It is Wednesday February 28th and it is 29 degrees Celsius. That is 29 above. I am in Haiti and I could get used to this. I have been coming here every year since the earthquake. In 2010 Haiti experienced its worst disaster. More than 200,000 died and 300,000 homeless. These numbers are still hard to comprehend. The devastation was horrific. Now just 8 years later it is hard to find evidence of this disaster. Does that mean it is forgotten? Never. I visited a home yesterday that partially collapsed during that horrific event. Haiti Arise is going to rebuild it for them. But for eight years they lived with this constant reminder of death and destruction.
I just met Renald. He is 12 years old and lost his parents in the earthquake. He presently lives with his aunt in a home with eight other kids. But the aunt works in Port au Prince and comes home only one week every three months. He broke his elbow this fall and no one took care of him. Now he needs an operation, but they can’t do it as he is too malnourished. This is just one hidden story of the result of the earthquake. Please pray for Renald.
Yet, despite the most trying of circumstances, the Haitian people continue to move forward. Each year I see improvements; illiteracy is dropping, life expectancy is rising, and agriculture is flourishing.
But still, much needs to be done here. With more than 50% of eligible kids not attending high school, 24.7% live in extreme poverty on less than US $1.25 per day, and an estimated 300,000 orphans and an untold number of “restaveks”; Haiti continues to need our help.
What they don’t need is a boat load of money. But they need someone to come alongside and give them opportunities to help themselves. We are doing just that. Haiti Arise, the organization we are working with, is providing high school opportunity for kids, providing homes for destitute families, medical attention for the desperate through the medical clinic, and offering continuing education for adults through the tech school. They are providing sewing classes, teaching young girls goat husbandry, and homes for orphan children in the children’s village.
Two years ago, KCF purchased a commercial convection oven for them to use in their upcoming cooking classes. I am pleased that we got it installed this week. You might be asking, if we bought it two years ago, why so long in setting it up. Good question, the answer is THIS IS HAITI. First it sat in Alberta until the container was filled. It was sent to Haiti last summer. Then the container sat in port for a month. Finally it arrived at Haiti Arise. But there was no qualified gas fitter to install it. God provided a gas fitter from Calgary just when I arrived on this trip. We got it installed and are looking forward to using it before I leave.
This weekend I am assisting Haiti Arise plant a new church in a community called Les Cayes. I will be doing a three day crusade, speaking six times. The development of the church is one of the best ways to change the country. We do it not by money, laws, or guns, but by changing hearts and giving hope one Haitian at a time. Please pray for this venture of faith.
Thank you all for supporting Trevor and me with prayer and finances as we serve the Haitians. If any of you would like to sponsor children, help with the orphans or anything else with Haiti, please contact our church office.
This Sunday, we will be continuing our Living Faith series with Anne-Marie Haynes leading the service. We will be sharing on Faith and Prayer. Please come and hear exciting testimonials of God answering prayers. You will be encouraged and motivated to trust God for whatever you are facing.
Clearwater Bible College on Tour
On Sunday, March 25th @ 10:30am Clearwater College students will be visiting us on their ministry tour. This year’s theme is Fight the Good Fight. Please consider bringing a friend to this faith building event.
Billets are needed for the wonderful young people, 5 men, and 4 women. If you are interested in billeting please contact the KCF office as soon as possible at 250.352.1722.
Easter Celebrations
On Resurrection Sunday, April 1st, we will have three wonderful events you can take part in. First, enjoy the Easter morning with the Christians from many different churches at 8 am at Lakeside Park. Then come on down to KCF for Brunch at 8:45 am. Finally we will celebrate the resurrection together at 10:30 am. What a great morning it will be. Each of the events is open to the community and everyone is encouraged to bring family and friends. Contact the office for volunteer participation opportunities.
Growth Groups
Growth group is a wonderful opportunity to grow in God and with each other.
Registration time for the next start-up is now underway.
Group gatherings will begin on Thursday, April 5 and will run until June 14.
Contact the KCF office to register.
Family Camp at Dutch Harbour
Why not consider taking a part of your holidays to join us for family camp this year. This is an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, Kootenay Lake, beautiful mountains and beaches, plus be inspired and encouraged. This will all happen within the community of wonderful people. Pastor Dan Walton will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids. Join us July 2 to 6. Contact the office to register.
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
Want to know how to get a good deal on some great items? Follow the S.H.A.R.E. Nelson Facebook page and don’t miss out on any sales.
S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities. Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire. Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s video! Check out FB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Pastor Jim
March 1, 2018
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5