Saying Goodbye!

Time has come where we had to say goodbye to a very close friend. His name is Edouard Philipe and  his wife felt called back to Haiti. He has attended the University here in Santiago and graduated in December with a psychology degree. He helped in many ways start the church here with Wilby in our community. He has served faithfully as an elder of the congregation and has been Wilby's second hand man. This past weekend we celebrated our 2nd Anniversary of the church plant. It has been 2 unbelievable years with many ups and downs but much fruit has come from our church. It is hard to say goodbye to such a dedicated worker and loving friend but this is our vision for the church and God is accomplishing it through us. Raising up leaders to send out. Philip has been called back into the thick of Port-au-Prince to help counsel those who have been effected by the recent earthquake. He is leaving a comfortable home and church family to go amongst those who desperately need encouragement and direction. We presented Philip with a plaque to remember our church by and all our prayer are with him as he continues down the road God is leading him on. We are excited about his journey but at the same time he will truely be missed!

Living and working with Haitians in our community there are many God stories told. Many different ways Wilby and I are being used to impact the community for Christ and in many ways your prayers, financial help and encouragement motivates us to continue when the times get tough, we are also able to rejoice when God moves. It is only because of you we are able to be here living and serving the people here and fulfilling God's calling for our lives.

The first story…

Guereda has been attending our church a little less than one year. I connected with her almost immediately because of her having a little boy only a few months older then Ruben. She comes to church consistently with her little boy. One day Wilby and I were taking a walk when we came upon her and some friends. She was anxious to share a story with us. She said that the little one started crawling and the uncle went to leave and forgot to shut the door behind him. The little guy crawled out of the house and found a pop bottle cap. (Pop is in glass bottles down here) Doing what all little kids do at that age he immediately put it in his mouth and started choking…she swooped him up and tried over and over again to get it out. She tried with her finger which only put it down his throat further, she tried pounding on his back and she even called out to those around her to help…nothing worked. He was still choking as she was crying out for help. She said she came to a place where she just stopped, said to the Lord "you have given him to me and if now is the time you are going to take him…he is yours". She said after those words were said the cap just popped out of his mouth and he started breathing and smiling. She said she lifted her hands to the Lord and thanked and praised him for her son. She was able to encourage others with this story during church the following Sunday. We serve a powerful God and when we place all things in His hands he will amaze us! Below is Guereda and her son.

FEBRUARY...

This last month was full of so many blessings. First we have many new people visiting our church, most coming from Haiti after the quake to live with relatives or friends. Many have come to continue their education. Most everything in Port-au-Prince has been destroyed or is so unstable no one wants to enter the buildings. I believe God has set up our church for this main purpose. Many of our church members have opened up their homes for those flocking this way. It is so good to see the love they have for one another.

This is Wilby's friend Inel who came just this last week seeking to continue his education. He only knows a little Spanish and so he is studying the language everyday so that he can start his schooling in the fall. He lived in Saint Marc, where Wilby's family is and they were both baptized on the same day. He started attending our church and we are excited about the impact he will make in our congregation and community.

Wilby and Inel