September Report

Friends and Ministry Partners

2 Timothy 2:1-2

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.  (niv)

Most if this newsletter will focus on the recent mission trip to Haiti.

When we arrived in Port Au Prince, we were met by Enock,s brother-in-law, who processed our passports, visa’s and luggage allowing us to avoid the line ups at the airport. Travelling with all the teaching material we are so thankful that it all arrived safely. We joined up with others and proceeded to leave Port Au Prince by vehicles to the city of Mirebalais. Once we arrived at the Vision Citadelle complex we were warmly greeted by staff and surprised by a woman from Minnesota who was doing short term help at the orphanage.

We initially expected 50 pastors and individuals to attend the training. We were prepared for 60 with material. The first day of training 87 pastors and individuals registered. Extra material was printed in a print and copy shop in Mirebalais, creating little to no disruption in the training sessions. The room we were using was now too small and hot, so we moved the training to the church on the site.

We had requested you pray  for the pastors to have hearts prepared to learn and equip their congregations. God gave these pastors a desire to learn so they could train others. Even during a tropical storm which blew rain into the church, they did not waver, but kept working with each other and learning.

Pastor Enock translated some and a Christian leader Jean Claude translated as well. Jean Claude was very impressed with the process and content of the material. He shared he would continue training young people in various areas of Haiti who in turn would train others.

During the week we saw strong evidence that this was Gods time for the harvest in Haiti. Large numbers of people in Haiti have turned to and received Jesus Christ since the earthquake 5 years previous. The call for disciple making is needed and we are happy that the Christians are willingly stepping up to learn and help with the harvest. There are many life problems which came forward during our question and answer sessions, and we pray that many of these questions will be resolved.

We saw some of the devastation from the earthquake with many still homeless. We saw buildings started to accommodate people which were left incomplete due to the money running out. Many churches could be seen filled with people who have come to Christ and many still seeking.

We were given the opportunity to visit a resort on the Caribbean for a day. A day to relax, reflect and visit with team members. This also gave us a view of the many villages of Haiti with people, cars, tap taps, trucks motorcycles and open markets selling mainly food. The roads were crowded and fairly good. We returned to Mirebalais by another route and quickly discovered that what was recently good road had now washed out with rains. The next morning we were to return on the same highway to speak at a church in Les Verrettes Haiti at the invitation of Pastor Joel Arnoux.
The church service was scheduled to begin at 8 am. We were able to leave Mirebalais at 6:30 am after saying farewell to Yves Prophete the executive director of Global Vision Citadelle Ministries. Yves and his staff had made us feel more than welcome during our stay and asked if one day we would return. On the way one of the vehicles front tires was severely punctured and was eagerly changed by local villagers with little or no expectations. Upon arrival at the church which was remote from the city, we were greeted with breakfast prior to the service. A church filled with many young people who had prepared a special service for us with singing groups, worship dancing and words of encouragement. The challenge we left with the church was the time had arrived for the church to engage their nation with disciple making. The pastor announced that that Wednesday he was beginning a training class with the people of the church. After the service and dinner the one vehicle would not start. We proceeded with Chavannes and his wife to Port Au Prince and with help and prayer, the other vehicle started while a large thunderstorm hit the area. Often we had a prayer team back in Canada who prayed through many of the situations we encountered. Technology had allowed us to engage people in prayer immediately.

The mission center also had an orphanage called “All of Gods Children Orphanage”. The mission of the orphanage is “a place for you to go and make the children loved”. We were encouraged to see orphans so well cared for and engaged in praise and prayer three times a day. While we were there a group from Florida arrived to help with some building painting and to operate a Bible school time with the children. There are many orphanages in Haiti and we were able to meet a lady from home who has run an orphanage in Port Au Prince for many years instilling Christian values in the children’s lives. It was encouraging to see these children valued. It was a joy to meet and former blind orphan from Florida who returns for periods of time to teach the children.

When asked if we will miss Haiti, the major thing we would miss is the love for people and the strong desire of the pastors to see their nation changed through discipleship. Will this happen. By all means yes this will happen.

Upon return we have received reports from Haiti.

• Training classes started  at Jacmel and Cayes Haiti
• This is Haiti time and hour to do the mending
• over 20 more people are lined up for discipleship training
• thank you for being obedient to the call by coming to us

We are so thankful for Gods timing. Yes it was hot and humid and would have been easier in March. We are so thankful for Chavannes and his passion to see this training happen. We are also thankful for the warm care that he and many others gave to us. We are thankful for the passion of Enoch and Ruthza Remy to see discipleship come to their home country. We are thankful for men such as Jean Claude and Joel who labor tirelessly in the work of the kingdom.
We ask two prayer requests.
Pray for all those mentioned in this newsletter.
Pray for Bibles in the Creole language for pastors and churches. Many are without.
God is good.

If you are interested in knowing more about this ministry feel free to contact us. We would love to share with you.

Thanks for reading this letter and in advance for your support and prayers.
Ron and Bev
nelsonrb@telusplanet.net

For a version with additional photos, please click here.

August: Pre-trip

Friends and Ministry Partners

Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Most of this newsletter will focus on having the readers pray for us. Many are already praying.

The preparations for Bev and myself to accompany Pastor Enock Remy, Maria Ruthza Remy Massillon Remy, and Ismene Theluma to Haiti are near completion.

We will be leaving 9 August at 1 am and traveling to Port-au-Prince Haiti by Air Canada through Montreal. We will be traveling at night and arrive at 12:50 pm. There we will be transported to the city of Mirebalais by the president of Vision Citadelle, Joseph Maurice Chavannes.    Continue reading …

Ron and Bev Nelson