her in your prayers through her recovery and long separation from her parents in Haiti. Below is the article that will run in Florida Today about her story.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

April 10, 2008

Loving gift given anonymously

Unidentified donor pays for girl's surgery

BY JOHN A. TORRES
FLORIDA TODAY

By all accounts, 2-year-old Dieunika San Vil shouldn't have survived this long. Sick children in Haiti don't stand much of a chance in a country where one out of 10 children dies before the age of five and where children die regularly of diarrhea. Dieunika (pronounced ja-NEEK-A) was born without a properly formed anus. The only thing medical facilities in Haiti could do was to perform a colostomy, leaving the little girl with an opening on her abdomen and no hope for a normal life. But thanks to a missionary who was moved by her story, Brevard Health Alliance, Air Mobile Ministries, an anonymous donor and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, the little girl arrived in Brevard County last week and is scheduled for life-saving surgery later today. An anonymous donor is paying the $117,000 bill for the surgery, hospital spokeswoman Robin Kraich said. Dieunika will recuperate in the home of Titusville missionary and founder of the nonprofit Air Mobile Ministries, Joe Hurston, and his family. Hurston lived in Haiti for more than 20 years and continues to make regular trips to the impoverished island delivering water purifiers. "The remarkable thing is that this little one has survived at all," Hurston said. "How she has survived we don't even understand, but we knew we had to be involved. This is a very special child." Through a missionary contact in Haiti, the Hurston family should be able to get word to the baby's mother who anxiously awaits her daughter's return. Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. According to UNICEF, the country has the highest rate of infant, under-five and maternal mortality in the western world. Violence and lawlessness have been a problem in Haiti, especially since 2004 when President Jean Paul Aristide fled into exile. And just this week riots broke out in the capital, Port-Au –Prince, as people rebelled against rising rice prices. The United Nations peacekeeping force fired rubber bullets at the crowd. Hurston's wife, Cindy, a registered nurse, serves as Dieunika's caretaker, playmate, friend and surrogate mother for the time being. "We are blessed to be able to take care of her," she said, adding that she had thought her days of helping raise babies were over. Her youngest is 10. "It all came back to me and my kids are great with her. It was never a question of whether we should do this. She needed a family and we were there."

Sittin' here with my kids...

Praise the Lord...

I'm sitting here with my kids!

God is good. A few were sick but all are back and safe...

thank you all for your prayers!

Love, Nora

From Linda Nichols...

Welcome back good and faithful servants....

Linda Nichols

Today's Itinerary

They're Coming Home!!!

7:30 Depart NWHCM (via tap-tap and commuter planes, I believe)
(time is approximate as it took 4 and a half hours for them to arrive at the mission from Port Au Prince I am figuring the same for departure.)
12:40 pm Departing Port Au Prince for Miami
3:50 pm Arriving Miami
( Dinner at Chillis in Miami... Tonya said they were looking forward to this!)
7:05 pm Departing Miami for Orlando International Airport
8:10 pm Arriving Orlando International Airport!

8:55 pm hot showers and warm beds!


Thanks to all the prayer warriors who have kept them in their prayers, and please keep on keeping on! -Robin

Safe Journey...

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,
You have been so faithful - Your protection, guidance and direction, your wisdom, understanding and compassion, have been so evident this week. As this day begins, we just ask that you would continue to watch over our loved ones. Give them safe travel and their drivers & pilots skills to keep them safe.

I am confident that the eyes of those we love have seen things that many of us cannot comprehend or even relate to. I pray you will give them words to bridge the gap. I pray you would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Wrap them in your loving care. Use every experience, every memory, every encounter to continue to bring you glory today and all the days of their lives.

As they come home to a country where blessings abound, will you please turn any guilt to gratitude and action. Help us all to remember that though this trip is ending today for our team... many are beginning for others. Help us all to remember that though this trip is ending today for our team... many have dedicated their lives to living out this commission every day. Keep those people ever on our minds and hearts. Help us to be generous with our blessings to support the good work that they are doing, every day.

May the people of Haiti be overtaken by the Spirit of God. Send revival... Remove the blanket of fear that covers the people of that country and open their eyes to see the hope they have in Jesus Christ.

In His name I pray. Amen

Birthday wishes for Sarah... From Linda & Aunt Doris

Sarah, Happy Birthday!!! On this day 18 years ago God gave you as a gift to your parents knowing where you would be today. You have given God a gift today with your life and you willingness to serve Him. I know you have put a smile on His face . You can't get a better birthday gift than that...

Linda Nichols



Happy Birthday Sarah! - Love, Aunt Doris

Happy Birthday Baby Girl...

Hard to believe it's been 18 years since I was up all night long watching reruns of the Dukes of Hazzard and talking to Grandma on the phone trying to decide if I needed to wake up Daddy. We left at about 4 in the morning for the hospital in his 4x4 truck. That was a fun ride! Who knew 18 years later you would be celebrating in Haiti. Your Dad and I are so proud of you Sarah. We hope you have the best 18th birthday ever!

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Sarah! Happy Birthday to you! (one more time???) LOL

Seth give your sister those 18 spankings for me! Love you both... more than you know...

Love, Dad, Mom, Caleb, and Chloe and the rest of the family too!

From Jacki- (Simmons)

Hi

thanks

and congrats on the birth of your lovely child!!!!

praying for you

jacki

From Sharon...

It was neat to see rainbows in the sky the last two nights on my drive home from work. In fact, one was even a “double” rainbow arching right over I-4, as if a special promise was being made once again to us. And it’s so good to hear the team is safely back together and (hopefully) getting to see some more of God’s beauty at the waterfall tomorrow.

I have had the honor of wearing the “MJ” aka Michael Johnson bracelet this week and am SO glad to hear of uneventful sleeping for him. I will confess, I stretched it to make sure all the Michaels on the trip were also covered in prayer J….. and now we all can “..lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make us dwell in safety.”

From Tonya... They're back!!!

Hey Robin,

We just arrived back from the Far West - we feel like we have been on Survivor for the last 3 days. We are all covered in a thick layer of dirt and most of us haven't showered since Saturday :) We've had some sick ones, but all are better and are ready for a real bed, real shower and a real toilet (versus the hole in the ground with a toilet seat)!!! The Far West is about 26 miles from the mission, but it takes 2 hours to get there via bus with no paved roads - Orlando traffic may not be so bad after all.

The revival was great - it will continue until Saturday. We got to hear a testimony from a voodoo witch doctor that has just converted to Christianity - God is so good and I'm won't spoil it by telling you anything else. We even sang special music on Sunday night. The baptistery in the church looks great - they will be finishing it out this week, but it is mostly done. Don't worry - we all slept on the roof and Michael stayed in his tent - and Audrey and Mackenzie and Zoe even got to ride a horse.

We are planning a fun day trip tomorrow to a waterfall so long as the river isn't too high and we are able to cross it. We're also having b'day cake for Sarah and Katie tonight so that will be a nice treat. Continue to pray for us. We will be leaving the mission at 4:30 am on Friday to begin our long journey home, but we are looking forward to Chili's in the Miami airport. Thanks for all your continued prayers, we can definitely feel them. God has blessed our trip and we look forward to seeing you all on Friday night!

Love, Tonya

for Lynette:

Lynette,
I am blessed to have your bracelet on my arm and I would just like to say that I have so enjoyed lifting you up before the Lord. I know your prayer was to simply be useful and I am confident that He has answered that prayer in more ways than one. It is such a priviledge to me to lift you up... I know that you were concerned that your nursing skills wouldn't come back or that you might just be in the way. I know that could never be the case. You have given a special gift to your Father - the gift of your self. Surrender. It is all He asks. He wants all of us, and I know that is what you have given.

May He continue to use you. May you experience His abiding love and faithfulness as you continue to serve Him.

Much Love, Nora

For Marla...

Marla,
I just wanted to let you know I have been wearing a bracelet with your name on it and I have been praying for you. Praying that you will be safe and healthy. Praying that you will see God work in ways you have never seen before and that your relationship with Him is stronger. Praying that your hands will be steady as you do His work. Your hands are so precious to Him because with them you show His love, mercy, grace compassion, kindness and comfort. Thank you for allowing God to use you to further His kingdom.

God Bless You,
Linda Nichols

from Robin...

Dear Lord and Father,

Thank-you for your love and compassion that brings us hopeful news as to the well being of our loved ones in Haiti through the empathizing nature driven by past experiences of Heather Owen. Thank-you that your promise to always hear and answer prayer sometimes comes in the form of modern technology, and sometimes comes through your word, and sometimes comes through a complete stranger who bears a story we most need to hear at just the right time. Thank-you that you are always faithful to hear our heart's desire. And to respond.

We know that you would not, and did not, place within the heart of parents and other concerned family members, a tender heart needing reassurance of their loved ones' safety and well being, only to chide them or cause them guilt at feeling so concerned. Though Jesus knew that Lazarus could and surely would be raised from the dead, yet He wept at his death. Sorrow. Compassion. Pain. Grief. "Man of sorrows," He was intensely familiar with them all. Our tears are so precious to you that you store them in a jar! You know every sparrow that falls, every lily of the field that grows, and the number of hairs adorning every person's head on the face of the planet; how much more do you care and empathize and watch over our loved ones in Haiti...and us waiting and praying for their safety and well being....and all your children! Thank-you for your immense love and compassion Father, and for the assurance of your understanding of our God given emotions and feelings.

Bless all your children in Haiti. Help the seed planted by all your ministering servants to take deep roots that will yield fruit for your kingdom throughout the ages. Thank-you for the unselfishness of all those who have gone to help in whatever way they are called to help. Continue to bless them all with good health, protection, safety, and everything necessary to equip them for every good work. Please bring them all home safely to us on Friday, as scheduled.

Thank-you for providing a way of escape from our burdens and weaknesses when the evil one comes knocking with fears at 3:00 a.m. And thank-you, Father, for the gift of those of like precious faith, who share their faith and confidence at times when ours ebbs low, and bear our burdens with us. Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. We thank you and praise you, God of all comfort, from whom all blessings flow! Help us all get a good night's sleep tonight, resting in the assurance that YOU are in control, and there is no need for us to wrestle with that which you have already taken care of.

In Jesus name. Amen.

From Heather- of NWHCM

I love our God! He knows the desires of our hearts and He is faithful to quiet our spirits.

I was not sure how many of you would notice the comment portion of my last blog so I have posted it below. I received the comment from Heather Owen - of "Heather and Janiel"- NWHCM Directors. If you have read her blog she just found out she is going to be a mom for the third time! Congratulations Heather and Janiel!

She posted this information and I wanted to share:

Hello,
I found the link to your website on mine.:) I spoke with Janeil last night, he is with your group in Beauchamp. He said that everyone is doing really good. They began work on the baptistry and are having wonderful worship at the revival each night. I know how it feels to be in your shoes and thought this small amount of info would bring some comfort. I'm sure they are chilly at night and may even see some bugs, but the blessings far outweigh the small uncomfortabilities.
They will be back tomorrow afternoon or early evening.
In Christ,
Heather Owen


Thanks Jesus! I needed that one!

Be Still...

Be still and know that I am God.

There are times when I am not really crazy about that verse. I think because it goes against every control issue that lives in me. You see, I am not liking this no contact thing. I probably click on every link on this blog 14 times a day... looking for more pictures, more posts, some news.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Not crazy about that one either. Because I have hidden the verse "Be Still" in my heart and it keeps popping up in my head every time my search for news turns up empty. I wake up a few times in the night and pray myself back to sleep... thinking - are they sleeping outside under the stars? Are they cold? Are they OK? Are there BUGS?

Be Still...

So, I guess I will. But Lord, you've got to help me.
Love, Nora

As Promised- SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS

29 members of the Body of Christ are wearing bracelets with a name of one of our 29 missionaries in Haiti and have committed to pray individually for their perspective missionary. As promised; following is a list of specific prayer requests that were given to me from each of them. (Unfortunately a few were not able to get with me but I have listed to the best of my ability what I think might be a good request.) Thank you to all of you who took a bracelet. If you didn't get one that does not mean you can't pray for these requests... please lift up these requests on their behalf.


ALEX- powerful impact on her walk with Christ
MIKE C.- clarity, wisdom and discernment
MEAGAN - health, peace for her family
TRISHA- prayer for her family's peace in her absence
MICHAEL - Health, Blood Pressure, NO Sleepwalking
AUDREY- Health & peace for her momma
KATIE- peace for her family in her absence
BRENDA- to be open to the Lord's leading, peace
HEITH - his family; his wife and baby girl
CAMI- diabetes would remain under control
SEAN- protection for his WHOLE family who is in Haiti
DAVID-soft hearts and a changed perspective
LYNETTE - to be useful
MATT B.- to be a servant (and his health, though he didn't ask for that.)
MALLORY- health, patience and opportunity
SARAH- patience and an opportunity to tell people about Jesus
TONYA- patience with Zoe and MacKenzie
LINDSEY- to stay focused
SETH- wisdom and spiritual strength
CATHIE- safety and guidance
MARLA- Dexterity and steady hands (hasn't hands on nursed in awhile)
CRAIG- Strength - he is exhausted
STEPHEN- Diabetes to stay under control, to effectively minister through music
MARK- (Sean's dad) effective teaching and preaching
BEV- (Sean's mom) effective teaching, clarity for those being taught
DAVE- health and strength (especially his back)
CINDY- pray for everyone and that she maintains her health.
ZOE- health, obedience and life changing experience
MACKENZIE - health, obedience and a life changing experience.

Pray without ceasing.

Ever Have that Feeling...

Ever have that feeling where the preacher at church is preaching right at you? Yeah, a lot of us had that feeling today at church. Shan skillfully reminded us - by the power of the Holy Spirit no doubt - that the same faithful, loving, PROTECTING, God has not changed since March 27th. In other words, God has been watching over our loved ones, long before they ever boarded a plethora (I like that word) of planes to travel to a fourth world country. He has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and always.

That is the definition of comfort.

I am honored to know so many people who right now, are realizing what Paul preached to the Philippians... To Live IS Christ. They have remembered God's plan for their life; to advance the really good news of Christ's redemption! They have remembered God's protection over them, not letting fear keep them from traveling into a country that is dangerous. Knowing His plans to prosper us, and not harm us.

They are Living. I rejoice in that, and as a mom I can rejoice that despite my failures and inadequacies as a mom - My God is fulfilling His perfect plan in the life of my two oldest children and I am filled with awe. What a mighty, awesome, wonderful Savior we serve! To God be the glory for today and always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Night. Love, Nora

FROM ROBIN...

Dear Heavenly Father,

As David of old cried out to you from caves as he hid for his life, I, too, have found myself, in the "wee hours of the morning" besieged by fear from the evil one. Fear of the dangers that could threaten the well being of our loved ones in Haiti. Yet just as David of old, I have found you to be the same refuge for me, as a worried mother for her far away children, as you always were for your David. Thank-you for your promise to "never leave nor forsake" your children, whether they are in volatile countries, or comfortable, safe homelands. Thank-you for leaving and preserving your Word for us to show us how your servants weathered the storms of their lives.

Thank-you that your power over-powers the evil one on every score: strength, protection, guidance, healing, safety, glory, honor, wisdom, might, goodness, righteousness, peace, understanding, comfort, majesty... and the hope of a life forever with You and Your son, that banishes Satan's strongholds: sin and death! Please cradle in your arms, the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of those who are in Haiti this week serving you with all their might, and protect them from the evil one in every way. Help them to feel, see, and know your presence, Lord and Father. And help us all, both in Haiti, and here at home, to be still, and to KNOW that You are God, and that your eyes are constantly roaming over the earth, watching over those that love you. Thank-you for crushing the fear that the evil one uses to paralyze us, and for replacing it with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Praise your holy name, our God and our Father who loves us more than we earthly fathers and mothers love our own children!

Thank-you for loving and supplying all needs for: Cathie Brazell, Dave Brazell, Matt Brazell, Lindsey Broskie, Mike Corp, Stephen Corp, Trisha Cox, Cindy Dawson, Sarah Elkins, Seth Elkins, Alex Farber, Bev Frenier, Mackenzie Frenier, Zoe Frenier, Mark Frenier, Sean Frenier, Tonya Frenier, Heith Hennel, Audrey Johnson, Michael Johnson, Lynette Kemp, Cami Knoblock, Brenda Nell, Mallory Pergrem, Craig Pegrem, Meagan Reed, Katie Tavenner, and David Thomas. And for us who lift them up in prayer. That we may all serve in your name, and praise your name in all the earth. In Jesus name. Amen.


Can I just say!!! "Amen Sister! Amen!"

FROM SEAN... DATED FRIDAY 3.28.08

Hey Nora,
I couldn't figure out how to post on your blog (which is awesome by the way), so I thought I would respond to your e-mail and let you put this update on there. As you know we arrived safely but with about 100 other people here, we spent the majority of the evening trying to find places for all of us to sleep. We all slept on something. Cathie and Trisha even slept for a time in the pouring down rain. But there are NO complaints. We have food, shelter, work to do and God on our side.
Hopefully I can send you some pictures before we leave tomorrow (Saturday) to head to the far west. We have had an incredible first two days. Our students and adults have had a great time playing with the babies in the orphanage and playing with the special needs children in "Heaven's Waiting Room". We helped to put together and deliver belated Christmas packages for the "Gran Moun" program. Gran Moun means "old people" in Creole. We had a hard time trying to keep Lynette from getting mixed up with this group. 25 members of our team will leaving tomorrow after lunch to head to the far west. We will be building the baptistry, teaching, preaching revivals and doing whatever else they need. We will be there until Wednesday so news will be scarce. Our four nurses (Marla, Cathie, Lynette and Cindy) will be staying at the main mission campus to take care of the post operation patients. We have sorted lots of stuff that our church collected for the mission work. We have toured the entire mission and the Citadel church across the street. There is an amazing view from this church overlooking the ocean and the island of Tortuga.
Keep praying for us! There will be a converted Voodoo witch doctor speaking at the revival where we will be in the far west. He will try to make an impact for God in the Voodoo community. It is very difficult at times here but our entire team is doing a fabulous job. Many of the ladies and guys had there hair braided tonight. Seth Elkins was a little "tifi" when he had his hair braided. "Tifi" means little girl in Creole. We will talk to you soon. Two groups that were here when we arrived fly out tomorrow so keep them in your prayers. We love you al!
Sean