T.A.G. (Transparency. Accountability. Grace.)

We are home in Ontario for the month of April enjoying time with family and friends, and the cold, ice and wind have given us lots of opportunity to reflect. Upon reflection three words replay in our minds. Transparency. Accountability. Grace.

The truth is these words have come up often in conversation over the last three months. Conversations with hospital leadership. Conversations with fellow friends in ministry. And our private conversations with God. Let us engage you in some of the happenings.

We are always humbled how God provides for every need. We arrived in January to generator troubles at the compound ... never fun!! Our trusted friend Russ came to the rescue and we were able to upgrade to a refurbished 60 kw generator, which has kept us in power for the present. Hope Lives is in the process of converting to solar panel for future needs at the compound, and hopefully down the road at the hospital.

We experienced a leadership change at HCH, which meant in January we were engaged in the process, with the official board, of selecting and hiring a new hospital administrator. The board had a clear mandate, and were purposeful, in seeking a strong Christian leader who was open to transparency and accountability. It was a process which took many, many hours but God was faithful, and provided Mr. Erns Jean. He was installed to the position of Administrator on February 1st!

The compound was full the month of February (so we were extremely grateful for a working generator!). Jerry & Carrie Elmore, a faithful electrician and his wife from Washington, and Rob & Heather Van Norman, our friends & mentors from Hope Lives in Calgary came in to offer their help at the hospital. Jerry & Carrie have made several trips, committed to working on the electrical system. They have been a big blessing to Burt as he moves the hospital construction forward. Rob & Heather lead Hope Lives, and they offer much Godly wisdom and life experience collectively, through their pastoral, business and medical experience. Together with Rob & Heather, Sandy spent many hours developing a new accounting system, which will help HCH to have further transparency in reporting to partners and donours. During the month we also had a team visit from Gorrie Bible Fellowship, our home church. The electrical work accomplished, and their amazing attitudes was so encouraging, plus Pastor Gary was involved in preaching and teaching, which always lifts up our Haitian friends. Sandy received gifts of encouragement too from Lesley throughout the week.

Another highlight was the partners meeting with the Free Methodist Church of Haiti, the Haitian State, and the external partners. It was a time of progress through building trust and transparency. Over two and a half days partners shared their vision, goals and expectations of the hospital; the official board was re-structured; and the most exciting was time spent on a draft proposal for a new accord. To give a little history, the last accord was signed and dated 32 years ago when the hospital was under the direction of the Free Methodist Church of North America. Now, the Haitian Church is its own conference and the new accord was drafted between the nationally run hospital, the Haitian Church and the State, with no ex-patriat involvement. A milestone ... which will be added to our growing pile of historical Joshua stones.

History in the making with this group!

Hôpital Claire Heureuse continues to be a busy place of “evangelizing, teaching, and healing”. A dental clinic has been added to the hospital facilities, along with a part time general surgeon. Hospital leadership have worked diligently to make this happen. Construction continues and so does the sustainability of many families from the work provided. The scrub, sterilization, post op block have become a reality, which will aid greatly in surgical procedures. The north wing of the hospital, which started as a renovation, has pretty much been demolished. A new roof has been poured, joining the south and north wing together which will allow for further development in the future. Another exciting milestone is that, among other things, the roof was poured in Burt’s absence. These guys have become a trust worthy, accountable, responsible team. This, too, is history in the making!

And just in case you’re wondering where Grace fits into all this, it’s an everyday process and happens “ti kal pa ti kal”,
or little by little. Many times we have failed but we know God has shown us so much grace, and each day as we interact with others, work through solving issues, and strive to live Christ centred lives we are called to extend grace to others. It’s not always easy but “ti kal pa ti kal” we can do it!

Please continue to pray for God’s grace to fall on HCH, the leadership, the daily decisions, the staff, the finances, the construction crew and Burt, Sandy and family. We are humbled and honoured to partner with you. We will be returning to Haiti on May 1st for six weeks.