Wednesday, September 11, 2013

I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.                Amos 9:14

     Planting...

     I met with a team of individuals to begin phase one of the community garden project. Community gardening is not a unique idea, but land in Haiti is difficult to come by, or pricey at best. Someone from the church here is generously willing to let us use some clear land to begin our modest garden for the Lutheran village that was built behind the guesthouse. This is one of 3 Lutheran villages built by LCMS churches through the Building Homes and Hope in Haiti campaign. These homes are beautiful and a blessing to those who dwell in them. They are well cared for and many of the people who live in them have flowers blooming and trees planted. They are clearly not just houses, they are homes. Nathan proudly showed me his papaya and mango trees (one each) and a small chicken coop he built on the side of his house. These houses were built to relieve the burden of at least a few, who had no home after the earthquake.
     Now we move on. Past relief, to restoration. Many of us reading this, and many of those working tirelessly in Haiti plead to the Lord to restore her and restore her people. To bring them out of poverty and onto a time of thriving, not just surviving. 
    So, a garden seemed a good way to begin. A garden was not only the place where God first met with man, but He also rose and restored man from a garden tomb, bright and early one Easter morning. Food is a basic need that many fight for in Haiti. People from the villages will be able to work together to cultivate the land, plant the produce, and reap the harvest. This harvest can fill their plates and bellies, or they can bring something to market to provide for another need. 
   The plan is to work in phases...
      Phase One - Sign up interested individuals from the village, we have 10 of 20 right now.
      Phase Two - begin to cultivate the land, build a small fence, and plant our first crops - tomatoes, eggplant, and spinach. According to Roosevelt (our resident expert) they will grow quickly, in about 3 months, so that individuals can reap the bounty. Then we can choose to add longer term crops and replant the initial ones again. We will be here long enough to begin the process and see it through, but it is sustainable to continue without our direction.
      Phase Three - Pastor Marky had the idea that we can take this same project to Bodwen. Bodwen has another of the Lutheran villages, but it is an area of serious poverty. Pastor Marky would like to begin a community store there, but the garden would be a good way to begin a community participation project. Currently they have a feeding program for 100 of the poorest children. You can see pictures below. It is one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever witnessed in my life. Children desperate to eat, many with torn clothing, some with disabilities. Some of them hide food in their bag to bring it to their parents. The work of the feeding program is much needed and why we want to add something concrete and sustainable for this community.
      I love the community garden project because it reminds me of home. Gardens and the land are close to the heart of so many of those we love back home. Gardens and farming to those I love are about relationship. It's about caring for the land that God has entrusted us with, to produce what he has provided. It's working together to plant, care for, and harvest. I'm looking forward to being part of this process in a tiny way, with the people here in Haiti.
       We do need to purchase some tools for the garden, and some seedlings to begin. If you'd like to help contribute to this project you can do so via St. Luke Lutheran Church (Wauseon, Ohio) Haiti Fund @ 1588 SR 108, Wauseon, OH 43567...or the Lutheran Church Charities Goehmanns in Haiti Fund below. You can specify the community garden project. Otherwise, please pray that our relationships, as well as our garden will be fruitful and pleasing to the Lord.

Click here to donate to the Goehmann in Haiti fund

The following are pictures from the feeding program at Beourin...



Harvesting... (thoughts from Dave)

The means of grace worked through and for me to bring a harvest so soon.  The first Sunday, before I was even here a week, I was able to distribute the Lord's Supper.  I gave the blood/wine specifically.  I scrambled to remember what words I could say in Creole.  "Jezi, pou ou"  was all that I could muster since I didn't know the word for blood or shed or drink.  In English I said the simple words translated, "Jesus, for you." Everyone stood in two enormous lines that stretched the entire length of the church building.  Some even stood out the door.   I gave them the very blood of Christ shed for them to strengthen and preserve them in the true faith for life everlasting that day.

I communed also. I needed it, as I would prepare for the next Sunday of preaching and more.  So the preparation was made and the sermon delivered.  God always provides the words to speak even when your roasting in the heat and can hardly think, since every day is a shock.  Then, in the worship service to my surprise a young girl came forward.  Pastor Marky prayed for her and then it happened.  She was brought to the baptismal font.  I knew what would happen next as Pastor Marky lifted up her chin to look her in the face and tell her God loved her and she was his child.
It was not my doing as if she came up after such a great sermon.  Many seeds were planted in her heart before.  But I did have the privilege of giving God's word and telling her God loved her in the sermon on that special baptism day.  The means of grace were there.  God was there.  The harvest was reaped.  What more could I ask for?         
                                                                                            


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