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.