Haiti Update - Tuesday
Early morning: As part of our mission here Dorothy and Virg wanted us to give an animal to a family in need. We had 6 goats and 2 pigs. We buddied up and had a translator take us to an assigned home. There we met the family and were able to give them their goat or pig! They greatly appreciatied this and it was a joy for us to be able to give them!
Morning: For the rest of the morning until lunch time we worked on the worship center. We painted the doorways blue and worked on more of the orange on the columns. We had a lot of little Haitian hands to help. It's really starting to come together and for that we are thankful since we are almost on our way home! Shelby, Craig, Greg, and Larry went to help for a second cement floor for a family. And Lee helped JeanJean with his pastors meeting.
Lunch: For lunch we had rice and beans and a cabbage toppng-what a Haitian lunch!
Afternoon: It was off to Vacation Bible School for two of Kristi's other nutrition centers. They learned a Bible verse, were taught an english song (Father Abraham), then outside to play games and then wrapped up with a craft of Allie's, the Salvation bracelets. Meanwhile Kate and Erika helped weigh and measure the childrens height; a task Kristi does every two months or so. Dani and Kaeleigh were sent to the kitchen by Dorothy to make an afternoon snack of muffins and chocolate chip cookies and then a cake for dinner that night!
Late Afternoon: By the youth groups request to take a little study break, we were able to hang out with them and interact for a couple hours until dinner. As the rain came pouring down, we asked questions about eachothers life, culture and any other topics brought to mind. They showed us their traditional dance (which we caught on tape) and then we taught them how to do a line dance. They greatly enjoyed this! Then the boys and girls had a competition to see who could do the line dance better. Of course the girls won :) Then we took a large group photo and then it was time for them to get back to studying and for us to go to dinner. It's always a great time interacting with children our age. They are just like us except for the language barrier.
Dinner: For dinner we had Haitian spaghetti. Its almost like American spahetti except the sauce has a few vegetables in it and its already mixed in. It was good!
Evening: We started off the night with a little 'would you rather...' Then we listened to a story that Virg told us about what life would be like in Haiti. We pictured ourselves with our families in Des Moines then he took seven things away from us. After he finished the story he asked us where were our neighbors? WHy didn't they help us out at all? Then he put it in perspective for us. What if we were the neighbors to the Haitians? It was a story that really hit us hard and we had a good discussion about what we can do to help. Then we wrote in our journals about our reflections of the story and our discussion. At this point we were all very tired. We wrapped up our journaling then it was off to bed!
Only one cockroach scare for the day!
We will all miss Haiti very much but are looking forward to our trip home! See you all in two days.
We love and miss you all!
Haiti Update - Sunday & Monday
Sunday we finally got to sleep in. Some of the girls cooked breakfast and we soon headed off to church. For the first service, we went to Jean Jean's church. We had a awesome morning. Greg preached the service while Jean Jean translated. After the service we went back to the dorms for a little lunch and some downtime. Some more of the girls made our lunch, tuna helper :). Around two we headed off to the worship center for the second service, we listened to many groups sing such as a men's chorus, children's chorus, women's chorus, and some soloists. Once again Greg preached the message while Jean Jean translated. Immediately after church we got to experience haitian soccer games! It started raining so we headed to the worship center to watch from there. We couldn't see very well, so we started making our own fun. Many of us played ball with the kids while more of us sang and danced and just had fun with some of the locals. The soccer game ended and our team won, so we took many pictures of the winning team. Then it was time for supper. The men in our group prepared the meal for us... chicken helper :). After we ate we had some group bonding time, we played a few games: Name one thing nobody knows about you, karaoke, and stupid human tricks. haha. Lets just say they call it stupid human tricks for a reason. After the fun and games, we went to bed.....
Monday. We got up and ate breakfast. There was a busy day ahead of us. The first thing we did was we brought bibles to elementary school students, we also visited haitian house. After that we took the bus to the market and played "Amazing Race". Each team had four or five people and a translator. We all walked around the market in search of various things, mostly food. We had some pretty awesome experiences :) Erika, Nicole, Lee, Shelby, Kerri, and Fredo ... we did all this before 11 o'clock. We ate some lunch and started getting ready for VBS. We had a good turnout. We did the story of Jonah and the Whale. The kids made salvation bracelets for a craft and played on the soccer field during games. We also wieghed and measured each child and also gave them vitamins, shoes or clothes, and a toothbrush with paste. Finishing around 4, it was time for Kristie's english class. We had a lot of fun conversing, laughing, and sharing things with the local Haitian girls. At the of the class, we taught them the chorus of a High School Musical song with choreography. It was so fun, we all had a blast! During VBS and the English class, Greg held a clinic in which he treated around 40 people. It started raining really hard so we spent a lot of time inside. We were expecting a mens choir from Jean Jean's church to sing for us but we didn't know if they would come or not because of the rain. We ate some dinner and Kristie informed us they had arrived. We spent the next couple hours listening to them sing amazing songs! They even had an accordian player accompanying them. They sang around seven songs and we sang them two. They were so nice and it was definately a good ending to the day. We have another busy day tomorrow so it is about time we head for bed. Until then, we're thinking about you and missing you and we'll see you soon! Please keep us in your prayers.
Haiti Update- June 5
4:30 a.m.: Wake up
After three days in a row of waking up early in the morning we are all pretty tired.
4:45 a.m.: Hike to the Cave
This morning Kristi arranged for one of the young men in their youth group, Louides, to take us on a hike up to a cave at the top of a nearby mountain. We started off the journey with a wide visible path. We walked approximately 2 miles to the base of the mountain. As we began our trek upward, the terrain changed from a smooth path to many loose, slippery rocks surrounded by gardens and rough vegetation. What we assumed to be an easy, relaxing climb soon turned into a challenging adventure. With the help of Louides and two young brothers from the nearby nutrition center, one not wearing shoes, we made it up the mountain in three hours. The landscape from the top of mountain was beautiful, but our adventure was not over. Before entering the cave we crossed a revene, where we saw five Boa Constricters. The cave was filled with bats, bugs, guano, and mold. The brave souls ventured deeper into the cave, where they encountered slippery rock, water, and many unknowns. After cooling off in the cave we all headed back down the mountain. According to Lee's GPS system we covered approximately 7-8 miles.
10:00 a.m.: Shower and Sprite
Upon arriving back at the house all the group wanted to do was grab a cold Sprite, take a shower, and rest.
11:00 a.m.: Mosaic Crosses
As part of our contribution to the new worship center the group has been working on making mosaic crosses that will be plastered on the multiple pillars within the building. Each cross is put together with different colored scraps of tile, collected over time by Jean Jean and Kristi's daughters, Tana and Kerri.
12:00 p.m.: Lunch
Macaroni Casserole, Biscuits, and Mango Juice hit the spot.
1:00-3:00 p.m.: Rest and Planning
The group was tired from the morning hike and took time to rest up and plan for the afternoon's activities.
3:00-7:00 p.m.: Youth Time
According to Virg and Dorothy, this youth time was the peak point they have experienced in Haiti yet. Jean Jean and Kristi's youth group and our team both came prepared with games and songs to share with each other. We opened with prayer and continued on to learn a song in Creole. We were able to sing for them and teach "Sanctuary" and "I Will Worship". We moved on to play games such as the third legged race and musical chairs that broke the ice and led to great time shared by both groups. The Haitan youth taught us games that involved eatting bread hanging from a string and another that involved spitting water into bottles. We finished up with S'mores, pictures, and Bonswas. At the beginning of the night the two groups were separated amongest themselves, but by the end of the night the two groups became one. Everyone left with a smile.
7:00 p.m.: Dinner
Pizza and beet salad.
8:00 p.m.: Family TIme
Everyone shared pictures and stories of family and friends and we all got to know each other even better.
Thank you all for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We are having an awesome time, but missing you all.
Haiti-June 4
We are all having a great time and everything is going well thus far!
This morning, we had three different projects going on at once. Craig, Jean Jean, Tessa, Nicole, Danielle, and Jackie went and laid a cement floor for a family in their home. The whole home was able to be cemented with cement leftover to make a front step/porch. Shelby worked on a mural by the bathrooms in the dormatory which is a picture of Jesus walking on the water with a Bible verse relating. Dorothy, Marlene, Kaeleigh, Virgil, Erika, Reilly, Emily, Kate, Lee, Allie, and Greg worked on painting the worship center white with the pillars being orange. It looks great so far!
This afternoon, Greg and Kristie put on a "medical clinic" for Haitians and their children to receive medical attention and possibly acquire medications. Nicole, Danielle, and Kaeleigh got their hair braided today and a few other girls plan to braid their hair tomorrow. We were very blessed with more rain today and the Haitian people were happy about this because it means they will be able to have food. The Haitian UCI board came to meet with our group today to share what they have done for Haiti and their future plans for Haiti.
This evening, a former witch doctor came to share his testimony with us about how he converted to Christianity. Everyone seemed very interested in his message and had many questions to ask about his former life and how he feels about his new life.
Everyone would like to say hello to their families and that we all love and miss you very much!!... but we are also having a great time and are excited for the things to come! :) Please keep us all in your prayers until we return home safely! Thanks... Take care!
Haiti Trip is Up and Running
At Rocky Mountain High last July one of the Mission Projects was to visit the United Christians International ministries in Haiti. Money donated will be helping to construct a new Worship Center as well as support the many projects of UCI. During the 10 day trip there will be numerous experiences as they work with not only construction materials, but with feeding programs and more. We will try to keep you updated on a daily basis as the emails from the group trickle in. They are in an area where all power is generated by solar panels that charge a bank of batteries. If the weather is bad messages may not be able to be sent. Here is the first word we have recieved from the group.
Hello everyone!!!! We left Ft.Pierce at 7:15 this morining and have been running ever since. We stopped in the Bahamas to fill up on fuel at about 9:00 and arrived in Cap Haicen at around 11:00. We then flew 15 minutes to Pignon. We were the first plane to arrive since April so the locals were all very excited. There we waited for the other plane carrying the ATV donated by Craig and the Sully Faithwalkers. An old school bus then carried us to JeanJean and Kristie's compound at Caiman. Dinner was rice, fried plantains, and goat. It was really good. All the girls then went exploring and to our embarrassment tried to play soccer with a couple of the Haitian boys. Let's just say it was a little painful.... most of us were wearing flip-flops. We also went to the Nutrition Center where about 35 Haitian children sang some welcoming songs to us in Creole. We sang Jesus loves the little children with them - them in Creole, us in English. A storm is coming so we are now just waiting around for Haitian hot pockets for supper. Hope all is well at home and we'll talk to you again soon! :)
The Haiti Mission Team
Jackie and Shelby
Please check back daily for updates!
350 attend youth retreat
On April 3-5, 2009 the annual Synod of the Heartland Middle School Retreat was held at Camp Okoboji, Milford, IA. This is an annual event and 25 NWC students are recruited and trained to plan and lead this retreat for Middle School youth and adult leaders. This year we had 350 participants from Mitchel, SD to Des Moines, IA, along with 40 college and high school praise team members, and Youth office staff. Due to blizzard predictions we condensed a 42 hour retreat into an 18 hour lock-in, with no sleep, enabling everyone to return home safely before the storm began. This retreat continues to be a great opportunity to train young college leaders interested in youth ministry and provide a teaching environment for middle school students that helps them take the next step in their journey with Christ. Please take a look at some of the fun and excitement experienced at this retreat. See more at the SynodYouth Website.
Access for All
It started 20 years ago with one family wanting access for their deaf son. It was sporadic; many times he had to rely on his mother to “interpret” the world for him, because a professional interpreter was not available, or was too costly for the family.
A lot has changed over the years at Peace Reformed Church in Eagan, MN. Because of the strong advocacy from involved individuals at Peace, the church began to provide regular weekly interpretation of the service in American Sign Language in 2003. Historically, there had been only a few deaf/hard of hearing people attend Peace Church over the years, but it was decided long ago that access to the Word of God through sermons and music was an important ministry not dependent on the number of bodies that filled the pews.
In 2000 a Deaf couple, Jeff and Lynn Eccles of Farmington, MN began attending Peace Church. They appreciated the openness of the congregation to understanding their “culture”, and appreciated the consistent interpretation of the contemporary service and special services.
In the fall of 2008, Lynn attended a conference entitled “Deaf Encountering Christ” (DEC). It was life-changing for her. It was at that conference that she discovered the power of God, and she wanted to share it with others! While at the conference, she began talking with other deaf people all of whom were located in the Twin Cities area south of the river. What Lynn discovered was that the only Deaf Bible study available to them was one in Elk River. That was approximately an hour’s drive for Lynn and Jeff. She began to develop an idea. What if she and the 8 or 10 other people that had been at the conference began to meet at Peace Church during the regular Midweek program? She discussed the idea with senior Pastor Al Pruis. Pastor Al was more than happy to accommodate the group.
The week prior to the start of the Bible study brought some surprising news. Almost daily, Lynn was hearing from other deaf individuals and couples that had heard about the Bible study, and were thrilled to be able to meet closer to their homes. Almost 20 people came to the first Bible study.
The response has been outstanding. Since that time, the group has had to relocate to a larger room in the church (misplacing the senior pastor and his class!), and has continued to grow. The Bible Study regularly draws 25 - 30 people each week. During the Christmas season, the musical “Word on the Street” was presented. Two interpreters were hired by the church to interpret the musical. The event was well-attended by the deaf community despite the snow storm. Lynn has also participated in the contemporary service by signing a praise song while the church’s band, “Reconciled” played. This has been well-received by the congregation because of the beauty of the language, and the unique way in which American Sign Language can enhance the worship experience for all.
As the deaf ministry continues to grow, new and exciting partnerships are being developed. An event that is in the early stages of planning is being considered for February 2010. The event is expected to draw more than 100 deaf individuals and their families for a weekend retreat to be hosted by Peace Church.
A Day of Solitude and Community
This past April 13, fifteen youth pastors and discipleship staff from the Minnesota, Dakota, West and East Sioux Classis’ gathered at Inspiration Hills for a day of solitude, community and guided Scripture readings and prayer experiences. As we gathered together trying to make some space for the Holy Spirit, God showed up and met us as we struggled together with issues of busyness, distractions of life and how to better hear God’s voice. As Richard Foster says, “The mind will always focus on the order of what it concentrates on”. This quote helps us understand why it is so important to take that time away and focus on the things of God, not even just to hear from Him but even just to clear up our mind from the things that weigh it down and inhibit us from doing His will in our lives. We often worry too much about what God’s Word is saying to others especially when we as ministry professionals are leading from the Word so often instead of just allowing us to be personally ministered by it. Many in the group also enjoyed an afternoon prayer hike in the afternoon which the camp has specific spots to stop and Scriptures to reflect on as well as a prayer labyrinth in one of the rooms. We hope to do it again next year and even do an additional one in Central Iowa!
Check out the retreat curriculum.
A Multicultural Future.... Free from Racism
Synod Coordinator, John Sikkink, and Gary Ross made a groundbreaking and most certainly a life-changing trip together. John and Gary went on the Sankofa experience together during the last few days of April.
The trip started as they left Minneapolis together at noon on April 22, then got on a bus in Chicago with a number of other RCA people. Their destination and itinerary was unknown, but the direction is to the deep South. The purpose is to become more intentional about racial diversity and to eliminate racism in our churches and our communities.
Each day during the trip, Gary and John sent updates to this website, sharing their experiences as they make this journey together. Click here to see their thoughts. more
The Blessing Strategy
One of the reasons the pre-Christian community stays away from the church is because they say we are hypocritical – we talk a good talk, but it’s not seen in our walk. The good news is the people of God are counteracting that label by exercising “The Blessing Strategy”. The Blessing Strategy is simply doing random – or planned – acts of mercy and kindness to people that demonstrate the love of Christ through the actions and words of His people.
Here are a couple of ideas – one of them was a story on national news. Go to the grocery store and put $50.00 in an envelope with the following message hand written on the envelope – “Here is $50.00 to pay for your groceries. If you need it use it, if not pass it on. “ The beautiful thing was some people who didn’t need it actually put money in the envelope and passed it on in the check out line. A church held a “Prom Dress Party”. Somehow they had collected a number of prom dresses and invited teens from the hood to come and pick out a “free” dress. Another guy had a passion for skating and accumulated many pairs of ice skates. He fixed them up and gave them to kids and families who couldn’t afford them. The story said no advertising was necessary – word of mouth was the only thing needed. When those who received them grew out of them, they passed them on to others. Many people are doing things like this because of the bad economic times. Now is an excellent time for our churches and followers of Jesus to let the love and light of Jesus shine in our neighborhoods.
“Rescue the Perishing” is one of the old hymns that have been sung in our many of our churches. “Rescue” today comes in the shape of an envelope, a prom dress, a pair of ice skates – given in the name of Jesus. What would happen if every one of our RCA churches started a “Community Blessing Ministry” and let the love of Jesus be seen in manifold deeps of mercy and kindness???
Parkersburg-Iowa City...
Jim Koopman and Cathy Davis from the Synod of the Heartland produced a brief powerpoint video that shows some of the devastation that occured in these communities. Parkersburg was hit by a deadly tornado last summer and Iowa City was the victim of widespread flooding. Many RCA churches have been instrumental in helping these communities, churches and individuals get back on their feet. (view video)
Youth Involved in Ministry All Year Long
Check out this link to the Youth Sunday Video created by the Denominational Youth Team to help your congregation understand the importance of having your youth involved in worship and ministry throughout the entire year. (Youth Video)
Project Timothy
Project Tmothy allows young people to explore and experience hands-on ministry. Read more.
Making a Difference in Their Local High School
At the Synod of the Heartland's high school youth event called Rocky Mountain High, held July 26 -30, 2008, a portion of the mission offering was designated to give youth or youth ministries support to create a strategy to reach their high school campus for Christ. One young man, a senior at Brandon Valley High School in Brandon, SD had a desire to reach out to the 200+ freshmen entering the high school this year. This dream was to provide each freshman with a freshman survival kit provided by Campus Crusade. To accomplish this they needed to raise $1500 to purchase the kits. This young man contacted the First Priority coordinator for that region, Brad Schelling from Sioux Falls, SD. Brad is also a member of the Rocky Mountain High Organizing Team which made the connection between First Priority, the young man from Brandon Valley and the Synod of the Heartland Youth Ministries. With the combined efforts of First Priority, Rocky Mountain High and the community of Brandon the money was made available.
The next challenge placed before these energetic young people with a dream was to ask permission of the school administration to not only give this freshman survival kit to each student but to also share the reason behind the gift and the Promise of Salvation. The students were given permission to meet with all the freshmen during 3 various 15 minute time slots. To see for yourself how these students were able to share the gospel, present these students with the survival kits, and invite them to be a part of a weekly First Priority gathering log on to www.synodyouth.org and click on What's New.
For more information on how you to create a strategy to reach your school campus for Christ contact Bob Cleveringa at the Synod of the Heartland office for youth ministry at bcleveringa@heartlandsynod.org or call 712-737-4959
