GAP-Haiti Mission News Blog

Introducing.......Homes 4 Haiti

2011-07-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

Homes 4 Haiti is an advisory group from several different church bodies. The advisory group is non-denominational and most have been to Haiti before. It is open to anyone that wants to attend the meetings. An executive board has been formed... to be accountable to GAP's board of directors as well as any donors. The advisory group will still meet and work on the goals of Homes 4 Haiti. Homes 4 Haiti's main purpose and governing policies are to help improve the Haitian living conditions by partnering with the Haitian's and other NGOs to build appropriate housing.If you would like to get involved go to facebook.com\homes4haiti and find out when their next meeting is. They also have a new website so check it out. www.homes4haiti-gap.com . There are many different levels to get involved….you can donate, get your church, organization, or family interested, or bring your group to Haiti to paint the houses. They have watched God go before them and have raised the funds to start building the first house in October of this year! To God Be the Glory!! Blessings! M.W.

TOP FIVE REASON'S YOU SHOULD BOOK YOUR NEXT MISSION TRIP WITH G.A.P!!!

2011-01-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well this should be a fun blog, so get the popcorn popping and pull up a seat, cuz here we go. This is officially my second blog on the G.A.P site and Wow do I have a lot to blog about. Where to even begin I am not sure. Well for starters I would like to send a shout out to Steve Mossburg.... there was a wonderful article written about him today:

Take a few moments and check it out! Steve, we are so proud of you and honored to serve with you in Haiti.

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20110129/FEAT04/301299986

So I am sitting here in Haiti huddled under a mosquito net trying to hide from the mosquitoes. (the hiding is not working btw) I wanted to start by giving you all a top 5 reasons why YOU should come and visit G.A.P, Steve, Shirley and I in Haiti...

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.... Here is the countdown:

Now of course this wont make any sense if you haven't visited Haiti yet... but if you have...enjoy!

5). Where else can you go and hear roosters that start hollering and "cock a doodle doo...ing" at 9:00 oclock at night?? What is great about these roosters is they holler all night long. They have amazing rooster lungs. I mean this is a Haiti classic sound. Steve and I thought maybe we would make a CD and call it "THE SOUNDS OF Haiti!" I am sure it will become a best seller in NO time! ohhh or we could do scratch and sniff stickers and call them "the smells of Haiti" Ok I won't go there! We could also add the barking dogs that like to bark all night long and even throw in the famous mosquito that likes to buzz in your ear when you are trying to fall asleep. We could even add the sound of the "coconuts" that like to fall on the mission/ and guesthouses at night. Maybe we could even add the little scurrying feet of the "coconuts" (NOTE: "coconuts" is code word for "RATS." shhhhh! wink wink!

4). I mean where else can you go to ride in a "TAP TAP!" Amazing how many Haitians can fit on those things! How many of you have gotten to ride in the BIG TRUCK.... ??? What a ride!! You feel like you are cattle on a roller coaster. Who needs a massage when you have the fabulous roads of Haiti? I had the honor of riding in the BIG TRUCK with my seven/Plus children one time when it was pouring down rain. Now talk about an adventure! (I say seven/Plus children because at the rate I am going, by time you get here it could be more.)

3). Mosquito nets really have become the new fashion in Haiti... for all the missionaries. Stacie (our trusted nanny) actually has a hot pink one with a Princess crown on it. You can come to Haiti and feel like royalty as you sleep under a net.

2). I was thinking... mattresses and hot showers are really overrated! Who needs them when you can sleep on SPRINGS and coils! Oh the fun you can have in Haiti! Who needs a hot shower when you can feel like you are swimming everyday while you take a cold Haiti shower. When it rains here in Haiti...feel free to just put on a swimming suit and grab a bar of soap and start scrubbing. Haiti Rain showers are the best!

1). When you come to Haiti your life will be forever changed. Not only can you spend a week sacrificing of yourself but you can see, feel, taste the heart of Haiti. You will absolutely fall in love with the people. You can feel the very presence of God. You can be Jesus to Haiti. You can truly learn what it means to be crucified with Christ. We as Christians can get so consumed with the distractions and the things of this world...come to Haiti and get consumed with the things of God. Wake up early and you can touch the very heart of God. Go to bed looking at the amazing stars and let God wrap His healing arms around you. You can feed, clothe, love, help, and wash the feet of God's precious people. You could probably think of a million reasons why you can't go to Haiti...but forget those reasons...think of just one reason why you can and GO FOR IT. I mean there is nothing better then sweating and serving!!

I am booking mission teams and families for 2011 and 2012. Please feel free to email me if you are interested in coming to Haiti. If you are not able to right now but still want to donate so another person can come, please let me know. heatherelyse7@gmail.com or 918.633.5820

Ok so here is a quick overview of some of our fun adventures my seven wonders aka my children and I have had while in Haiti: Please take notes: Feel free to Learn from my mistakes!

1). When yawning...be very careful!! I had a mosquito or some flying object literally fly in my mouth and yes I swallowed it. YES, I was even under a mosquito net. I seriously panicked and got caught in my mosquito net as I was desperately trying to find the opening of it. I ended up all tangled up in it. The entire time I am gagging and trying not to.... (well how do I put this nicely...hmmmm there just isn't a way)...VOMIT! By time I stumbled looking for my flashlight, I could feel the "whatever it was" trying to get out. I ended up drinking a lot of water and had a ministering session with the toilet. So next time you yawn in Haiti... put a mosquito net (preferably hot pink) over that mouth!

2). Yes it is true I brought all seven kids to Haiti with me. By the first week we were here... somehow my number grew to nine kids or wait maybe it is ten now.... let me count. :) haha Ok so here is my advice to anyone bringing kids to Haiti: A: bring lots of sanitizer B: advil C: wipes D: snacks E: bug spray F: remember the code word for anything creepy crawly like tarantulas, lizards, rats is "coconuts."

3). Well we have officially experienced our first tarantula experience.... I mean excuse me "coconut" experience. YES it was confirmed as a tarantula unfortunately. Let's just say I had a "come to Jesus meeting." Still a bit traumatized over it. Not sure if I am ready to blog about it quite yet. Might need some therapy. Let's just say I have been praying a lot here in Haiti. My prayer life has really increased...PRAISE THE LORD! So just think...you coming to Haiti will do wonders for your prayer life.

OK well my dear friends that is all for now, I guess it is time for me to listen to the "SOUNDS of HAITI." I pray that God does miracles in your personal lives and in your homes. May God wrap HIS amazing arms around you today and remember to BE STILL and KNOW THAT HE is GOD. Psalm 46:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvkgRVVRYDk

YOU ARE LOVED!

Love,

Heather

"FOR TOMORROW BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE WHO PREPARE FOR IT TODAY."

2010-11-21T15:42:00.000-08:00

Top: ACY-IM leadership at refugee center they founded after earthquake
Bottom: ACY-IM leadership planning session Nov. 21, 2010

CASTING A VISION FOR THE YOUTH OF HAITI

It was just a year ago early Dec. that I set on the porch of my Borel home with Jasmine Garcon the Field Coordinator of GAP Ministry's "Feet Across the Mountains" ministry. During a 2 hour meeting I laid out my vision and plans for starting a new youth ministry that I wanted him to lead for GAP. It was based around a similar outreach I had started in 2002 for the young kids who lived in the Quiskeya Beach area where GAP ministry was headquartered at that time. In fact 16 year old Jasmine helped me organize that group of teenagers that met every Sat. afternoon in my front yard. When I relocated Gap 3.5 years later we disbanded the organization and several of the key leaders including Jasmine went off to University in Paup. When Jasmine graduated in 2009 I brought him back to oversee our work in the mountains.

The new organization we founded that afternoon would have a somewhat similar name as the original organization which was ACY-GAPI , Association of Christian Youth - Gap International. The new one would be ACY-IM , Association of Christian Youth - International Missions. My instructions to Jasmine at the end of the meeting was put a plan together that I can look at when I return in Jan. I returned to Haiti after a Christmas break on Jan. 10th and before I could meet with Jasmine the Earthquake struck on Jan 12th.

On Nov.1st of 2009 I had taken over the responsibilities of Director of Project Help-Haiti plus still remained as executive director of GAP. I thought at that time I could manage doing both jobs possibly, the earthquake took away any chance of that possibility. It was all I could do for the next 3 months to keep on top of the medical ministry and bring surgical teams and supplies in each week. About one week after the earthquake Jasmine came to see me at Pierre Payen to tell me he had relocated 250 people out to Montrouis and placed them in 2 school buildings , it seemed we were in the refugee camp business. Eventually we relocated them to a vacant property about 1/2 mile away and with tents supplied by YWAM, funding from several organizations including PH-H we kept the camp going for 6 months. On Aug. 1st we officially closed the camp as our population numbers dwindled when better housing options became available at other camps back close to Paup.

So this afternoon 11/21/10 in Montrouis I met for that first meeting I had thought I would have with the group possibly way back in Jan. Today I shared the same vision I shared with Jasmine nearly a year ago here at Borel. I won't go into a lot of details at this time but my vision is to build a volunteer national youth service group all across Haiti. This group of 18-28 year old men and women I believe can make a difference by transforming their world one city at a time. The organization will be based around 5 guiding points 1. evangelism 2. reconciliation 3. discipleship 4. integrity 5. community service and development. It is not by coincidence that the GAP logo is made up of 5 fingers that shape the branches of a tree that we hope "produce fruit that lasts" (John 15:16). If excitement and enthusiasm is any indicator I believe that my vision was well received this afternoon. The new director of GAP ministry Heather Elyse is flying in to join me this week and will be taking over the day to day operation of GAP. In Jan. when she moves here to oversee the ministry outreaches of GAP I hope we will already be implementing some of our vision. In God's love. SJM

We are thrilled to meet you!!

2010-11-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

I am beyond excited that this is our first official posting on the GAP BLOG site. WOO HOO!! :) When Steve gave me my "job description" and I saw that I was in charge of updating the blog from time to time, I was thrilled. I want to start by introducing myself and my family.

Who are WE??? I was born in Santa Barbara, California to my parents Ken & Lauren Savage who are ministers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was originally Heather Savage but due to a fun story for another time, I go by the last name Elyse. My father planted over 40 churches in Mexico and various countries. He graduated from ORU with his doctorate in church planting, and is passionate about missions. He holds many Pastor's conferences in India, Bulgaria, Romania etc and I have had the opportunity of traveling with him to several countries while growing up. I have a twin brother who also is a Pastor, and I have a sister who has been a missionary to Peru. So YES MISSIONS is in my blood!! :) I am a very happy young single woman who has legally adopted seven children and welcome more!! :) Yes, you read that correctly... SEVEN adopted children!! Have I lost my mind.. you ask??? Yes, absolutely... I choose to die to myself daily, live the "not normal" life, and have learned what it means to truly be crucified with Christ!! :) I am head over heels in love with my best friend who happens to open blind eyes and through him we can move mountains. I am passionate about the orphans of America. I just don't want to be a hearer of God's word but a doer. I took the scripture James 1:27 literally. People ask me all the time, why I would adopt so many at such a young age. My answer is simply...How Could I Not? The majority of my children have all graced the papers nationally, due to their horrific physical and sexual abuse. I have changed all their names due to privacy and I have literally seen miracles happen in my home. I have seen God take ashes and turn them into beauty. I have seen him take what was broken and restore it. Our story is a story of forgiveness, restoration, and How God still HEALS today! I am honored to serve Haiti and the John 15:16 G.A.P ministry. If there is anything I can do for you or you would like to plan a trip to Haiti, please feel free to contact me. We have some really exciting fundraisers that will be happening in the next month, that I will be announcing to you in my future blogs. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you as well! Feel free to leave me comments, or send us an email.

Let me introduce you to my heart beats, baseball team, choir, mini missionaries, aka children:

Mackenzie age 14

Victoria age 13

Annelysia age 10

My twins: Camden & Madison age 9

Ariana age 8

Mr.Alexander ~ age 5

My Contact info:

Email: heatherelyse7@gmail.com

Phone: 918.633.5820

Your Illustration for the week:

A young girl was walking along the beach early one morning. The tide was receding, leaving numerous starfish stranded on the beach. The girl began picking them up and tossing them back into the water.

Engrossed in her task, she didn't notice the crusty old fisherman sitting quietly watching her. He startled her with a gruff, "What are you doing?" to which she smiled and enthusiastically replied, "I'm saving the starfish."

He laughed at her and launched into a scoffing ridicule. "Look ahead of you down the beach," he said, pointing to the seemingly endless expanse of sand and surf. "There are thousands of starfish washed up on this beach. You can't hope to save them all. You're just wasting your time. What you're doing doesn't matter," he exclaimed in a dismissive tone.

The girl stopped, momentarily pondering his words. Then she picked up a starfish and threw it far into the water. She stood straight and looked him in the eye. "It matters to that one," she said, and continued down the beach.

Your scripture: Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Prayer: Dear God, we humbly come to you and ask that you would help us draw closer and more intimate with you. Help us put you first in all that we do. May we be a reflection of your heart. May we be your eyes, voice, hands, and feet to everyone we come into contact with. We lift up our executive director Steve Mossburg and Project Help-Haiti. We pray for all the Haitian staff and all the missionaries that are in Haiti right now. We pray for a hedge of protection over their lives. Keep them safe and healthy. Protect them as they travel to and from Haiti. Be with their families while they are away. We lift up cross cultural ministries, be with Don Dennison as he leads, guides and sets the captives free. Give him favor, guidance and your divine wisdom. Be with Joy Reeves as her husband is away. Give her strength and grace to raise her children. May you continue to Bless their ministry. May everything that they touch prosper. I lift up the Snyder family to you God. I pray that you would supply all their needs according to your riches and glory. I lift up the board of directors for G.A.P ministries. Be with them this holiday season. Speak to their hearts, protect, give them guidance, and overwhelm them with your magnificent goodness. We give you our lives God. We know it is not about us, but all about you. Mold us into your image.

LOTS TO DO BUT A LOT DONE

2010-08-20T04:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a whirlwind month here in Haiti, non stop activity. We have had 3 work teams, 2 medical teams ( one surgical another doing clinics in the mountains) and visits from individuals and couples. Add in a week ling visit from the Director of Cross Cultural Ministries, Don Dennison which involved some traveling both by vehicle and foot to visit churches and have meetings. Then there is the ongoing business of dealing with the government in reestablishing the status of Project Help- Haiti as exempt from paying Customs fees.

Last Sunday the Snyder family our missionary family here at Borel finished up their 2 month internship and flew back to the states on Monday morning. Due to needing to get their girls enrolled in school they reluctantly had to leave me hosting a large work team this week. Thanks to the help of my Alaskan friend Melissa Mochek who came back to Haiti after a 2 year absence and the help of my Haitian girls, Clona and Fabiola we have been able to get by pretty well. Everyone has been well taken care of and lots of projects completed by the Barkeyville, Pa. Church of God team.

Today is our last day at Borel, this afternoon we head down to Pierre Payen to overnight then the team heads back to the states on Sat. morning. Melissa and I also fly out on the first flight. Clona and Fabiola will stay at P.P. several weeks then head off to the A.C.E. school in St. Marc in Sept. They have a room rented at the school but will stay with Shirley and I at Borel on the weekends to continue helping out with teams as needed.

I unfortunately I haven't concluded all the business with the government on the PH-H franchise
( tax exempt status) which will allow us to get our vehicles and container out of Customs, we await the final ok from the Director of Cults. This will allow us to take possession of our vehicles and container, that means I will need to make a short trip back in Sept. to finish this long process up. So much for Shirley and I getting to take a few weeks to vacation in the States. None the less we will be traveling quite a bit for PH-H business in the states during Sept. and Oct.

It is because of the daily duties and responsibilities of my PH-H position that the G.A.P. board of directors recently confirmed Pastor Heather Elyse to become the new director of the Go and Produce Ministries. She is currently employed as the Children's Ministry pastor at Olive Branch Church of God in Indiana. She will be concluding her contract with them later this year but will keep her Indiana home and Olive Branch Church of God membership after her move to Haiti. Heather and I are in contact several times a week as we transition her into her new position. So I encourage you to once again start checking for new and interesting posts from the G.A.P. blog site, Welcome Heather!! In God's love , Steve

2010-08-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

As I look back at the last time I blogged on this site it was into the second week post earthquake. Jan. 12th forever has changed Haiti and those who live and work. If you work in missions and haven't made adjustments in your organization and added or dropped some ministries you may soon find yourself sitting on the sidelines.

When I agreed to take over as director of Project Help-Haiti late last year my desire was also to keep GAP Ministries going as well. I thought maybe I could direct both ministries, the earthquake and resulting disaster in Haiti quickly proved me wrong on that thought. I had suspended writing this Blog during the medical disaster as I could barely find time to write the Project Help-Haiti blog. So it is good to be starting the blog back up and once again be sitting here writing to are followers. Many have told me they keep looking to see if we have posted and how disappointed they are to not find something.

Today marks something new for GAP Ministries and a major announcement. First: it became apparent I needed to relocate GAP to another location from where we had been based since 2006. I talked to my boss at Cross Cultural Ministries about this and we agreed that we could have GAP run from out of Project Help-Haiti's Borel Campus. Much like our previous arrangement in the Montrouis area with another organization we would partner with PH-H in bringing teams and funding projects. Another agreement was that Gap has several ministries that would be beneficial to PH-H rather than they starting similar ministries. This solved a major stumbling block for keeping Gap going.

Second: I needed help in running the day to day operations of Gap in Haiti and the states. This was much more difficult than one might think. Finding good missionaries can often be the downfall of many organizations. God can open doors we never even know about, He can and He did. So I would like to announce GAP's new director Miss Heather Elyse. On July 20th she interviewed and met the Gap board of directors a week later by e-mail vote she was unanimously approved. Heather and her 7 adopted children will be moving to Haiti early next year, they have been here with me in Haiti since July 23rd but will fly back to Indiana where she can finish up her duties as Children's Ministry pastor at Olive Branch Church of God. She brings a lot of good things to our ministry, besides being a children's pastor she works in production, and has a large network of people to call on for help and is a great public speaker. She grew up as an MK & PK (missionary & Pastor's kid) and has a passion for children and helping the lost and downtrodden of the world.

Heather will be starting to blog on the GAP site soon and time to time I will as well. I will continue to remain as executive director of GAP. This bog will also be linked to our new Project Help website at www.projecthelp-haiti.org along with several other important blog sites. We also will be updating and changing some aspects of our GAP website which will also have a link to the PH-H website. Many of you have told me you can't get enough of following what is going on in Haiti so hold on were about to launch an awesome communications network to keep you. updated. In God's love , steve

A MOTHER'S LOVE

2010-01-30T09:38:00.001-08:00

I have always heard there is nothing stronger that a mother's love and for the last 2 weeks we have been witness to that . A young 25 old man the lone survivor abbe to get out of a large collapsing apartment building during the Jan. 12th quake was admitted here on Jan 15th. Yesterday after all other options had been exhausted including pleas to helicopter him onto the U.S.Navy hospital ship the Comfort had been denied. An orthopedic surgical team of 5 specialist undertook a 5 hour operation to give him a chance to maybe not walk but to live. The surgeons pinned and screwed his crushed vertebra back together, if his spinal cord is not completely severed he may regain some use of his lower extremities. Through it all this young man has had his mother attending t9o his every need. Even as the surgeons explained and demonstrated all the th9ings she would need to do for him over the weeks, months and even lifetime she kept assuuring us that she would always be there t0 take care of him. There is no way to explain these how much these quake victims have appreciated the love , attention and skills that the medical teams have brought here t0 Pierre Payen these last 2 weeks. As this team prepares to leave this afternoon and a new team arrives tonight many tears of love and gratitude has been shed by the many patients that these surgeon, doctors and nurses have come to know not as nameless patients as fellow brothers and sisters. Maureen one of the who has been here this week after returning from visiting with the patients one last time made the comment that this was the hardest thing she has had to do this week, to say goodbye. Thanks to all of you who aren't here but have prayed for us, donated supplies , planes, equipment and money to make this effort possible. In God' love , steve

NO ONE SPARED

2010-01-29T11:03:00.000-08:00

Check out the new Project Help-Haiti post and pictures

FOLLOW THE ROJECT-HELP-HAITI BLOG

2010-01-21T04:11:00.000-08:00

Due to everything that I personally have going on at this time I can't find time to post to two blogs so please read http://www.project-help-haiti.blogspot.com/ for news of what we are doing. steve

COLLEGE BOUND

2010-01-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

On New Years day Doug Walker (my cousin) and I got up early to take off on a 620 mile road trip to Branson, Missouri. Though Branson is known as a popular Midwest resort and entertainment destination we were headed there to deliver Erve Joseph to college. Erve who grew up at Canaan Christian Community in Haiti has been living here in Columbia City, Indiana the last 1 1/2 years with the Walker family. They along with some others took the initiative to get Erve accepted into Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne, In. where he has completed four semesters of study.

Erve had become a part of the Walker family over the last 18 months, an older brother to Luke and Garrett their sons and a close friend to Doug and his wife Amber. He attended birthday parties, funerals, athletic events, church, Christmas, Thanksgiving, school and community events with the Walker clan . There was of course sadness and tears as we pulled out of the driveway and headed West from the the place Erve had called home and the people he considered family. Ten and half hours later we pulled off Tory Creek Road and headed up the lane to the home of Marcia and Wayne Hlavacek who along with Paul and Jane Elmore will be overseeing Erve as he continues his education at College of the Ozarks the next few years. He will be living on campus and will have a room mate from San Diego, California. Erve though excited was of course somewhat nervous about this new phase of his life and was hoping we could hang around a few more days and see him get moved into his dorm. It was was good that Erve and I both knew the Hlavacek's and Doug felt better after getting to meet them and spend the night in their home. When we left we knew we had left him in the good hands of the Hlavacek's and Elmore's who have put their own five boys through college already. We are making plans to return later this Spring to visit everyone. In God's love, steve

project-help-haiti: THE EYES OF THE LORD

2009-12-31T09:31:00.001-08:00

The following blog was posted at another site that I write about my work in Haiti on, please click on the link below to read my year end thoughts as I look ahead to 2010. steve

project-help-haiti: THE EYES OF THE LORD

CHRISTMAS MEAL AT FRETTA

2009-12-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

These are a few more pictures from our Christmas meal in the village of Fretta.

THE ULTIMATE GIFT

2009-12-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

A STORY OF CHRISTMAS

This past Spring I received a phone call from a teacher out in Penn. She explained that she had a young lady in her class who had the desire to help the children of Haiti through some sort of class involved project. The teacher had gotten enough information about GAP ministry from the young lady to contact me and get more details about the situation in Haiti and the involvement of our ministry work there. It didn't take me long to figure out who the impassioned young lady might be and I received a call from her father days later confirming my conclusion. As we talked he shared his daughters wish to help out and feed the children of Haiti and asked how I might put the funds raised (at that time unknown) to use. Knowing I would have a team in in Haiti right before Christmas I suggested we use the money to provide a Christmas meal for a school in a mountain village where GAP Ministry had been working this past year.

As Summer concluded and Fall arrived I had long put this out of my mind. Then one day I received an e-mail saying I would soon receive a check for the amount the class of eleven year old students had raised. I had already shared the Christmas meal idea earlier in the summer with my December team so they were prepared to be involved. The amount actually given by the students was $180.00 so the team agreed to add enough to bring the total to $400.00, an amount I hoped could bring a Christmas meal to at least 400 people in the village. I turned the responsibility of bringing all of this together to Diesmy (Jasmine) GAP Ministry's field coordinator for our "Feet Across the Mountains" ministry. Jasmine actually took the funds and purchased the food items in the Montrouis market then took charge of overseeing their transport five miles up into the mountain village of Fretta. He also arranged for the people of the village to prepare the meal on Thursday December 17th our last full day in the Montrouis area. At about 10:00 am that day we took two trucks with about 20 of us and drove as far as the road allowed into the mountains. The remaining distance took us about 45 minutes of hiking to arrive in the village as planned at noon. We (at least I) thought our involvement would be to film, help serve and partake in the meal. It was upon our arrival that Jasmine pulled me aside and asked what program we had prepared to share with the villagers. After a quick timeout and huddle we came up with a game plan. We split our team into two groups, some went with the young children others with teens and adults. The team shared testimonies, songs and prayer with the Haitians, some of those who were Christian also shared with us their testimony and prayer needs. At the conclusion those who desired to accept Jesus were asked to come forward and join us outside to learn how to have Jesus into their lives, twenty plus (20) people did so that day. As I said earlier I thought I knew who the cast of characters were in this story but I had overlooked The Director .

Only God could have brought together a cast of characters to bring the ultimate Christmas gift to a mountain village in Haiti. Consider the following: A father in Penn. sharing his passion for Haiti with his young daughter after his mission trip. An eleven year old inspiring her classmates and teacher to do something for the children in an impoverished country. A teacher having the courage to not only inquire about the situation in Haiti but take it to her principle to involve her class in what some parents might construe as promoting Christian ideals. A ministry team from Indiana not only traveling to Haiti at just the right time but willing to step out of their comfort zone and travel into the mountains of Haiti to deliver a gift of love. A small amount ($180) being blessed to provide enough to feed a whole village of 400 people. An unprepared team of ordinary people being empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring the ultimate gift of salvation to 20 or more people who accepted Christ into their lives .

That day a group of families and friends traveling from a far away place were used by God to bring the true gift of Christmas to a small village in the mountains of Haiti . I believe I can honestly say that for all of us that walked up there that day we went away treasuring our part in having been the bearer of God's eternal gift.

GAP Ministries " Feet Across the Mountains" outreach is based on Isaiah 52:7 . That day God brought to life these words through a list of characters some of who may never see each other till they meet in Heaven. None of us can deny that on that day we were the feet and voice for God's ultimate gift. " How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation." In God's love, steve

OUT OF CONTACT

2009-12-26T06:02:00.000-08:00

It has been a week from this morning that I boarded an American Air flight and returned from nearly six weeks of working in Haiti. People often ask how I keep things straight as I juggle my life between two cultures 2500 miles apart. While in Haiti I continually find myself thinking about my family and friends back in the states as I go about my workday. Upon my return it seems my work in Haiti ( projects, ministries, workteams, friends, employees and staff) constantly streams through my mind like a looping video. This last trip was filled with many wonderful and exciting blessings and it was a great way to bring 2009 to a conclusion. More importantly is that I believe it is announcing (at least to me) a new beginning as I start a second decade of mission work in 2010. It was only fitting that my recent trip to Haiti marked my first two months of being in charge of managing Project Help-Haiti a mission organization working in Haiti since 1967. My time in Haiti was split between Project Help and GAP Ministry as I addressed responsiblities, managed projects, directed teams and ministry work in two locations 30 miles apart. With just a few days left in this year and the new year approaching it is only natural to look ahead . I'm really excited at the possiblilities we have in making a difference in not only the coming year but the next decade. I had hoped to share much of the information and highlights about my time in Haiti with you in my two blogsites but I had constant computer problems which even hampered e-mailing on somedays. So I want to attempt to catch you up in the days ahead and upon my return keep you posted with regular updates. In Gods' love, steve

CELEBRATING A MILESTONE

2009-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

THE BRAAK FAMILY

Last weekend Shirley and I made a 2.5 hour trip to Grand Haven, Michigan to help fellow Haitian missionary Tom Braak of Faith in Action International celebrate his organization's ten years of work in Haiti. Tom actually has been in Haiti since 1997 and took several years of traveling and working in different areas of Haiti before he was sure of where and what God wanted him to do there. He eventually ended up in the Artibonite valley at a place called Verrettes. Tom's ministry focuses on helping and training Haitians in agricultural endeavors to be able to support their families by using environmentally friendly technology , introducing new improved crops and livestock. They also have started schools, capped springs for safe water , built cisterns and evangelized. Tom has a goal to build an experimental village where new ideas can be put to use in construction technology, agricultural practices demonstrated and alternative energy systems tried out.

Tom and his wife Fecilta recently (Sept. 1st) welcomed little Ryan Curtis into their family and hope to return to Haiti in late October. Almost 100 people turned out at the beautiful Grand Haven Community Center to celebrate with the Braaks and the FIAI board members ten years of wonderful work in Haiti. In God's love, steve

TEAM REUNION

2009-09-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

STEPHENSON, ERVE AND THE TURKS

SOME OF THE BEAR LAKE TEAM

CLEAN UP MADE EASY

CREOLE COOKING AT BEAR LAKE

Last evening we had our long awaited team reunion with the bear lake community church. In April they sent a large group of 29 people to work with GAP Ministry in Haiti. These people at Bear Lake have been a blessing to us and our work over the years. On two occasions they have opened up their camp to Canaan students to stay at when they have visited this area on their trips to the A.C. E. International Convention. They have used two Haitian students as summer counselors during church camp and been very supportive of Erve Joseph's attempt to get a nursing degree here the U.S. It was exciting to have them come visit us in Haiti this Spring and help us host a mini youth camp, work at our clinic and do some small construction projects.

So last night my wife (Shirley) cooked up a large pot of rice, bean and creole sauce, pickles and banann peze ( plantains). Others brought desserts, salads and drinks and we (45) people all enjoyed a Haitian potluck. I brought everyone up to date on things in Haiti, Canaan and Bobi and Marcus's romance, see Bobi Bender's blog on the Canaan website. I gave an update on the medical clinic project and we discussed possible funding projects that the might be able to help with. I think everyone had a good time and went away saying "I will get back on my diet tomorrow." In God's love , steve

MY FRIEND THE WITCH DOCTOR

2009-09-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

PRESWA THE FORMER WITCH DOCTOR

ONE OF THE MALNOURISHED BABIES

IN THE MEDIKA MAMBA PROGRAM

CUTTING DOWN COCONUTS

THE LOCALS SHARING COCONUTS WITH US

The Preswa story began back in 2005 when I took a team from Pa. back to a village in the mountains called Dauphine. We had taken along some Bible tracts and were doing evangelizing in the different villages we passed through. I had met Preswa on a previous trip to Dauphine and he had explained to us he was a witch doctor. He made his living this way because people would come to him to cure them through potions, herbs and magic spells. Likewise they depended on him to put curses on those they might be having problems with and on occasion bring harm or death to their enemies. He showed a vast knowledge of the Bible, of God and His son Jesus Christ but explained that he needed the income, produce and occasional livestock from being a witch doctor to provide for his meager livelihood. He had two homes in the village one over along the Mountrouis River and one along the road leading into Dauphine, where he spent most of his time and performed his witch craft. Inside this house he had built a stone and mud alter and kept his paraphernalia, even to my suprise a book of spells and potions.

Whatever the reason on that trip when we encountered him and asked him if he was ready to accept and follow Christ he answered yes. We followed him to his hut where we laid on hands and prayed for him and his willingness to accept Christ into his life. We then dismantled the alter and took all of his witch craft stuff outside and burned it. One of the most moving moments occurred when we removed the sacrificial cross where animals ,usually chickens were sacrificed from inside the house. Lorah Styere one of the team leaders took off her necklace with a small wooden cross hanging from it and told him that from now on this cross the cross of Christ would replace the cross of voodoo in his life.

That was four summers ago I pass through the village on a regular basis and often stop with groups to visit with Preswa and his wife. It never fails that they will offer all the hospitality to us they can, bringing out whatever they can round up for us to set on and cutting down coconuts for us to drink and eat. Preswa even worked with us this Spring on the road project to the village of Freta the next village beyond Dauphine.

This is one of many examples of people reaching people and making a difference. On our most recent trip from which the pictures were taken we also encountered two mothers with malnourished babies. They are part of the Medika Mamba program we are involved with and directed by Bobi Bender to save undernourished infants in Haiti another example of progarms that are making a difference in the lives of Haitian families. In God's love, steve

Jo'burg Video and Botswana...

2009-08-29T05:31:00.001-07:00

I have shared some previous blogs and videos from my friend Liz Froba who is leading a team of missionaries in the World Race 2009, these two videos come from her team in Africa. In God's love , steve

Jo'burg Video and Botswana...

THE BRIDGE

2009-08-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

SEPT. FLOODING 2008

CONSTRUCTION AUG. 2009

NEARING COMPLETION

Finally after almost eleven months the National Route #1 Bridge in Montrouis is nearing completion. The local gossip says it will be ready for traffic sometime in Sept. If you read the GAP newsletters you know that last Summer's hurricanes and flooding took out the center support of the old bridge making it unsafe for vehicles to use. At that time Montrouis only had one bridge crossing the river. This required that all transportation of people and cargo had to stop on the East and West sides cross by foot and all cargo unloaded carried across by porters and reloaded.

Eventually a bridge was established out near the the ocean where the old railroad crossed the river though this was a tortuous detour it once again allowed vehicles to cross the river. Sometime early this year the old bridge was removed and in April construction started on the new replacement bridge which is now nearing completion. The blessing from all of this is that now Montrouis will have two routes across the the river which is is a rarity in the Haiti transportation network.

Another transportation blessing is that the new highway though not completely finished from Port au Prince to Montrouis is much improved. Paving across the worst areas now allows quick, smooth and dust free travel for our vehicles that go back and forth every week. This is the best the road has been in my ten years of work in Haiti. In God's love , steve

IT'S DONE

2009-08-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

THE SMALL BOYS DORM

Well after nine months and countless work teams the new dorm is finished for the smaller boys who live at Canaan. It all started last Thanksgiving when a large work team of 31 people arrived from Pasco ,Washington. There church donated the money to get this project restarted, after several years of waiting we were finally ready to pour a concrete roof for the building. Many GAP teams came in January, Feb, March and April to do plumbing, electrical and other finish work. Over the summer other teams came and painted and did the murals that brighten up the interior and add a personal touch.

Sometimes that is all it takes to get a project going , someone in this case a church to give some funds. Once we get started others help out with more funding and eventually we get another much needed project done.

WHAT'S AHEAD ?

2009-08-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

MONTROUIS BEACH

It's Sat. morning and I'm sitting in the dining room at New Life Childrens Home in PAUP writing this blog and drinking good Haitian coffee. In about four hours I will be somewhere over the Caribbean heading back home. Once home I have a tight schedule of completing a new addition onto a house and getting it finished in time to get back to Haiti in early November. I'm not sure what's ahead I just try to follow God's leading, that's not to be taken as I'm planning on leaving missions anytime soon. It's just that I operate under the assumption that God puts people and situations in your in your lives for a reason. Every since coming to Haiti to work as a missionary that has proven so true. I can sense something is in the works from what I've seen this trip , the conversations I've had, the things that have happened and the people I've met lead me to believe God is at work with some sort of new action plan in my life.

When I started GAP go and produce Ministries my thought was one of creating workable partnerships that didn't duplicate the wasteful spending of valuable mission resources. When you have different mission organizations working and living in the same communities they should work together instead of each recreating over and over the same things. The coordinated efforts of bringing organizations together is always on my mind when I meet new missionaries and visit new organizations in Haiti. I actually maintain a vast network of missions organizations and people dating back to my first days in Haiti. When I see the possiblity of putting something together either for my organization or someone else's I make a suggestion and wait to see what happens. I have met some very wonderful people and great organizations this year and now I'm beginning to see some possibilities of " fruit being produced". In God's love , steve

ANOTHER TRIP

2009-08-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ti Artibonnite

Tomorrow evening will see be back at the New Life Childrens Home in Paup, where I stayed the evening I arrived in Haiti three weeks ago. After so many years of getting up early to catch a plane back to the states ,I recently started going in the night before and having a good nights rest, a leisure several cups of coffee in the morning and a wonderful breakfast before taking the 12 minute ride over to the airport. I'm not going to say that I even came close to accomplishing what I thought I would this trip but I did take care of some long overdue situations that had caused some problems this past year and I got to spend some much enjoyed time with the Binkley's who are going through a difficult medical situation. I also was able to take care of getting Jasmine (Diesmey) relocated back in Montrouis after his recent completion of college . He is now the new G.A.P. Field Director for the Feet Across the Mountains ministry. His responsibilities are assisting the villages we work in and overseeing the varied ministry projects in the mountains. He also may be assisting Bobbi Bender in implementing the infant nutrition program (Medika Mamba) into some of the rural villages we work in. We also had two teams during my three weeks here so all in all considering the intense heat and humidity it was a good trip. In God's love, steve

A WONDERFUL LADY OF GOD

2009-08-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

GLADYS' MOM (on left)
We woke up Saturday to the sad news that Gladys mother had passed away unexpectedly Friday evening in California. She had just had a routine surgery that morning to remove a tube from a gall stone surgery and everything seemed fine but she later had a heart attack. She was a remarkable lady who had an intense love for serving her Lord Jesus where ever He placed her. Even though she was 83 she loved making trips back to Haiti to visit the churches she and her late husband started in Port and south Haiti. Her funeral will take place Sat. in California and then her body will be brought to Haiti for 2 funeral services here on Aug. 29th before burial at Petite Goave in south Haiti. She will be missed by those of us who were lucky enough to know her. In God's love , steve

ONE MORE TRIP

2009-08-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

THE BINKLEY'S EXITING THE AIRPORT

I picked my friends Vic and Donna Binkley at the airport in Port au Prince yesterday afternoon as they returned to Haiti two months after Vic was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. He is undergoing chemeo and had a short pause between treatments to work in a 10 day return to Haiti. The hope is that the chemo will shrink the tumor enough that they can go in with a cyberknife and eradicate the tumor. Vic is scheduled to do one surgery a day while here which is ironic for that is what he hopes for himself. One chance for the surgery that could remove his tumor, his only hope at this point beyond a miracle from God. Vic has been the only person here in our area of Haiti who has given so many Haitians hope from injuries, cancers and other medical issues with his skilled surgeon's hands. On our ride out to Pierre Payen we reminisced about the changes in Haiti and our hopes for a country we both love. Vic and Donna have been coming here since the mid seventies to do surgeries at the Pierre Payen clinic and later the new hospital across the street. Vic is the guy who recruited me and convinced me that I should come here and work with my construction talents and I spent 5 months finishing the hospital at his urging. He became my mentor as I went on again at his urging after God's leading to start G.A.P. go and produce ministry in 2002. I honestly can't imagine Haiti without Donna and him just down the road at Pierre Payen. So my hope is though some of you may not know him lift him and his wife up in your prayers. In God's love , steve

THIS AND THAT

2009-08-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week in Haiti, a team of six University of Illinois fraternity brothers arrived last Sat. and a medical team of 17 from S. Carolina, Mo., Kansas and Texas came on Monday. The last of them departed for home this morning which leaves me in Port au Prince to pick up Vic and Donna Binkley later to take out to Pierre Payen this evening.

The college team was led by Jason Marquis who came to visit his cousin Marcus Throneburg who is working at the Canaan School this next year. They worked on pouring some sidewalks and a patio at the staff houses and also with construction onto the girls dorm.

The medical team was led by Dr. Tony Hlavacek and Dr. Ric Bonnell. Tony comes twice a year and brings along lots of medical help, this time he brought mom and dad along too. Ric comes four times a year and brings his wife Wendy who is also a doctor and their three kids ages 7-12 on two of those trips each year. The pictures show the medical team on the night they arrived unpacking medical supplies and making a Medika Mamba type nutrition supplement to give to malnourished babies. They had the the refreshing and also unpleasant experience of riding in the back of an open truck most of the way to Canaan in a serious Haitian downpour.

I think after that they were ready for anything the week might bring. Along with the sweltering August heat we got some relief with having Haitian electric power Wednsday through this morning which meant fans all night long. Some of them were up early for a hike on Friday and a picnic and great afternoon at the beach afterward. I spent most of Sat. in Port au Prince looking for and buying truck parts, maybe I can write about that later. This next week sees Canaan hosting several Haitian schools as they come to an ACE seminar to help them learn how to start similar schools across Haiti. Anyway as you can see life in Haiti can be a little of this and that always challenging but more often than not rewarding. In God's love , steve

SURPRISE

2009-08-09T17:54:00.001-07:00

DAVID AND ELONJ

Ok one more wedding blog. I know I said I wasn't going to be able to attend the Sat. morning wedding but plans change quickly here and we always tell our teams stay flexible. I really wasn't planning on duplicating my trip of the previous day for back to back weddings but I got a pleasant surprise late Friday night. Someone knocked on my door about 9:00 pm , it's not unusual to have someone knocking on my door but not often at that time of evening. I yelled out to find out who was there, it was Edgard, so I put on some shorts, I was in my underwear because it is so darn hot here right now and went to the door. I saw 2 guys standing there and at first it didn't register who the second guy was but to my surprise it was Erve. He had just arrived at Canaan specifically to go to the wedding the next morning. So being one of the few people who drives and more importantly owns a vehicle they wanted to see if I would take them up to Liancourt . Those who may not know Erve is a former student and resident from Canaan who is living with my cousin and his family in the states while attending college.

It was a nice small wedding that went very close to on schedule. We were even able to stay for the reception over at the pastor's house. I have know Pastor Gerrard since 2001 so when he saw me at the wedding he asked me to give the closing prayer and blessing on the newlyweds who like Erve had also grown up at Caanaan. We made it back to Montrouis and then it was off to Port au Prince to pick up my team. In God's love , steve

ANOTHER WEDDING

2009-08-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

This morning I drove up to a small village called Borel for a wedding, this is a place I worked and lived at for three months when I was working with the Project Help Mission in Haiti. When I moved up there from the Project Help Compound at Pierre Payen in Jan. of 2002 I took a young Haitian man in his early 20's with me, his name was Djony. I left in April and went down to Montrouis to found G.A.P. go and produce Ministries. Johnny stayed on at Borel and is now the overseer of mission teams there for P-H as well as maintenance for the facilites. He eventually met a young Haitian lady living in the community, her name was Suze which sound like (seas) when pronounced, today was their wedding day.

This was my fifth Haitian wedding in the last 10 years I have been to 3 this year alone and have an invitation to another one tomorrow morning that I won't be able to attend because of the arrival of a work team. If you haven't already read my previous blog titled
CELEBRATIONS you might want too . In that blog I talk about the biggest events in the lives of Haitians, wedding of course are one those events.

I always marvel at the amount of money spent at Haitian weddings and wonder how long they have to save to afford these celebrations. Yet look at American weddings in comparison, $10,000 on up seems to be the norm in the states anymore. Through out other cultures weddings are big events if not the biggest one. Even Jesus' first miracle occurred at a wedding where the family didn't want to be embarrassed because they ran out of wine.

The wedding was suppose to start at 8:00 am but as is typical in Haiti was an hour late it concluded at 12:30. When the wedding concluded at the church the reception moved across the street to the huge dining hall at the P-H compound where Johnny lives. It was great to able to participate in this wonderful event in my friends life. In God's love , steve

DOING A NEW THING

2009-08-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

SMALL SCALE AGRICULTURE

Well I made it out to Canaan Monday afternoon no one knew I was arriving so it was a surprise. We had a small team arrive led by Chris Hlaveck, they shot a video about the Medika Mamba program that is run out of the Canaan Clinic. Saturday we have a group of college students arriving from Illinois and on Monday our medical team of 17 people arrives. I spent all of today

in St. Marc getting the AC working on my small truck but it was worth the 5 hours it took to repair it.

The pictures of the portable chicken coop and the rabbit hutch was taken at World Harvest Mission in Port au Prince where I stayed Sunday night. These are some of the many changes my friend Sam has instituted and experimented with since he went to live there. I hope to try similar new ideas in our Feet Across the Mountains Ministry. One of the 9 objectives of this new ministry is in agriculture. We hope to introduce new agriculture techniques that will be good for the environment. We also will be setting up community tool banks and seed banks. People can come and borrow tools for projects or farming and seed where after our initial investment it will be sustained by the farmers paying us back in a little extra seed than they borrowed. We will also be setting up community operated plant and tree nurseries for the farmers to help reforest the stripped mountain sides of Haiti. Hopefully I can fill you in the other objectives in some of my future blogs . In God's love , steve

OASIS IN THE CITY

2009-08-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

WORLD HARVEST MISSION

Well last evening I finally made it back to Haiti around 9:oo pm . Things were going pretty smoothly and right on time till we boarded the plane in Miami but finally after sitting on two different planes for 3.5 hours and one 1.5 hours between planes we took off for Haiti at 7:15 pm.

Before I arrived I had contacted Sam Streau a long time missionary friend here in Haiti to arrange to be picked up and stay in the guesthouse at the orphanage where he works in Port au Prince. That was a good choice seeing how I arrived five hours past our 3:45 scheduled arrival. Anyway arriving here after a long day of travel feels like that oasis in the desert you read about so often for weary travelers.

Later on today I will head up the coast to the town of Montrouis where I live at Canaan Christian Community. We have two groups coming this month. One is a group of college age young men from Illinois and another is a large medical group from different states led by Drs. Tony Hlavecek and Ric Bonnell. Also this month we will restart construction on the new clinic and be looking for new projects for the "Feet Across the Mountain" ministry. In God's love, steve

SUMMER WEDDINGS

2009-07-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

Special day for special people

Through out my years as a missionary in Haiti I have become good friends with many of the young high school and college students who come work with GAP Ministry. Some of these young people actually have been on their mission trips with people they end up marrying later on after college. So my wife and I receive several wedding invitations every year, some close by others out of state. This summer we have gotten three wedding announcements and will be able to attend two of them. We would have gone to all of them except I will be in Haiti during August and miss one that will be out in up state New York.

Last evening we were able to attend the wedding of Wendy Weimer and Stephan Dingeldein. I first met Wendy when she came on a mission trip to Haiti in 2003. I think what cemented our relationship was on a hiking trip into the mountains we were knocked off the narrow trail by a donkey carrying a wide load of sticks and wood. On one side of the trail was an irrigation canal on the other where we were walking was a very steep mountain slope. The thing that saved us from sliding off the mountainside was we grabbed hold of each other and between the two of us kept our footing. Wendy and I have been together on three more trips since then two in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.

In April of 2008 she brought along her boyfriend from Indiana Wesleyan University, Stephen Dingeldein. Later that year they became engaged and set a date to get married after graduation in 2009. After returning from their honeymoon to the Bahamas they will be living in Cary, North Carolina where they have both found employment. These fine young people are representative of the many we see who make missions a priority in their lives and marriage, we wish them the best. In God's love , steve

COMMUNITY GARDENS

2009-07-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Son Shine Garden

This Spring and Summer gardening has been making a BIG come back in communities across America. These aren't new innovative ideas but a rebirth of historical concepts that were once important to communities around the world. The phrase community garden might be relatively new but during the depression years of the 1930's Greenbelt communities were an innovative concept to community self sufficiency. WWII brought us Liberty Gardens and into the 1960's and 70's the back to the land movement was born. The past several years has seen a resurgence of and interest in ideas with the phrase "Green Living".

My own church here in the states started a community garden called Son Shine Garden. The idea is to use some of our 40 acres to allow church members and others from outside the church to have garden plots. Excess produce will be made available at our food pantry and inside the Church Narthex on Sunday mornings. Some individuals and Sunday school classes have plots just for these worthy purposes.

These ideas have encouraged me to jump start some ideas I have long had about agricultural projects in Haiti. In fact part of the concept and one of our objectives for the new "Feet Across the Mountains Ministry" we have started is about developing innovative ways to help in food production in Haiti. Quite a bit of my postings over the next several weeks will be about this new ministry outreach , stay tuned. In God's love , steve

CELEBRATING: BIRTHDAYS AND DREAMS

2009-07-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Stephenson Jentry

Last evening Shirley and I along with Haitian college student Erve Joseph who is attending school here in N. E. Indiana attended a surprise 21st birthday party for Stephenson Jentry who arrived from Haiti last Friday evening. Stephenson was last here in the U.S. in the summer of 2007 and lived with several other Haitian students in our home. This time he is staying in Warsaw, Indiana in the home of Amy and Travis Turk. Possibly about 16 of us gathered at the Turk home to eat pizza, cake and ice cream and celebrate his birthday and arrival in the U.S. for a six month stay.

The Turk's worked very hard over the last 2.5 months in there effort to get Stephenson a visa to travel to the U.S. He is currently enrolled in a study class to enable him to achieve his short term goal of passing and receiving a GED. His long term plans are to get accepted in a vocational school and learn a viable trade he could pursue in Haiti to help his family. Amy was very adept at researching the various options of helping Stephenson receive a visa so quickly especially considering she did it all from the U.S. Her knowledge in the procedure will be a great asset in helping others through this often difficult process.

Erve also has some celebrating to do. He arrived here in the U.S. last year in July so he recently completed his first year of college. Once he finishes summer classes he will have 33 credit hours of completion. He will attain another 12-15 this coming Fall semester before he starts attending school in Branson, Mo. He recently was accepted at The College of the Ozarks with a full ride scholarship. His short term goal is to get a 4 year nursing degree. Long term he hopes to go to med school if that doesn't happen maybe a nurse/practitioner. These two guys represent the hope and future of Haiti and we wish them both success in reaching for their dreams and God given potential. In God's love , steve

TAKING OFF

2009-06-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Quadracci Pavilion and Burke Brise Soleil

Yesterday evening Shirley and I arrived back home from our nearly four day trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin . After my final two meetings on Monday morning it was time for us to take off from this year's NACCC annual meeting. I really found yesterday meeting's possibly the most beneficial of those I was involved with.

My first one was strictly among us missionaries supported by the NACCC Mission Society. We were able to learn what I would refer to as protocol the expected and required procedures to work with the Society. We also brainstormed and discussed ideas among ourselves on running and promoting out individual organizations. Seeing how the meeting's theme was Doing a New Thing I find myself pondering some new ideas already.

My last meeting was what is referred to as setting on the hot seat where you spend a hour being interviewed by the Mission Society. This is a time for the Society members to get to know you as well as find out more about your ministry and organization. The other side of the equation is you get to promote your work and seek the Society's help and assistance.

Now about those photos of the first Santiago Calatrava designed building completed in the U.S. This is the center piece and welcome center of the Milwaukee Art Museum . It sets right downtown on the shores of Lake Michigan on their miles of extensive lake front park system. The building takes on the appearance in my mind depending on where you stand of a giant airplane taking off, or a large sword fish and in some respects the Nautilis from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

It does have a wing span of the size of a 747-400 and the mast that supports the wings weighs more than 300 elephants. The wings have 2 electronic wind sensors that will automatically close the wings when speeds reach 23 mph. The wings also open at 10:00 am, close and reopen at noon and close at 5:00 pm.

Next year the annual meeting will be hosted in Anchorage, Alaska. My wife and I are seriously considering whether to attend and will be praying about it in the coming months . This years event though was well worth our time and financial investment as I feel much was gained and learned. You go away feeling recharged and ready for a new take off for higher altitudes.

In God's love , steve

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES, MILWAUKEE 2009

2009-06-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

The Wyndham Hotel, Milwaukee

The Resource Room set up for mission displays

The Sunday morning church service

Behold I am doing a new thing !! Isaiah 43:19

We arrived here in Milwaukee Friday afternoon for our first ever NACCC annual meeting, this is their denomination's 55th annual meeting, though their history goes back hundreds of years. We have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this great event and being recognized as one of their 14 mission outreaches.

We were recently accepted as a mission outreach for their churches to use as short term missions in Haiti. Besides getting to talk to interested church pastors and individuals about arranging stm trips it has been stimulating to network with other mission organizations from around the world. Talking with missionaries from Mexico, Philippines, Burma, Bulgaria Cameroon, Kenya and all across the U.S. has been an encouragement to me to even work harder.

Our message at this morning's church service was "Willing to make a new start" and the theme of this meeting is "Behold I am doing a new thing", what an appropriate message. Time and time again I have seen missions and churches fail because they have been unwilling to change ,to make a new start and to do a new thing. I will be sharing some more things about our time here in my next blog but i'ts time now to head to another meeting. In God's love , steve

BE EXTRAVAGANT

2009-06-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

DOING THE UNEXPECTED THING!!

This past Sunday our pastor shared a message he titled: The Unexpected Thing.
His sermon was based on Matthew 26; 6-13 where the woman anoints him with the costly perfumed oil. Those who were with Jesus on that day thought this anointing to be an extravagant act, a waste of money. Pouring the costly oil on Jesus body wasn't the expected thing to do. Yet Jesus was the unexpected: He did the unexpected , He taught the unexpected and challenges us to do the unexpected. The Bible verse ends with this scripture" I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Pastor Johnny challenged each of us to stretch ourselves and get out of the same old rut of always doing the expected "same old same old".

Possibly it was for that reason as I was heading home yesterday afternoon that the unexpected display of love and devotion on the billboard picture caught my attention. I'm sure this man's extravagant act of love for his wife is the talk of the town of North Webster, Ind. What this man did to show his devotion for his wife will surely remain etched in the lives of many who pass by this billboard. It is an example to all of us to do the unexpected. Yes flowers and an elegant meal out is the usually expected anniversary celebration , but soon fade in our memories. Whose to know how far this extravagant act may go in the way other men and women show appreciation to their spouses, children, friends, co workers and even strangers.

Our pastor challenged us to stretch ourselves to be extravagant, to do the unexpected. Maybe it's reaching out to someone we may not know very well, a non Christian, someone we have a problem with or they with us, someone hurting or suffering, someone we are close with but haven't shown our appreciation to lately.You never know what might happen nor how far that unexpected act may go in changing lives. In God's love , steve

LOOKING AHEAD BY LOOKING BACK

2009-06-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Long Road

At the end of this month, June 26-29th, I will be attending the annual meeting of the Congregational Christian Churches of America in Milwaukee, Wisc. This is a big event for us as we will be recognized as the mission outreach for their churches to work with in Haiti. Attending such an event requires more than booking a hotel room, doing a Map Quest and packing a suitcase. It seems like I have been in contact and sending info to the C.C.C. headquarters regularly the past several weeks. They needed a bulletin insert with pictures about G.A.P.to hand out to all attendees More recently they requested a list of prayer needs to be submitted.

When I put together the bulletin insert I realized that I also needed to reevaluate who we are and what we do. When we agreed to move to Canaan in 2005 and started operating a guest house the distinction between G.A.P. and Canaan became somewhat confusing to many of our teams. This process of evaluation was a good thing out of it has come three new brochures that I will be taking to Milwaukee with me. Our old brochure was designed in 2002 and so much has changed since then. One of our new brochures tells the G.A.P. story and briefly describes each of our 5 ministries. The other two describe specific ministry outreaches.

I thought it might be a good thing to share a little about the G.A.P. brochure. First our logo actually represents some specific things about the Go and Produce Ministry. G.A.P. Ministry comes out of the Bible verse John 15:16 where Jesus tells His disciples that "He chose them and gave them this work to do: Go and Produce fruit that will last". The tree in our logo is representing something that can bear fruit. The five branches of the go and produce tree (a hand) represent the five ministries of our work in Haiti.

Our five ministries:

** G.A.P. Ministry-- a mission agency that organizes, arranges and leads short term missions (STMs)opportunities for individuals, churches and organizations to Haiti. The fruits of these opportunities result in construction projects, medical outreaches, education, evangelism and many other things for those who we partner with in Haiti.

** Feet Across the Mountains--- creates community partnerships to improve the quality of life of the Mountain People while preserving their unique culture and lifesyles. This ministry has it's own brochure describing its goals and objects.

**GLAD Ministry--- means Giving Love And Dignity. This ministry provides a way for churches and individuals to give boxes of specified items to needy families in Haiti. It also has it's own brochure listing the accepted items and how to participate.

** Canaan Community Clinic--- G.A.P. is raising the funds and overseeing construction on a new community clinic in Montrouis, Haiti

** Bible Distribution--- G.A.P. is the contact representative and distributor for World Missionary Press of free Creole, French and English Bibles and tracts in Haiti.

Sometimes being forced to step back and take a look at yourself can be a good thing. In this instance it has made me realize God has "indeed blessed us and enlarged our territory" the prayer of Jabez I prayed so often as we started 10 years ago. It also encourages me to stay focused on Jesus because without Him we wouldn't have ever made it to this point on our own. In God's love, steve

The Scuttlebutt

2009-06-08T06:34:00.001-07:00

This is the blog site of my friend Lorah Ray and her husband Justin. When I first met Lorah back in 2003 her last name was Styer. Lorah has joined me in Haiti on 4 different occasions, always proving herself a true missionary. In 2005 she went on to do mission training and assignments with Mercy Ships out of Tyler ,Texas.

She and Justin were married a year ago in May after finishing a 2 year commitment on board a Mercy Ships off the coast of Africa. They tried to settle into the accepted comfort zone of living the life of conventional newly weds. After several months of regular jobs, an apartment, purchasing and consuming, actually owning stuff, living life for the weekends, holidays, and vacations they felt the pull to go in another direction less traveled. They chose in Lorah's own words a "simpler life so that others might simply live" , they re-enlisted and headed back to Africa with Mercy Ships in Jan of this year. I always enjoy and I'm inspired when I hear from my friends who are doing mission work around the world. This is one of Lorah and Justin's recent posts. In God's love , steve

The Scuttlebutt

A MORNING AT PISGAH NATURE PRESERVE

2009-06-03T09:11:00.001-07:00

At the end of April shortly after having arrived home from Haiti for a three month stay in the states I visited the Pisgah Nature Preserve. This is a really neat area about 10-12 miles away from my home here at Tri Lakes. I grew up here and still live in the lakes region of North East Indiana. This 700 acre preserve is representative of how this lake region looked before the pioneering settlers arrived here in the late 1820's. It encompasses several small connected lakes, marshes and wetlands. The word Pisgah as I understand has to do with the glaciers and the left behind hills of sand deposits. This area abounds with all manner of waterfowl, song birds, pheasants, eagles, osprey , deer, bobcats, coyote, foxes, beavers, muskrats, snakes, turtles and much more. It is a photographer and nature lovers dream spot with the elevated board walks from which you can noiselessly approach the wildlife. I hope my pictures have captured some of the beauty of God's creation that I observed that nice Spring day. In God's love , steve

A MORNING AT PISGAH NATURE PRESERVE

CHECK THIS VIDEO OUT

2009-06-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

If you have followed my blog you may know about Liz Froba who is leading a mission team to 10 different countries this year. I have known Liz since 2007 when she came to spend some time with us in Haiti. Since then she has continued to give her life to mission work and working with young people. Her latest endeavor has been to be involved in this year's version of The World Race. Just click on the second (Indonesian Video Too!) title in the following post to enjoy the latest video in their journey. In God's love , steve

Africa Here We Come! (Indonesia Video too!)

2009-06-01T05:49:00.001-07:00

Africa Here We Come! (Indonesia Video too!)

Shared via AddThis

A GOOD FRIEND

2009-05-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

MADDIE AND FELINE FRIEND COTTON

Good friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors, gender and species. Friendships I think are intended to be a life time relationship verses an acquittance who is someone you know. Friends are someone you know very well through years of living ,working or doing things together. Maddie our cocker spaniel was a good friend to all of our family and neighbors for almost 15 years.

She came to live with us back in August of 1994, having been born in June of that year she was still a pup. She originally was a gift to our daughter on her 16 th birthday from her boyfriend at that time. When Sarah moved off to college and then on to her own home afterwards Maddie stayed on with us. Even so you could always see the special affection Maddie had when Sarah would come to visit or when she would go to stay with her when we traveled and were away from home.

In 1995 we bought a cottage at Tri Lakes and then in 1998 we bought a permanent home on the lake. Maddie loved the lake but not the water, it's true dogs are natural swimmers but you could never coax her into to swim on her own will. On the other hand she loved boating, all you had to do was say "let's go for a boat ride" and she would run and jump on.

She had a fatty tumor for several years but it hadn't slowed her down much. This past year we started noticing a decline in her senses and behavior. She loss her hearing first and spent most of the day sleeping often not knowing what was going on around her. Shortly after I returned to Haiti in March she lost her vision and started bumping into things. She could be gone for hours when we would let her out and this became alarming that she would get lost. So right before my wife's scheduled departure for Haiti, we had to make that decision that many pet owners have to make of having her put to sleep.

Even now several months later I find myself expecting to be greeted by her when we return home . I sometimes catch myself wondering if she needs put outside before we go to bed at night. Now that summer is finally here I find myself thinking about her when we take the boat out for a ride on the lake.

I won't go as far as to say that "dogs are man's best friend" but they are very good friends and companions. When they are no longer there you miss them just as much as a family member or a close friend. We decided years ago that Maddie would be our last dog, that we were coming to a new point in our lives where we didn't want the responsibility of pet ownership because of our travels. Maybe there will come another point in our life that we do want and need the companionship, love and friendship that a dog can bring but for now our memories of Maddie are enough. We had Maddie cremated and she now rests down by the Lake where she loved to lay and wait for a boat ride. In God's love , Steve

REMEMBERING

2009-05-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

ROCKS IN A RIVER

I know I haven't posted a blog lately and I apologize for that, I could say that I have been busy and that blogging takes a certain amount of effort and commitment. All of that is true but mostly I guess for me it has been a form of weariness and some soul searching that has kept me from writing the last week.

As some of you may know I'm on a several months leave away from the work in Haiti, which is normal for me at this time of year. My routine over the years has kind of evolved into a schedule of where my work season in Haiti runs from November through April and more recently, last year and this a mid summer trip in July and August. At any rate I'm back home right now for my longest uninterrupted period of time each year. It is always a great time to be home, especially if you live in the North and on a lake, of which I do. It can often lead to a time of evaluation and decision making about the past and the future.

It seems everyone and every place is going through some tough times right now. There is lot's of uncertainty, temptation, difficulties and testing circumstances going around and no one is exempt. My own home Church has gone through a difficult four year period and now seems to be transitioning out of it, to hopefully reclaim God's plans for us. Our country is in a difficult period and will hopefully get back on the right course. Many of my missionary friends are also facing personal, emotional, financial and cultural challenges that often shake their faith and strength to at times it seems go on.

In reality that is what Memorial Day is all about, a time of remembering. To remember those who came before us, who sacrificed so that we might have and enjoy what we now have and hold dear. The Bible gives us many examples of God asking his people to commemorate special events . Joshua 4:1-9 is one occasion. He asked that Joshua choose 12 men to represent each tribe and to take 12 rocks out of the Jordan River and place them as a memorial of what He had done for them as they crossed the river that day.

Such a memorial has 3 distinct purposes: first it reminds us what God has done for us in the past. That He loves us and keeps His promises to us.

Secondly it helps us see what He is doing for us right now through whatever difficulty we might be encountering. It gives us strength to cross through those difficult times ( rivers) and to trust in Him.

Third it shows us what He plans for us in the future. It gives us faith to seek and follow His will for our lives.

This week past week I received news that already flooding has started in Haiti, eleven lives and thousands of homes have been swept away. I recently received reports that several missionary families I know are going through some personal difficulties. I don't know what personal crossroad you may be at, what struggle or crisis you are facing. I do know I was encouraged by the message of what this Memorial Day weekend represents to me.

That each and everyone of us have the opportunity to offer our lives as a living memorial by building on the past, strengthening the present, and giving hope to the future. We sang a song Sunday I think called "God of This City" it goes "greater things have yet to come and greater things still to be done". Please don't miss out on those promises because your discouraged but remember back on what He has done, is doing and will do for you. In God's love , Steve

HAITI SHIPMENT

2009-05-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

CONTAINER PARTY

I know I've said it before but it's best to never say never when your working for God. Over my years of working in Haiti I've been involved in shipping six containers of materials, equipment and medical supplies and three vehicles to Haiti. The last time I shipped which was in 2008 I vowed that was my last time to ship a container or a vehicle which I had done in 2007.

The reason being is it takes a lot of work from the U.S. side of mission work to make it happen. You have to find a container and purchase it or persuade the owner to donate it, then you have to make it road ready so it can be pulled out to New York City to be shipped. Purchasing, repairing and getting it titled, plated and DOT inspected can run as much as $1200.00. Then you have to get it moved out to the shipping company on the East coast which means getting a semi and driver willing to pull it out for us, in the past we have gotten this donated. The shipping charges for our 30 foot containers usually run about $3900.00. Then you have to deal with getting it out of Customs after it arrives in Haiti, which can run another $3,000.00 and lots of time and headaches. Our last container which should have been a breeze to get out took 5 months.

If you crunch the numbers you can see that what we put into our 28 x 8 x 8 container needs to be worth at least $8100.00 or $4.52 a cu. foot. If we have to pay the truck driver we could be looking at least another $2,000.00 in additional costs which would make your cu.foot costs $5.64. It's because of these costs that most of what we ship is donated material and equipment, if we purchased everything that we shipped then added on our shipping costs we might as well buy it in Haiti. Even so we have to send quality goods and items that exceed our shipping costs or things that are not readily available in Haiti.

This morning with the help of some of the North Manchester Congregational Christian Church members we started loading container # 7 for shipment later this year. What made me decide to do another container was the generous donation of picking out whatever and how much we wanted in materials from Ead's Salvage Yard. We loaded hundreds of 2 x 4' s , 2 x 6's , 2 x 8's and 2 x 10's. Metal roofing, doors, nails, bolts plumbing fittings, shovels, rakes and carpenter tools. It was sort of like going to Home Depot and loading as much as you could drive away with, in our case a 28 foot trailer. We still have lot's more things that we have collected and had in storage that we will load on in the next several months but eventually there won't be anymore room and it will be time to send it on to Haiti. This time things have been going very well to this point so who knows maybe we will stay in the shipping business after all.

In God's love, steve

STAY IN THE RACE

2009-05-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

FINISHING THE RACE

We all have those days, sometimes they run into weeks, even months or longer. You grow weary you question why your doing this or that, you have doubts you have the stamina or will to go on. Eventually for some they catch a second wind, find some more energy, maybe a change of pace but they stay in the race.

I have been in Haiti for 10 years now and over that time have met and had friendships with many missionaries. In that time over 30 of those individuals, some who were married couples, have left and returned home. Some of them probably never actually intended to be there more than several years anyway but others came and started missions or worked with established ones.

You could often tell those who weren't prepared to stick it out but sometimes others who seemed like lifers would leave unexpectedly as well. Yes there would always be some explanation or rumor such as lack of funding, poor training , couldn't adapt to culture, health issues, schooling for kids, love or marriage, disagreements with other missionaries, mission board or nationals and fear .

I still have 3 friends, two of them married, though who have stuck it out through the good times and the bad . They were in Haiti when I arrived and between the three of them have over 90 combined years. Yes over those years they faced many of the same problems of those who only lasted one or two years or those who quit at nine years but they have stayed in the race.

The Apostle Paul talked about this race in 1 Corinthians 9 :24-27. He stressed that the Christian life offers the opportunity for many people to be winners if they train well and discipline themselves. Paul emphasized that the race all Christians need to prepare and run is the calling of God and that they are rewarded for the calling that He gives them. Paul was committed to staying in the race at all costs till the end.

I can't judge nor want too any of those who left and I have often been there and grown very weary myself. I think the thing that has allowed my three friends to stay all these years is the attitude that even though they may have come with dreams they realized it was God who fulfills them. He desires to be our partner, He made us and He gave us a purpose to accomplish if we allow ourselves to be in His will and not our own.

In the ten years I have known my three friends I have never seen them do anything without allowing God to give it life first. They are masters at the marathon adapting their pace to what God is doing. They speed up when they see where God is working and drop back to conserve energy when they can't see Him, they never want to get ahead of God. Every race needs someone to set the pace, in the Christian race, it has to be God.

In God's love, Steve

VOLUNTEERS

2009-05-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

GETTING READY FOR CAMP

At Gap ministry we rely on volunteers, whether it's helping load containers, serving on our board, helping with fundraising, putting on a banquet or many of the other things that help us as a not for profit organization. As a mission agency that recruits, organizes and leads short term missions ( stms ) we work with volunteers on a regular basis, volunteerism is what we are all about.

So when I got a call from a contractor friend of mine about volunteering to roof a building at Bear Lake Church Camp , I responded with a "give me a call when you want to start." Monday and Tuesday of this week myself and several employees of D&T Construction were able to re roof a picnic pavilion at the church camp that is set to open in 3 weeks.

The directors of Bear Lake Camp and the people of Bear Lake Community Church have been not only supporters of GAP Ministry and Canaan but good friends to Shirley and I. They recently spent a week in Haiti with us and helped us with several projects there as well as helping us host a mini camp for several of the churches in Montrouis where we live in Haiti. It was really nice getting to help them in a small way with their wonderful ministry at Bear Lake Camp.

PURE WATER AND LIVING WATER

2009-05-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

THAT I MAY NEVER BE THIRSTY

"Sir give me this water, so that I may never get thirsty nor have to come here to draw." John 4:15 . This story of the Samaritan woman at the well has always been one of my favorite stories in the New Testament. A well in an arid land, people coming all day long to draw water and fill containers to carry back to their families. All around the world this two thousand year old story still plays itself out on a daily basis. The World Health Organization says that 80 percent of all sickness is caused by unsafe drinking water.

When I first came to Haiti 10 years ago I envisioned this poor devastated landscape with little or no water resources. As I got out and into the mountains and traveled across the country I found a land with numerous springs gushing out from under rocks. They cascade down from their mountain sources to become streams and rivers making their way to the ocean. In some villages you can find hand dug wells just like from the story in the Bible, some lucky villages have drilled wells with hand pumps.

Yet water availability and especially clean safe drinking water remains a huge problem for Haitians. Water needs to often be carried great distances to where it is needed. Time after time we find hand pumps that no longer are operable because they have a broken or damaged part. Very few springs are capped to keep livestock, bathers and those doing laundry far enough away to keep the water pure. Nor are cisterns built to store enough water for all to readily get clean water from out of a spigot.

These are some of the water projects that G.A.P. 's Feet Across the Mountains ministry will be taking on as we partner with communities in the mountains. We start by meeting with the leaders and elders of the villages to build a sense of community effort and pride in doing projects that benefit their communities. These projects allow us to gain their trust and confidence . It has been said that to get very far as a missionary the people you work with need " to know how much you care , before they care how much you know." Helping give them pure water will allow us to share with them the living water Jesus promised the Samaritan woman.

In God's love , Steve

HIGH FIVES

2009-05-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

LOVING MOTHERS

A second grade teacher had given her class a science lesson on magnets. The next day she had this question on their test : I have six letters in my name, the first letter is M, I also pick up things , what Am I? " When she graded the test she was amazed that 50 percent of the class put down " mother." Mother's do a lot more than just going around picking up after children and husbands, so much that we have set aside a day to honor them. I wavered back and forth about doing a Mothers Day blog and didn't even post yesterday because I had changed my mind against it but as I sat down this evening I decide yes I would.

So here's a little history that I hope is accurate. The idea of a holiday to honor mothers originated with Anne Jarvis when her own mother passed away in 1908. By 1914 she had lobbied so hard for a special day to be set aside to commemorate motherhood that it became a national holiday. Now here is where I can't verify my facts 100 percent but some years after she became so unhappy with the commercialization of it that she spent the rest of her life and money fighting against it. She once said about the trend of giving a mother's day card "what's wrong with people that they're so lazy they can't write a letter from their heart to their own mother". She said this about those who gave candy "they give you a box of candy and you eat one piece and they eat the rest." To say the least she went to her grave embittered about her Holiday to honor mothers.

As we left for church yesterday morning, Shirley, my wife, made the comment that she hoped the new pastor wouldn't go the traditional route of "Mother and Home" and dispensing of flowers or whatever that have been handed out at some previous services. She got her Mother's Day wish, yesterday's message was titled The High Five for Parents and is the reason I decided to do this post tonight.

Our new pastor who likes to go by the name Johnny Mac chose to start a new two part series on parenting yesterday. Haitian mothers like mothers in the states and most likely all other cultures have a natural innate love for their children. As I posted on May 1st my youngest daughter Sarah gave birth to a precious baby girl and over the days since, I have observed the special bond, of comfort and contentedness that the baby has when she is being held by her mom, grandmother and even non related women. When I hold her, and I have held my share of babies, she is a little less comfortable and at ease as are most of us men when we hold a tiny newborn. There definitely is a special thing between a mother and child.

A devotional I read for Mother's day said this: "A good mother loves her family and provides an atmosphere where each member can find acceptance, security and understanding. She is there when the children need a listening ear, a comforting word, a warm hug, or a loving touch. And For Christian mothers, her greatest joy is in teaching her children to trust and to love Jesus as their Savior". I agree with the writer that these things are of great importance and are joyous occasions but I would have to disagree that this is the sole responsibility of mothers.

In fact our pastor's sermon was based on his 20 years of working with youth and his interest as to why some children turn out so well adapted and others struggle. Briefly this is his conclusion on how to be great at parenting. Like any journey you should begin with the end in mind . So these are the three questions any parents should ask about the end results of parenting. Who will this child be at 18 as he or she moves out into adulthood ? What beliefs will that child adhere to as an adult? What is this child's destiny ? The High Fives of parenting aren't exactly a mother does this and a father this but a joint effort. Now wouldn't it just be wonderful if we do away with Mothers Day and Fathers day and create one single holiday called Parents Day.

This might even appease poor Anne Jarvis who felt her holiday didn't turn out to honor motherhood quite the way she intended.
In God's love , Steve

Honor your father and mother as the Lord your God has commanded you. Deut. 5:16

CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

2009-05-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

NEXT YEAR'S NORTH MANCHESTER C.C.C. TEAM

Last Sunday afternoon I drove down to the North Manchester Congregational Christian Church to meet with their 2010 GAP mission team. I may have lost count but I think this team may be the sixth group to represent their church and congregation. One member from that church traveled to Haiti in 2005 as part of another team. Since then the North Manchester C.C.C. has sent a team every year to GAP-Haiti.

Two years ago their Pastor, J. P. Freeman presented an application to the leadership of the denomination of the Congregational Christian Churches of America for G.A.P. go and produce Ministry to be their mission outreach in Haiti. This year we were approved to work with their Churches in sending short term mission teams and receiving funding for our ministries in Haiti. Recently G.A.P. received an invitation to go to attend their annual denominational meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We are looking forward to being there to meet and talk with many of the pastors, mission board members , youth pastors, and mission coordinators from their churches across America.

As a small mission organization it seems like I'm often wearing too many hats when serving as executive director, international missionary in Haiti, short term mission team organizer, media director and chief fundraiser. Yet when I started all this work back in 2000 like Jabez I prayed that we would receive God's blessings and that He would enlarge our territory, He certainly has. In God's love, Steve

A GLAD PARTY

2009-05-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

FILLING GLAD BOXES FOR HAITI

Last year after the devastating series of hurricanes hit Haiti, G.A.P. go and produce ministry resolved to do more to involve American churches in helping meet the needs of Haitian families.

Our answer was to establish the GLAD "giving love and dignity" Ministry one of two new outreaches we started to give a helping hand.

The GLAD ministry is a fun and rewarding ministry for all ages to give a helping hand and get involved in the Great Commission. Churches of any size, Sunday School classes, small groups, individuals and families can easily participate in this new ministry.

It all starts with a 12 x 10 x 8 inch box purchased from an office supply or your local post office. Once you have the box you can fill it with purchased or very slightly used items , nothing damaged or worn out. GAP Ministry has put together a list of acceptable items that may be put in the boxes under such categories as : clothing, games, health, hygiene, school, sewing, tools and toys.

This list as well as a brochure about this ministry can be mailed upon requests to individuals or a packet of materials to Churches. Once GAP Ministry receives enough of these boxes to make a shipment we get them sent over to Haiti. We are then able to distribute them into hard hit areas and mountainous regions of the country through a partnership network of churches, schools and other organizations that we work with. More info is available at http://www.gap-haiti.com or you can contact me at smossburg@msn.com or Lisa or Dennis McKee at dmckee@hughes.net In God's love, Steve

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

2009-05-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

PRAYER DAY EVENTS

Today was the 58th annual National Day Of Prayer, the theme this year is "prayer America's Hope". A national day of prayer has been a part of our heritage since 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming our nation. President Lincoln proclaimed a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer for the country in 1863. In 1952 President Truman signed a joint resolution of Congress declaring an annual Day of Prayer. In 1988 President Reagan permanently set that day as the first Thursdays of May each year.

Today millions of Americans came together at churches, courthouses and government buildings to pray for our nation, state and community leaders. Specifically the "seven centers of power" : government, church, education, media, family, business and military were lifted up in prayer.

Many times over the last eight months it has been said that the U.S. is in the worst economic times since the 1930's. On top of that we face military engagements in Iraq, Afghanistan and possibly Pakistan. We are constantly on guard and at war with terrorists and drug cartels. There are times that it seems our whole way of life as we have known it is under attack and slipping away.

Yet for most of us Americans who work and live in foreign countries, especially "Third World"countries we know how blessed as a country we really are. We have freedom of religion, freedom speech and protest, democratically elected officials, strong military, the best economy in the world, great schools, roads and so much more to be thankful about. Is our country just lucky or is there much more behind our blessings?

During our Constitutional Convention when things were going so poorly Benjamin Franklin addressed the delegates with these words. " There is convincing proof that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it possible an empire can rise without His aid? I therefore beg that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and it's blessings on our deliberations be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business."

Today our local community wide services started with a prayer breakfast at one of our city churches and continued through out the day. At six p.m. another church service was concluded by the assembly walking to the courthouse and hand in hand completely surrounding it with 15 minutes of prayer. I agree with the wisdom of Mr. Franklin that God does indeed govern in the affairs of man. If we as a country still desire His blessings we better get down on our knees in prayer more often and in greater numbers. In God's love, Steve

CELEBRATIONS

2009-05-06T05:00:00.001-07:00

THE CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE

One of the first things I quickly realized after arriving in Haiti to start my work as a missionary was the stark contrast between our two cultures in the area of celebrating life. In the U.S. most of us have to keep a day planner close at hand so we can schedule all of the meetings, functions, parties and events that make up our lives. In the states we celebrate birthdays and some families have so many that they get together each month to celebrate those born in that particular month.

We have holiday celebrations and the mandatory huge feasts. In most families there is Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter. Then there are Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day the three summer time holidays that require cookouts, grilling and barbecuing. We can't forget sporting events like Super Bowl Sunday, the Final Four, World Series and of course that American phenomenon "the tailgate party". Graduation parties from Junior High, High School and college will be taking place all across America this month and next. Most of us attend at least one or more weddings each year along with bachelor parties, wedding showers and later on baby showers, christening, dedication and baptism celebrations. Those of us who belong to Churches can often find our weeks filled with activities of Christian fellowship.

In Haiti life is much different, celebrations can be mostly put under that of marriage and death. These two events no matter what you or your family's status require the expenditure of significant amounts of planning, time and finances. These are not only family events and celebrations but also that of your village, church, neighborhood and community.

During my time in Haiti I have attended four weddings, two funeral parties and one funeral. I would say there is no comparison of those events to those I have attended in the states. As an example in April I attended a funeral party for the aunt of one of my G.A.P. co-workers Diesmy Gargon (Jasmine). The funeral party is usually held the evening before the funeral. Jasmine's aunt had actually passed away over three weeks earlier at the age of a hundred, not the typical age of death in Haiti. Her body stayed at the morgue for that length of time as the family planned , prepared and raised money to pay for this final event of her life.

Her crypt had to be repaired and repainted, the family home was completely repainted, a new outside toilet and shower with block walls was built for family from the states to use when they flew home for the funeral. There was food and drinks to buy and chairs and tables to rent.

Then there is the actual cost of the funeral, for the family. They had a close relative who is a furniture maker and in Haiti they also make coffins. I got to see her coffin two days before the body was placed in it. It was made out of some of Haiti's finest lumber, it still awaited the upholstery and hardware but one could appreciate it's quality. To purchase it would have cost $10,000 Haitian dollars. The expense for the funeral itself, the preparation of the body and storage at the morgue another $30,000 Haitian dollar. These are staggering sums of money for not only my friend's family but most all Haitians, who struggle at making $150-250 Haitian dollars a week.

I have no idea what weddings can cost in Haiti most likely every much or more than funerals. Once again the utmost detail and planning goes into these events and for most it takes several years before the actual event is able to take place.

One of the other events that is celebrated so much in the states but not so much in Haiti is that involving children. Births and birthdays don't get a lot of attention, yes children are loved but not much time nor money is spent on celebrating these events. One event that does get some attention is that of graduating, though I think this may be more because the schools usually charge an extra fee for it so the families go ahead and celebrate it. In a country where the majority struggle day to day to even sustain life it is always inspiring to see the desire they have to celebrate it. In God's love, steve

Canaan Medical Center Video

2009-05-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

CHAOS IN MOTION

2009-05-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

GETTING AROUND THE COUNTRY

Upon arrival in Haiti it seems that one's sensory perceptions quickly go into overload, you are immediately overwhelmed by sights, sounds and smells. Your first impression may come, if you have a window seat, as the plane prepares for landing. More than likely it is when you depart the airport terminal with your luggage, a possible future story.

Some of my most frequently asked questions are about driving in Haiti. "Were you scared when you first drove here, are there any rules of the road, do they actually give them licenses to drive this way"? My answers were "no, yes but not written down, and yes and they aren't cheap". Maybe it's because most of our teams are transported in the back of a large stake bed truck that their senses get such a workout. More than likely for those who ride in the cab with me it is the realization that if we crash we will be the first ones at the scene of the accident.

All along our route to the town of Montrouis and Canaan there will be visual reminders of recent and long ago accidents. Most wrecked vehicles are left at the scene of the accident till almost every salvageable piece is stripped off and carted away.

Gap Ministry has three vehicles, a large stake bed truck for people and luggage, a small four door pickup and a 12 passenger van which we are still waiting for approval to put on the road. Canaan has a similar large stake bed truck, another small four door truck and a 70 passenger school bus which is rarely used.

Our transportation sources are similar to those of public transport you will find all across Haiti.The one most people are familiar with is the tap tap, these small little trucks are usually sagging under there weight of 5 times their normal load ( no exaggeration). There are many theories as to where they derived their name. Some think it comes from the sound of the little engines as they labour along with their heavy loads. Others myself included believe it is because you pound with the palm of your hand on the side or roof of the vehicle when you want off thus the word tap tap. These gaily painted little taxis along with their big brothers ,the American style school buses are the most popular ways to go great distances.

These big buses, who are the King of the Road, all have drivers who seem bent on self destruction and don't seem to mind taking as many others with them as possible. Maybe that is why they have religious painting and verses painted on them. God fearing names like Dieu Qui Decide ( God who decides) and L'Ange de Dieu ( The Angel of God) are but a few you will see as they pass you blaring their horns at high speeds on curves and up hills.

The other way of getting around is by Camion which comes from the French word meaning truck or lorry. These are the large transport trucks carrying cargoes of produce, grain, cement, and cattle. They usually have a rope hanging out the back so people can pull them selves on as the vehicle moves down the road.

Ok now for those rules of the road :

1. In towns sidewalks are for small business purposes. The road is designed for pedestrians it's secondary use is for vehicles.

2. The horn is one of the most vital tools at your disposal. Being stingy with it's use is rude and unsafe.

3. The concept of space and weight goes like this, never waste space. If two cars can slip into somewhere surely another one will too. There is always room for one more on the tap tap or inside the bus, if not get on top.

4. When driving one needs to practice diplomacy. There is a time for patience and literally a time to put your foot down.

5. Priority goes to who is most in a hurry. In the case both vehicles are, it is best to yield to the the larger one, rather than play the game of chicken.

Driving in another country always takes some getting use to, as to where Haiti ranks compared to other countries, I can't say. I would love to hear other people's opinions as to what country has the worse drivers and roads. Please leave a comment. In God's love, steve

THE BEST GIFT

2009-05-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

WELOME STELLA CAPRICE

Yesterday afternoon we were blessed by the addition of another grandchild into our family. Little Stella Caprice Fazio was scheduled for an early May arrival and with the help of induced labor she was born at 2:45 pm Friday afternoon. Through the technology of ultrasound we have known for several months to expect another granddaughter, we even got to see the picture to prove it. One week ago we were told to expect her to weigh in at 8 pounds and that through induced labor she would arrive on May first, there isn't much left unknown at modern birthing centers.

I hope this doesn't make me sound too old fashioned but I just like the idea of surprise and anticipation. The birth of a child is a gift from God and just like any gift you shouldn't know what's in the package till the day it's unwrapped. I remember when our four children were born and until the moment the baby was born and the nurse or doctor told you had a son or daughter you had no way of knowing till that wonderful day. Then you had the fun of letting everyone else know by getting on the phone and making the official birth announcement.

I hope no one takes this wrong I'm all for the advantages that new medical technology offers in detecting diseases and offering cures. As one who survived cancer last year through early detection methods and robotic surgery I know first hand. The technology that saved me wasn't available just a few years ago, that it's self is another gift from God. The advances of modern medicines as I understand it now even allow for lifesaving surgeries before and right after birth. New technology gives babies with medical problems a much greater chance of good health and long life. We have all heard it said it makes no difference boy or girl as long as it's healthy and that's the best gift of all. Thank you God.

HATS, CAPS AND MORE

2009-05-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

HEADGEAR AND STYLE

One of the items we have listed under GAP TEAM GUIDELINES (things to bring) is caps or headgear. Though as you can see from the pictures some of these can be quite creative and stylish our intention is more for protection. The sun can be very intense in Haiti and without protecting the top of your head from sunburn you may end up miserable for several days after being exposed to it. The glare of the sun is also much more noticeable here on the island and a wide brimmed hat, a cap or visor paired with sunglasses helps a lot. Another reason is most of the roads are unpaved covering your head can be very helpful in dust protection.
The range and styles of headgear can be very imaginative and we see the latest thing out of Cabello's, L.L. Bean and other purveyors of outdoor gear. These companies offer the latest options available such as U.V. rated and bug repellent clothing, caps and hats. While others may choose stylish hats off the rack from their favorite department stores. Then there are those who bring along their favorite baseball, farm or other special promotional/advertising caps. I tend to go with the caps myself when I'm out working or driving. When hiking I prefer the wide brimmed straw hats that protects my face as well as the top of my head. Handmade straw hats can also be found locally in most Haitian market areas if you forget to bring one from the states. No matter what your preference or personal style statement keep your head covered. In God's love , steve

THE MAKING OF A TEAM

2009-04-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

TEAM MEETING

I met with the sixteen team members of a group that will be visiting Canaan later this year. There are four married couples, several family units, three young children and some teenagers. Six of them have been to Haiti before, five of them at Canaan. Most of them are people I know, this is a good team.
We want our teams to be more than good we want them to be prepared, effective, to have a meaningful experience and be used by God. This team started coming together in January, the roster is filled, their tickets bought and last night we had our first meeting, it was two hours long. We will probably have one more meeting before they come to Haiti. There will be lots of e-mail contact as we work through project details and maybe a special ministry or special event they may want to put together.

This team isn't different than any of the others we bring to Haiti. We like to be involved with all our teams long before they arrive in Haiti. Good teams don't become effective teams upon arrival it starts months before they board the plane. This Sunday I have a meeting with another team that will come in early January 2010. A week ago I met with a team that is organizing for a November visit. We are working with an Illinois group for this summer.
The point of all of this planning is good sense for not only us as a mission but you who come work with us. We depend on your help, prayers and support for what we do as missionaries. You place your confidence in us as you leave your comfort zone and step out to join God in what He is doing. We need each other that's why we spend so much effort in planning and preparation, we think it pays off. In God's love, steve

THE GREAT RACE

2009-04-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Liz when she lived at Canaan

I first met Liz Froba back in March of 2007 when she came and worked at Canaan for several months. That same year she traveled with a group of Canaan students to the A.C.E. Accelerated Christian Education convention in Flagstaff, Arz. before heading home for the summer. Then till last Fall she worked at a youth camp called Young Life in Windy Gap, N.C.
In October of last year Liz signed up to be a part of (team leader) The Great Race 2009. She and her team along with other teams are traveling around the globe visiting about 10 countries in ten months. Haiti was added to the list of "Race Countries" this year and Liz and her team were able to actually come and stay with us at Canaan for 3 weeks. Since then they have been in Thailand and Cambodia and will visit at least 5-6 more countries before getting home in November.
The following "You Tube" video was put together by her after leaving Haiti in February. I think it is worth sharing as she has a wonderful talent for capturing and expressing her love for missions on video. In God's love , Steve

Liz Froba Haiti Slideshow

2009-04-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

BEACHES

2009-04-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

SOME OF MY FAVORITE BEACHES

Canaan is located on a hill just three quarters of a mile off the Caribbean Ocean. Just about anywhere your at on the property you can see the beautiful blue waters off shore. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Haiti are up and down the coast from where we live.
Beach resorts with names like Wahoo Bay, Kaliko, Moulin Ser Mer and Club Indigo once lured travelers from the U.S. and Europe to their fine beaches, restaurants and hotels. The only foreigners that come now are U.N. personnel, wealthy Haitians and missionaries. There is hope that when the new improved roadway is completed and if the country continues to stay calm that the tourist once again will find Haiti's beaches a vacation destination.
Those who come to work with us at Canaan almost always get an opportunity to visit at least one of the three beaches that I take teams to. These beaches aren't resorts so we don't have to pay to get in, they are private so we usually have them all to ourselves. We usually take along some of the kids from Canaan when we go. Almost always we play games like keep away or volleyball, occasionally we have a cookout, sometimes an evening beach fire and sing along but for sure we have a good time every time.

GREAT NEWS FOR CLINIC

2009-04-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

AWESOME CONCERT

The RAISE THE ROOF CONCERT IV is now history and this year's event a record breaker, please read the previous blog post from Talk of the Town our local online newspaper. We expect when all the checks come in this week we may surpass $13,000.00 coming close to doubling last years concert which itself was a record in 2008.
Fund raising aside what is truly awesome is how inspiring the 2 hour concert was to all those who attended. People were honestly moved by the music, songs, mime, videos, pictures and testimonies. People have come up to me over the last several days to tell me how "inpired, uplifted, and moved" they were from the concert.
I think the highlight was when I was joined on stage by Sally Tomcik from Bear Lake Community Church. She emotionally shared her testimoney from her recent visit to Canaan with the audience. Many people have expressed what a personal moment it was to hear and feel her compassion and passion for the patients who come to seek help at our present clinic. I know what she had to say was not only God inspired but came from her heart.
With the money we have received over the last 14 months we are very near to reaching the goal of our estimated construction costs. Please continue to pray that the funds come in to see this project is completed. Hopefully by midweek we will have a PayPal donation button on this site to enable us to receive online donations for the clinic and other projects. In God's love, Steve

GOD IS GOOD

2009-04-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Raise the Roof IV raised $12,300 for Haitian mission, organizers elated
By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Raise the Roof IV, a fundraiser to support mission work in Haiti through Go And Produce (GAP) Ministries, was held Saturday night at First Church of God. Musicians and vocalists presented a dynamic evening dedicated to raising funds and awareness of the plight of those living in poverty-stricken areas of Haiti.
On Monday morning, John Alcock, one of the event’s planners, was pleased to share the news: the event which set records in 2008 had again far exceeded anyone’s expectations and raised $12,300!
Organizers were thrilled to have raised $7,000 at the Raise the Roof concert in 2008.
“That will go a long way in Haiti,” Alcock said. “I’m astounded.”
The funds will be used toward continued construction of a medical facility near an orphanage in Haiti. Alcock said the long-term goal is that the medical facility might eventually become a hospital, but he’s not sure when that might happen.
Local residents have been engaged in significant mission work in Haiti for the past several years, making what they believe will be a lasting impact on the community there. Over 100 local residents have gone to Haiti with Steve Mossburg to complete numerous projects there.
“God is good. (The medical facility) will touch a lot of lives in Haiti,” he said.
Will there be a Raise the Roof V?
“We’ll continue to pray about it,” Alcock said. “Each year it gets better and better. People see the need and they attend.”
Athelcock was unable to determine what the exact attendance was, but it was estimated to be around 400 people.
DVDs of the performance on Saturday night are being created now and will be available soon through First Church of God. For more information about the DVDs or to make a personal contribution to the project, contact First Church of God at 244-5959

AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS

2009-04-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Paul, Amy, Travis and Mark at Canaan.

God continues to bless us with wonderful friendships through our work in Haiti. Yesterday Shirley and I had the fun of hosting some of our GAP-Haiti connection friends for an enjoyable evening of Creole cooking and converation. Lately Shirley has been intensifying and honing her Haitian Creole cooking skills as she gathers recipes for a Creole cooking book. Though this is a great way to get some feedback our main interest is in promoting the growth of missions.

Travis and Amy Turk who along with Mark Pohl recently returned from a visit to Haiti were here with us last night. Also able to attend were Haitian Erve Joseph who is attending college here in Indiana and my cousin Doug Walker. The Turk's and Mark are planning another trip yet this year possibly around Thanksgiving week. Unlike their other trips to Haiti this time they are building a team from within their church small group .

Doug who along with his wife Amber are Erve's host family here in the states will be traveling to Haiti in December. He has made numerous mission trips to work on a varied of projects with G.A.P. Ministry over the years. This trip he is teamed up with 15 others from our home church, The First Church of God Columbia City.

Besides these two teams we have inquiries and the possibility of three other teams maybe coming on mission trips this year. If anyone reading this blog has an interest in joining a team or forming one they can visit www.gap-haiti.com website and download much of the team applications, guidelines and contact info needed to inquire about a visit. In God's love , steve

EARTH DAY

2009-04-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

STILL BEAUTIFUL STILL TIME.

Yesterday marked the 4oth anniversary of what has become know as Earth Day. The idea for this global holiday was first suggested by John McConnel at a U. N. conference on the environment in 1969. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson took the lead in organizing what was in the early years know as an "Environmental Teach In" at college campuses across the U.S. That first Earth Day attracted some 20 million people with the goal of promoting a healthy sustainable environment. It is recognized as the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

He chose the week of April 19- 25 as the best possible week in the Spring. A midweek date because it didn't interfere with other college activities, thus April 22nd. Though I don't think this played any role at all the man most consider the first environmentalist, Saint Francis of Assisi was born on that date. He is known as the Patron Saint of animals and the environment.

His attitude on the natural world was conventionally Christian. He believed the World was created good and beautiful by God but suffers a need for redemption because of the sin of man. He preached to man "the universal ability and duty of all creatures to praise God and the duty of men to protect and enjoy nature as both the stewards of God's creation and as creatures ourselves".

Forty years later this global celebration know as Earth Day attracts some 500 million participants in 175 countries. It is somewhat disappointing to me as I was on one of those college campuses for the first Environmental Teach In, that it has taken this long to move to where we are now . Much of our attitude for the environment still isn't tied to what St. Francis called our duty to God but our concern for our wallets (the high price of everything due to depletion and shortages).

There is no better example of what happens to a country and it's environment through greed and shortsightedness than Haiti. It was once the most prosperous and richest colony in the New World today it is on the brink of economic and environmental devastation. The reason I write about this today is that G.A.P. Ministry's Feet Across The Mountain outreach is involved in agriculture, reforestation, clean water and other environmental projects in the mountains of Haiti. I have been researching and talking with other like minded organizations working in the country and it is encouraging that there still might be enough time to turn things around. If your praying for our G.A.P. Ministry work in Haiti please pray that God will bless the work we are engaged in there.

THE ROAD TO CANAAN

2009-04-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

2009-04-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

'Raise the Roof' concert will raise funds for local residents' continued work on medical facility in Haiti

(Photo and graphic provided) Above, local residents are proud of the work they've completed thus far in Haiti, including the church they constructed in the lower right corner of this photo. Below, the poster below for the concert can be found at locations across Whitley County in hopes of breaking last year's Raise the Roof record attendance.

–By Jennifer Zartman Romano

On Saturday, April 25, at 7 p.m., ten area musicians and vocalists, most of whom you’ll know or recognize, will use their God-given talents to improve the lives of those less fortunate many, many miles away.

For the fourth consecutive time, First Church of God will be hosting “Raise the Roof,” a praise and worship concert to benefit the construction of a medical facility at an orphanage in Haiti – a mission near and dear to the hearts of not only the musicians and vocalists participating in the event, but for many Whitley County residents as well.

The concert, organized by vocalist John Alcock, will feature interpretations of God as presented through music, video and testimonials.

The concert is free, however, Alcock and others are hopeful that attendees will feel moved to make a contribution to help continue the amazing work being completed in Haiti by local residents through the Partners in the Journey Haiti Outreach and, more specifically, the Go and Produce (GAP) Ministries, an initiative developed by Steve Mossburg of Whitley County. Over the years, Mossburg has led many, many mission trips to Haiti, personally lending an hand in poverty-stricken areas.

Last year’s Raise the Roof concert was attended by approximately 500 people and raised a record-setting $7,000 to support the medical facility project in Haiti. Close to 100 local residents have accompanied Mossburg in completing projects in Haiti over the past several years, thereby developing lasting contributions to the health and well-being of those living nearby.

First Church of God is located at 1200 West Depoy Drive on the west side of Columbia City, just south of US 30.

For more information or to make a personal contribution to the project, contact First Church of God at 244-5959.

Posted by jennifer321 on April 15, 2009 10:55 AM | Permalink

RAISE THE ROOF

2009-04-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

THE NEW CLINIC

This Saturday evening what seems to have become an annual event for G.A.P. fund raising will take place at my home church here in Indiana. I'm of course talking about the 4th Raise the Roof Concert that a G.A.P. board member and his musician friends started back in 2005. This concert has become a well attended event to raise funds for specific ministry projects that G.A.P. go and produce Ministries supports in Haiti. Once again this year we will be raising financial support for the on going construction of the new Canaan Community Clinic building.

At last year's Raise The Roof Concert we weren't thinking of building a new clinic but rehabing the two small stuctures we had been using. Within a several month period of the 2008 concert God had multiplied the clinic construction fund four fold, this encouraged us to rethink our plans to His much bigger plans. In the year an a half since we have opened the clinic we have seen as many as 50 patients in the four hour period it is open each day. When the American doctors come every other month the patient numbers double. We also run an infant nutrition center for malnourished babies at the clinic two days a week.

With the funding we have raised to this point we are well pass the half way point to reaching the estimated budget amount we need to complete this project. If God blesses as abundantly as he did last year we will soon reach our goal.

IT TAKES TWO FEET TO WALK

2009-04-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

WHY PRAY ? a must read

Since my return home last week I've started reading a wonderful little book by John DeVries titled "Why Pray?" . This is one of those seemingly popular in 40 days type of things. Somehow I got messed up today and skipped from day 4 to day 8 and missed three days. I plan on going back tomorrow and getting back on track. Quite possibly God really wanted me to read todays reading for yet some unknown reason instead of on Friday, that's why I'm sharing it with all of you.

I'll be honest with you, I really struggle with prayer. I wish it was easy for me but it's not. I wish I prayed often and regularly but I can easily get sidetracked during a day of being occuppied with what I consider important things to do. I once heard it said if the Devil can't make you sin he can keep you busy , either way he keeps you from fulfilling the purpose God created you for.

GAP go and produce Ministries recently started a new outreach called Feet Across the Mountains as the name implies this minsitry involves lots of walking. That's why today's reading hit home with me, of all God's creation we have a special relationship with Him. We were made to walk with God and communicate with Him through prayer. Prayer is the first part of that process of walking. Think what happens if you plant one foot firmly on the ground and move the other, you proceed to move in a circle. Your working hard but getting no where vour still in the same place as you started.

God gave us two spiritual feet for our walk with him prayer and work . One without the other is not completing the relationship. If you are close to God in prayer then He will give you work to do but if you are unwilling to do the work he will eventually give it to others who are using both feet. On the other hand some of us try to do it all by work. Basically we rely on our own efforts when were not using prayer. We are missing out on the reason God wanted to use us in the first place , having a relationship with Him. Most often we aren't even in the place or purpose God created for us. It takes two feet to walk with God, prayer and work . In order to get anywhere, especially where God wants us, we need to use both feet.

THE FUTURE IS NOW

2009-04-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

Erve Joseph (l.) and Edgard Milace (r.)

This morning I dropped Erve Joseph off at his college class, this is something my wife and I do every other week when we are available. Erve is from Haiti and at 23 is one of Canaan's first generation of students and the second to attend college in the U.S. Erve has been here since last summer and is in his second semester at Indiana Tech college in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Later on after he gets some of his basic classes out of the way he will transfer on to possibly Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne or maybe a college in another state, he hopes to go to medical school eventually.

Erve is a very bright student and at this point is maintaining straight A's in his classes, to me he represents the future of Haiti . Every since I went to Haiti 10 years ago I have heard the argument that we shouldn't encourage the flow of Haiti's best and brightest. I don't agree.

If Haiti is to ever change for the better we need to concentrate on the three E's, Education

Economic expansion and entreprenerual development . Young people like Erve have the best chance of implementing these changes.

Several years ago he told me if he ever had the opportunity to acheive his dreams of a college degree and became a doctor he wanted to make the same opportunity available to others in his country to reach out for their goals. Many times on my travels to and from Haiti I have talked to Haitians who have the desires and sometimes the means from having been in America to start up businesses, to teach, to doctor, to build factories, to be engineers and all the other things it takes to move forward and develop a country. That to me is the hope for Haiti.

AN AWESOME GOD

2009-04-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Bear Lake team

When I set up G.A.P. go and produce Ministries back in 2002, I already had enough mission field experience to realize how visits to a mission field impacted lives. One of the unique aspects of our ministry is that I often personally get to be a part of those experiences from start to finish with our teams that go to Haiti.

I'm directly involved with our teams from the time they inquire about a mission trip to Haiti (the team building phase) through their arrival and week long visit in Haiti ( the mission trip phase). What is more unique about our ministry is that we also are often involved in the two other phases of short term missions after teams return home.

These are (the sharing and testimonies phase) where the teams share their experiences with the rest of the church, and the how do we get involved and help phase (when churches become known as mission minded churches). This morning one week after their return from Haiti my wife and I got to participate with our most recent team from Bear Lake Community Church ,Indiana as they shared with others how the recent trip had impacted their lives.

I often hear how these teams went to Haiti with the intent that they are changing lives, sharing love, starting or finishing projects and building the kingdom of God and that they do. The one consistent thing I hear the most during these testimonies is that they have returned home with more blessings than they ever imagined, with more than they possibly left behind. Isn't it amazing how God rewards our unselfish efforts of love.

HAITI PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION

2009-04-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

On Friday April 10th I took my team of 28 people from Bear Lake, Indiana to hike up to the Feet Across the Mountains work project in the Mountrouis River Corridor. I hadn't been up there myself in 10 days so I was eager to see what progress had been made on the road to Frettas. Being Good Friday and a national holiday weekend the crew wasn't working. I was amazed at how much progress had been made in my absence. The road is now passable for at least one vehicle in all but one short spot. Here there is still a very large boulder that narrows the road down to about 4-5 feet of width. The workers are still very enthusiastic about finishing the work and excitement and pride is building in what they have accomplished working together for the good of the community. I was told by one of the Bear Lake team members That on the walk back one young man explained how important the completion of the road was to the communities in the mountains that depended on it. I know on an earlier survey we conducted on a Montrouis market day I was suprised at what we heard. Many of the people are walking from villages as far away as 10-11 miles to get there produce, grains and livestock to market. Then they return in the afternoon with what they purchased or traded for to their homes in the mountains. It is still often difficult to imagine that in this day and age this story is repeated in the lives of so many all around the world. Thanks to the supporter's of Feet Across the Mountains for helping us accomplish this project. In God's love, steve

SIGNS OF SPRING

2009-04-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well as you may have guessed from yesterday's blog Shirley and I got home on Tuesday afternoon. Our arrival back here at our home in Indiana was one day past schedule but at least we arrived here safely. Tuesday was a miserable day with 40 degree weather and rain, Wednesday started out gray but by late afternoon the sun was out and it was a short sleeves day. Today is one of those days if you live in the Midwest that you just have to say "wow this is awesome" and think that Spring may soon be here to stay. The daffodils, crocuses, tulips and spring flowering shrubs are coming to life in all their Spring glory. The robbins are back and along with the overwintering birds are singing up a storm, what a wonderful wake up call in the morning. The buds on the maple trees are bursting and soon the leaves will pop out. The most dependable sign for us who live at Tri Lakes, Indiana is the arrival of the loons. They arrive here in late March and stay several weeks before moving on North to Michigan and Canada for the summer. We see them again in the Fall as they fly back the other direction signaling the approach of Winter.

My wife loves Spring as for me I agree it has it's beauty but too often it teases us with it's hope of better things (weather) to come and here in Indiana so often falls short of delivering on that promise till Summer arrives. Life is often compared to the seasons, with Spring representing that period of youth when we all have that promise of great things to come after all we are God's creation and he places that potential in all of us, Eph. 2:10. Myself rather than looking at life as a cycle that mimics the beginning and ending of the seasons, I rather think that life is like the trees, flowers, shrubs, and birds that I'm so enjoying this morning. That our lives mimic the seasons on an annual basis instead of lifetime. That each year we start with the promise of great things to honor and bring glory to God in. Possibly we will fall short like the weather in Indiana often does. Yet like nature we can recover in time to get back on track to producing the fruit God intended for our lives this year. In God's love ,steve

WALKING THE WALK

2009-04-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about flying put it seems to bring the worse out in some people. I wouldn't classify myself as a frequent flyer put I do fly at least 5 times each year and I'm on 30 different flights. Monday and Tuesday were some of those flights, we were actually scheduled to be home on Monday evening but our plane taking us home arrived in Port au Prince 1.5 hours late. We did get as far as Dallas, Texas where the airline had to put us up in a hotel a real blessing when your schedule doesn't go as planned. I'm also always thankful when I'm delayed because of mechanical problems or bad weather usually 2 major causes of crashes.
Yet over the years I have been witness to lots of bad behavior from my fellow flyer's when airlines are doing their best to provide them the safety they expect and take for granted. Even if they had a legitimate reason to be so angry they always take it out on the persons just doing their job who have no control over the situation. I always wonder how many of these people who are being so rude and nasty in public profess to be Christians?
Which takes me to this thought we Christians are all missionaries whether we intend to be or not we bring people to Christ by our positive actions of love or drive them away from Christ because of ways unbecoming of our Christian faith. Difficult times should bring out the best in a Christian " the problem with problems is they're rarely seen as the opportunities God intends for us" a Dave Davison quote .

HARD WORK AHEAD

2009-03-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday marked the sixth day of work on reopening the Road to Frettas. The easy work if any work could be referred to as easy in this rugged mountain terrain and heat is now over. Several large rock outcropping need to be cut away to make the road passable for even one vehicle let alone two to pass through. The picture of the workers depicts the traditional method of manual labor in Haiti still in existence in most areas through out the country. A few basic tools quite possibly very similar to those used 300 years ago when the French plantation system existed are still in use today. Most mountain communities rely on the long handled hoe, the pick and the machete to work their fields, cut down trees, dig and maintain irrigation canals and much more. Enthusiasm still seems undiminished by the hard work that

still lays ahead in the days to come. We were honored by the presence of our district deputy to the 48th Legislature of the Republic of Haiti on Saturday. He came to inspect our work and thank us for our spirit of community involvement. We had requested his help in securing the use of a tractor and backhoe and like all good politicians in an election year he didn't come empty handed. Though he wouldn't be able to help us find a tractor he brought us two machetes, 6 shovels, 3 picks, 12 hoes and the promise to go with us on Tuesday to 3 humanitarian organizations to try and secure some help for the project. My hopes aren't too high that we will get any kind of assistance but possibly with the weight of his office behind us it's worth a try. In all likelihood and the mountain people know this better than anyone if they want something done there going to have to do it themselves. The government has it's hands full trying to take care of a deteriorating infrastructure and road system along the coastline and in the cities as it is. The mountain people remain as they have for generation after generation mostly cut off and isolated to a great extent from from the influences of the outside world. They are friendly, fun loving, independent and mostly self sufficient but most of all they are a hard working people.

PREACH THE GOSPEL AT ALL TIMES

2009-03-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

On Monday the "Feet Across the Mountains" outreach of G.A.P. go and produce Ministries started work on the final section of the Road to Frettas (fret-ta). This is no easy undertaking in the rocky mountain terrain high above the Mountrouis River. Diesmy (Jasmin) my field coordinator and myself worked with the 100 plus people who volunteered to see this project get completed. The workers start at 7:00 in the morning and work to noon, I was surprised at the number of women who turned out to help on the road work. Our tools consist of pick axes, hoes, shovels, spades and sledge hammers. These tools are never fun to work with and even less so in the hot Haitian sun. You also need to be constantly aware that the road edge is a sheer drop off to the river down below. A slip of footing or balance and you might be finished and I'm not talking for the day. I have been busy with some other projects the last several days but Diesmy worked with the people on Tuesday and Wed. I'm looking forward to getting back there tomorrow morning to see how progress is going and hopefully cheer everyone up with my presence. On Monday I know my working along with the Haitians was a morale booster for the workers involved. I'm a firm believer in leading by example and that there is no better way to show how much you care than by working right along with those you want to help. I will close with a favorite saying of mine that hangs on the wall of my home here in Haiti. It is by Francis Assisi, "preach the gospel at all times. If necessary use words". In God's love , steve

THE ROAD TO FRETTAS

2009-03-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

The village of Frettas (fret-ta) is 8 kilometers

(5 miles) up the Mountrouis River from my home on the coast of Haiti. I first visited this area back in 2003. As travel in mountain areas go river corridors often afford the easiest access through mountain ranges. That evidently was the case with the Road to Frettas. This village by comparison to other rural maountain villages here in in Haiti is a very well kept and beautiful place. There is a sense of pride around this village of 300 people along the Mountrouis River. A pride of community and a pride of history.

The most obvious thing you notice as you reach the village and gaze down on the community below is the huge church. The question immediately arises how and why did that get built here. The Baptist Church was built in 1933. Unlike any of the other mountain church I have visited it evokes pride of craftsmenship and materials. It's representative of an earlier European style of churches. It is very tall with a rather steep roof which is supported by brick buttresses on the outside walls. Between each buttress it is framed and pegged with timbers from Haiti's once magnificent forests. The majority of the walls are finished with mortared rocks. Another characteristic of pride is it sits in the middle of town along with the much newer school announcing to all who arrive this is a Christian community.

Through out history towns have sprung up and prospered because of their important location. Natural travel routes , access to markets, availability of water and natural resources for a few, Frettas fits all of these. Since it's very beginning the east bank of the Mountrouis River has offered enough land to locate a very good road to the villages up stream. On numerous occassions over the years I have even driven my 3.5 ton truck up the road. This past summer's three successive hurricanes and ensuing flooding have dramatically altered the river landscape.

What took nature thousands of years into a beautiful river canyon was forever altered over a 3 week period this last summer. Homes were swept away as were several sections of the road. Community efforts have resulted in some of the road being reopened to traffic but to the last two villages of Dauphine and Frettas. In this particular area the road will have to be cut high above the river with pick ax and hammer and chisel through the rocky mountain slope.

On Monday morning G.A.P go and produce Ministry in cooperation with the Haitian Organization for District 8 (OPD8) started working on completing this last link in the Road to Frettas. My next several blogs will keep you updated on our progress as well as the "Feet Across the Mountain "ministry outreach of G.A.P. Ministry that helps the mountain people of Haiti. In God's Love , Steve

DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS

2009-03-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

This week we have been hosting a medical team of 16 men women and children from South Carolina, Missouri and Texas they arrived on Monday and will leave tomorrow morning. They have worked really hard this week with doing medical clinics here at Canaan three days and one day at Archaie. Today was one of those fun days that we promise our teams that come to Haiti. Fun days usually involve hiking in the mountains, traveling , swimming or a combination of the three. Ric and Wendy Bonnell for the second year in row have brought their three children to Haiti over Spring Break, they were the only family unit on the team. Today's plan was to hike to Piatre (Capiat) up in the mountains behind Canaan a very good hike from here. The younger 20-30 year olds in the group had decided to get up at 5:30 and make the hike. The Bonnell's had asked me last evening if I would go with them and their kids later in the morning after the kids got up had breakfast. We took my small 4x4 truck and drove to the first village where it was a 45 minute walk up to the springs and basin in the village. The teams I take up always love getting in the basin and refreshing themselves after the walk up to the village. The Bonnnell kids and Dan Langenberg visiting from Kanakuk Institute were no exception and we spent at least 40 minutes there before taking the less arduous walk back down to the truck. I'm always eager to hike into the mountains and spending time with these young Texan kids brought back memories of when my wife and I took our kids camping and hiking. Just as there is no better way to build a love for nature and the out of doors than to get children learning and enjoying nature early in life so it is with mission work. Start early and that love of learning about, respecting and helping other cultures will stay with them a lifetime. This week with the Bonnell's has been a great testament to what I have been telling lots of other parents consider doing a family mission trip, what a great way to honor God. In God's love, Steve from Canaan.

WHO SAYS DOCTORS DON'T MAKE HOUSE CALLS ?

2009-03-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up back back in rural Indiana I can still remember one time when I was so sick that our family doctor came to our house to treat me. Though that was a quite a few years ago it is still a vivid impression of my childhood memory. Maybe it is because even back in my childhood it was no longer a practice for doctors to make housecalls anymore.
Canaan Clinic is very blessed to have a dedicated group of American doctors who still adhere to that timeless practice of coming to see the patient when they can't come to see you. Last evening our second medical team of 2009 arrived. We normally have one or two doctors coming every other month to see patients at our community clinic here in Haiti. This group has 8 medical people out of the 16 team members. We have 4 doctors, 2 nurses, 2 physician assistants and a nurse practitioner who still make house calls here to Canaan.
Doctor Tony Hlavacek who comes down here on a regular basis put together a great group of friends from within and outside of medicine this trip. Tony also brought along his mother Marcia, ( third trip) and one of her friends from Spingfield, Missouri. His med school friends Dr. Ric and Dr. Wendy Bonnell who also consistently come down and their 3 children Elizebeth, Will and Jack.
Though the Bonnell's live in Texas and I only see them here in Haiti and through e-mails and phone calls in the states it's always a real blessing to see and hear from them. That is one of the immediate rewards God grants me for my work here in Haiti over these last 10 years, is through all the friendships I have made. Hopefully in another day I will be remembering all the other team members names and who knows some of them may become a friendship blessing as well.
On another note for the medical teams to come here and be efficient and effective requires a lot of effort and planning before their arrival by Elsie Kornelsin and Bobbie Bender our in country medical people. Until our new clinic is finished it takes a lot of work to see multiple patients out of 2 small buildings . It also requires moving meds, equipment, chairs, water, generator and other things up and down the hill. It is good that God has blessed us with dedicated people here at Canaaan. In God's love, steve at GAP Ministry.

WE WILL LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON FOR YOU

2009-03-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

The day before I leave for Haiti is always busy. Last minute things to buy , banking to do, business to finish, calls to make, finish up packing, it is usually a very stressful day. On top of all that Monday was my birthday which we had hoped to celebrate with an evening meal out before my wife's Church Leadership board meeting at 7:00 pm. I really wanted nothing more than to stay at home watching t.v. and relaxing in my recliner all evening. Instead I had promised a friend that I would come watch his first rehearsal for a concert he will be putting on in April to raise money for the Canaan Clinic. So rather than drive two vehicles to church I told my wife I would just wait around for her to get out of her meeting.
So as I was waiting in my wife's office reading a paper a young woman and small boy came in and asked if a pastor might be available. She then tearfully explained that she was traveling back to her home and her car was about to run out of gas and she didn't have any money to buy any. She had stopped to ask a police officer and several other for assistance but no one wanted to help. As she drove by she noticed the church lights were on and decided to take one more chance at finding some help. I told her there wasn't any pastors available but I would be Glad to help her out.
As a missionary in Haiti none of this is new to me people come to me all the time looking for help with their problems. They know if anyone will help it is those who work for and follow God's call. The early Christians depended on the Church . They looked out for and took care of each other and those in need. Should it be any different now or here in the U.S. than it was 2000 years ago or than it is in Haiti? Ten years ago I first went to Haiti to answer a call from God, I'm still there. My call was to be a shining light, to love the people and be generous with my love and transform the world by being a positive influence.
Today's churches and the people in them have the same calling and opportunities to be a light in a dark world, to love those shunned by others, to be generous and to transform the world. There use to be a T.V. add for a national chain of motels that said " we will leave the lights on for you " wouldn't that apply just as well for today's Churches ?
I've been in Haiti since last Tuesday and had been hoping to post this blog as soon as I arrived but I've been feeling a little under the weather so sorry it didn't happen till tonight.

PARTNERS IN THE JOURNEY (again)

2009-02-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

This was reposted because it got deleted .

This post will conclude highlighting the last of the teams that visited Canaan in Jan. The eleven members of team III arrived on Jan.24th. from northeast Indiana. Since team leader Dennis McKee owns a construction company I knew I would use his group to put rafters and a roof on Pastor Henri and Gladys' new house. Others on the team welded security grills for the windows and worked on painting projects. Angie Smith who has made nine trips to G.A.P. ministry since 2002 spent much of her time evangelizing the communities around Canaan. Dennis & Lisa McKee and Angie stayed on at Canaan after their team headed home to work with the last team of the month the Bunker Hill Church of God from Illinois. My wife and I visited this church a year ago to share the G.A.P./Canaan story with them and encourage their missionary efforts. Friends and team leaders Chip and Jodie Moodie no strangers to Haiti led the team. It was great to see the eagerness and serving attitude of the team as they worked to complete many of the projects started by other teams. I look forward to partnering with them in the years ahead with the work here at Canaan. I want to thank all those who joined us in Jan. for being partners in the journey.

PARTNERS IN THE JOURNEY

2009-02-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

MORE JAN. TEAMS

2009-02-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

We had 4 teams arrive in Jan. with team member coming from four states and 12 different churches. It's always very rewarding to see Churches come together on a team and work to accomplish God's work in cooperation with one another. Our second Jan. team came from Orchard Free Evangical Church in Arlington Heights , Ill. They were our smallest team with 9 members ,the 5 ladies helped out in the clinic, taught school and stained cabinets. Several of the men built cabinets and one guy who was a mechanic worked on several of our vehicles as well as plumbing and electrical projects. The other male team member spent much of his time taking photos and video footage , he is putting together some dvd's to help us recruit more work teams and also several videos for our website. As with all our teams, we gave them a day away from Canaan to get a better perspective of the country and it's people. they chose to take the boat trip to the largest island off Haiti's coast La Gonave. This is the large island that we Canaanite's can see out in the beautiful Caribbean each day. It is part of Haiti many never get to visit but is home to around 100,000 people, it is appr. 37 miles long by 12 miles wide. You have 2 ways to get there, by boat from Carieres or by small airplanes from Port au Prince. Our only option was the 17 mile boat ride because the boat dock is only a 20 minute drive from Canaan. If you have never been on large bodies of water in high seas with no life jackets this trip isn't for you. I think for those of us who went that day it was a memorable experience. Once you get there travel is limited to few either hiking or a few short roads traversed by motor scooter and tap-taps. I'm pretty sure I will be seeing many more teams from the this church in the coming years.

Out of the Comfort Zone - Path Evangelism

2009-02-13T06:15:00.001-08:00

Out of the Comfort Zone - Path Evangelism

Those you of you who have been partners with G.A.P. Ministry may already know Diesmy Garcon ( Jasmin ) . I first met him about 8 years ago when I moved to Montrouis, he was 16 years old. It wasn't long before I recognized the immense potential God had placed in this young man. Jasmin founded, organized and led the G.A.P. youth group for 3 years. He has at times referred to me as his mentor in Christ but I'm more comfortable with friend and partner in the journey. He recently shared with me that it was our early attempts at evangelizing that has inspired his interest to this day. Jasmin is a natural at evangelizing and everyone who goes with him soon recognizes that. This summer after the hurricanes he did volunteer work with those who were affected and suffered the most . I thought my readers might enjoy reading this recent account about him.

CATCHING UP

2009-02-12T04:26:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday evening I arrived back home in Indiana after 5 weeks of work in Haiti. Several times while there at Canaan I tried to upload photos to my blog site but for what ever reason they wouldn't load. So now that I'm home I will get some of our Jan. team and work photos uploaded. So what will I be doing while back home? Well yesterday was spent down loading photos and organizing them , sending e-mails, and writing and choosing photos for the March newsletter. Some other things I will be doing this month are getting our personal taxes done, putting down loadable info/applications for work teams on our website, meeting with a team coming in Apr. and speaking at a church in Eaton, Ohio that hopes to send a team later this year. I also have the possibilty of picking up some construction work for the next several weeks that will help with our own personal finances. Plus I will be purchasing things that need to go back down to Haiti with me in early Mar. Of course I also hope to get together with as many friends and family as I can in the next month.

NO REST FOR THE WEARY

2009-02-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long delay in posting a blog, my intentions were good in doing this at least weekly but I ran out of steam the last 2 weeks. On the positive side the wireless internet has been working in my house for the last 12 days making internet access much easier. The negative side is that I started to get wore down from the 29 straight days of hosting and directing teams without a break over the last 4 weeks.
I usually start my day by getting up at 5:45 to make coffee for myself and those on the teams who like good Haitian coffee, by 6:30 people are arriving at my door to come in and drink coffee and talk before we go down to breakfast at 7:00 after that we start our work projects or for some go teach or go to the clinic. We usually quit for the day at 4:30 or 5:00 to clean up for supper at 5:30. At 7:30 the teams arrive back at my house for devotions and conversation, later they go back to the dining area to play with the kids , do e-mails ,watch movies and play card games. My days are kept busy by keeping the team members supplied with tools, parts, materials and advice and direction. This often includes multiple trips into Montrouis or St. Marc. sometime around the first week of Feb. I was starting to look forward to a break when I could once again set my own schedule. The last of my Jan. teams left on the 7th and as I drove back from the airport on Sat. it was all I could do to stay awake . Nephtalie, Celian, Beliha and Loveline slept in the cab of the truck and all I could think about was getting back home and taking an afternoon nap.
No chance of that as we pulled up the drive I noticed one of our teenage girls sitting off by herself crying and as I got up the drive I saw the father of Charna who had just turned six 2 days earlier. After setting and talking with him for a short while I went down the drive to try and cheer up the girl who had been crying as I arrived home. I'm not convinced this is one of the gifts or talents that God bestowed upon men, but I think he blessed me in this particular instance.
After that it was off to purchase some diesel fuel so we could run our generator later that night, which is no small task as after 5 weeks we still don't have fuel in either of the 2 stations in Montrouis, the closest fuel is 10 miles away. After supper I did some hand laundry and started to organize the house. I think I may have went to bed at 9:00 or 9:30 I do know I slept in till 6:00 am since it was Sunday and the last of my coffee drinking companions for the month had headed home. Now that the teams have departed for awhile some of my special Canaan girls and boys are showing up at my house in the evening to hang out and with me before they have to go to their dorms for bedtime. Such is my life at Canaan.

ANOTHER WEEK ANOTHER TEAM

2009-01-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

Well our second team of the year headed home to Chicago on Sat. They were from Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, Ill. wow what a great group of people. They are a large mission minded church that is involved in mission work in many countries around the world. We were so blessed that the came to spend time here at Canaan and work with us . We have been short on teachers so several of the women worked in our schools another one worked in the clinic and the men were busy building cabinets. On Friday we took a boat trip out to La Gonave the large island that we look at out in the Caribbean. It was calm going out but the waves picked up in the afternoon and we all got a good drenching on the way back to the mainland. I have a feeling I will be seeing some if not all of them coming again on another team. Thank you Gary, Paul, Ron, Tim, Beth Sue, Rae Ann, Nicole, Sue and Beth for coming and blessing us.
Team III has been here three days now, they are finishing the roof on Gladys and Henri's house and will be doing plumbing later this week. They represent five different churches from Indiana and Florida, so they didn't all know each other till they met in the Miami airport prior to the flight over here. Like most teams I'm sure they are making friendships that will last through a common bond of serving God on the mission field.

LOCKED IN

2009-01-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

My second team of 2009 arrived Saturday evening but not without incident. In Haiti anything can happen and usually does. The team arrived on time but the plane door wouldn't open so they set in the plane for an hour and 15 minutes before getting out. The mechanics brought out a generator but it was too small to energize the lock system. Eventually they had to bring out a bigger one which did allow them to open the door. We got back to Canaan about 1.5 hours later than we should have but 2.5 hours quicker than last weeks adventure. Today after church we headed to the beach to relax before starting our work projects tomorrow.

A CHANGE OF TEAMS

2009-01-16T17:19:00.000-08:00

Well it's Friday night and my first team leaves tomorrow morning and the next one arrives at 4:00pm tomorrow. Things have gone much better since all the problems we had last week concluding with the transport truck breaking down after picking up the team.
Sister Gladys and Pastor Henri were married in the Canaan Chapel last Saturday. Sunday after church we spent the afternoon at the beach. Monday through Thursday the team worked on projects,. These included several people doing plumbing and electrical in the new small boys dorm. Others worked down at the clinic doing an assortment of jobs like cleaning and painting shelves, walls, filing cabinets, cutting and grinding off rebar, nailing down loose roofing and other odd jobs to make the present clinic look nice till we move to the new one.
One man worked on vehicles and generators all week. He changed oil and filters, made mechanical repairs, worked on electical problems, serviced two Briggs & Stratton engines, diagnosed problems on several vehicles so we can order parts and much, much more. One lady taught second grade all week and worked with the chidren on school problems.
Today was a day to travel sight see and take one last swim in the sunny Caribbean before heading home to the cold and snow of Northern Indiana and Wisconsin. It's always sad to see the teams leave but from past experience I know we will be seeing many of them coming again next year. In God's love , steve

CHAOTIC IS BETTER THAN STRESSFULL

2009-01-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

If you read my previous blog you know my first week in Haiti wasn't really going very smoothly. I ended by saying I wasn't going to worry about what tomorrow was going to bring which was good because the rest of the week didn't get any better.
I had a team arriving on Friday at 4:00 pm , I got my first call about 10:00. They were stuck in Chicago because of a snow storm so for the next several hours I got updates on what was happening. At about 2:30 I got a call that they were going to arrive here in Haiti at about 5:00 pm.
So I started for Port au Prince with my big Isuzu truck . This truck can haul a very large team plus all their luggage. This is a truck I've had in Haiti since 2002 and though it is 23 years old it has low mileage and is in very good condition. About half way to the airport I started hearing a tapping noise coming from the engine. I kept an eye on the gauges but no lights came on to suggest a problem, the tires were new and I had checked in the engine compartment before leaving, things like water, oil, power steering and fan belt.
We arrived at the airport, parked the truck and went to wait on the team. The team did a good job at getting all their luggage and getting out in good time and by 6:15 we were loaded and ready to make the 2 hour drive back to Canaan. When I started the truck I immediately knew something was wrong as all the lights in the dash were lit up and the brake peadal was hard to push on. Sometimes the lights stay on for a few minutes and then go out and I often have to add brake fluid . I decided to head out of town and then pull off in an area where there was less traffic.
When I found a good spot a few miles from the airport I stopped and added the brake fluid which wasn't enough to bring the level up very much so Pastor Henri who was following us in his truck headed back into port to find some for me. We agreed he could catch up with us so I proceeded on to Canaan. I hadn't gone a mile when I noticed the truck started getting hot. I stop and tilted up the cab to see if it was low on water instead we discovered the fan belt had come off and was damaged. We managed to get the belt back on and turned the truck around to head back into port to see if we could find a belt and some tools.
Pastor Henri met us back at the intersection where we had added the brake fluid, he then took the damaged belt and went off to try and find us another one, not and easy task at 7:00 pm. We also called Pastor Joel to come with the other big truck, the one we had just put the new clutch in, to tow us back if all else failed.
Pastor Henri finally returned and we struggled to get the wrong size belt on, by the time we did Pastor Joel had arrived and we all took off for Canaan. We were flying along putting some miles behind us when all the lights came back on , the belt had flew off because it was the wrong size. I waited to see the lights of Pastor Henri and Joel come up behind us but no trucks were anywhere in sight. I got on the phone , Pastor Joel had a flat tire but Pastor Henri said he was on his way. After he arrived we decide it wasn't a safe area to wait so I drove on till the truck started to get hot. Eventually we had to stop and shut off the truck to wait on a tow from Pastor Joel . After what seems like a long time but was probably only 15 minutes he arrived to tow us the rest of the way home.
I've towed others and been towed myself but never for 60 miles in the dark with no lights, on a very short tow rope. We finally arrived at Canaan at 11:00 pm tired ,thirsty, hungry and also wet for those who had to ride in the back through a brief rain. Someone on the team asked if that was my worst day ever in Haiti but I will save that story for another day. In God's love , Steve

CHAOTIC START

2009-01-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

Those of you following my blog, Facebook or website know I'm back in Haiti . This is my third night back at Canaan so I felt I ought to give you a short update. I arrived on Monday about 4:30 which was thirty minutes past the scheduled time. Considering we had an engine that wouldn't start in Cinncinati and long security lines in Miami I'm just happy I arrived at all on Monday.
This week is very busy, maybe chaotic is better but I'm sure some of you who have been to Haiti thing that is normal for us. I have a team of 10 arriving on Friday which always makes for lots of preparation before they arrive. Sleeping arrangements, food, transportation , projects ready and other activities such as side trips, hikes, and swimming, these are just normal things we prepare for each team. This Saturday we have a special event here at Canaan, a wedding, Sister Gladys and Pastor Henri cofounders of Canaan will be getting married. Pastor Wayne Shenk from British Columbia Canaada who was also instrumental in the creation of Canaan will be arriving on Friday and will marry the couple in the the Canaan Chapel.
On top of all that a person very close to Gladys from her early childhood has passed away and the funeral is on Sunday. All the preparations for the funeral have fallen on Gladys and Pastor Henri for that event as well . The clutch on Canaan's big truck also went out this morning and Jamil and I had to get it down to the mechanic at Pierre Payen.
If any of this isn't enough I can write about a few more things, like almost all gas stations are refusing to sell fuel. This is because the government mandated price drop has put the station owners in the position of taking a loss on what they have on hand. The tempory loss of our big truck puts all the burden on our other truck for hauling water, teams, food supplies and construction materials. Hopefully we can find the parts tomorrow and have it back working for us by this weekend. Well that is just for my first and second day since returning to Haiti I could wonder about tomorrow but I want a good nights sleep so I won't. In God's love steve

2009-01-02T06:44:00.000-08:00

Wow what a year it's been for the GAP/Canaan Ministries. I've lost track of the exact number of visitors,(blancs) we had at Canaan in 2008 but somewhere between 150 - 200 new and old friends have made the trip. Some come as part of a team, others individually or with friends to work as staff for several months or longer.

To say we have been blessed is an understatement. Construction wise we finished up a large workshop/storage area, built a concrete basketball/volleyball court, started construction on a tilapia fish pond, a new small boys dorm, a small house for Pastor Henri and a library, all to be finished early in 2009. This year will see us get started on a long held dream of building a clinic/ hospital. Canaan originally had a small clinic back in the 1990's but it was eventually closed due to lack of staff and funding. In Sept. 2007 the Haitian government required all licensed orphanages to have a clinic so we reopened our long abandoned small clinic. Through the generosity of GAP supporters we have raised enough funds to start construction on a new community clinic facility.

Yet without those who have come to serve at the clinic the past 16 months this worthwhile ministry would still be a dream. Thanks to people like Janis Ritkis and Karen Morrison who came for two months in 2007 to open the clinic. Doctors Ric & Wendy Bonnell and Tony Hlavacek who come every other month to treat patients. Canadian nurse Elsie Kornelsen who arrived in Jan. to run the clinic on a daily basis. John Elmore and Will Nix who arrived in May to establish the " Medika Mamba" infant nutrition program. Bobbi Bender who arrived in Sept. to help at the clinic and monitor the 'Medika Mamba program. The Haitian nurses and Canaan students who work there everyday, yes it is the dedication and actions of all these people that give others a reason to get invoved and support our efforts.

Haiti was in the news a lot this year because of world wide food shortages, high prices and constant hurricane damage. The economic and enviromental devastion has pushed Haiti and it's people to one of the worse situations I can remember in my 10 years working there. It is for that reason Gap/Canaan has established a Haiti Relief Fund to aid those most affected . As money comes in we help those we can with food and shelter needs. Gap has started 2 other new outreach programs that you can read about in our newsletters at http://www.gap-haiti.com/ . It looks like 2009 is going to be every bit as busy as last year. We thank God for the opportunites he gave us this past year and look forward to how he will use us in 2009. In God's love ,steve

REACHING FOR A DREAM

2008-12-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

Those of you who have visited Canaan probably know Erve Joseph and Edgard Milace. What you may not know is that they are both living with families here in Northeast Indiana. Erve was accepted at a local community college last Spring and arrived here in July to live with Doug and Amber Walker and their boys Luke & Garrett . Edgard returned here in October from Haiti to finish up his school work and check out local colleges. He is living with Jeremy and Maurine Freeman and their two kids Wyatt and Eden. A group of local people from Columbia City First Church of God formed a committee to sponsor and oversee their stay here in the U.S. They also established an educational fund to help finance the education of Haitian students who exhibit exceptional scholastic abilities for higher learning. Erve recently finished his first semester of college and received A's in all four of his classes. Next semester he will being carrying a full load of five classes. Three weeks ago we visited Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, Ind. as Erve looks for a four year university he can eventually transfer to. Through the generosity of Dr's. Ric & Wendy Bonnell , Erve is flying to Dallas, Texas today to spend a few days with them and look at some colleges in their area. Erve's dream is to one day be a doctor but for now he is focused on earning a usable 4 year degree. Edgard at this time is leaning toward automotive or diesel technician school . These two young men are not the only Canaan students pursuing their dream in the United States. Pricilla Mecklembourg is attendng Washington State University with the hope of also attaining a medical degree . These three are first generation Canaan students and are a testament to what you can achieve with hard work, good planning and staying focused on your dream. In God's love, steve

KEEP ON COMING

2008-12-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas has come and gone and 2008 has only one more day before it is gone as well. Today has been sunny but just cold enough not to thaw the ground or the ice on the Northeast Indiana lake where we have a home. The snow that gave us such a beautiful white Christmas as well as the sheet of ice that covered our streets and trees has all melted away till another winter storm blows in. Only the most ardent hater of Winter could not fail to see the beauty of it all. I'm often asked how I can leave the warm tropical weather of Haiti and come back here where many nights the temperature is single digit. Yet I can't imagine not being here, even in the winter the beauty of God's creation shines through. It's a time to get together with family and friends to rejoice in the real meaning of the Season. Our family also has five birthdays to celebrate in Dec. and this year we added another with Edgard Milace a Canaan student who is staying here till April . A group of his friends got together and gave him a real surprise birthday party.

In less than a week I will once again return to my home in Haiti and jump back into another culture and routine. The next several months people from Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas and S. Carolina will join me at Canaan. They are men, women, teenagers and even children from not only different states but a variety of backgrounds and careers. Yet they all have one thing in common. They have come to Haiti to be a part of something much bigger than themselves, they come to be a part of the Great Commision. They come with love and compassion and empowered by the Holy Spirit they come to "make a difference". Whether it's through construction projects, ministry programs, teaching, evangelizing , medical outreaches or just being there they leave us with many blessings. Yet in the process they go away being blessed themselves . They go away seeing the world and their part in it a different way. They go back to their homes, families, churches and communities and because they changed the world has changed, they really are "making a difference". In God's love, steve

Pasco Blessing

2008-11-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

It has been a lot longer on getting a new blog posted than I thought, but it has been a busy couple of weeks. We have had a team of 31 people here since Nov. 19, they headed back to the states today and have truly blessed us. The group came from Pasco , Washington and was led by Dwight and Vonda Ropp and ranged in age from 14- 72. There were numerous family group combinations which made it interesting in figuring out who went with who. The group's church gave Canaan the money to complete the small boys dorm and the school library. Besides pouring many yards of concrete the dorm roof measures 18 X 68, they worked on plumbing, electrical, door entry sets, painted lines on the basketball/volleyball court, made a ping pong table, played with the kids, and had Thanksgiving with us. We hope to finish up some of the details it takes to get started on the Clinic soon , we will see an engineer on Tuesday and see if he will sign off on our plans. We also have to get a building permit, we hope construction will be under way by the first of the year. Anyway may God bless the Pasco team for all they have done for Canaan. steve

2008-11-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back in Haiti after a 3 month absence, I had to get up at 4:00 am this morning to catch a 6:00 flight. That was just one of three that it took to get here in one day,I actually arrived in Port au Prince at 3:40.You could see lots of water still left by the hurricanes that flooded much of Haiti this summer as we flew over some of the hardest hit areas. We drove up the coast and could see another area called Cabere where 60 people lost their lives because of flood waters. In our town of Montrouis the big story is the only bridge across the river is severly damaged, so you have to use a make shift bridge out close to where the river opens into the ocean. We have a large team of 32 people coming right before Thanksgiving to pour a concrete. I think that is the largest group we have ever had ,not sure where they will all sleep yet. I hope to try and post many blogs while I'm here and tonight is sort of a test as we are still fine tuning thebog into the web site. Hopefully in several days I can add pictures once I get some taken. It's been a long day so that' all for now. In God's love , steve

GAP video

2008-11-10T12:22:00.001-08:00

This is a video clip of one of our mission teams to Haiti. Hope you enjoy it!

Mossburg Strings

2008-11-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Mossburg Strings will be performing at our Annual Dinner on November 8. Hope you can make it!

Traditions

2008-10-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Submitted by smossburg on October 18, 2008 - 7:45pm.

Well Summer has come and gone and Fall is here. This October weekend my wife and I are participating in a family tradition we started back in the Fall of 1999. That year we joined with my parents, sisters and their husbands to have a family vacacation in southern Indiana every year since then we have taken our annual trips together and gone north to Lake Michigan. It's shortly after return from these annual trips that I prepare to head off to start a new season of mission work in Haiti. It has only been about 9 weeks ago that I returned home but so much has happened in Haiti since then because of all the destruction and damage from the hurricanes this Summer. We have lots of projects planned for this next season and will also be doing lots of hurricane relief work as well. I will be arriving in Haiti November 10th to get prepared for several of our upcoming projects and make an assessment as to how we can assist in helping with relief efforts in our community. January and early Feb. we will have mission teams arriving and departing Haiti every Sat. At this time we have teams also scheduled for March and May. Many of these Church teams and team members have gotten into a tradition of making these trips an annual event. They are a blessing and I know God is surely blessing them for all they do for us. We still have many weeks that are available for teams to come and help us with the work that needs done. If you are interested just get in contact with me at GAP Ministry and start your own tradition.

In God's love ,
Steve

Blessing from God

2008-03-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

Submitted by smossburg on March 28, 2008 - 4:08pm.

I have not always been a missionary, in fact I was into my second career and over the age of 50 when I first got started in mission work here in Haiti. One of the things I noticed early on was the number of people God has put in my path. Everyday most of us randomly encounter lots of people but have forgotten them by the following day. It's not been that way at all since I came to the mission field. I have made some very close friends over the years, other missionaries, short term visitors, people I sit with on airplanes and in airports, at churches I speak at and then there is the people of Haiti.

People who come from the U.S. or Canada to visit us here at Canaan often make the remark when they travel with me here in Haiti that I know or I'm known by a lot of people. It's likely that from Port au Prince North for 90 miles someone might yell my name out as I pass by in my truck or stop in some town to do business. Now Haitians have a fantastic memerory for names and I have encountered people who I may have met eight years ago who still recall my name. They do have an advantage as white foreigners are a distinct minority here in Haiti, but I have a pretty good memory myself so I don't often get caught without a name to go with the face. I have an address book full of names. addresses. telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, so I keep in contact with a lot of people,. we occassionally visit some of them, stay in their homes, get invited to weddings and exchange cards and letters. To me they all represent Blessings From God.

The Lord Has Need Has Need of Us!!

2008-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Submitted by smossburg on March 20, 2008 - 12:00am.

Many of you who are reading this may have never heard of G. A. P. Ministries, thanks to a soon to be ready web site and this blog page you can learn about our ministry work. We are are a mission outreach working in Haiti and Canaan Christian Community is the name of the ministry complex we work at. About 125 people call Canaan home and nearly 100 of those are boys and girls who live at Canaan orphanage, the rest are missionaries and staff people. One of G. A. P. MINISTRIES outreaches is providing opportunities for individuals and churches to join with us as we do God's work here in Haiti.

Last weekend you may have read the familiar Palm Sunday passage where Jesus asks His disciples to get the young donkey. Luke 19:33-34 says, As they were loosing the colt, the owners said, "Why are you loosing the colt ? " They said "The Lord has need of him." As bible pasages go that one is not very long and may seem pretty insignificant, but for whatever reason it seemed to really speak to me. This short little verse can be summed up as a donkey fulfilling it's devine destiny. Through out history God has always used someone or something to accomplish His work. Now I'm pretty sure if God created a donkey for a devine destiny then He created you and I for some mighty significant opportunites as well.The donkey had one very brief task to fulfill it's destiny, I've been working on mine for 8 years here in Haiti. The point isn't how long we work at it , but that we discover and embrace it, because God has need of each of us. Eph. 2:10 says He created each of us for a purpose and planned us to live our lives doing them. Here at G. A. P. MINISTRIES we take interest in getting high schooler's 15 years and older as well as encouraging people well into their mid 70's to come to the mission field. Young and old whatever age we may be, the Lord has need of each us.

Steve

G.A.P. Ministries

2008-03-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Submitted by smossburg on March 12, 2008 - 10:14pm.

The goal of Go And Produce (G.A.P.) Ministries is providing and arranging mission opportunities for you to discover and embrace God's will for your life. The focus of our ministries is Canaan Christian Community and the work that goes on there. That includes the orphanage, the schools, the new medical outreach, agriculture, evangelistic and humanitarian outreaches and of course new and ongoing construction projects.