Haitian parliament rejects Ericq Pierre as PM
Published: Tuesday 13 May 2008 09:20 UTC
Last updated: Tuesday 13 May 2008 09:56 UTC
Port-au-Prince - Haiti's parliament has rejected the intended new prime minister Ericq Pierre. His nomination was approved by the Senate, but he failed to win sufficient support in the House of Representatives. President René Preval will now have to look for a new candidate. Haiti has been without a prime minister since Jacques Edouard Alexis resigned last month, following violent protests against high food prices in which six people were killed.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Praying for students
Sorry this is ened up so long! Oh well...
A little over a week ago I got an idea to have lunch one-on-one with students to get to know them better and to ask them for specific prayer requests. I was excited about the idea but I wasn't sure how to go about it. I have a couch in my room, so I thought it would be nice to eat in there, but I wasn't sure of the logistics of getting lunch (the line is often slow). Then I started getting nervous about the kids not wanting to and having awkward moments of chewing in front of each other with only me wanting to talk. But, since I think the idea came from the H.S., I had to get past those fears. I prayed and asked a few other people to pray with me and asked them for ideas. And, there was some pressure because the school year's almost over. I decided to focus on the Freshmen.
Last week all I was able to do was to ask the kids to write on the bottom of their vocab quiz 3 things they would like to eat for lunch. I didn't tell them what it was about. (I love creating mystery in class.)
This really was one of those times when I felt it was hard to trust God and take a step of faith. It may seem silly, but I guess it's because I know I have a lot of other things to keep up with at the same time. And, of course, I'm not doing it the most simple way. Of course, this is my life. I wanted this to be special. A lot of them had written down lasagna and I really wanted to make that for them. But there is also the problem of heating things up, etc. And, I have 15 Freshmen and there were 15 days of school left, including yesterday.
Yesterday morning I had no classes until 11:00, so I went to the store and got several different kinds of drinks, coke, sprite, propel water, sport shakes, etc. and ingredients for lasagna, brownies and cookies. I had to give R the car because he had an appointment, so I dropped off the drinks at school and then I walked to the local "fast food" place. I got a cheeseburger and fries and put them in a casserole holder that has a "hotpack".
Before class I put the drinks out on my table (more mystery) and I announced my plan to them, trying to make it sound like it would not be weird, awkward and long. (i.e. they don't have to stay the whole lunch period If they don't want to.) Then I said I would be starting right away. I asked the kids to stand up if they would like to eat a cheeseburger and fries for lunch and if they were available to eat lunch w/ me that day. I asked them to sit down if they hadn't done their journal. I asked them to sit down if they hadn't kept up with reading Romeo & Juliet. I was left with 4 students. I put their names on pieces of paper & had a student choose one. I had the rest of them write their names on a calendar for which day they would like to have lunch w/ me. I told them that if they really didn't want to have lunch with me, they could just write their name down and not show up that day. Then, I had a lovely lunch with Bianca. It wasn't awkward at all.
This morning I prayed for Bianca, made lasagna which I will freeze in individual pieces (it was way too hot last night) and I'm praying about the rest of my lunches.
Please pray with me. Thanks, Carol
A little over a week ago I got an idea to have lunch one-on-one with students to get to know them better and to ask them for specific prayer requests. I was excited about the idea but I wasn't sure how to go about it. I have a couch in my room, so I thought it would be nice to eat in there, but I wasn't sure of the logistics of getting lunch (the line is often slow). Then I started getting nervous about the kids not wanting to and having awkward moments of chewing in front of each other with only me wanting to talk. But, since I think the idea came from the H.S., I had to get past those fears. I prayed and asked a few other people to pray with me and asked them for ideas. And, there was some pressure because the school year's almost over. I decided to focus on the Freshmen.
Last week all I was able to do was to ask the kids to write on the bottom of their vocab quiz 3 things they would like to eat for lunch. I didn't tell them what it was about. (I love creating mystery in class.)
This really was one of those times when I felt it was hard to trust God and take a step of faith. It may seem silly, but I guess it's because I know I have a lot of other things to keep up with at the same time. And, of course, I'm not doing it the most simple way. Of course, this is my life. I wanted this to be special. A lot of them had written down lasagna and I really wanted to make that for them. But there is also the problem of heating things up, etc. And, I have 15 Freshmen and there were 15 days of school left, including yesterday.
Yesterday morning I had no classes until 11:00, so I went to the store and got several different kinds of drinks, coke, sprite, propel water, sport shakes, etc. and ingredients for lasagna, brownies and cookies. I had to give R the car because he had an appointment, so I dropped off the drinks at school and then I walked to the local "fast food" place. I got a cheeseburger and fries and put them in a casserole holder that has a "hotpack".
Before class I put the drinks out on my table (more mystery) and I announced my plan to them, trying to make it sound like it would not be weird, awkward and long. (i.e. they don't have to stay the whole lunch period If they don't want to.) Then I said I would be starting right away. I asked the kids to stand up if they would like to eat a cheeseburger and fries for lunch and if they were available to eat lunch w/ me that day. I asked them to sit down if they hadn't done their journal. I asked them to sit down if they hadn't kept up with reading Romeo & Juliet. I was left with 4 students. I put their names on pieces of paper & had a student choose one. I had the rest of them write their names on a calendar for which day they would like to have lunch w/ me. I told them that if they really didn't want to have lunch with me, they could just write their name down and not show up that day. Then, I had a lovely lunch with Bianca. It wasn't awkward at all.
This morning I prayed for Bianca, made lasagna which I will freeze in individual pieces (it was way too hot last night) and I'm praying about the rest of my lunches.
Please pray with me. Thanks, Carol
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Verrettes Tournament plans for the summer
Richard and Daniel went out to Verrettes on Thursday to meet with the TREC graduates out there and planned the tournament for this summer. There was a great turnout for the meeting and dates were chosen for the last week of June. Please pray with us for all of the tournaments for summer 2008--that God will provide all that is needed and that they will be used for His glory.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Joy for President!!
This morning Joy Mears made her speech as the only candidate for student-body president of Quisqueya Christian School and I (Rich) was impressed.
Even though she didn't really have to make a speech because nobody was running against her, she took the opportunity to connect with her classmates.
She was genuine, self-effacing, and clearly communicated her ideas.
When she said she had the support of her family, I cheered.
When she said she loved God, loved her school and loved being organized, I cried.
When she clearly communicated her vision for next year, including things like assessing current activities, including elementary, middle and upper school students in more activities to creat unity and suggesting that QCS have more traditions, I thought "She learned all of that without getting a Master's in Organizational Leadership!".
Carol and I just looked at each other afterward and rejoiced in how God is working in Joy! And Joy got an enthusiastic ovation from her classmates.
Even though she didn't really have to make a speech because nobody was running against her, she took the opportunity to connect with her classmates.
She was genuine, self-effacing, and clearly communicated her ideas.
When she said she had the support of her family, I cheered.
When she said she loved God, loved her school and loved being organized, I cried.
When she clearly communicated her vision for next year, including things like assessing current activities, including elementary, middle and upper school students in more activities to creat unity and suggesting that QCS have more traditions, I thought "She learned all of that without getting a Master's in Organizational Leadership!".
Carol and I just looked at each other afterward and rejoiced in how God is working in Joy! And Joy got an enthusiastic ovation from her classmates.
Great Afternoon of Ministry
Sometimes you forget the things you really love to do when you haven't done them for a while!
Yesterday I had the opportunity to coach and do a Gospel presentation to about 30 Haitian boys between 10 and 12 years old.
I was introduced to this team by my good friend Louis Price-Mars who is working with gang leaders and business owners to try and reduce violence in one section of Port-au-Prince. He saw this former professional soccer player working with kids in the area and wanted to encourage him so he asked me to meet him and see how we could help.
The boys were very well-behaved and I had a great time coaching them. They loved it when I was "monkey-in-the-middle" and they had to keep the ball away from me! Then I taught them a passing drill that even players twice their age have trouble with and they got it right away.
Afterwards we talked about how soccer has rules and if you break the rules, you probably won't win the game. Then I transitioned into how God gave us certian rules to follow in the Bible and how we can't possibly follow all those rules. That's why God had to send Jesus: to forgive us for breaking the rules and help us "win" the game of life.
A small crowd had gathered in addition to the 30 boys and I could see that many were really listening.
Afterwards I gave the coach a Gospel tract and some materials he could use to teach the boys more about Jesus.
Our follow up plan is to make contact with some of the local churches the boys already attend and help them follow up with the boys. We also have several coaches we trained in December who live near the neighborhood and hope to put them in touch with this team.
These days most of my time is spend in administration and organizing, and I really miss coaching and being with kids - so I'll have to do this more often!!
Yesterday I had the opportunity to coach and do a Gospel presentation to about 30 Haitian boys between 10 and 12 years old.
I was introduced to this team by my good friend Louis Price-Mars who is working with gang leaders and business owners to try and reduce violence in one section of Port-au-Prince. He saw this former professional soccer player working with kids in the area and wanted to encourage him so he asked me to meet him and see how we could help.
The boys were very well-behaved and I had a great time coaching them. They loved it when I was "monkey-in-the-middle" and they had to keep the ball away from me! Then I taught them a passing drill that even players twice their age have trouble with and they got it right away.
Afterwards we talked about how soccer has rules and if you break the rules, you probably won't win the game. Then I transitioned into how God gave us certian rules to follow in the Bible and how we can't possibly follow all those rules. That's why God had to send Jesus: to forgive us for breaking the rules and help us "win" the game of life.
A small crowd had gathered in addition to the 30 boys and I could see that many were really listening.
Afterwards I gave the coach a Gospel tract and some materials he could use to teach the boys more about Jesus.
Our follow up plan is to make contact with some of the local churches the boys already attend and help them follow up with the boys. We also have several coaches we trained in December who live near the neighborhood and hope to put them in touch with this team.
These days most of my time is spend in administration and organizing, and I really miss coaching and being with kids - so I'll have to do this more often!!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Fun Sports day at Quisqueya
We had a fun sports day today at Quisqueya Christian School. First there was volleyball, but no one in our family played that, we were waiting for soccer. There was a father-son/father-daughter game and Richard and Ricky played in that. I played with the women faculty/staff against the girls' soccer team. No, I can't really play soccer, but it was fun and good exercise. I still don't understand the rules :) And, of course those girls ran circles around us! After that there was a game between the high school soccer team (well, we really haven't had a boys soccer season this year, but it was the guys who WOULD have been on it) against staff men and Dads. This game went on a LONG time because the score was 1-1 for a long time and they couldn't stand to leave it that way, they just HAD to play til they broke the tie. The "older" men won! Rich was a little sad because in other games like this he has scored, but he didn't today. It was still fun, though. And Ricky got to play a little bit to sub for high-schoolers.
After the games, we had a barbecue with salads and desserts brought by the families. We had a really good turnout and it was great seeing everyone so carefree and having fun after problems in the city last week.
Sadly, Joy couldn't come because of her homework load and the fact that we're going to be away for a CrossWorld retreat at the end of this week. I'm sure she'll get to play soccer and volleyball there.
Carol
After the games, we had a barbecue with salads and desserts brought by the families. We had a really good turnout and it was great seeing everyone so carefree and having fun after problems in the city last week.
Sadly, Joy couldn't come because of her homework load and the fact that we're going to be away for a CrossWorld retreat at the end of this week. I'm sure she'll get to play soccer and volleyball there.
Carol
Friday, April 18, 2008
Calm week
This week has been calm. On Monday some parents didn't send their children to school just to be cautious, but everything was fine. In fact, the huge potholes in the roads on our way to school are being fixed! How nice.
More directly in response to the protests, I've heard that the price of rice is supposed to go down by 15%. I think that means that the government will subsidize it.
In addition, the prime minister of Haiti, Mr. Alexis resigned and the President, Mr. Preval, said that the government will pay for the windows that were broken (although I don't know where they'll get the money from.)
The cybercafe has been open all week, but has been very quiet.
Just this morning (Friday, April 18), I was able to talk to a man about his faith when he came in to make a photo-copy. He said he used to be a Christian, but even though he knew God could forgive him, he said he couldn't forgive himself. I told him the story about the theif on the cross - how he had sinned right until the last day of his life, but Jesus still forgave him. He was in a hurry, but I gave him a tract that clearly explains the Gospel and encouraged him to come by again and talk.
Please pray for Euwin!!
More directly in response to the protests, I've heard that the price of rice is supposed to go down by 15%. I think that means that the government will subsidize it.
In addition, the prime minister of Haiti, Mr. Alexis resigned and the President, Mr. Preval, said that the government will pay for the windows that were broken (although I don't know where they'll get the money from.)
The cybercafe has been open all week, but has been very quiet.
Just this morning (Friday, April 18), I was able to talk to a man about his faith when he came in to make a photo-copy. He said he used to be a Christian, but even though he knew God could forgive him, he said he couldn't forgive himself. I told him the story about the theif on the cross - how he had sinned right until the last day of his life, but Jesus still forgave him. He was in a hurry, but I gave him a tract that clearly explains the Gospel and encouraged him to come by again and talk.
Please pray for Euwin!!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Violence hits close to home
When I returned to the Cybercafe this week, I found all of the windows of the stores on the bottom broken and two of the three stores empty. My first thought was that the two empty stores had been looted, but when I talked with the owners I found out it wasn't as bad as it seemed. Looters had taken some things, but not that much and they were able to remove many things before the second wave of looters appeared. Still their loses were great, especially compared to us who sustained no damage at all!
About 11 AM on Tuesday April 8th about 200-300 young men from the poorest areas of Port-au-Prince marched up the main street of Port-au-Prince called Delmas that goes from Cite Soliel (the poorest part of PAP) to Petionville (the richest part of town).
All along the way they broke windows in both cars and buildings, including the shops right below our cybercafe.
Some stores they looted as well, such as the foodstores and gas station mini-marts. The gas station right next to us had floor-to-ceiling glass windows and they totally smashed and looted that store.
All the while our two employees, a young lady named Jackie and a young man named Lucas were in the cybercafe on the second floor trying to protect our windows and keeping the doors locked. When the violence erupted they also allowed those who were in the stores below to find shelter in our store.
As I thought about this, it reminded me of when the Psalms tells us God hides us in the cleft of a rock. God truly delivered our neighbors and he used our cybercafe as the "cleft in the Rock."
Jackie and Lucas also helped the store owners remove their merchandise so that no more would be taken. They are my heroes this week!
Monday morning
We have school today. There are rumors of demonstrations for today, but they may not happen and they may be downtown only. Over the weekend the Prime Minister was fired, President Preval promised a 15% reduction in the price of rice (with a gov't subsidy I guess), Brasil sent a plane load of food and the World Bank has promised 10 million dollars to help Haiti. We'll see what happens...here we go....
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Protests continue
Protests are continuing today (Thursday) in some parts of Port-au-Prince. We went out today, just in our neighborhood to try to find some diesel gas for the generator but there was none being sold. Some places were closed, some open. We were able to buy a few grocery essentials, but when we tried to buy eggs from a local vendor, he wanted three times the normal price. We figured we'd try somewhere else, but ended up not getting any.
Since we haven't had any city electricity in the last 24 hours (we usually get about 6-7 hours a night which charges our inverter batteries to make them last a few hours) we will most likely not have electricity after tonight. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
School was cancelled for today and tomorrow.
Since we haven't had any city electricity in the last 24 hours (we usually get about 6-7 hours a night which charges our inverter batteries to make them last a few hours) we will most likely not have electricity after tonight. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
School was cancelled for today and tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Protesting high price of food
I found this interesting paragraph in an article on www.time.com
"The cost of staple foods has risen some 50% in Haiti since last year, a crushing trend in a country where three-quarters of the population lives on less than $2 a day. Only Somalia and Afghanistan have a higher per capita daily deficit in calorie intake than Haiti does. (The figure in Haiti is 460 calories below the United Nations' daily minimum of 2,100.) The U.N.'s World Food Program says it has received only 13% of the $96 million it needs to help Haiti's 10 million people in 2008 — barely enough to support its operations there through the end of this month. Due to an estimated 55% rise in global food and fuel prices since last summer, the WFP last month made an extraordinary appeal to donors for an extra $500 million this year. At least eight other poor nations in Africa and Asia have recently experienced food-related unrest."
From "Food Crisis Renews Haiti's Agony" www.time.com
Wednesday, Apr. 09, 2008 By KATHIE KLARREICH
There are some tires burning today too, but not as many as yesterday. I just heard that people set fire to a radio station and they are threatening to start a fire at Chanmas, the main plaza downtown near the capitol buildings. We're fine where we are, but almost everything is closed, businesses, government offices, schools, etc.
Please pray
Thanks
Carol
"The cost of staple foods has risen some 50% in Haiti since last year, a crushing trend in a country where three-quarters of the population lives on less than $2 a day. Only Somalia and Afghanistan have a higher per capita daily deficit in calorie intake than Haiti does. (The figure in Haiti is 460 calories below the United Nations' daily minimum of 2,100.) The U.N.'s World Food Program says it has received only 13% of the $96 million it needs to help Haiti's 10 million people in 2008 — barely enough to support its operations there through the end of this month. Due to an estimated 55% rise in global food and fuel prices since last summer, the WFP last month made an extraordinary appeal to donors for an extra $500 million this year. At least eight other poor nations in Africa and Asia have recently experienced food-related unrest."
From "Food Crisis Renews Haiti's Agony" www.time.com
Wednesday, Apr. 09, 2008 By KATHIE KLARREICH
There are some tires burning today too, but not as many as yesterday. I just heard that people set fire to a radio station and they are threatening to start a fire at Chanmas, the main plaza downtown near the capitol buildings. We're fine where we are, but almost everything is closed, businesses, government offices, schools, etc.
Please pray
Thanks
Carol
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Protesting High Prices
Yesterday people started protesting the recent spike in prices in Haiti.
It's hard to tell what is really happening, but I'll tell you what seems most likely factual.
Protests started at the Palace this morning. At about 10:30 am our time, people stormed the gates of the Palace. People are protesting against stores mainly. As if the shop owners were the cause of the high prices. People are throwing rocks into the windows of stores and looting them. Then people started marching up Delmas, the main route in Port-au-Prince. Protesters have "taken over" Place ST. Pierre, a main plaza in the middle of a busy commercial area. Some roads have been closed.
The children and I are at school and it seems to be safe. However, right outside the school compound people were marching and throwing rocks into store fronts and looting.
Our Cybercafe and ministry office is right across the street from the school. Fortunately it is upstairs, so as of right now it has not been hit. The drugstore below it was. The people workiing in the Cybercafe locked the doors and stayed inside when they heard what was happening.
Here at school at QCS, parents started coming to pick up their children at about 11:00. By 12:15 we only had about 1/3 of our students left.
Please pray. For those who don't have enough to eat, for store owners who are caught in the middle of this. For the whole situation. Richard is still in the States and will be back Friday.
I always kid him that everything falls apart when he leaves (car, generator,etc.) Now it's the whole country. Well, sometimes you gotta laugh.
Praise God, the neighborhood we live in seems to be away from all this. I think I should have no problems going that direction to go home, but will ask others here if they feel it's OK. We can always stay at school, what fun!
Carol
Here's something that was posted 2 hours ago:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5geZrL5OB_kHM3gx_HW4bPRSgT3YwD8VTPSLG0
It's hard to tell what is really happening, but I'll tell you what seems most likely factual.
Protests started at the Palace this morning. At about 10:30 am our time, people stormed the gates of the Palace. People are protesting against stores mainly. As if the shop owners were the cause of the high prices. People are throwing rocks into the windows of stores and looting them. Then people started marching up Delmas, the main route in Port-au-Prince. Protesters have "taken over" Place ST. Pierre, a main plaza in the middle of a busy commercial area. Some roads have been closed.
The children and I are at school and it seems to be safe. However, right outside the school compound people were marching and throwing rocks into store fronts and looting.
Our Cybercafe and ministry office is right across the street from the school. Fortunately it is upstairs, so as of right now it has not been hit. The drugstore below it was. The people workiing in the Cybercafe locked the doors and stayed inside when they heard what was happening.
Here at school at QCS, parents started coming to pick up their children at about 11:00. By 12:15 we only had about 1/3 of our students left.
Please pray. For those who don't have enough to eat, for store owners who are caught in the middle of this. For the whole situation. Richard is still in the States and will be back Friday.
I always kid him that everything falls apart when he leaves (car, generator,etc.) Now it's the whole country. Well, sometimes you gotta laugh.
Praise God, the neighborhood we live in seems to be away from all this. I think I should have no problems going that direction to go home, but will ask others here if they feel it's OK. We can always stay at school, what fun!
Carol
Here's something that was posted 2 hours ago:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5geZrL5OB_kHM3gx_HW4bPRSgT3YwD8VTPSLG0
Friday, March 21, 2008
TREC Results pour in!
Follow up on Evangelism done during TREC continues
In order to help us follow up with the almost 900 people who filled out response cards we trained over 20 additional counselors to make phone calls and meet with those who were interested.
We are working with five churches and have appointed a coordinator at each church. We meet with these coordinators each month to find out how things are going with follow up.
At this point over 200 people who indicated they trusted in Christ or asked for more information about Jesus have been contacted. Of these, over 50 are involved in follow up Bible studies and 2 are regularly attending church.
One young man came to watch the Jesus Film and even though he was already a Christian, he was convicted about the sin in his life. After meeting twice with a counselor to do a Bible study, he confessed that his 17 year old girl friend was pregnant and her parents, who are not Christians, told him he had to marry her within 2 months. They even came to talk him with a pastor and a witch doctor (I guess they wanted to cover both Christian and voodoo religions!). We are praying for God to help give all parties wisdom in this situation – especially since the young man does not have a job and is not ready to support a family.
In another instance a woman with several children expressed interest in learning more about Christ. Just for inquiring, she was kicked out the house and the family business with her children because her family serves the demons of voodoo. She is still meeting with one of our counselors for Bible study but is struggling financially. She wants to go to church, but does not have any nice clothing for her and her children to wear.
Second visit to Verettes to follow up with leaders of the Pilot Project in schools
On March 17th and 18th, Rich and Daniel, the Director of AACH, went to Verettes to visit with all the leaders that were trained at TREC in January.
The news was very encouraging: Each of the schools had already distributed the over 2000 Liv la Vie booklets we gave them and were using them to teach their players. In one school 10 children indicated they trusted Christ after studying the booklets. Now other schools in the area are requesting booklets!
In one school our leaders went back and shared the evangelism training they received with their fellow teachers and school administrators. Now they all are supporting the Liv la Vie studies with their students. In one 5th grade class 13 children trusted in Christ!
Another school is involved in an inter-school soccer tournament and are sharing the Gospel with all the teams they play.
Campus Crusade for Christ at James Madison University is sending 8 students for a week to experience sports ministry in Haiti.
From May 7-17th eight students from JMU will come to Haiti to come alongside their Haitian brothers and sisters and share the Gospel through sports ministry. From May 9-11 we will hold an eight-team tournament at Verettes and then the students will do soccer clinics at individual schools.
Regional Committee set up at Verettes
Since our goal is to train Haitians how to do sports ministry, we set up a regional committee in Verettes made up of 7 members. The committee’s responsibilities are:
1) To organize regional activities and tournaments
2) To manage shared equipment
3) To prepare and send monthly reports to AIS-Haiti
4) To assist schools with their strategic plans
We were very encouraged to see how those we trained at TREC are putting what they learned to good use!
In order to help us follow up with the almost 900 people who filled out response cards we trained over 20 additional counselors to make phone calls and meet with those who were interested.
We are working with five churches and have appointed a coordinator at each church. We meet with these coordinators each month to find out how things are going with follow up.
At this point over 200 people who indicated they trusted in Christ or asked for more information about Jesus have been contacted. Of these, over 50 are involved in follow up Bible studies and 2 are regularly attending church.
One young man came to watch the Jesus Film and even though he was already a Christian, he was convicted about the sin in his life. After meeting twice with a counselor to do a Bible study, he confessed that his 17 year old girl friend was pregnant and her parents, who are not Christians, told him he had to marry her within 2 months. They even came to talk him with a pastor and a witch doctor (I guess they wanted to cover both Christian and voodoo religions!). We are praying for God to help give all parties wisdom in this situation – especially since the young man does not have a job and is not ready to support a family.
In another instance a woman with several children expressed interest in learning more about Christ. Just for inquiring, she was kicked out the house and the family business with her children because her family serves the demons of voodoo. She is still meeting with one of our counselors for Bible study but is struggling financially. She wants to go to church, but does not have any nice clothing for her and her children to wear.
Second visit to Verettes to follow up with leaders of the Pilot Project in schools
On March 17th and 18th, Rich and Daniel, the Director of AACH, went to Verettes to visit with all the leaders that were trained at TREC in January.
The news was very encouraging: Each of the schools had already distributed the over 2000 Liv la Vie booklets we gave them and were using them to teach their players. In one school 10 children indicated they trusted Christ after studying the booklets. Now other schools in the area are requesting booklets!
In one school our leaders went back and shared the evangelism training they received with their fellow teachers and school administrators. Now they all are supporting the Liv la Vie studies with their students. In one 5th grade class 13 children trusted in Christ!
Another school is involved in an inter-school soccer tournament and are sharing the Gospel with all the teams they play.
Campus Crusade for Christ at James Madison University is sending 8 students for a week to experience sports ministry in Haiti.
From May 7-17th eight students from JMU will come to Haiti to come alongside their Haitian brothers and sisters and share the Gospel through sports ministry. From May 9-11 we will hold an eight-team tournament at Verettes and then the students will do soccer clinics at individual schools.
Regional Committee set up at Verettes
Since our goal is to train Haitians how to do sports ministry, we set up a regional committee in Verettes made up of 7 members. The committee’s responsibilities are:
1) To organize regional activities and tournaments
2) To manage shared equipment
3) To prepare and send monthly reports to AIS-Haiti
4) To assist schools with their strategic plans
We were very encouraged to see how those we trained at TREC are putting what they learned to good use!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Visiting the schools
Richard is out at Verrettes for two days visiting with the leaders of the schools who came to the training at Christmas time. Please pray for safe travel for him and pray for the effectiveness of the ministries in these schools.
First there was a meeting with several of the leaders. Yesterday he went out to a remote village to visit one of the schools and found that they are teaching some students how to sew. He asked them if the school could make soccer shorts for the ministry and they said yes.
I'll post more as I have more information on the trip.
First there was a meeting with several of the leaders. Yesterday he went out to a remote village to visit one of the schools and found that they are teaching some students how to sew. He asked them if the school could make soccer shorts for the ministry and they said yes.
I'll post more as I have more information on the trip.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Everyday Opportunities
Several times, our Ambassdors’ cybercafé has provided an opportunity to talk with people about faith in Jesus (Well, OK it’s really the Holy Spirit, but the cybercafé is a vehicle). On Friday Rich had two of these opportunities.
The first happened because a lady’s cell phone kept ringing with a loud musical ringtone that was bothering others in this small room. Someone turned and asked her to shut it off or answer it. Richard could tell that the customer was a little upset by the way it was said. So when she was leaving, he grabbed a “15-minutes-free internet navigation” coupon and followed her outside to give it to her. He tried to smooth things over and she ended up asking him where he goes to church. To his surprise she spoke in English. She said she’s been feeling that she needs to go to church again. Rich told her about the English-speaking church we sometimes attend called Quisqueya Chapel. He gave her the Pastor’s phone number and encouraged her to make an appointment with the Pastor’s wife to talk about her desire to get closer to God.
The second time was when Richard and Dorothy were interviewing someone to do translation work (we share the space with Dorothy and her ministry includes translation work). Since it is a ministry, they asked him about his faith using the question: “If you were to die today, are you sure you would be going to heaven?” He said he was not sure but answered that he tries to live the way his mother taught him to live. This led to an interesting discussion and Rich got to share with him that the Bible makes it clear in 1 John chapter 5 in the thirteenth verse that those who trust in Jesus can know that they have eternal life. He said everything we talked about made sense and said he would think about our discussion and let us know if he makes a decision to trust in Christ!
The first happened because a lady’s cell phone kept ringing with a loud musical ringtone that was bothering others in this small room. Someone turned and asked her to shut it off or answer it. Richard could tell that the customer was a little upset by the way it was said. So when she was leaving, he grabbed a “15-minutes-free internet navigation” coupon and followed her outside to give it to her. He tried to smooth things over and she ended up asking him where he goes to church. To his surprise she spoke in English. She said she’s been feeling that she needs to go to church again. Rich told her about the English-speaking church we sometimes attend called Quisqueya Chapel. He gave her the Pastor’s phone number and encouraged her to make an appointment with the Pastor’s wife to talk about her desire to get closer to God.
The second time was when Richard and Dorothy were interviewing someone to do translation work (we share the space with Dorothy and her ministry includes translation work). Since it is a ministry, they asked him about his faith using the question: “If you were to die today, are you sure you would be going to heaven?” He said he was not sure but answered that he tries to live the way his mother taught him to live. This led to an interesting discussion and Rich got to share with him that the Bible makes it clear in 1 John chapter 5 in the thirteenth verse that those who trust in Jesus can know that they have eternal life. He said everything we talked about made sense and said he would think about our discussion and let us know if he makes a decision to trust in Christ!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Richard presents his Graduate Research on Youth Unemployment in Haiti
Richard presents his Graduate Research on Youth Unemployment in Haiti
On Sunday, Feb. 23rd, Rich spoke to a group of High School and College students and educators in Haiti about the problem of Youth Unemployment in Haiti. He was invited to present his graduate research on this subject by Young Americas Business Trust – Haiti (YABT-Haiti) organized several sessions during a United Nations Simulation at the Caraibe Convention Center in Port-au-Prince.
As a result of his research, Rich was able to make 4 recommendations that could help reduce youth unemployment in Haiti:
- A multi-faceted approach where the Haitian Government, businesses and Unions work together to address youth unemployment
- Teach and promote good character
- Find ways that idle youth can work together with community leaders to make a positive contribution to their communities, and provide healthy ways they can use their time.
- Identify and encourage youth with entrepreneurial talent
Currently Rich is working with YABT-Haiti to create a program that uses laptops to take a computer training course to Haitian schools that do not have electricity or computer equipment. He and YABT-Haiti leaders hope to launch a pilot project in two schools starting the end of March.
This project fits into AIS-Haiti’s third “B” in “Ball, Bible, Business”
Ball: Using sports to engage youth in our program
Bible: Evangelizing and Teaching Christian Character through Bible study
Business: Identify and encourage youth who demonstrate entrepreneurial talent.
On Sunday, Feb. 23rd, Rich spoke to a group of High School and College students and educators in Haiti about the problem of Youth Unemployment in Haiti. He was invited to present his graduate research on this subject by Young Americas Business Trust – Haiti (YABT-Haiti) organized several sessions during a United Nations Simulation at the Caraibe Convention Center in Port-au-Prince.
As a result of his research, Rich was able to make 4 recommendations that could help reduce youth unemployment in Haiti:
- A multi-faceted approach where the Haitian Government, businesses and Unions work together to address youth unemployment
- Teach and promote good character
- Find ways that idle youth can work together with community leaders to make a positive contribution to their communities, and provide healthy ways they can use their time.
- Identify and encourage youth with entrepreneurial talent
Currently Rich is working with YABT-Haiti to create a program that uses laptops to take a computer training course to Haitian schools that do not have electricity or computer equipment. He and YABT-Haiti leaders hope to launch a pilot project in two schools starting the end of March.
This project fits into AIS-Haiti’s third “B” in “Ball, Bible, Business”
Ball: Using sports to engage youth in our program
Bible: Evangelizing and Teaching Christian Character through Bible study
Business: Identify and encourage youth who demonstrate entrepreneurial talent.
Passing the Test
Passing the test
The other day I was helping to teach Lucasse, a young man who works in the Ambassador’s Cyber cafe how to drive.
Lucasse played on the Lemuel Soccer Club for a few years and when we started a cyber café in Haiti to help us learn how to start a business in Haiti, he was a natural choice help us as an intern.
I wanted to encourage Lucasse to get his driver’s license so that he could help when driving was necessary for the business.
So early one morning before the cyber café opened I took him to the English church’s property, which is rather large for Haiti, and let him drive around. I thought it would be good to practice parallel parking with him so I moved these volleyball poles that were stuck into cement-filled tires. It turned out that was a mistake.
The next day my back was killing me, and it got even worse the day after. As I write this I am still in a lot of pain.
But, yesterday I took Lucasse for his driver’s test and he passed! He passed, and I was in pain. He was happy, I was in pain. He told everyone he had passed, I told everyone I was in pain. I was happy for Lucasse, but the pain kind of dampened my enthusiasm.
This reminds me of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Once we put our trust in Christ, we are happy and tell everyone “I’m saved from my sins – I passed the test and now have a place reserved for me in heaven!” Jesus is happy for us, but I don’t think he’ll ever forget completely about the pain he suffered so that we could pass from death to life!
The other day I was helping to teach Lucasse, a young man who works in the Ambassador’s Cyber cafe how to drive.
Lucasse played on the Lemuel Soccer Club for a few years and when we started a cyber café in Haiti to help us learn how to start a business in Haiti, he was a natural choice help us as an intern.
I wanted to encourage Lucasse to get his driver’s license so that he could help when driving was necessary for the business.
So early one morning before the cyber café opened I took him to the English church’s property, which is rather large for Haiti, and let him drive around. I thought it would be good to practice parallel parking with him so I moved these volleyball poles that were stuck into cement-filled tires. It turned out that was a mistake.
The next day my back was killing me, and it got even worse the day after. As I write this I am still in a lot of pain.
But, yesterday I took Lucasse for his driver’s test and he passed! He passed, and I was in pain. He was happy, I was in pain. He told everyone he had passed, I told everyone I was in pain. I was happy for Lucasse, but the pain kind of dampened my enthusiasm.
This reminds me of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Once we put our trust in Christ, we are happy and tell everyone “I’m saved from my sins – I passed the test and now have a place reserved for me in heaven!” Jesus is happy for us, but I don’t think he’ll ever forget completely about the pain he suffered so that we could pass from death to life!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Follow-up
We're working with 5 churches in the area where the training and the special outreach game were held in January.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 24 people came to be trained for follow-up on those who indicated interest in Bible Studies or that they had trusted in Christ. The individuals were organized into groups with a coordinator for each church or smaller area. This week (Feb. 23), there will be a meeting of the coordinators to find out how it’s going with the follow up and to encourage them in the work.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 24 people came to be trained for follow-up on those who indicated interest in Bible Studies or that they had trusted in Christ. The individuals were organized into groups with a coordinator for each church or smaller area. This week (Feb. 23), there will be a meeting of the coordinators to find out how it’s going with the follow up and to encourage them in the work.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Schools in Verrettes
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Adult ESL Class
Some of the parents of students at QCS have requested an English class and I was asked to teach them. This could be a great opportunity for interaction/relationship building with the families of QCS and integration of Biblical principles and concepts. Please pray that God brings the people He wants to the class and for me that I will be used by Him in this new venture. There will not be a set curriculum, I am designing the course. I have done this before, but I hope to improve on what I have done in the past.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)