I was in Haiti two weeks ago with a great group from the Brasfield & Gorrie Construction Company of Birmingham. Most of the team worked in Thoman all week and the rest of us stayed in Galette Chambon. Once again, I was blown away at the incredible ministry that took place that week.
English Class
Mickie West, one of our missionaries in Galette Chambon, teaches a Creole literacy class for Haitians who cannot read or write in their own language. In addition, she teaches two English classes for those who want to learn English. The English classes are very popular and Mickie does a super job. Two weeks ago, our group was able to sit with some of the students and engage in conversational English.
Helping teach English
Getting to know one of the students
Orphanage
The children at the orphanage are doing great! They are wonderful children who are growing mentally, physically, and spiritually.
New concrete poured in the courtyard of the orphanage
The trees are growing rapidly inside the orphanage
Church
Our church at Galette Chambon continues to thrive. Pastor Mickenson is doing a fantastic job preaching the Word and leading the members.
The members of the church participating in a work day at the church two weeks ago. They made it look so beautiful!
Bible Study and Food
In Galette Chambon, Tony and Mickie, our missionaries, host a Bible study and provide a meal each Saturday for some of the younger boys in the village. We have two young ladies, Rachel and Meredith, who live full-time at the orphanage. Last week, Rachel’s parents spent the week in Galette Chambon. Rachel’s dad is a pastor from Alabama and he led the boys’ Bible study.
Prayer time during the Bible Study with Rachel’s dad
More Houses
Housing needs continue to be great. So many people are living in mud huts or some kind of makeshift shelters. Two weeks ago, the Brasfield & Gorrie team built a house for Dominique (husband) and Acimene (wife) and their children.
The family of Dominique and Acimene and their children were living in these atrocious circumstances in Thoman.
Another view of their terrible living conditions
Part of the family standing beside construction of their new home
The team from Brasfield Gorrie that helped build the new house
The dedication of the new house two Fridays ago. It was a great time of prayer, Scripture reading, and celebration
Another family living in a mud hut that received a new house last week in Thoman
Beds, Beds, Beds
We realized recently that while we have been building houses for needy families, we’ve never helped provide beds for the families who moved into the new houses. Consequently, many of the people have been sleeping on concrete floors. Now, for $350, we are building queen size beds and buying mattresses. The people are so excited to get off the concrete and have a good night’s sleep. On our trip two weeks ago, Brasfield & Gorrie built 5 beds and delivered them to families who were overjoyed to receive them.
Carrying a new bed to the home of Vertille and his family
Vertille and his wife were really excited and very grateful for their new bed.
Ellisemene was raising hands and praising “Jezi” (Jesus) for her new bed. No longer does she have to sleep on the hard concrete floor.
Ellismene on her new bed
Acimene and some of her children enjoying their new bed
Mary Minne and her family with their new bed. While most Haitians don’t smile in photos, after this photo was taken they were laughing and smiling and having a great time!
This dear man, Mr. Idovik, has been cripped for many years. He told us he has spent 31 of his 48 years of life sleeping on a mat on the ground. Not anymore! Thanks to Walter Arrington and Jim Gorrie of Birmingham, he now gets to sleep on a raised, comfortable, bed.
Fun Times
Our teams who go to Haiti always have a very meaningful time. They work hard and make a real difference. But they also have fun!
Vini, Dean of the School of Architecture at Auburn University, playing with the children at the school in Thoman where we sponsor 240 children
Pastor Mathurin trying to hula hoop. Let’s just say he won’t be winning any hula hoop competitions!
And finally . . .
As you can see, God is using But God Ministries in marvelous ways. Also, as you are aware, it takes a great deal of resources to do what God has called us to do. Would you please consider financially supporting BGM and our work in Haiti? Your gift will go a long way in helping us share the love of Christ in very tangible ways in that poverty-stricken nation. You can give online HERE or send a check to: But God Ministries, 400 Fontaine Place, Suite 103, Ridgeland, MS, 39157.
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.
Can’t Wait To See What God Does Next,
Stan Buckley
Executive Director
But God Ministries