Over 500 pastors are enlisted in our work in Haiti. Whether participating in our pastoral training institute or a small group, they are committed to preparation for the vital job of shepherding their flocks. Our motto--"EnCouraging Kingdom Leaders Worldwide"--continues to motivate us to assess the quality of what we are doing with a growing quantity of pastors!
$120 a year, or, $10 a month, will help pay for one pastor's participation annually in our pastoral training program. This provides for his study materials and meals at four semianrs as well as enrollment in our diploma program for the three year curriculum. This covers, as well, the a part of the cost of teachers' travel to hold the teaching classes and seminars, as well as some administrative expenses in organizjng these at two locations in both Port au Prince and Les Caye.
If you would like to support a pastor in his training, you are invited to "Partner with a Pastor". Our goal is to sponsor 500 pastors in the enxt two months. Why not rpayerfully consider this as a part of your year-end givinmg as well as commitment to reaching the people of Haiti. You can contact me at daleabarrett@gmail.com or www.leadconnect.org/Haiti.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Prayer request for La Cayes...
Another outbreak of cholera has swept ove rain-ravaged parts of sotuhern Haiti. OPne of our local pastors there wrote this week to tell me he had been spending alot of time in the hospital with people who were suffering from cholera, and he requested we remember them in prayer.
Although cholera is preventable and treatable, Haiti continues to be hounded by this disease due to a lack of education, and at some levels, funding, for its treatment.
Join me in prayer for Haiti...
Although cholera is preventable and treatable, Haiti continues to be hounded by this disease due to a lack of education, and at some levels, funding, for its treatment.
Join me in prayer for Haiti...
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
I'm home ...and happy!
Back after a week in Haiti of incredible opportunity and blessing! I've been home three days now and am still piecing together all of the ongoing challenges for our ministry there.
It was hot and humid. The ravages of Hurricane Sandy were particularly evident as we headed southeast of Port au Prince to La Cayes. A pastor there shared how his home had been washed away and he and his four children were now living in one room because they had no place to go. We were forced to cross a river that had swept over a road and we literally were driving through several feet of water, some of it washing into our car.
It was more than we expected in terms of participation, so that presented special challenges in scheduling and feeding the nearly four hundred pastors in two locations. Their excitement and appreciation made every inconvenience pale in comparison to the blessing of studying the Word.
One pastor wrote, "We thank God so much for these seminars. We never went to a Bible school, and we answer the call to preach and to lead churches. With those seminars,we feel we are in school and we learn so much. Great privilege".
For more information, and to keep updated as to how you can pray and support our ministry, please visit www.leadconnect.org/Haiti.
It was hot and humid. The ravages of Hurricane Sandy were particularly evident as we headed southeast of Port au Prince to La Cayes. A pastor there shared how his home had been washed away and he and his four children were now living in one room because they had no place to go. We were forced to cross a river that had swept over a road and we literally were driving through several feet of water, some of it washing into our car.
It was more than we expected in terms of participation, so that presented special challenges in scheduling and feeding the nearly four hundred pastors in two locations. Their excitement and appreciation made every inconvenience pale in comparison to the blessing of studying the Word.
One pastor wrote, "We thank God so much for these seminars. We never went to a Bible school, and we answer the call to preach and to lead churches. With those seminars,we feel we are in school and we learn so much. Great privilege".
For more information, and to keep updated as to how you can pray and support our ministry, please visit www.leadconnect.org/Haiti.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Teaching and Training Pastors in Haiti, November 3-10
Logan and I leave Saturday for a week of teaching and training pastors in Haiti. Needless to say, we are excited and energized by this God-given opportunity to serve our fellow Haitian pastors.
Would you join us in prayer that god will help us to teach His Word clearly and that we would be an encouragement to these pastors as they faithfully serve God?
Hurricane Sandy has left its damaging imprint on a country already steeped in pain and suffering. we bring the Word of Hope and the love of Christ...and your standing with us in prayer makes this ministry possible!
You can read more at www.leadconnect.org/Haiti.
Would you join us in prayer that god will help us to teach His Word clearly and that we would be an encouragement to these pastors as they faithfully serve God?
Hurricane Sandy has left its damaging imprint on a country already steeped in pain and suffering. we bring the Word of Hope and the love of Christ...and your standing with us in prayer makes this ministry possible!
You can read more at www.leadconnect.org/Haiti.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Desca...destination of opportunity
Desca is a small community that is am hour's drive from Port au Prince. The road through the small village is rough and rugged and reflects the hard times these people have faced. It empties into an open area bordering a dirty brown river in which people bathe, wash their clothes and from which they secure their drinking water.
In the opened area at the road's end sits the little church of Desca which ministers to about 75-100 people each Sunday. During the week a school is operated there servicing about 70 children. Pastor Samuel faithfully leads his congregation and offers spiritual encouragement to those who are some of Haiti's most poor.
Right across the road from the little church is a vividly painted Voodoo temple, offering its mixed messages to the hurting hungry people of Desca. It has a substantial group of followers who listen to the familiar strains of spiritism and animism that herald a cumulative message of fear.
The recent winds of Hurricane Isaac pounded additional fury on the walls of the Desca church, rendering them incapable of repair. A section of the roof is open to the elements and the plastered walls are severely cracked fragile. It may not be safe to even meet in this building much longer.
The Desca church needs to be broken down and rebuilt. The cost of the project could be about $40,000 and would require some experienced volunteers to help coordinate the building. Pastor Samuel remains committed to showing up each week to guide and teach those seeking the Lord through the church's Bible study and teaching ministry. He is determined as well to see that the doors of the small school program remain open.to the needy children of Desca.
You can help. Pray for Pastor Samuel and the people of Desca. Pray, too, that God will provide funds to see that the church can be rebuilt and remainsa lighthouse of hope to the physically and spiritually needy in the village.
In the opened area at the road's end sits the little church of Desca which ministers to about 75-100 people each Sunday. During the week a school is operated there servicing about 70 children. Pastor Samuel faithfully leads his congregation and offers spiritual encouragement to those who are some of Haiti's most poor.
Right across the road from the little church is a vividly painted Voodoo temple, offering its mixed messages to the hurting hungry people of Desca. It has a substantial group of followers who listen to the familiar strains of spiritism and animism that herald a cumulative message of fear.
The recent winds of Hurricane Isaac pounded additional fury on the walls of the Desca church, rendering them incapable of repair. A section of the roof is open to the elements and the plastered walls are severely cracked fragile. It may not be safe to even meet in this building much longer.
The Desca church needs to be broken down and rebuilt. The cost of the project could be about $40,000 and would require some experienced volunteers to help coordinate the building. Pastor Samuel remains committed to showing up each week to guide and teach those seeking the Lord through the church's Bible study and teaching ministry. He is determined as well to see that the doors of the small school program remain open.to the needy children of Desca.
You can help. Pray for Pastor Samuel and the people of Desca. Pray, too, that God will provide funds to see that the church can be rebuilt and remainsa lighthouse of hope to the physically and spiritually needy in the village.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
I'm back!
I wish I could give you a more exhaustive report than this but it will be a few more days before I collect my thoughts and assemble a few pictures so that I can reveal the true excitement I have about my recent trip to Haiti.
You can check out www.leadconnect.org/Haiti next week for a complete report on God's faithfulness and ongoing work in this needy country. For now, let me assure you that God is at work . Everywhere I traveled--Port au Prince, Carrefourpoy, Desca, Cabaret, Ballenger--though there were continuing signs of devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, there were concurrent signs of vital faith in action as people literally "picked up the pieces" and moved forward in obedience to God--pastors leading their congregations, Sunday School teachers faithful guiding their classes, Christians schools assembling their curriculum for the new academic year, construction workers doing needed repair work on a cave din church roof, etc.
Stay tuned..for more good news!
You can check out www.leadconnect.org/Haiti next week for a complete report on God's faithfulness and ongoing work in this needy country. For now, let me assure you that God is at work . Everywhere I traveled--Port au Prince, Carrefourpoy, Desca, Cabaret, Ballenger--though there were continuing signs of devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, there were concurrent signs of vital faith in action as people literally "picked up the pieces" and moved forward in obedience to God--pastors leading their congregations, Sunday School teachers faithful guiding their classes, Christians schools assembling their curriculum for the new academic year, construction workers doing needed repair work on a cave din church roof, etc.
Stay tuned..for more good news!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Five days later...
Hurricane Isaac made its presence felt in Haiti last week resulting in intense flooding wreaking havoc in the tent cities where over 400,000 still live, making roads impassable, and causing a harrowing outbreak of cholera, which had already killed over 7000. Twenty inches of rain is devastating for Port au Prince and its outlying areas.
With Isaac threatening the Florida coast, our trip in and out of Miami was cancelled, and Gilbert reluctantly agreed that with the deteriorating conditions in Port au Prince our seminar and small group training had to be postponed. Doug Stevens and I, primed and ready to go, were disappointed, but more heartbroken for our Haitian brothers who continue to suffer one setback after another.
Gilbert, our wonderful liaison in Haiti, needs our prayers and encouragement. My schedule is flexible enough that I will be flying to Haiti with a friend, Mark Hays (he has gone on a work trip to Haiti) September 1-6 with the goal of being an encouragement to our brothers, meeting with some pastors and small group leaders, and seeking to discern what kind of special help we can offer the pastors and churches in Haiti in the aftermath of this storm. I am excited about looking for creative ways to match churches from the USA with needy Haitian churches through work projects and other ministries that will build sustainable relationships as we move forward with our work with TLC Haiti.
We need your prayers. I look forward to coming back with a challenging report of opportunities available to us to expand our partnership with Haiti. Stay tuned.
With Isaac threatening the Florida coast, our trip in and out of Miami was cancelled, and Gilbert reluctantly agreed that with the deteriorating conditions in Port au Prince our seminar and small group training had to be postponed. Doug Stevens and I, primed and ready to go, were disappointed, but more heartbroken for our Haitian brothers who continue to suffer one setback after another.
Gilbert, our wonderful liaison in Haiti, needs our prayers and encouragement. My schedule is flexible enough that I will be flying to Haiti with a friend, Mark Hays (he has gone on a work trip to Haiti) September 1-6 with the goal of being an encouragement to our brothers, meeting with some pastors and small group leaders, and seeking to discern what kind of special help we can offer the pastors and churches in Haiti in the aftermath of this storm. I am excited about looking for creative ways to match churches from the USA with needy Haitian churches through work projects and other ministries that will build sustainable relationships as we move forward with our work with TLC Haiti.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Five days and counting...
Five days and counting. It's Wednesday and Sunday Doug and I will be flying through Miami to Port au Prince where we will arrive at noon Monday and then rush to our first teaching and training session. It is supposed to be 93 degrees there--cooler than usual--though the accompanying 93% humidity will probably make it feel a whole lot warmer!
Welcome to summer in Haiti, where every day feels like summer.
Five days and counting. For me it is making sure all are materials are in place, all arrangements have been coordinated with our faithful hard-working Gilbert (we would be lost without him), and that I pack clothing that is appropriately cool and comfortable. I am always amazed at the well-dressed Haitian pastors in their white shirts and ties while I am trying to wear "sweat-proof" clothing (which doesn't exist).
Five days and counting. What we really need from you is prayer. Would you join with us as we prepare to work with small group leaders and conduct leadership seminars at two locations in five action-packed days.
Our motto--"EnCouraging Kingdom Leaders Worldwide"--is what motivates me as we go to Haiti. These five days will pass quickly and we will, Gilbert has told me, interact with about three hundred pastors. We will have an opportunity to share our hearts with them, and to share the life-changing truths of God's Word.
Paul wrote about a similar experience he had among the Thessalonicans and this is my prayer, too.
"And we also thank God continually because when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God,, which is at work in you who believe." I Thessalonians 2:13.
Five days and counting. Can we count on you for your prayers?
.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
My friend, Gilbert
Gilbert is a special man.
He is God's man.
He is my friend.
Gilbert and I were introduced to each other through Michelle Lacourciere, head of an organization that has helps Haitians establish small businesses. Her work was heralded in a recent issue of World Magazine (Sirona Fuels).
Gilbert and I visited several times on the phone before two friends joined me in our first trip to Port au Prince in May of 2010. I will never forget the smiling face--a face that has greeted me every time I have flown to Haiti--welcoming us into the 100 degree humidity outside the airport.
The purpose of our iniital visit from Grace Fellowship Church was to determine what we could do that would make any difference in Haiti following the devastating earthquake. Gilbert answered--"Come and teach my pastors". He was referring to the 9-10 men who pastored the four churches he had started several years before. And we accepted that challenge because it represented the thing we desired in our hearts to do most!
We have now sent five groups to Haiti and Gilbert has traveled twice to meet our congregation in Amador County. We have grown to love him and rejoice in the partnership that exists between our chuch and the four chuirches he pastors in Port au Prince, Carrefourpoy, Desca and Ballenger.
Gilbert is the key contact for us as we join with TLC in its burgeoning ministry in Haiti. He is the one who publicizes our seminars, encourages the pastors and small group leaders, and facilitates every detailed part of our traveling back and forth. We simply could not do what we do without Gilbert.
The joy of our ministry in Haiti is seeing how the Haitians respect Gilbert and how he continues to effectively and humbly allow us to participate in the process of teaching pastors. In the beginning it was 9-10; now it is nearly 500. Little did we know the influence of Gilbert in reaching his countrymen.
Gilbert is God's man in Haiti.
Join with me in praying for him as we travel to work together with him in Port au prince and Le Cayes later this month.
He is God's man.
He is my friend.
Gilbert and I were introduced to each other through Michelle Lacourciere, head of an organization that has helps Haitians establish small businesses. Her work was heralded in a recent issue of World Magazine (Sirona Fuels).
Gilbert and I visited several times on the phone before two friends joined me in our first trip to Port au Prince in May of 2010. I will never forget the smiling face--a face that has greeted me every time I have flown to Haiti--welcoming us into the 100 degree humidity outside the airport.
The purpose of our iniital visit from Grace Fellowship Church was to determine what we could do that would make any difference in Haiti following the devastating earthquake. Gilbert answered--"Come and teach my pastors". He was referring to the 9-10 men who pastored the four churches he had started several years before. And we accepted that challenge because it represented the thing we desired in our hearts to do most!
We have now sent five groups to Haiti and Gilbert has traveled twice to meet our congregation in Amador County. We have grown to love him and rejoice in the partnership that exists between our chuch and the four chuirches he pastors in Port au Prince, Carrefourpoy, Desca and Ballenger.
Gilbert is the key contact for us as we join with TLC in its burgeoning ministry in Haiti. He is the one who publicizes our seminars, encourages the pastors and small group leaders, and facilitates every detailed part of our traveling back and forth. We simply could not do what we do without Gilbert.
The joy of our ministry in Haiti is seeing how the Haitians respect Gilbert and how he continues to effectively and humbly allow us to participate in the process of teaching pastors. In the beginning it was 9-10; now it is nearly 500. Little did we know the influence of Gilbert in reaching his countrymen.
Gilbert is God's man in Haiti.
Join with me in praying for him as we travel to work together with him in Port au prince and Le Cayes later this month.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Water in Carrefourpoy!
Several months ago a member of our church provided the funds for the drilling of well in Carrefourpoy. we have been waiting for that day and recently learned that there were some people there who would drill it for nothing, allowing us to designate these funds for other work under the umbrella of TLC Haiti.
The drilling began a week ago, after much waiting. unfortunately, there was no water to be found drilling down to 120 feet and then the drill broke and a part had to be ordered. It seemed like this worthy project would continue to be stalled indefinitely.
However, yesterday, Gilbert texted me the wonderful words "We have water at 165 feet!" This is a wonderful answer to prayer and will be a huge blessing the people and children of Carrefourpoy.
The drilling began a week ago, after much waiting. unfortunately, there was no water to be found drilling down to 120 feet and then the drill broke and a part had to be ordered. It seemed like this worthy project would continue to be stalled indefinitely.
However, yesterday, Gilbert texted me the wonderful words "We have water at 165 feet!" This is a wonderful answer to prayer and will be a huge blessing the people and children of Carrefourpoy.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Carrefourpoy
One of the churches we serve in Haiti is in a small town in Carrefourpoy, about two hours from Port au Prince.
Grace Fellowship Church, one of our supporting churches, has partnered with the church there and had engaged in several projects including a VBS, a repair of a roof over the sanctuary area, the building of a roof over the school classrooms, providing clothing and shoes for children, the establishment of a matching program for needy children in the school and families form the Grace Fellowship congregation--forty of them-- as well as support for the pastors and school teachers. Over 300 children attend the school and are a part of a very needy village.
Recently we have partnered with the church in Carrefourpoy for the digging of a well. This is a much-needed resource for the area and your prayers are appreciated. Just today as I am writing this article, they have dug down 140 feet and but have still not hit water. Pray today that God will open the waters to them so that the village can be blessed by clean water.
It is exciting to partner with a congregation in Haiti. If you're interested in the Grace Fellowship Church story--a mid-size congregation--contact this website for more information.
Grace Fellowship Church, one of our supporting churches, has partnered with the church there and had engaged in several projects including a VBS, a repair of a roof over the sanctuary area, the building of a roof over the school classrooms, providing clothing and shoes for children, the establishment of a matching program for needy children in the school and families form the Grace Fellowship congregation--forty of them-- as well as support for the pastors and school teachers. Over 300 children attend the school and are a part of a very needy village.
Recently we have partnered with the church in Carrefourpoy for the digging of a well. This is a much-needed resource for the area and your prayers are appreciated. Just today as I am writing this article, they have dug down 140 feet and but have still not hit water. Pray today that God will open the waters to them so that the village can be blessed by clean water.
It is exciting to partner with a congregation in Haiti. If you're interested in the Grace Fellowship Church story--a mid-size congregation--contact this website for more information.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Keeping up with Haiti
We have done some work on our TLC home page and you can go to either leadconnect.org or leadconnect.org/haiti for the latest news.
Our goal is to let you know what God is doing in Haiti and to enlist your support as we move forward. We need your prayers specifically for these items currently before us.
1. We need help in translating from English to french the 52 page manual for servant facilitators that we have just completed. We need to have it printed for our upcoming seminar.
2. We ask for your prayers for Gilbert as he is traveling advertising our upcoming seminar and leadership training August 27-31.
3. Doug and I would appreciate your prayers as we prepare the teaching materials for these seminars and seek God's leadership in how we can encourage Haitian pastors.
Thanks for your part, too. We are rejoicing in this open door of opportunity in Haiti!
Our goal is to let you know what God is doing in Haiti and to enlist your support as we move forward. We need your prayers specifically for these items currently before us.
1. We need help in translating from English to french the 52 page manual for servant facilitators that we have just completed. We need to have it printed for our upcoming seminar.
2. We ask for your prayers for Gilbert as he is traveling advertising our upcoming seminar and leadership training August 27-31.
3. Doug and I would appreciate your prayers as we prepare the teaching materials for these seminars and seek God's leadership in how we can encourage Haitian pastors.
Thanks for your part, too. We are rejoicing in this open door of opportunity in Haiti!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Prayer Points for TLC Haiti
God is doing exciting things with our new work recently launched in Haiti. I wanted to share some specific prayer requests so that you will partner with us in prayer in moving forward.
1. Pastor Gilbert Jules is currently in Cayes, one of the areas in which we will beholding our teaching and training seminars. He is there this week doing some introductory training of our servant facilitators there and preparing them for our seminar August 27-September 1. he will be doing the same thing in Port au Prince in the next few weeks. Gilbert is our on-site director of the work in Haiti.
2. I am currently putting the finishing touches on an introductory servant facilitator;s manual for our Haitian pastors. TLC has an excellent manual that we are retrofitting for our Haitian brothers. This will be an ongoing work as we learn more about how we can most effectively serve them. I need to have this to Gilbert next week for translation (one of the many things he does for us), so that we can print it for distribution when we travel to Haiti in August.
3. Pray for Doug Stevens and me as we prepare our materials for the leadership seminar. Doug is formulating the topics we will be sharing. In addition, we will be doing a training seminar in Cayes and Port au Prince for our sixty servant facilitators. It will be hot in Haiti, incidentally, so pray that Doug and I will be energized in advance for our teaching responsibilities!
4. I am actively fund-raising for TLC Haiti; we have a budget of about $120,000 for 2012-2013. I recently set out communication about our goals and objectives for the next eighteen months to friends and family. If you're interested in knowing more about TLC Haiti and want to be part of our team, please contact me at dale@leadconnect.org or daleabarrett@gmail.com.
Thanks for praying with us for God's work in Haiti.
1. Pastor Gilbert Jules is currently in Cayes, one of the areas in which we will beholding our teaching and training seminars. He is there this week doing some introductory training of our servant facilitators there and preparing them for our seminar August 27-September 1. he will be doing the same thing in Port au Prince in the next few weeks. Gilbert is our on-site director of the work in Haiti.
2. I am currently putting the finishing touches on an introductory servant facilitator;s manual for our Haitian pastors. TLC has an excellent manual that we are retrofitting for our Haitian brothers. This will be an ongoing work as we learn more about how we can most effectively serve them. I need to have this to Gilbert next week for translation (one of the many things he does for us), so that we can print it for distribution when we travel to Haiti in August.
3. Pray for Doug Stevens and me as we prepare our materials for the leadership seminar. Doug is formulating the topics we will be sharing. In addition, we will be doing a training seminar in Cayes and Port au Prince for our sixty servant facilitators. It will be hot in Haiti, incidentally, so pray that Doug and I will be energized in advance for our teaching responsibilities!
4. I am actively fund-raising for TLC Haiti; we have a budget of about $120,000 for 2012-2013. I recently set out communication about our goals and objectives for the next eighteen months to friends and family. If you're interested in knowing more about TLC Haiti and want to be part of our team, please contact me at dale@leadconnect.org or daleabarrett@gmail.com.
Thanks for praying with us for God's work in Haiti.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Haiti...cholera again!
In a recent conversation with Gilbert he informed that once again cholera has begun to ravage parts of Haiti, resulting in the severe illness of several within his extended church family. He asked us to pray for his country.
Cholera is carried in water and when the rainy season comes and the streets swell with refuse and runoff, coupled with thousands of people still living in tent cities with inadequate facilities, cholera becomes the marauding invader, and, often, killer. Small children are the most common victims.
The frustration is that cholera is preventable and treatable. Medical facilities and sometimes medical supplies are not readily accessible and the biggest antidote--education--is not always available.
Let's continue to pray for the leadership of Haiti--especially pastors who are leading congregations and schools and seeking to direct their families to the source of hope and help in Christ, while at the same time educating them about the ravages of disease--both physical and spiritual.
Cholera is carried in water and when the rainy season comes and the streets swell with refuse and runoff, coupled with thousands of people still living in tent cities with inadequate facilities, cholera becomes the marauding invader, and, often, killer. Small children are the most common victims.
The frustration is that cholera is preventable and treatable. Medical facilities and sometimes medical supplies are not readily accessible and the biggest antidote--education--is not always available.
Let's continue to pray for the leadership of Haiti--especially pastors who are leading congregations and schools and seeking to direct their families to the source of hope and help in Christ, while at the same time educating them about the ravages of disease--both physical and spiritual.
Monday, June 4, 2012
WHY TLC in Haiti?
There are numerous organizations at work in Haiti. Many seek to address the physical needs of medical care, housing, food, clothing and job creation. Still others are motivated to respond to the educational needs through the financing of private schools, the supplying of trained teachers, the provision of books and materials, and the simple task of getting children to school.
All of these are critical to Haiti's recovery and reconstruction after decades of political unrest and instability and the slow development and response of the country's infrastructure in the face of the seemingly relentless assault of natural disasters.
But the most important component of Haiti's long-term rebuilding may be determined by how well she responds to the deeply-exposed spiritual needs she has experienced in the face of pain and poverty, as well as devastation and death.
To these special needs organizations have responded as well with churches across America, as well as from other countries, sending missionaries and work teams to be ministers of Christ's love as well as to lay a foundation for hope.
So why TLC? Are we reduplicating what others are doing? Are we intentionally meeting a specific need? Have we consulted with Haitian leaders in developing a plan to meet these needs? These are all great questions and worthy of careful response.
1. Are we reduplicating what others are doing?
It is our goal to teach and train pastors so they can utilize their God-given gifts to serve their people. It is hard to believe that there could be too many people doing this--fulfilling a biblical mandate (Matthew 28:19,20)-- in a country of over 9,000,000 people.
2. Are we intentionally meeting a specific need?
Our goal is to connect pastors to trained servant-facilitators (we will train them) in a small group setting where they can be encouraged and equipped for more effective ministry through peer accountability and problem-solving dynamics generated from within the group.
3. Have we consulted with Haitian leaders in developing a plan to meet these needs?
Gilbert Jules, an important Haitian leader and administrator(our liaison there), has told us that the primary need of the pastors is biblical teaching and training. The small group dynamic he has affirmed as essential to ongoing spiritual development in the lives of Haiti's pastor/leaders.
I am sure others are doing ministries that address some of the same concerns. However, it is our specific purpose to "EnCourage Kingdom Leaders Worldwide" and Haiti provides a special opportunity for us to do just that though quarterly seminars and monthly small group meetings.
Pray for us as we continue to do what God is calling to do in Haiti. We've only just begun!!!
All of these are critical to Haiti's recovery and reconstruction after decades of political unrest and instability and the slow development and response of the country's infrastructure in the face of the seemingly relentless assault of natural disasters.
But the most important component of Haiti's long-term rebuilding may be determined by how well she responds to the deeply-exposed spiritual needs she has experienced in the face of pain and poverty, as well as devastation and death.
To these special needs organizations have responded as well with churches across America, as well as from other countries, sending missionaries and work teams to be ministers of Christ's love as well as to lay a foundation for hope.
So why TLC? Are we reduplicating what others are doing? Are we intentionally meeting a specific need? Have we consulted with Haitian leaders in developing a plan to meet these needs? These are all great questions and worthy of careful response.
1. Are we reduplicating what others are doing?
It is our goal to teach and train pastors so they can utilize their God-given gifts to serve their people. It is hard to believe that there could be too many people doing this--fulfilling a biblical mandate (Matthew 28:19,20)-- in a country of over 9,000,000 people.
2. Are we intentionally meeting a specific need?
Our goal is to connect pastors to trained servant-facilitators (we will train them) in a small group setting where they can be encouraged and equipped for more effective ministry through peer accountability and problem-solving dynamics generated from within the group.
3. Have we consulted with Haitian leaders in developing a plan to meet these needs?
Gilbert Jules, an important Haitian leader and administrator(our liaison there), has told us that the primary need of the pastors is biblical teaching and training. The small group dynamic he has affirmed as essential to ongoing spiritual development in the lives of Haiti's pastor/leaders.
I am sure others are doing ministries that address some of the same concerns. However, it is our specific purpose to "EnCourage Kingdom Leaders Worldwide" and Haiti provides a special opportunity for us to do just that though quarterly seminars and monthly small group meetings.
Pray for us as we continue to do what God is calling to do in Haiti. We've only just begun!!!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
59 small groups, 480 pastors...what's next??
The January trip of Doug Stevens, TLC International Director, and a fellow pastor, Russ, was our first leadership seminar addressing the character of a spiritual leader. About three hundred pastors gathered at two locations in Port au Prince and Cayes and responded enthusiastically to the biblical teaching and helpful practical principles of what it means to be a spiritual leader.
The concept of TLC small groups--a mainstay of our Stateside ministry--was presented and within weeks of their departure, Gilbert Jules, our newly-appointed TLC director on site in Haiti, reported that fifty-nine groups had sprung up with almost five hundred pastoral participants! The appeal of small group fellowship and accountability obviously was something needed and desired in Haiti.
In recent months Gilbert has been meeting with small group leaders as he is able and we have been providing some materials for him to utilize in training them to be effective servant-facilitators. Our TLC manual for servant facilitators is in the process of being revised and adapted to the Haitian cultural setting (my current job) and Doug and I will travel in August to present it to our Haitian brothers. We will also be sharing a seminar as an extension of our pastoral training curriculum on "The Spiritual Disciplines of a Leader". Mark August 26-September 1 on your calendar to be praying for us.
It is a privilege to have been recently appointed to the position of TLC Director, Haiti, and to work closely with Gilbert Jules, our liaison there. Gilbert has been in the States caring for a brother who recently lost his legs in a tragic automobile accident. He will be returning to Haiti at the end of June so our prayerful support for him while he is here, as well as for the leadership team serving while he is gone, is deeply appreciated.
It is exciting to see what God is already doing in Haiti through obedient servant-hearted pastors who are seeking to lead their people to a greater knowledge of Christ. It is a humbling and sacred responsibility to know that through TLC we can partner with them by teaching them basic Bible doctrine and Bible study methods as well as training them in sound biblical leadership principles so that they can serve more effectively.
Pray for us. Paul wrote the church at Colosse these closing words in 4:3,4. "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ...Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should..." God has opened the door. Pray now that we will clearly proclaim the message of the gospel, teaching it to Haitian pastors so that they, in turn, can teach it clearly to others.
The concept of TLC small groups--a mainstay of our Stateside ministry--was presented and within weeks of their departure, Gilbert Jules, our newly-appointed TLC director on site in Haiti, reported that fifty-nine groups had sprung up with almost five hundred pastoral participants! The appeal of small group fellowship and accountability obviously was something needed and desired in Haiti.
In recent months Gilbert has been meeting with small group leaders as he is able and we have been providing some materials for him to utilize in training them to be effective servant-facilitators. Our TLC manual for servant facilitators is in the process of being revised and adapted to the Haitian cultural setting (my current job) and Doug and I will travel in August to present it to our Haitian brothers. We will also be sharing a seminar as an extension of our pastoral training curriculum on "The Spiritual Disciplines of a Leader". Mark August 26-September 1 on your calendar to be praying for us.
It is exciting to see what God is already doing in Haiti through obedient servant-hearted pastors who are seeking to lead their people to a greater knowledge of Christ. It is a humbling and sacred responsibility to know that through TLC we can partner with them by teaching them basic Bible doctrine and Bible study methods as well as training them in sound biblical leadership principles so that they can serve more effectively.
Pray for us. Paul wrote the church at Colosse these closing words in 4:3,4. "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ...Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should..." God has opened the door. Pray now that we will clearly proclaim the message of the gospel, teaching it to Haitian pastors so that they, in turn, can teach it clearly to others.
Monday, May 21, 2012
TLC 's Final Blessing!
It was a privilege this last week, along with Gilbert Jules, to meet with the Board of Directors of TLC to receive their final approval for moving forward with TLC Haiti. Needless to say, we are excited.
The process of board review was a welcome one as we were asked to talk about our objectives, our budgetary needs, and our program moving forward, TLC Haiti, is, in a sense, a "test" program, using TLC's concepts that have flourished in the United States now in a foreign country. Already with 59 groups operational in Haiti, TLC has demonstrated the need of small group ministry and its viability in Haiti.
We will be traveling to Port au Prince and Cayes August 27-31 holding one of our leadership curriculum classes as well as a training seminar for servant facilitators at both sites. I am currently adapting our excellent training manual and will, hopefully, be carrying it with me when Doug Stevens, our International Director, and I travel this summer.
We will be holding a teaching seminar, highlighting the Book of Colossians in November and Logan Carnell, who joined me in two trips to Haiti teaching the Book of Romans, an inductive study, will accompany me again. Our goal is to establish a twelves class curriculum in conjunction with Fuller Theological Seminary to be covered in three years with four annual teaching seminars, combining theological studies along with leadership training. Out TLC small groups will be the monthly connective link that will encourage and support the pastors .
How can you be involved? Please join us in prayer that we will fulfill our goal of "Encouraging Kingdom Leaders Worldwide" through the faithful teaching of the Word, the training in biblical leadership principles, and the continued development of effective TLC groups ministering to pastors in Haiti.
You can also help us financially by contacting our website at http://www.leadconnect.org/, or by writing me, dale@leadconnect.org.
Join us in this exciting venture we are launching in Haiti!
The process of board review was a welcome one as we were asked to talk about our objectives, our budgetary needs, and our program moving forward, TLC Haiti, is, in a sense, a "test" program, using TLC's concepts that have flourished in the United States now in a foreign country. Already with 59 groups operational in Haiti, TLC has demonstrated the need of small group ministry and its viability in Haiti.
We will be traveling to Port au Prince and Cayes August 27-31 holding one of our leadership curriculum classes as well as a training seminar for servant facilitators at both sites. I am currently adapting our excellent training manual and will, hopefully, be carrying it with me when Doug Stevens, our International Director, and I travel this summer.
We will be holding a teaching seminar, highlighting the Book of Colossians in November and Logan Carnell, who joined me in two trips to Haiti teaching the Book of Romans, an inductive study, will accompany me again. Our goal is to establish a twelves class curriculum in conjunction with Fuller Theological Seminary to be covered in three years with four annual teaching seminars, combining theological studies along with leadership training. Out TLC small groups will be the monthly connective link that will encourage and support the pastors .
How can you be involved? Please join us in prayer that we will fulfill our goal of "Encouraging Kingdom Leaders Worldwide" through the faithful teaching of the Word, the training in biblical leadership principles, and the continued development of effective TLC groups ministering to pastors in Haiti.
You can also help us financially by contacting our website at http://www.leadconnect.org/, or by writing me, dale@leadconnect.org.
Join us in this exciting venture we are launching in Haiti!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Mission accomplished!
It was exciting Saturday evening to receive a short text from one of our Haiti work team members simply saying, "The roof is finished!" I found myself visibly moved by those few words summarizing four days of frantic work.
Carrefourpoy is a small village west of Port au Prince, one of four churches under Pastor Gilbert's purview. It is a poor village, with small pieced-together houses dotting the rural countryside. When you drive through the village, there are small children everywhere and the signs of poverty are unavoidable.
But the children are something special. Dressed in their colorful school uniforms, hair neatly-combed and captivating smiles on their faces, they walk to school--schools like the one Gilbert has established in Carrefourpoy, serving over 300 children each week. There, teachers serve faithfully, receiving small salaries--$30 a month (we help support that minimal wage)--and children pay what they can to contribute to their education. At best, it is a pittance. The alternative is the public school system which pales in comparison.
The men from our church covered the rough section where school classes meet last year and this trip's purpose was for the construction of a roof over the larger area where the church and the school children gather. This allows for church and school to meet, even when it rains, which is often during the rainy season in Haiti. They did this with shortened time parameters, but they accomplished their objective.
Carrefourpoy, along with churches in Desca, Ballanger and Port au Prince, are the four churches we have partnered with at Grace Fellowship Church where I currently serve as senior pastor. Two years ago we determined to establish a sustainable relationship with Gilbert and his work there. It has been a truly a blessing difficult to describe in words.
Grace Fellowship is a small rural church in Amador County. About 500-600 people call Grace "home". Yet God has allowed us to participate in fulfilling the Great Commission in reaching out to the people of Haiti, with a determined emphasis on training pastors--now almost 480 pastors have been affected by our teaching-training, with our recent partnership with TLC.
Perhaps your church would like to partner with a church/churches in Haiti. "Hands-on" experiences help clarify and sharpen a church's understanding of how we participate in fulfilling the Great Commission, which is God's expectation of every church. TLC (www.leadconnect.org) will continue to make you increasingly aware of opportunities to help n Haiti. The return in your investment cannot be measured but it will have eternal consequences.
Want to know how to get involved? Contact me at dale@leadconnect.org. I would be happy to provide a template for what we did at Grace Fellowship Church--not always perfectly--in establishing sustainable relationships with our Haitian brothers and sisters.
"Mission accomplished"...for now...but there is much more to come.
Carrefourpoy is a small village west of Port au Prince, one of four churches under Pastor Gilbert's purview. It is a poor village, with small pieced-together houses dotting the rural countryside. When you drive through the village, there are small children everywhere and the signs of poverty are unavoidable.
But the children are something special. Dressed in their colorful school uniforms, hair neatly-combed and captivating smiles on their faces, they walk to school--schools like the one Gilbert has established in Carrefourpoy, serving over 300 children each week. There, teachers serve faithfully, receiving small salaries--$30 a month (we help support that minimal wage)--and children pay what they can to contribute to their education. At best, it is a pittance. The alternative is the public school system which pales in comparison.
The men from our church covered the rough section where school classes meet last year and this trip's purpose was for the construction of a roof over the larger area where the church and the school children gather. This allows for church and school to meet, even when it rains, which is often during the rainy season in Haiti. They did this with shortened time parameters, but they accomplished their objective.
Carrefourpoy, along with churches in Desca, Ballanger and Port au Prince, are the four churches we have partnered with at Grace Fellowship Church where I currently serve as senior pastor. Two years ago we determined to establish a sustainable relationship with Gilbert and his work there. It has been a truly a blessing difficult to describe in words.
Grace Fellowship is a small rural church in Amador County. About 500-600 people call Grace "home". Yet God has allowed us to participate in fulfilling the Great Commission in reaching out to the people of Haiti, with a determined emphasis on training pastors--now almost 480 pastors have been affected by our teaching-training, with our recent partnership with TLC.
Perhaps your church would like to partner with a church/churches in Haiti. "Hands-on" experiences help clarify and sharpen a church's understanding of how we participate in fulfilling the Great Commission, which is God's expectation of every church. TLC (www.leadconnect.org) will continue to make you increasingly aware of opportunities to help n Haiti. The return in your investment cannot be measured but it will have eternal consequences.
Want to know how to get involved? Contact me at dale@leadconnect.org. I would be happy to provide a template for what we did at Grace Fellowship Church--not always perfectly--in establishing sustainable relationships with our Haitian brothers and sisters.
"Mission accomplished"...for now...but there is much more to come.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
the story of a lost passport
Terry Throssel is a valuable part of our Haitian work party, scheduled to leave last Sunday evening for Haiti and the construction of a roof for a church in Carrefourpoy where we have worked before. His expertise as a skilled worker are an invaluable blessing on adventures like this.
Alas! Terry could not find his passport and the team was compelled to leave--sadly--without him--for San Francisco Sunday afternoon, to then catch a flight to Miami and then to Port au Prince on Monday morning.
While on vacation, I received the frantic news that the flight to Miami was cancelled due to mechanical failure and our work team was forced to stay overnight in San Francisco, to fly to Miami Monday morning and to lay over there until Tuesday morning for a flight to Port au Prince. The urgency was to contact our liaison there--Gilbert Jules--who would be waiting patiently at the airport. Contact was made and the ever-gracious Gilbert commented to me, "Pastor Dale, God will work it all out..." I know Gilbert was smiling. He always is...
Meanwhile, back in Amador County, Terry found his passport! And...you've already jumped ahead...made contact with the team and met them in Miami to fly with them Tuesday morning to Port au Prince. His presence with them will more than make up for the lost day!
Isn't that just like God? He weaves the tangled threads of our plans together and fashions a tapestry of His own divine purpose and planning that leave us all bewildered, yet amazed.
It will be gratifying to see how God uses the story of a lost (and found) passport to accomplish His work in the construction of a roof for the church in Carrefourpoy, where people will now be able to meet together to worship Him, even when it is raining.
God is good!
Alas! Terry could not find his passport and the team was compelled to leave--sadly--without him--for San Francisco Sunday afternoon, to then catch a flight to Miami and then to Port au Prince on Monday morning.
While on vacation, I received the frantic news that the flight to Miami was cancelled due to mechanical failure and our work team was forced to stay overnight in San Francisco, to fly to Miami Monday morning and to lay over there until Tuesday morning for a flight to Port au Prince. The urgency was to contact our liaison there--Gilbert Jules--who would be waiting patiently at the airport. Contact was made and the ever-gracious Gilbert commented to me, "Pastor Dale, God will work it all out..." I know Gilbert was smiling. He always is...
Meanwhile, back in Amador County, Terry found his passport! And...you've already jumped ahead...made contact with the team and met them in Miami to fly with them Tuesday morning to Port au Prince. His presence with them will more than make up for the lost day!
Isn't that just like God? He weaves the tangled threads of our plans together and fashions a tapestry of His own divine purpose and planning that leave us all bewildered, yet amazed.
It will be gratifying to see how God uses the story of a lost (and found) passport to accomplish His work in the construction of a roof for the church in Carrefourpoy, where people will now be able to meet together to worship Him, even when it is raining.
God is good!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Haiti Highlights
May 6-13
Work team from Grace Fellowship Church in Jackson, California is traveling to Haiti to work in one of our sister churches in Carrefourpoy to complete a building project that includes roofing the school and church which service about 500 each week. We have also funded the digging of a well there.
May 17,18
Planning and presentation to TLC Board of Directors of ministry direction in Haiti including discussion of curriculum for the pastoral training school and the development of servant-facilitators (small group leaders) for the 60 groups already formed there impacting nearly 500 pastors.
May 20
Pastor Gilbert Jules will be at Grace Fellowship Church on Sunday, May 20 in the 10:30 am worship service to share about TLC ministry and our working relationship together. You're invited--8040 South Hwy 49, Jackson, California.
May 21
Fellowship dinner for Haiti work team members at Grace Fellowship Church at 6:30 pm. Slides and stories of the work in Haiti in cooperation with Pastor Gilbert Jules will be the highlight of the evening. If you would like to join us, the cost is $12.50 per person. Contact us at 209-223-1971.
Work team from Grace Fellowship Church in Jackson, California is traveling to Haiti to work in one of our sister churches in Carrefourpoy to complete a building project that includes roofing the school and church which service about 500 each week. We have also funded the digging of a well there.
May 17,18
Planning and presentation to TLC Board of Directors of ministry direction in Haiti including discussion of curriculum for the pastoral training school and the development of servant-facilitators (small group leaders) for the 60 groups already formed there impacting nearly 500 pastors.
May 20
Pastor Gilbert Jules will be at Grace Fellowship Church on Sunday, May 20 in the 10:30 am worship service to share about TLC ministry and our working relationship together. You're invited--8040 South Hwy 49, Jackson, California.
May 21
Fellowship dinner for Haiti work team members at Grace Fellowship Church at 6:30 pm. Slides and stories of the work in Haiti in cooperation with Pastor Gilbert Jules will be the highlight of the evening. If you would like to join us, the cost is $12.50 per person. Contact us at 209-223-1971.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Welcome to TLCHaiti!
TLC, The Leadership Connection, is an organization currently serving pastors and leaders in the United States with the motto, EnCouraging Kingdom Leaders Worldwide. Doug Stevens, the International Director for TLC, has already traveled in China and Mexico, and most recently in Haiti, seeking to expand our ministry model worldwide.
The TLC model is built around the concept of connecting leaders in small groups of 8-12, and providing a forum for them to share their challenges and conflicts in a peer group setting led by a skilled and trained servant-facilitator. 90% of pastors in a recent Gallup poll revealed they had no one to talk to about issues that "kept them awake at night". TLC provides an environment of support, encouragement and accountability for leaders and seeks to be a catalyst in moving them forward towards experiencing more meaningful fulfillment and greater effectiveness in their ministry.
Called to serve Haiti two and a half years ago, I have traveled there three times and am preparing for two trips this summer and fall. Additionally, I have had the privilege of challenging the church I currently pastor--Grace Fellowship--to partner with four churches in Haiti in what we characterize as a "sustainable relationship". We have sent five teams to work and share there in tasks including pastoral training, VBS for children, construction projects, the building of a well, and the development of a program that matches Haitian children with church families for monthly support enabling them to attend Christian schools.
We have recently joined with TLC in this endeavor, culminating in a TLC leadership seminar which resulted in the establishment of 60 small groups serving 480 Haitian pastors. I have recently been hired by TLC to direct their work in Haiti and will be retrofitting our servant-facilitator handbook for Haitian leaders, as well as working jointly with Haitian leaders to formalize the development of a pastoral training curriculum.
Our goal is to provide 3-4 training seminars a year as well as to equip servant facilitators to lead monthly meetings for the almost 500 pastors already connected with out ministry. We are blessed by our relationship with Gilbert Jules, our liaison there, who oversees four churches as well as the ongoing ministry we are developing on site.
These are critical days for Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Rocked by the earthquake of 2010 which took over 250,000 lives and wreaked havoc with the capital city of Port au Prince and the outlying areas, Haiti is still struggling to survive. Cholera has had a devastating effect and the tent cities have only recently begun to be replaced with more suitable housing. Unemployment is rampant and Haiti's government is still slow in establishing an infrastructure that will service the basic needs of its 9.000,000 people.
Our investment in pastors is an attempt to flesh out our motto--EnCouraging Servant Leaders Worldwide--realizing that the message of the gospel is the sustaining hope for all Haitians. My prayer is that you will join with us in this endeavor of training and encouraging Haitian pastors. For more information visit tlcinc,org.
The TLC model is built around the concept of connecting leaders in small groups of 8-12, and providing a forum for them to share their challenges and conflicts in a peer group setting led by a skilled and trained servant-facilitator. 90% of pastors in a recent Gallup poll revealed they had no one to talk to about issues that "kept them awake at night". TLC provides an environment of support, encouragement and accountability for leaders and seeks to be a catalyst in moving them forward towards experiencing more meaningful fulfillment and greater effectiveness in their ministry.
Called to serve Haiti two and a half years ago, I have traveled there three times and am preparing for two trips this summer and fall. Additionally, I have had the privilege of challenging the church I currently pastor--Grace Fellowship--to partner with four churches in Haiti in what we characterize as a "sustainable relationship". We have sent five teams to work and share there in tasks including pastoral training, VBS for children, construction projects, the building of a well, and the development of a program that matches Haitian children with church families for monthly support enabling them to attend Christian schools.
We have recently joined with TLC in this endeavor, culminating in a TLC leadership seminar which resulted in the establishment of 60 small groups serving 480 Haitian pastors. I have recently been hired by TLC to direct their work in Haiti and will be retrofitting our servant-facilitator handbook for Haitian leaders, as well as working jointly with Haitian leaders to formalize the development of a pastoral training curriculum.
Our goal is to provide 3-4 training seminars a year as well as to equip servant facilitators to lead monthly meetings for the almost 500 pastors already connected with out ministry. We are blessed by our relationship with Gilbert Jules, our liaison there, who oversees four churches as well as the ongoing ministry we are developing on site.
These are critical days for Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Rocked by the earthquake of 2010 which took over 250,000 lives and wreaked havoc with the capital city of Port au Prince and the outlying areas, Haiti is still struggling to survive. Cholera has had a devastating effect and the tent cities have only recently begun to be replaced with more suitable housing. Unemployment is rampant and Haiti's government is still slow in establishing an infrastructure that will service the basic needs of its 9.000,000 people.
Our investment in pastors is an attempt to flesh out our motto--EnCouraging Servant Leaders Worldwide--realizing that the message of the gospel is the sustaining hope for all Haitians. My prayer is that you will join with us in this endeavor of training and encouraging Haitian pastors. For more information visit tlcinc,org.
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