Last Day In Haiti

I made a joke today that I worked harder my last day in Haiti than my entire time here. This is definitely not a true statement; however, with the end in sight it made the work all the more harder. The Base Camp that we stay at is closed up for the rest of the year, as the missionaries and staff are all leaving for Christmas. There will be a Haitian family that will be staying in the "house" while everyone's gone. We had lots of supplies, equipment, and resources that we had to put away and store. Originally, a team from Beaverton was scheduled to help with the closing process, but because of the "Political Drama" their flight was canceled... which meant more work for us.


It was a blessed day as I received some money from a person in the states who wanted to pay for Huberman's hospital bills concerning his mother. I also gave Huberman one of my dress shirts so that he'd remember me, and he told me that he'd wear it to church on Sunday. (The one he's wearing in the photo is the one I gave him) His mother looked very healthy and she told me that she's eating and continuing to take her medicine.

In this next picture I grabbed a few of the kids who live in the tent camp to join us in this picture. It's an amazing feeling to recognize faces and see people smile when you say their name. On a walk between Base Camp and our church, a few kids from a neighborhood that I've visited often to hand out clothing, school supplies, and benches, walked towards me... I yelled one of the boys names, "Lilly!!!" and when he heard it he came running with the biggest smile.




I will definitely miss this place. It's always hard to leave something once you get in a rhythm and flow of things. Not to say Haiti is easy to adjust to, because daily you run into difficulties through language barriers, a slow moving lifestyle, hurt and broken lives... All the while dealing with the fact that anywhere you look you see trash, tent houses, run down businesses, filthy water systems, pothole filled roads, people walking in mud and dirt. It's beautiful really, because somehow these people continue to live, continue to dream, and continue to give thanks. They are a nation whose people model great and humble hearts. As I leave here and head back to my comforts of the American life, I envy these people's ability to endure, their passion to live, and how they make much out of little.

Follow Up Story on Huberman

This afternoon I called my friend Huberman, who's mom I helped take to the hospital. I asked him to give me some more information about what happened with his mom and how his living situation is. This is what he told me:

"When I was at the hospital I just prayed a lot. The doctor gave me some prescriptions for my mom and they said that she might have an infection in her stomach because she was having acid reflex. She stayed over night in the hospital and it cost me 700 Haitian dollars, which is about 88 US Dollars. The next day I took her to the clinic I work at and we gave her another IV. My mom's taking so many medications, I'm not too smart on medicine, so we gave her pills and vitamins. She doesn't have Cholera, she might have an infection and was very dehydrated the other day. We gave three IV's and now she starting to feel better. I have some more exams to do for my mom, but I don't have the money. She's resting now and trying to eat and drink some good water, but she's not doing it enough.

My house... we are planning to move, but I can't move because I don't have money. We have a deadline to leave the land, and I am planning to put up a tent in my yard where I'm going to go, but we have to move so it's hard right now. I have two properties, I used to live on one of them, but my house fell down there. I've tried to sell it but no one wants to buy property full of rubble. My other property has walls for a house but no covering, and I don't have money to put a covering over it. I'm probably going to get a tarp and cover it, but I have a nice tent that was given to me so I will set it up there as well."

When I met Huberman, he told me about his dream to start a school and study to be a doctor. He told me that Haiti's only real resource is it's children and he wants to help raise up children who are educated and love the Lord. I am amazed by this friend I have because his life is so hard... I can barely comprehend how he is able to live. Yet, everyday or so when he calls me... I ask him how he's doing and he tells me, "I'm doing great by the grace of God." I told him that I am leaving in a few days and he told me that he'd miss me a lot and... this stuck me... his mother wanted to see me again before I left. I hope to see her tomorrow... pray the roads are clear and safe.

Coffee In Haiti

Two weeks ago, the mother of a Haitian friend of mine, Huberman, gave me a great gift.While I've been in Haiti I have searched and talked with many people about finding available land with coffee already grown. With this in mind, this "madam" (woman) traveled up a very long and steep road to find coffee for me. She ended up plucking and cleaning about a pound of coffee beans to show that she had found land with coffee. It was such a surprise and blessing to know that this woman has been thinking about me and wanted to help me.

Today, I went up to the land and met the farmer who I nicknamed, Oregon. I walked throughout the whole land, which we figured out was about 10 acres. It had lots of coffee trees, bananas, oranges, and many other exotic fruits I have never seen. As we journeyed through the coffee jungle I couldn't help but render the thought of how this place could eventually become a great blessing to Haiti, as it would provide many jobs for people. With a bit of cleanup, some training, some communicating, and organization, I pray that this dream would become a reality.

As our time in the coffee land ended, my Haitian friend, Huberman, received a call from a family member that his mother (my "madam") had become very sick... throwing up and not able to hold any food or water down. With this news, Huberman became very distraught. We planned to drop Huberman off at the bottom of the hill, but our plans quickly changed as we drove up to his tent camp and picked up his mom and brought her to the hospital. When we arrived at where his mother lived, five of us huddled into her 5x5 ft. tend and began to pray God's healing for her. After that we loaded her up in our tap-tap, and I witness such awesome community as five or so other woman began to gather and provide pillows and blankets for her ride in the back of the tap-tap. All eyes where turned towards this scene as a woman who has become an overseer, nurturer, and caretaker for this tent camp, become impaired by sickness.

Tonight I pray for a great work to be done, while fully knowing that God can do anything. I pray for deep impact in that hospital as a woman who is covered in prayer enters the atmosphere of a depressing place of sickness and disease. And I pray for healing, healing, healing in Jesus name. It breaks my heart to see someone become so frail that they couldn't walk and that someone so undeserving of sickness would be overtaken by it. Especially, when it's a woman who has cared about me and shown great thankfulness just at my presence. "Lord watch over your children tonight."

The Upcoming Election

There has been a lot of talk in the news about the crazy things going on in Haiti right now with the upcoming elections. Today at lunch I talked with a Haitian who works for us, and he told us that yesterday a student died, supposedly because of political reasons. It's amazing that a country that has suffered so much because of corruption, poor economy and government, and natural disasters, still has people who fight, argue, and hurt each other even more. We heard individual presidential candidates have specific places you can go to vote for them. This is dangerous because secretly, presidential candidates will hire people to go to competitors voting spots and riot, fight, kill... in order to keep people from voting for that candidate.

It's hard to even know how to be praying because in years past, Haiti has experienced coups and riots against presidents. In saying this I mean that we can pray that Haiti will have a good president, who is not corrupt, but that would mean that he is taking a stand against many influential/powerful people who might want otherwise. The other option is seeing a corrupt president come into office and not see much change or very little as the president focuses on his issues rather than the people's.

I think it's appropriate that yesterday was Thanksgiving and this Sunday is the election, because as Americans we have so much to be thankful for. We don't even know what's it like to be hungry, and hungry in a sense that you don't know when you'll be able to eat again. Here in Haiti money is power, and I think that Americans have a lot of just reasons to complain and be upset at the government. But let's be thankful that our government has done a good job of balancing money and power, and have concern about it's people. Let that thankfulness fuel your prayers as you lift up Haiti and the upcoming elections.

Beyond What I Can Do

The other day I helped lead Beaverton Foursquare's Young Adult team, as we went out to a very close neighborhood/small tent camp, to help lay small rocks for the floor of a beginning school. When we arrived, there were at least twenty children under the age of twelve ready to greet us. We said "Hello" and went to work. However; we didn't realize it but soon our team of six multiplied into sixteen as a bunch of the young boys helped scrape up the rock, load the wheel barrows and buckets, and lay it under the building. There was a point where half our Beaverton team stopped working and began to love on and play with the kids. I continued to work, as I focussed on the task at hand. As I pushed a full wheel barrow to where we were putting the rock, I had four kids running along side me the entire way there, and I thought they just wanted to help me. My thinking was right, but their "help" was not what I had in mind. They did help strengthen my muscles, because after I emptied my load of rock, I received another load of three boys who wanted a ride back. They were just as heavy and a lot more "rocky" as they shifted and moved around in the wheel barrow. It was a bit irritating at first when my work got harder and took longer, but the Lord spoke to me and helped me realize the amazing moment that was taking place.

Romans 4:23-24 says: "And when God counted him [Abraham] as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded for our benefit too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."

When I read this verse it made me think about how Abraham had a promise and (3:18) even when there was no reason to hope, Abraham kept hoping - believing that he would become the father of many nations. So... because of Abraham's choice to believe and have faith in the Lord, he was counted as righteous. But his righteousness wasn't fully for him, it was for us too. His life and the way he lived it, impacts me and my life, here and now. With all the things I am doing here in Haiti, I believe that what I do can be so much more impacting if I choose to hope, live by faith, and love as I am commanded. Even when I have a day like the last two where I am involved in building/lackering/giving away benches, making almost 200 cement pavers, building the foundation for a chicken coup and talapia farm, putting up tents at a clinic, filtering 1000 gallons of water, driving a stick shift on the streets of Haiti, helping organize a mass clothing give away, and keeping a team I just met, focussed... none if it matters, if I don't seek and listen to the Lord. But when I do seek His face, those things I do, do impact and change lives beyond what see or imagine.

Paul says something along the line of how, if anyone has reason to boast about the things they have done, he does, because he followed the Law flawlessly. However, he realizes none of it matters when compared to knowing the Lord. When I came to Haiti in May, I saw how God can give people strength beyond what they have when they allow themselves to depend completely on God. Now I see that I have to continue to desire this heart, because if I ever move in my own strength, it will lead to frustration and irritation, as things don't go my way. But as I listen to the Lord and obey, I will begin to receive a greater strength and He will be able to do greater things through me, beyond what I can do.

Appreciation

It's been awhile since we've been able to write about something that we've noticed or about something that has happened to us. However, I felt like I'd shed some light on what I've observed concerning the hearts of Haitians. For all the people who have not been to Haiti, one of the first things that will impact you (if you're there on a Sunday) is seeing their thankfulness and worship. During most teams (that are here for a short time) debriefing meetings on Sunday night, I always hear them talk about the how they are amazed by the Haitian's grateful hearts and how much they love to worship. They watch in awe as a people who have lost so much and live with so little are so 'stinking' thankful and joyful. It almost makes the American jealous, because they have so much and continue to need more in order to feel some joy. Like the little boy who is happy playing with a cardboard box, while the girl who has her own pony continues to whine and cry about how she never gets what she wants.

When I have had the opportunity to meet some Haitians, one of the first things they always say to me is, "Thank you." They are so thankful that I would give up everything that I have in America and pay to come help out this country. They don't even know what I'm really doing here or how I am helping, but their attitude is of gladness, not resentment (which I think I'd feel if someone came to my neighborhood to help make it better).

Today a team here went out to a neighborhood about a block away and put on a little church service for mostly children. While I was there I talked with two brothers and they shared with me about how they appreciate that we came and did that service. One of the boys (who is 26 years old) explained to me that he would not be able to put on a service like we did, yet he knows that people need to know about Jesus. I responded by telling him, we aren't coming to Haiti to do anything for them, but help empower them to help each other. He didn't quite understand what I was saying at first so I gave him an example. I leaned over and picked up a rock, and said "I don't need to pick this up. I want to help you be able to pick up this rock." So, I took his hand and helped him bend over and had him pick up the rock. I told him, "This is empowering." He laughed and said, "You are a very good teacher." At that moment, I think it clicked in him what my heart is, and he was very thankful. I was surprised after this, because he kept talking about how he needs us and would not relent about how our assistance is needed. I think his response was coming from appreciation that we were there and he wanted me to know what we were doing was important. He did not want me to feel like I wasn't needed or felt insignificant. To me it seemed like such a thing of beauty for him to give me so much credit and have so much confidence in me, that I was doing good in this country. Definitely a different heart than I have experienced in the states, where their is such a mentality of self gain or self good.

Sorry this is getting long but a couple verse just popped into my head:

"Then he [Jesus] said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" - Luke 9:23-25

"Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful." - 1 Corinthians 1:27

Ups and downs and "TIH"

October 30th Haiti Update

We had a pretty big last couple days in Haiti, the Lord was good, as always, and His mercies were new. As everyone in Base Camp woke up to start the days, we knew it'd be full of productivity. We had days of laying new foundations, bringing good water to the Haitians, creative expression, giving dental care, and ultimately bringing God's glory down. As you know, Haiti experienced a major earthquake, and the Foursquare Church had to be destroyed because of the damage it took. Currently, our new metal building is on it's way to us, but we have had to do a lot of preparation. So, the day of laying the cement slab for the church was a highly anticipated day. However, as we ran into many difficulties that come from working with Haitians, it began to rain just as we finished our second of three slabs.

A project that I have been given is taking care of our water at Base Camp and at the church. We have two major water purifiers and I have learned how to use it and make water drinkable. When I went out to use our purifiers on our water I successfully purified a 500 gallon tank and a 1000 gallon tank. However, when I attempted to purify our water cistern for our Base Camp, I wasn't as lucky. For some reason, beyond to my knowledge, the filter that I used once successfully, would not work.

This is where "TIH" is explained. A saying many people use here to describe how life is, "Haiti moves at the speed of life." Ever watch grass grow? It's kinda like that. What makes things rough is that things never quite work how you'd like them. A real testing of your patience and ability to hold your frustration. So, we have developed this, "TIH" phrase as a way to subside our anger in how things are working. "TIH" means "This is Haiti"

An example: Today, a fellow worker and I grabbed two containers full of 100 backpacks that we gave away to 100 children so they could begin to go to school. However, after we loaded the containers into the truck, I noticed a huge black furry spider (probably a tarantula of sorts) on my coworkers shoulder. After a high pitch scream, and Rachael says I did a little dance, I ran over and grabbed something to knock it off him and did so. But before I knocked it off of him, I noticed another spider of the same sort crawling right next to my foot. Then I realized the spiders where probably underneath the containers, which where now in the bed of the truck. Which only a few minutes later I found myself sitting in. Honestly, I was a bit afraid that I'd turn around and see one crawling on my shoulder, but all I could do was give God my fear and simply tell myself, "TIH"

A Word on the Cholera outbreak in Haiti

This last week it has been confirmed that cholera has broken out in rural areas outside of Port Au Prince. Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria in contaminated water and food. Officials are unsure of the source, but are attributing it to flooding caused by all the rain Haiti has received the past couple weeks. Cholera’s main concern is dehydration. Clinics and organizations are working hard to supply infected regions with rehydration kits and water purifiers. Cholera is normally not a deadly infection, but because of the lack of access to clean water and medical attention, cholera is a great concern in Haiti.

While it is pressing and in our thoughts and prayers, those of us living at Foursquare Base Camp Haiti, have not been directly affected by the outbreak. We are constantly aware and careful of all food and water that is brought into the Base Camp. Safety is always a concern, and we do all we can to insure that those living here, as well as teams that come and serve, are safe and healthy. We use purified water, as well as water filters, for teams if they travel away from Base Camp. These filters eliminate 99.9% of all harmful water borne bacteria. If anyone becomes sick, we are diligent about looking after him. If we have any concerns, we will take him to a medical clinic just minutes away. Currently, we are on schedule for all teams that are on our calendar, and we have no worries for health or safety. We appreciate your concern and prayers, but would also like to put your mind at ease about the current situation.

-Rachael

Righteousness and Justice for all who are Oppressed

This nation is a nation who have given themselves over to idols, over to the enemy but the Lord is faithful. He does not deal with us according to our sins. The Lord's heart beats for these people, His heart is for creating something new out of nothing. These people live in survival. They live for the day. They know the hardships of life.

Do we remember that our lives are but a moment? I was asked this week by a pastor here, "What is the meaning of life?" Why are we here? We are here to bring glory to our Creator. He made a comment about all the work being poured into the building of the new church, "If one person comes and hears the gospel, believes and is saved, it is all worth it." The salvation of one makes it all worth it. Do we live with the mind set that everything we do is for the glory of God. For all the work we do in our lives, if one comes into the fullness of God our lives are fulfilled. The Lord is stirring up the hearts of His people. He is calling His people to himself. He has so much to pour out. The Lord is at work in ways we can see and in ways we will never see. He orchestrates in the realms of the impossible.

Pray that these people will give the Lord all they have and serve Him alone. The Lord has not forgotten these people. He is here and He is pouring himself out on this hungry and thirsty land. Pray against the enemy who has been given territory. The Lord has died for the redemption of these people, we are taking back land. We are declaring the victory we have. "Beni Swa l'Eternel"

-Rachael Tenneson

Foursquare Haiti Blog

Please take some time to check out our Foursquare Haiti Blog at www.foursquarehaiti.wordpress.com and become a follower to receive updates about new posts and events taking place. This is a great resource to inform people about what we are doing here to help and testimonies of what God is doing. Let's join together and raise awareness of what's going on here, by telling your friends and people you know about this blog. Thank You.

Prayer Requests

So being here, you definitely see life and ministry in a new way. New places of breakthrough, new issues, new atmosphere, new ways to communicate, new ways to love and worship God. I love being here and love being apart of the amazing things God is doing in this country.

Recently, we had a break-in happen at our base camp, the intruder did not come into the house but went into our security guards house within the walled property and stole a bunch of important things from him. It just so happened that our security guard was gone taking a three day trip to an orphanage, in Jeremie, and back about 150 miles aways, so that some work could be done at the orphanage. John Booker, our missionary here, is in a bit of frenzy everyday, either answering his phone, working on a project, or dealing with an issue. Within the last couple days we have started to give attention to an orphanage nearby, and some major things are coming to the surface.

So please be praying for our safety and that fear would not reside in this place, but that we'd claim our authority, carrying His light. On the trip to the orphanage in Jeremie, four guys serving down here, went there to do some construction and we found out today that we have to leave them one more day, so be praying for them, and that the trip someone will have to make to get them and bring them back will be safe and go smoothly. Continue to lift up our missionaries, that they'd have a clear mind, insight, and vision for what needs to be done and how to do it best. Lastly, I ask that you'd be praying about the big things in store for the orphanage, because the owner is not a Christian, we have already put a lot of money and labor into it and for a church to take over an orphanage is a big deal.

Thank You for you support.
In His love,
Jonathan

Orphanage

Hello there,

I got the amazing privilege of going to a couple different orphanages. I went to one yesterday called Love A Child, it is a very large beautiful compound with a million dollar budget, funded by mainly, Joyce Meyers. I didn't see many children, as our focus was not on being with the orphans, it seems to be a self-sufficient organization doing good for Haitians.

The other orphanage that I went to today was originally a pastors house. When the earthquake destroyed so many homes and families, children filled the streets. When this pastor saw all the children, he opened his home to them, starting an orphanage with about 120 children. It has developed much more and has great leadership, however this particular orphanage has gone a few days with no water or electricity. You wouldn't see it on the children's faces though, only joy and love was seen in there eyes as I got to spend time with them. I played drums and showed off my beat-boxing skills, played some small hand games (thumb war, etc.), they showed me where they slept and to wrap up my time there, I sat with five or so kids draped on me and in my lap, as we watched, The Spy Next Door, in Creol. It was an amazing time, and I really felt God's heart for the kids and kept hearing the verse in my head about how we are told to love the orphans, widows, and helpless. Overall, I was blessed to know God has entrusted me as a vessel to love these kids as I know Jesus does.

In His Love,
Jonathan

Anthem Team in Haiti

Just put up a slideshow of pictures that Rachael took while the Anthem team was down in Haiti for a week. The team took a trip up to a mountain to spend time with and minister to a village that has not receive much contact since the earthquake. I heard stories from the team that they had church every night, and it was powerful. They'd wake up at 5am and hear villagers playing drums and worshiping, what a beautiful way to wake up, the sound of praise. I heard that in times of worship, with the Haitians, language barriers did not exist, Haitians and Americans sang out in their prayer language, and caught glimpses of how worship would be in Heaven, as all join in one sound.

Found out that the Foursquare Church located just down the road from Base Camp, was finally torn down. It had taken some pretty bad damage from the earthquake, actually offsetting the roof from the building, so as you can see in the pictures they have brought it down. They have a new metal structure on the way to the church where they will be able to assemble it within a couple weeks. The only hang up is actually getting it, because with the way things are in Haiti, shipments and supplies have a hard time getting where they need to be.

Please be praying for the church and their new building, that somehow God can continue to expand His Kingdom without the need of a perfect place for people to gather under a roof. Also, be lifting up Rachael as she is getting to know John and Debbie Booker more and wants to continue to bless them and help serve them more as she continues to be open and passionate with them. I will be leaving Tuesday to drive to Portland and then fly out Wednesday, so be praying for safe travels and smooth times in my connections and through customs.

In His Love,
Jonathan

Rachael In Haiti Update

It has been 6 days since Rachael departed from Medford Oregon to begin her adventure in Haiti. I found out yesterday that she went with the Anthem Ministry Students up to a mountain to reach a village that hasn't received much relief since the earthquake. While the team was there they did some major outreach and built some essential structures (bathroom, etc.) for the village.

She sent me a message today from the base camp that we will be staying in, and told me that there are a couple good guys who have come down to Haiti to stay and serve for a couple months at the base as well. I'm excited to join hearts with these other servants who share in a love for Haiti.

Lastly, a few awesome things Rachael told me about is that it is rainy and cooler, as expected, and she stayed in a tent during the hurricane that passed through. She also enjoyed a nice shower in a waterfall, something few are brave enough to do.

In these remaining days for me in Medford, I am continuing to seek the heart of God and pursue His presence. I just talked to someone yesterday about it, but we chatted about how just like Paul I am finishing my time here strong and well, so that I can be propelled into my time in Haiti. Thank you for all your prayers and love for Rachael and I.

In Love,
Jonathan

Jesus In Haiti

I found this article on the internet today. Seems that God is answering our prayers for this country, and revival is taking place. Our prayers our powerful! Keep them coming! More Jesus More.

http://www.gofbw.com/news.asp?ID=12099

Jonathan and Rachael Head to Haiti

The day is coming soon when two hearts will come together with the call and purpose of serving missionaries: John and Debbie Booker, at the Foursquare Church Base Camp in Haiti. The two of went to Haiti in May with eight other people apart of the ministry school we were apart of. We spent a week worshiping, interceding, helping clear rubble, and ministering alongside of others with a shared love for the country and people of Haiti. This trip really opened mine and Rachael's heart for the people of this nation. A nation that has been ripped off by government, greed, and the enemy, but holds amazing potential to be a beautiful, healthy, thriving country.

Rachael will be traveling to Haiti on September 22nd with a group of seven others who are apart of Living Waters Church in Medford and Anthem School of Ministry out of the church. Upon arriving (we presume) the small team will depart from Rachael at Base Camp and head up into the mountains by donkey to minister to a village that has not been able to be reached since the earthquake. They plan to build a bathroom and other sorts of essential things for living.

I will be leaving October 5th and arriving in Port Au Prince on the 6th. I would have liked to leave earlier but I made an agreement to work until October, so I will be finishing my work up prior to going. Upon arrival Rachael and I will be serving the missionaries however we can. We are not positive about all the things we will be doing, but we go without expectations and hopes. Rather, we go with available hearts, willing to do anything no matter what it is. We understand that this is the heart that God desires, a heart abandoned and hungry for whatever God has in store, for the greater calling for His will.

So this is just the beginning and we hope to keep this blog up while we are in Haiti to update everyone on what is taking place. Please be praying for us, the teams that we will be working with, the missionaries, and most importantly the people of Haiti.

In Love,
Jonathan