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Feb 04 2013
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Haiti, Missions

Haiti Update: Giving Matters!

How many times have you learned of a need through a sermon series like Crazy Love or Wrecked, felt moved and then dropped your gift in the basket only to lose track of the project altogether? Our desire it so keep you informed through the Love A Lot blog. By checking in with the blog on a regular basis you can see your dollars in action, respond to needs and keep up with Long Hollow mission teams as they serve around the world.

Here is an exciting update from Jeremie, Haiti where we are not only involved in orphan care but also church planting, discipleship and higher education. The following pictures of the new School of Joy and Administrative building are tangible representations of how God has blessed the partnership between Long Hollow and our ministry partners, ESMI, in Jeremie Haiti. As we are faithful to give, God is faithful to bless our efforts!

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Dec 17 2012
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Haiti, Missions

Christmas in Haiti: Part 1

By Tami Heim

Love and grace are the warp and weave of leading a team to serve in Haiti. This December is no different. Dale and I review how blessed we are by the individuals God calls to join our team and we depart knowing God is with us.

Twenty strong, each one arrives early Saturday morning. We take our first team photo on the other side of security. Leaving to serve and ready to love, is written all over their faces. Nine go for the first time. Their anticipation brings an added layer of excitement and the remaining members work hard to NOT share ‘too much’ about the adventure they are about to encounter.

Earlier, to help the team connect, we ask each member to write a bio and answer the questions: Who you are?  Why are you going? What do you expect? I tucked their responses in my trip folder. I read through each one again on the plane. I smile wondering how God will show up and show off His love this week.

Lewilson, my six-year old zanmi, becomes my photographer for the week. We walk the orphanage property corner to corner looking to catch love in motion. And that is exactly what we find when we see each team member in action.

As so this series of blogs begin. You’ll find in Haiti, compelled by love to go and wrecked by the God Who determines to reshape our hearts – to be more like His.

Carl Brewer: “I really feel God is calling me to break that routine and open up more in my spiritual life.”

Carl Brewer: “I really feel God is calling me to break that routine and open up more in my spiritual life.”

Shonda Brewer: “My hope is that God will reveal himself to me on this trip like never before and use me to touch the lives of these sweet children.”

Shonda Brewer: “My hope is that God will reveal himself to me on this trip like never before and use me to touch the lives of these sweet children.”

Jennifer Deshler: “About a year ago, I reached a point in life where I was no longer comfortable being comfortable.” Jordie Deshler: “I can't wait to meet the kids, play with them, and do crafts together!”

Jennifer Deshler: “About a year ago, I reached a point in life where I was no longer comfortable being comfortable.”
Jordie Deshler: “I can’t wait to meet the kids, play with them, and do crafts together!”

Pamela Ferguson: “I'm a Haiti fanatic! I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ and feel blessed that He keeps calling me back to Haiti.”

Pamela Ferguson: “I’m a Haiti fanatic! I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ and feel blessed that He keeps calling me back to Haiti.”

Seth Huber: “I remember listening to the song "Hosanna" and after hearing the words ‘break my heart for what breaks yours.’ I prayed God would do that to me.”

Seth Huber: “I remember listening to the song “Hosanna” and after hearing the words ‘break my heart for what breaks yours.’ I prayed God would do that to me.”

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Nov 12 2012
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Haiti, Missions

The Fruit Found in Haiti

By Tami Heim with photography by Carrie Hayes

We behold another sunrise and bid bonjou to new mercies and the privilege to give our best again. Today is special. We go to love on the women who care for the children in Lundy. Jill Olund leads devotions and encourages us to lean into the extra strength God promises to provide, ” Let’s choose this day to love each other well.” And that is exactly what we do.

We sense the Holy Spirit empowering us to go the distance. We gather to pray and open our hearts to receive the mind and heart of Christ.

As we prepare to minister, I know there is one true thing about this day. It will be impossible to distinguish the glorious exchange between what we give and what we receive. We go to hear their heartbreaks, pray for their needs, wash their feet and lavishly bless them with the gifts only we can bring them.

The fruit of the Spirit begins to flow as soon as we arrive. The feast is so grand; it nourishes every one of us.

LOVE

Love soaks and consumes us. It doesn’t discriminate or judge where it lands, but simply covers everything within its reach.

KINDNESS

Kindness shows generosity and pushes good works beyond expected boundaries. Utterly inclusive, it forbids anyone to ever be pushed aside.

GOODNESS

Goodness blesses others with unearthly holiness. Bringing rightness to all situations, it lifts others higher.

JOY

Joy explodes with expressions of gladness. Delightfully infectious, the volume of it can be heard in both doubled-over laughter and a quiet smile.

FAITHFULNESS

Faithfulness adheres firmly and demonstrates devotion and loyalty.  It’s evident a faithful God is alive and His presence is strong.

GENTLENESS

Gentleness assumes a considerate disposition, amiable and tender in all things.

SELF-CONTROL

Self-control works to replace ‘me’ with the Almighty ‘Thee.” It surrenders what’s easy for what is right.

PEACE

Peace calmly synchronizes and brings harmony between what is soft and strong. It provides oxygen for the soul to breathe and soul to rest.

LONG SUFFERING

Long suffering presents beautiful transparency refined by the pain and suffering it has endured. Resting in the wrinkles of time it reflects inner beauty.

Oh, and the one thing I knew to be true – it was.

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Nov 07 2012
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Haiti, Missions

God’s Accomplishment

By Tami Heim

 

It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.                           ~Ephesians 2:9-10, NIV

 

Everything about Haiti plays like a continuous loop from my head to heart. I memorize moments until everything about them is secure and I’m able to access them on demand. Bridging the gaps between trips, these memories sustain me and ease the ache of separation. On this day, I rejoice because right now, I am wholly here, filled up and ready to pour out.

I’m part of the team that doesn’t make it to Jeremie on our first day in country. Staying behind at New Life Children’s home in Port Au Prince, I see God has accomplished much in Haiti since my first visit in 2010. Significant progress is all around. Open spaces create gaps where endless rows of tents once lined the littered landscape. The difference is recognizable; the movement forward is visible to those who have been here in the past.

God’s handiwork surrounds us. What God is doing in Haiti is another one of His mighty works-in-progress. I give thanks He promises to complete whatever He starts and I am a witness to it in this country – right now.

We drive along the streets to the airport and I’m wrecked by the wonder of God’s massive plan to restore His people. Oh how rich is the mercy of our Father’s vision, the unwavering intentionality of Jesus’ mission, and the power of the Holy Spirit that equips us to do even greater things than He did.

Things continue to not work out as we had planned for the day, but we choose to not be discouraged by it. We know we are in on THE plan and each of us here has a role in it.  He is at work through us, advancing what He has already determined to do. Our mission team represents 27 willing hearts, in this place, on assignment, and everything we do right now – matters in God’s holy scheme.

 

Because of His deliberate purpose, I sense the indescribable measure of love and grace that covers me.

 

We finally make it to the guesthouse and connect with the rest of our team. We give thanks for safety, provision, and beds without bugs.

Sometimes days in this life are hard. The events and news they hold test us. But no matter how difficult, it’s impossible for them to exist beyond the reach of God’s grace. I’m emotionally tender and eager to go and be with the children in Lundy.

The truck makes it up and hill and I immediately see my little Sania in a pink and white dress, which is slightly torn, and a tad too big. I lift her into my arms as soon as I step off the bus. She softly sings Jesus Loves Me in her sweet and broken English. I sing along and the power of the words and the smile on her face break me to the core. Is it even possible to experience more love and grace than this?

Cheek to cheek I point to the features of the ocean and sky. Sania points to them, too and giggles. A perfectly timed breeze surprises and cools us. We breathe in and out.

I whisper in her ear that Dale is here, too. She lights up and quickly looks around the crowd. I point him out to her. She excitedly wiggles free and I watch her run towards him. Both arms sky high, she shouts his name and leaps into his arms. He positions her in the rightful spot on top of his shoulders. Now that she’s on top of the world, I watch Sania carefully position Dale’s sunglasses on her tiny face.  It’s lovely, precious, and as it should be.

I am aware how sacred this moment is to me. There’s no claim, boasting, or warranted behavior that’s earned the right for me to experience it. It’s the gift of God’s beloved Son that claims absolute credit for making everything about it possible.

I recognize I’m not designed to fully comprehend, solve or judge the mystery of God’s timing and what He chooses to do or not do. His ways are not mine – they are higher. They are best. I trust in Him with all that is within me. Perfect, holy, and true, I ask Him to keep me synchronized with Him – whatever it means, whatever the cost.

And so here I am in Jeremie, Haiti. I share this trip with my beloved husband, daughter, Zoe, and the remarkable mission team He assembled for this week. My arms are full and my heart is fuller.

 

God planned for these good things to be the way I live my life.

Thank you Lord for everything You are accomplishing, right now.

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Aug 06 2012
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Haiti

New Lessons

Blog post by: Trey Emerson

God never ceases to teach me new lessons every trip I make to Haiti. Along with “Mama Cindy” on our fourth trip, this is my first non-medical trip and the first trip for my daughter Faulkner, my son Austin, and my niece Sally. What an incredible thing to share!

Without my stethoscope in hand, I felt a little like a fifth wheel. I had often wondered what “normal” people did when they came to Jeremie and now I know! VBS! VBS! VBS!

Where I used to measure success in Jeremie in terms of number of patients treated or orphans immunized, I now was counting decisions for Christ and smiles on faces. I still got to do a few medical things along with Jeannie Swafford and a great group of “volunteers,” but this time I couldn’t help but hear the eternal chorus celebrating instead of hearing, “why why why!” “mes amies!”and “Jezi!” from the lungs of orphans crying during their shots!

Storms last night left us with a breathtaking palette at sunset, but also a wrecked truck from slippery roads (Dou Dou was not hurt!). I am so thankful that God has blessed us with him. He is the definition of a servant spirit!

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Jul 31 2012
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Haiti

Beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Gospel

Blog post by: Matthew Perry Henry Malone, the first

I am reminded of Paul’s message to the Romans in chapter 10 when he says:

But before people can ask the LORD for help, they must believe in Him; and before they can believe in Him, they must hear about Him; and for them to hear about the LORD, someone must tell them; and before someone can go and tell them, that person must be sent. It is written, ‘how beautiful is the person who comes to bring good news.’

I feel like I can relate to this passage more now than ever in my life. So many of our team members have done radical things to raise money just to come tell the good news. Yesterday was our first day of VBS, and we were reminded that all the hard work and money spent to get here was MORE than worth it.

To see our team share the good news through song, dance, word, art, and even scientific illustrations was amazing. This sounds simple but it’s the truth: We are here on a mission, and that mission is to share and live the Gospel in everything we do.

In closing, I will leave you with Paul’s words once again: before they can believe in Him, they must HEAR about Him.

And that is why we are here.

In Jesus’ name: Matt

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Jul 30 2012
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Haiti

We See You

Blog Post by: Erica Ho

Many times I find myself wondering what kind of impact we have on the orphan children we serve. What is the most important thing we do for the orphan and community children we work with in Haiti? Of course the number one thing is showing and teaching them the Gospel. But what else could change an orphans life, give them the self worth they need to survive in Haiti?

Knowing we see them. Like really SEE them.

I’ve watched our team members hold a child’s face in their hands and tell them they are worth it. Maybe not in those words but rather by remembering their names, telling them how big they have gotten or how beautiful they look in their hand me down church clothes. We look these kids in the eye and say I love you and mean it. They are so valuable! What a precious gift to be able to hold them, comfort them, teach them and SEE them through Gods eyes.

Are they exceedingly grateful for our role in their lives, are they well-behaved? Sometimes. But we are talking about children who are wounded, scarred beyond belief, emotionally tramatized. In short… Messed up. We can’t and won’t expect them to be whole. What we can do is continue to see past those hurts and teach them about the one who CAN heal them. We’ve got to pray for these amazing little survivors who are preparing to live life in a country under incredible oppression and evil.

It’s a lot. Orphan care is hard and frustrating. But anything worthwhile is hard. And we are making an impact friends, they know without a doubt that we see them.

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Jul 18 2012
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Haiti, Missions

Being Fluid

Photos and Blog Post by Jeff Armstrong

Excuse the hurried report, and poor sentence structure..the Wifi cuts in and out.. So I will try to type fast, and send quickly…
This trip has been a great experience. Every Day there has been a special blessing. Vivian Penuel celebrated  her birthday on this trip. What a special blessing she received to have the children in the orphanage sing her happy birthday. At Dinner Dou Dou surprised everyone with a birthday cake for Vivian, and then sang for her. His solo made a great video, a birthday she will never forget.
     Yesterday we went to see the 2 new churches that Long Hollow is building for the town of Bon Bon. What a privilege to see  how Long Hollow is making a difference in this community. Last night Pastor Dony, Pastor Nicolai, and Pastor Lionel spent the evening with us sharing the story of what God is doing here, and how we can pray and partner with them. We surrounded them last night and prayed for them.
    This is our last day here, and even though everyone is wearing down, and the heat is taking it’s toll, we all are excited and ready to work for the Lord. This team has been great. We learned the word “Fluid” this week. Being “Fluid” is better than being “flexible”, because flexible only bends so far. Where being fluid you can go with the flow. …
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Jul 17 2012
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Haiti, Missions

Jeremie: July 12th, 2012

We began our day with a tour of Jeremie – seeing the people along the streets selling and buying goods, all the way down to the dock.  There was a ship that had just come in with bags and bags of cement mix, so many of the men were eager to help unload and wheel the bags to their destinations.
Dou Dou pointed out some flat boats made out of what looked like large reeds that had docked to the side of the river leading into the Atlantic.  These boats are made in the mountains by villagers who pick plantain and float down the river to Jeremie to sell.  However, the flat boats never make it back up b/c they are too big.  The villagers go back up the mountain after they sell their goods and do it all over again!
After our tour of Jeremie, we enjoyed the rest of the morning at the beach.  Max went with us, so as we enjoyed the cool ocean water, we asked questions about Haiti’s government since they have a relatively new president, Michel Joseph Martelly, also known by his stage name “Sweet Micky.”  Along with being president, Martelly is a former musician and businessman.  Max shared with us the progress in Haiti she has seen and heard about since Martelly took office about a year ago.  Nevertheless, the progress is slow, but it made us feel good to know that she believes it’s a step in the right direction for Haiti.

Our afternoon was devoted to the orphans, since we would leave the next morning.  Naturally, it was a tough day.  We witnessed several of the older kids already distance themselves from us, leading us to believe they were guarding their feelings.  A few of the older girls asked me about the next group of LHBC members to arrive.  Knowing there would be some more visitors seemed to make them feel better about our departure.  The younger kids seemed to be especially clingy to us, which was understandable, so we poured on some extra TLC. 😉  The most difficult part was that our time was suddenly cut short.  

One of the ESMI staff, “Jean-Claude” was in a motorcycle accident just down the road from the orphanage.  He had collided with a girl who was driving on the wrong side of the road, and he suffered head trauma and a broken arm.  Jean-Claude is a close friend to Pastor Dony & Dou Dou.  His head injuries were more serious than the Jeremie hospital could handle.  Dou Dou would have to transport Jean-Claude to Les Cayes where the medical help is more equipped to take care of Jean-Claude.

Our good-byes were sad, but it was still sweet to hear the orphans sing and pray over us before we left.  Once we were in the van, we prayed over Dou Dou for Jean-Claude’s healing.  We could tell Dou Dou was eager to get to the hospital.  Our team continued to pray over  Jean-Claude that evening on into the morning.  We enjoyed our last meal at Pastor Doni’s home and started packing, as we would leave the next morning.  Over the course of the evening, we shared with each other what was going through our hearts with what we had experienced that week.  Several of us vowed to come back soon – some of the youth even wanted to come back during their Spring break next year, thinking of friends and family that they might take with them!  We were all changed and look forward to how the Lord will speak to us in the wake of our experience in Jeremie, Haiti.
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Jul 16 2012
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Haiti, Missions

Final Update From July Team #3

Blog Post By Trevis Smith
Wednesday’s VBS at the orphanage was a special one as we have a former orphan (Delphine) on our trip who wanted to share her testimony.  She shared with the kids her story of how she grew up in an orphanage.  She spoke about how she knows the situation they are in and some of the same feelings they have.  She said that looking to be adopted was not the end all, but that finding out what God’s plan was for each of them in the situation they are in right now.  Our lesson was led by one of the teenage boys (Stephen) from the Refuge Church, and he shared the story of Joseph and how God put people in his path to help him in the right direction and allowed God to speak through others around him to help him on the right path.  Dou Dou translated and in his own God fearing special way, he connected to the kids with the right words that quickly raised an “Amen” from the crowd.
We grabbed a snack lunch and headed out to Bon Bon to see the other church that Long Hollow had helped build.  Once we arrived at the destination in Bon Bon, we walked up the hill and into the Church building.  It should be completed in about a month.  Once completed, the ESMI plan of Church/Clinic/School will take place.  The clinic will be the next building to be built, so the community of Bon Bon can be ministered to in a physically healing way.  The building after that will be the school.  ESMI will provide an education for the town of Bon Bon that their children would not otherwise have.  The team gathered in a prayer circle and we held hands and prayed for the church building and the land.  We prayed that God would use this land and the people to proclaim His kingdom come in this country.  We prayed that any evil would be shut out and that the community would be receptive to what ESMI was doing for that community.  We prayed that His glory be shown and His will be done.  I told them that like Moses being shown the promised land, but not allowed to enter (even though the Bible states that his eyesight was still good and his energy had not left him) so we are able to see God’s vision for Bon Bon even though we may not be direct participants in the following through of that vision. We prayed that God would bless the hands of the workers and bless the feet of the future church goers. We prayed that God would work on the hearts of those who were to eventually be ministered to in Bon Bon by ESMI’s ministry.
That afternoon we led another VBS in the local church for the community kids and we finished the evening off by going back to the orphanage and watching the first movie in the Chronicles of Narnia series. The kids had been asking for “Une Aslan film” ever since we arrived and we were able to provide that movie for them, albeit only about half the movie was able to be shown as we lost power from the generator during the movie.
Even though the day was long and trying, it was great for our team to teach two VBS’s to two different kid groups and pray over the land at Bon Bon and end the day holding and loving on some kiddos as we watched a movie.  God’s work had been done, our hearts had been softened, and experiences had been shared that would never be forgotten. We were all piling up stones of memories that will no doubt be with us until our last days on this earth.
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