Back Helping Haiti, Part 1
July 14th, 2010
In the 7-month aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, Brentwood Baptist members continue to travel to the broken country in an effort to repair homes, lift spirits, and rebuild communities.
Stephen Fairchild, a member of Brentwood Baptist and attender of Kairos, has been on location in Haiti since June 19 and will stay there through July 31. Currently, he's acting as the coordinator for Brentwood Baptist mission journeys traveling to the country throughout the summer.
Over the next few days, we’ll post excepts from updates he's recently written about his time in Haiti:
Thursday, June 17
"The prayers of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it wouldn't rain, and it did not rain on earth for three years and six months" (James 5:16-17).
"I begin this with a call to prayer. We regard Elijah as one of the most prominent Old Testament prophets, and Paul reminds us that we're like him in nature. Pray more. When you've prayed more, then pray some more. Pray without ceasing.
"I'm in Haiti representing God about all else, but here on behalf of Brentwood Baptist Church, trying to get some construction teams and medical teams ready to go for the summer. It's been almost one week here and I really do enjoy it.
"The last couple of days have been planning and planning and more planning. We've met with Carter Davis, who works with the International Mission Board (IMB), and we've received a list of all the materials needed to build the first house next week (June 21-25).
"Yesterday, we bought almost all of the material except for the bricks for the house. Right now, the men are digging up the dirt so we can lay a foundation down.
"Garnell Joseph, the pastor of the church we're working with here in Petit Goave is incredibly intelligent and very organized. He's found so many ways to save money and work effectively. He's truly concerned about the well-being of the community. And when he rides with us in the truck, we bust out in Creole hymns. He's a humble man and is very eager to work. He also has a great reputation among the leaders of the city.
"At the meeting we had with the city officials and all the organizations that are here from around the world, only Pastor Joseph was allowed to speak and introduce himself to all the people. Amazing.
"This has been the climax of the week thus far—buying the material and getting the foundation made. They went by today to see the foundation and then met with the pastor today. The cement will be poured tomorrow.
"Satan has tried to discourage in so many ways, but there's a song in Creole that we sing constantly. It says, 'Everything is already alright. Satan lost the war, Satan lost the war, because Jesus sits on His throne.'
"I will not be discouraged, nor will I allow my mind to think otherwise. 'Greater is He that is within us than he that is within the world.' I have gone through Galatians and part of Mark in the past couple of days, but I've been encouraged by Colossians 1:13-29. Knowing that Christ is in me...I will not be discouraged because Christ is excellent (Joshua 1:9).
"Please continue to pray for [us] here in Petit Goave. Pray for the church. Pray for Pastor Garnell and the [teams that are coming]. God has commissioned us to reach out to the world, and in doing so He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Pray in the Spirit. Thank you so much for your prayers thus far. ... I love my family in Christ and pray God's blessings on all of you.”
"The prayers of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it wouldn't rain, and it did not rain on earth for three years and six months" (James 5:16-17).
"I begin this with a call to prayer. We regard Elijah as one of the most prominent Old Testament prophets, and Paul reminds us that we're like him in nature. Pray more. When you've prayed more, then pray some more. Pray without ceasing.
"I'm in Haiti representing God about all else, but here on behalf of Brentwood Baptist Church, trying to get some construction teams and medical teams ready to go for the summer. It's been almost one week here and I really do enjoy it.
"The last couple of days have been planning and planning and more planning. We've met with Carter Davis, who works with the International Mission Board (IMB), and we've received a list of all the materials needed to build the first house next week (June 21-25).
"Yesterday, we bought almost all of the material except for the bricks for the house. Right now, the men are digging up the dirt so we can lay a foundation down.
"Garnell Joseph, the pastor of the church we're working with here in Petit Goave is incredibly intelligent and very organized. He's found so many ways to save money and work effectively. He's truly concerned about the well-being of the community. And when he rides with us in the truck, we bust out in Creole hymns. He's a humble man and is very eager to work. He also has a great reputation among the leaders of the city.
"At the meeting we had with the city officials and all the organizations that are here from around the world, only Pastor Joseph was allowed to speak and introduce himself to all the people. Amazing.
"This has been the climax of the week thus far—buying the material and getting the foundation made. They went by today to see the foundation and then met with the pastor today. The cement will be poured tomorrow.
"Satan has tried to discourage in so many ways, but there's a song in Creole that we sing constantly. It says, 'Everything is already alright. Satan lost the war, Satan lost the war, because Jesus sits on His throne.'
"I will not be discouraged, nor will I allow my mind to think otherwise. 'Greater is He that is within us than he that is within the world.' I have gone through Galatians and part of Mark in the past couple of days, but I've been encouraged by Colossians 1:13-29. Knowing that Christ is in me...I will not be discouraged because Christ is excellent (Joshua 1:9).
"Please continue to pray for [us] here in Petit Goave. Pray for the church. Pray for Pastor Garnell and the [teams that are coming]. God has commissioned us to reach out to the world, and in doing so He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Pray in the Spirit. Thank you so much for your prayers thus far. ... I love my family in Christ and pray God's blessings on all of you.”
Please pray for the team leaving this week (July 17-23) to partner with Philadelphia Baptist Church. They will help rebuild the community and participate in construction. Team members are: Carla Brunsell, Timothy Cheng, Jonathan Coonce, Kathryne Coonce, Kim Cox, Stephen Fairchild, Jen Murray, and Keith Smith.
To find out more details about the upcoming mission journey headed to Haiti on August 14 and how you can join this team, please click here.
Photos by Jason Welch