Jeremie so far...

So this is my fourth full day in Jeremie. It's been busy. I've been to the orphanage a couple times. I went to a Haitian worship session with the youth team. We built a privacy wall for a community's public toilet (they don't have bathrooms in their homes). We're trying now to get enough funds to put a sun covering where people line up to get water. We're about $100 short-but we rely on the Lord's provision. Oh, and the generator there stopped working on sunday we drove about 20 minutes to church. After the drive we had to wade through a river then hike up a step hill to the church. It put my commute to church into perspective. Today we went to another orphanage. We stopped by market on the way. I won't go into details about the meat area-but lets say it was odorific. I wish I spoke creole so I could understand and communicate with the locals. Only two full days left. it's gone by quick but the days have ben full. Sorry I haven't posted photos. I've been leaving my phone at the house and only using my camera. Take care.

Made it to Port-au-Prince

So I made it safe to PAP. I'm hanging out with some folks.. .an artist, a journalist, a guy training Haitians how to install solar panels. I'll try to upload a photo or two at some point. The airport was hectic to say the least, and the other guests agreed.. But if it was like San Diego, then what fun would that be?

The Countdown

Only a handful of days until I leave for Haiti.  The logistics are in place and I've begun packing some of the bags.  I've gotten some donations of flip-flops and soaps as well as some amazing financial contributions.  Unfortunately I have not gotten an update so I can't report the amount.

Regardless it is a huge blessing and I pray that those that made the financial contributions will be doubly blessed.

Hey, did you know that 98% of Haiti's forests have been cut down.  If you look at a satellite image of the border between Haiti and D.R. you can see a definitive line between the two.  It was mostly used for charcoal and some for building.  The deforestation has lead to a myriad of cascading problems from the land not being able to hold the water.

Crazy how so many issues can be attributed to a lack of a sustained and clean water supply. Between that and Haiti's Topsy-turvy history has really left the inhabitants kind of out in the wind to fend for themselves.

I have been praying earnestly that while my time down there is short, the little bit that I get to do or help do will have a lasting impact.  Not for me to be remembered and exalted, but for God's glory and to maybe make the lives of some of the folks a little better.

If you have been on the fence about contributing, there is still time.  I don't have room in my suitcases, but if you wish to make a financial contribution, please contact me.

Cheers,

Ed

Family and Friends,
   As you may or may not know, I am going to Haiti this month for a week-and-a-half long mission trip. Haiti has been on my heart since I began serving the Lord, and that prompting intensified after the earthquake. Recently I was provided an opportunity to go to Central America and I thought, "I should go." But the Lord asked, "Why would you go there when I want you to go to Haiti?" Yeah, it was that clear. That question hung there in the air for a while. I couldn't deny it. The time is right...so after much prayer and fasting I am going.

   Once I decided to take the step of faith, the Lord made it clear that it was the right decision by blessing me with free travel from San Diego to Port-Au-Prince and back and finding a place to stay.   I'll be meeting up with two friends, Darah Wilson and Gary George who are full time missionaries in Jeremie with Impact195. I have known and served with these two for many years when I led the Tijuana House Building Ministry at The Rock. They are amazing people with huge hearts. Gary's work with orphans truly tugs on my heart whenever I read his blog. Darah's obedience to the Lord's call for her to serve is no less amazing.
   So, with my flights paid for, why am I writing? Well I am asking for you to consider helping to support Impact195, particularly with the two projects that I will be assisting with. One is a small addition on to an existing well house (a small structure that sits over a well that they have dug to provide potable water to Jeremie and the surrounding villages); the other is building a bathroom wall for one of the poorest areas of Jeremie. They estimate that the two projects will cost about $1500.
   In addition to funds, they could also use hygiene products (like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo), kids clothes, flip flops (kids and adults), etc. I will be taking an extra suitcase down and plan to fill it with these items.
   With the above in mind, would you please take a moment and consider supporting this effort? Is there something that you could go without for a time where the money could go towards providing some privacy to an outdoor bathroom or to increase the ability for folks to get water that's fit to drink?
   If you feel led to financially support this effort, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Any amount you donate is tax deductible (a bonus, yes?); remember this will go directly towards these projects and not to me or my travel costs. If you feel led to provide soaps or clothing, I can even come and pick it up (locally only of course); but I need all supplies no later than May 20.
   Lastly, if you can't support financially, would you consider praying for me? Health and safety are big concerns, but most importantly I need prayer to be effective while I am down there. Not so that I can thump my chest, but so that God can be glorified through the work of my hands and the time I spend with the people I come in contact with.

Thank you for your time.

Faithfully yours,

Ed
edward.crenshaw {at} gmail.com 
"Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you."  (1 Samuel 12:24 [ESV])

P.S. Here's some stats about Haiti

• Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.
• ~54% of the population doesn't have reliable access to water
• 1.8 million people a year die from diarrheal diseases globally; it's the leading cause of illness and death (more so than guns)
• Haiti's infant mortality rate is currently 25%, and is directly related to contaminated water