^77

Christianville

Dear Friends In Christ,

Sharing Christ's Love in Haiti

P.O. Box 4157

South Daytona, Rorida32121-4157 January and February ' ^ j

Ithardly seems possible that over a month has passed since we arrived in Haiti. Reflecting back,we thank God for the profitable and enjoyable time spent with Don and Virginia Dugan and for thereassurance of being close to good medical care, family and friends during the final months ofpregnancy. Stephen (our son of 3 years) especially enjoyed the many friends he made while home.He continues to ask if we can go visit Jessica or Matthew as if they live down the road. They liven Jacksonville, Florida. We all returned to Haiti with renewed spirits, cherished memories of familyhd friends, and a very special gift from God, our nine pound boy, Michael Elliot. Nothing can top

that! ^ "After living for almost two years in the mission guest house, the new year brought a new home

for ourfamily. We moved into a Ghristianville house located just behind the mission on the outskirtsof a small village call Reserve. We will miss the extra hours of fellowship with various friends whohelp in the work at Ghristianville, yet we are thankful for the invaluable family time that a home ofour own will afford.

Another highlight of the new year is Christianville's two new recruits. Mike and Pam Davidsonfrom Northside Christian Church, Cape Coral, Florida. Mike arrived in Haiti on January 13th. His

primary responsibility Will Be bttice comptroller. He has already been a tremendous help infreeingWayne from some of the desk work! Pam is a teacher and will be joining us after school is out. Shewill be using her talent to teach missionary children here at Ghristianville, as well as Haitian childrenin various church programs.

Ghristianville school children have been especially blessed by your kindness! Not only did youenable us to purchase a bookbag for each, but the factory included extra gifts such as rulers, soap,toothpaste, etc. in each bag. Oak Grove Christian Church in Beckley, West Virginia helped withsome fun-type gifts that will also be included in the bags. Thank you for enabling each child toreceive a very special gift this year!

Haiti continues to suffer extreme poverty in the midst of the ups and downs of politics. Iwasstarkly reminded ofthatfact as Isat inthe rocking chair during the wee hours ofthe morning feedingMichael. Outside in the still dark quiet of the night, a baby's cry started from a hut not far from ourhouse. Just enough could be heard to know someone had risen to tend the baby's needs. Butthe crying did not stop. Itcontinued, only weakeningfrom time to time. Itseemed that the mother'sembrace and comforting words were not enough to ease the pains of a hungry stomach. Theemotions ofthe moment overwhelmed me and tears came to myeyes. As Iwatched Michael layingpeaceful and content in myarms, Iwhispered a prayer for that childand the many others sufferingaround us.

Please continue to help us inour effortshere by praying with us for Haiti. Pray that we will speakboldly the Gospel of Christ. Pray for many to believe and be able to live this lifewith the assurancethat one day the crying and pain will stop and they will spend a blessed eternity with our Lord inheaven. May God bless you for your kindness and your help in the ministry here.

In Christian Love,

3Q^~7f

April, 1991

Dear Friends in Christ,

It is springtime again in Haiti. The once brown fields and mountain sides surroundingChristianville are now a rich green with the onset of seasonal rains. In the same manner

^hat nature is blossoming all around us, God continues to bless the progress and efforts ofHis laborers here in this place.

Christianville's annual Board of Director's meeting was held in Haiti the first week ofApril. At the end of four days of intensive touring, evaluating, and planning, there was ageneral consensus that we are on the road to a good year with some valuable goals beforeus. Because of God's blessing of additional missionary staff, programs are beingpolished and perfected. Prayers are going up and efforts are being made to recruitlaborers and continue to refine the day to day operations of the mission. We give thanksto God for the time, effort, and wisdom that each of our Directors contribute to God'swork here.

In the midst of trials, God's blessings and provision work to carry us forward. InDecember of last year, a decision was made by the US government to temporarily stopthe surplus food aid to Haiti. This posed a problem to our feeding programs because thestaple ingredient was bulgar or wheat obtained through the USAID program. Whenschool resumed, we were forced to buy food for the feeding program at retail prices. Inspite of the high cost, we have been able to maintain giving two meals per day two days aweek and at least one hot meal on the other days. We have received a gift of wheat and acontainer ofmilk that will be a tremendous help in carrying us through! News has it thatthe containers of food to resume the USAID program are on the docks. Regardless, wehave seen God faithful to provide and we will trust in Him for the future.

The foundational work for a new church in Petit Goave is in the making. Godprovided the vision and some of the resources for this project several years ago. Waynehas been working to build relationships and interest among the people in the town duringthat time. With the added help in the office, he has been able to take time to visit andstart a weekly Bible study. Presently, there are five to seven men who meet with himregularly in the local telephone company building each Wednesday night. It is herewhereour excitement and encouragement come, as we see and experience lives beingtouched by the Gospel.

In addition to rains in springtime, mango season has arrived! There are 3 mango treesin our yard and several around the mission. It is all we can do to keep Stephen fromeating a dozen a day! Late one evening, I had just finished explaining why he could noteat his fourth or fifth mango for the day when there was a knock at the gate. There stoodhis Haitian fnends with a bag ofmangos as a gift for Stephen. My first inclination wasto politely refuse the gift. As I began explaining that we had all the mangos we could eatand they would be better put to use to help feed their brothers and sister, the big smile onthe boys' faces began to fade away. I stopped myself and quickly thought through thesituation. This was one way these boys could share and express their fnendship. Myrefusing their gift was robbing them of that privilege. I relinquished all my motherlyinstincts and invited the boys in. Stephen gladly accepted his gift and the boys' facesswelled up with pride. I thank God for slowing us down from time to time andreminding us of the things that really count in life.

Our deepest thanks to those who have prayed for Michael's health and developmentduring his early months. Infants should double their birth weight by the first six months.Michael weighed 71bs. 12oz. at birth. He turned 4 months old on April 9, and heweighed close to 20 po\mds! It was a sight watching him try to turn that 20 pounds overfrom his stomach to his back! He finally made it a few days after his 4th month!

To Him who is able to do exceedingly beyond what we can think or imagine... toHim be the Honor and Praise for the work at Christianville. Thank you for sharing withus in that work. We continue to covet your prayers both for the seeds being planted inlives here and for the health and safety of the missionaries. God bless and keep you.

Sincerely,

(A^T '

Wayne and Chns Herget

CIMsHmwiClk31 October 1991

It is Thursday evening at around7:30. The Voice ofAmerica broadcast this

evening was not very encouraging withhints of steps beyond economic sanctionsand words from Haitian leaders that

"imconventional" methods would be used to

obtain fuel and supplies.Theword from the Embassy today is

that Americans are "urged" to leave Haiti.That is upgraded from the previous advicethat "Americans should consider departingHaiti." We received word last Friday thatthe regular commercial flights would beresumedprimarilyso thatAmericanscouldleave. Planes are almost empty coming toHaiti.

I decided then that it would be best

for Pam to try to leave as soon as possibleto go back to the states for a while. Eventhen, most of the Christian church, Churchof Christ missionaries that we know had

already departed. Those who were inJereme and Jacmal had been gone for atleast a week. Chris and Wayne Herget werein the States for some speaking engagements, etc. One of the other missionarieshere, Jerome Prinston, was delayed in hisdeparture for Miami by the turmoil. (Hisfamily had been there for some weeks in anticipation of the birth of their seconddaughter.)

That left only Rick and Kathy Land,the Davidsons and Sandy DeVinney (theChristianville nurse). Sandy's furlough wasscheduled for November and her departureset for Tuesday. She left on the earlymorning flight. Because ofthe great effortsofDon Orlosky, Pam was able to get out on

the afternoon flight. Thank the Lord foropening that door!

The decision for Pam to leave was

not an easy one, nor was the departure. Ithas, however, helped my mind to be moreat ease. I will remain here along with theLands to take care of Auntie and to try tomaintain a mmi-nrifll level of operations.That will not be too difficult since con

ditions now will probably not allow us toreopen the schools immediately.

In the meantime, we will try tocontinue the feeding programas long as oursupplies hold out. That will probably notbe too long. Our usual sources of foodshave been closed. We will do the best we

can and trust God for the rest. His gracewill be sufficient for our needs.

^P/easepmt/ybr:

The people of Haiti. Manywill suffer even more hungerand hardship.

The missionaries who have

had to leave. Pray for thesafekeeping of their labors.

Pam, Sandy DeVinney, theHergets, and the Prinstons asthey are traveling and awayfrom the field.

The Lands and myself as weremain at Christianville.

ChristianvilleSharing Christ's Love in Haiti

P.O. Box 4157

South Daytona, Florida32121-4157

Dear Friends of Christianville,

November 11, 1991

On September 30, 1991 the military stormed the palace and tookPresident Aristine captive. Through the effort of the French andAmerican embassadors Aristide was released and allowed to leavethe country. The army-installed interim government charges thatAristide abused his office and encouraged mob violence duringseven months in power. The Army adamantly opposes Aristide*sreturn.

After the coup the United States suspended $85 million in aid andfroze Haitian assets in the United States. Other countriesfollowed the lead of the US and suspended aid to Haiti. President Bush ordered- an embargo to pressure Haiti's new leaders toreinstate the exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristine. Bush'sorder bars all commercial transactions between the two nations,although certain humanitarian aid may continue. The 34-nationOrganization of American States has also agreed to a hemisphere-wide trade embargo on Haiti. The United States buys more than 80percent of Haitian exports and sells Haiti 60- percent of itimported goods. Foods supplies are running low and food priceshave risen about 10 percent since the coup. The cost of kerosenehas tripled.

The Organization of American States has sent delgations to Haitito try to negotiate a peaceful solution to Haiti's problem. TheOAS sent a civilian mission to Haiti yesterday to resume nego-tians over Aristide' return. President Bush has affirmed that heis for a return to the constitutional process in Haiti and thereturn of Aristide. With the US boycott, Haiti will be almostcompletely cut off. Centrist politician Marc Bazin, a formerWorld Bank economist and presidential candidate, said the USboycott could provoke violence in Haiti. "Extreme measures forcepeople to extreme behavior",he said.

The American embassy has_ recommended that all American leaveHaiti.* At this time most American missionaries have left thecountry. With Christianville being located away from an town andin a area that has been relatively safe, Mike Davidson, Rick andKathy Land have remained at Christianville. Enclosed is a letterthat Mike has written that will give you view of the situtationfrom inside Haiti. At presnt no American airlines are flying toHaiti.

In

—'

Service

Donald V Dugan

Sbaring Love in Haiti

Dear Christianville Encouragers,

This most festive time of year for the believer and non-believer alike is always one ofgreat anticipation. In Haiti right now we do not know whether to be excited because it isChristmas time, to be hopefiil that a resolution to the political situation is near, or to bein despair because of the imminent economic gloom now existing and probably to be feltfor years to come.

At Christianville we have much to be thankful for. God has been very gracious to usthroughout this entire period. We have not run out of fuel therefore, we have been able tokeep operating. In the meantime, we have been able to secure additional fuel to ensurecontinued operation. Our schedules have been greatly altered to accommodate the stringentrationing of generator usage to conserve fuel. But, praise God that we have been able tokeep going. Electric service has been only three to six hours each day. At this writing thepower has been off for twenty nine hours. We don't know when to expect it again.

We have been able to keep feeding the school chiltkdL We are planning to startclasses and asecond meal each day for the children a/of January 6, 1992J Please prayfor the children and their parents as it will take coura^ and stamina the entireacademic year (1991-92) into the next 8months. The p^3 months will be their vacationfor the academic year. School will continue into August in order to get the task ofeducation back on line.

Our annual convention usually held the third weekend in November will be held onDecember 29. All of the people are very excited about it. They are glad that they will beable to get together to worship and celebrate Christ in such a wonderful way.

We rejoice in knowing that we have an almighty God capable of doing beyond whatwe can even imagine. We rejoice knowing that you are praying for us. We rejoiceknowing that you are sharing with us even when the U.S. economy is shaky. Let us allrejoice in the birth of the savior, Jesus the Christ.

In His Love,

Christianville, December 20, 1991

A Note from Chris:

Sponsors:

Our school superintendent was able to organize a simple Christmas party for all theschool children. A Christmas gift will be given in your behalf as soon as arrangementsare finalized in Haiti. We may have to call it "Christmas in Februaiy or March", but each

Decemb

child will receive a gift for Christmas. Plans are to give shoes and socks. The childrenare very much in need of both and there are sources from which to purchase them inHaiti. Thank you to those who have already given to purchase a gift. If you have not andwould like to participate, the donation is just $10.00 extra. (Designate: Christmas gift)God has provided you as a small spark of hope in your child's life through this dispairinginsecure period in Haiti. Please continue to keep the spark aflame through your love,pr^ers, and letters for your child.

On a personal note:We are as settled as one can be in our "home away from home". Stephen continues

to have vivid memories of our home in Haiti. He prays continually for his Daddy's safetyand for, "the men to stop fighting in Haiti". Michael turned a year old Dec. 9. Hemarked that memorous occasion by mastering the art of walking. He walks to therefrigerator and removes the small magnetic frame with our family picture inside, smilingand pointing to Daddy as he walks about the house. Mom is staying busy working part-time, taking care of two boys, and working on Christianville projects, hoping the dayswill pass by quickly.

When Wayne returned to Haiti in November, we had no idea how needs would bemet and programs continued under the political measures that were put into effect inHaiti. God has provided fiiel, food, and safety to continue on. Truly, He is able andiaithflil in taking care of His children!

I could not close this letter without offering our family's deepest thanks to God forHis provisions for Wayne and all the Christianville mfssionaries. It has made theseparation a little more bearable. We thank Him continually for brothers and sisters inChrist at Kenwood Christian Church whose kindness has enabled us to have a warm

secure home while awaiting a solution in Haiti. We thank Him for your continued prayersand support, without which all that you have previously read about would not have beenpossible. We covet your prayers!

In Christian Love,

//.

P.S.

Recent news from Wayne:He writes, "We had a great convention. 534 for Sunday School and approx. 650 for

worship service. The church was packed literally like sardines. The pews had about 22people each. There were 6 benches on the stage, all filled, and 2 filled in back...Christianville schools opened January 6 and operated all week with about 85% attendanceby the end of the week. Very few schools are opened in Haiti and once the parents see itis safe for their children to come, we will be up to 100% attendance."

Chris' address stateside: Chris Herget1502 Magnolia CirJonesboro, GA 30236