MARCH 2008
It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD Lam 3:22-26

What’s Been up with Us?
As you in the U.S. look forward to spring and nice weather, we continue to pray for rain and cool temps! We are thankful for a few rains which have cleansed the area and brought moisture to the gardens. For many Haitians, their garden is a major source of food for their family. Food costs are rising as the cost of grains in the US hit new highs. But not only food prices are going up, the cost of construction materials are on the increase, as well as many other basic living items. With very limited incomes, small changes in costs really set them back. Pray for the people as they deal with more hardships. We know God will be faithful, but we also know the reality of “the poor will be with us always”.

The past 2 months have gone rather quickly. God has protected our teams with safety in travel and work. Thanks to the faithfulness of many who come each year, 4 communities are enjoying new roofs on their schools or churches, 4 villages have fresh water, and the trade schools continue to teach skills, while getting direction and help from our Brethren. Loving Shepherd Ministries will open a new orphanage in the next few weeks. The building project began in early December and we are praising the Lord that it is nearing completion. Twelve girls will have a new “family” to share life with. Daily food and shelter will now be a reality for some of the “neediest”. We were glad to see many of our Francesville brethren (especially our nephew AJ Gutwein), Bro. Jon Zeller from Morton, and Sis. Barb Huber from Lexington come to give the Simone Orphanage a new “look” with paint, new lights, and new closets and doors. What a difference was made in 4 short days. What happy faces were observed on the children as they watched the transformation!

A happy crew of girls in their newly painted room at the Orphanage

Our good friend Sally enjoys holding a haitian boy during church

A finished wardrobe...the orphanage kids have a place to put their "stuff"

The "almost" finished Loving Shepherd Group home.  This is 20 minutes from our home.

Mark and Christophe watching a well being dug

A storage depot going up in our yard

How’s the family?
Thankfully the family is doing well although we have our “trying” moments as 8 people try to share life in our small cozy home. Joel is now into everyone’s “stuff” and we often find ripped magazines, turned over trash baskets, and books pulled of the end tables! It is neat to see him “love-up” Mme Lulu and Roseman. Yesterday he went to Roseman from me for a few seconds before wanting to come back. While I was out with Brett yesterday, Mark informed me Joel wandered into the kitchen and took all the Tupperware out of the cupboard. Mme Lulu kindly cleaned it all up with a smile and a phrase she often uses….”tout it moun few as”. (All children do this) Brett has remained in moderate health since we’ve been back. Right now he has a bad cold, but even with a day of fever, we’ve seen no seizures. Derek seems to stay busy either playing with Gabriel in the yard or digging in the mud around the bushes. He is beginning to want to color and it is wonderful to see him sit still and then be excited about his picture. The older 3 continue to keep busy with school and teams. Alisha was able to go out with one of the construction teams in early January. She enjoyed the experience. All 3 were down at the Orphanage everyday during that project. It was great fun to work along side of people from back home. Mark was invited to go to the Bible Club with our nurse friend, Beth. He loved it and said it is a good way to learn Creole. He seems to be picking it up quicker than we thought he would and he says he is going to pass me up! I think he is right!

Derek and Gabriel enjoying a donkey ride in our yard

Never ending vehicle repairs...the roads are hard on the trucks

Joel showing signs of genetic tendencies toward farming

What are we looking forward to?

In one week Aunt Joan should be here with us! She has wanted to come for a long time, and now the time is here! We can’t wait to show her everything we’ve been talking about for the past 8 years! She plans to go out with a team for a few days, just to see what the girls do with teams. But mostly we’ll just stay home and enjoy the fellowship and let her get reacquainted with the babies! Jan’s folks are planning a trip in late April. Lord willing they will stay for a couple of weeks. Mark would like to re-paint his bedroom, and the bathroom needs it too. We are hoping Grandma will be up to doing some projects. Jan will keep his dad busy with small “tinkering” jobs. They too are excited to finally see what we’ve been doing down here. In July, Jan’s niece Joy Gutwein Huber, plans to make a trip with her husband Jason, and his parents John and Bev. John has been here many times serving on the FRW Trade School Board. He is also a faithful prayer partner and good friend. He will have the special joy of bringing his wife for the 1st time to Haiti.

Is the team season finished?

The team season is winding down, but not finished. Rich Bertchi will bring in the last AC Construction team at the end of March. The well-drillers will send down another crew of men and FRW (Trade Schools) will also make an appearance before the schools close down at the end of June. It seems that the projects operate the best with systematic accountability to the people sponsoring them. Jan has enjoyed more commitment to the well-drillers and the trade schools over the past season. In April we will see for the first time a Medical Team from our church, working at the MEBSH Clinic where Brett has been cared for in the past.

In closing….

Thanks for continued prayer.
Thanks for continued interest in Haiti, our family, and the Work
Thanks for your love.

Pray for the Haitians and the rising cost of food and supplies
Pray for team safety and protection
Pray for the Torbeck (LSM) orphanage group home as it soon opens and is dedicated
Pray for our language skills!!!!!!!!!!
Pray for FRW as it works with new communities with hopes of more trade schools in the future
Pray for the AWA(Tremont well-drillers) and the Haitian Well-drillers. Many changes
have taken place. {Workers let go, new goals for drilling, new accountability)
Pray for the first AC medical team. Headed up by Bro. Keith Knepp

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ keep us in His peace.