Pastor's Conference in Haiti

Two weeks ago we had the honor and privilege of leading a women's conference with Pastor Rene, our friend and partner in the ministry in Haiti. It was truly a time of deep spiritual growth for the ladies that we ministered to there. Taking clothes and shoes is a great tangible way to show people we care, and to give us the opportunity to pray with people, but I am convinced that the greatest need for the church in Haiti is Biblical training.

In America, we can go to the bookstore and purchase books and resources on just about any topic we desire. We have access to resources that we often take for granted. Christians in Haiti do not have this luxury. When we take a team of teachers to Haiti, we are offering a resource that is more valuable than gold to them. They will sit for hours at a time and listen to us speak, one after another, without breaks. They listen attentively, take notes, and soak in as much as they can. They then take what they have learned back to their villages and teach it to their own friends and families. There is a hunger and a desire to learn and study God's Word. Unless we go, they will continue to starve spiritually.

Next week I am taking another team of men to lead a pastor's conference. Pastors will travel many hours from churches all over Haiti to come and learn as much as they can. We have 13 men who will be sharing their personal testimonies, and teaching from God's Word. We are planning to spend 3 days teaching these pastors. Then on Sunday Evening we are going to put on a neighborhood evangelistic crusade. It is going to be an amazing week, and I am blessed to be used by God in this way.

As I mentioned, we have a team of 13 men. The cost of the trip is $1700 per person, which includes airfare, lodging, meals, and a few other basic ministry expenses. However, there are ministry needs above and beyond what this price includes. In order for Pastor Rene to host this conference, he has to pay for these men to travel to Port-Au-Prince, and for their meals and lodging while they are in town. Otherwise these pastors would not be able to come to the conference. The estimated cost to bring in 300-400 pastors from all over Haiti is $10,000. We are praying that God will provide for this need. We have less than a week to come up with the funds needed to make this happen.

Would you pray with me about this opportunity? Maybe you'd even like to contribute to this amazing opportunity. If so, your support would be greatly appreciated, and will go a long way in helping to advance the kingdom of God in Haiti.

If you'd like to help us out, you can click on this link and give. Scroll down and lick on "Donate" next to "Pastor's Conference Ministry Donation." Thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Heading to Haiti

I'm leaving tomorrow for my 9th missions trip to Haiti since June 2011. Each trip is unique and exciting. I love that I get to watch God work in people's lives in such a tangible and short period of time. This trip is going to be different and new - Nancy is going with me. She will finally get to experience Haiti after having heard me talk about it. I'm looking forward to having her ministering alongside me and the rest of the team.

We will be leading a women's conference at Pastor Rene's church in Port-Au-Prince. For two days several of our ladies will be speaking, sharing personal stories, and just loving and ministering to the ladies in the church. Pastor Rene is also bring ladies from churches across Haiti to be a part of this conference. Pray that God will use us in a mighty way to love and encourage these leaders.

This is a big step for Nancy. This will be the longest we have both been apart from Garren since he first got sick. Garren continues to progress. God continues to heal him. Though it is a long, slow process, we are able to see changes. 

If you would like to help support this trip, you can make an online donation here. Just scroll down and click on Nancy's name and you can be a part of our financial support team. We also covet your prayers. Please keep us lifted up as we travel and as we interact with these precious people. Please keep our children and my parents in your prayers as they stay behind. Please be in prayer for the entire team as we work together to accomplish what God is sending us to do.

Approved!

Praise the Lord! Garren's CAP-C Medicaid has been approved. This will ensure ongoing nursing care, therapy, and medical supplies. We are so thankful to God for once again supplying for our needs. Thank you Lord.

Garren continues to progress slowly. He is going to start visiting his speech therapist once a week to work on strengthening. He continues to go to physical therapy once a week as well. And we push to get him walking and exercising as much as we can.

Thanks for continuing to remember Garren in your prayers. We look forward to what God has in store.