Month: August 2010

It is so amazing how when people are of one accord working for a common goal things really do get done. Maybe that is why the institutional church struggles to find its way. Everybody moving in separate directions and not really sure where they are going. Why are things so clear when I am in a place that the world thinks is unclean and hopeless. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, the Lord gave us a great day. We finished the trusses, built six school desks and pre cut all the wood for six more desks. After tomorrow we will only lack eight more desks. There is still much work to be done on the mission house before we start setting trusses. The concrete bosses are moving a little slow, but that’s just the way it is. I think things are moving along quiet nicely if you ask me and the team is working together very well. Don’t get me wrong, it was a very physical day and I am almost spent. Haiti is a physical place anyway. We must press on to the finish line.

Kenny/GMSM

Another great day in Z’Orange. All the work is starting to come together. Joe Hutchinson and Bill Chambliss from Wright Baptist, FWB arrived last night to join in the effort in the village. They will primarily build the desks for the new school. We had a new Haitian boss and his helper come up today to help with the welding and they did a great job. It really helped George out and allowed me to float between the trusses and the desks. After tomorrow we should be able to start standing the trusses up. I will probably come back in November to continue the work. The plan is to come up by myself with a crew to hopefully finish the trusses and the metal roof installation. So please as you read this blog, pray and consider joining me. I need a handful of dedicated, hearty, adventurous men and women who are led by the Lord to go and serve in Haiti for a week. Please stay tuned to the website for details and cost as we organize this trip. Above all please pray that God will allow you to go. We should have a good day again tomorrow. I do need a good night’s sleep. That is becoming crucial. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Kenny/GMSM

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Today was a fantastic day, at least from my perspective. I actually completed the trifecta that we set out to accomplish on the web site for this trip. The work at Z’ Orange will continue as always. But today I was able to get up to Peligre to see the new work that we are looking into. Also, Harry and JoJo took me to Harry’s property to show me the wall around the property that is almost complete.

Today started out as a free for all with everyone heading off in different directions. That was cool with me. I took the opportunity to venture out on my own and take full advantage of a chance that I may not have again on this trip. I contacted Pastor Harry and he hooked me up with JoJo the driver dude who has become a very good friend. We all took off to Peligre at the nudging of the Holy Spirit. I truly feel that this is something God is leading me to. Harry was excited to go because we have talked about it for a while. It was so cool to see how it all worked out. The drive was beautiful. It was about two hours plus from Port au Prince and was way up in the mountains. When we arrived in the town I was amazed at the hydro electric damn that was there. This was built in the 1950’s and was a prime power source for Port au Prince even with it being so far away. This is a very small village to hold such a monster of concrete marvel.

As we pulled into the village I had no idea of where to start looking for Matt and Fede. Matt is the guy I met 4 or 5 months ago from the States who is helping with some of the building projects at the orphanage. Fede and his wife Darlie are the young couple that runs the orphanage. We got out of the car and asked a couple of locals where we might find Fede and this old lady came up and said I am Madam Fede, he is my son and I can take you to him. WOW! Was that a God thing or not? Here we are two plus hours from anything familiar and we find our dude right off the bat. We spent a lot of time talking with both men about the work, vision and mission of the organization. I was very satisfied with what we talked about and about what came out of these young men. It was very refreshing and Harry was also very encouraged.

We will get more info about this new work that we pray God will give us discernment about and post it on the sight. We’ll pray about how He might allow us to be a part of it. Once we left the village we headed back down the mountain and went out to Harry’s property. He almost has the walls of his home complete and I am extremely burdened to help him build this house. I pray that people will hear this plea and help GMSM take a vital role in making this a reality. Harry is truly a servant of all servants, he spends so much time not only shepherding his flock in his church but also shepherding the people in his community. He, at the very least deserves a safe, stable place for his family to live in.

Today was one of the best days I have had in Haiti. Only a few other times could rival it! Next best will be if I can get up to Sister Fani’s house. I am done and exhausted, what a blessed day! Joe and Bill arrived this afternoon so I think the whip will be cracking for the rest of the week.

Kenny/GMSM

Another day in the valley with a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to complete it. This not unusual as things change by the minute. We all understand that it is God’s timing and certainly not ours, PTL. George and I continued to work on the trusses. I never knew the difficulty of welding. One thing I am starting to understand is that I need a crash course in block laying and general concrete work. That would be so helpful in Mexico also. Maybe a crash course in welding too. That seems to be the natural choice of construction in both countries. The reward of our labor far exceeds the effort that we put forth. The Haitian meals they serve us at lunch are incredible. Tomorrow is Sunday and I hope to put together a trip up to Peligre to visit my friend Matt and to check out the new work that I feel so led to be a part of. We will see. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Kenny

GMSM

What a day. This is the kind of day that is certainly in store for all who plan on spending time in Haiti. We spent all day in Port au Prince running errands for Chuck. It always completely wipes me out. I would rather be doing hard labor out in the field. I am less tired from a physical day of work versus the craziness of the city. And what would a day in the city be without vehicle trouble. Continue reading “Take Heart!”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Aside from missing the family all is well. Nothing has changed here, just seems that life continues to move along with no hope in sight. There is nothing man can do to really make a country wide difference. The natural cannot do what the supernatural can. Man has tried and failed miserably. Continue reading “Building A Roof”

Seems like every time I fly into PAP, Haiti, it just seems right. I feel like Haiti and Mexico are my second homes. I guess you can say you have really arrived in the midst of mission madness when you step of the plane in PAP to the look of uncontrolled confusion. Especially when you are by yourself and you’re not real sure what the pick up plan is. I knew Chuck would be here or there eventually, we just never nailed anything down for sure. That’s cool. I am used to flying by the seat of my pants. It is kind of humbling when you get bombarded by a bunch of people wanting to touch or tote your chum for a buck, let alone trying to taxi you to who knows where.  To tell the truth I like being in this situation sometimes. I think it helps build character and faith that what you are doing is right on with God. We headed off to the guest house to make a plan for tomorrow. Chuck and Simon showed up, and I look forward to getting out in the country to see some of my good Haitian brothers and sisters. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Kenny

GMSM

Kenny Phillips was invited to speak to members of Preston Trails Community Church July 30- August 1.  It was a wonderful trip, supported by the families of Taylor White and Nick Johnson of Preston Trails.  These wonderful supporters in Frisco, Texas are behind Give Me Shelter Ministries and are planning to help build 6 homes in Mexico with Give Me Shelter Ministries.

Kenny will be returning to Haiti next week for 12 days.  On the agenda:

• Visit Pastor Harry and see progress of his new home in Port Au Prince.  He has almost completed the walls around his property (required for being able to build a new house and prevent theft).  Please pray and support this mission to help Pastor Harry.
• Work with Truth Evangelistic Ministries on a Missionary House in Z’Oranges.  This home will host visiting missionaries in Haiti.  Kenny is working with George Truelove to build trusses for the roof.
• Meet with Peligre Hope Partners and Matt Eckhoff to discuss future orphanage building project for Give Me Shelter Ministries.

Please pray for Kenny and his family during this long mission trip, and prayerfully consider donating toward the $3500 required for this mission.