We have new friends

“With all sincerity, I can say it was a wonderful week. Everybody was happy for this new house in Doko. It is one of the nicest houses up there. This week was an opportunity for several people to have a job, & some people just came by to help. Even children were able to make a little bit of money, & we have new friends. ”

— Steeve Derard

It was nearly 11 months ago that Hurricane Matthew took aim at the southern peninsula of Haiti, and we first became acquainted with people in Doko.  We shared our experience from that first weekend here:  http://www.haitiawake.org/news/2016/10/9/the-heart-can-only-grieve-what-the-eyes-have-seen

In January we returned to Doko.   Seeing the difference that three months had made in the reemergence of life and community was encouraging.  We knew at that time God was leading us to do more in Doko.

And this last week, Steeve, Fre Jacques, and Macken went to Doko for the week to work on repairing and expanding a home that had remained inhabitable, though damaged, since the storm.  What they saw was the beauty returning to the countryside.  The lush vegetation is back, and many fruit trees are already bearing fruit.

Doko needs the Gospel.  

We are praying that God will allow us continued opportunties to love people there so that we can build relationships, based on the Gospel, abounding in hope.  Please pray with us.

Change-Makers in the Making

“Timoun jodi
Granmoun demen

Children today
Adults tomorrow”

— Haitian Proverb

Yvenson

Esterlin

Migerlson

Handy

Cesnel

Idelmy

Antonide

Kiki

Stanley

Phebe

Lorvens

Fabenson

Widcherline

“Bondye gen plan pou tout timoun

God has a plan for all children”

True Change-Makers

One summer  Five amazingly diverse teams.  And now that it's all said and done, I believe the following words more than ever:

“Local people are at the heart of what God is doing in any particular place.

Our role is to come alongside them, and strengthen their hand. As outsiders we are called to amplify their voices, lighten their load, equip and support them. For they are the true change-makers.

Not us.”

— Craig Greenfield

Thankful for what God has done.  Thankful for what we know He will do.  Looking toward the future with great hope and anticipation.

Glwa pou Bondye.

Welcome, Frè Jacques & Sè Cilotte

Since mid-January, we have been earnestly praying that God would direct us to a more permanent caregiver situation for the children.  With the sudden departure of their former caregivers, the staff of Haiti Awake banded together and "made it work,"  but we all knew that eventually we would need a more stable environment for them.

Shortly after Hurricane Matthew, God allowed Jean Fritz Jacques to begin working with us.  His spiritual maturity, his gentle spirit, his quick smile were things that quickly endeared him to me personally.

And over the last 9 months, I have watched him become more and more a part of our family here at Haiti Awake.

In June, we were intensely praying that God would provide a good woman to mother the children, and one night in mid-June, God made it abundantly clear that Frè Jacques' wife, Sè Cilotte, was that woman.

Steeve and I had several meetings with the Sè Cilotte and Frè Jacques in June and July, and after much prayer and discussion on all sides, they have agreed to join the staff of Haiti Awake and move into the children's home to assume the role of house parents.

We could not be any happier for the children and for them.

The rest of the Haiti Awake staff will continue to be part of the children's lives each week through intentional interactions.  For example, Wesly will continue to sleep at the children's home to provide security, and Polo will continue to administer many of the children's programs.  Maken is so good with the children in loving them, being a friend, and organizing games, while Big and Donalson are great homework tutors. 

“I am happy to be a part of this team, Haiti Awake. I’m a teacher, and I am learning to sew. I have been married for 4 years, and I am a Christian. I used to teach to teach a Sunday school class, and I have been to training for Sunday school. I am a member of Patriarche Eglise Baptiste de Cazeau.”

— Sè Cilotte

“I am happy to be a part of this team, Haiti Awake. I am a carpenter and cabinet maker. I learned this profession in school. I have been married for four years, and I am a Christian. I went to seminary, and I am preacher. I am a member of Patriarche Eglise Baptiste de Cazeau.”

— Frè Jacques

Welcome our new Medical Coordinator

We at Haiti Awake are happy to announce that our stateside team is growing again!  Liz Kyle, a pharmacist here in Wilmington, NC, has agreed to join our team as our US Volunteer Medical Coordinator.

Liz in Haiti, March 2017

Two of Liz’s main passions are learning and teaching.  She received her pharmacy degree from her home state of Michigan in 2010 and shortly after moved to North Carolina to work in a physician’s office providing medical care for high-risk patients while collaboratively training health care professionals.

God put international ministry on Liz’s heart years ago, showing how He can reveal His power and love through intercultural collaboration. She enjoys learning about other cultures through international travel, including her first mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2014.

In March of 2017, Liz was able to travel with a team to serve alongside Haiti Awake staff in Port-au-Prince.  During that week, she was inspired by the work that was being done to bring development to the country through practical, Christ-centered interventions. 

After returning to the US, Liz remained in contact with the Haiti Awake team to help coordinate care for the children of Haiti Awake.  Liz is excited to be moving into a more formalized role as the Volunteer Medical Coordinator! 

In this role she will coordinate care for Haiti Awake children as well as medical training for the staff and associates, thus enabling better community medical care throughout Haiti.

We are thankful to have her on our team!

Exciting News for our Child Sponsorship Program

Meet the newest member of our volunteer team – our new Child Sponsorship Coordinator, Hannah Telman.

Hannah was born and raised in Wesel, Germany, from where her family was involved in mission work across the world. Hannah grew up delivering relief goods to Eastern Europe, translating for mission teams, cleaning many toilets at the mission center, and being involved in youth ministry.

Through these rich experiences, Hannah's heart was stirred for survivors of abuse and neglect. After moving to the States for college, Hannah received her Master's degree in Counselor Education and became a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor.

Hannah is married to Chris and  is a stay-at-home mom to two wonderful young boys.  Although busy with family, her passion to help others has not subsided, so she is partnering with Haiti Awake, hoping to help make a difference in the lives of 13 children whose lives are precious and destined for so much more than they could ever imagine.

Hannah’s vision, her motivation brought this child sponsorship program into existence.  We are excited to have her as part of our team.   Please contact Hannah directly with questions you have about the child sponsorship program.  Her e-mail is hannah@haitiawake.org. 

It's been five months . . .

And there is still much to be done.

Saturday will mark 5 months since Hurricane Matthew took direct aim at the southern peninsula of Haiti and caused incredible harm to people's lives and livelihoods.

But life goes on.

We at Haiti Awake are so thankful for the many people who have supported our Hurricane Recovery efforts.  We wanted to share a few photos of work that took place last week in Les Cayes.

Our team distributed more water filters provided by the amazing 5th graders of Wilmington Christian Academy, and they continued rebuilding in the Gelee area of Les Cayes.

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In just three weeks, the Wilmington Christian Academy Singing Clubs and Glee Clubs are excited to present a benefit concert for Haiti Awake called, Patch the Pirate Goes to the Jungle.

This musical is a fun-filled adventure that challenges each person to think about what we can give to others.

We would love for you to join us on Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 PM in the Grace Baptist Church auditorium to experience the gift of giving through song, speech, and adventure!

Creating Fellowship in Haiti

The following was written by our friend, Kaitlyn Hopfer, who is pouring her heart into helping the people of Haiti and Haiti Awake.  

I run a local non-profit called Mission Made Jewelry which is focused on creating jobs in developing countries through the sale of handcrafted items. Early last year, our founder suggested that I join him on a trip to be able to truly experience what it looked like to live in one of the counties we worked with, Haiti.

In June 2016, I boarded my flight to Port Au Prince, Haiti full of nerves, questions, and concerns. I wrote in my journal during the flight into Haiti:

“I honestly don’t have any idea why I am going on this trip, but, Lord, I trust that this is a part of Your plan.”

Little did I know that from that day forward God would awaken in me a passion towards Haiti that is indescribable.

Upon our arrival, my team members commented on the smell of the burning trash, the animals scattered throughout the road, the state of living conditions throughout the area, but I noticed something else – the people.

All around people were huddled together, hugging and high fiving, helping each with heavy baskets or broken down cars, standing united in a way I had never seen before. As we were driving down the road we came to a sudden halt, the person in front of us had saw someone they knew and literally stopped the car in the middle of the road to talk to them. I quickly realized, Haitians take relationships seriously. They live out the command to love their neighbor in a way I have never experienced before.

I thought I was going to Haiti to "give back to those in need,” but I quickly learned that this experience was about something much bigger; it was about building relationships. I realized that I needed to open my heart to loving them, not fixing them.

In the book Helping without Hurting, Steve Corbett  states:

“Your presence and the chance for a relationship together is the most pressing need.”

I knew that if I wanted to make a difference in Haiti I needed to build meaningful and long-lasting relationships.

My friends in Haiti have taught me to love selflessly until it hurts. They practice fellowship in the way Jesus represented it, spending fellowship with his disciples, pouring into them and helping them grow. Jesus could have had 10,000 disciples, but he didn’t.  He chose a select group of individuals to pour into, to love, and to share life with.

Haiti Awake gives us the opportunity to do just that, to walk alongside our friends in Haiti in fellowship.

In June I will be heading back to Haiti for my 3rd trip in less than 1 year.  I continue to invest my heart into Haiti Awake because these are my friends. They are no longer nameless faces in a far-off country.  Instead, they are the people I pray for daily and share fellowship with.  

They are the people who I want to experience life with.

Each time I see them I know that God is helping us grow together for His kingdom. I believe that Haiti is the next crowning jewel of this world, that Jesus Christ will be known through the nation, and that Haiti Awake will play a huge role in making that happen.  

Relationships Matter

The following is a guest post by Paige Carroll who traveled to Haiti with The Bridge team in August of 2016.  She and her husband, Jacob, are monthly supporters of Haiti Awake, and they are leading their own team back to Haiti in June of this year.

This past summer, I traveled to Haiti with Haiti Awake. During the first few days of my 10 day experience, I quickly picked up on something different about Haiti than what I was used to in the US. In Haiti, relationships matter. In the Haitian culture people genuinely care about one another. Haitians take the time to learn about what’s going on in the lives of those around them. Whether they know it or not, they are living by the motto of “Love your brother as yourself.” People on the streets stop to help a brother in need: they take care of each other; they build relationships and value those relationships.

“Relationships Matter”

Haiti Awake is no different from the culture of Haiti. The staff of Haiti Awake believes that relationships matter. They take the time to know and care for their neighbors. They build relationships with others, leading by example that iron sharpens iron. The Haiti Awake staff builds heartfelt relationships with the children in the Children’s Home; spending time, money and energy learning about what makes these kids happy, what gets them motivated, what helps them learn, not because it is part of their job, but because they have that desire to build a trusting relationship.

Once I returned home, I was eager to do whatever I could to continue impacting those relationships I formed in Haiti, as well as what I could do to ensure that relationships continued to grow across that country. Haiti Awake taught me that it is important to invest all that I have into something if I want to see it succeed. I want to see Haiti Awake succeed.  I want to see the Gospel known in Haiti. I believe that through the power of Jesus Christ, Haiti Awake is going to do great things throughout the entire country of Haiti -  from Tabarre to Cite Soleil to Tabarre to Les Cayes, to those places God has yet to call them to.

This is why I invest my time, my money, my energy, (my Target clearance shopping trips!), my heart, in Haiti Awake.

“I believe in Haiti Awake.
”

This is why I support Haiti Awake monthly. I know that my support goes 100% to Haiti to meet these needs, that otherwise could be forsaken without my support.

People were created to be in relationship with one another.

Would you consider forming a relationship with Haiti Awake, and being a part of the work they are doing to bring Relationships, Gospel and Hope to the nation of Haiti?

That was then . . . and this is now

This morning while Kelly Shannon and I were talking,  Andy and Daniel Vestal walked into the lobby of The Bridge.    As we exchanged greetings and introductions,  I was struck by the fact that Andy and Daniel were part of one of our first Haiti Awake teams, and Kelly will be leading the next team in less than two weeks.

I tried to explain to Kelly how desperate the children were when Andy and Daniel met them, and I tried to explain to Andy and Daniel just how radically different the children's lives are today.

But there really aren't enough words to explain the transformation.

So I thought I would share a few pictures with everyone - so that we can rejoice together in what God has done in just two short years.

The photos on the left, top to bottom:

• Andy sharing the truth of God's Word (January 2015)
• Saying goodbye on the last day was so difficult.  We had no idea when (or even if) we would see each other again.

• We all prayed, and then we prayed again.  And together we agreed that God had a plan for the children's lives.

Isn't it wonderful that God included Haiti Awake in that plan?

“But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.”

— Psalm 86:15

As we look back on God's faithfulness, we look forward with grateful anticipation to see what God will do in the children's lives in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

So, how are the kids?

I've heard this question over and over since returning from Haiti last week.  It makes my heart happy to know so many of you care about the children and that you've been praying for them during this time of transition in their lives.

Some of you have mentioned that in seeing recent photos, you see a new joy on their faces. You are right!  There is a happiness in them that I've never seen in the nearly four years we've known each other.   Their eyes sparkle now!  I hope this means that they finally feel free, loved, secure, safe...

So . . . How are the kids?  I think this anecdote says it all.

Normally on the night before I leave, the children are sad, and some are quite emotional.  In the past, no matter how hard I've tried to keep things positive and upbeat, different children were crying, and some even ran away and hid, refusing to even say "goodbye."

However, when we parted on the evening of January 30, no one seemed sad.  No one was crying.  No one was clinging to me.  No one ran away from me.  Instead, several confirmed with me that we'd see each other (if God wills) in March, and there were smiles.  Big smiles.

We at Haiti Awake are praising God for His goodness, His kindness, His grace, His faithfulness. Please pray with us about the children's future.  Many have parents in the area.  We've had several different parent meetings so far, and we're praying that God will heal and restore broken relationships.    In March, it is our hope to start home visits with consenting parents, and we're eager to see the Gospel transform lives.

Please pray with us!

Please continue to pray for Doko

Steeve and I returned to Doko last week.  We met some wonderful people and continued building relationships with people we had met on our first trip.  We are hopeful that the Lord will open doors of opportunity in the future.

It's Day One of the Rest of Your Life

From our first meeting on July 17, 2013 . . .

To the way God providentially led in 2014 . . . 

To the big changes in 2015 and 2016 . . .

Until today . . .
God has been faithful and true in the lives of the precious children we have come to love with the deepest parts of our hearts.  It is with gratefulness to Him that make this announcement.

Sunday evening, the "director" of Home for Orphans exited the property for the last time with his family.  He will not be returning.  We have prayed for this day for nearly a year, and in His perfect timing, God made it so.   The children are now solely under the care of Haiti Awake, and we will no longer refer to their home as an "orphanage."   Instead, it is the Children's Home.

We are in the process of establishing a routine for the children and furnishing their home adequately . . . things we were unable to do with our limited influence in the past.  Please pray for the children to feel safe, loved, and valued during this transition.  Pray for us at Haiti Awake to have much wisdom and discernment as we take on this new, enormous responsibility.
 

First morning in our care . . . 

Rise and shine.  It's time to brush your teeth.

Yesterday in honor of MLK Day, we asked the children "What is your dream?"  With God's help, it is our desire to help them achieve their dreams, their goals.  Won't you be part of what God is doing in their lives?
 

“This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”

— Psalm 118:23

2016 in Review

What an amazing year God once again gave us at Haiti Awake.  Here are a few of the highlights.

In January, God sent Hattie Pridgen to work with us.  What an amazing lady she is.  She worked harder than any of the rest of us each day . . .and was still looking for more that could be done.  How we enjoyed having her in Haiti!

February brought sadness as one of our staff members lost his godfather through tragic circumstances.  But we all came together to support and encourage him during his time of grief.

March and April allowed us the opportunity to host two separate spring break teams - one for Amplified Youth with Pastor Rusty Smith and one with a group from Wilmington Christian Academy.

June brought teams to Haiti Awake, as well as a new baby to Steeve and Manoucheka's home - Lorie.  One of the teams was from Mission Made Jewelry.  We are thankful for our partnership with Mission Made Jewelry.

In late July, The Bridge Church sent its first team to partner with Haiti Awake.  What a blessing!  We're looking forward to more teams from The Bridge in 2017.

Steeve began his second year at STEP, and Becky was able to spend a long weekend in Haiti in September, specifically focused on the children and their future.

October was difficult, but we saw God use Hurricane Matthew to expand our ministry . . .and open doors for 2017.

We had the privilege of hosting another team from Mission Made Jewelry in early November, and Rick and Becky also were able to go down in late November to visit the work in Les Cayes.

And, the highlight of December has been Steeve and Polo's US visit.  So thankful for the opportunities God is giving them.

We look forward to 2017 with great anticipation as we praise God for all that He has done in 2016.  Glwa pou Bondye.

Bruce Gethro

From Hudson:

"Bruce Gethro is a young man with three young children.  He is a car washer, and his wife used to sell used clothes ("pepe") at the market.  Their house was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.  They almost lost everything."

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Could you help this man and his family rebuild their home?   Your year-end donation to Haiti Awake can help Bruce Gethro and people like him who are still looking to recover their lives post-Hurricane Matthew.

Checks can be mailed to Haiti Awake, 4630 Mockingbird Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409.  To designate a gift specifically for hurricane relief, please note this in the memo line.

On-line donations can be made through the Paypal button at the bottom of this page.

All donations to Haiti Awake are tax-deductible because Haiti Awake is a 501c3 organization.

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Orestal Beauvoit

As I stood surveying the community we were in one week ago today, the remnants of one house caught my eye over and over.  Though most houses were at least partially standing, having lost their roofs, there was one dwelling that had completely collapsed . . . with a still-intact roof on top of the rubble.  It was almost ironic.

One Tuesday morning, Orestal Beauvoit came to me.  He explained to me that he is an old man, that he is sick, and that he has no way to rebuild his home.  He asked for my help.

And I offered him the same help I offered everyone else we talked to in Les Cayes last week.  I promised to tell his story and share his picture.

Orestal Beauvoit also has a physical ailment which he asked me to look at.  I explained to him that I am not a doctor, I am not a nurse, but he seemed to take comfort in me just looking at the problem... a problem he has had for almost 6 years.   I shared the photo I took of his issue with a number of people who are medically knowledgeable.  They all agreed - he needs to see a physician.   

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Could you help this man rebuild his home and see a doctor?   Your year-end donation to Haiti Awake can help Orestal and people like him who are still looking to recover their lives post-Hurricane Matthew.

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Checks can be mailed to Haiti Awake, 4630 Mockingbird Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409.  To designate a gift specifically for hurricane relief, please note this in the memo line.

On-line donations can be made through the Paypal button at the bottom of this page.

All donations to Haiti Awake are tax-deductible because Haiti Awake is a 501c3 organization.

Antoine Honneur

One of the many houses in Les Cayes needing repair. One of the many families still suffering post-Hurricane Matthew

From Hudson:

Becky and I agree.  A picture couldn't describe how this house is built.  That's why we have taken a video to try to explain the trick this grandpa did, so that he can sleep at night.

He is a farmer, and his wife sells what he grows.  Their garden was destroyed by the hurricane.  It sounds difficult for them now.

Antoine Honneur, like so many in his community, needs help in rebuilding his home post-Hurricane Matthew.   Will you partner with Haiti Awake and give a financial gift to help repair his home?

Checks can be sent to Haiti Awake, 4630 Mockingbird Lane, Wilmington, NC 29409.  Paypal payments can be made through the button on the bottom of this page.  All donations to Haiti Awake are tax-deductible.  Please consider Haiti Awake in your year-end giving.

Grace Upon Grace

 The following is Hudson's report of the most recent work in Les Cayes.

We were back in Les Cayes, especially in "Gelee". This time God has made a path direction to Jack Charlie's house and his family.

Jack Charlie (far right) and a few members of his family.

We feel so much enthusiasm by how God uses our heart, our hands to make it work. Even everyday is a blessing day.

This family feels further blessed, and we got to feel the same way as them because God has touched our hearts and make us do the right thing.

They are so thankful, so happy, and they want to keep us in their prayers... We feel the same way too.

All our acknowledgment to God, Haiti Awake, and you all that've made this work possible.

Do not forget that God loves us.

Editor's Note:  We will continue the work in Les Cayes as long as funds are available.  Please consider Haiti Awake in your year-end giving.

“Keep your doubt away and hold onto faith, my friend. Because every day His grace doesn’t stop to fall on us, to fortify our lives, and make us feel we were made to love and be loved by Him (GOD). Believe, and be sincere in your acts. A heart that gives must always be happy and so for the heart that receives. ”

— Louis Hudson

Dredging Up Compassion for the Suffering and Desperate

The following is a guest post from our friend, Lisa Moore.

I'm sitting in a big comfy desk chair staring at my oversized computer screen.  Looking back at me is Haitian woman and her child whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.  My home consists of carpet, tastefully painted walls, and a solid roof to keep us protected.  Her home is no longer a home, but a thrown together shanty made of broken sheets of iron.

I look at the rubble and trash and rocky ground around her home, and I just can't understand as my home is surrounded by a pristine carpet of St. Augustine grass.  I see her shoeless feet standing on the concrete slab, and I think of my recently painted purple toe nails.  But then I notice in the picture her one year old son standing in the makeshift doorway of her dwelling.  He's naked.  And I think, "Where is his diaper?"  My western mind hasn't connected that a shoeless, nearly homeless woman would not be able to buy diapers.  Wow. 

I continue to stare at her but honestly, I struggle to have compassion for her.  I continue staring at the computer screen waiting for compassion to erupt from some deep place in my heart.  But it doesn't.  I wait, and still, nothing.  It' difficult for me to dredge up empathy for this poor woman because I cannot relate to her situation. I cannot comprehend her desperation.  I have shoes, a home, and children that are dressed head to toe.

I continue to read about this desperate mother, Moline, and her family.  She has three children.  She sells fish at the nearby beach.  Her husband is a fisherman.   And then I read a sentence that does produce a reaction in my heart:

“ We could not help her and her family...”

 And I am cut to the heart.  Because, you see, while my heart may struggle with compassion and empathy to relate to a woman I will never know, God's Holy Spirit lives in me.  God knows this shoeless woman that I will never know.  He sees her ramshackle dwelling and her diaperless child.  He hears the hidden wailings of her heart that I will never hear.  He cares for Moline oh so much. 

And God sees me.  God knows that I have the means to help this woman.  He knows that I have some extra room in my budget and I've been waiting on Him to know what to do with it.  And God knows that when He speaks, I will listen.  Although I often resist and question, I will eventually obey.  Jesus, after all, is my example.  God hears the silent prayer of my heart, my surrender, “Not my will, O God, but yours be done.”

My heart is moved to action and these extra funds in my budget will now be sent every month to Haiti Awake, a ministry on the ground in Haiti that helps real families like Moline and her diaperless child.  I know that my US dollars - the amount my family of four would spend to eat out just once - will make a sizeable difference for families in Haiti. 

And even though I still may not understand or comprehend their plight, I will make a difference.  I will touch Haiti - not with my hands and feet - but with my heart.  God's heart. 

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What about you?  Is God speaking to your heart to be a monthly supporter of Haiti Awake?   They need monthly support they can depend on, which allows them to plan, to grow, and to follow where the Lord is leading.  Whether you can share $10, $25, $50 or more, God will use it to care for the Molines and families like hers in Haiti.  Please prayerfully consider giving to this ministry.

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  Lisa Moore has been married to Brian for over 20 years. A nuclear engineer by training, she homeschooled her two children, including her son that has autism.  Through her transparency, Lisa encourages struggling women by giving them the gift of “Me, too. ” Lisa loves Pride and Prejudice, Chapstick, and taking long afternoon naps with her stuffed bunny rabbit, Jessie.  Connect with her at CelebratingWeakness.com.

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This is the Gospel

The following is the weekly report from Steeve Derard, Ground Director for Haiti Awake.

The effects of Hurricane Mathew on the south of Haiti (Les Cayes and Jeremie) will not be repaired in a very short period of time. It will take a long time - maybe years - for those people to get back to a normal life.

But God has not forsaken his children.

Thank you for all who have contributed to help in rebuilding several houses and a church in Les Cayes which had been destroyed by the hurricane.

Pastor Delpeche is one of the pastors in Les Cayes who called me to thank Haiti Awake for helping them, and he was telling me how people in the community were so happy .

Describing Haiti Awake's work in Les Cayes: 

“This is the Gospel.”

— Pastor Joseph Jeneve Delpeche, Mission Eglise Baptiste Sud d'Haiti