December 2, 2014It was a dream. It was a dream given by God to Pastor Mathurin and me a year and a half ago. The dream was a new Hope Center in the mountainous village of Thoman, Haiti, a village with no electricity, no running water, no medical care, and no hope. The Hope Center would have a medical clinic and dental clinic, a missionary couple, and visiting teams that would help build houses, partner with the local church, and help with the school. Within all of these activities, the love of Christ would be shared and lives would be changed.

Three weeks ago I was blessed to be in Haiti as we saw the dream become reality. We held a Dedication Service at the new Hope Center in Thoman. I must confess that the entire day was overwhelming as I saw what God had done in such a short time. Thank you so much to all who have given and worked to bring hope and a brighter future to the people of Thoman.


Me standing with Dr. Scott Kramer, Building Science Professor from Auburn University. Scott helped to oversee the construction of the new Hope Center.


Some of the Americans preparing for the dedication service


The choir from Pastor Mathurin’s church sang beautifully at the dedication service.


Dining area where the visiting teams will eat and fellowship each day.


Kitchen


Inside the missionary house. Terry Warren, in the middle, is our missionary in Thoman, along with his wife, Kathy.


Medical clinc


Waiting area outside the medical and dental clinics

New House
We built a house while we were in Haiti for a family of five. As you can see below, the house they were living in is a simple mud hut, 10′ x 10′, with dirt floors. The mother of the family had been praying for a new house because every night rats were gnawing on the fingers and toes of her children. God answered her prayer when First Baptist Laurel, through the leadership of their pastor, Randy Turner, gave the funds to build a new house.


Bruce Smith, professor from Auburn University Building Science Dept., standing outside the mud hut where the family of 5 was living.


A bonus of building houses is that many Haitians receive jobs.


Three of the Haitian family members standing with us as the house was being built. While Haitians don’t usually smile in “formal” photos, this family was thrilled to be moving from their mud hut to their new block home.


Walls coming up, with the mud hut to the right.

Mobile Clinic
While I was in Haiti a few weeks ago, we held a mobile clinic in a remote village. There is no road access directly into the village. We drove the bus as far as we could go and then walked down a ravine and back to the other side to get to the village.


Patients waiting to be treated. The clinic was held inside the village church.


Our medical missionary, Tony West, examining a boy’s head with Melanie Blanton, a nurse from Petal, MS.


Holding VBS while the medical clinic was taking place

End of the Year
It’s been an amazing year in Haiti with But God Ministries. God continues to bless in ways we never dreamed possible.

If you are thinking of an end-of-the-year gift, would you please consider BGM and our work in Haiti. We want, and need, to finish the year strong financially so we can continue to share the love of Christ in very tangible ways in Haiti.

You can give online HERE or send a check to: But God Ministries, 1440 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39202.

In addition, I ask for your prayers for wisdom and energy for our Haitian staff, our American staff in Haiti, and our Board of Directors.


One of our Board members, Billy Van Devender, walking through a Haitian village a few weeks ago when this little boy grabbed his hand. What a beautiful picture of those of us who have been blessed sharing the love of God with those in a foreign land.

Can’t Wait To See What God Does Next,

Stan Buckley
Executive Director
But God Ministries

 


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