Monday, February 27, 2012

"Raised to Walk in Newness of Life..."



Matthew 3:16-17
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

I cannot wrap my head around what it must have been like to have been at the baptism of Christ.  I am sure it was a sight the people in the crowd that day talked about and never forgot!  Over the past several weekends, Rob Baker, Field Director for BHM has had the opportunity to travel to a variety of different locations and preach.  Each service was unique in location but consistent in the proclamation of the gospel message.

Two of the church gatherings also included baptisms.  The streams and rivers of Haiti grew great crowds as communities and family members gathered to witness the public display of complete life change in their loved ones! 
Lives that were once walking in darkness have now entered the light!  A line was formed along the side of the river as people eagerly anticipated their opportunity to proclaim their love for Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

The name of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed among the people of Haiti.  Pray for the pastors of Haiti that they may faithfully shepherd the church.  Pray for the lives of several individuals over the past few weekends who have made public their decision to follow Christ.  Pray that believers in Haiti would see the importance of walking alongside other believers in discipleship and growing in the likeness of Christ.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Making a House a Home

You may be familiar with the phrase, "Home is where the heart is."  For several families in Haiti, the word "home" does not describe a building with walls and windows.  Security and longevity are not phrases one would associate with the structure of a home.  The definition for "home" changed drastically for two families last week thanks to the work of a construction team associated with MFI (Missionary Flights International).

The team of 9 arrived in Haiti Thursday February 9.  The team was composed of people from a variety of locations, Florida, Maine, Canada, just to name a few.  After a long day of travel, attempting to adjust to a new environment, and an early morning breakfast the team hit the ground running Friday morning.  The team set out to build two houses during their one week stay.  We are pleased to announce their goal was achieved.  Sweat was shed, skin was sunburned, and roofs were put in place.  The work on these houses was not a one man, or even a one team task.


 Children and families from the surrounding areas were eager and willing to help out wherever there was a need.  Several hours a day were spent shoveling and sifting.
 
 The walls for the two homes came up quickly.  The homes are two room structures with concrete floors.  They will be able to withstand a variety of weather conditions, provide security for the families, as well as keep out unwanted critters.
Wednesday morning the team celebrated their work by having a house dedication ceremony.  During this time Scripture was read and a devotion was given for the families and community.  Songs were sung and smiles and hugs were shared.  The joy and appreciation from the families was evident throughout the morning. 


 
Thank you MFI team for all of your hard work.  You have made a lasting impact in the lives of many.  We appreciate your work and anticipate serving with you in the future!  If you would be interested in bringing a team to Haiti to help build houses please visit our website, www.bhm.org, and contact us.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Demolition Derby

Bring out the sledgehammers and the crowbars.  Not what you expected to hear in a country that is booming with construction from the earthquake?  Sometimes you have to break-down....so you can build it back better.  
We have been blessed to have a team here in Haiti for two weeks from Canada, led by Martin Durksen, the Chairman of the Canadian board of directors. 
 The house where Rob and Patti Baker, BHM's Field Director, were living was damaged during the earthquake.  Since they moved out late last year, it has been used as a storage facility.  Waiting until the right time to start tearing it down, so that construction could begin again.

Instead of building the house back just like it was, the decision has been made to create it into two apartments, for other missionaries and guests.    
During the quake, the outer walls remained in-tact and structurally sound.  However, the inner load-bearing walls were another story.  They have removed the roof and most of the inner walls.
 
New walls have begun to be constructed already.  
Make sure you check-out Facebook, as more pictures are coming soon.  Praise God that there are men and women who are willing to take their own time and help us here at BHM, as the ministry continues to go on. 

**There are a number of spiritual analogies throughout the above story.  Christ rebuilds our lives like we are re-building this home.  Before construction takes place...we have to recognize the cracks in the walls and the sin in our own heart.  Once this realization (confession) is made, the Lord will quickly begin rebuilding us into the image of himself...better than it was before.  This work does not start on the outside, but from the inside out.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Special Deliveries

As BHM seeks to assist local churches and schools of Haiti we greatly depend on donations and outside support.  Last Friday we told you about the special school supplies ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International), helped collect and send to BHM.  Throughout this week these 750 boxes began to be delivered.  The delivery of these special bags brought forth smiles, excited chatter, and quite a few very surprised students and teachers.


The students were thrilled to receive these special gifts.  As each student received their package others became incredibly curious to see what everyone was getting.


The students spent a great deal of time exploring and seeing all that was in their bags.  Cheers echoed throughout the classrooms as students discovered their very own pack of stickers or brand new markers.  Upon pulling out a package of glue sticks a little boy asked if it was candy.  He was quickly informed it was not for eating.  He nodded his head in understanding and then asked if it was to put on his lips.  Hopefully these "little details" are resolved before using too many of the items in the bag.



The bags were given to students of all shapes and sizes.  For some it was a struggle to even close their bags after opening and examining all of their new supplies.


BHM is incredibly thankful for the generous donations of Project Hope for Haiti.  The time and money spent organizing and collecting items for teachers and students was definitely noticed and appreciated.  The facial expression of the student below says it all, WOW, thank you for the school supplies!