Today we went on a river walk in Mesaye (pronounced Mezz-i-ee). We just wondered aimlessly through a village cutting across a river. It was definitely a different way to minister. Not something I had experienced before. We were just walking in blind faith that God would cross our paths with someone who needed Him. And He did. Many of the children who followed us asked for food. That was difficult for us not being able to provide. The Church wants to be the one giving necessities and not teach Haitians that white people are their providers. God is The Provider. Bryan had the opportunity to pray over an elderly woman who is losing her sight. That was really cool to watch an evangelist act in the name of Christ. Bodies of water seem to be places of VooDoo worship. Something about the water means purification. That's kinda ironic. Purification from what when you worship the devil...The Church of Hope sends groups out to do village ministries like this to build relationships and make appearances in the name of Christ in hopes to break down the enemy's stronghold. (Zan got bit by a spider previous to our river walk, so her sweet husband, Bryan, carried her across the river so she wouldn't get any bacteria in her infectious. A very touching way to serve his wife.)
In the afternoon, we went to an orphanage/village called Abraham. The village had no running water and the market was a two-day walk. The orphanage was literally an open field. We hiked up a small mountain to look out at the ocean beyond. It was breathtaking with the water, shoreline, mountains and clouds. Then reality sets in as you took in all the little blue dots that were temporary housing stretched out across the countryside. Abraham was a very rough place - much like the 'hood'. It's known for its gang affiliation and severe poverty. Most kids don't eat. Running water and meal deliveries are obsolete still. Mission of Hope intends to build a relationship here so they can delivery meals to these children. Most are homeless orphans. Many of the kids have orange hair which is an indication of malnutrition. Several wanted food. The 'gang' came out and tauted a few of our females. It became uncomfortable quick, so we left. Lisa and Tracy did get the opportunity to pray over a little boy who hurt his knee in a car accident. That was sweet to watch. Tina was touched by a young girl in charge of her younger brother and infant sister. The infant had a severe ear infection. The mother left the young girl in charge while the mother went to market. She would be gone for a few days. Tina wanted to get the infant girl medical attention. Can you imagine being a pre-teen and in charge of your siblings for days in a very unsafe place?
Before we left Abraham, Cody stepped in a brier patch. He was wearing flip flops since his tennis shoes were wet from the river walk. He had so many thorns in his foot. I had the joy of digging them all out later that night. As I was performing surgery on his foot, Cody told me he's really enjoyed playing with all the kids from wrestling the first day to playing basketball each night with Glaxison and Jeff and even his sweet visits from Stevenson after he swallowed a half dollar. Cody would check on Stevenson daily.April gave us a compliment tonight. She is very impressed with the strong woman of this country and on our team. She will carry that with her always.
Three Cords is a ministry where Mission of Hope employs female amputees or mothers of amputees to design and make headbands, hair pins, purses, etc...In Haiti, if you are an amputee, you are seen as worthless. Mission of Hope is offering a new life to these women. They have a purpose. (And us girls pretty much bought them out.)Visit them at 3cordshaiti.blogspot.com
"A cord of three strands is not easily broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:12
We visited the prosthetics lab. David, a Haitian, gave us a tour. Neoki, an educator from Japan, is teaching David the ins and outs of prosthetics. The lab personally fits, custom makes and offers physical therapy to each amputee for FREE. Mission of Hope is sending David to school to learn how to be a prosthetics doctor. He was beaming when he told us. So much joy in his purpose. Everywhere you look Mission of Hope is giving life back to Haiti and the only string that is attached is Jesus.
