FBC Team in Jacmel

Tommy, John H., John B. and Mike working on coop!

Tommy working on fence.

Robin, the artist, at work!

Joy and Mirland painting

John working on the fence

New roof on bath house - church from Bessemer built this two weeks ago.

Making progress on the coop - Mike and John H.

Things are going well with our team in Jacmel which consists of Robin Stewart, John Bush, Mike Moore and John Halbrooks. They arrived on Saturday and on Sunday morning they attended Pastor Paul's church and John B. shared during the service. They were able to attend Church on Beach in the evening where they got to meet other local missionaries. This week they have been hard at work getting a fence up for the goats since we are trying to keep them away from the children. When Andy and I were there in December, one particular goat loved coming into the dining hall; it was challenging to keep him/her out! The guys along with Tommy worked on this while Robin and Joy painted the outside of the dorms. Andy spoke with them all tonight and got a report about spending time with the students at Pastor Paul's new school that is at his church. The students enjoyed science experiments and learning how to measure - it sounds like some of the adults enjoyed this as well. Today also found the team beginning construction on the chicken coop. Please continue to pray for their endurance, safety, and that they will see each person they encounter through the eyes of Christ. Most importantly, pray that they share Christ in every opportunity presented. Finally, please pray for Martie and Charley Elgin as they face the challenges of coordinating construction of Phase II.

The Planting of Seeds by Joy

When we were home for the holidays, Tommy and I bought some seeds to bring back to plant. Watermelon, bell peppers, carrots. We just wanted to try this out and see how we can grow things here. We will let you know how it goes.

Lately, the Lord has been laying on my heart how important planting seeds are. I may never know in this lifetime how the seeds I have planted have reeped. That is for the Lord to handle.

The seeds I'm talking about are not seeds of plants, but rather seeds of Hope, Love, and Salvation.

I came to Haiti somewhat unsure of what my role here was. Tommy had his all figured out, but me not so much. He can do so many things with his hands. Fix things, build things, take care of situations. I mean I knew I had to take care of the children, run the house and take care of Tommy. But, spiritually, I was not so sure.

Then the Lord showed me that a simple smile can do wonders for people. I don't know the language here that well yet. But I do know how to smile. That speaks volumes to people who have no hope or love in their heart. You smile at someone and they know you have love in your heart.

How can you truly smile at someone and not feel the Joy of the Lord shining through? I figure each smile I give is one seed planted in someone's heart.

Sometimes the children look so sad. I don't know what is going through

their minds or what all their past holds. I do know that if I give them a hug and a smile, they know I love them, and that is another

seed planted.

How many seeds have you planted today? A smile cost you nothing. You

may actually change someone's outlook on life. Think about it and the

next stranger you see, just give them a smile and let the Lord go to

work in their heart.

Those are the seeds I try to plant everyday!!

Love to you all,

Joy

Not Your Ordinary Christmas Gift!

Back in the fall, Katherine Wolf emailed me about a possible Children's Hope project in Haiti that she and Jason could fund. They wanted to give this as a Christmas gift for Jay and Mary Ruth. I explained that there would be a lot when we started Phase II but the only thing at that time was well.... a chicken coop and chickens! I sort of laughed it off in the email saying I didn't think they had that in mind.

A few days later, Katherine contacted me again and said, "yes." They liked the idea, so I got Tommy to price the material in Jacmel and we were all set. Lumber, wire and of course, chickens, were all available in Jacmel. I explained to Katherine about the limited diet that is available to Haitians and that protein from the eggs would be a welcome addition. The children could also be taught responsibility by being in charge of gathering the eggs and feeding the chickens. A future goal would also be to use the eggs as a source of income for the kids.

Jason and Katherine (and of course, James) presented the gift to Mary Ruth and Jay on Christmas Eve in a very creative way on a blank embossed wedding invitation. They added script explaining the project and the Children's Hope logo. Jay shared his excitement with us on Christmas morning! It turns out that all the gifts that Jason and Katherine gave to the Wolf family were similar to this. Instead of falling victim to the lure of consumerism, they chose to give meaningful gifts that will have lasting value. What if we all started doing that? Just think of the difference that our $$$$ would make in a world where needs abound. Lets make that our New Years Resolution! Instead of giving "stuff" to people who have plenty, lets give to make a Kingdom difference!!!

Thank you, Jason and Katherine, for being an example to us all!

We have a team from FBC Montgomery headed to Jacmel at the end of January. It looks like they will have the privilege of building the chicken coop and purchasing the chickens. We are taking ideas on what to name the coop!