Haiti Update #3

Greetings from Haiti,

Well today was another jam packed day of ministry. After a short time of devotions and a really good (and needed) breakfast we headed out with the intention to try to hunt down much needed medicine. The doctors that came down with us brought a whole bunch of various medical supplies that mainly focused on what the internet and CNN was telling us about all the trauma, lack of water and food, etc… Which all those things were true but we were in desperate need of more focused medication that dealt with the issues people were having like , malaria, worms, vaginal infections, stomach issues, etc… The first day of medical triage was a great assessment day that showed us a lot about what we needed to focus on. So this morning we headed out to a local pharmacy praying that we would be able to find the medication we needed at a price that was affordable. In our hearts we all feared that we weren’t going to be able to find any medication at all… and if we did find some that it was going to be so radically inflated and we weren’t going to be able to afford it. But, once again, God showed up and directed us to the perfect pharmacy that had EVERYTHING we needed and the prices were extremely reasonable. It was awesome seeing the doctors in the little pharmacy that was about 10×10… they were like kids in a candy store. We purchased about $900 worth of medication and headed off to the church to set up the clinic again. (Photo above: Devo’s)(Photo below: Medical Clinic)

Today there was a new sense of excitement as the doctors felt better equipped to treat patients. All together we were able to see about 200 patients and all of us on the team jumped right in and ministered. It was great to see how God brought this team together and quickly knitted our hearts as a single unit. (Photo Below: This is the girl with the gash in her calf.)

I was able to assist in the clinic today helping with some basic first aid. There was a girl that came in today that had about a 3 inch gash on the side of her calf. A block fell on her during the earthquake and this was the first opportunity she had to see a doctor and get it patched up. It was amazing to me that it took this woman three weeks to be able to receive medical attention. It was a harsh reminder of the urgency there is down here… it’s literally a life or death situation. Even more, one of the medical guys that came down today was treating this little girl who had a braided necklace on. He asked the translator what it was and she explained to him that the girl was first taken to the witch doctor for treatment and that this necklace was supposed to… I guess summon out the bad spirits within her and heal her. This further echoed the point I just made about it being a life or death situation. But let me say this – it’s a spiritual life or death situation even more. Church, this is real and God is using us down here to bring hope to these people in Jesus’ name and God wants to use you also. Please continue to pray for these people.  (Photo: below: Medical Clinic)

As a team we were all able to pray with various people today and there were about 8 people we all lead in the, “sinner’s prayer.” One story was amazing and I would like to share it with you.  There was this young woman that came in to get some follow-up treatment from some injuries she received as a result of the earthquake. She was telling us that before the earthquake she was so hard towards Jesus Christ, wanted nothing to do with him, and harbored a lot of bitterness in her heart. She explained that during the quake she was hurt and called out for help and no one came… a few minutes later when she was afraid she wasn’t going to make it she cried out to Jesus for help and out of the blue someone walks right into where she was and carries her out. She looked us in our eyes and said, “I now believe Jesus is real and am ready to give my life to him.” Isn’t that amazing! (Photo: Wonderful children)

After we wrapped up the medical clinic it was just about time for church.  We all met outside under a massive tent. Pastor Brent gave an amazing message on how God wants to rebuild Haiti and pour out His Spirit upon the people. It was such a blessing to sing and worship with them. Even though we don’t speak the same language we were united under the common bond of worshiping our God. And my favorite part of the night was after Pastor Marcel closed the night everyone came over and gave all of us hugs and thanked us. Now let me paint the picture for you… there were over 400 people at the church service tonight. We were giving hugs for about 15 minutes. It was easily the highlight of my trip. My heart yearns for these people and I have prayed for these people for a long time and to sit in a church service with them… and then get the opportunity to embrace them and say, “God bless you,” put such a huge smile on my face and filled my heart with great joy. It was such a blessing.  (Photo below: Church Service)

After we said our good nights to everyone we headed back to the house for a much needed dinner of beans and rice and a sweet time of debriefing with the team.  (Photo below: Church Service)

Well that was our day. I hope you are blessed by reading these updates. Please continue to pray and spread the word about what the Lord is doing down here. Also, if you are lead to give you can do so by visiting www.sgwm.com and clicking on the Donate to Haiti button.

May God Bless You,
Mike
(photo: medical Clinic)