New Church July 2009

(Saint Michelle Area of Haiti)

Camathe Church

Many people in USA when thinking of a church building often think of a nice white building with a tall steeple on top.

There many churches around the world that would fit that description but many more that would not.

When people gather in Christ name no matter where, he will come and dwell with us

Sunday people gathered in this little palm branch hut.

In services July 4-5th 2009 25-30 people ask for forgiveness of their sins and accepted Christ as their Savior.

Pastor & Wife of Camathe Church

Temporary Benches & Palm Roof.

When it rains as it did during these services Saturday nite it's almost as wet inside as it is outside.

The church needs $1200 to install corrugated metal roof and make more comfortable benches. I'm sure these are a little uncomfortable for a 3 hr service

July Update

I talked to Luc today and shared with him that we had a $6000 donation to help cover the cost of purchasing a diesel generator, as well as $2000 toward Orphanage land purchase.

Both are great news, however he had much better news for me.

This coming Sunday July 5 2009 he is intending to have the first church service of a new church plant in the Saint Michelle area. Praise God. This is the general area of our last church plant 1 year ago in Botso, however the area is huge and may require 10-15 churches to reach the people.

I believe this is an indication that we are back on track, the floods in 2004 and 2008 have hampered life in Gonaives Haiti tremendously, however we also planted 4 churches in those 4 years.

Pray that God will have his way in getting the mission house finished, water well intalled that was paid for in October 2008 and the children housed in a new Orphanage so that we can concentrate on training pastors and planting churches.

2 Brothers come to Christ Compassion Orphanage

I have sent you pictures of the two brothers Jacob and David Cherry. They were living with their parents a tragic accident of the death for both parents which caused the boys to live with their Aunt. Now when they started to live with their Aunt Jacob's left eye was distorted when a fellow cousin hit him with a stick on accident. As their Aunt became ill they had less hope on succeeding in life. It was one day when I was campaigning for Evangelism I met the two brother and they were interested of coming to the orphanage. Jacob is the youngest, sometimes he cries because kids bully him around in the area. I ask you to pray from the new comers on board. God Bless Pastor Luc Jospeh

Shippment Arrives in Gonaives

Luc called me last night to tell me that the his brothers 25' truck filled with their house hold goods arrived, cleared customs, and now is at his home in Gonaives. The cost of shipping was more than the cost of the contents but that's the reality of life in Haiti.

Trying to get anything in Haiti is always a chore, but when Luc and Rosanna were in Fort Lauderdale in January, we shopped and shopped for replacement household goods, everything they owned was lost in flooding in September 2008. We were looking for Bedroom furniture, living room, stove, refrigerator, dining table ect... for people who are not accustomed to this type of shoping, quite an experience.

We looked at every second hand shoppe we could find, a fea market that went on for acres and acres, but had no success in finding anything that was even somewhat usable for the budget we had .

BUT GOD PROVIDED,........ thru a generous doner, we were able to buy new items in the scratch and dent section of a nice store in Fort Lauderdale, and as well, pay for shipping and customs.

I could hear the joy in Luc's voice over the wonderful report he gave me last night, I'm sure both had a big smile on their faces praising God for the blessings.

Pastor Madam Anthony Coreus Get Promoted Eternally

Pastor Madam Anthony Coreus Grand Saline Haiti died Saturday evening in her home village of Grand Saline, Haiti.

God Called her when the only church in the village was down to about 5 people to step up in leadership. She never aspired to be a pastor but when God has work to be done he uses those who are willing. At her passing the church attendance was running about 80. In 4 years God brought about a remarkable change in this remote village of fishermen and their families.

Life in Haiti is always difficult however the role of a women pastor is even harder. Madam Anthony lost her husband just 2 1/2 years ago and now she is with him, Praise God.

This church was struggling as many do at some point in Haiti because the church was built on land owned by an individual, and all was not going well with this situation, she had lamented much over the way Satan was trying to intervene in the ministry work.

Pray that God will have his way in this work in the future.

World Renewal International has set up a memorial fund to both help with meeting the family's needs in her burial but also to buy land to build another structure for worship.

Jesus used fisherman to spread the gospel to but as beautiful as this scene is life in this remote village is very difficult.

I don't know if Madam Anthony ever equated her ministry situation to that of the early followers of Christ but the boats they use today are not much different, and the work that the people do on a daily basis is much the same.

Pray that the ministry will move forward and the congregation of 80 will be faithful and expand to reach their neighbors.

Frank Penna Haiti Visit

Frank spent 12 days in Gonaives with Luc & Rosanna and the kids from Christ Compassion Orphanage. He reports on his visit on his blog. Please take time to link to it and see the pictures he took as well as his report on how things are progressing since the September 2008 flood.

I am so thankful for his faithfulness to make this trip and love those who much of the world would rather forget about.

http://fpenna.blogspot.com/

Things are so difficult that most would lose all hope, but thru the love of Christ we can show that not only we care but much more importantly that God has not forgotten the Haitian People.

I H S,

Max

A TIME FOR REST AND RESUPPLY

Luc and Rosanna are in US for a little rest at our insistence. I explained to them that even Jesus pulled away from the crowed in order to rest. With over 30 living in a small unfinished house and still no well drilled due to a drilling machine that keeps breaking, life is still the major struggle as it has been for the last 5 months. That they are doing as well as they are, is nothing but a miracle. Although they are both tired, they still have the joy of the lord in their life. They are staying in Fort Lauderdale at Luc's brothers, and I brought 9 crates to Florida for them, donation from people who wanted to help, full of bed linens and personal hygiene items. It is our desire to purchase and ship a substantial amount of household items to replace some of the daily living items that were lost in the flood in September. Where do you start, when you loose everything and live in a country where obtaining anything is difficult? Pray that God will provide wisdom and resources for what he desires. Pray that Satans hold on this country will be broken forever.

According to Luc & Rosanna the 25 orphans are OK just in need of more room and more supplies.

Trusting God with Luc & Rosanna

Max