August saw us move to Northern Haiti. The first several weeks were spent working on getting the house in order and learning about the area. Cory planted some Moringa trees, Papaya trees, other fruits and vegetables. He also worked on the electric, plumbing, and water filter systems in the house. Kris handled most of the unpacking, while the kids made friends and started to improve their Creole.
September found the kids starting school and Cory adjusting to daily driving. They car-pool with missionaries from Limbe. Both kids enjoy school and are doing well. The roads continue to deteriorate and the ride is getting harder and longer.
Kris started to see patients in the clinic, helping the Haitian staff. When patients agree, she gives patients tracts and prays. One patient this week who had seen the Haitian doctor stopped in to have Kris pray for her before leaving clinic.
We are still learning, and adjusting to life in the North. We are asking many questions and searching for the ways the Lord would have us serve here. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Serving the Lord in Haiti with your help. Cory, Kris, Eli and Anna Thede
We have a ‘blog’, or journal on the Internet. If you would like to see more photos and read about life in the North, Go to WWW.portmargot.blogspot.com/
New Address: Cory & Kris Thede Unit 1073-WMPM 3170 Airmans Drive Ft. Pierce, FL 34946-9131
Rain and more Rain Garden and Trees
We have already enjoyed a cucumber crop, summer squash and a few green beans from Cory’s garden. Fire ants enjoyed the sweet corn, unfortunately killing it before it produced. The Moringa and Papaya trees are growing well. Cory even planted some seeds that he had in the refrigerator for 9 years from ECHO and most of them are growing. The weather that makes plants grow well also helps weeds and pests to flourish. Cory has hired some part-time help to try to keep up. Many days are too rainy for them to work in the garden. With driving responsibilities he hasn’t had as much time as he would like for the agriculture. We are enjoying oranges, grapefruit, breadfruit and mangoes from the compound. The last six weeks we had over 21 inches of rain and very little evaporation. It makes growing and transplanting plants very easy . The nursery plants in pots have only needed watering twice in the last 6 weeks. LaGonave was always a challenge for young plants, transplants, and keeping the nursery from drying out. Cory is eagerly looking at fruit tree websites identifying what could be grown here.
Prayers
Teams-2008
Lord’s clear guidance on our responsibilities.
Missionary support:prayer & financial.
Good people to fill staffing needs
Stable government
National church: goals, resources, staff
Road conditions: travel mercies.
Trip to LaGonave, Dec 14-28th
Medical Staff needs LaGonave.
Rain for LaGonave and sunshine for the north.
Church Visits
We have been privileged to visit several of our Wesleyan churches in the district. At each church we have seen active Sunday School programs and heard challenging sermons on living for the Lord. Many of the churches are in the middle of building projects. Most churches have a school associated with them as an important part of their ministry.
The churches represent active ministries that could benefit and bless partnerships with other churches. Would your church be interested?
Northern District
Twenty Five churches: 15 established churches 10 pioneer churches
Schools: 17 Primary 4 Secondary
One medical clinic: average 10 patients a day, 4 a week hospitalized and 10 baby deliveries per month.
Praise the Lord for His Generous Provisions
Faithful financial and prayer support team
Health of family
Electricity, running water, Internet system,
reliable truck, safe home
Good Christian schooling for the children
Lord’s Kingdom work in Haiti
Political stability
Young people in Wesleyan schools
Churches preaching the life changing
truth of God
Safe miles traveled-air, sea, road
Fruit trees, gardens, good soil, food
Clinic Story
I knew she was young but the effort she put into each step as she leaned heavily on her brother’s arm made her look old. Her face was thin and her eyes were dull with no hope or energy. She hardly answered my questions-letting her brother do the talking.
My questions firmed up my suspicions of her illness. She had lost her husband years ago as well as her only child. She had been sick for over 3 years. They had consulted at other locations, but denied knowing any test results or diagnosis. They were fine with testing for anemia, infections and HIV.
I knew she was young but the effort she put into each step as she leaned heavily on her brother’s arm made her look old. Her face was thin and her eyes were dull with no hope or energy. She hardly answered my questions-letting her brother do the talking.
My questions firmed up my suspicions of her illness. She had lost her husband years ago as well as her only child. She had been sick for over 3 years. They had consulted at other locations, but denied knowing any test results or diagnosis. They were fine with testing for anemia, infections and HIV.
No surprise, she is HIV positive. I explained that while we could treat some of her problems she would need to follow in Cap Haitian for HIV medications. I prayed with her. I answered the few questions that her brother had and tried to instill some hope. Her tired, blank expression never changed. I gave her a track to read and received a weak thank you.
I pray for her and those she represents. It is easy in medicine and life to get caught up in numbers- how many deliveries, patients seen, money made or hours worked. But I’m learning to focus on each person, each visit. After all it may be the last time I see this person. How can I show them the Lord’s love and touch them with His touch? How can I make their lives a bit easier, infuse a bit of hope, pass on a bit of knowledge that will protect them? I cannot do it alone but with God’s help I can make a difference. So can you.
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