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!
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!
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:
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!
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!
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