Interactive Missionary Letter

Every End is a New Beginning

After our 47th trip into Haiti, on April 15th 2011, after 15 months of incredible challenges, sacrifice and intense work, our team returned to the D.R. from its final relief mission.  During this trip, we reflected on God's blessings and gave all the honor and glory to him for what has been done.  Obviously, the disaster is still ongoing and Haiti will take years to recover, as we have reported on our Blog.

Haiti, as a nation, has known nothing but suffering, tribulations and poverty over her course in history and this makes recovery even that more difficult.  It is extremely difficult to pass collapsed buildings, tent cities, etc., without thinking of those affected from the earthquake even to this day; yet we know it is time to draw this relief chapter in our life to a close. While this chapter in our lives is ending, we are excited about new beginnings.  Every fire starts with a spark and Haiti has definitely kindled a new fire within us; one, that we believe will not let us leave just yet.

For decades, and even now, non-governmental organizations have provided the most critical services to the Haitian people. During this time, Haitians have developed a dependency on humanitarian aid and this sense of dependency and entitlement has grown over the last year.  Today, seemingly innocent situations can become intense quickly (For example: Our Feb 28, 2011, Blog entry ) and serious problems can lead to personal attacks.  Not all experiences can be explained or documented, not even with Blogs, Twitter, Facebook etc., there is just not enough time.  There are also no easy answers in a disaster. In life, there are going to be trials and tribulations and our character is defined by rising to meet those challenges.

For the Christian, these trials and tribulations can be physical realities but more than anything it is a spiritual test.  Will we grow by faith and wholly rely on Him or will we rely on ourselves?  In Haiti, this question is answered daily and in order for physical dependency to be broken, spiritual dependency must take its place at some point.  Our Lord Jesus Christ, quoting Deut 8:3, sums it up in Luke 4:4 by saying, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."  The first sign of long-term change in Haiti is going to be Haitians depending on every word of God to win, build and send their countrymen around their country with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christianity is growing in Haiti and that gives our team great hope and we want to be a part of this growth in a permanent way.

Today, we are announcing our plans to start the Bible Baptist Church of Nouailles, Haiti.  This will be our third church plant since arriving on the island in August of 2006.  It is difficult to establish a new work without a leader and God has brought Pastor Clifford into our lives for such a time as this.  Pastor Clifford graduated from the S.T.E.P. seminary in Haiti that is connected with Dallas Theological Seminary and not only feels called to this work but is already in Nouailles laying the ground work necessary to start the church.  We are excited and have committed ourselves to get this church started on the right foot. 


We have three teams coming from Dr. Morgan's church in Farmington, New Mexico and Dr. Monroe's church in Florence, South Carolina this summer to help evangelize and to build a church building before the end of October.  At that point, our team will integrate back into their normal routines in the Dominican Republic, although, continuing our relationship with Pastor Clifford a few days a month for prayer, training and encouragement. We need your prayers; this is a great challenge and will be difficult for a plethora of reasons, some that we have mentioned. Pray for the Holy Spirit's power on our lives and for those who are coming this summer. Pray for our safety, health, ministries and most of all for those who need Christ.

Regina and I want to say thank you to our family, supporting churches and to all the teams that have come to Haiti.  You have encouraged and blessed us with your prayers, offerings, faithfulness and love and we pray we can see you again soon.

Please Pray for Pastor Dial and Martha

One of our greatest joys this year has been watching Martha grow into being an essential part of our team.  She is the Director of Rayitos de Luz (children’s Bible club) in Don Pedro and after marrying Pastor Dial in December has been used by the Lord both here in the Dominican and in Haiti.  In March, she went to the hospital with severe swelling and pain. Three day’s after being admitted, at 2 a.m., the Doctor’s decided to perform emergency surgery in order to stop bleeding in her lower abdomen .  The surgery saved her life and a week later she was released.  Please pray for her recovery, and for Pastor Dial and Martha as they rely on the Lord to provide for $5,000 worth of medical bills.

More Post-Trip Debriefing's

We have been having groups come into Haiti throughout our relief and rebuilding efforts.  We ask these groups to fill out a de-brief form at the close of their missions trip. We let those who come know, that they do not have to put there name on the paper yet these friends of ours (who we made in Haiti) chose to sign there de-briefing forms. Our prayer is that this will be a guide for Pastors and lay leaders who desire to dig deeper and see what goes on in the hearts of those who come. I was asked by the Wilmington News Journal in June 2010 how Haiti affects these groups and if the groups are really helping. I believe these de-briefings can shed some light on those questions from a different view point.  Regina and I have learned a lot both in Haiti and in the D.R. from this evaluation process (See March 2008) (See August 2010) and in several cases have implemented long term changes to our short term group strategy. The following 3 de-briefings come from Dr. John Morgan’s church in Farmington, New Mexico.

One thing debriefing triggers is the reentry process. Reentry is both an end and a beginning.

• an end to a foreign experience, but the beginning of feeling foreign

• an end of a trip, but the beginning of another journey

• an end to being/feeling special, but the beginning of being ordinary with a special heart for God and for the people of Haiti

• an end to being stared at, but the beginning of looking at people and the world through different eyes

• an end to simple living, but the beginning of a different lifestyle

• an end to crowded housing, but the beginning of having more space for God and for people

• an end to eating foreign food, but the beginning of friendships with International students, immigrants, refugee’s and ethnic minorities

Casey Garcia - Jeweler’s Assistant

LEAVING

1. When I think of leaving, I feel . . . conflicted.  Nervous for the impact Haiti has just begun in my life and how that’s going to be revealed back home even more.

2. My experience here has been . . . indescribable.  There’s the third world and then there is Haiti

3. For me Haiti means . . . conflict.  Conflict in emotions, perspective, government and the situation.

4. The people I will miss are . . . The Franklins - those little blondies!  The kids from our construction site. Belen, Taylor and George.

5. The things that I will miss are . . . cold showers. Rice pudding.  Cabbage salad.  Bad roads.  Bags of Water. 

6. The things I will be happy to leave behind are . . . Sugar Cane Factories. 

7. When leaving a place I usually . . . feel ready to go home, sad to leave, thankful and joyful about my experience.

8. The easiest point of leaving for me will be . . . when I get to Florida and get my Carmel Frappucino!

9. Before I leave I really want to . . . Thank God for Haiti and promise Him to never forget Haiti.

10. I feel that my goals/expectations have been . . . revealed . . . I really had none.  The Lord showed me day by day what to absorb and THAT blew my mind. 

11. The most stressful part of leaving will be . . . leaving the Franklins, and knowing this may or may not be be my last time in Haiti (equally stressful)

12. A few things I would suggest to the missionaries . . . stop spoiling us. Just Kidding.

13. A few things I would suggest to the national team at the base . . . continue helping the Franklins

14. The base needs . . another generator

15. One thing I wish we could have done was . . . nothing - it was perfect in everyway

EXPECTATIONS

1. I think the return home will be . . . Subtle. I feel my reentry is so much like my entry - little expectation so that I can be open to how this all applies to the Big Picture 

2. I expect the reception from my family will be . . supportive

3. I anticipate my church to be . . .

4. I picture my friends to be . . . so amazed at the devastation, shocked even.  I know that those closest to me will want stories and will be influenced.

5. I expect my family to

6. I hope my church will . . .

7. I think my friends will be . . .

8. I am looking forward to . . . seeing my fiancé.

RETURNING

1. When I think of returning to the United States, I feel . . . revived.  This new perspective is opening up my heart and mind and I feel it will be used back home.

2. I will be going back to . . . planning a wedding and so many new beginnings!!!

3. Going back will enable me to . . . make my calling and election sure.  Haiti re-introduced me to parts of myself that God is eager to use!!

4. Regarding money, I will . . . hold it with an open hand, always remembering its God’s.  I am merely a steward. 

5. I think the hardest part of going back for me will be . . . my family.

6. I think the easiest part of going back will be . . . getting ready to be married and seeing God unfold all that.

7. I cannot wait to. . . tell my fiancé about Haiti.  Be more intentional about how I relate to people.  Love well!

Steve Hebert - Furniture Store Manager

LEAVING

1. When I think of leaving, I feel . . . Sense of exhausted accomplishment.

2. My experience here has been . . . life changing

3. For me Haiti means . . . the possibility of an awakening for mankind

4. The people I will miss are . . . forever a part of my life

5. The things that I will miss are . . . the challenges that exist here

6. The things I will be happy to leave behind are . . . the aromas

7. When leaving a place I usually . . . take material souvenirs

8. The easiest point of leaving for me will be . . . to return to my family at home

9. Before I leave I really want to . . . thank everyone who worked so hard.

10. I feel that my goals/expectations have been . . . exceeded . . . unbelievable.

11. The most stressful part of leaving will be . . . knowing I may never return

12. A few things I would suggest to the missionaries . . . drink plenty of water, have 3 pair of shoes, lots of Sunblock

13. A few things I would suggest to the national team at the base . . . they are great and can’t think of anything

14. The base needs . . . financial support

15. One thing I wish we could have done was . . . seen a little more of Haiti

EXPECTATIONS

1. I think the return home will be . . . poignant

2. I expect the reception from my family will be . . warm and tearful

3. I anticipate my church to be . . . curious

4. I picture my friends to be . . . curious

5. I expect my family to be . . . interested and motivated

6. I hope my church will . . . be supportive in the future of Short Term Missions

7. I think my friends will be . . . curious

8. I am looking forward to . . . organizing my photos / journal  and sharing

RETURNING

1. When I think of returning to the United States, I feel . . . ready

2. I will be going back to . . . home and job.  My life changed forever here.

3. Going back will enable me to . . . provide stronger witness for Christ.

4. Regarding money, I will . . . find a way to support missions more

5. I think the hardest part of going back for me will be . . . retain the emotions born here.

6. I think the easiest part of going back will be . . . seeing my loved ones

7. I cannot wait to. . . share my experiences

Steve Damron / Small Business owner and Golf Pro.

Note:  Steve is a new Christian and reminds me a lot my uncle Tom (where I get my name).  

LEAVING

1. When I think of leaving, I feel . . . not ready!  Although I miss my family, I know there is so much to be done. 

2. My experience here has been . . . life changing, I am far richer than I ever imagined. 

3. For me Haiti means . . .

4. The people I will miss are . . . the Franklins and the whole team, I’ve made some life long friends that I will always pray for and remember not only in my mind but will love in my heart. 

5. The things that I will miss are . . . the cooking, the cold showers and most of all the companionship.

6. The things I will be happy to leave behind are . . . my blood, sweat and tears; as well as a Christian legacy!

7. When leaving a place I usually . . . never look back!

8. The easiest point of leaving for me will be . . . after I board the plane.

9. Before I leave I really want to . . .

10. I feel that my goals/expectations have been . . . back and forth.  From not feeling as though I could make a difference to seeing that I have maybe on a few men.

11. The most stressful part of leaving will be . . . tonight at the property.  I have sweat, bled and cried and I know the men respect us for it. 

12. A few things I would suggest to the missionaries . . . N/A I’ll be back - Keep it up. 

13. A few things I would suggest to the national team at the base . . . bring me back.

14. The base needs . . . nothing

15. One thing I wish we could have done was . . . swam in the ocean, but I was not here to vacation either!

EXPECTATIONS

1. I think the return home will be . . . long, thoughtful, emotional and reflective. 

2. I expect the reception from my family will be . . with arms wide open

3. I anticipate my church to be . . . very grateful

4. I picture my friends to be . . . humbled also by my tales and experience. 

5. I expect my family to be . . . I have no expectations, they know I was called by God for this trip. 

6. I hope my church will . . . continue supporting Haiti and the Franklins as well. 

7. I think my friends will be . . . inquisitive

8. I am looking forward to . . . a rare Ribeye Steak!

RETURNING

1. When I think of returning to the United States, I feel . . .

2. I will be going back to . . . Farmington, Family, Friends, Fiancé and my business of Hustle and Bustle. 

3. Going back will enable me to . . .

4. Regarding money, I will . . . it now means a fraction of the importance it had prior to my trip. 

5. I think the hardest part of going back for me will be . . . I am forever changed for leaving these people and I thank everyone from family to the church to the Haitians who have made these changes in me. 

6. I think the easiest part of going back will be . . . nothing will be easy about it for me. 

7. I cannot wait to. . . come back.

Pinon Hills Album up on Facebook

After a month of putting the pieces into place, we built a 8ft high 635ft long concrete security wall around the church property last week. Two semi-trucks made their way to Haiti from the Dominican Republic full of special concrete and EPS foam panels setting up Dr. Morgan's team and our staff for 10 days of hard work. God blessed and we blew over 800 bags of concrete via air compressor and set columns for 3 future metal gates. In addition, Dr Morgan was able to conduct leadership classes and another food drop was made in Léogane, the epicenter of the earthquake. We have posted 100 photographs of this trip on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150129172631949.283229.583196948

Coincidence or Providence that rocks lie where there at?

Last week we moved a 1000 bags of cement off a semi-truck with 8 other men - ohhh - my muscles still hurt.  If you've never had the opportunity to do this then I highly suggest - YOU DON'T.  Smile - my body will never be the same. The Mule (our grey Toyota Hilux pictured above) which has been in four accidents since beginning relief operations and transported us out of several hairy situations, may never be the same either.  At the border with heavy traffic we were forced into the lake and were just a few inches from heading to the happy hunting grounds for good except for a huge rock that caught the undergird of the truck and miraculously kept us from heading deeper into the lake.  Thank the Lord our engine kept running for 2 hours while hooking up equipment to pull her to safety. 

We had water up to the bottom of the seats in the cab, all kinds of things got wet including passports, documents ect. but the engine never stopped (amazing). During the operation - “Rescue Mule” - over 40 gathered to watch us work.  When we finally got the mule out we celebrated and thought our problems were over.  We quickly learned that we had another problem after paying two Haitian men who had helped us pull the truck out of the water.  At this precise moment the 40 plus spectators demanded payment and the situation grew rather intense.  Finally, I smiled to everyone, held up my hands, backed up slowly to the mule, jumped in and found out our mule was actually a race horse as it transported us out of another hairy situation.  The truck (err - I mean race horse) is currently in the shop and as soon as we get the O.K - we will be heading back in again on approximately our 45th trip since the earthquake.

1st Anniversary of the Earthquake

Dominican team welding metal framework for roof on

Pastor Destini's building - January 12, 2011

Wall paneling system being installed by second Dominican team. Project is just a few weeks from being finished. January 12, 2011

Smiling Faces and Joyful praise fill the night

One year ago our families lives where forever changed when an earthquake hit our island and brought the plight of our Haitian neighbors to the forefront of everything we were doing. There are times that change who, what, when and where you do things and January 12th 2010 was such a time in our lives. It will be a day that we will always remember and will literally live in Regina and I's memory until we pass into eternity. There is no way to begin to describe what we have seen and done in the last 365 day's. We have tried our best to communicate this year what was happening with over 30 different entries in our blog (www.dr4christ.blogspot.com), but really not even a book would do justice to all that has taken place. With His grace, direction and mercy our team has been in the field for more than 40 weeks away from our homes, ministries and families and today is no exception. It is sufficient to say that God is good, His blessings always seem to come at the perfect time. He has brought many churches and pastors in our lives who have helped and who we have learned a great deal from. We will never forget the times working and fellowshiping together and hope to see them again one day. We represent you: churches, pastors, friends and family who we know care deeply about the Christians here and the spiritual future of this country. We know many of you would be here with us in a heart beat if able and that thought, along with doing His will in our lives propels us to do more. We have done a lot with little this year, but that is enough when God is in it. We will post some pictures throughout the day on our blog and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dr4christ) These pictures will be of work going on today and of tonights special services. Thank you from our family, our pastors, our full time workers and those who we are serving. We are grateful for your prayers, offerings, faithfulness and love.

Dial and Marthe's Wedding

Dial and Marthe got married this last week with 225 in attendance, some all the way from Haiti. We started training Dial two years ago for the ministry and finally got him married this week. It was a beautiful ceremony and the whole Christmas affair lasted more than four hours. Both Dial and Marthe will be full-time workers beginning in January and they really need your prayers as 1.) they begin a new life together, 2.) continue ministering to families in Don Pedro and 3.) keep up with Regina and I in Haiti.

Our church in Tamboril hosts 225+ for Dial and Marthe's wedding.

Tom speaks in Spanish while Franc translates in Creol

Reading Genesis 2:18-24 in Spanish and Creol

Exchanging vows and the ring ceremony

The best way to start a new marriage - in prayer.

O.K. I'll take you down the isle - but forget about accompanying another boy until your 40.

First Wedding Celebrated

Love is God's richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between a man and woman which matures into marriage is one of the most beautiful types of love.This weekend our church celebrated its first wedding between Aristides and Rosa. Believe it or Not we have another wedding coming up in a week and are excited for the example it sets to our church family and community. Aristides and Rosa have been in our church for a little over a year now. Rosa accepted Christ with Regina and a few weeks later, I had the opportunity to lead Aristides to the Lord. Both have been discipled, love the Lord and are growing everyday in His word. The whole day was blessed and I was able to share the plan of salvation with the guests during the ceremony. Great Memories.

Aristides and Rosa at the Courthouse
JuliAnna and Miguel Angel

Here comes the Bride

Dearly Beloved we are gathered here today to unite Aristides and Rosa in Holy Matrimony.

Praying with Aristides and Rosa after there vows.

Give me some cake.

Dr. John and Greg Morgan in Haiti

Regina and I, recently enjoyed our visit with Dr. John Morgan and his wife Greg in Haiti. Greg is a professional photographer and just released the most incredible photos entitled - "The Beautiful Faces of Haiti." I sure hope you get a chance to see them - you will not be sorry. If your on Facebook its - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.473627266948.255009.583196948  In addition, Dr. Morgan has written two articles on his blog The Big Ink Monkey. (www.thebiginkmonkey.blogspot.com) His first article details our adventures together and his second article is entitled "Hope for Haiti".  Its a very insightful article and full of positive answers, verses and well - hope.  Its always great to make new friends but we know Dr. John was sent to be a blessing - and right now - Haiti needs all the blessings it can get.

Movie Night draws 250 plus

This month we showed the Christian movie "Lay it Down" in Spanish. Great evangelistic film about illegal street racing that exposes the reality of such choices, and their consequences. The surprise ending combined with a clear presentation of the gospel led to over 20 people making a profession of faith after a short message. I was very proud of our members who went and prayed out of site during the invitation. Prayer really makes a difference. Afterwards Regina and company served up some cake and we raffled off some Bibles. A perfect ending to a beautiful evening.

Evangelistic Movie Night - Lay it Down

Regina serves up some cake

Tom raffles away Bibles

Life would be boring without them

Building a strong christian family goes hand in hand on the mission field with building an enduring ministry. We have been blessed with four beautiful children that enjoy diving into ministry just as much as we do. They are valuable assets in every way and it seems the more we do in ministry the closer we all grow together. Obviously it takes a lot of work and quality time and there are occasional hiccups along the way but with Jesus as our Lord and guide those hiccups subside. We are so proud to be the parents of Tyler, Jordan, Tiffany and JuliAnna, there so fun to be around and life would be boring without them.

Tyler in Haiti helping a family get some Water

Happy 13th Jordan - You light up our life!

"Tiffany and JuliAnna Kick'n back at home"

Tiffany - "I'm glad my Mom didn't make me the white frill indian costume"

Tom and JuliAnna at the Park

Girls and me in Haiti

Little Rays of Sunshine Update

Recently our friend Carol wrote and asked me about one of our ministries in the second church we started in Don Pedro, D.R. last year.

Carol asked:

How is Garry and the Little Rays of Light Club doing?

Dear Carol,

Gary and the Little Rays of Sunshine are doing great. Gary and Martha were able to attend a 12 lesson seminar by Child Evangelism on “How to Evangelize a Child”. Gary graduated; however Martha missed 2 weeks because her father passed away. She went to Haiti for the funeral. When she returned she was able to complete the 2 lessons she had missed by individually meeting with the teacher and was also able to graduate.

Tom and I gave Gary a camera to take Pictures. He purchased a memory chip and soon should have more pictures available.

These past few weeks, Gary has been teaching lessons on “Facing Giants” based on the story of David and Goliath. The children have really enjoyed it, especially their activity books. We are currently searching for some more Bible lessons to teach that include visuals and activity books. These children know very little about the Bible or are very confused with a mix of Charismatic and Catholic teachings. Having the opportunity to teach the truth from God’s Word is a “breath of fresh air”.

Mostly because of the conditions they currently meet in, growing in number has been a challenge; however, we are happy to announce that this past month a piece of property was purchased for them. There is still a lot to do and long ways to go concerning building, Sunday School and improving Little Rays of Sunshine, but they are coming along and we are seeing spiritual growth and God’s blessing.

Lubbock Baptist Temple in Haiti

Pastor Bygel from Lubbock along with men from his church came and worked - very hard. We finished rebuilding the wall and set 12 columns digging through concrete and rebar all the way. WhoooRaw! 10 days of brutal sweat, blood and tears. True TEX A CANS. Pastor Bygel brought a great message of encouragement Sunday morning that really touched the hearts of the people. We also were able to go into the belly of the beast once again (Epicenter of the Earthquake - Leógane) - to give food and water to a local pastor and church. One afternoon we paid our respects for the first time at the site where the victims of Jan 12 earthquake were buried. An experience Regina and I will never forget.

Pastor Wes in the Red Cap

Don and Tom talk Measurements and Engineering

Crosses lead the way to where 100,000's are buried

A picture taken by Leslie from Lubbock -

Literally a City on a Hill

Columns going up

Even the Goats want to know what is going on at the

Construction Site - They climbed 3 stories up to get a good view.

Post-Trip Debriefing's

We have been having groups come into Haiti every month and we ask those groups to fill out a de-briefing form at the close of their missions trip. We let those who come know, that they do not have to put there name on the paper yet these friends of ours (who we made in Haiti) chose to sign there de-briefing forms. Our prayer is that this will be a guide for Pastors and lay leaders who desire to dig deeper and see what goes on in the hearts of those who come. I was asked by the Wilmington News Journal in June how Haiti affects these groups and if the groups are really helping. I believe these de-briefings can shed some light on those questions from a different view point. Regina and I have learned a lot both in Haiti and in the D.R. from this evaluation process (See March 2008) and in several cases have implemented long term changes to our short term group strategy.

The following 3 de-briefings come from 3 different groups who visited Haiti over a course of three months. Steve Drake is a career police officer and a member of the S.W.A.T. team in his county. Keith Bengston is a Park Ranger and Rene Saltana P.H.D. is a professor at Texas Tech University. 3 men, 3 groups, 3 different walks of life. All were a blessing and love the Lord.

One thing debriefing triggers is the reentry process. Reentry is both an end and a beginning.

• an end to a foreign experience, but the beginning of feeling foreign

• an end of a trip, but the beginning of another journey

• an end to being/feeling special, but the beginning of being ordinary with a special heart for God and for the people of Haiti

• an end to being stared at, but the beginning of looking at people and the world through different eyes

• an end to simple living, but the beginning of a different lifestyle

• an end to crowded housing, but the beginning of having more space for God and for people

• an end to eating foreign food, but the beginning of friendships with International students, immigrants, refugee’s and ethnic minorities

Steve Drake - Police Officer / S.W.A.T - Heritage Baptist Church - Lebanon, Ohio - Pastor Steve Craft

EXERCISE 1 FOR SHORT TERMERS

Complete the following sentences.

LEAVING

1. When I think of leaving, I feel . . . Sad, for leaving friends behind.

2. My experience here has been . . . life changing, I will cherish this trip forever.

3. For me Haiti means . . . a beginning for me to help the country

4. The people I will miss are . . . Tom, Jean, Luis and George

5. The things that I will miss are . . . spending time and talking to Tom

6. The things I will be happy to leave behind are . . . N/A.

7. When leaving a place I usually . . . N/A

8. The easiest point of leaving for me will be . . . Getting to see my family

9. Before I leave I really want to . . .N/A.

10. I feel that my goals/expectations have been . . . fully met. God has worked in my heart.

11. The most stressful part of leaving will be . . . knowing my brothers and sisters are suffering.

Note from Tom: This group came through the Dominican Republic These last four questions under leaving were not on the evaluation form at the time this group came to Haiti.

12. A few things I would suggest to the missionaries . . .

13. A few things I would suggest to the national team at the base . . .

14. The base needs . . .

15. One thing I wish we could have done was . . .

EXPECTATIONS

1. I think the return home will be . . . Bittersweet. I want to go home, but I will miss my new friends.

2. I expect the reception from my family will be . . Great Joy

3. I anticipate my church to be . . .waiting for a full report.

4. I picture my friends to be . . . very interested in the trip.

5. I expect my family to be . . . start praying and support Haiti.

6. I hope my church will . . . catch a vision to help rebuild Destini’s church.

7. I think my friends will be . . . N/A.

8. I am looking forward to . . . spending time with my family

RETURNING

1. When I think of returning to the United States, I feel . . . very excited.

2. I will be going back to . . . work and catching up with my family.

3. Going back will enable me to . . . share the needs of Haiti with others.

4. Regarding money, I will . . . increase my missions contribution

5. I think the hardest part of going back for me will be . . . getting back in the routine when I know of the suffering going on in Haiti.

6. I think the easiest part of going back will be . . .

7. I cannot wait to. . . see my wife.

Keith Bengston - Park Ranger - Hillsboro Bible Baptist Church - Hillsoboro, Ohio - Pastor Dan Lamb

EXERCISE 1 FOR SHORT TERMERS

Complete the following sentences.

LEAVING

1. When I think of leaving, I feel . . . Sad, but know that #1 we tried to make a difference the short time we were here #2 that it went too fast.

2. My experience here has been . . . Unbelievable. It has truly been a blessing. I felt the presence of God in a powerful way. I have not felt this moved since our church’s Canada fishing trip with my son in 2000.

3. For me Haiti means . . . an industrious, faithful, happy family of people amidst devastation on an apocalyptic level. It is not what the news portrays it to be. It was not what I had in my mind. It was better and not scary.

4. The people I will miss are . . . Tom and Regina, Pastor Destini and his wife Carmen, Luis and the other staff, George, Pastor Jean Dial and the ladies

5. The things that I will miss are . . . Regina and Yolanda’s food. New Friends and Fellowship. Laughing with Luis and yet - not understanding him.

6. The things I will be happy to leave behind are . . . heat. Although I was getting used to it.

7. When leaving a place I usually . . .

8. The easiest point of leaving for me will be . . . knowing I will see my family to share this great trip.

9. Before I leave I really want to . . . thank everyone for such a great time.

10. I feel that my goals/expectations have been . . . met beyond all doubts, fears and trepidations I had. I let the world tell me through research what Haiti was about. I let my mind out think my heart before coming.

11. The most stressful part of leaving will be . . . Customs and Frontier

Note from Tom: This group came through the Dominican Republic These last four questions under Leaving were at the time of this evaluation under Reflections.

12. A few things I would suggest to the missionaries . . .

13. A few things I would suggest to the national team at the base . . .

14. The base needs . . .

15. One thing I wish we could have done was . . .

EXPECTATIONS

1. I think the return home will be . . . Long and thoughtful. I pray the Lord works with me about missions.

2. I expect the reception from my family will be . . excited and eager to learn

3. I anticipate my church to be . . .very excited and yearning to know about our adventure

4. I picture my friends to be . . . eager to hear

5. I expect my family to be . . . excited and happy to see us

6. I hope my church will be . . . excited to hear of the trip

7. I think my friends will be . . . happy for me and my trip

8. I am looking forward to . . . Air Conditioning. My wife and kids. Getting ready to move our house. Hearing from God.

RETURNING

1. When I think of returning to the United States, I feel . . . Sad, I left the missions field in Haiti. I want to pray harder.

2. I will be going back to . . . business of life

3. Going back will enable me to . . . share my experience

4. Regarding money, I will be . . . more thoughtful towards missions

5. I think the hardest part of going back for me will be . . . rememberin it all and wanting to do it again soon.

6. I think the easiest part of going back will be . . . seeing my family

7. I cannot wait to talk to Pastor Lamb to share the experience. . . of our trip and give him a concrete piece of Pastor Destini’s church - representing the destruction. Then a brand new Ondura nail - representing rebuilding, our project and His promise.

REFLECTIONS

1. One thing the base needs is . . . Can’t think of anything

2. The best thing at the base was . . . Happy Children, Fellowship with the Staff, Church member, The Team. Services. Tours

3. The food was . . . Great very filling

4. I learned from the missionaries . . . the importance of empowering the local people to grow.

5. I learned from the nationals in Tom and Regina’s team . . . Teamwork & God goes a long way

6. Three things I suggest . . . Zero

7. The Project was . . . completed and very interestingly: Powered by God and Built with Love

Rene Saltana P.H.D. - Professor Texas Tech University - Lubbock Baptist Temple - Pastor Wes Bygel

EXERCISE 1 FOR SHORT TERMERS

Complete the following sentences.

LEAVING

1. When I think of leaving, I feel . . . both happy and sad. Happy that I will be with my family again, but sad at leaving new friends and so much work yet to be done.

2. My experience here has been . . . all positive. I was leary at first because the country is so foreign to me, but the family at the base certainly alleviated those fears from moment one in country.

3. For me Haiti means . . . a very real place filled with so many souls in need. It means Pastor and Madame Destini working to win as many of them to Christ.

4. The people I will miss are . . . Luis, George, The Franklin boys, The Franklin’s period. Jackson.

5. The things that I will miss are . . . the fellowship with the men on the work site, the seeing of the work being / getting done.

6. The things I will be happy to leave behind are . . . the heat and the smells of burning trash.

7. When leaving a place I usually . . . pack up and go. The leaving is bitter sweet.

8. The easiest point of leaving for me will be . . . the airport. I could try swimming but I’d get tired fast. No, really the easiest point is hard to pin-point.

Note: This group came through the Port-au-Prince Airport

9. Before I leave I really want to . . . take in the sites, sounds and smells on the way to the airport. To have a very clear memories of the people / souls.

10. I feel that my goals/expectations have been . . . met. We wanted to come be of service in any way and I feel we did. The work on the site was always in flux, but it came together.

11. The most stressful part of leaving will be . . . getting to the airport: on the plane, ticketed; loaded.

12. A few things I would suggest to the missionaries . . . I really can’t think of anything. It was great to meet all the kids; Regina though that is not do able for every team.

13. A few things I would suggest to the national team at the base . . . nothing - they ran the show like Pro’s. I wish for my part, to have been able to serve them more, but they were ever the servants themselves.

14. The base needs . . . NO hot water.

Note: This is a joke - we had asked this group if this was important due to a suggestion from a previous visitor.

15. One thing I wish we could have done was . . . gone out to pass out tracts and or invite folks to Pastor Destini’s church.

EXPECTATIONS

1. I think the return home will be . . . a joyful one. I can’t wait to see my wife and sons and begin to tell them all that that I saw and heard of Haiti, the Base family, and what we did.

2. I expect the reception from my family will be . . happy

3. I anticipate my church to be . . . glad at having the Pastor back

4. I picture my friends to be . . . eager to hear of what all happened during there stay.

5. I expect my family to be. . . happy, warm and cozy.

6. I hope my church will be. . . glad at our return and become even more missions minded than we are.

7. I think my friends will be . . . excited to hear my recountings.

8. I am looking forward to . . . holding my wife and sons first thing and for a long time. Setting the thermostat at 68 degree’s ha ha ha!!!

RETURNING

1. When I think of returning to the United States, I feel . . . good. I’ve tried to do a good thing here, and I think I have.

2. I will be going back to . . .family.

3. Going back will enable me to . . . remind myself that any and all support of missionaries is key.

4. Regarding money, I will be . . . more willing to give back to God.

5. I think the hardest part of going back for me will be . . . leaving friends behind. But the work continues. Here and there.

6. I think the easiest part of going back will be . . . that my wife; boys are waiting on the other end and at the flight.

7. I cannot wait to . . . sleep in my own bed tonight, hearing the most familiar sounds, knowing we are all tucked in and together.