Bethesda Evangelical Mission

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Email PastorLubin@bemhaiti.org
203-676-2848 / 203-668-6435

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List of Items Needed
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Update Tuesday March 2nd

Wednesday, 03 March 2010 10:24

Trip Update

Every good thing must come to an end. Today we had our last medical clinic of the week and of our trip. But before I continue, please read sister Sandra's personal view of the trip - her first trip to Haiti.

When I heard of the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti, my heart felt very heavy and God put it upon my heart to find a way to come and help.

I have been an emergency room nurse for 22 years. When my pastor Rev. Tom Walsh spoke in church about a medical mission trip and anyone who was a nurse, doctor, or construction worker please see him after church. Not knowing why, I found myself picking up an application. In the coming weeks I prayed for guidance, strength, and understanding, as in 2nd Timothy 1:7 "for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind." Through faith and love of Jesus I found, I received love, joy, caring, and compassion from people who have a spiritual beauty that filled my heart.

I was honored to serve on the BEM medical team, and I will be back! I honor and give all the praise to the one and only Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

Sandra Lambert, RN

For many of us this was an eye-opening, truly life-changing experience. For half of the team, Haiti was a first time experience. They will forever remember the resiliency of the people, the flood that took lives and washed away their gardens, as well as their love for God. Our week was wonderful, we held 4 medical clinics instead of 5 and we saw or treated over six hundred people.

Sunday after church we went to the Les Cayes Airport to meet an unexpected airplane that came from Florida with medical supplies for the Les Cayes Hospital as well as some things for the HELO orphanage. Tuesday morning before we began with our last clinic we had a supplies delivery at the hospital with local radio and TV stations present. The team morale is extremely high and healthy and we are glad to be here serving the people. We know many are praying for us and we know we would not be as successful if it wasn't for your prayers.

We are now on our way to the airport and we expect to land tonight at JFK at about 12:25am.

God bless you all and again thank you so very much for your much needed support.

With the medical team in Haiti, your voice and eyes,

Pastor Lubin

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Update Monday March 1st

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 12:25

To our friends of BEM and bemhaiti.org,

It is late and the team is now resting, they worked very hard today at the BEM/HELO orphanage. We saw about 225 people! It was such a joy and privilege to serve these precious children as well as the people from Camp Perrin and Labord.

Today we have two new perspectives from two vets. The first is my medical co-leader for this trip, Marla Darius, and the other is our beloved Susan Honeychurch.

I LOVE YOU MORE...
I first met Pastor Lubin in the Dominican Republic in 2007. HE is such an amazing man. Enthusiastic, smiling, and a hearty laugh. Meeting his brother Pastor John in Haiti 6 months later was like a duplicate of the energy I knew so well. I've grown to love these men in Christ and tell them so often. Not to be outdone, each time I say "Pastor John, I love you" he smiles broadly, illuminating the room and he says warmly, "I love you more" (with his beautiful Haitian accent).

Since arriving in Haiti on this trip, we have cared for those displaced from Port-au-Prince. They are living in tents in Les Cayes, those recovering from unimaginable physical and emotional losses. Those who live there need clean water, healthy food, and they look forward to our visit.

They greet us warmly and eagerly at each clinic. I was reflecting on the above as I was in Church Sunday morning. I enjoyed the spirit of praise and worship though I don't understand no more than a few words. I was blessed by the energy of the sermon and teaching.

When I was given the opportunity to share with the congregation, I found myself all choked up. Pastor John had just been speaking, telling the congregation how much he loves us, I said "we love you more". In that moment I saw the love of Christ. Christ's love for me, His passion for me and His interest in me. I began to weep, tears dripping off my face. I thought of all the lives lost in Port-au-Prince, all the hurting souls we treated in Brefette and the soccer field, thought of all the fresh pains being experienced by the man who lost his son just the day before in the swirling flood waters, and yet in the midst of all this pain, trauma and heartache these people smile at me, and love and praise their Lord on high. It was too much for me, I could only weep.

My thoughts swirling like the waters. I'd watched all day tears for the lost, pain and suffering, I'd see and heard tears of joy for the mom who brought her chubby 5 month old to us for care. Tears of frustration for all these things sweet people endure day after day. On the other hand, there were tears of thanksgiving for our God is so great. He loves us, each one, and He never leaves us.

I came here hoping to be the light of Christ to others, but I found that the people here being the light of Christ to me.

Thank you for sending me to Haiti, thank you for allowing me to be your hands and feet. I know you sent me because you love me, and all I can say to you is "I love you more".

Marla Darius, RN

Haiti is a land of contrasts...

In one ear I hear the gentle breaking of waves over Gelee Beach, from the other ear I hear the desperate pleas of the people in Brefette as they fear time will run out on their opportunity to receive meds from our small team, who cannot spread ourselves thin enough to see to all in need.

On one late morning, my foot taps in rythm to the praises that spring forth from the Christians singing glorious praise songs in the church of Les Cayes. On the previous morning I watch in horror as the feet of the local Haitians of Les Cayes flee their homes during a strong tropical storm. Our eyes take in the destruction of the city of Port-au-Prince - building crumbled and a sheet or two help up with sticks for shelter in the street. The other eye sees a table overflowing with medicine, an airplane coming to Les Cayes, filled with medical supplies to be delivered to the hospital in Les Cayes.

I thank God for this opportunity to serve in this wonderful land. My heart beats along with the hearts of my Haitian brothers and sisters as togther we follow our Lord. Praise God, as moment by moment He leads us.

Susan Honeychurch

These are the stories our team is experiencing daily, they are not something someone else is telling us, these stories are now part of our lives. In-spite of it all, we can see the hands of God at work in our lives and He is very much in control. We experienced the love of a staff taking care of precious children at HELO, we saw children that would not have a loving home if HELO wasn't there. We would like to encourage the sponsors of these orphans by saying, because you sow into the lives of these children, Haiti now has the chance to be a better place. HELO is preparing good future leaders for Haiti and YOU are playing a major part in that! Thank you for your support. You've made Elisabeth's vision clearer each and every day.

Our last medical clinic will be held at the school of Les Cayes. We are expecting many needs so please pray for our strength as we serve the people of God in Haiti.

With the BEM medical team in Haiti - Your servant,

Pastor Lubin

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Update From Haiti, February 28th 2010

Sunday, 28 February 2010 23:09

Today is Sunday, traditionally a day of worship. However due to the flood last night, many people were still under water. The few faithful who were in church this morning came with an attitude of gratitude knowing they could have been a victim of last nights catastrophic situation. Here are some of the views of some of our team members.

Its very hard to describe to those at home exactly what I am seeing here in Les Cayes. To me this is a country already devastated, having to once again grab only those belongings most valued to them and migrate to a place of refuge. When is enough enough for those still trying to settle themselves into a safe place that wont collapse or be washed away in a flood. Yet as I look at the faces of those carrying their youngest children on their shoulders and the only food and money they have in their arms, I don't see a look of despair in their eyes, I see hope. How amazing is that?! Some still praise God as they wade through muddy trenches alongside the road.

Hallelujah! They chant for they have survived another travesty. The people of this country never cease to amaze me and their faith in God continues to grow even in their most desperate hours. I am so privileged to be here and I wish all those at home could share in this experience with me. God Bless, from Haiti.

Chris Rusate, RN

Today as usual we spent Sunday morning in church. We attended the Bethesda Evangelical Church of Les Cayes and were welcomed by the congregation. During the service the congregation was asked to individually tell God what we are thankful for. I bow my head and begin to find myself finished within 5 minutes or less. As I listen to the congregation still in prayer I look upon the Haitians and watch how they continue to thank God for what they have. As the clock continued the Haitians were still actively thanking God and all I could do was think "how could they possibly have that much to be thankful for after this earthquake last month, flood yesterday, and extreme poverty daily?" I have so much more than they and yet my prayers were finished, how can this be? The devastation in this country is nothing to be thankful for and they are. I complained when my basement flooded and lost very little and yet lives were among the lost in yesterday's flood.

I come here to Haiti so much wealthier than they and I find that they are richer in spirit than I could ever imagine. I am honored to be here serving those who teach me to be humble in everything you have and do.

To all my US friends, look around and be thankful!

Cara Gooing, RN

We were fortunate enough to have worship services, one in french creole then in English. Pastor William Heugel preached at the first service. He makes clear that God's actions are to bless, bring hope, joy, life, and salvation to all, not destruction. The curse came from way back when the first couple disobeyed the instructions of God. And he closed by reminding the people of the good things Jesus did and therefore we need to always sing songs of joy such as "loue, loue, glwa a Jezi peche mwen efase." Translation: praise, praise to Jesus my sins are all erased. It was a moment of joy.

Then the English service starts with great hymns, Pastor John's English students really enjoy this one, because this is a great occasion to practice their English.

Pastor Tom Walsh of Crossroads Community Church of Vernon, CT spoke about being free from sins. He uses one of the Haitian heroes, Toussaint Louverture who led the Haitian slaves to their freedom from both the French and Spain. Then he reflected on Romans 8 and Luke 15 that's the story of the prodigal son. He explained that no one can be free alone, the son of God has to set you free and if therefore the Son set you free, then you are free indeed. He uses a Haitian as an illustration by tying him up to show how a slave is prohibited from his freedom.

We are now at Gelle Beach having a great time, its the first for half of the team.We have fresh coconut and many crabs visiting often.

We never underestimate the power of your prayers on our behalf, keep the prayer lines open.

Until the next update, with the BEM mission team in Les Cayes, Haiti,

Pastor Lubin

Comments (1)

Update From Haiti, February 27th 2010

Saturday, 27 February 2010 21:35

It's Saturday morning. I'm reflecting on yesterdays work in Brefette, a suburb of Les Cayes.

I've been there before. It's where a BEM church was once located on the banks of a river. I have had the privilege of baptizing new believers there. Two years ago the building itself was totally immersed by the raging river in a flood from a hurricane.

I now return to a new cement block building with a tin roof, not with powerful preachers, but with compassionate nurses.

We set up and in doing so we are working around a sea of hopeful people, who are waiting to be seen. Nurses consult, listen, look, and advise. Patients are sent up to the altar, usually a place for prayer but now a place to get medicines. It has become a pharmacy. They see me first. My assistant has prepared some juice. It is Piperazine. It will kill the worms in their digestive tract. They contracted those worms by drinking water in which they bathe, wash their clothes, and are baptized.

The juice is a thimble full of purple juice. I invite them to come. "Vini" I say. They come. I lift the juice to their lips. They drink and say thank you. They know it is life saving.

They move on to the pharmacy for medication for their pain, as they go I pray for them. "God go with them, strengthen their bodies. Save their souls."

Its Saturday now and we have moved on to do it all over again, in the name of Jesus. I continue to pray, "Lord take the work of our hands and the meditation of our hearts and may it be pleasing in your sight." Amen.

Your servant,

Pastor Bill

It has been reported at least three casualties in the Les Cayes area due to the flooding today. Our team could not hold the medical clinic planned for La Croix, a suburb of Les Cayes, today.

We drove to the city just to see how much of an impact one day of rain could make. The church in Les Cayes and the school has been transformed to a community center to give shelter to hundreds of families who now have no place to live.

We are safe here at the mission house, a cement block, two story home. We feel very safe and we are getting ready for church tomorrow. Services start at 7am with the French language service and at 10:30am for the English service.

Pastor Lubin

As we set out this morning to run our clinic in La Croix, it was already raining pretty hard. We were laughing because the roof of the bus was leaking and a few of us were wearing modified trash bags as rain ponchos. The closer we got to La Croix, the worse the "puddles" became. Soon the water was over the road and the people walking along were up to their knees in water. As Pastor Lubin mentioned, the clinic turned out to be a no-go. There was over a foot of water in the church.

As we made our way back, the rain continued to fall in torrents. When we reached the center of the city everything was under two feet of water. Disabled cars were everywhere. Pedestrians carried children and bundles and one another. I have served in missions in many places but I have never seen anything like I saw today. The rainy season has arrived early in Les Cayes. The displaced people we served who are living in tents at the soccer stadium had to be evacuated. This is just the beginning of what is going to be another agonizing trial for these beautiful people.

Our focus is shifted so easily. The great and tragic story of the Haitian earthquake is still being written. How the chapter entitled "Facing the rainy season in a makeshift shelter" turns out depends on whether or not we are still motivated into action, or lulled into complacency.

May the next deluge be a fresh shower of love and compassion.

Pastor Tom Walsh