Personal Message
We've just completed our third year anniversary living in Haiti and the fourth year for the orphanage.
It has been a blessed and challenging adventure that we wouldn't change for anything. Our Lord has held and sustained us through much. He is also our source of hope, strength and joy. He is the "prize" that we pursue in the race.
We have seen Maison de Lumiere grow to over 40 children, a home for boys and a home for girls, a vocational training program, computer training, micro-businesses, neighborhood ministries and outreach, and a chicken farm.
We've seen children grow into young men and women -- with deep commitments to God and others.
We've experienced lows (the loss of family members and friends, attempted kidnappings) and highs (commitments of faith, baptisms of 18 children and numerous academic honors).
But through it all, we have all grown closer to each other and to our wonderful, marvelous Savior.
And you, who are reading this, have been as much a part of what has happened here as anyone. Your faithfulness, love and compassion. Your prayers, support and encouragement -- all have been invaluable. Those of you who have visited us further encouraged us and helped build up the children and their homes.
Each of you means so very much to us. It is our prayer that the next three years will see even more miracles and the continued mighty moving of God's hand.
May the Lord bless you all abundantly for this and future generations.
In Christ, in Haiti,
The Manasseros |
|
 Meet Isguerda
Isguerda is a natural leader with a very sweet disposition and strong determination.
On the streets, she used to one of the "gang leaders" amongst the other young girls. A cross between a mother hen and Attila the Hun, she had to keep the girls together and keep them safe -- while begging and meeting their "quota" each day. Although they are obviously no longer on the streets, the girls still look up to Isguerda as a leader, for direction and as a big sister.
Since coming to Maison de Lumiere, she has lost a lot of the rough edges she needed to survive on the streets. She has softened quite a bit and loves her new life. No longer the protector, she has learned to trust in Jesus for her and the other girls' protection. Her faith is growing and so is her love of God. Watching and listening to her worship is a strong indicator of her faith that moves one to tears.
Having missed a big chunk of her childhood, it's as if she is making up for wasted time -- playing hard and frequently, whether it be with Barbies, playing dress-up, skipping rope, painting her nails or just enjoying being a little girl. She loves having fun.
She says that one day, when she finishes school, she hopes to have a job that would allow her to travel all around the world. She is so determined, we don't doubt for a moment that she will see that dream come true.
Please pray for her that the Lord would continue to draw her close to Himself. Pray also that she would get sponsors and, eventually, full support. We are so grateful that the Lord lead Isguerda to us and her new family here at Maison de Lumiere. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you.
|
|
 Blessings From King's Harbor
They came for only four days but within that time -- Wow! They conducted two dental clinics, finished both playground areas, repaired the electrical system at the Manasseros, fixed plumbing, held daily Bible stories and crafts, conducted a soccer clinic, filmed a short documentary and took the entire orphanage to the beach (Whew! Did I forget anything?). It was an amazing week with an amazing group of people. Led by Shawn Mathison, the team was comprised of members from our home church - Kings Harbor Church in Redondo Beach.
Two of the members, Stephen and Nikki Constable were newlyweds (both are missionaries preparing to serve full-time in Iraq) who wanted to spend part of their honeymoon serving others in Haiti. Karl Bingeman, is a dentist who conducted our first dental clinic - pulling over 20 teeth! The entire team poured their hearts and time into serving the e children and the Manasseros.
Adding swings, a rock-climbing wall, cargo net ladder, wood reinforcements and lots of colorful paint, the team helped finish the incredible job started by the Mission Viejo Missions Team that had left just a week prior to their arrival. It was a true demonstration of the "body of Christ" at work.
You can check out a very cool story book they published on their trip here!
They were a true blessing and we are very grateful for their servants' hearts and loving attitudes. Thanks and God bless.
|
 School Begins
For the boys it was time to gear up and put their noses back to the grind stones, but for most of the girls, it was their first time at an outside school and they were very nervous.
For weeks they pondered what it would be like: "How should I wear my hair?" "Will the kids be nice and accepting of me?" "Will I be smart enough?"
Having grown up on the streets, they recalled seeing and envying the "other" children, dressed in nice clean pressed uniforms, and the little girls with pretty bows in their hair -- walking to school -- to hope. Contrasting that vision to their own lives -- running barefoot, covered with dirt and soot, with outstretched hands, saying "Mwen grangue" (I'm hungry). Their only hope was surviving each day.
Now, this Cinderella story is having a happy ending -- they are now the children in the nice uniforms with the pretty bows marching off to school -- and a promising tomorrow.
After the first week at school, they were greatly relieved and encouraged. We even discovered that we have some very gifted students who are excelling in academia. And recently, the girls were even asked to sing for a school assembly, where they sang "Open the Eyes of My Heart" and "Give Us Clean Hands" in English. When they finished, they were overcome with a rousing standing ovation from their fellow classmates.
They are further blessed with two computers (recently donated by our Mission Viejo missions team) that will help them in school and in learning valuable office and computer operating skills. They even have English and French software programs where they use microphones to evaluate and correct their spoken pronunciation.
We are very proud of all the MDL kids and their commitment to school. Please continue to pray for the children, that God will keep them excited and enthusiastic about school.
|
 The Quest for Land
Some have asked us if we are still looking for land to build a permanent home for both orphanages and the answer is yes!
We have visited many different properties and are excited about the possibility of one day housing everyone together on the same property. It is our vision to one day have a school, med clinic, chapel, discipleship center, working farm, vocational training center and guest quarters.
There are tremendous advantages in bringing everything together on one property that the ministry owns and can develop over time.
We have already started a building fund but have no idea at this point what the total costs will be. Everything depends on God's provision and timing. Our role, at this time, we believe, is to do well with what He has provided and continue to trust in Him. When the time is right, He will provide the way.
Please join us in prayer as we research and investigate the future possibilities of a permanent home for Maison de Lumiere and for godly wisdom as we consider the many options and alternatives.
Our goal, as always, remains the same -- to raise up disciples for His glory and His honor. God bless you. |
 Christmas 2007
We are gearing up for a very special Christmas season this year at MDL -- including gifts for 40 plus kids, our 2nd Annual Christmas Pageant outreach and Christmas dinner.
We want it to be a special time for all the children at the orphanage, as well as for the children and families in the area. However, in order to make it happen, we must rely on he generous donations and prayers of the saints. Not to mention volunteers who are willing to come and assist with the events.
If you would like to assist financially, you can mail your check to Child Hope Christmas Fund, P.O. Box 3677, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, donate online or contact Brooke Herman at the CHI office at 888-808-9595. Make sure you designate that your donation is for Christmas 2007.
If you think your church or church group would be interested in collecting gifts for the kids, raising funds and/or praying for the events this Christmas, please contact Brooke Herman at brooke.childhope@gmail.com or call her at 888-808-9595.
Thank you and God bless you. |
 Haiti "Pray & Fast" Rap Video
This summer, some of the MDL kids attended a special English language camp to help them learn to speak and write English better. At the camp, a few of our kids decided to write a rap song to share their faith, glorify God and practice their English.
Kristi Macintosh, an intern currently working at MDL, and who was working at the camp at the time, took a strong interest in the song and worked with the kids. When the King's Harbor Missions Team video guys showed up, she presented the song to them for their video tape. The result is an awesome music video called "Pray & Fast for Haiti." The video is now featured on YouTube.com and you can watch it by just clicking on the above picture.
Even if you are not a fan of rap music, this video is likely to touch you. The song presents the idea that the solution to all of Haiti's problems can only be found in one place and one place only -- in Jesus!
|
 Interns Making a Difference at MDL
We have been especially blessed recently with some very special interns (pictured left with Ariana Manassero) that are giving of their time and hearts to impact the lives of the children at Maison de Lumiere.
Kristi MacIntosh (center) came to Haiti
in July, while the Manasseros were still in the U.S., to work at an
English Camp put on by John McHoul's Maranantha Ministry. After the
Manasseros arrival, she joined up with MDL to work with the children. Kristi is gifted in many areas, from organizational skills to nutrition, landscaping and art.
Katie Manassero (right) (Bill's niece) has come from a break from her schedule at Liberty University (where she is studying to me an Occupational Therapist) to temporarily take over the MDL Preschool while Brittany Bohlinger prepares for her wedding this February. Katie is also a super organizer and is ministering to children and families in the neighborhood.
Tara Morgan (bottom left) is our most recent arrival and comes to us from East Sussex, England where she is a social worker. She has a heart for missions and children and recently served in India with orphans. She is sharing her skills and talents as a very gifted artist to not only spruce up the homes but to teach the children art as well.
|
|
|
