Month: July 2012

Today was one of these special days in Haiti that would not happen if you did not have a man like Harry. So far in Haiti we have only come across one individual that was impossible to work with. I count that a blessing because there are corrupt hearts all around this world. Anyway, Harry had a surprise for me today. He’d been telling me for five or six days now that he had something special for me. Harry and I have grown to have deep respect and trust for one another and I count it a pleasure and blessing to call him friend.

We went to the church and hung out for a while. Nadege, Harrys wife showed up with some home made Haitian soup. It had goat, potatoes, carrots and all kinds of stuff that I’d rather not know about in there. The broth was incredible. This stuff was killer. That was my surprise, praise God a hand made gift from the heart. Most would think, what’s the big deal, but trust me this was a very big deal. That was a gift that is shared between folks that share a deep affection. The Haitians eat this often but I’m not sure how often foreigners get a chance to eat it. There is much more to Haiti than rice and beans. I think when people start trying to truly build relationships built on the principles of Christ, that’s when we will start seeing a difference. So this was a very special day and Harry’s family made my stomach “not flat”. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Kenny
GMSM

I remember one time when I was feeling a little down because things were moving slowly for GMSM. Giving was down, partnerships were scarce and people just did not seen to be interested in what we were doing. I recall asking God why His work with us was stagnant. He let me roll around in my self pity for a few days, then brought me down hard. I went to our P.O. Box and there was a substantial gift for GMSM. As I was praising God for this he let me know it was not my self pity that brought the gift but the very fact that God is never stagnant, He is always moving.

With that said by some missionary standards today may have seen like a lame day in the field. The only thing I really had planned was to interview two potential hires for the upcoming school year. We are looking for a new first grade teacher and a fifth grade teacher. Sounds like a boring day until you start hearing testimonies and experiences of two Haitians you have never met. Yes the first thing I ask them is if they have a relationship with Jesus ( are you a Christian ) and ask them to tell me about it. Being a Christian is not necessarily a make or break deal with us, but we do teach Bible classes and we want our students to be around people who are solid in the Christian faith. On the other hand we can also be a witness to a non believer teacher. But I will say, Pastor Harry prefers believers. So it was not a stagnant day , it was very fruitful . The little things carry as much importance as the big stuff. I prefer the little stuff because it’s hard to find people who are comfortable to stay in the shadows. Once again no pics out of respect for the local people. Once we hire our new folks we will have pics of them in action. Praise God for whom all blessings flow.

Kenny
GMSM

I had a little time to kill this morning due to Harry having to do some things in a office downtown. As the world started coming alive around the guesthouse I observed a young man beginning to tote concrete blocks in a wheel barrow. As he made his second or third trip I decided to follow him and see where he was going with the blocks. He was preparing a work area for the day, which is something I can totally relate to being in the construction business for 30 years. The best I could tell they were preparing to lay block for some outside showers. It never ceases to amaze me how things are done here. The labor is intense. You have to get your sand, get your mortar, get your shovel, get your water, go get more water, start the tedious work of mixing up your concrete on the ground. I know they exist but I have only seen one concrete truck in PAP and I’ve been in and out of here for at least 6 years.

So as I observed this young mans routine I just kinda fell in and started helping him. I guess my gift is not being afraid to do hard work and always wanting to lend a hand. Anyway this dude was puzzled at me wanting to help him. Soon the boss showed up and made sure the mixed concrete was to his liking and started laying the blocks. They do such precise work with very little resources, totally amazing how accurate their work is without any modern tools. After a while of me just watching the boss I decided they were due for a break. I bought each of us a coke and they were stoked. They were so appreciative. Coke is like the universal ice breaker. We drank our coke and they got back to work and I went on my way so they could continue to do what they do. I love the Haitian people. I did not take any photos of them working out respect to them. I hooked up with Harry and we a a day of cyber cafes, talking to one of our interpreters for a future team coming and lining up some meetings with potential teachers for the up coming year. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, another good day in Haiti.

Kenny
GMSM

Continue reading “Haiti, July 10, 2012”

Praise God all is good in the hood, a.k.a. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Was a total school day today. Harry had many things to deal with concerning the church and I looked over the school real well compiling a wish list. Windows, doors, new chalk boards, desks, finish the stucco inside and out, paint, I think that about covers it. Continue reading “Haiti, July 9, 2012”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. What a glorious day of renewal it has been since yesterday’s, all hell breaking loose. I struggled all night wondering how I could have prevented yesterday’s events from happening. I could only come up with one conclusion, I could not have prevented it. If I knew that would have happened we would not have gone. So I refuse to let Satan have one ounce of satisfaction.

I went to Harry’s church this morning and what a beautiful service it was. I hope all our visitors can visit a service at First Baptist of Santo 25. The worship was rocking and the message was right- on. Talked about sin, ouch! The people were so sweet after the service. So many came up expressing how sorry they were that we had to deal with the junk of yesterday. They also told me that that can happen anywhere, not just in Haiti. They pleaded for me to stay the course and God will show us what to do. I really needed that encouragement and it was special coming from my Haitian brothers and sisters. I refuse to turn away from them, I will carry on towards the prize.

Kenny
GMSM

To say this day was crazy would be an understatement. All I know for sure is that God is merciful and gracious. As we were ministering to an area today Satan reared his ugly head. We were met head on to a resistance that I have yet to come across down here.

I count it a blessing that God choose to deliver us out of harms way. Although some of our Haitian friends did not fair as well, we all reached safety. The name of the village will remain unmentioned as well as the parties involved to protect the Christians who live there. I also will not post any pictures due to the same reason.

God was pretty amazing through all this and I know that He does all things for a reason. I personally count it as a refining as were we put to the test. I can’t speak for anyone else because there was concern. I saw the miracle of deliverance today and and as I struggle with trying to make sense of it I know even more that God has me down here for the long haul or at least till he calls me elsewhere.

I also know that this area as of now remains shut for GMSM at least untill God (if he chooses) breaks the chains of sinful people who care of nothing except themselves. I ask anyone who reads this to please pray for this village and the people who remain in danger. I am reminded of when Jesus was speaking of the signs of the end times in Luke 21: 17-19 ” All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair on your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life”.

We have life in Christ as Lord and Savior, nothing can take that. Well, I am standing firm because I believe in what God has called us to do and where He has called us to be, here in Haiti. Harry and I will begin to pray for guidance and discernment on where He wants us to serve next. As the scripture says, ” heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Kenny
GMSM

It’s so good to be back down and seeing Harry. I guess all things come at a price. My flight took me away from my family at 5:30 P.M. Thursday and put me JFK Airport at 12:15 A.M. Friday morning. It just wasn’t worth dealing with a hotel when I had to fly out in about 6 hours. So needless to say I stayed in the airport for the night. I did manage to get about 2 hours of sleep on the floor lying on my bags. Small price to pay considering what is ahead. Continue reading “Haiti, July 5-6, 2012”

I leave today for Haiti will be back on the 14th. We will be installing a chlorine water purification system at our school. This clean water will also be shared with the church and community. The system is donated from a organization from Lineville Alabama.

I will meet a man from Cullman , Al named Brian “cowboy” Fergeson who will train me to install these things when they become available for our future school projects. We are hoping to have 4 schools. This is an awesome opportunity for GMSM.

After all of this is done Harry and I will be meeting and discussing the upcoming year with some changes for the new school year start. Please have all pray for me and my family and pray that God will continue to bless His ministry even in spite of all my short comings
Kenny
GMSM

Praise the Lord! We have officially completed our first school year. What a true blessing from God. We will add a fifth grade along with a fifth grade teacher to begin our next year. The following year we will add sixth grade. We are so excited that God has given us clarity on where He wants us. This coming year our education campaign will be Hope 4 Haiti. We believe that hope for Haiti lies in the children. The 4 represents the four basic needs of children anywhere in the world and we can achieve this through our private school , spiritually, academically, physically and emotionally. We were blessed to have secured a trust fund for last year’s school start. This year we are looking to sponsor each child at 30.00 per month to secure the proper tuition, resources,  continued teacher training and the ever important meal each child receives everyday of school.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Kenny
GMSM