WHAT IS GOING ON NOW?

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Greeting all,

The twelve barrels were donated to the Red Cross on Friday, October 31st after a few months of hard negotiations. We hope that they will be picked up from Customs soon. We are happy that we were able to put an end amiably to this issue with the Haitian Custom officials. Many people will enjoy the fruit of our hard work. We will keep you updated when we have more information on this matter and any other being worked on.

The hand of the Lord Jesus was on this project and He blessed us above and beyond all we could ask or think for. His work is marvelous in our sight!

In His Love,

marie

8 Nov '08 / 5 Dec '08

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Haiti Mission Project - Summer 2008

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to my family and all our friends at the US Postal Services, Long Beach City College, Worldwide Church of God-Long Beach, Corona-Norco Bible Fellowship and many precious and loving other people who generously contributed money, time, dry goods, clothing, toiletries, shoes, barrels, school supplies etc. to our summer drive from California to Haiti this year.

We were able with your help to send at least 1300 pounds of food and 400 pounds of toiletries, shoes, clothing and school supplies to the needy of Haiti under the care of the Worldwide Church of God-Haiti. We know that the barrels made it safely to Haiti.

However, we are having difficulties dealing with the Customs officials in Haiti. The WCG in Haiti was denied free tax exemption, and we are being charged an exhorbitant fee for the items in the drums according to Haiti's standards. We are still in the process of dealing with this matter and the fact that some of the drums have been compromised. We are not too happy with this situation although we are told that this is an inevitable situation in Haiti due to the corruption and great personal needs that prevail among the people.

An outreach to the needy in the community will be scheduled as soon as Pastor Franklin gets all the drums. Let's pray that the community outreach will be peaceful and blessed, and that the pictures taken from Haiti will be clear enough for all to enjoy. We will post pictures of what happened in Haiti once we got them.

Click link HTX08 to see pictures of the progression of our drive from California to Haiti.

I also wanted to share that the toys sent last year were gladly received by the children. We were not able to post pictures, but I can tell you that Pastor Franklin reported that the children were very greatful and very happy for the donated toys.

Only Jesus can really reward you for all your efforts and love towards the Haitian people. I know that he is pleased and will bless you abundantly. Thanks again for keeping the mandate of enjoying good food and sweet drinks, but also of sharing gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared.

Love you all,

marie

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The tropical storms have been hitting hardly the coastlines of Haiti who share the island of Hispaniola with Santo Domingo. At least 500 people were reported dead after Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike hit the small island, and especially the western part, these past couple of weeks. As all Haitians know, these reported dead are the ones that could be accounted for. What about the villages where people live in mud-huts with straw roofs that are devastated by the flood? Who can really give the real count for the lost? In Haiti, strong wind and too much rain do not contribute at all to the stability of the region where the country's infrastructure is poorly done or non-existent.

Haiti that is less the size of the State of Maryland was already in a deplorable condition with the rising cost of food, energy crisis and internal problems caused by lack of jobs, fresh water, food, and no sign of hope in view for the poorest in Haiti. We are told that there is lack and famine everywhere....

JB Franklin reported that the brethren are fine and not greatly affected. However, the overall toll of these four storms exacerbate the situation in Haiti and make it hard on people in Haiti who were already scraping it to make it..

We are asking for prayers for the Haitians' people since there are more storms in view in the Atlantic ocean. We also want to thank you for any sacrificial gift of any amount you can contribute to help.

We will provide information soon for the drive organized this summer for an outreach in the Haitian community at Port-au-Prince. Thanks to all who helped make this drive happen!

4 Sep '08 / 9 Sep '08

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As some of you know, it is really difficult to make ends meet in Haiti. Security is an issue for foreigners
as well as natives. Because of the repetitive blackouts, we barely get about 5 to 7 hours of electrical power per day to keep refrigeration working in homes and to allow businesses to function effectively. One is abundantly blessed when alternative backup energy is available. Fresh water supply is also a rarety. Prices for gasoline is twice the price it costs in America. The cost of inflation on all merchandising is ridiculous. Although the government leaders are doing their best to ensure a better life for all, we need Jesus kingdom to be fully established on this earth in order to really bring lasting changes in a thirld world country and real hope for all people.

Our lay pastor, Joseph B. Franklin, is really busy with supervising the elementary school, teaching at the bakery training school, and shepherding the faithful few members.

Issues on hands

School construction project:

Funds collected for the school project is in a special fund allocated for that purpose. Further constructions
are stopped at this stage while we are collecting our widow's mites waiting to have enough to buy
materials and hire workers to start the next phase for the school project. Your generous contribution is
greatly appreciated.

Students:

The school accepted about 50 students for the school year 2007-2008 that usually starts in October. Over one-third of the students are not able to contribute the $15.00 monthly fee needed to pay the
salaries of teachers, staff and for maintenance of the school. Your generous contribution is greatly appreciated.

Click here for photos of one of the graduating classes

Sanctuary construction project:

The building housing the church regular meetings is ancient and needs repairs. Our hope is to build an
auditorium that can house our regular members for services, and also serve as a rental to the community for wedding and special occasions. Your generous contribution is greatly appreciated.

Computer project:

The laptop purchased last year for the pastor short-circuited due to the electrical energy situation in Haiti.
Our goal is to help him get another one with necessary accessories equipment to keep it safe, and also assist with the cost of the monthly internet fee. Your generous contribution is greatly appreciated.

Don't forget that your deduction to any of these projects is 100% tax deductible. Unless specified,
the funds received are allocated where they are mostly needed.

Thanks again for your prayers and your support to the Haitians family.

Marie Monaus 25 Mar '08