Saturday, April 28, 2012
15,000 hits!
I'm excited because today we reached 15,000 hits on this blog since we started it November 2006. And I have a feeling we may have that many visits to our blog in the next year or so-things have been accelerating..
Sports Saves the World...according to Sports Illustrated
"spreading health messages, pacifying communities in conflict, preparing refugees for resettlement and providing what experts consider the simplest means of promoting development: improved status for women..."
Here is an interesting quote from a Sports Illustrated article from a few months back explaining how the idea of using sports to reach out people in difficult situations is growing. It's now called "Sport for Development and Peace."
"Today the field known generally as Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) extends well beyond nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as Right To Play. It attracts growing support from foundations and corporations, while governments and international agencies are eager to serve as partners to groups on the ground. And as the effectiveness of programs is more precisely measured, SDP's value as a tool for good is becoming more widely acknowledged. Even the stodgiest onlookers agree that sport "plays the hidden social worker," in the words of former champion miler Sebastian Coe, now chairman of the London 2012 [Olympic] organizing committee.
That is a good thing, for almost half the world's population is considered poor, and a full 1.4 billion people—one fifth of humanity, including more than half of all Africans—are extremely poor, living on less than $1.25 a day. As maladies of plenty such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease afflict the developed world, and elite pro sports reek of excess, SDP is a sobering counterpoint, spreading health messages, pacifying communities in conflict, preparing refugees for resettlement and providing what experts consider the simplest means of promoting development: improved status for women."
The article is titled Sports Saves The World
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190627/1/index.htm
Here is an interesting quote from a Sports Illustrated article from a few months back explaining how the idea of using sports to reach out people in difficult situations is growing. It's now called "Sport for Development and Peace."
"Today the field known generally as Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) extends well beyond nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as Right To Play. It attracts growing support from foundations and corporations, while governments and international agencies are eager to serve as partners to groups on the ground. And as the effectiveness of programs is more precisely measured, SDP's value as a tool for good is becoming more widely acknowledged. Even the stodgiest onlookers agree that sport "plays the hidden social worker," in the words of former champion miler Sebastian Coe, now chairman of the London 2012 [Olympic] organizing committee.
That is a good thing, for almost half the world's population is considered poor, and a full 1.4 billion people—one fifth of humanity, including more than half of all Africans—are extremely poor, living on less than $1.25 a day. As maladies of plenty such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease afflict the developed world, and elite pro sports reek of excess, SDP is a sobering counterpoint, spreading health messages, pacifying communities in conflict, preparing refugees for resettlement and providing what experts consider the simplest means of promoting development: improved status for women."
The article is titled Sports Saves The World
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190627/1/index.htm
Another tent city was cleared this week. This one was huge and right in front of the National Palace. It was cleared one section at a time and now, this week, the last section was taken down. In this video from Haitian President Martelly's facebook page, one man (the one in the aqua colored shirt) explains how he was living there all this time with his children, reports being given $4000 toward rebuilding his. He states that he is very happy.
The video also reports how many Haitians are happy that they have this park to enjoy (they even use the English word 'enjoy' mixed in the Creole). A young man expresses that he's happy to have the park again, that for people in the poor, crowded neighborhoods surrounding the park, it means a lot to be able to come to an open space like this.
http://www.facebook.com/martelly2010
The video also reports how many Haitians are happy that they have this park to enjoy (they even use the English word 'enjoy' mixed in the Creole). A young man expresses that he's happy to have the park again, that for people in the poor, crowded neighborhoods surrounding the park, it means a lot to be able to come to an open space like this.
http://www.facebook.com/martelly2010
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Much ado in Port Salu(t)!!
Much ado in Port Salu(t)!!
From April 29 to May 5th a group of 46 Canadian College students will be visiting Port-Salut (Pronounced “Saloo”) on the south west coast of Haiti. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Haiti. They will also be visiting an island named “Ile a vache” or cow island. There is a pirate ship that sunk off this island that was discovered a few years ago.
They will be staying at the hotel Port Morgan. “Port Morgan is named for the pirate captain Henry Morgan (c.1635–1688) for whom the little island served as a frequent base of operations.[2] Morgan planned and staged many of his largest raids from “ile a Vache” and in 1676 he narrowly survived a costly shipwreck on its shore: Morgan's ship Jamaica Merchant sank with a full complement of cannon which the pirate had been bringing to bolster his presence at Port Royal, Jamaica.” (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%8Ele_%C3%A0_Vache).
But this team will not be searching for pirate treasure. Instead they will treasure the smiles of hundreds of school children as they deliver school supplies and soccer equipment to eight schools in the area and sponsor a soccer tournament between them.
This past weekend, Ronald and Jean Paul trained local churches in how to evangelize and follow up at the games that will be played each day between April 30th and May 3rd.
This large team of University students from a secular French-speaking school in New Bruswick first came in 2008, and then in 2010, 2011 and now 2012! Each year they bring loads of great soccer equipment and school supplies for the schools we work with.
In addition to visiting the schools, they will also participate in a construction project at one of them.
Please keep Ronald in your prayers as he is responsible for all the logistics of this large team!
This photo of Ile-a-Vache is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Monday, April 23, 2012
We had a warm welcome at Bible Fellowship Church in Yardley, PA. We got to see some friends we hadn't seen in a long time and connected with people who are interested in helping the people of Haiti. Some are very interested in coming down to help in the work!
As a special treat, I (Carol) was able to attend the women's conference on Friday and Saturday, where I heard encouraging and challenging talks on the journey of the Israelites and our journeys today from Kim Worrell, a fantastic speaker. There were also a lot special touches that made it really nice--decorations, good food, good coffee, little gifts, etc.
While I was at the Women's Conference, Richard had a really good meeting with Andrew and Meg working on our new website through which we'll handle equipment collection--coming soon -- "Equip the World"!
Last night I got to chat with one of my deaf friends in Haiti over Oovoo (which is like Skype). I was glad to be assured that he, his wife and baby and our mutual friends are doing all right.
Today, Richard went to Lancaster to guest-teach a business class and to meet up with a Haitian friend who lives not too far from Philly. I'm still working on our new wordpress blog...I'll let everyone know when it's ready. Blessings to all of you who care about Haiti! Carol
As a special treat, I (Carol) was able to attend the women's conference on Friday and Saturday, where I heard encouraging and challenging talks on the journey of the Israelites and our journeys today from Kim Worrell, a fantastic speaker. There were also a lot special touches that made it really nice--decorations, good food, good coffee, little gifts, etc.
While I was at the Women's Conference, Richard had a really good meeting with Andrew and Meg working on our new website through which we'll handle equipment collection--coming soon -- "Equip the World"!
Last night I got to chat with one of my deaf friends in Haiti over Oovoo (which is like Skype). I was glad to be assured that he, his wife and baby and our mutual friends are doing all right.
Today, Richard went to Lancaster to guest-teach a business class and to meet up with a Haitian friend who lives not too far from Philly. I'm still working on our new wordpress blog...I'll let everyone know when it's ready. Blessings to all of you who care about Haiti! Carol
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Trip to Massachusetts
We didn't run in the Boston Marathon, in fact we didn't even go watch it. But we were up in that area for several days and met with some great people who are really interested in using there talents for the benefit of Haitians and for the glory of God.
We got to meet with the board of Servants for Haiti to talk about ways that we can collaborate in the future. They gave us several bags of soccer uniforms and equipment.
Our good friend, Jose Martinez hosted us in Rutland, MA and is our connection with Heritage Bible Chapel in Princeton, Massachusetts. We spoke during the Sunday School hour and show a short video about the ministry during the regular service. We got to meet with some wonderful members of that church in a couple of meetings. We were given more bags of soccer balls and equipment which filled in every space in the Nissan Altima we were driving.
It was great to meet with people who knew a lot about Haiti and some who had read "When Helping Hurts," an important book that many of us who work in countries struggling with poverty are grappling with.
We also had the opportunity to see some of our extended families and a generous couple from Heritage Bible let us stay at their house on Cape Cod.
We got to meet with the board of Servants for Haiti to talk about ways that we can collaborate in the future. They gave us several bags of soccer uniforms and equipment.
Our good friend, Jose Martinez hosted us in Rutland, MA and is our connection with Heritage Bible Chapel in Princeton, Massachusetts. We spoke during the Sunday School hour and show a short video about the ministry during the regular service. We got to meet with some wonderful members of that church in a couple of meetings. We were given more bags of soccer balls and equipment which filled in every space in the Nissan Altima we were driving.
It was great to meet with people who knew a lot about Haiti and some who had read "When Helping Hurts," an important book that many of us who work in countries struggling with poverty are grappling with.
We also had the opportunity to see some of our extended families and a generous couple from Heritage Bible let us stay at their house on Cape Cod.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Easter Blessings
This Easter we were together with Joy and Ricky celebrating with Carol’s sister and her family and Carol's Mom in Lancaster, PA.
We praise God for two events that have helped to support our ministry in Haiti in the past few days.
On Good Friday three churches gathered together for a special service to commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion and decided to give the offering towards the soccer evangelistic tournament we want to start in September, 2012. Our goal is to see God provide $350 for each of the 128 teams that we want to participate in the tournament. On Good Friday we received enough for 4 teams!
Through joining the Pastor of our Home Church, Crossing Community Church, in his ministry to recovering addicts in Philadelphia, I met Bob Stone who plunged himself into addiction to drown his sorrow after his son was hit and killed by a drunk driver in Philadelphia. Now he is recovering at the House of Adonai, a Christian program that helps free addicts from the power of addiction through a Bible –based curriculum.
On Easter Saturday, the Stone family held their 6th annual soccer tournament in memory of their son, Dan Stone. This year they decided to raise funds for our ministry in Haiti! Not only did I get to attend the tournament and meet lots of great people, but I also got to join one of the 8 teams that participated and we won two out of the four games we played!
It was a gorgeous spring day and temperatures were in the 60’s, perfect for 6-a-side soccer. I also took some evangelistic literature and got to talk to each team about what we do in Haiti.
We praise God for two events that have helped to support our ministry in Haiti in the past few days.
On Good Friday three churches gathered together for a special service to commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion and decided to give the offering towards the soccer evangelistic tournament we want to start in September, 2012. Our goal is to see God provide $350 for each of the 128 teams that we want to participate in the tournament. On Good Friday we received enough for 4 teams!
Through joining the Pastor of our Home Church, Crossing Community Church, in his ministry to recovering addicts in Philadelphia, I met Bob Stone who plunged himself into addiction to drown his sorrow after his son was hit and killed by a drunk driver in Philadelphia. Now he is recovering at the House of Adonai, a Christian program that helps free addicts from the power of addiction through a Bible –based curriculum.
On Easter Saturday, the Stone family held their 6th annual soccer tournament in memory of their son, Dan Stone. This year they decided to raise funds for our ministry in Haiti! Not only did I get to attend the tournament and meet lots of great people, but I also got to join one of the 8 teams that participated and we won two out of the four games we played!
It was a gorgeous spring day and temperatures were in the 60’s, perfect for 6-a-side soccer. I also took some evangelistic literature and got to talk to each team about what we do in Haiti.
Friday, April 6, 2012
How to give to AIS Haiti
If you would like to give to any of our projects, please make out a check to Ambassadors in Sport and on a separate piece of paper write that it is for AIS Haiti.
Then mail the check to:
Ambassadors in Sport
3819 E. Aurora Rd.
Twinsburg, OH 44087
TEL +1 330-963-6599
FAX +1 330-963-6570
Ambassadors is a Non-profit Charity
Federal ID#: 341740615
You can also give online at www.aisint.org Just click on the upper right hand corner on the button that says "GIVE". You can give via credit card or electronic check. Just be sure to designate the gift for AIS Haiti.
THANK YOU!
Then mail the check to:
Ambassadors in Sport
3819 E. Aurora Rd.
Twinsburg, OH 44087
TEL +1 330-963-6599
FAX +1 330-963-6570
Ambassadors is a Non-profit Charity
Federal ID#: 341740615
You can also give online at www.aisint.org Just click on the upper right hand corner on the button that says "GIVE". You can give via credit card or electronic check. Just be sure to designate the gift for AIS Haiti.
THANK YOU!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
New Baby Boy!
Congratulations to Ronald and Marie Frans William on the birth of their first son, Emmanuelson. Emmanuelson was born on March 25th and weighed in at four pounds.
He joins his adopted sister, Francesca who is three years old. Francesca was adopted by Ronald and Marid Frans after her mother died in the earthquake on January 12, 2010.
Ronald is the head coach of Ambassadors in Sport - Haiti and has been working with AIS Haiti since 2008.
We hope to have some pictures soon!
He joins his adopted sister, Francesca who is three years old. Francesca was adopted by Ronald and Marid Frans after her mother died in the earthquake on January 12, 2010.
Ronald is the head coach of Ambassadors in Sport - Haiti and has been working with AIS Haiti since 2008.
We hope to have some pictures soon!
Spiritual Fruit in a rough neighborhood
As you can imagine, we receive many requests for help from many churches and schools seeking to do soccer ministry in Haiti.
One of the churches we helped is in Cite Soleil, one of the most dangerous slums in Port-au-Prince.
This is the report we got from this Church:
"nan kad patenaria nou te fe ak yon legliz nan site soley te gen yon match foot ball yo te arive evanjelize 250 moun,7 moun afilye, 25 moun konveti"
"One of the churches we partner with in Cite Soley had a soccer game. They evangelized 250 people and 7 people started coming to the church and 25 people were converted."
Please join us in prayer so that the seed that has taken root in the lives of these new believers will not be choked out by the cares of this world!
A good story on a Business in Haiti
This is a great story of how a Haitian Pastor started a business to serve his people!
http://www.thehighcalling.org/work/business-ministry-haiti
http://www.thehighcalling.org/work/business-ministry-haiti
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