Haiti has been receiving a lot of bad rap lately, and unfortunately, good news is hard to find.  Thankfully that's not the entire story, and here's what has been happening in our little corner of the world. Team work. The definition being, "A collaborative effort to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way."

It's no secret that we entered Haiti in January knowing the compound generator was kaput! This meant the agonizing fact of no electricity or no water … no refrigeration for supplies, no fans for cooling, no power for charging electronics, no water for showering. Like we've said before, all of these things are trè enpòtan (very important) and we still endeavour to learn the secret of being content in all! Now, here's the rest of the story. We asked and people responded. Before very long our dear friend in ministry, Russ Cole, was doing leg work in Port au Prince for a new machine, and using his expertise to band aid the old generator. At the same time friends back in North America were raising funds to help with the purchase of a new generator. Within 10 days a truck arrived at the compound with a new generator on board, a generator house was in process, and many beautiful people were working together to make that thing sing. Never had we been so grateful to hear the loud drone of a shiny blue machine!  A special thank you to Arlington & Oroville Free Methodist churches, along with MSC Canada for their generous provision to make this a reality!!

While the generator situation was progressing, Hope Lives crew were doing a fine job preparing for the busy team season.  Working together, their cheerful attitudes and commitment remained a blessing to many. Celibien ... on the compound daily to ensure the generator continued to sing. Choupette and Erlange … preparing and keeping the hungry teams fed with wonderful Haitian meals. Lidi & Tibernia … the faithful cleaning ladies who are amazing with the laundry!! Paulette and Guerline ... mother/daughter duo, doing a wonderful job in the upkeep of the long term apartments, while Tilom and Tom patrolled the gates.  Each one of them were eager knowing they'd be hosting 4 teams this winter, as teams at the compound mean daily work, which in turn helps to create a sustainable life for each family.  You can imagine the disappointment, as the political unrest grew in intensity and three of the four teams had to cancel their plans. We are all anticipating better days ahead!

The construction crew were achieving great results too. This group of men exemplify team work, always, with Samson, the "boss man", leading them well.  Between a generator house and tool depot being constructed, and the solar roof taking shape, there was never a dull moment in the day. (The solar roof installation was no easy feat 3 stories up, and took fearless men to accomplish the job, including Burt!!) Another two guys were painting and upgrading the buildings, while yet another group were at the hospital continuing construction on the 2nd story phase. This next phase at the hospital will mean a better flowing, functional, more spacious hospital for the area of Dessalines as it grows. 
The construction team equates to a consistent 12-14 guys who have been able to put food on the table for their families.  Lives affected? Upwards to 75!  Kudos to Hope Lives for seeing the value in creating sustainability in the lives of others, including staff, construction crew and hospital.  

We would be remiss if we didn't tell you that it was a very sad day when we pulled out of Dessalines. Leaving Haiti during the unrest wasn't in our plans, and our hearts broke at the uncertainty surrounding the decision. But in life, when a decision has been made, including flights that were confirmed, one moves forward.  We quietly loaded the HCH ambulance, with a few belongings, at 4:00 am on a Sunday morning. When we left we didn't know the day wouldn't go as planned, but we did know it came as no surprise to God.  He was there guiding and protecting us with a team of angels! 

Today we're back in Ontario, and although we're not having meetings on the rooftop of the hospital, we continue to meet regularly with the leadership.  Technology is a wonderful tool, from conference calls to synced computers. It's certainly not comparable to hands on ministry, but a necessary and vital alternative in the meantime.  What does the meantime look like? It all comes down to trust, and we are hopeful that very soon we'll be able to return to God's active work in Dessalines!  Keep praying for Haiti!

Hôpital Claire Heureuse exists to "Evangelize, Teach and Heal", serving the marginalized, the sick and the needy. This is not something new, but rather something built on a foundation that was laid over 30 years ago. Despite ongoing political unrest in Haiti, the hospital continues to grow, sharing Gods love to those who need it most. On any given morning the corridors are filled with Expectant Moms, Moms and babies, Parents and kids, HIV patients, and surgical patients to name a few. We continue to have stories that encourage us, stories that challenge us, and stories that keep us give us hope for the future. Each of these stories has a face, and
Hope Lives continues to be an active part of Gods work in Dessalines!

Discussion, planning and executing future growth needs for Hôpital Claire Heureuse kept the fall season busy. North wing Ward rooms, centralized nursing station, and conversion of existing space to private and semi private rooms have been priority. The electrical service has always limited hospital growth, so plans and initial work have begun to double the capacity for output. Jerry & Carrie Elmore from Quincy Free Methodist, WA continue to provide a valuable role in these electrical upgrades. They are a big asset to very important work. Very recently a team from our home church, Gorrie Bible Fellowship, were to come and volunteer their time alongside the Elmores. We want to give a BIG shout out to Quincy FM and Gorrie Bible Fellowship for the support and funds they have raised to move the electrical project forward, hopefully with completion in the new year!

Solar power! Another step to successfully living "off the grid". The Hope Lives construction crew have built a roof structure on the balcony of the White House compound, which awaits the installation of a metal roof and solar panels. This should help reduce overall operating costs to house short term teams, ministry workers and doctors living on the compound, and once this project is completed it will be a good test project for future solar installation at the hospital.
An important aside is during times of unrest it becomes very difficult to get diesel, due to limited accessibility on the roads. The solar upgrades will eliminate that crucial need for the hospital ministry.

Relationships. They keep us going. Friends. The people we love. We have a young friend who had to make a difficult decision to leave his country, leaving behind his family with two small children ...all in hope of providing a better life for them.. As we sat and talked with him, it broke all of our hearts that he had to do this. Such tough choices that we don't know a lot about. These things challenge us but keep us fighting for justice. He was sent on his way with our blessing, a kreyol bible and Proverbs 3:5,6, believing God will walk with all of them on this hard journey. Please pray for them, that one day they will live a life filled with hope.

The other young man is Celibien. A dear friend to us and a dear friend to many. There has been much excitement as he prepared to marry the love of his life and as we watched them grow together in love for each other and for God. A cord of three strands is not easily broken! Even though we were so disappointed not to be able to share in their special day, we were filled with joy as they chose to honour God, and each other through holy matrimony. Pray for them too!

The Van Norman family visited Dessalines with 10 family members! Ian and Alice Van Norman, along with sons and daughter, grandchildren and extended family all toured the hospital and met with the hospital leadership. It was a highlight for us to have our mentors back on the ground, and as you can see they picked up right where they left off, pitching in to help!

Last ... a little about the HOPE we have for Haiti. As many of you have heard through media sources, Haiti has been a hotspot for ongoing political unrest. It is true that for 5 days in November the city of Port au Prince was all but shut down. Public transportation was not running, schools were closed and businesses were at a stand still. The city was a mess! Sandy was scheduled to travel in with the Gorrie team during this time and we made a decision to cancel them at the eleventh hour, looking to our national leadership for advice. Route 1, which runs along the coast and is the main access between Dessalines and Port au Prince, had ongoing road blocks and demonstrations, along with the airport route. It was a critical time and a day by day watch. The main source of their frustration remains with government corruption stemming from the PetroCaribe agreement and lack of accountability of funds. It emphasizes the problems systemic poverty brings.
The sad part is this isn't the ministry we're involved in, or the friends and co-workers we rub shoulders with everyday,
We love Haiti and all the beauty on the island and the wonderful people we've grown to love.
We have HOPE that some day there will be no need for aid, and only access to fair trade.
We HOPE and PRAY for Haiti, knowing that God cares.

Please continue to pray for Haiti, for the hospital ministry, and for its people.
Please pray for wisdom for us in every decision we make, and that each decision will be bathed in love.

Thank you for walking with us throughout 2018, praying and supporting us generously and faithfully.
We are so grateful for you, our partners in ministry.
If you are interested in supporting this valuable work, please refer to the the home page of this site.

May we always remember that ...
"Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day" (Helen Steiner Rice)

"And his name shall be the hope of all the world" Matthew12:21 (TLB)

Wishing you and your loved ones Peace, Joy and Hope this Christmas season, that only comes from knowing Him.

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.

The past three months have been filled with excellence and anticipation!

Burt had the excellent privilege of spending a week with the Van Norman family in Haiti at the end of April, while I was home celebrating a very special lady, my Mom!! They toured ministry sites where the Van Normans have been involved over the years, spent time at the hospital in Dessalines, and engaged many evenings in dialogue around future ministry goals. It was certainly a highlight for Burt to share in this special time with them.

The beginning of May found us both busy hosting NorthPoint surgical team at the compound. The NorthPoint team are a talented medical group who give of their time and resources to help those less fortunate. And an excellent group of giving people they are! Yearly they return to the Claire Heureuse Hospital offering hope, both physically and spiritually, to those in need.
They performed 48 surgeries in 4 1/2 days.
They provided funds for those who didn't have the means to pay for surgery.
They lavished prayer on those entering the OR.
They shared partnership with the national staff.
They were the hands and feet of Jesus in a very tangible way, strengthening "Gods active work in Dessalines", and committing long hours to accomplish this.

At the end of their busy week the team piled into the back of the pickup and headed out to see the the beautiful countryside of the Artibonite Valley! They enjoyed their view of mountains, forts, rice plots, and children playing but nothing prepared them for what God had in store! Just the day prior a young family had lost their home and the few earthly possessions they had in a house fire. It tore at heart strings as burnt pages of the bible were strewn across the ground, the only evidence left of personal belongings. North Point had arrived at the family's time of need to pray, encourage and provide financially to help re-build. What a blessing to the family and also a huge privilege to participate in Gods work!

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was next on our agenda where we shared together about Gods faithfulness to Hôpital Claire Heureuse over the past 30 years. An evening at Lakeview Free Methodist, hosted by Hope Lives, became a time of thanksgiving as friends gathered together to relay stories, pictures and testimonies attesting to the many involved in the development of Hôpital Claire Heureuse. Haitian Free Methodist Bishop Desvariste was guest of honour and gave many thanks to the Canadian Free Methodist church for their excellent partnership with Haiti. The evening also served as an opportunity to raise funds for re-building a church devastated by Hurricane Mathew. We shared our gratefulness and testified to the work that has been accomplished in the past five years due to the strong foundation laid by many before us. As a bonus, we had an excellent reunion with more of the VanNorman family sharing fun times together!

A few weeks later we spent the day with New Hope Church in Newmarket. Another excellent time of sharing a message God had laid on our hearts. In 1 Chronicles 28 David tells his son Solomon "be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God, my God is with you." This group of friends from New Hope were instrumental in 2011 in shaping how we listened and followed Gods calling on our lives to Haiti, and today God reminds us of the same ... be strong and courageous and keep doing the work!

We may be a little biased, but July has proven to be the most EXCELLENT month of 2017! On the 22nd, after much anticipation, we welcomed our beautiful first grandchild into the family!! Delaney Alexandra tipped the scales at 9 lbs 7 oz and measured 21.47" long. She is absolutely adorable, has stolen our hearts and we are so thankful for her safe arrival. Brittany & Mark are excellent new parents and adjusting to their new normal with baby and little sleep. We cannot begin to express the joy we feel in our hearts for God's favour and blessing. This now expands our roles as we commit to show Delaney God's amazing love, and unending grace and mercies.

We thank you for your commitment to partner with us, both prayerfully and financially. Knowing you are praying keeps us going!
Here are some ways you can pray specifically in the weeks and months to come:

• For Gods active work in Dessalines, both in the hospital and community, to continue shining bright
• For hospital leadership to seek God in all things
• For the lost to come to know Jesus in a personal relationship
• For Burt & Sandys new role as grandparents and Mark & Brittany as they adjust into parenthood
• For Delaney as she grows and learns about God's big world around her, and for Gods protection over her
• For preparation of our hearts as we prepare to return to Haiti in September
• For upcoming speaking engagements at Pine Orchard Camp in August & Newcastle Fellowship Baptist in September

Please refer to the home page of this site to find ways you can be in touch with us. Social media through Facebook and Instagram are a great way for us to stay connected with each of you. Once again, thank you for your love and support!

Your promise still stands
Great is your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in your hands
This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet

We love the message and the song "Do It Again" by Elevation Worship, it speaks clearly of His unending love and faithfulness. Let us share our last few months with you ...

Hosting teams takes planning, communication and coordination for months before the group arrives in Haiti, but it's all worth it when they provide valuable ministry. One example being Vision Outreach International, performing 44 cataract surgeries in their short 7 days on the ground. Their ministry, based on Matthew 20:34, "So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received sight and they followed Him" is a testament to the hope in Jesus which they share. What great news! Miracles of sight restoration, through modern medicine and the power of prayer were seen right before our eyes. Many rejoiced and gave testimony to God's great faithfulness!

Upgrades at the compound continued to enhance the facility for short term teams, hospital national staff and ex-pats alike.  The gates were finished, the back wall was raised, the cistern was secured, retaining walls were built, laundry area was re-located, and the garbage incinerator was moved and upgraded! All necessary improvements to create a secure and safe environment for those who work, live, and visit the compound facilities.  ​A crew of 9 men worked faithfully on these upgrades to provide daily income for their families.   It was a blessing to have them working on the compound, sharing in worship, prayer and building relationships each day while guiding them in their daily work.  Hope Lives seeks to be part of Gods active work in Dessalines, a community of 25,000, and this includes creating sustainability through job creation, teaching life skills and daily mentoring.  God is faithful!

'The month of March found us on jet planes and winding roads.  We returned home to Ontario to capture some time with Brittany & Mark, working on nursery preparations for July!  From there we headed to Columbus OH to learn more about the Design Outreach LifePump project our son Jordan is involved with.  DO is a faith based humanitarian group 'on a mission to alleviate global poverty with life sustaining water solutions' in Africa and Haiti.  Then last, but certainly not least, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Calgary as we met and shared future goals and forward planning with our Hope Lives organization.  It was a time of reflection, forming vision and marveling at God's faithfulness over the last 30 years of Hopital Claire Heureuse ... and an absolute joy to be in the company of Ian, Alice, Rob & Heather VanNorman, our mentors and friends!  There is nothing like being in the mountain air (and yes, we did take a little time to enjoy Gods stunning creation!) while seeking God's good and perfect will.  He is ever faithful!

You play a vital role in our ministry.  We are so thankful for God's faithfulness in joining us together with so many that love and care for His work.  We ask for your continued prayers as we anticipate our first grandchild, return to Haiti to host a surgical team and continue hospital ministry, await our sons arrival home from Africa, and seek to share Gods faithfulness and love with the people he places along our path.  Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti during this season of Lent, that their eyes will be opened to the one true living God!

May we rejoice together as we serve our risen Saviour this Easter!

​Burt & Sandy

If you are interested in contacting us (we love to hear from our friends) please see the home page.

#2017. New year. New beginnings. New attitudes.

When we talked about a "New Years resolution" for 2017, it was a shared goal with a common purpose. After all, it wouldn't be that difficult to have a better attitude, would it?
However, it quickly became a standing joke! Whenever we didn't maintain that fresh perspective, our kids would quickly raise their hands and form their fingers
in the symbol of a hashtag, as a reminder of what we'd committed to. Social media rules!

Thankfully, God is so gracious. Our fall newsletter was titled "Changing Seasons", and that it was! It was a year of determining next steps, learning to lean harder on our Lord, and navigating difficult times. We didn't always do this well, but our God never gave up on us! We are so thankful for His grace and for those who have continued to pray for us and the hospital ministry.

We've been back in Marchand, Dessalines for a week now and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas break in Ontario with our family and friends. It was a time of celebration and joy as we rejoiced with our kids when we learned we are going to be grandparents in July. Britt and Mark are expecting their first and we are over the moon! We've shared many laughs about what we shall be named. ​Haitian grandparents are called Gran-papa & Gran manman, so we will see!
We also had the pleasure of our son Jordan being home, and hosting his girlfriend Lara for a week, which was a treat. Jordan finished his term in Haiti on December 1st so we miss him being close by!

Hôpital Claire Heureuse continues to grow! Through the fall months the maternity department saw an average of +100 babies delivered a month and used every nook and cranny. An orthopedic surgeon began part time service and is available for consultations and surgery. There is also the hope of beginning an eye and dental clinic across the road from the hospital. The surgeon and clinic are both vital additions to a referral hospital. 30 years of active service was a milestone marker in November 2016 to the community and area! The foundation that was laid and built upon has withstood the test of time and remains solid. We are so thankful for the faithfulness of those who served before us.

We also spent time on upgrades at the compound, creating a secure environment for teams and those who live in the apartments, with a new wall and gates. Its interesting to look back on photos from thirty years ago and see how Dessalines has grown!

This year we continue to seek renewed vision & energy and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Our friends and partners in ministry, Rob & Heather Van Norman are with us for the coming month to walk alongside and provide mentor ship with the hospital leadership team. We are anticipating what God has in store. We plan to host medical teams, evangelical teams and continue construction and administrative work at the hospital, with God being our helper. When my Dad was in Princess Margaret, for leukemia treatment in 2006, we posted a sign in his room "God can do it ... we can help" and that continues to be true for us today. We lean heavily on Proverbs 3:5,6, and also cling to Ephesians 3:20.

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight"

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us."

Our deepest gratitude to you, for your continued prayer and financial support in 2016. It's hard for us to believe that we are in our 5th year of ministry in Haiti and that is only possible due to your ongoing partnership. Thank you!
​
Below you will find ways you can uphold us in prayer.

Prayer Requests:

For His power and love to be demonstrated through us
For His clarity and vision as we move forward together with the hospital
For the hospital to continue demonstrating Gods active work in Dessalines
For those seeking medical attention, that they will be shown His love and mercy in difficult times
For our daughter Britt as she carries a little miracle inside her womb
For our son Jordan as he re-locates and begins a new ministry opportunity

Today began as any other day. I rounded the corner to the hospital to find my 'friend', sitting in her usual spot, doing her usual thing.

How annoying!

My first thought was to run quickly so I wouldn't have to listen to her demands for money, food, or whatever 'the blan' could offer.
I wouldn't have to hear the sound of her banging, loudly, on an empty bucket!

I tried to sneak past and model Mother Theresa by always showing kindness in my eyes, but that wasn't going to be enough. She persisted.

Then as I reached to pull open the gate, and make my way to the office, I was stopped dead in my tracks.

It was my husband, standing close. Conversing with the street vendor. Ordering something. An egg sandwich and sachet of water.
For my friend.

He'd done it, once again, he had become the hands and feet of Jesus.
Loving the unlovely into loveliness.


You see, when the time is taken to see the world through Jesus eyes He takes the tattered and ragged and makes them beautiful.

It was a simple cup of cold water but it was much more than that to me!

This morning we awoke and excitement filled us like little children! That feeling of Christmas wonder, just around the corner. 6 more sleeps... a little less than a week. It's always a special time of year when home calls, and we can celebrate the birth of Christ with family and friends! It's a time of year when we think of others first and how we can show our love to them! God showed us this same love, by sending His only son to earth as a helpless babe, knowing He would live and ultimately sacrifice himself for the world! He did not spare any generosity in His gift!
​
Generosity, we are reminded, is a special gift in and of itself! It makes our hearts swell! It gives us a song in our hearts! Our ministry, and friends here in Haiti, have experienced the spirit of generosity many, many times. This Christmas has been no exception!

Let's recount some of those ways.  We think of the young family who collected their allowance money to share with kids who have much less, and spent time writing letters to encourage our hearts.

And the friend that, on our every return to Haiti, packs knapsacks, school supplies, clothing and other goodies for us to share.

And the farming couple who gave from the biblical principle found in Leviticus that reads "when you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor"...

And the family that used their Christmas gift exchange and chose our Haiti ministry to share their generosity with instead.

And the widows that unselfishly thought of others throughout the year, by forfeiting lunch together, and donated their savings to ministry work.

And most recently, the group of selfless servants who worked for hours cooking and selling beef patties to provide funds for the hospital and community!

And, and, and ...the list goes on,and on and on!  

Children have received education, the sick have been made well, new life has received safe entry into the world, the homeless have received shelter, the hungry have been fed, and most importantly the love of Christ has been shared. The hands and feet of Jesus have been demonstrated in this humble town of Dessalines. It is with grateful hearts that we give thanks!  

Our warmest wishes for a Christmas filled with Christ's generous joy, peace and love! Joy to the world the Saviour reigns!!