A Few Updates

From the Haiti side of things – news has been scarce. David Turner has left the compound and is back in the United States. That leaves Pastor Turner on the compound alone. He’s not much of a computer buff. Thus, no updates from there.

One thing we do have is a group leaving next Sunday. My father and a couple of nurses are headed into Haiti next Sunday – God willing of course. Flights are booked through Delta, but it’s yet to be seen that they’ll come through.

Likewise, the Sunday after, (22nd?), a second group will be coming in for other reasons – originally to help get the roof on the new building, but somehow I imagine this will not be the reason anymore.

As far as Haiti – this is as much news as we have. Be in prayer for the medical teams that are heading in within the next two weeks. I’ll be posting updates while they are there whenever I get them from my father.

As far as running goes, I’ve actually been doing well the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately, right now, we got 7 inches of snow yesterday from 10am to about 10pm. This is not exactly what we like here in Indiana, as even here, it shuts everything down.

I am about to head out today, and hopefully the roads will get very clear tonight and tomorrow so I can get in the long run tomorrow for 50+ miles. In addition, I’m getting sick again. December, I was sick the whole month. I don’t want that for February.

I also received word that there is a church doing a 5k (not sure if this is organizing or just running it as a church and they will be joining the R4H team. More updates will be coming with this, too.

Not much word overall, but within the next two weeks, we’ll be having lots of updates, so continue to give and pray.

The Realistic Picture

This morning, I got on my computer in my office, and I noticed there was no headline on Yahoo for Haiti. I mean, it’s to be expected. Not everyone keeps up with it like I do, nor the many others who keep up with it.

Today, the Grammy’s had tons of coverage. Today, Yahoo featured an article about what the best tasting bacon was. Today, Yahoo featured an article how older adults need less sleep.

Total count: Useless Crap – 4, Information Regarding a huge world disaster – 0.

This goes back to the American Disconnect. It’s happened pretty hard. I am proud to say that I know personally a lot of Christians who have jumped on board to say “This is a serious issue that we just cannot forget.” What are you thinking about it though? Are you tired of hearing it? If you’re reading this because you saw my Twitter or Facebook post, are you tired of me always posting about it? And if so, why?

Usually, I feel bad if I post more than about three times a day. I don’t want to be “that guy.” But not this time. This time it takes all of my day. It takes my time. It takes my attention. If you turn a blind eye to this disaster, then shame on you. If I do, then shame on me. 

And when the next disaster hits, then shame on me and you if we just go about our life not caring that thousands of people have perished. And if that’s not unjust enough, how many people in Haiti who died were without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? How many of them depended upon spirits? How many depended upon the church? Where was their salvation? Why doesn’t think break our hearts?

Maybe I’m just miffed because I read other blogs of people who are on the front lines of this battle in Haiti and I see that it’s not over. In fact, I see that pieces are just now being sorted and suddenly, the question must be asked, “How much worse can it get?” Did you know there are still people dying three weeks later from injuries that happened during the earthquake? Did you know that UNICEF is causing lots of crappin’ problems in Haiti with the care and removal of true orphans because they’re a big time organization who likes to throw around their weight? Did you know that thousands of bodies have not received proper burial? If not, why? Why did it wear off?

Stay updated with the cause. If you want to give to the cause, then go here. 

If you want to read what those on the front lines are doing, visit these blogs:

The Livesay Family - A daily read for me. She’s a runner, so I’m obviously biased. But the posts are so heartfelt and full of Christ’s compassion. Their family is experiencing far more than I could ever imagine. Although I’ve never met them, I feel like I know them so well because of the transparency that the posts give. Please visit, read, and join me in prayer for this awesome family.

Haiti Rescue Center - Another daily read for me. They’re actually from around the area of Indiana that I live in. People in this town have a great knowledge of this family. I’ve never met them and don’t know if I ever will, but I love to see the care that they give patients. They are giving lots of care to people right now who have migrated north following the earthquake. Be prepared to see the care that they give malnourished children. Sometimes, this can be graphic.

The Mangine Family - A very real picture of what is going on. Conversations with adults and children that shows the desperation for care right now a few posts down. 

Providence Ministries – Play by play through the eyes of many people who are working with the clinic the Livesays are working with. Beautiful stories are being told.

Full Damage Assessment For MFM

Just received this email regarding the damage that has been done on MFM. The Turners have obviously been very busy, and with over 20 churches and areas to report, it has finally been seen as how far reaching the damage truly was. Here is the email:

Good Morning Everyone,

As of all we know today,  this is the damage assessments of MFM after the earthquake.

All of our pastors, and our leading personnel are alive and well. However, some of their families have lost their lives and many are hurt.

The churches seem to all be intact with only minor damage.

However in Saut d’ Eau, we have lost 1000 feet of the outside wall. This is MAJOR problems due to the prison in PAP being destroyed and there are 5000 prisoners on the loose. They, for certain, did not hang around in PAP. That means they are scattered throughout Haiti.

Our vocational school of welding and metal fabricating and the boys dorm suffered very bad damage due to the forst earthquake, but after the second earthquake (a tremor at 6.1) both had to be taken the rest of the way down.

The girls kitchen is also on the ground,

The medical clinic in Laboul is damaged very badly.

Many, many homes are partly or completely destroyed.

Even though MFM has suffered a great loss, we are so very thankful that it was not any worse than it was. We are so greatly in need of prayer and your continual support.

In His Service in Haiti,

Richard S. Turner
David S. Turner

As you can see, this is all that we know as of right now.

Still no word about any deaths within the MFM family. This seems to be up in the air as to whether there are deaths in the overall MFM family, meaning families that were part of MFM, OR, if this means that family members of people in MFM were killed. Regardless, we do know that the overall picture of MFM was affected through death. When this becomes available, we will immediately post.

As you can see, the damage to buildings is so far-reaching. This is going to be a huge task and undertaking. The worst part of all of this, is that the buildings that were effected were crucial buildings. Every time I have personally been to the compound, something is going on at the vocational school. Likewise, the boys dorm of the orphanage as well as the kitchen for the girls are very huge to lose. The medical clinic in Laboul is an essential element not just for MFM, but for the entire central plateau around Laboul as Dr. Charles is able to treat patients who cannot walk all the way to Saut d’Eau or Mirebalais.

I’m sure for most people, they read this list and think, “Wow. That sounds pretty bad.” I thank you for your compassion, but I want to let you know that it’s not just “pretty bad” but instead, this is crucial. These are essential buildings. And now, as the mass exodus comes out of PAP into the northern region and people are continually coming to the mission seeking food and help, they are even more crucial. There is no doubt that the mission will be taking more people in to house and feed at this time. There is no doubt that it is a great chance for the mission to be the hands and feet of Christ. To lose these buildings is to be handicapped slightly.

Again, I can do nothing but beg and plead for you to give as much as possible. For food. For medical supplies. And now, for the rebuilding of these essential buildings for the mission.

Below, I have included some pictures of some of the buildings that were damaged.

Kitchen

 

Entrance to Boy's Dorm

Donate to Run4Haiti!

Just up, you can donate here, or on the Mountain Faith Mission Run 4 Haiti site.

Here’s what’s going on: We’re officially raising money for the 2010 Vacation Bible School in addition to earthquake aid. “How can you be raising money for VBS whenever there was just a massive earthquake that needs so much help?” We’re raising money for that, too. Presently, if you donate on the website to the earthquake fund, that is being used directly in the earthquake aftermath to provide food and other necessary items to the people in the community and around our mission. Likewise, money from R4H donations will help, too.

Run 4 Haiti wants to raise money to help curb the cost of VBS 2010, but likewise, will help out with the immediate impact that is needed in Haiti through Mountain Faith Mission. VBS 2010 is being planned, not just as an evangelistic outreach, but as a way to bring food and help to the people involved in the mission. All of the proceeds donated through Run 4 Haiti will be used for Mountain Faith Mission. If there are needs that are greater (as there definitely are right now), we will be using any financial gifts to aid that. Likewise, we are looking toward the future in order to be able to feed hundreds in the fall. The more that is given, the more that can be done.

I’m looking ahead though. You see, Vacation Bible School for Mountain Faith Mission is a huge project. When it first began, there had to be about $5,000 donated to buy food and other necessary items for VBS. 

All of the Americans that are involved pay their own way – that’s airfare, transportation in Haiti, and we buy our own American food in Haiti to be eaten. (If you went to the market in Saut d’Eau, you’d buy your own food, too…). None of the money that is raised and donated goes to help pay for an American to get there. All donations go towards the Haitian people.

During the week of Vacation Bible School, in 2009 over 550 people were present during the day. Each morning, churches are supplied breakfast foods. In the past this has been either spaghetti (yep, they love spaghetti for breakfast) or freshly baked bread from the bakery with coffee. After each of the churches is given enough food for their people, then awesome ladies slave all day to prepare diri ak pwa for all of the people – rice and beans. I’ve never seen so much food. Finally, at night, usually bread sticks and kool-aid is given to each church for a late night snack. Three meals costs money. 

In 2009, VBS cost around $7,000 due to the increase in price from the four storms that hit in 2008. With the recent earthquake, more prices will go up. There’s really no way to estimate the cost on the food this year. Each year, we also buy a cow (bef) to put into the rice and beans one day, making it the delicacy of the week. This can cost a lot of money, too.

In addition, there are numerous other costs outside of food to make it all possible. The point is, we have the ability to show the love of Christ to hundreds of people that week by giving them three meals a day.

That week, they’ll hear the Gospel message proclaimed daily in chapel, daily lessons, and evening services. They’ll build friendships with other believers from Haiti, as well as the Americans. It’s a huge undertaking that is such a worthwhile experience for all people involved. But, honestly, we don’t just want to give them the spiritual bread they need that week, we want to fill their stomachs and send them home feeling refreshed spiritually and physically. This is why we need your help. Prices are going up post-earthquake and we want to help in all that we do.

I (Ryan) and my good friend Alan Skiles are undertaking the Run 4 Haiti task this spring and we are asking you to donate using the PayPal link above, or sending a check to “Mountain Faith Mission” to P.O. Box 433 Sparta TN 38583 with Run4Haiti on the memo line so they know where the money will be designated. 

Alan and I will be paying our own costs for running, transportation, gear, shirts, etc. All donations are given to MFM.

Alan will be running the Andrew Jackson Half Marathon on April 17. I (Ryan) will be running the Sam Costa Half Marathon on March 27 and the Indy Mini-Marathon on May 8. If there is a challenge put forth by a donor for me to run a full marathon, I’m willing to jump on that bandwagon, too. Challenge us!

The simplest way to give is to donate $1 per mile. If you just want to donate to one of the races, then give to one. A simple donation of $13. If you want to give to two ($26), three ($39), and if you’re brave, challenge the full marathon, then go for four races (just let me know before you donate money for a full marathon…) We are running so that you will simply donate to a worthwhile cause. Remember, the door is wide open for a challenge

We want you to join our team. If you’re a runner who wants to dedicate your races to helping show the love of Christ to the people of Haiti, then email me at mrakers85 at comcast dot net. If you just want to donate, then either send a check or donate with PayPal.

If you can’t run, then maybe you want to be on a “Street Team” and simply help raise support in your local area. Whether this is through being our mouthpiece to your church or organization, or simply talking to the newspaper or radio in your area to raise awareness, we need your help, too! Information is available to be sent out on how to help in that aspect, also, so please, don’t delay. 

If you’re a church and you want more information, then please let us know! 

With your help, we can raise money, feed students, and share the love of Christ.

Blessed to be a blessing

I know I’ve told this story before, probably even within the last week.

Vacation Bible School 2008. After the evening service. Pastor Wilson, pastor at LaSalle stands and addresses the teenagers.

The Americans quickly realize we’re being talked about, so I ask Ti-Paul, “What’s he saying?”

Ti-Paul says, “He said we should be thankful for the Americans, because God has blessed them to be able to come down here so they can be a blessing to us.”

Wow.

This past week, lots of blessed Americans have stepped up. Mountain Faith Mission has felt overwhelming support from across NORTH AMERICA!!! That’s like Canada, the US, and the US Provinces. Are you kidding me? That’s amazing to see people stepping up.

Online alone, since last Monday there has been over $1,000 given. Churches have been letting us know that they are sending money to the mission. Colleges have informed us that they are giving. Local stores in towns have donated. And now, goods and supplies are being donated in order to eventually make it to Haiti.

Thank you so much for your gifts, but don’t forget about the emotions that you felt when the earthquake happened. We’ve seen that happen. This blog supplies me with daily stats. The numbers are easily falling off every day. The Friday, post-earthquake was the biggest day for views. Since then, it’s just slowly waned. Is it because people stop caring? Maybe. But, that American Disconnect that I talked about last week is happening. Simply put, we cannot forget.

As you’ve probably read, time and time again, Haiti was in pretty rough shape before the earthquake. Somehow, I don’t think that God just wants His followers to say, “We helped in a time of need! We’re good!” but instead to answer and say, “We’re going to show you the love of Christ until we die.” Likewise, the next major world catastrophe, whether it’s in Asia, Africa, Europe, etc., then we must be willing to step up and give at that point, too.

I’m passionate about this “Blessed to be a blessing” thing. 

If there are x amount of Christians in the US, then they need to step up and make it known. Many are. But how many aren’t?

Within this next week, there’s honestly no telling what we’ll see. 

The Turners are working daily I’m sure, to figure out how to help Saut d’Eau. Remember, food is scarce there. The food supplies that came in, aren’t there forever. Be praying.

The money that came in will be spent in order to help out thousands of people, Christians and non-Christians alike, and it won’t be there forever. Be praying.

I am passionate about Haiti. So much so that over the past two weeks, I’ve lost sleep over what’s gone on, because I was brainstorming on how to do more.

I want you to have that same passion. I want you to look into the eyes of a child in Haiti and see the need. I want you to gasp as you begin to land in PAP as you see the abject poverty. I want you to get involved – financially, spiritually, and physically. I’m a recruiter. I’d love to take my closest friends with me, so they too can be impacted.

Maybe it’s selfish reasons. I mean, I’ve experienced the Spirit of God in church services in Haiti unlike I’ve ever experienced Him in America. I know I’m to blame most of the time for that, but it’s such pure and raw worship, that anyone who goes, will come back changed.

Just consider it.

Food is coming for now

Received word that the mission has gotten some food through MAF, as mentioned yesterday. Likewise, word was received today that there is a group that will be transporting some food and supplies to the mission via a helicopter soon. This is awesome news.

The medical team is under way of being fully assembled and will be heading in around the first week of February. Continue to be in prayer for this group. I (Ryan) will be getting daily updates from dad, with hopeful pictures, to be posting here, so make sure you check back.

Food donations are still needed. Please send me an email if you’re wanting to jump on that bandwagon.

No updates have come as far as the far-reaching damage done mission wide. As mentioned earlier in the week, there are many deaths across MFM, but no total numbers thus far. Continue to pray for all of those families that are affected. As soon as more information is available about that, we’ll get it posted so people can give specific prayer needs.

Wonderful news is that MFM has finally eclipsed the $1,000 mark in online giving this week to aid with the earthquake. This is amazing, as this will feed, clothe, and help so many Haitians in the coming months through the hands of MFM, thus through the hands of Jesus Christ. Please consider giving if you have not given yet. If you have given, then please tell others about MFM and where they can donate. Be our mouthpiece to the world, not for the glory of MFM, but all for the glory of God.

What’s Going On In Haiti

Update 10:04 pm:

Just received word that some food has been brought to our compound in Saut d’Eau to be controlled by the mission to be distributed throughout the area by MAF! No word on how much or how long it will last, but this is much needed for the entire village. Also a great way for MFM to be able to touch the lives of many in the area who are seeking help.

More updates. More news. More prayers for your help.

Donations are still greatly needed. This is food, medical supplies, and money. Simply put. If you just read the past few posts, I think you’ll get the point. There is no news if the US Military was able to make a helicopter drop of food into Saut d’Eau. Our prayer is that they did so it will feed some hungry people and prolong the running out of food completely for MFM.

I urge you to either donate online, communicate with me about organizing a goods drive in your local town, contact your newspaper to spread the word, or pray. In fact, I urge you to do all four.

If you are skilled medically, then please contact us to go in with a group to establish a medical clinic around the first week of February. 

Lastly, to urge donations financially, 1.) the container of goods that will be shipped to St. Marc will cost a significant amount of money. Your donation will help send food to the Haitians. 2.) The 5.9 aftershock on Monday did more damage to the compound. It was not discovered until yesterday that the boy’s dorm of the orphanage on the main compound in Saut d’Eau developed a large crack. This makes it unlivable, and thus it must be completely torn down to be rebuilt. This is the third building that MFM has lost during the earthquake.

Millions of dollars has been given to the crisis in Haiti, and it is one of the most amazing things to see the people of God come together to respond to help “the least of these.” Many donations have come in to Mountain Faith Mission, but honestly, it will have to continue. The need is too great to ignore. If you have not given anywhere to help aid, I plead with you to give to Mountain Faith Mission of Haiti. 100% of the donations we receive are turned straight into Haiti, and especially in this time to aid our people. Please consider donating. Contact me if you are interested in joining with MFM.

How To Donate Supplies To MFM

Update 8:06pm:

Just received this email from Mama Turner. Please, please, consider either donating money via the donate option at the website, writing a check, or through donating goods to MFM. Maybe you’ve felt the tug on your heart to organize to help get goods donated in your area and work to get them located to Brunswick, GA. Please contact us. Food sources are disappearing on the central plateau. That is not a good thing. Please help us out!

 He would like for you all to buy large bags of rice, beans and cases of vegetable oil or find stores who will donate maybe.  Send lots of food, some clothes, meds and bedding and hopefully American food stuff for the Turners also. Richard thought Denver might be of help in finding some rice.

We need to raise money to get this done. While the mayor was at our place he informed Richard that the food was almost totally gone in Mirebalais and Saut d’ Eau.

I hope you all think this is a good thing to do. People are getting very hungry there and even my two Americans are VERY LOW on food. They are eating rice too.

Within the next few hours, we will have something more of detail, but we have secured getting goods into our people that will be leaving Florida around Feb. 16. With that said, right now there are efforts being organized in the Brunswick, GA area, Cookeville, TN area, a couple of places in KY, and my home, New Castle, Indiana. 

If you would be willing to either donate, or run a collection group to begin gathering supplies, boxing them in the correct size boxes, coordinating the efforts to get them shipped to Brunswick to be loaded and be prepared to deal with loads of supplies, then contact us. As I mentioned, not all of the information has been released, but we should have it completely figured out in the next few hours, so please check back if you’d like to help.

Below is a list of the supplies that we are collecting. If you have any questions, email me at mrakers85@comcast.net and I will get you the information you need to know. 

• Antibiotics
• Ibuprofen
• Tylenol
• Aspirin
• Band-Aids, Gauze, Tape
• Antibiotic Ointments (Neosporin, etc.)
• Betadine
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Sheets
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Rice
• Flour
• Canned Meats
• Powdered Milk
• Peanut Butter (Plastic Jars only)
• Dried Beans
• Spaghetti Noodles
• Tomato Paste
• Cornmeal
• Ramen Soup Packs
• Jelly (plastic jars only)
• Cooking Oil (Plastic Containers only)
• Beef jerky
• Lollipops/suckers for children
• Ziplock storage bags (pints, quarts)

Keep checking back as we unfold how you can directly help and possibly coordinate locally in your town!

What’s On My Mind

 

The past week has been an emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental drain on me. I’m in New Castle, Indiana, trying to do my part in Haiti. As I’ve said – that makes me feel like a fraud, knowing the many Americans who lived through the earthquake, and are now dealing with the aftermath. If It were possible, I’d gladly relive them. Unfortunately, I find myself stateside, working as much as I can to contact medical personnel and to raise financial support. I know it is working, but I still feel useless. 

Anyways, after I get my “church stuff” done, I always manage to find myself doing something. Whether it is working on the blog, updating the MFM website, or something else, it’s always open. From the moment I wake up, to the moment I fall asleep, it’s on my mind. 

Two things are on my mind this morning:

• The medical team that we are trying to mobilize. If you are a Christian person who is looking to get involved, then contact us. People who want to go down and work are encouraged to do so if you have medical training. Full details are still sketchy, but we are trying to get our bearings straight so this can get off the ground and begin treating people who have walked the 40+ miles to our compound in search of medical help and food. Leave a message or connect on Facebook or email and we’ll get back with you ASAP.

 

Beatrice

 

• The other thing on my mind are specific kids from the mission. I awoke to think of Beatrice from our church in LaSalle. The beautiful smile, the outgoing personality, the awesome laughter. I was heartbroken as I have to wonder, “Is she okay?” I began to think of Shella from Mirebalais, who I have posted pictures of numerous times on here. She’s my professor of Kreyol. She taught me and communicated and laughed with me. “Is she okay?” And Sandia, from Gran Savane who I’ve given a pen to each year and she treasures it. And the list could go on, and on, and on, and on, and on. How are these kids holding up? What if they lost parents? What if they’re one of the thousands that have been orphaned? What if they were hurt and are needing medical help? I’m 24 years old and I’m ready to swoop down and go pretend I can care for these kids. That’s the reality of the situation we’re facing though. I can’t just pick up a phone to call them. I can’t email them. I can’t read their blog or connect on Facebook. They’re just there. And if they need medical help, they don’t wait for an ambulance to come pick them up and their insurance to help pay for everything,
  

  Sandia

  but instead, they have to walk for miles just to find someone who might be unqualified to treat them to do the best they can. Of course, then I begin to think outside of those three girls I mentioned – what about the thousands of others who I’ve never met. The other kids who are seeking help – how do I reach them to love them as Christ? How do we do it?

That’s what I woke up to this morning.

Just because the pictures are not as dominant on CNN and Yahoo! News, doesn’t mean its over. In fact, it seems that this war zone is going to be here for a long time. It appears that the after-effects of this disaster will be evident for years. I just want to help. I just want to serve. Right now, all I can do is type, call, pray, give money, and serve for the people of Haiti. My question for you is what are you doing today for the people of Haiti?

Shella

Small Update

Update 11:13 AM/Wednesday: 

We’re currently trying to find information regarding banks. There is information passing around that the bank we go through has collapsed in this morning’s aftershock. According to the Fonkoze website, the bank we go through was non-operational as of Monday night. Information is scarce. Please pray as we’re trying to wire money into the missionaries for food and other supplies. Difficulty getting money will only make the situation worse.

Received an update from David Turner within the past hour (as forwarded through his mother who is in Florida).

He informed us that last night, John Baptiste and Eric were able to go somewhere and pick up 54 gallons of diesel and 12 gallons of fuel. This is a huge answered prayer that at least solves some problems for now.

Likewise, they were also able to get some flour. Food is scarce. No information is really known as to how this happened, but we praise God because of this.

More information has been given about the destruction. A large portion of the compound wall has fallen about 20 feet from where our girl’s dorm is for the orphanage. Presently, men are working to build blocks and re-plaster it. There is a large team of Haitians working in this time to make sure the compound stays in good condition. The Haitian people are not waiting for help to come in, but instead, they are working hard now. 

This is all the information given right now. The previous post really gives direction as to where we are right now overall as direction as a mission. Please be in prayer for all of these endeavors.

Please, still go to the donate page to give. Do something. There was no word on how much all of the supplies cost, but at my best guess, it is much more than normal, so please pray and consider giving.

Today is Wednesday. This means many of the believers who read this will be going to church tonight. Ask your leaders what the church’s plan is. If the church already has joined efforts with someone, then praise God for answering the call of Christ. But, if your church is looking for ways to get involved, brainstorm and do something. Our mission can use all the financial help as possible. 100% of it goes to the Haitian people every time we get money. This is a time where the money is greatly needed as who knows how long funds will continue coming in. So, tonight at church, beg, plead, and build a group and work with MFM.

1 John 3:17 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”

Show the love of God.