Day 5
Many followers.
Praying with people in the community.
Gord teaching mechanics.
Dan and his new friend.
Believe it or not there used to be a ditch here.
Take-out order.
When you think of eating fish do you also think of Mayo?
Hi everyone,
What a day! Work projects. Great relationship building. Evangelizing in the community with our Haitian friends. What a great day!
For me, personally, today was pretty cool. It's a blast trying to facilitate this team as best as I can, but heading out into the community to share the Gospel was a load of fun. I got to see people I was able to pray with last March while I was here. It was exciting to hear the progression in their life story since then and to pray with them. Very cool. I got to see our team start out very nervous as we headed out into the community, but return excited and enriched by what they had just seen and experienced. Thanks for all your prayers for today. I told the team I'd sent out a message to pray earlier today and they appreciated that. I shared with them some of your comments and encouragements just before we headed out. It was a powerful time.
I have to say that John Penonzek has turned into a mini-preacher (everyone's had great moments but I'm picking on John right now). He spoke up and thanked the Haitian Bible students who went with us on our walk and gave a stirring and heartfelt challenge to us Canadians. These are the moments that make this all worth it for me. I think these are the moments that make this experience something that SAC needs.
By the way, 12 people made decisions to follow Jesus this afternoon on our walks. A huge triumph over this culture of voodoo and darkness! Pray with us for these seeds to grow!
Tonight you will be (uniquely) blogged at by the Gruenhage bros.
Until tomorrow,
-Aaron
Hello family and friends, message from the Gruenhage brothers (2XD), in interview format with Dr. Aimee.
Dr: I'm here now with the brothers Gruenhage to find out a little about their day. Rainer, I'll start with you, What was good about today?
Rainer: This was our first opportunity to go into the community to evangelize with some Haitian bible students. I was quite apprehensive...
Daniel: That's what I was going to say...you had a better word, though--apprehensive.
Dr: Go on, Rainer, it's your turn actually.
Rainer: ...as I was saying, it really helped having the Bible students along.
Daniel: since they could speak Haitian.
Rainer: Yes, Dan, Ha Ha. Well they were really enthusiastic. I think it was just encouraging to see how eager they were to tell the people about Jesus and then things came to mind that I wanted to share too. And eventually I felt that there was a time when I felt that I was able to say something that I thought was meaningful about God's faithfulness...and it was to someone who accepted Jesus while we were there. Do you remember Dan?
Daniel: Yeah, he had played in a voodoo band and I feel he already wanted to accept Jesus. He actually waived us over to talk to him. He was sitting talking to someone who was already a Christian, so they may have been talking about Jesus.
Daniel: The Haitians seem to be open to spiritual discussion.
Rainer: A lot of them were quick to say that they had accepted Jesus, but then the Bible students would question them and say that they were actually not Christians. Their lives were full of spiritual things.
Daniel: I was also really encouraged by the enthusiasm of the students. They were very gracious in how they presented the gospel, with sensitivity. Their obedience to God was encouraging to me. Until I met them, you don't really know the impact of the ministry here and even what we've been doing to support the ministry.
Rainer: Yeah. Its really encouraging to see the bigger picture of what we're doing here. It's all leading towards spreading the Word.
Dr: Was there anything that surprised you today?
Daniel: Actually, what surprised me was what we just talked about. I was nervous before going. The thought of interjecting or saying anything while evangelizing was really terrifying.
Rainer: Yeah, you said something interesting.
Daniel: One of the students was talking to one guy and he said that he wouldn't receive Christ. I could tell from the expression on his face that he was really struggling with the decision. And I really felt like God was speaking to me and I said to him, we are weak, but God is strong, and when we leave, he will speak to you about this.
Daniel: Anther surprising thing was that Wanchelo (pronounced JUAN-CHELLO), the guy I was working with today building closet organizers, hardly spoke any English, and I was a little worried about that. But we worked so well together. We just kind of knew what the other was thinking. And every time I see Johnny (Haitian, not Penonzek...but we like him too)...he's so inspirational. He's so eager to learn and absorb information. It's nice to have made a real connection. It's nice to be helping these young guys, young believers pursue their dreams.
Rainer: Yeah, we really made a connection too. We were all laughing about bodily functions. No interpretation necessary. That was funny.
Daniel: Yeah, the Haitians appreciate guy humour.
Dr: (thinking)so glad I'm not a guy. Better refocus this interview.
What was exciting for you, Rainer?
Rainer: Yeah,it was exciting to see that they were eager...watching every move we made so that they could learn how to do things. Yeah, I guess they've seen a glimmer of hope and are motivated to do something with their lives.
Daniel: Maybe that's because they've received Christ. They've found hope in living.
Dr: What did you find difficult about today?
Daniel: I didn't actually. The witnessing in the community...I was nervous about that, but it really turned around.
Dr: Rainer, did you find anything difficult about today?
Rainer: No. it was a little disjointed because we were waiting for materials, but we were able to find things to do. We closed up the gray water line project...and then were eventually able to continue with the church platform.
Dr: You, Dan?
Daniel: Well, I actually had everything I needed for the whole day's work--first time. That's kind of exciting.
Rainer: Yeah.
Dr: We gotta go now.
P.S. To all our family and friends, we really appreciate all your prayers and support. Thank you for your continued interest in what is happening and your encouraging comments. We're looking forward to seeing you all again.
Geegang.....glad you are all feeling better. Luke, we could have used your muscle with the digging. Spencer, you would get a real kick out of Johnny and add some more colour to the situation. Chloe and Grace, you would really enjoy the children here. And yes, Grace, I'm enjoying the rice and beans. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Coral, your amazing! Looking forward to giving you all a big hug.
Jacob, Mark, Melissa. Jordan, Michele...miss you tons. Can't wait to hug you all! Michele, I'm really excited to see all the finished projects when I get home. Your welcome to use any tools and material you find in the shop....NOT!!! (hehe). Miss you, love you. Daniel.
12 Comments:
Danielson,
Do me a favour and pass on a message to your interviewer:
1) A.J., when D.G. is not looking, swap straw hats. His isn't quite so Sound-of-Music.
2) Your daughter has her first loose tooth, but she promises not to lose it until you're back.
3) Watch the dust on the Nikon.
4) Please pick up 2 papayas on your way home.
Wow! It is so awesome to hear of your day, in the community. You were covered in prayer and by the sounds of the blog, many of you who were out of your comfort zone, were empowered by our Gods strength. This is so exciting!
We know you look forward to comments from home, but I think we all look more forward to reading the blog of the day. I'm disappointed when it's not up yet, and keep checking.
John, first time you've missed the Sr. High Retreat, but I know you wouldn't trade this trip for anything. They'll be having another mud bowl. Maybe you spiritual warriors can offer up a prayer for our youth this weekend.
love ,
donna X0
I miss you . I cant wait to see you. Hopefully you haven't had a Thick Corn milkshakes . LOVE CHLOE :)XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Amazing to think that God would choose to have your lives intersect with 12 Haitians' lives at their point of decision. What a testimony to God's love in both parts of the world!
And just so you realize the ripple effect of this blog...I had three phone calls, all from people outside SAC who were checking that the Ashley on the blog was our Ashley :) This little dialogue is touching people all over in ways I don't think we'll ever even find out. "God can do anything, you know--far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." (Eph 3:20, The Message)
Loved your interview, Aimee. Reminded me of the good old days in KidZone--remember the radio plays? Similiar characters, I think.
Grace
Hey Sweety,
Wow! Now that's an incredible day!! Winning 12 lost to Christ!! What could be better than that!! The team must be so pumped and you're only half way through!! What next?!!!! Praise God for using such willing vessels to do His work and lucky you to be over-whelmingly blessed by being used!! It was so great to read your words, tonight, Rainer. We miss you so much! Chloe burst into tears when I read to her what you said. Tonight we had the youth over for a progressive dinner.....about 30 kids squeezed into our living room. They are all so polite and happy!! It was really fun! Dad and mom came with Mark's kids today. Dad says to say "Hi" to you!! We're so delighted at the chance for you to experience what you are in Haiti and can't wait to hear more!! Love, love and more love to you!!!!!! As always we're praying!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooo Coral
Team Four,
Love you to pieces!!! You are being stretched and made pliable and then stretched again...continue to "be strong and courageous,do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6...you have walked in and through the enemies territory and God has been right there with you, he is the victor and is drawing new loved ones to himself! He will continue to be your strength.
Love all your blogs, and will continue to pray for your hearts to be open to the Holy Spirit's leading. Donna's right, mud bowl tonight.
Well at least the Sequoia no longer has brown needles :)
Hey girls, it has been great to see all that you have done so far. Teaching, painting, sharing...wish I was there with you.
Lisa, hope you are finding that little bit of extra reading time, Janette -enough rest :), Kelly - continued peace, you are where you need to be, Aimee - your kids are amazing you (and Iain) have done a great job of sharing the love of Christ with them.
Gord, hope today was great for you. Love to see you working so hard within the giftings and talents that God has given you, PS Rick was right -sunscreen it up hon!. Haiti will always be a part of your story now. Miss you like crazy.
PS - I had lunch with Pastor Rick today (the one that married us 25 years ago.) He was pleased to know where you were right now. He and Kathy will also be following the team and praying too I am sure.
xoxoxo
Robin
Oh my goodness, Dr Aimee totally captured a conversation with the two Gruenhage brothers! lol
I was so glad to hear your day was successful on so many levels, first of all facing your anxieties and going out in the community to have spiritual conversations with complete strangers. Seeing people choose God! Wow!
So you are OK with me using your tools? Awesome! That'll make things so much easier with my project. I'll burn the big cardboard boxes so you don't get all panicked about what I've been up to. We can play your favourite game..."Can you spot what's different in the house?" lol I wish I had more time, and then I could really surprise you, but I have so much homework and big projects due, so I'm actually just doing a lot of reading and writing and spending extra time in the ceramics studio.
Tomorrow I have the appointment to get the flu shots, then soccer, and Melissa is babysitting, plus I'm sure there will be a ton of other things too.
Anyways, I'm proud of you hon! We love you so much!
Michele
Aaron,
Jax keeps wanting to see your picture on the bike. And he thinks your hat is cool! His mom isn't so sure :) We love you!
Covering all of you in prayer,
Shay & Jax
I like the bike picture too, but I'm with Shay on the hat! Love you son!! :)
Hey mom im missing you we are doing great were surviving on microwave popcorn and oreo cookies so were doing very good by the way i scored at our first hockey game! I hope you are enjoying yourself and did you acually
paint that hungry for life sign? its so good it looks like it was printed any ways i got to go so again i hope you are enjoying yourself see ya love matthias.
hi dad its aman i hope you are having a good time in haiti we are praying for you and that you would impact the haitians life at the bible college. Me and mom really miss you and i'm sure jeevin does too but he doesnt want to admit it
I love you lots and i miss you
Love Aman and mom says hi too
it's so exciting to read all of the incredible things that God is doing there! and it's also very exciting to have a personal connection to all of that amazingness!! you guys are all so very inspiring!
Aimee, i just love your blogging style! trying hard not to be envious! it's great to see all of the pictures. who caught that enormous fish? my kids are all astounded by the size of it! 'you mean it used to be alive!?!?!'
did you have it for dinner? was it good?
sounds like a game of 20 questions!
haven't heard or seen much of 'severus' aka steve bains! we are praying for you too steve, and looking forward to hearing lots of incredible stories from you!
chris and jonathon, hey guys, "wii" are thinking of you often and praying for you! i'm so excited for you guys that you have this chance to do some of God's amazing work together in such a unique experience. it will be so neat to see the changes in you both and just how much closer god will bring you to each other and Himself.
Dan, what can i say bro? it's so great to see you and hear from you in the blog. i keep thinking back to some of the things we've talked about in our small group, and how God is using your incredible talents and desire to use them for Him.
Aimee, i just love that you are there doing all of this amazing stuff. you are still one of the strongest, bravest people that i have ever met.
love you all!!
-erica
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