"A Promise Made-A Promise Kept" 

  Promise for Haiti is a 501(c)3 philanthropic organization dedicated to Health Care, Education, Clean Water, Agriculture and Economic Development.

"Promise for Haiti exists to initiate and nurture the spiritual growth of the people of the Pignon area and to practically demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to them by providing the region with primary and acute health care, essential sanitation facilities, agricultural training and  functional literacy, basic educational opportunity, and economic growth and development."  

 Judith Benjamin,a lady from Pignon who is looking after Celime in  

Boston writes,  

    " What another great welcome and surprise for the Fargo-Moorhead Medical Mission team when arriving in Pignon a few weeks ago. Even after 15-years, it is always a great way to start the trip: landing at the grass strip, riding in the back of a pick-up truck to the hospital.

       But this year? What an amazing change in the village. A large number of workers joined contractors in paving some of the streets in Pignon. Sidewalks, along with water systems, fiber-optic and electricity are slowly being installed in town. A new park with fountains is completed and will open soon.

            And compared to just a few years ago, the market is bustling. A good gauge of what is happening economically in Pignon.

            Smaller businesses are sprouting up and motorcycles are everywhere. (Not always a plus when you are a Medical/Surgical Team)

            Of course there are challenges. There is still too much poverty and too few jobs. Promise for Haiti staff at the hospital and clinic continue to do an amazing job of providing care to those in need. The Fargo-Moorhead team worked along side and with talented Haitian Operating Room staff that does so much when we are there; helping perform 35-operations.

           A mission trip once again peppered with stories of perseverance and faith. A reminder we all hope for growth, strength and peace for our friends and loved ones in Haiti."

Kevin's Photos   

Cholera Update in Pignon,Haiti!    

As to date, the 65 bed hospital has treated 4,830 patients in total at the Cholera Treatment Center. 4,735  patients have been discharged while 0 are now hospitalized.      

The deceased total is now 35.    

This is wonderful news but we were reminded by Obed Dave Theodore, "Even though that we have 0 cholera for this week, do not be surprise that we will have more cases become soon because the incidence of cholera rain production, humidity and in balance sanitation. I might be going see saw".

January 14, 2011

I woke up this morning with a story that I need to share. Many are familiar with the animated Christian series, Veggie Tales. Larry the Cucumber has always been the most easily recognizable character from that series for me. He is taller in stature than most of the others, has a sense of humor that sometimes isn't taken as humor, seems to be easily noticed, sometimes a "goof-ball", but also is a vital part of the work/story being told.   

                                                            
Larry the Cucumber went to Haiti.  

He saw, heard, smelled, and felt the needs of the people. He was so convicted that he wanted to give himself totally to helping, SO he sliced himself into ten pieces (Silly Pickle) so he could do more in less time. He could reach out to more people and be of more service in the time that he had.  

So the sliced up Larry went ten directions and helped serve food at the hospital, he delivered food and God's love to some of the poorest people in the world, he bought something he did not need from a lady in the street because she needed money to help her sick child, he helped repair a school, he visited and helped at an orphanage, he supported a church in Caiman with his presence and a donation during collection, he visited the hospital and talked and sang songs of hope and God's love for the sick, the amputees, the new born and the dying, he gave his clothes to those who were without, he literally walked hand in hand through the streets and garbage with the needy, and he cried, and he gave a little of himself and God's love to everyone he met. He felt blessed by the Haitians to whom he came to help.

But most of all, Larry did all of this without any thought of himself (remuneration). He had humbled himself to God and gave of himself freely. He felt good about what got accomplished, but it wasn't what HE had done but rather what God had ordained for him.

When the ten smaller Larry's were ready to return home, God spoke to them. God said, "Larry, you have fed the hungry, you have visited the sick, you have visited and helped the orphans, you have reached out to the Haitians in my name. But most of all, Larry, you did all of this without thinking of yourself but rather giving a slice of yourself to all you have served. I have noticed your humility for my sake. But now you need to reach out to those whom you will return to. (God stacked the ten pieces of Larry and breathed on them thus restoring Larry to his original physical self.) You can not out give me as I will return to you ten-fold or more. Thank you, good and faithful servant. Now take your stories and your experiences and your giving attitude home and share it so others may be touched. You have always been one of mine, but now your mission has expanded. I have seen and heard your compassionate heart.   Reach out and share my love and compassion with those in Spencer and to all you meet. You are to be my ambassador. You will still be the fun-loving Christian Goof-ball you have always been, but when the topic of helping others is breached, you will not just "tell" of your experiences but the Holy Spirit will reveal to you that same humble conviction you felt while serving in Haiti and it will touch those who hear and see. Now go and serve the Lord, you Silly Pickle."

Thank you, Lord, for the experiences you have allowed me to have in Haiti. Only with your help can I continue this mission in Spencer. I pray for your continual intervention in my life so that I can do your will and not mine. Amen."

by Mike Schmillen, Hope Reformed Church, Spencer, IA

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