A Child Is Born...In Haiti

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6
 

Edleen and her new baby!

As we move forward from the Christmas season, we can remember the passage from Isaiah 9:6 ‘For to us a child is born…’ It was the foretelling of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful verse of scripture. I would like to share with you about when another child was born.

It was a few weeks ago on a Saturday that I, Chuck, got a call from Pastor Etienne in Port au Prince. He said that there was a woman in a nearby village that was having serious problems with giving birth to her first child.

The village didn’t know how to get a hold of me, so they called him to see if there was any way I could help. I quickly recapped my resume which confirmed that I didn’t have any medical knowledge or experience! Oh oh. What could I do? Ah, but I was the only person that had a car. Even though I was told that the license plates had expired, (which I found out later they were good for a couple more weeks) I needed to get this lady and take here to medical help.

Upon arrival to her hut, I was met by what seemed like half the village. Edleen (the lady in serious labor) had a mid-wife, but he (yes, he) had done all he knew and Edleen was still having serious troubles. So we got her into the car along with 5 others that ‘had’ to come along. So there was a total of 7 people and an unborn baby in our little Suzuki Sidekick. As we drove to a clinic in Ans Rouge, about 50 minutes away, I was successful in hitting every major pothole in the road! I don’t think there was one I missed. That poor lady in the back was not handling this well, and quite frankly, I don’t blame her. By the grace of God, we made it to the clinic. It took all three of the nurses, which is the entire staff, to help. A couple of us left after waiting 5 hours to no signs of a baby. We got a call about 6:30 the next morning that she had a baby girl and both were doing great! Praise God! So, a few of us went back to Ans Rouge to get her and her new baby. The baby’s father, which has no relationship anymore with the baby’s mother, carried the baby out to the car. Probably the last time he will see her. A couple minutes later, Edleen came walking out the front door. Ok, on a side note, I know now why when leaving a hospital in the States, they put you in a wheel chair and stroll you out. Poor Edleen was walking out smiling when she started to get ahead of herself and low and behold she did a face plant on the concrete right in front of the clinic. Ouch, that’s all that poor lady needed after what she had been through. I quickly went over and helped her up. A couple scratches but nothing major. She continued on and got in the car and we all left to go back to her village. When we got to her hut, there were about a half dozen of the older village ladies waiting for her. They were there to help. It was heartwarming to see how the people take care of each other.

A church in the village of Nan Mabwadom

Where the church meets in Nan Mabwadom, Haiti

Listening to the Word of God from the 'Proclaimer' on the table

On a Sunday morning a couple weeks ago, I visited a church about 45 minutes away. I was told it was a gathering of new Christians. I picked up the pastor we know in the village of Bia de Henne and took him along. Not having been there before, I wasn’t sure of what the roads would be like, so we took the ATV.  Good thing too, because the roads were, ah, really bad.
Upon arriving, we noticed a few people inside a palm branch hut that were being taught by an enthusiastic teacher. As the morning went on, more people would come in for worship. They don’t have a ‘pastor’ but the church is run by a board of about 8 people. They have a couple elders and one person that is considered the leader, but not pastor. It was a joy to see people asking questions about Christ and scripture. Most can’t read, so I didn’t see many bibles. I brought along a ‘Proclaimer’, which is a radio looking device with the New Testament in the Haitian Creole language on it. It was donated by an organization called ‘Faith Comes By Hearing’. It is solar and battery operated which is great for places like this that don’t have electricity. I presented it to the leader of the group. They all were thrilled to hear it! It will be well used. Thank you Jesus!

Gail Visits New Life Children’s Home

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9

Relaxing in the shade at New Life Children's Home

The intention for me, Gail, was to leave the northwest on December 28^th to head back to the states to visit family. Pastor Etienne who was my ride to Port au Prince had other plans – leaving at 5:00AM on Christmas morning. We are reliant on others for transportation so added days on trips is expected. My flight to the states was scheduled for Dec. 29^th.

Blessings do come through what we often think as disappointments… Like not spending Christmas with loved ones; to spending Christmas with children at “New Life Children’s Home” in Port au Prince…. It was such a rewarding experience to just be a part of the day to day operations and care for these children. Assisting with feeding and bathing the handicap children and young adults, then just being accessible to assist where there was a need. We did have one girl who was in the final stages of this life, so making her comfortable was one of my main objectives. Sitting with her while rubbing her back to quiet her spirit and praying without ceasing was the mission. Many of these children are physically and mentally handicapped, actually abandoned, or left for dead by family. The government has even brought children from other orphanages that they have closed down. These children are the truest definition of “the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want”. These children were never without smiles – they smiled with their hearts!!  


Louna enjoying her picture taken!

Through the love and compassion of Miriam Frederick and her mission, “World Harvest Missions Outreach, Inc.” these children are given hope in a future, beginning with the knowledge of knowing Jesus Christ. They are either given a loving, stable home for life because of their disabilities or are restored to an optimal level of health and returned to their families or villages.

To put this ministry in perspective, to a mission that is accomplishing much and a need that is ever present, is the annual budgeted cost for diapers for the children which is approximately $ 34,000.00. They are totally relying on the provisions that God supplies and God is Faithful.

Please take a moment and check out Miriam’s website @ www.newlife4kids.org and if the Lord impresses upon your heart to help this ministry and children this is an incredible opportunity to watch the Lord do amazing things.

We thank all of you for your prayers and support. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and your families!

In His Service,

Chuck & Gail
Ti Lagon, Northwest Haiti