Monday, July 26, 2010
Change of Plans
I apologize for not updating this blog....well... at all while being here! But as I made plans to update it at least sort of frequently God has taken me in a different direction. I have tried to not get on the internet very much and spend as much time as possible with the Haitian people. I will definitely update when I return. This experience has been beyond description. God has revealed himself through his word, spirit and these beautiful people. Thanks again for your prayers and support- it has affected not only me but everyone here. I'll leave you with some simple words that have really ministered to me here; Bondye bon tout ton et tout ton Bondye bon (God is good all the time and all the time God is good in Haitian Creole)! 1 Thessalonians 5: 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. See you soon!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Journey with Me As I Go to Haiti
I am about to leave for Haiti for about 3 weeks. I am completely overwhelmed by God's grace and provision. As I go on this trip, I want to thank all those who donated money and prayer for this opportunity, your support means the world to me and has enabled and empowered me to go. I ask that you would Journey with me as I go to Haiti. Needless to say I won't have my phone with me. We will, however, have internet there but I don't know how frequently we can use it, I will try and keep you updated as much as possible! (Below is information of what I will be doing there and how you can be a part!)
I am a volunteer at..THE NORTH HAITI MUSIC CAMP
Definition: The North Haiti Music Camp (NHMC) is a summer program
that takes place in July in the northern Haitian village of Limbé. It is affiliated with the Haiti
Hope Fund and UCNH, a Christian college in Northern Haiti.
Mission: To identify and empower individuals to use music to reach out to others with
the love of Jesus, and to equip leaders to bring about positive change in their communities, their
churches, and their own lives.
Audience: Primarily Haitian students and leaders from lower economic backgrounds and
others who lack the funds to study music at a prestigious school. The camp also focuses on
people who have a hunger for instruction and provides overall leadership training in many
areas.
Reason for the Camp: Why Education? Why Music?
1) Education can mean the difference between poverty and prosperity. Almost one
billion people in the world today are unable to read or write. That means that almost one billion
people are unable to read God’s word on their own. It is with the belief that literacy and Christ-
centered training can bring about change and release from the bondage of poverty and a life
without Christ that the leadership of this camp continues tirelessly in this outreach.
2) Music is one of the most vibrant and important parts of Haiti's culture. Through music
the Haitian people retain a vital link to a remarkable history and a proud national identity. Music
is a common ground – a point where people can see eye to eye and share mutual
understanding. It is the belief of the leadership of North Haiti Music Camp that true change will
occur in Haiti through Christ-centered fine arts. We start with music because it is such an
integral part of Haitian culture. Music Camp students learn and reinforce music skills,
techniques, biblical and practical knowledge on-site; and, in turn, they bring their knowledge to
their communities. We are grateful at NHMC that God has urged volunteers to step out of their
comfort zones to teach the future leaders of this nation. It is the vision of the coordinator of the
camp to see it grow and make a strong impact in the Caribbean for Christ.
IF YOU WANT TO DONATE HERES SOME INFO: (Donations go to Haiti Hope Fund, go to Haitihopefund.org)
ABOUT HAITI HOPE FUND: Haiti Hope Fund provides funding and logistical support for the Arts and Christian education in the North of Haiti, and disaster relief in times of need.
HOW IT CAME TO BE: Over the years the vision of Haiti Hope Fund has not wavered: to see Haiti transformed by God’s power, working through His people. The mission of Haiti Hope Fund has expanded to include rural primary schools, rural clinics, and the North Haiti Music Camp, as well as providing ongoing support for the programs of UCNH. Harold and Ivah have since passed away, but the ministry of Haiti Hope Fund has continued with the involvement of their son, Ken, his wife Debbie, and their son Ryan and daughter Carly.
You can send correspondence and donations to:
Haiti Hope Fund PO Box 116 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Or donate online through PayPal and Donortools, as well as Amazon Donations.
MOTTO: Haiti transformed by God’s power, working through His people
WORDS FOR DR.LILITE ON LAST YEARS CAMP:
We memorized scripture, held a 24-hour Bible reading marathon, hosted a night of prayer stations, shared our testimonies with the student body, lifted up prayerful/worshipful songs that dealt with the topic, taught workshops, visited local villagers, and had numerous one-on-one conversations that caused us to be light in the darkness.
The workshops including movement, music theory, recorder class, drumming, band instruments, hand bells, classical choir, gospel choir, keyboard skills, songwriting, keyboard class, voice class, money management, leadership issues, bible, drawing, dance, and pedagogy were well-attended and relevant. The times of sharing during morning devotions and evening sessions dared us, volunteers and students alike, to shine brightly for God. The small group sessions offered us possibilities for confession and encouragement to one another.
Christ was right there with us and so were you through your prayers, financial support, and concern.
Yes, we have returned home but far be it from us to forget the hearts that have been stirred and transformed, especially ours. I, for one, have learned that my God is so big and I am so small that I have no choice but to surrender all of my life to Him.
WHAT PAST STUDENTS HAVE SAID:
Guillaume Vertus: When asked if he learned anything at music camp, Guillaume replied “Oh yes! I learned much about the Bible and music theory. I enjoyed learning how to manage money because that is not something that is taught very much in Haiti. I had many opportunities to learn new things that I had never seen or known about. “
Guillaume faced great challenges to be present at this year’s camp. It took much sacrifice. He had just recently lost his job, but was determined to make it to camp. He was an inspiration to all
Daniel Cépoudy:Dr. Lilite’s partings words challenged us to read the book of Proverbs for the entire month of August and I managed to follow his advice. I can honestly say that my soul benefited greatly from that exercise. I am grateful to God for placing in the leadership of the camp the desire to care not only for our musical growth but also to invest in our souls. My hope is to someday earn a bachelor’s degree through the Fine Arts program at UCNH.
Gaslyne Bien-Aimé:It is hard to choose to pursue music as a career in Haiti since everyone feels that the poverty is too great for the superfluous nature of the arts. However, those volunteer teachers who came made me realize that there is nothing superfluous about music. It has purpose and the power to change lives for Christ because it has changed mine. I pray that the ministry of the camp will prosper.
Jude Balthazar:It is my dream to return year after year to the camp because it is the only place where I feel that I can currently receive this type of education or training in my country. I hope that I can study music at the University and help train others in my community to make a difference in Haiti.
Joseph Roméus: I am so grateful to God for the wonderful opportunity He gave me to be a part of Camp 2009 on the campus of UCNH. The whole experience is unforgettable. It was my very first trip to NHMC and I want it to become a yearly occurrence. I loved everything about it.I am committed to praying for the leadership of the camp so that the leaders can continue to invest in this wonderful ministry for the sake of Haiti.
I am a volunteer at..THE NORTH HAITI MUSIC CAMP
Definition: The North Haiti Music Camp (NHMC) is a summer program
that takes place in July in the northern Haitian village of Limbé. It is affiliated with the Haiti
Hope Fund and UCNH, a Christian college in Northern Haiti.
Mission: To identify and empower individuals to use music to reach out to others with
the love of Jesus, and to equip leaders to bring about positive change in their communities, their
churches, and their own lives.
Audience: Primarily Haitian students and leaders from lower economic backgrounds and
others who lack the funds to study music at a prestigious school. The camp also focuses on
people who have a hunger for instruction and provides overall leadership training in many
areas.
Reason for the Camp: Why Education? Why Music?
1) Education can mean the difference between poverty and prosperity. Almost one
billion people in the world today are unable to read or write. That means that almost one billion
people are unable to read God’s word on their own. It is with the belief that literacy and Christ-
centered training can bring about change and release from the bondage of poverty and a life
without Christ that the leadership of this camp continues tirelessly in this outreach.
2) Music is one of the most vibrant and important parts of Haiti's culture. Through music
the Haitian people retain a vital link to a remarkable history and a proud national identity. Music
is a common ground – a point where people can see eye to eye and share mutual
understanding. It is the belief of the leadership of North Haiti Music Camp that true change will
occur in Haiti through Christ-centered fine arts. We start with music because it is such an
integral part of Haitian culture. Music Camp students learn and reinforce music skills,
techniques, biblical and practical knowledge on-site; and, in turn, they bring their knowledge to
their communities. We are grateful at NHMC that God has urged volunteers to step out of their
comfort zones to teach the future leaders of this nation. It is the vision of the coordinator of the
camp to see it grow and make a strong impact in the Caribbean for Christ.
IF YOU WANT TO DONATE HERES SOME INFO: (Donations go to Haiti Hope Fund, go to Haitihopefund.org)
ABOUT HAITI HOPE FUND: Haiti Hope Fund provides funding and logistical support for the Arts and Christian education in the North of Haiti, and disaster relief in times of need.
HOW IT CAME TO BE: Over the years the vision of Haiti Hope Fund has not wavered: to see Haiti transformed by God’s power, working through His people. The mission of Haiti Hope Fund has expanded to include rural primary schools, rural clinics, and the North Haiti Music Camp, as well as providing ongoing support for the programs of UCNH. Harold and Ivah have since passed away, but the ministry of Haiti Hope Fund has continued with the involvement of their son, Ken, his wife Debbie, and their son Ryan and daughter Carly.
You can send correspondence and donations to:
Haiti Hope Fund PO Box 116 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Or donate online through PayPal and Donortools, as well as Amazon Donations.
MOTTO: Haiti transformed by God’s power, working through His people
WORDS FOR DR.LILITE ON LAST YEARS CAMP:
We memorized scripture, held a 24-hour Bible reading marathon, hosted a night of prayer stations, shared our testimonies with the student body, lifted up prayerful/worshipful songs that dealt with the topic, taught workshops, visited local villagers, and had numerous one-on-one conversations that caused us to be light in the darkness.
The workshops including movement, music theory, recorder class, drumming, band instruments, hand bells, classical choir, gospel choir, keyboard skills, songwriting, keyboard class, voice class, money management, leadership issues, bible, drawing, dance, and pedagogy were well-attended and relevant. The times of sharing during morning devotions and evening sessions dared us, volunteers and students alike, to shine brightly for God. The small group sessions offered us possibilities for confession and encouragement to one another.
Christ was right there with us and so were you through your prayers, financial support, and concern.
Yes, we have returned home but far be it from us to forget the hearts that have been stirred and transformed, especially ours. I, for one, have learned that my God is so big and I am so small that I have no choice but to surrender all of my life to Him.
WHAT PAST STUDENTS HAVE SAID:
Guillaume Vertus: When asked if he learned anything at music camp, Guillaume replied “Oh yes! I learned much about the Bible and music theory. I enjoyed learning how to manage money because that is not something that is taught very much in Haiti. I had many opportunities to learn new things that I had never seen or known about. “
Guillaume faced great challenges to be present at this year’s camp. It took much sacrifice. He had just recently lost his job, but was determined to make it to camp. He was an inspiration to all
Daniel Cépoudy:Dr. Lilite’s partings words challenged us to read the book of Proverbs for the entire month of August and I managed to follow his advice. I can honestly say that my soul benefited greatly from that exercise. I am grateful to God for placing in the leadership of the camp the desire to care not only for our musical growth but also to invest in our souls. My hope is to someday earn a bachelor’s degree through the Fine Arts program at UCNH.
Gaslyne Bien-Aimé:It is hard to choose to pursue music as a career in Haiti since everyone feels that the poverty is too great for the superfluous nature of the arts. However, those volunteer teachers who came made me realize that there is nothing superfluous about music. It has purpose and the power to change lives for Christ because it has changed mine. I pray that the ministry of the camp will prosper.
Jude Balthazar:It is my dream to return year after year to the camp because it is the only place where I feel that I can currently receive this type of education or training in my country. I hope that I can study music at the University and help train others in my community to make a difference in Haiti.
Joseph Roméus: I am so grateful to God for the wonderful opportunity He gave me to be a part of Camp 2009 on the campus of UCNH. The whole experience is unforgettable. It was my very first trip to NHMC and I want it to become a yearly occurrence. I loved everything about it.I am committed to praying for the leadership of the camp so that the leaders can continue to invest in this wonderful ministry for the sake of Haiti.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
It's Personal
A while ago I stayed with a family that was Jewish, they were Jewish by heritage but not by practice. I found it interesting at first, then realized it's probably a bit more common than I thought. Perhaps that is because this heritage vs. practice idea is definitely not limited to Judaism, but can easily be found in Christianity as well. People are born into Christian homes and adopt the 'role' of being a Christian or assume their parents' faith as their own because, well, thats just what you do. Therefore, they are Christian because they were born into it similar to being born Jewish or any other cultural identity. The funny thing is that the very nature of the word faith is personal both to us and to God, and it cannot be assumed or taken from another, it must be accepted and developed within one's own self. I don't think God sees us within a crowd nor do I think he associates us with one. He sees you, he sees the heart, and desires the innermost parts (ps. 51:6).
What if we dared to do the same? What if God was not labeled by what people do, or his people's failures, He was not a crowd or hype? But what if we dared to see Him as He is in His true character; His unfailing love, His power, His desire for relationship, His over abundant grace and mercy, His mystery. For when we do that we begin to see God more as He is rather than how we mere humans try to portray Him. Now that, is dangerous. There is a likely chance that this 'figure God out for yourself' thing will both destroy and compel. It will destroy what you thought you knew about Him, life and what is good. And it will compel you to live out what you learn.
Ephesians 3: 16-19 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Did this just happen?
Whoa...I did it, I got a blog. I got inspired after reading some other people's blogs to start my own. Who knows what will become of it, but as of now I thought why not? This could be fun or really time consuming or both but I'm excited to see what will happen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
