Short Term Trips

Have you ever thought for a minute what it would be like to walk in a street where buildings are crushed? Some just standing by a wall, others looking like accordions? Dust rolling under your steps as you cover your nose because of the unbearable and unforgettable smell. Corpse still caught in the rubble after being there for more than 2 months, insects of all kinds creeping out when the rain comes at night washing out the debris. Does it sound like a Hitchcock movie?  But this is real.

A land of devastation, yes, this is what I saw. Oh my God, how can it be? How awful this nation must feel? Hurt and suffering from physical injuries or trauma, loss of their loved ones, worried, hungry, thirsty, and scared of tomorrow or the possibility of another earthquake. What will the future be for them?

The answer is simple. The answer is totally rely on God. Many organizations throughout the world have expressed their sorrow and want to help. Over 2.4 billion dollars have been donated to help ‘rebuild’ the country and yet there is not much to be seen, it’s not enough! Where is all the food, I thought? The water? The wells? Why is there still so many children without shelters, sleeping on the sidewalks with just an old sheet over their head? Yes, these questions are not yet answered perhaps because of the greed of man , the corruption. Who can tell? Only by the grace of God will people be saved.

The whole nation is looking up to Jesus. Praise the Lord! I witnessed a crusade of 10,000 people on their knees crying out to God, thanking Him for their lives, dancing, singing rejoicing under the sky of a new Haiti, a new Port-Au-Prince. I met a little girl who lost her leg caught between concrete walls and to my comments of feeling sad for her, she replies:  ‘It’s O.K.! I still have another leg!’

From the very first day spend with Carl Thompson and his family, God gave me opportunities. Carl showed me an anti-earthquake house made out of 8 by 4 feet of foam with metal rods intertwined. Carl also shared with me his dream about building a role model village.

Carl drove me to the YWAM headquarters where I spend my first 3 days.  On our way there I saw a fire burning in the street; the smoke was black just as burning tires and the smell was unbelievable. As we got to the police station where we were going to sleep, we were informed that 10 corpse had been found and burned.

Our hotel was pretty modest, sleeping on the roof of the police building. We were told it was the safest place to be. I witnessed 300 to 600 people lining up at the gate every morning at 6:00 waiting for medical care. We helped any way we could; holding a child, comforting him, praying for him. Sometimes we were sorting clothes and food for distribution.

Then Carl introduced me to Peterson Georges, pioneering missionary in Haiti and in charge of YWAM. Peterson asked if I could engage in a relationship with a female leader that could open the doors to major ministry in Port-Au-Prince.  He also said that she was praying for an art therapist. Wow, isn’t that God! And it gets better…her name was Francine.  We finally met and connected right away. Francine was the leader of a tent-city of 200 families.   Francine expressed her concerns about many people coming, taking pictures, looking for good stories and then leaving. The next day, I was in an interview with her board of directors for 3 ½ hours. “We must see the motive of your heart. We want to make sure that God sent you here and all your work is done to glorify Him.” The rest is history.

I was amazed to find out that each tent of her community could hold 6 families of 4 to 7 people. Better yet, Heritage Christian School donated enough money for 4 tents. God is moving! I worked doing trauma art therapy with over 200 children of all ages. I also trained the staff to pursue that work when I would be gone.  We laughed and we cried together but most, we shared the love of Christ.  Every day there was hope and hope never disappoints.

I would like to close by thanking everyone that has contributed to this missions trip either in intercession, financial assistance, or support. The people of Haiti recognize that only God has the power to free them from the past.

“They will rebuilt the ancient ruins
And restore the places long devastated;
They will renew the ruined cities
That have been devastated for generations,
Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
Foreigners will works your fields and vineyards,
And you will be called priests of the Lord,
 you will be named ministers of our God. “
Isaiah 61: 4-6