Baptisms in Haiti!

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.”

Matthew 28:19-20

 

Greetings!

Traffic!

It was pure joy to be able to attend and participate in the baptisms of 11 people in Northwest Haiti. The small church that we help out, when we can, held their baptism a week ago last Sunday. What added to making this event so special is that there are probably only about 50 people that attend this church. So when 11 get baptized, it's a major event!

We tried to combine a food distribution with the baptisms, but the timing was just a little off. We were expecting a container of Kids Against Hunger food (approx 250,000 meals) to be released from customs a day or two before the event, but it was released the Saturday we had to head up North.

The children at the orphanage liked Jerry too.... No, really they did...

We spent one day getting some food to the orphanage in Z'Orange, and to see how they were doing. Thanks to the generosity of an individual, we were able to provide 100 lbs of rice, approx. 30 lbs of beans, and cooking oil. They greatly appreciated it! We pray that we can continue to help them as their needs arise.

Our church group at the beach before the baptisms.

Without the food being release yet, on Saturday Jerry and I drove up to Lemuel Ministries about 4 miles outside of the village of Anse Rouge in order to be at the baptisms on Sunday. As always, we were greeted warmly by the folks that make up that wonderful ministry of Lemuel. You can find out more about them and their ministry here:  http://www.lemuelministries.org/

The bus we rented to get everyone there!

On Sunday morning, we rented the bus owned by Lemuel to take the people to the ocean for the baptisms. Lemuel was gracious in providing the driver! Thanks! So we headed a few miles away to the little church called Philadelphia where they were holding their Sunday morning service. We loaded up the bus and headed for water. There is a relatively nice swimming spot about 10 miles from the church and that is where we ventured off to.

While on the beach, the pastor read numerous scripture passages and we all prayed for the people that were being baptized. I was asked to be with the pastor in the water, something I had never experienced before! After all eleven were baptized, the pastor grabbed my hands, raised them, and said a rather lengthy prayer. I have to admit, I didn't understand most of what he was praying, but I can tell you it was certainly powerful! We then loaded up the bus and headed back to the church where the pastor recognized each person that was baptized. It was certainly an important event!

The pastor speaking to those getting baptized.

Before we left their village, we went to the pastor's mother-in-laws hut so we could pray for her. She's blind and unable to get up. They have some blankets on the floor for her to lay on. No bed. It was a time for us all to reflect on the short lives we have here on earth. We need to stay focused on Jesus, and the preaching of His word.

As of this writing, hurricane Irma is threatening the Caribbean Islands and could bring significant damage to Haiti. Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers as we continue to pray that it will stay north and cause no harm.



Praying after the baptisms.

 




Jerry and I both spoke at church after the baptisms.

We sincerely thank all of you who help support this ministry. The sacrifices you make in prayers and giving are such a huge blessing to the people our Lord has us serving. You do make a difference! A heartfelt thank you to all of you.

In His Service,

Chuck & Gail

Contact Information
Chuck & Gail Guerber
% Grace Hill Ministries
P.O. Box 171
Ironwood, MI  49938
USA: 906.285.2500
Haiti:  509.4753.0270