Update 6-30-2010
6-23-2010. I arrived in Haiti at 7:30 this morning due to an added flight by American Airlines and that was different, getting out of customs and onto the streets just as the national police raised the Haitian flag at the sound of the trumpet to officially start the day. I had been sitting next to a young girl from Iowa who was on a mission trip with several others. I was particularly moved by Kelly....... (I remember her name because I had to fill out her immigration form) because her Cerebral Palsy was very involved. She had a thousand questions for me and her speech was difficult for me even for the trained speech pathologist that I am. She wanted to know how the work of evangelism was going in Haiti and I told her the whole story. She could hardly hold the forms, much less fill them out, but her handicap didn't affect her excitement to see Haiti. This blessed me--She is 18 years old, takes a wide berth when she walks with her crutches, has to hold her soda between her legs so she can drink with a straw (wouldn't be able to coordinate her hands and mouth to drink), and SHE'S ON A MISSION TRIP! I don't think there is a Haitian or American for that matter who appreciates her amount of caring for the Haitian and the unsaved, as I did. I experienced so many adults who are physically able in every way, who would not consider a mission trip to Haiti, but this young lady wasn't going to be swayed.
6-24-2010.I met with the pastors at 9:00 and it was a sweet reunion. We talked about the orphanage and as we talked about our needs, I looked at Pastor Joseph Gracia and thought, "I wonder if he could be the Father of the Orphanage?" We talked further and Pastor Salnave spoke quietly to me, "You know Tom, Pastor Gracia and his wife never had children. They tried but it never happened. Maybe he would want to?" Then another pastor spoke up and asked Pastor Gracia if he would be interested. He smiled and didn't answer. I asked him--"Pastor: Would you like to be the PaPa to many children? He looked up and said yes. Guess what I did just then--Yes, the tears shot off my face then I went over and held his head and kissed his forehead. Everyone laughed and rejoiced.
I think the Lord showed me earlier that Pastor Gracia was the one. Anyway, we will meet with he and his wife on Thursday. Pray that we only accept the Lord's direction and will on this matter.
6-25-2010. We met with Pastor Gracia on Thursday but his wife was not there. She was sick and has been sick from Diabetes. With great disappointment, we concluded that this family would not be a candidate to parent the orphans, but Pastor Gracia is eager to assist and lead in any way possible. Pastor Breese and his wife are building caretakers and they are there to help with the children and to cook. Now, we only have to find the right couple or pair of ladies to love and parent the children. This is our greatest and most urgent prayer need for now.
Update 6-18-2010
We don't hear much about Haiti today in the News, but revival continues to bless and strengthen the people there. We have been working yet to import our first metal building to replace broken churches. Shipping to Haiti is difficult and expensive as many of the people along the way are ruthless in their charges and handling of our affairs. This is like learning a new trade without a teacher. One mistake and your chops get busted! We are back again in the process of acquiring a governmental “Franchise Number” from the Haitian Government. Many times we have initiated this process, but it changes with every disaster and political upheaval, so progress might resemble teaching a turtle to fly. Still, we try. Our trip of June 22—28 will be for the purpose of fellowship with pastors, equipping our home for service as an orphanage and interviewing superintendent candidates to operate orphanage. Pray for us that we might be under the direct supervision of the Holy Spirit and receive blessings of His provision and direction.
Update 3-24-2010
Click on the image to the right to read a message from Tom Buttram on 3-24-2010 concerning the relief efforts in Haiti.
Update 2-11-2010
Click on the image to the right to read a message from Tom Buttram on 2-11-2010 concerning the relief efforts in Haiti.
Update 1-30-2010
Click on the image to the right to read a message from Tom Buttram sent on 1-30-2010 concerning the earthquake in Haiti.
Update 1-29-2010
Click on the image to the right to read a message from Tom Buttram sent on 1-29-2010 concerning the earthquake in Haiti.
Update 1-28-2010
Click on the image to the right to read a message from Tom Buttram sent on 1-28-2010 concerning the earthquake in Haiti.
Update 1-26-2010
Click on the image to the right to read a message from Tom Buttram sent on 1-26-2010 concerning the earthquake in Haiti.
Update 1-13-2010
Click on the image to the right to read a message from Tom Buttram sent on 1-13-2010 concerning the earthquake in Haiti.
NOTE: If you would like to make a donation to help us rebuild and meet the needs of our pastors, congregation members and the Haitian community at large, Contact Us. We thank you for any support you might be able to send our way as we do everything we possibly can to help as God leads.