7.08.2010

Changing Hearts



(January 5, 2010)

On the way to the airport to pick up the team from Frontier Camp Erin and I rode with Pascal. It was raining, and traffic was absolutely terrible, so we had a lot of time to chat.

Pascal told us her testimony. She used to be a very popular Catholic singer in Haiti. She would sing at every event from a wedding to a funeral to large religious holidays. She had numerous CDs out and was wildly popular. She started getting really depressed and knew that she didn't believe in the things that she sang about. She knew that she would never be able to be good enough that Heaven would be guaranteed, and the downward spiral of depression kept on spiraling downward. She consulted some friends about her hopelessness and they basically told her that her only options were to just deal with it and pretend she was fine, or commit suicide.

At that point she considered both and then decided that there HAD to be another option. Through a series of events she accepted Christ, left the Catholic church, (and her job of being a catholic singing celeb in Haiti.) She caused a big ruckus in the Catholic Church because she left, but because everyone was so interested in why she left she was able to share her new faith with many people! She has mentored and led many women to Christ over the past few years. Including the woman I talked about in my earlier post. Pascal is an amazing lady... and SO funny!

So we picked up the team at the airport and headed back to the Valcin's house to repack and a regroup.

Cue flat tire #2...
Remember how it had been pouring rain? Well it still was! Some were upset, some made the most of it. Some shrugged and said, "Ayti la"... "This is Haiti."

We got the tire issue taken care of, ate a great dinner and got some rest.

We woke up super early the next morning to eat a good breakfast and pack and re-pack the Montero with all our stuff to go to Jacob's Well, then headed to the airport.

Cue flat tire #3.
So we loaded all their stuff into a Tap-tap (Haitian type of taxi) and we continued on our way to the airport ready for camp.





Let me give you a little background information on Jacob's Well camp and Haiti:

-The population is 9 million, with 40% of those under the age of 14.

-The vision is to train existing children's leaders, mainly those involved in AWANA already, to conduct camping ministry. We realize that Haitians are the future of Haiti, so we want to train them to carry on camp on their own. We want a place where kids can come to play, experience God's creation and try new things, connect with a community that loves, serves, and teaches them, learn God's word and apply it to their lives, and create and strengthen external relationships.
(from the Jacob's Well Camp website)

-The Camp is located in Limbe, Haiti. Its in the Orange in the top of the country.
The place that we have done camp is a little out of the city of Limbe. The farther out of the city that you go the more prevalent Vodoo is. When we first started this camp there were about 4 Voodoo temples within a stones throw from camp. Now there are only two, one is much smaller and one has already told Gersan that when he wants to buy the property its for sale. Also, the Voodoo priest's daughters came to camp and have accepted Christ!!


-Frontier Camp's first trip was taken over Christmas break of 2006-07. There were no buildings on site and everything was held outside. There have been 4 large-group trips taken by Frontier Camp since then. Some other small trips have been taken to work on building a restroom, cabins, an outdoor kitchen, shower house and a NEW bathroom facility. When I was there last, there was only a restroom building. I don't think I'm going to recognize it when I return!

-A church has been planted at the campsite as well. Over the 3 years that I've been going, I've gotten to see that church grow and the children at camp accept Christ, start attending church, memorize verses. Its been so neat to see how God is changing that village. 5 years ago, those children in the village were beating of voodoo drums and had no real hope, now they are singing songs about Jesus! Its been so neat to see them grow.

-Camp started out with about 100 campers, and this past year we had about 270 kids come to camp.

God has done so many things through Jacob's Well and I know that He will continue to do so.

This is Poupette- She doesn't know yet at this point, but she's going to be my best friend!
She really grew up in one year!
It was so great to be able to talk to her some. She is so funny, just says things then laughs at me. Her face was priceless when I spoke whole sentences to her in Kreyol. Like amazement, shock, and glee!

Shelove, the one on the far left has also become a close friend of mine. Always looking out for me!
Here we are again in December 08.
Jacob's Well Camp watching Bible Drama. (Haitian's are good at dramas!)
Have I mentioned that Haiti Is beautiful? Both the sunrises, the sunsets and the children!

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