God has faithfully cared for us during the past few months since the last update. We often marvel at his wonderful Grace. The Hatians often use the phrase “Gras a Dye” (by the grace of God) whenever you ask them how their weekend was or when they speak of something in the future. In America, we say something similar, but do we mean it…do we believe that it is only by the grace of God that we can do anything? It is true. In a world that wants us to believe that we are gods, Haiti helps us to remember that we can only do “this and that” because of the love and grace of our Lord Jesus. In Haiti you can make a plan for the day. But our plans are so often slowed down, interrupted and changed because of the nature of this country. Se lavi.... This is life for us.

Aunt Joan enjoys the "air-chair with her favorite 4 year-old in Haiti

We enjoyed popcorn at the Simone Orphanage while Joan was here. Her lap was never empty.

After the Simone Orphanage got a new coat of paint, the children took Their skills to the walls. This is some of their handiwork.

We visited Mme Lulu's home. Recently her pump for her well was fixed.  By the AWA Team. She was so excited the next day when she came to work.

Several of our Haitian friends were baptized at the local river. It was a Wonderful experience to see a Haitian MEBSH baptism. First there is a Service at the church. Then they walk a short way to the river, singing as They walk. There were 40 baptized this Sunday afternoon. 2 pastors did. The work. The Group of around 100 people sang the entire time. It was a Wonderful memory. Christophe, our friend and co-laborer, was baptized.

Demonstrations

The April manifestations/demonstrations over high prices and hunger was a sharp reminder for us that things are tough for these people. We hope many are inspired to plant their own gardens, but the reality is that like in the US, the younger generations don’t want to work in gardens. More and more young men want to do something easy, like be a taxi-driver. Mme Lulu said when she was young, she and her siblings were expected to work in the family garden. Today it is different. We’ve heard rumors several times of more demonstrations, but so far nothing major is going on.

Work Teams

The team season is about over for 2007. Wow did it go fast! We are thankful for all the people who took of their time and resources to come down this past year. Many Haitians are rejoicing over new roofs, fresh water, acquired trades in one of the trade schools, provisions that come on the Bluffton sea containers. It all takes people giving of God’s resources and donating of their time. If you’ve never been to Haiti, check out our website team calendar for a work team to come down on! It was also exciting to see the Loving Shepherd Torbeck Group home open. We were there the day the children came and we have since visited several times. Each time we visit, the children swarm Jan hoping to be the one or two he picks up. From our viewpoint it appears all 12 girls have made a wonderful adjustment to their new parents and their new surroundings. The Lord Jesus be praised as we hope these young children will become young believers and in time, bring in more of the Lost.

The first medical team to Cayes..Dr Keith Knepp, Nurse Lydia Bertschi, and Physician's Assistant, Anne Wagonbach.

The medical team doing a Health Clinic in a remote location. They take every-Thing with them, and do the best they can with their supplies.

Family

As I write this, the three older kids are in the States enjoying a couple of weeks with family and friends. We were glad it worked out for Tess to be a part of the Francesville Church graduation program, and Alisha will go to the AC Jr High camp for the first time. Mark has been spending a lot of time with his buddies. When they return, they will bring Jan’s parents who will be making their first trip to Haiti. We look forward to having them here with us. Derek continues to “work” everyday on “something”. He is so funny. He made good friends with the contractor Max who is helping us with LSM projects. One day Max took him to town and reported back that Derek loves Haitians and is very friendly towards them. I was glad to hear that. He’s picking up some Creole, but we still would like to find an easy solution to him learn it faster. Brett had a good winter, just a few colds here and there. Thankfully he has had no seizures since late March. Joel is into everything!!!!!!!! That is all that needs said!

Joel was 1 year, April 30th

The Summer Ahead

Jan will continue to assist Enoch and the will drilling team through the summer months. Praise God that the new plan developed in January seems to be working well. The team has drilled more wells than were expected since the new plan developed by the AWA Tremont Brothers became effective, February 1^st. Moral on the team seems positive. There will also be graduation at the Trade Schools, monthly visits, and 3 more LSM orphanages to be built. While Joan Reinhard is gone, I have taken charge of the Guesthouse again. We look forward to 2 new ladies joining us sometime in August. Sheila Moser will assist us in the Construction Department, and Abby Gerber will work with the Childcare Program. Please be prayerful for these ladies as the have so many things to prepare and do this summer. We pray it will be a smooth transition for them. John Huber and his wife Bev, their son Jason and his wife, Joy (our niece) are planning a trip to see us mid-July. We look forward to the fellowship! Our furlough time will be Sept 5 – November 10. We always look forward to our time in the States.

Wishing everyone a nice summer with some warm weather. Seems you could use it! Sending prayer and love your way. We love you all.

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, AMEN. Phil 4:23