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Ten Thousand Reasons

9/29/2015

They say a picture is worth a thousand words! Two hearts and hands united in prayer to bring glory to the name of God. Two very different men ... Two very different cultures... One the Bishop called to leadership of Église Méthodiste Libre in Haiti... One an ordinary tool to be used by Christ however He sees fit ... Both one in His name, encouraging and supporting each another.

Haiti can be a tough place to live, a tough place to love and a tough place to share His love but with hearts and hands united in prayer He continues to break down the barriers. Recalling the words of Jesus to his apostles "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."

What do you see? Ten Thousand Reasons for your heart to sing? Please join us in prayer for Haiti, especially in these difficult days leading up to the Presidential election. Pray for a united nation and for Gods name to continue to receive glory!

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"R & R" in Ontario ... "Run & Really Run "!

5/18/2015

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After a very busy winter of ministry, culminating with l'Hopital Claire Heureuse Inauguration and Dedication of Phase I & II, plus a Haiti Healthcare Advocates annual board meeting, we traveled home to Ontario. Boy, were we ready for some Rest and Relaxation!!

Our time at home began after we stepped off the plane, at midnight on Good Friday, and took a 2 hour drive north to the Muskokas ... we were thankful for a beautiful Easter weekend getaway from a good friend, to enjoy time with family and celebrate Christ's death & resurrection. We also celebrated a few birthdays we had missed, plus some yet to come!

Easter dinner plus celebrating February - May birthdays with my fam!

From there we headed back to Gowanstown, to pack, sort and move belongings!! We arrived at our daughter and son-in-laws home on April 6th, with our new home in Wroxeter expected to close on the 10th!! A little snag delayed us, and we finally received the keys on April 15th at 5 pm!! Let the move begin!

My handsome great nephew ... Jack!

Amidst the chaos I snuck away for 24 hours to meet my new little great nephew, spend time with family and worship at NFBC, our sending church. What a joy!!

Family gathering to celebrate with Nicole & Jack

The boys at work!

Back to reality where all that had been stored for 5 months must be moved! Some of our belongings were 3 hours east, some were in a storage bin, some were in a cargo trailer, some were in our daughters basement! It had become the move that seemed it would never end! Add to that our daughter and son-in-laws house contents and we had lots of work ahead. I don't know how many times Burt re-arranged the garage!!

Dr Dan Snyder & Superintendent Charite sharing at CAHO conference in Michigan

Enjoying dinner with Rob & Heather VanNorman & Linda Stryker at CAHO, Michigan

April 24th & 25th we traveled to Spring Arbor, MI to attend the Central Africa Health Organization (CAHO) conference. It was an informative time of sharing and hearing what was happening at other hospitals in Africa and Haiti.

We returned from our 5 hour Michigan drive to continue settling into our new 600 sq. ft basement apartment, in a home we are sharing with Mark & Brittany when we're in Ontario. We made due with a makeshift apartment and although we had no kitchen sink we were reminded, once again, of the choice to be thankful in all things. It was a reminder of the land we'd just come from and that one day soon, we will have a small kitchen with running water, we will have a shower with hot water at the turn of a tap and we will have a comfortable bed to sleep on ... things we should never take for granted!

May rolled around very quickly and it was time to head back to Dessalines, Haiti. But, not without one more celebration! Our kids birthdays and Mothers Day all fell within 2 weeks of each other and we joined together to share love, laughter and dinner together! We are proud of our children and ask that you pray especially for Jordan who is seeking God's will for his life on the mission field.

Celebrating Jordan's 24th, Brittany's 27th and Mothers Day! They bring great joy to my life!!

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L'Honneur de votre présence est requise ...

3/28/2015

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The honour of your presence is requested as we celebrate the Inauguration des Services Rehabilites at l'Hopital Claire Heureuse. We give God the glory and the honour for the great things He has done. Please join the official tour!

The Van Norman family, who have been very involved in the hospital since its onset in 1986, look on approvingly!

Hospital entrance

Ian & Alice Van Norman, great mentors and friends, alongside Bishop Keith Elford from the Free Methodist Church in Canada and Burt & Sandy. The official dedication of the Phase I & II expansion held at the l'Eglise Methodiste Libre de Dessalines

Our hospital colleagues Medical Director Dr. Junior Noel, Human Resources Manager Jacques Style, & Administrator Guy Patrick Josaphat

It's official...the ribbon is cut!

Burt, Jordan & Ian with some of the hardworking construction crew. They clean up well!!

The barriers are a work of art

A warm welcome to maternity!

The new 10 bed maternity ward, complete with showers and toilets

Delivery room

Time to celebrate a job well done!

Cheers to many hours of dedication!

A small crew enjoying the celebration!

Our friends and fellow missionaries Dr. Dan & Dee Ann Snyder

It is our pleasure to work alongside the leadership of these two fine young men, Guy Patrick & Dr Junior

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A Community Health Country Event!

12/2/2014

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"Opportunities"

10/17/2014

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My husband's wise words echo loudly in my thoughts ... "there are no problems, only "opportunities"!!
Really?... I muse to myself ... Really??

"It's all about perspective", his voice rings in my ears, "our problems become opportunities to live out our faith, to trust fully in God, to serve Him wholeheartedly (without grumbling, I may add), and to share His mercy and grace everyday!"

Just yesterday we were presented with an opportunity that touched us in a way that only God can do. You see, Erod, (pronounced A-wood) a valuable member of the hospital construction team, was in a head on motorcycle collision two weeks ago. He suffered lacerations, loose teeth and more seriously a head injury.

Hospital bills threatened the sale of his family home. His inability to work equates to no provision for his wife and 5 children, and his possible prolonged injuries mean life is uncertain. Tough stuff!

Here is where opportunity enters ... As we walked the humble path to Erod's home to pay him a visit and pray with him, we could hear singing ... loud singing! We entered his yard and there gathered were 20 fellow believers from the Free Methodist church we attend ... and they had entered His gates with thanksgiving in their hearts, and His courts with praise. They displayed that the Lord is good and His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues. The group worshiped with hands raised high, they prayed fervently, they delivered messages of praise, and they humbled themselves before God our maker. It was a wonderful opportunity to be a part of. Yes, Erod had turned his problem into an opportunity to praise and thank God for His continued grace and mercy in His life!

This also brightened our perspective by allowing us to turn Erod's accident into an opportunity. An opportunity to live out our faith and share God's provision with our friend, an opportunity to share God's mercy and grace, and an opportunity to live out Hebrews 10:25 ... 'Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching"

Really ... I ask? Really?? ... Who wouldn't want that!!

Please pray for Erod and his family as he continues on the road to recovery. Erod and his family would appreciate that you took that opportunity!

Erod praising God through worship

"Meeting together"

L to R: Madame Boot, Madame Erod, Erod and Boot :)

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Community Coming Together!

4/18/2014

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com·mu·ni·ty
kəˈmyo͞onitē/
noun
a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals

Marchand, Dessalines evokes community. Our life is surrounded and filled with people. Community is evident on the construction sites, in the hospital, in the neighbourhood, on the streets, at the market, at the wells, in the churches, at our gate and even in our living room. This abundance of community has been something we have had to acclimatize to! People walk everywhere. Front porches are living rooms. The hospitals are for all family and friends to gather and support (most times in very large crowds). The markets are for congregating daily to buy and sell. Churches are gathering places for Christians. The dirt streets are soccer pitches. We experience a very vivid contrast when we come back to Ontario, and are able to spend days in our own private little world and home. (Which, for those who are wondering, and haven't met us on the street or in the market yet, ... we are back in Ontario for a few weeks, planning and preparing for Britt & Mark's upcoming July wedding :)

Let us share with you some of the wonderful ways we have experienced and shared in community during our winter months in Dessalines. We have had the privilege to continue to work with a great group of people at the hospital. Burt works continuously to oversee the construction work, with a crew of 20+ guys. The hospital has really taken shape over the last few months with the construction of 2 operating rooms, an emergency and x-ray room, plus the addition of a second story. Sandy works with the hospital administration, both at the daily operations level and as well as with the hospital board. There have been numerous changes for the hospital in both construction and administration, which we look forward to resulting in a stronger community hospital overall.

Burt and Ian have taken on a few community construction projects ... the highlight certainly being Neuselum's house. It has been a family effort, with all pitching in to create a sustainable living space after the damages of the rainy season and Hurricane Sandy last year. This building project has truly been an example of a group working towards a common goal. When no shovels were available Neuselum's madame was seen digging the dirt with a pot!!

Two other community projects were taken on for ladies that work for us, both in desperate need of toilet facilities. Paulette and Lidi were grateful for the upgrades!

We have also had the joy of sharing fellowship with short term missions teams this winter. They have arrived with heart, mind, body and soul ready to serve God by helping the people of Haiti. This is such a good refreshment for us!

Last, but not least Sandy experienced rest for the body and renewal for the soul on a women's retreat in Port au Prince. The weekend was a reminder that spending time in the Word, prayer and listening to our Lord can only result in a closer walk with Thee, certainly a desire of everyone's heart as we can become overwhelmed to balance the demands of ministry life.

It is refreshing to be back in Ontario for a few weeks, giving us time to re-focus, renew, spend time with family and friends, and did I mention earlier ... plan a wedding!! We always strive to remember God's words in Hebrews 10:24,25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

May you each experience a blessed Easter celebrating and remembering the death and resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ!

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A Full February!

3/2/2014

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February has been a month full of love!! God is love and He, with no exception, has showered His love, mercies and grace on us. On February 11, 1984 two friends committed to be life long partners with God at the centre. It has been an amazing journey and God continues to honour that commitment as Burt & I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary together in Haiti. If you had told me I would be in Haiti for my 30th anniversary, I may have agreed as I was romanced on a cruise ship, stopping by Labadee to the north of the island ... but never did I dream I would be on a life changing journey, living and serving God here!!

A few short days later, on Valentines Day, a gift of love arrived in two dear friends. They were humbled to experience and share in the ministry and every day life in Marchand, Dessalines, serving at the hospital, in the community and at the orphanage. It is always with great joy that we share our ministry as it enables others to experience first hand the joys and challenges of life here. They left, feeling richer than when they arrived, and hope to return again one day soon!

February 26th was an extremely eventful day!! The day began at 6 am on the worksite with a roof pour!! Now, you may be thinking ... a rainfall doesn't really qualify as an event ... but when it's pouring the concrete roof of the new Phase II operating rooms ... it sure does!! It was a full day for the crew and at the end, a beautiful, solid roof was in place. Well done!!

... As the day progressed we had opportunity to celebrate our dear friend Alice' birthday together over dinner, always a joy in February! This lady is very special in many peoples hearts, including her friends in Haiti. Her and Ian have given of their time, energy and resources to help Haiti in so many ways!!

... To finish off the day we received a very exciting Skype call with a very, very exciting announcement!! Our eldest (and only) daughter Brittany had received, and accepted, a marriage proposal and beautiful diamond ring from her wonderful boyfriend Mark!! It's difficult to be in Haiti during times like this (one of the challenges) but God knows our hearts, and we are overjoyed with love, joy and anticipation as they prepare for a life long commitment together!!

Then last, but not least, we had the wonderful opportunity to work with a team from Arlington and Oroville, Washington. There were 13 in all and they came with heart, soul, body and mind to serve! It was a true pleasure to work with them as they hooked up electrical, finished plumbing, framed doors, and built cabinets all for the new maternity ward at Hopital Claire Heureuse. In 3 short days they accomplished a great deal!! Also, we remain very grateful for the donation we received from a friend that we had met last year, and couldn't join the team. Thanks for the new tools ... they will be used well!

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It's Business as Usual ...

1/28/2014

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A beautiful moment at l'Hopital Claire Heureuse.

Phase II progresses and construction is in full swing but that doesn't change the fact that the show must go on ... and from that new life emerges!!

This photo captures Mom being wheeled from the OR, through the construction site into the maternity ward. Chief nurse and anesthetist, cradles the new born babe comfortably in her arms.

Despite the construction ... it's business as usual 'evangelizing, healing and teaching' at
l'Hopital Claire Heureuse in Marchand, Dessalines!

For more information and how you can give to this vital health care centre please visit : www.haitihealthcareadvocates.com

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Family, Friends and God's Faithfulness in 2013

12/30/2013

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As 2013 draws to a quick close we would like to take this opportunity to thank our God, who is fully of mercy and grace. We stand humbled, so unworthy to represent the name of Christ, yet so thankful that his birth in a stable was only the beginning of the story, and He went undeservedly to the cross, rose three days later and now sits at the right hand of God ... all to save lost sinners like us.

Our ministry wouldn't be possible without you. Thank you each and every one for your prayers, your financial support and your love to both of us. We are truly grateful to have such wonderful family and friends in Canada, United States and Haiti.

God has been so faithful to us in this past year as we followed the path that was blazed before us:

we relied on our all sufficient God to guide and lead us, and He never failed
we were surrounded by fellow friends on the field who have encouraged and mentored us along this path, especially Ian & Alice Van Norman
we were challenged by the work that laid before us, both in construction and administration, and each day awed by the work that was accomplished at the l'Hopital Claire Heureuse
we sought discernment with the numerous needs, and it was provided
we had faithful friends who raised $1400 USD for Celibien to pay his medical bills after a motorcycle accident
we experienced God's healing power in the life of a young girl, Sadila and once again, had a faithful group of friends who came along side her family to help with the costs
we have been blessed with many new friends in Haiti who have been patient with us, despite our language barrier
we have experienced spiritual growth, both in our own lives and by witnessing God's hand working in others lives
we have ministered and shared God's word and truth with a group of guys (who are great friends to Burt) and seen God's restorative grace. We are praying for opportunities for further discipleship.
we have experienced God's hand in the nurturing and growing of a 'small group' with fellow english speaking missionaries
we have been enriched by the help provided by fellow missionaries with the electrical and plumbing work at the hospital
we were blessed beyond measure when Burt received an airline ticket back to Ontario to join our family at a long time friends wedding ... just 24 hours before I was scheduled to fly

we were kept safe in the arms of Jesus, and healthy too!
we have prayed and our prayers have been answered over and over and over again!!

May this always be our heart cry "Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness."

Psalm 26: 2,3

A sampling of photos from our past year in Marchand, Dessalines ...

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Prayer requests from Haiti ...

11/1/2013

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for Burt's health as he is battling a bad cough which is draining his energy
for 2 young men that Burt works with and are attending church; that they will come to know the Lord as their personal Saviour

for complete healing of Celibien's accident injuries
for a young Mom and her little boy who was hospitalized with fever, that he will experience complete healing
for Sadila as she remains in hospital recovering from surgery, for continued healing and strength for her body
for effective ministry with those who are not well, physically and spiritually
for Hopital Claire Heureuse, the administration and staff and the many they minister to daily
for continued blessing on the construction projects at the hospital

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Ten Thousand Reasons

"R & R" in Ontario ... "Run & Really Run "!

L'Honneur de votre présence est requise ...

A Community Health Country Event!

"Opportunities"

Community Coming Together!

A Full February!

It's Business as Usual ...

Family, Friends and God's Faithfulness in 2013

Prayer requests from Haiti ...

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