Training in Gonaives

Just so those affected by hurricane Sandy in the US can relate, today we did a training of leaders in Gonaives. Gonaives is the city that was under 4 feet of water in Sept of 2008 after hurricane Jeane.

There are still high watermarks on many of the buildings, and 2500 people perished in the flood, but in the hearts of our leaders who survived there is an urgency to share the Gospel with their neighbors through soccer ministry.

During the training I was very honest with them about the challenges we face in Haiti - and I asked them to pray for God's provision of money and equipment to keep the ministry going. I admitted we probably had grown too fast compared to our current resources, but we serve a great God who is able to do more than we ask or think.

Some of the stories I heard today made me realize that our work is worth all the hassles we face: One leader was one of 12 children, but got a scholarship to become a teacher. He never knew his father, but now he is a father himself and a father-figure to hundred of children as a teacher and soccer coach. He said he visited the family's of some of our players a few weeks ago and many of them appreciate the difference they see in the behavior of their children who are involved in our program. They are more respectful of their parents and their siblings, and they notice they are growing spiritually as well.

Tomorrow we are meeting with the leaders of our regional committees to talk about how plans for 2013 and pray together for God's provision.