Updates & Newsletters

Updates

Updates, written by Rev. Vernon Giesbrecht (Double Harvest's North American Coordinator), are sent out monthly to donors along with the receipts and report on various aspects of the ministry in Haiti. Please click on a date below to view the update for that time period.

September, 2008

No doubt you were watching with concern as Hurricane Gustav made its way across the Caribbean islands at the end of August, and then made it way to the Louisiana/Texas coastline, gaining strength as it approached. Lessons learned from the Katrina disaster were implemented with an unprecedented evacuation of the greater New Orleans area. Thankfully, the storm was not as strong as predicted and damage and loss of life were comparatively small.

How did Haiti fare? Over the years, deforestation has made its mountainous and coastal areas especially vulnerable to life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. Just prior to Gustav, Tropical Storm Fay had left many areas saturated and rivers swollen. In a southwestern province, 50 people died when a bus was swept away attempting to cross a river. Gustav’s direct hit on the southern peninsula resulted in 51 people killed, 75% of the farms ruined, and 300 homes destroyed. Then came Hurricane Hanna, drenching northern Haiti and causing more flooding, damage and death, with families stranded on rooftops screaming for help. As I write this, the “Train of Tropical Trouble” (AccuWeather) continues to threaten with Ike and Josephine gaining strength crossing the Atlantic.

The Double Harvest project, located 10 miles inland from Port-au-Prince, fared relatively well during these onslaughts of nature. Besides muddy conditions, some crop damage and resulting fungus control, our people on the ground reported minimal damage to buildings. We are grateful to God! However, at least one of our workers lost his home and, in the hills, high winds have caused considerable damage to a sister mission’s property. As with all crises, there are many people in desperate need, especially in a poor country like Haiti. Please pray for the relief efforts, for comfort for those who suffered losses, and for an openness to the life-changing message of the gospel. It is at times of difficulty and powerlessness that compassionate help can result in spiritual decisions.

August, 2008

Summer is a wonderful time to reach out to children. As with churches here in the U.S., Double Harvest sponsors a Vacation Bible School every summer while the farm, greenhouses, clinic and housing project continue operating. This year, two organizations teamed up with us to provide an excellent program – Child Evangelism Fellowship facilitated training sessions for the Haitian VBS staff AND Living in Faith, a Florida based mission led by Russ Montgomery, sent a 13 member team to lead the crafts and sports sessions, and to give out individual “goodie bags”. Sunglasses were included in the bags as eye damage begins early in the tropical sun. That was a hit! Of the 300 enthusiastic kids who attended, 55 opened their hearts to Jesus as their Savior! This was truly a “Double Harvest”! Haitian pastors will continue to disciple these children. Members of the Florida team also led a small eye clinic and worked handyman projects on the property. A double thanks to them!

Another team, led by Gary Norman, conducted English Classes for older students and others interested. Although French is the language of education and business in Haiti, speaking English is often a ticket to a better job and, for some, the skill needed to thrive in the U.S. if they are able to emigrate. Some of the students were believers from the church and the school and could provide a Christian witness in positions of leadership in the business or political sectors of the country. For others, the themes of the classes were often Biblically based and offered an opportunity for witness. Word has it that they all had fun, as well. You have to be able to laugh at yourself when learning a new language.

Thank you for your financial partnership in the broader vision of what Double Harvest is seeking to accomplish in the physical, vocational, educational, medical and spiritual lives of this needy nation. You are indeed assisting us in “Sowing Seeds of Life”.

June/July, 2008

Thank you for your investment in the ministry of Double Harvest. As you know, the month of June is always an exciting time for students in our country. If no make-up days are added because of “snow days”, classes end and the summer break begins early in the month! In Haiti, it wouldn’t be snow that might tack-on a few days to the school year, but rather a tropical storm or hurricane.

Education of its children and youth is seen as an important key to the future of this impoverished and economically unstable country. Double Harvest agrees and, in 1996, established a school for the children of the local villages surrounding its project. Since then, while adding a grade each year, the school has grown to 430 students and offers Pre-school through Grade 12. (Grade 13 will be added next year.) If you are a sponsor of one or more of these students, you will know that they receive an excellent education including Bible and vocational classes, extra-curricular music and sports activities, a daily nutritious noon meal, and free medical care at Double Harvest’s clinic. Parents of the students also pay a reasonable tuition fee to give value to their children’s education.

There are, however, significant challenges that still face the ministry and the dedicated Haitian teaching staff. Children, if malnourished in their younger years, too often remain deficient in their learning capabilities. At times some are released from the school because of repeated failing grades. Many students receive little help at home with their studies as 56% of the adult population is illiterate, or the parents (more likely one parent) are so busy eking out a living they have no time to assist with homework. Well-trained teachers are at a minimum in Haiti with one teacher for every 550 school-aged children in rural areas. Finally, an underlying frustration is that these students face an uncertain future with almost 70% unemployment and an expensive college education even if they have adequate grades. Please pray regarding these issues, as well as for the spiritual growth of these precious lives.

May, 2008

During this past month (April) Operation Double Harvest in Haiti experienced a “first”. The first eye surgeries were conducted at the project’s medical/surgical clinic! Modern technology and Jesus’ healing power combined to give sight to those considered blind.

Since 1987, medical services have been offered to area villages, our farm workers, and school staff and students. When the new clinic building became operational in 2004, the level of care increased noticeably. Beyond the daily services offered, the two operating rooms and recovery ward have provided opportunity for visiting surgical teams from the U.S. to conduct procedures in which the Haitian medical staff is not trained. Grateful patients, many suffering for years from treatable illnesses, have been cured.

Enter Russ Montgomery and Living In Faith, the Florida based mission organization he leads. Focused on the spiritual and physical needs of Cuba and neighboring Haiti, Russ has partnered with Double Harvest in conducting eye exams, providing glasses and distributing vitamins. Realizing that many patients were essentially legally blind because of cataracts, his prayer had been to recruit ophthalmologists to do eye surgeries. His and our prayers were answered when D. James Rowsey (FL) and Dr. John Williams (GA) answered the call and became Christ’s healing hands for one week. And now, those once blind can see! Pastor Joseph, one of 17 patients, now walks with a spring in his step and a smile on his face: “I can be a pastor again!” Three patients expressed new faith in Christ through Associate Pastor Gary’s guidance! One lady later even brought mangoes as her way of expressing appreciation.

In Matthew 20, Jesus touched two blind men and they were healed. Upon receiving their sight they followed Him. As in that experience, we praise God for this compassionate service and for the physical and spiritual healing that occurred – a Double Harvest!

April, 2008

URGENT REQUEST! Would you please include Haiti in your times of prayer this month? Our project director at Operation Double Harvest recently informed us of the rise in kidnappings in the past months – five within walking distance of his home! Frantz commutes over an hour each day to the project which is removed from the volatility of Port-au-Prince. The length of the commute is not so much a factor of distance but rather the conditions of the roads, traffic and his daily change of route. He urged us to pray for the safety of all people including his wife and two young boys.

“In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe…” (Psalm 31: 20)

News reports point to a resurgence of crime including 36 kidnappings in March alone. Thinking that element of society would listen to a Haitian-born rap star, the government has sponsored a short ad by the musician. He calls on Haitians to give up crime: “You should not be raping women, kidnapping people and children. There can be no excuse for doing so. I reject these evil practices.” Whether this attempt or the efforts of the police and the UN peacekeeping force will curb the culture of crime that breeds in the context of poverty, economic instability and social unrest (as we’ve seen in the past weeks) remains to be seen. We can pray that that they will.

Operation Double Harvest lies approximately 12 miles east of Port-au-Prince and is therefore in a relatively safe-zone. So, we are grateful that the work at the agricultural project can continue unhindered, the people seeking medical care can visit the clinic without fear, and our students can attend classes without feeling vulnerable. We thank you for your partnership in this mission through your finances and, particularly now, in your prayers.

March, 2008

A Caribbean cruise or a mission trip? Perhaps it’s a difficult choice, especially when the snow is flying. For some, the cruise may be just the break they need after a hectic year. For others, serving God by helping disadvantaged people may be the refreshment and reward they need. During my years as a Missions Pastor, I would half joke with our congregation that God’s call is never so clear as in the middle of winter to join the Jamaica Mission Team. One might consider that suspect manipulation for a spiritual cause!

During the past month in Haiti there have been those who have answered God’s call to go on a mission trip. Operation Double Harvest received two surgical /medical teams (Kansas & Miami), each of which performed 60-70 procedures. Many patients were cured of medical conditions they had endured for years, some for almost a lifetime. What a thrill to see the look of gratitude on their faces. Life-changing surgeries – what a way to show Christ’s practical compassion!

Another group went down to assist in the Benevolent Housing Project that Double Harvest sponsors but God had other plans. It was decided to complete a project to bring clean water to another nearby village. In the process a pipe was discovered which, after puzzling attempts, was seen to lead to a village near the base of a hill. Just above the village were three artesian wells, which were to be feeding over 10 villages with water through a 30 year old pipe system. Many of our students come from these villages. Repairs and installation of valves in a few villages were initially misunderstood. However, when the water started flowing again, the motivation to help was understood. This has opened up wonderful opportunities to use the resources of Double Harvest to impact more of the surrounding community. The latest news is that the villages are beginning to cooperate with each other to make this project work, a rare occurrence in Haiti. Please pray that this opportunity will also result in spiritual openness. Thank you for the part you play through your generous financial support.

February, 2008

“I guess you had to have been there.” You’ve probably used that line when one of your jokes or stories fell flat. The same could be said when attempting to relate a personal experience – especially a mission trip. As part of our responsibilities, my wife and I recently made another short trip to Haiti and the Operation Double Harvest (ODH) project. We were again impacted by the experience.

The farm and greenhouses, which supply the local vendors and community food needs plus reforestation projects, were in full bloom despite the dry season. We are thankful for the a continuous supply of water from our wells, supplementing the irrigation needs and providing safe drinking water for the entire project and neighboring villages. The Benevolent Housing Project was in full swing with three homes nearing completion. These will soon be “gifted” to worthy families (with some sweat equity from them) selected by the leaders of the village and ODH. Visiting volunteer teams from New York and Florida made good progress on our Old Clinic, renovating it to house an assistant pastor and a Christian worker’s family. At the Medical/Surgical Clinic, eye exams were conducted and prescriptive glasses given out by members of the Florida team.

We participated in distributing clothing, shoes, and socks to grateful Haitians, most of whom have so little. At the school, it was a thrill to witness a couple meeting for the first time the entire class of 30 which they sponsor through their foundation. We had the opportunity to have encouraging discussions with our project director, our school principal, and our resident N.A. workers. Attendance has increased at the meeting times held every work day morning for the farm workers and waiting patients. At the associated but independent church, ten people are in the baptismal classes while an outreach to a local village with the Jesus film was planned two days after we left. I wonder, “Have I described our experience adequately? Well, I guess you had to have been there!”

January, 2008

Water is life. People, plants and animals depend on it. Without it death is inevitable. Contaminated water holds almost as great a danger. Sadly, over one billion people in the world are exposed to preventable diseases (many leading to death) because they lack access to safe drinking water. Haiti is no exception with almost 50% of rural and urban areas having no access to clean, reliable water.

Double Harvest sees it as its Christian responsibility to attempt to meet this critical need in its immediate community. Six wells on the Operation Double Harvest (ODH) property supplement the large irrigation needs (rain and diverted river water are other sources) of the farm and greenhouses. The availability of water – 500 gallons per minute, and the depth of the wells – creating a natural filtering system – combine to provide plenty of pure drinking water for the school, clinic, farm workers, and housing on the project. This is a great gift! With great gifts, however, comes great responsibility.

To combat the risk of water-borne diseases, over the years ODH has either piped water to towers it constructed or sponsored a well to be drilled in neighboring villages, thus providing safe, potable water for their needs. This has been gratefully accepted and appreciated by the people. As is sometimes the case in impoverished situations, however, “entrepreneurs” have sought to benefit from the free water, filling 55 gallon barrels to sell in other villages. Guidelines have had to be put in place to ensure that all have access to this life-sustaining resource. How like the grace of God – the pure water of life that Jesus offered – freely available to all who stop drinking the “contaminated water” of this world and turn to Him for a life-sustaining supply. Thank you for helping ensure that the people of Haiti have pure physical and spiritual water available to them.

December, 2007

Christmas and missions. There should be an immediate linkage in our minds. At the center of the motivation for missionary activity is the good news that Jesus Christ brought to this world. The baby born in Bethlehem was the God-man who ultimately died a cruel death on a Roman cross as payment for the sins of the world. Every person in every nation who places their trust in Jesus, and not in their own attempts to win favor with God, receives forgiveness of sins and the promise of an eternity with God. At its core, missions is about proclaiming this good news – the gospel – everywhere.

Missions is also about tangibly expressing God’s love and compassion for the human condition, especially reflected in the poor of this world of which Haiti is a tragic example. We see this not only in Jesus’ identification and ministry to the poor, but also in the circumstances of His birth. Leaving the riches of heaven, He became poor. He was born in an animal stable in an obscure village in a backwater province of the Roman Empire. He became a refugee, fleeing with his parents from the death threats of King Herod. He was raised as a son of a humble carpenter. He turned on its head the expectations of how the Messiah/King should come.

Double Harvest is about bringing this “Joy to the World” because “…the Lord has come.” Ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of Haitians, the agricultural project at Operation Double Harvest provides employment, food for the community, training in business integrity, housing for the needy, potable water to nearby villages, and a daily devotional service with teaching on Bible themes. The medical and surgical clinic provides essential health care to surrounding areas, and gives spiritual and emotional support to waiting patients. The school provides an excellent education for 430 sponsored students, and a Bible curriculum designed to plant seeds of life in these precious lives. At this Christmas season, we thank you for your investment in this vital ministry!

November, 2007

Divine appointments. God moments. Perhaps you’ve experienced one. It’s those times when it’s crystal clear that God orchestrated the circumstances. Not that He isn’t sovereignly directing the affairs of this world at all times; however, it seems that when He wants His kingdom work done, God often arranges people, places, and things to be in the right place at the right time.

This was the case with our Medical/Surgical Clinic work. It is capably staffed with Haitian medical personnel who care for the illnesses and minor injuries of the people in the surrounding community. Surgeries are another story, however. In April, 2006, Mrs. Diane Cable, a surgical nurse from Kansas, was making her second trip to the Double Harvest project with a view to arrange for N.A. medical teams. Calvin Babcock, a total stranger to Diane, was on the same flight. Calvin is founder of Living Hope Haiti Christian Mission and Chairman of the Board for Baptist Hospital of Miami, FL. As they were deplaning in Port-au-Prince, someone asked Calvin why he was going to Haiti. His answer: “To look for an operating room.” At that exact moment Diane walked by, overheard the conversation, engaged Calvin in conversation, and invited him to visit the facilities at Operation Double Harvest (ODH).

A long story short, Calvin made his visit, was impressed with the quality of the two ORs, and returned to Miami to excite and recruit surgical teams from his hospital. Since then, teams have frequented the clinic every 3 to 4 months, accomplishing 60 to 80 non-life threatening procedures in a four day span. Now, Haitians from Living Hope’s community and those surrounding ODH are being relieved of their suffering and receiving the medical care they so desperately need. Not only that, they are exposed to the love of Christ and His gospel. God has His purposes and they will be accomplished often in surprising “chance” meetings. Your investment in this ministry is an expression of partnership with Him in this. Thank you!

September/October, 2007

DOUBLE HARVEST – The original dual vision still remains: To minister in developing countries in such a way so as to reap a spiritual harvest and to reap a physical harvest by helping people “help themselves” through agricultural, educational, and medical programs. In short, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrating the compassion of Jesus Christ, a vision thoroughly rooted in the truths of Scripture.

At Operation Double Harvest (ODH) in Haiti this mission is often accomplished by combining the two objectives. This summer a missions team conducted an English Camp for high school students and graduates and used songs, games and discussion all based on Bible themes. Russ Montgomery, with Living in Faith, brought a team to do eye exams and to teach couples (especially fathers) how to teach the Bible in their homes, this in a culture where parents are often disconnected from their children’s lives. In the large farm and greenhouse project, employment is provided for the workers, now 125 strong, and daily devotional/evangelism times are required for them each morning prior to the work day. A great atmosphere is established for the day.

At other times, ministry to the desperate needs of the Haitian people stands alone, simply as a way to demonstrate Christ’s compassion. Potable water is supplied to two villages from the wells at ODH. Concrete homes are constructed for poor widows and single mothers who have no hope of family assistance nor hope for the future. A noon hour lunch program has been organized for the farm workers, many who arrive in the morning having not eaten breakfast. Morale and productivity have increased noticeably. These are but a few examples. Thank you for your trust and investment in this dual mission of Double Harvest.

July/August, 2007

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know Haiti celebrates its own Independence Day? It occurs on May 18. As I write this on July 3rd, my wife and I recall the pride with which the staff and students at Operation Double Harvest’s (ODH) Aart VanWingerden School listened to speeches, raised their flag, sang their national anthem with the school band, and marched around the property. Even as we express concern over our country slipping from its spiritual foundation, the hope of the Haitian people is for a better future. Oh, that Haiti would gain its spiritual independence from the rule of voodoo over its people’s lives.

Did you know that the church at ODH conducts an annual Vacation Bible School? Three days of training for Sunday School and Elementary School teachers, plus teens – 30 in all! - made for a well run VBS during the last week of June. With the help of a Maryland church missions team, there were games, activities, crafts, snacks, lunch, and Bible stories, all around the theme: “Lost & Found”. Of the 300 children who attended, 40 made decisions for Christ! Is this where Haiti’s spiritual independence will take root?

Did you know the backdrop to these highlights? A barn being constructed and corn being harvested at the farm; a surgical team from Miami conducting the much-needed 66 surgeries/procedures at the clinic; a tense situation with a thief at the project diffused by forgiveness and mercy; a traffic accident involving our missionary’s wife resulting only in minor injuries to a Haitian pedestrian. The work of God continues through spiritual highlights and every day circumstances alike, reminding us that true freedom occurs only when we are in right relationship with our Creator through faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for this kind of freedom in Haiti.

Thank you for your investment in this ministry.

May/June, 2007

The contrasts never leave your mind: The stark living conditions of the children in the villages that surround Operation Double Harvest in Haiti and the clean but spare classrooms of the Aart VanWingerden School. The dirty and almost naked children and the scrubbed and uniformed students. The village children wandering aimlessly and the students learning attentively. The sense of hopelessness in the village and the atmosphere of hope in the bright eyes of the students. The realization that the majority of village children have little to no exposure to the truths of the Bible and the appreciation that each of the students at the school are receiving a solid Bible curriculum beyond their normal classes, exposing them to the work of God’s Spirit in their lives.

If you are Child Sponsor of one or more of these students at the Aart VanWingerden School, you can be assured that you are changing a child’s life…forever! There is a satisfying joy that comes from helping underprivileged children and youth find love, encouragement, and hope for the future. Sponsoring a child is a strategic way to obey God’s commands to love your neighbor, to love the poor, and to reflect Jesus’ compassion for children. Your child (or children) is receiving an excellent education preparing them for both Christian and vocational service opportunities. Your child receives excellent medical care at the Clinic. The well-balanced, hot meal your child receives each school day ensures their continued health and learning capabilities. Thank you for your generous support of these children. They are indeed the future of this spiritually dark and sometimes harsh, but beautiful country.

April, 2007

During this “Easter month” it strikes me that the truths of Christ’s death and resurrection and the motivation for missionary service converge. After all, what is it that causes people to leave behind the comforts and conveniences of everything familiar to serve and minister in a strange culture often with less than desirable conditions? What is it that moves people to share considerable portions of their wealth to fund such efforts?

Certainly motivations of compassion, justice, benevolence and gratitude drive mission outreach. These themes are reflected throughout Scripture and modeled in the life of Jesus. This is one reason why Double Harvest has established its ministries in Haiti: the school for children of less fortunate circumstances, the clinic to meet desperate medical needs, and the agricultural project to provide jobs and instill productivity. We appreciate your generous and sometimes sacrificial support of these efforts.

But motivation for missionary service goes deeper. It is grounded in the firm conviction that Jesus’ death and resurrection settled the deep questions of guilt, death, and eternity for people of all nations. Personal trust in Jesus and this “good news” results in forgiveness, a restored relationship with God, and hope for this life and the next – in short, a transformed life! And, it is transformed lives that are the key to the future of a country like Haiti. Here life is governed by fear and misplaced trust in supernatural spirits demanding constant appeasement. Greed, corruption, and violence are rampant, and the only solution to the social chaos these have spawned is a change in the human heart. Such radical transformation is only possible when a person’s trust is transferred to Jesus and what His death and resurrection accomplished. At its core, this is what motivates Double Harvest.

This past month this truth surrounded the discussions and decisions of the DH Board meetings. It characterized the individuals and teams that came to teach electricity, welding, woodworking, drafting, sewing, crocheting, and English to the students at the school. It was demonstrated at the clinic by the 22 member surgical team which saw 81 patients and did 92 procedures in 2 ½ days. It is reflected at the farm where early morning Bible teaching and prayer are daily practices. It is seen in the church whose members are seeking to witness to the transforming truth of the gospel in this voodoo-saturated culture.

Your generous support of Double Harvest’s ministry is both appreciated and effective in promoting this “Easter truth”! You are helping to make a difference for the glory of God.

March, 2007

The board and ministry partners of Double Harvest-Haiti would join me in saying thank you for your faithful support of the ministry. Your investment is indeed an eternal one. This month the ministry board will convene in Haiti for three days to discuss the vision and progress of the various facets of the project. Please pray for a sense of God’s presence as well as wisdom and clarity as issues related to the ministry are reviewed and discussed in light of eternity.

Here in brief is what’s been happening in Haiti. Individuals and teams have been making progress on the new barn project for the farm. Constantino and Brenda Sassi are coming to the close of their three month short-term mission in which he taught drafting and woodworking at the technical school, plus assisting in many other efforts. Rick Dillow, from Indiana, has been teaching electricity in the tech school while his team worked on a variety of projects including finishing the 40 bookcases, setting the books for the Library and painting some of the Clinic walls. The team enjoyed meals with Haitian families during their stay.

The renovation of the old clinic has been the focus of a couple of mission teams. The resulting duplex will provide housing for the Haitian pastor and a Source of Light worker. During Mardi Gras festivities, the church distributed Creole tracts and showed the Jesus film. Although there were no decisions for Christ, they were encouraged by the 180 people in attendance. It was a reminder that this is voodoo-saturated ground the evil one will not easily give up.

We invite you to lift up these Prayer Points during your personal or family devotional times:
• The ministry board meetings.
• The students as they prepare for exams at the end of the month.
• Spiritual growth and victories among the project workers and surrounding community.
• Ongoing progress of the ministry as various work and medical team trips are planned.

Thank you again for your interest and support of this critical ministry in Haiti.

February, 2007

Thank you for your recent gift to the ministry of Double Harvest-Haiti. Enclosed please find the corresponding receipt. We praise God for those who faithfully support what God is doing in the country of Haiti.

In Haiti its Mardi Gras time, a time for drunken parties, revelry and debauchery, to use an old-fashioned word. While work and the economy come to an almost grinding halt, the ministry of Double Harvest continues.

While I write, a visiting mission team is working on the new barn and doing preliminary work on the remodel of the old clinic. The school buildings are being used by a church for a spiritual retreat. The church is conducting an evangelistic outreach. And, the school continues to give a quality education to needy children, while the clinic cares for the health needs of Haitians.

Please continue to pray for the political and social unrest in Haiti. The leaders in government and the U.N. command need special wisdom with regard to decisions affecting peace in the country. Pray that the spread of the gospel and mission ministries will continue unhindered in this volatile situation.

Again, thank you for your interest and support of Double Harvest-Haiti.

 

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March 2008

February 2007