Gluttons

Did you know that gluttony is a sin.
It isn't one we talk about much.
But it is a sin.
I learned yesterday that gluttony is my sin.

Though the call to fast came on Tuesday, I didn't get the request until Wednesday. I had just finished my bowl of Frosted Flakes when I sat down for my morning blog reading. One of my favorite sites is Heather and Janiel's blog from NWHCM. It was there that I read Jody's call to fast for Haiti and decided now was as good of a time as any.

It was a great day of prayer. I found myself talking more to the Lord than I did when the kids were in Haiti. Mainly because I felt hungry all the time. (even though looking back, I never really got so hungry that it hurt) thoughts of food riddled my day. Every time I thought I was hungry, my thoughts went first to satisfaction, then to God. It was a great reminder to pray. Better than prayer bracelets, better than writing "quiet time" on my hand, better than post it notes on the bathroom mirror. I spent time in the word at lunch and journaled every chance I could. It was good.

It was also bad. Bad because I realized that I am spoiled rotten. Of course really, it's the being spoiled rotten that's bad, the realizing it - is good. I was overcome with gratitude that my biggest decision of the day was telling them we couldn't go out to eat before church and that we would have to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches if they were hungry. I didn't have to decide which one of them could eat. I didn't have to decide if I would feed my 9 year old or my 16 year old, my 13 year old or my 18 year old. I don't have to abandon my two oldest kids to their own provision for existence. I drank water yesterday, but I didn't have to walk any where for it, and it wasn't dirty, I didn't get it out of my toilet. I got it out of a dispenser at work that is cleaned regularly because government regulations demand it.

I held a plate of birthday cake and thought I was doing a spectacular pat on the back job by not sticking my finger in it to taste. And though I really did hold it and pray for Haiti, thinking of them and their struggles... I found myself a little prideful that I was resisting.

I learned yesterday that I like food way too much. I have to read books on how to "Lose it for Life" because I enjoy it so much. I check my Body Mass Index to see if I am too fat - I don't eat to gain strength, I eat to entertain myself. I don't eat when I am hungry, I eat when I want to. I eat what I want to. And there are people in this world starving.

Now don't get me wrong. I know that it isn't a sin to live in America. And it isn't a sin to be blessed with the ability to fill my refrigerator and provide for my family. But it is a sin when the thoughts of food and eating come to my mind more frequently than the struggles and pain of others, than the desire to fellowship with God, than the thought to serve. When what are we going to have for dinner? and I think I want a cookie (as I sit down to eat 5 or 6 or 7) are the thoughts that consume my mind. Maybe my mind is on the wrong thing.

I think I have some work to do.

The POWER of Prayer

From Jody: recieved Weds. after the day of fasting on Tuesday.

Is it possible to have peace in the midst of such unrest? We woke up yesterday and over 120 employees gathered on the courtyard and circled up in prayer. I told them about what the Americans were doing for them...praying and fasting. Many of them told me that while they fast nearly every day.....today it will be with purpose. Today they will fast for God.

How beautiful to see people gathered in their work areas with Bibles out. How beautiful to see the tears that fall every day but today they fall for HIM. How beautiful the emails of encouragement we got.....churches fasting and praying.....people all over the USA...people in CANADA - even BRAZIL?? There was a group that was in Brazil doing a mission trip who happened to check email yesterday who got their people there to fast. How AMAZING is our Heavenly Father?

There are layers of darkness here in Haiti....I felt God peel them back yesterday. I went to the courthouse downtown to talk with the judge about a matter and he said to me - "thank the blancs for their prayers today. I know it was because of them that I was able to handle this case in the way that I did" What? They knew downtown we were praying? Stories after stories of people telling me about something good that happened to them today and gave GOD the glory because they knew that everyone was praying and fasting on their behalf.

I want to THANK YOU for remembering us and our family here.

THE POWER OF PRAYER:

**BANK MONEY CAME YESTERDAY

**DIESEL TRUCKS ARE IN PORT-DE-PAIX (ROAD OPENED FROM GONAIVES TO PORT-DE-PAIX)

**PRICE OF DIESEL DROPPED YESTERDAY LATE MORNING

**NO SHOOTINGS OR MAJOR CRIME IN OUR SURROUNDING VILLAGES

**NEWS THAT OUR CRATES MAY COME THIS WEEK AND THEY'RE FULL OF FOOD AND SUPPLIES

**PEOPLE WHO DON'T NORMALLY TAKE THE TIME TO BE WITH CHRIST....TOOK THE TIME.


I spent a few hours reading through Psalms and Proverbs today. What PEACE I had as I read through the verses....for Haiti.....for us as leaders.....for me as I grow. Did it take a country to crumble for me to open up the word and study as I did? Can I have that same peace everyday by forcing the time to be alone with God. I'm sure it's the same for you as it is for us here.....God doesn't give you the time to be with Him......you have to TAKE IT. There is always someone waiting to talk to us......always something else left to do and so I can choose to shut my office door and pray....or let Satan distract me all day long with random things.

I found some comfort in so many verses.......here are a few:

Psalm 135:14 For the Lord will give justice to his people and have compassion on his servants

Psalm 144:14 May there be no enemy breaking through our walls, no going into captivity, no cries of alarm in our town square. Yes joyful are those who live like this. Joyful indeed are those whose GOD is the Lord.

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.

Psalm 146:7 He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry.

Psalm 146: 9 The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.


A COUNTRY DEDICATED TO SATAN WILL SURELY DIE. BUT IF WE CAN UNITE TOGETHER.....WITH GOD'S HELP AND WISDOM HE GIVES......HE WILL FRUSTRATE THOSE PLANS OF THE WICKED VOODOO......OF THE WICKED GOVERNMENT....AND WE WILL GAIN GROUND IN THIS COUNTRY FOR CHRIST.



In Kingdom Service,

Jody Castillo RN, BSN
Travel and Campus Manager
Northwest Haiti Christian Mission

FAST for Haiti

It may not be Tuesday anymore but who says we have to do this one particular day of the week only...

from Jody Castillo RN, BSNTravel and Campus ManagerNorthwest Haiti Christian Mission

I'm not qualified to write this....I'm not a pastor....not really in my character to step out on Faith like this....but I find myself here before you......very genuinely.....very humbly.I talked to Heather Owen for a long time - she is just so good.....just so good. I told her I keep having this nudging.....this voice that is telling me to speak and yet it's so not in my character that I'm afraid to even say it. She told me that was the Holy Spirit and don't ever be afraid to say what God is laying on your heart.It's been an emotional few days...I find myelf mentally exhausted - but more burdened than anything. I can't seem to stop the tears from falling. We had this beautiful prayer circle at the compound and there was almost an immediate peace that took place. While that burden was lifted it is not completely gone.I talked to my Haitian friends today about the burden to fast. It was kind of funny but not so really because he said we do it every day. They fast because they have to. I have felt this burden for the people - this overwhelming burden that has almost taken over me. They continue to come to work...they continue to Praise God - they're so REAL....I mean they're so REAL and yet I find myself frustrated that I might not be able to have power tonight and I think how selfish am I? And yet I know even if I fast I will have food tomorrow and they have only the hope to make it each day and I can't seem to just let it go that this isn't just somewhere in Africa - some place where the pictures of people are strangers...but this is my home....my neighborhood.....my family. While I'm not someone to step out there the Holy Spirit will not let go of me. Several people are fasting tomorrow - TUESDAY. I know the power of Prayer - I know it personally and I've seen it change Haiti....I've seen it change ME.Please join us as we fast for Haiti. That can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people......maybe you fast for a meal....for two meals....for all day.....maybe it's just shutting the TV off and fasting from that and spending that time in prayer. I don't know what it means....but join us tomorrow as we just give it all to HIM. If you get this email and it's the middle of tomorrow - start then. Janeil says Haiti can only change when the Christians unite. Maybe this is how we start........In Kingdom Service,Jody Castillo RN, BSNTravel and Campus ManagerNorthwest Haiti Christian Mission

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.