March Update

"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene..." the group sang as the vehicle was maneuvered through the obstacle course of large tree branches, rocks, the remains of burned tires, and overturned vehicles. They were driving down Route National 1 on the way to the airport, and they were the only vehicle on the roads. Most missions had already evacuated their American staff...by helicopter. It wasn't an option for this group in order to make their flight that was scheduled for the following day, so they rose up early and left just as the sun was peeking out to make a run for it before the rioting began again.

It was a few days into another round of violent protests orchestrated by a rebel group that wants Haiti's president to leave his office. We were low on diesel fuel and propane, and a major fuel shortage was sweeping the country into disarray. As a family, we were preparing to buckle down and stay for the worst of it, feeling that running away and leaving the growing church family here would be a poor testimony of loving each other. However, for those that were just visiting, leaving was the best option. Several times along the dangerous trek, Steve, Nate, and Alex had to get out of the vehicle to move objects or wires that were obstructing the truck from passing through. More than once Barry had to ask for "help" in order for the rebels to let them pass. The way seemed to open up as the parting of the Red Sea, and eight people were delivered thankfully to the airport.

But then Barry had to drive back home. By now more of the gangsters were rising from their late sleep and heading back out to the road, alcohol in hand. Its well known that they don't let just anyone through the roadblocks. Barry was able to talk to them again, many times, just saying, "Hey, can you help me? I need diesel?" (Which was true.) When they felt like he was in the suffering with them, they always let him pass. We were so thankful to see him arrive safely home that morning!

The riots continued for 10 straight days. For a country of people who live day to day, that was a real battle. No markets, no stores, no movement in Haiti, the rebels demanded. Just as Barry was emptying the last, long-stretched bag of pig feed to his nearly 100 pigs, they stopped the roadblocks and he was able to buy pig feed and diesel for the trucks and generator. We never had to haul canal water, the pigs all survived. Praise God!

Building Projects

Thankfully, work continued on the projects despite the potential challenges. In February the trusses for the church were built on-site, and within a few days the roof was on and finished. A few weeks later, when the final finish was completed on the floor, the benches were moved out of the little stick church and into the new, sturdy, block church house. What a change from the palm leaf walls!

Progress also continues on the orphanage, which has its second floor taking shape and should be ready for the roof before long. Pastor Bazalet's house is very near completion.

A full Sunday morning in the new building

Below: Barry, Nate, Steve, and Piker working on the new roof

The orphanage, nearly ready for the second-floor roof

The Church Body
After another series of discipleship classes, two new members were added to the body. Belizer (Bel-EE-zay) is a mid-50s father with nearly grown children. His wife comes on Sunday mornings, but he's trying to get her more involved and on the same page with the vision for the church and his family. The other member is Exilia, a widow of about 70, who comes by herself (or occasionally with her young grandson) across the river from Barbancourt. Both new members have already been 

baptized in the faith. They're both a blessing to the congregation!

The church family has grown in another way, in a sense, by the addition of a three-year old girl to Antonia's household. Dutchess is Antonia's great niece, but for the past several months she has been bringing her along to church, both Sundays and evening Bible studies. Just recently, however, Antonia informed us that Dutchess' mother had turned her care over to Antonia. As the third of four children each with a different father, her young, wayward mother readily handed her over. Now Dutchess will grow up calling Antonia "Mama" while her real mother is just around the small block. As grievous as it is to imagine how a mother could give up her child, we can see that her future looks much brighter in Antonia's care.

On various Sundays, we've been blessed with visitors coming from different parts of Haiti. We've had missionaries from CAM as well as a family from up north come to visit and spend the day in fellowship. All of them in addition to our visitors from the church back home, we've had every bench full on Sundays!

Other Activities

With all the visitors we've had since January, we were also able to have help with different projects. Some of those included putting meat in the freezer. Denny's family helped us butcher a couple dozen chickens, and when Steve and Nate were here, their families helped us get a good load of bullk sausage put up. With the price and sanitation risks that come with purchasing meat here, and the inconvenience of trying to bring it down from the States, this is a tremendous blessing!

There are still Bible studies at different mountain churches every week, as well as five meetings every week at our church here in Hostin. Ministering to the church body, caring for the little farm, and raising a young family keeps us plenty busy!

Antonia ready to butcher a pig. She bought it during the roadblocks, then walked around the neighborhood with a wheelbarrow piecing it out and selling it.

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Checking over the completed task of adding some shade to the back porch where groups sit to eat.

Two little goats came home one day nearly dead, because their mother, Renaldson's goat, wouldn't let them nurse. There was a lot of effort put forth to save them, but they didn't make it.

"What's the best way to go about this?"

We are thankful for the support, as well as the help we had with all the different projects that visiting families helped us with! We appreciate continued prayer as we endeavor to continue this mission!