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.

2010 Vacation Bible School Album

Jorge and Penny getting things Started

Jordan helping with the Activity Books

The Kitchen Crew - Hot Dog's, Rice-n-Chicken, Spaghetti

You name it - they can cook it!

Tom giving instructions to the Children's Choir

Ohhhh My Word - Grab a Can of Deodorant

Tom leading the music for the closing evening service

Once again God blessed our Vacation Bible School this year. In my "human fallible thought process", I thought we would have just about the same amount we averaged last year (100-120 not counting the adults). Boy was I was wrong, we easily went over 150.

The whole week was great. I am not a big believer in "group salvation prayers" but with so many it was really the only way to go. One service we had over 20 who stood for salvation. Several, including two boys came up to me after services and told me that they got saved. That was exciting. Jorge and Penny (our missionaries) do a fantastic job encouraging the kids to come and tell us about their decision - this really helps us connect more with each one.

One day I got a hug from one little girl when she was leaving, that was special. One older boy bought me an ice cream and brought it to me while me and Luis were standing in the sun watching the kids at the gate and helping them across the street. I was shocked, really, but the next thing he did was even more amazing. He came back with another one for - Luis Marco. Luis Marco is a member of our church, real humble Haitian man. Not going to go into it more than say - Dominicans and Haitians - DONT LIKE EACH OTHER THAT MUCH. To see something like this is what I call - "snorting the miraculous". I will never forget the look on Luis's face, He was even more shocked than I was - it was great.

Our closing evening activity we had over 300 in services including adults. Everyone was walking in the clouds. Lord was good and throughout the week we had over 30 receive Christ as there savior. Tyler and Jordan did great with the video and soundboard. Regina was everywhere - as always. Literally everything including the children's choir specials, sermon, ect. was perfect.

Our missionaries Jorge and Penny (real troopers) during the week went out and did another VBS in the evening after going at it for 3 hours with us in the morning. After you get that picture in your mind (Not 1 but 2 VBS's in the same day) - imagine them coming and asking if they could take Tyler and Jordan with them? Yes, and then imagine the boys jumping at the opportunity to do it - Yes, (even I was surprised) Afterwards both Jorge and Penny said that they were G R E A T and wanted them to go with them again one day to another VBS. No, I haven't been drinking or taking any prescription medicine, it really happened, and I want to say I'm very proud of them. Truly one of the great things that happened this week. Imagine, third culture boys, sharpening there spiritual trench knives on the souls of Dominican boys and girls, now that is a thought I can go on Monday to Haiti with - ever so happy.

Series on Prayer Completed

Finished up a four week series on prayer. Presented Mabier as our newest member after having baptized him at the river last week. (It was beautiful day) He really perked up with me calling him up in front of everybody, a very special moment. After a rather long morning service, I had to run over to Pastor Jean Dial's church (this is the second work we started last year) and to my surprise they were all waiting for me. I walked right in and started preaching: "If I were the Devil" - Gary translated in Creol. Sure hope he did well, because, I have no clue what he was saying, I think they thought I really was the Devil for awhile - Smile - it went great and I was very encouraged. All in all a wonderful morning. Tonight our missionaries Jorge and Penny came in to stay with us and we spent the evening getting ready for VBS. Lots of work this week - please pray - didn't get home till 10:00. Neat to have a full house of national friends, Carmen is doing better and better. Pray for us, hoping to have a good attendance but we really want them to soak up God's word more than anything.

God has Everything Under Control

Had to leave Haiti today to try to save Carmen's baby, but unfortunately it was not in God's plans. Everyone was a little sad. The Lord has everything under control and we must rejoice in the midst of trials and tribulations. The trip was normal but the baby was already in the canal Friday morning when we left. Both Luis Manuel and I were a little nervous we wouldn't make it but God was with us. Regina had a everything ready including a specialist but it was not to be.

She's resting here now at our home and I will take her back to Haiti after a series of tests next week. The clinic where she will have the tests is highly specialized and believes Carmen and Pastor Destini may have a child one day but they will more than likely need to undergo some blood treatments so Carmen's body does not reject the little one. They have tried over 10 times to have a baby and my heart went out to them all day.

They never lost faith, wavered or doubted. If somehow these treatments can also help them have the baby they so badly desire - then that would be icing on the cake. Please pray it will be so.

Well being drilled in Callabase, Haiti

Our ministry gave the first $1000 for a new well in Callabasse, Haiti. Callabase is a town up in the mountains where people have been walking over 5 kilometers for fresh drinking water. Our friend James was installing a water purification system donated by Operation Blessing immediately behind the Baptist church when the pump got stuck at the 150-foot mark of a 300 foot well. Nothing could be done other than to drill a new well, which is projected to cost over $5000. James continues to supply us with food, water, wheelchairs and more, we know that this well, once its finished is going to be a big blessing to the church and surrounding community.

Hillsboro Bible Baptist in Haiti

Truth Baptist Church and School outside of Port-au-Prince was destroyed by the earthquake on January 12th. Our team after 16 weeks of relief work began investigating materials for reconstruction efforts in Santiago, Dominican Republic and selected Ondura panels for several different re building projects we plan to undertake in our Building Back Better Campaign.  We are just in the initial phases of the first re-building project (Pastor Destini's home) and with all the heavy rains decided to build a temporary church shelter. We are so grateful for Hillsboro Bible Baptist Church who came all the way from Ohio to help us build and encourage those who are still struggling to overcome the difficulties of losing their building.

4x4 Columns Set

Framing Begins

Initial Purlins are Measured for Panels

Work Continues in the evening

Frank teaches Haitians how to install Ondura panels

Over 200 in Services the following Sunday

Wilmington News Journal Asks Important Questions

Recently Reporter Colleeen Dillion at the Wilmington News Journal contacted us on behalf of the paper and did an newspaper article on Haiti. Here is the full version.

Introduction:

Regina and I are missionaries with the Baptist Bible Fellowship International in the Dominican Republic. We have set up a base in Croix des bouquet Haiti to support local Baptist churches and their families. You can find out more about what we have been doing in Haiti at www.dr4christ.blogspot.com The trip into our sister nation with Hillsboro Bible Baptist Church this week will be our 14th trip in since January.

Colleen: What will they (Hillsboro Bible Baptist Church) be doing?

We have three goals.

1.) Take food aid to a church who's building has collapsed in Leógane, Haiti. (This is close to the Epicenter)

2.) Build a temporary church and school shelter (larger than normal) using Ondura corrugated roofing panels for a church whose building was destroyed in the earthquake. This is a new material that has recently arrived in the Dominican Republic. You can learn more about that at www.ondura.com

3.) Begin removing columns and digging footers at the First Baptist Church of the Truth. You can learn more about our long range goals for the church, Pastor Destini, and the school at www.dr4christ.com/projectimpact

Colleen: How may what they see in Haiti affect them? How many groups have assisted you since the earthquake?

In my opinion each person and group that has come is affected differently. We do exit evaluations and looking over them, no two are alike. I can say that God most definitely uses trials and tribulations in our life and the lives of other for His purposes. I think it is tough, no matter how strong you are to see people go through so much. When things get bad I remind myself that God has a plan and that He has everything under control. My faith is increased when a new morning comes after such heartache and seeing this impossible situation made possible by our Lord. In my opinion Hillsboro is in tune with this and is fulfilling a command rather than seeking some type of personal gain or affect. I know this is pretty deep but consider this: Galations 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Jer 32:12 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. I think the counter question is: What affect would not going have on Hillsboro when they have the resources, time, talent and ability? In missions and many times in life it comes back to sewing and reaping. I believe by responding by Faith to this crisis that there are great blessings in store for Hillsboro and their people. What do you think Colleen?

Colleen: How are these groups helping or not helping?

Most definitely helping, Hillsboro is not only getting involved, but as others, has committed financially to helping build back better Pastor Destini's church and school. The church for numerous reasons is vital to the lives of those it ministers to and the school is a bonus. The earthquake that hit January 12 is more than likely the largest disaster in the Western Hemisphere of record. Admittedly, Haiti has complex political and social problems but partnering with local churches and specific people to see projects to the end, like what Hillsboro is doing is a vital part (in my opinion) of long term spiritual change that is so desperately needed.

A Mexican Fiesta in the Dominican Republic?

Saturday nights we have youth services and recently we had the teens over for a Mexican Fiesta. There was Mexican music, special videos, tacos and a piñata. Tom has been teaching on love and Christian relationships and the piñata served as a perfect object lesson to teach selfless love. The teens were told that when the piñata broke and all the goodies fell out, not to pounce, grab, kill ect, but to practice self control and show love so everyone, including our two little girls (Tiffany-4 and JuliAnna-2) could participate. Well the stick was swung; the piñata burst the teens dived into the mayhem headfirst for his or her piece of candy. I was shocked, the girls terrified and Tom kept making eye contact with the teens while encouraging them (in his crazy way) to look at themselves. It was very impactful and when the teens realized what had happened, some were embarrassed, others ashamed, several gave excuses and one cried; but one thing is for sure, the message sunk in. That night our teens learned that there are far greater temptations in there lives than candy and that they must learn to depend on Jesus, practice self control and the selfless love that Christ demonstrated to us on the cross.

Project Impact Haiti Announcement

Dear Friends and Family

Our ministry seems to always be moving in high gear and for quite awhile we have been in overdrive, and what a ride it has been! Praise God! We are preparing to leave tomorrow for our ninth trip (tenth week) into Haiti. It doesn't seem like that many trips but time flies when there is so much to do. This week we are inviting all the people from our church in Tamboril ; Mission in Don Pedro who have been working on relief projects in the D.R. to join our family in Haiti for the first time for "Relief Retreat 2010". We have food distributions, shelter projects and "Quantum Base 300" improvements planned for this trip. We finished relocating the First Baptist Church of the Truth in Croix des Bouquets to an adjacent property and built a temporary tarp shelter for church services last week. We now must move on to demolition and site clearing which is going to take a few months.

Regina and I are excited as God works through us in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. We’ve settled into a routine, have good contacts, finished with our first church group from Ohio and have seen God bless what we are doing in ways we did not know were possible. The Haitians have responded incredibly; some have even bonded with us and us with them. We have made vital contacts with different government and non-government agencies. God is good!!

Just to bring you up to date, last month, the application I made with the World Food Program came through and they gave us a little over $100,000 of food. (Great Contact! - SMILE) This is by far, the largest donation of food to independent Baptist churches we have seen so far. Again, God is good and He receives the honor and the glory for the victory. James Collins who we hooked up with through Missionary Flights International as moved and taken over warehouse distribution for Operation Blessing and loads us up every week with food and supplies. Jean Dial (one of our Haitian men in training from the D.R.) and I continue to preach in many different churches and every time he or I have preached, many people have been saved and only God knows how many encouraged. God is blessing and it is so thrilling to know He is using us. Again, we give him all the honor and the glory for the multiple victories we have seen in Haiti. However, in all this triumph and joy and without "grand standing" let me say that we are dealing with death and devastation on such a scale, which very well may become the largest natural disaster in our hemisphere. With over 230,000 dead we are still coming to grips with the significance of this and know, deep down, that it will take many years for the churches and pastors to recover and or the Haitian economy to stabilize to some resemblance of what it was before the earthquake.

Last week, another group with the Baptist Bible Fellowship came in to assess the situation on the ground and meet with us. The group consisted of Pastor Housley (Dominican Field Rep), Pastor Bales (Haiti Field Rep) and our Mission Director Jon Konnerup. Pastor Housley preached Wednesday evening to a packed and overflowing church and afterwards we had the opportunity to show our guests the projects God has laid on our hearts as well as Quantum Base 300 before eating Regina's special spaghetti. (MMmmmmm - Most definitely the best meal I've had in awhile) The meeting was very profitable and everyone left encouraged and excited about our plans in Haiti to "Build Back Better".

Amazingly, God has moved us into the middle of the disaster and he has moved in us and all around us while in Haiti and He continues to do so in very special ways. At this time and for the near future we are convinced that we need to continue to respond to His will and having done all, as the word says, STAND, Stand firm for God, the assisting of the Haitians God has connected us to, others that he will lead us to, as well as serve those churches that support us as independent Baptist Missionaries, and of course as representatives of the fellowship and their long time mission effort on the island. We have a good team in place, both here in the D.R. and in Haiti, and with all of our state side pastors and Churches, it is working very well.

Please allow me to state clearly, we have no plans on backing off from our one Church and single mission in the D.R., it is just that we can’t back away from either the D.R. OR HAITI, God is not leading in that direction. Perhaps ours is the advantage due to our experience in Cuba (church planting, Feeding Centers, Santeria, weird governments ect.) the number of our works we have in the D.R. and don't count out the Haitian leadership we were actively training when all this happened. So for now, and in the near future, we are sure that God would have us to enlarge our tent stakes to the southwest for a time such as this and with our churches, our team from the D.R. the Haitians God has given us in Haiti, the Missions Office and above all else the wisdom, strength, and leadership of our great God, we plan to carry on as we have these past weeks and begin shifting from relief operations to reconstruction projects. Obviously there is a great need for new churches as well. Believe me there is more than enough room and very hard work for several good Baptist church planters to work in Haiti as long as they are called by God, backed by God and prayerfully supported by their churches. It is the way we have always worked as a Fellowship and I believe we can do it again in Haiti. Maybe this will be the defining hour for our movement on the Island. We need to challenge others to come to Haiti. We need to pray God gives them a burden, wisdom from on high, the contacts and the financial backing needed so they can turn this nation from Voodoo to God. I see it has a strong possibility - what an opportunity for the Caribbean which has been dominated way to long by African syncretistic religions since the 1500's. May God help us all to reclaim the old and new territory for His name. CONCERNING FINANCES: Bro. Hylton in the Missions Office gave us permission to pay an accounting firm here in the Dominican so that our Association could keep record of the expenditures. Last month our association in the Dominican hired a great firm to set this up and is keeping track of everything. CONCERNING OUR PLANS: God has laid on our teams hearts the rebuilding of two specific churches, along with two pastors homes. Unfortunately, this is only a small portion of the 16 works our team and I have visited. With us moving into the reconstruction phase we most definitely need more help. When groups and money begins to dissipate we will have to close the base and return to the D.R. unless God opens another door. CONCERNING OPPORTUNITIES: Not only is rebuilding needed, but because of the relocating of thousands of refugees (400,000 alone, just in the area where Quantum Base 300 is located), the need for new Churches is great! Even if we double the size of the building that existed here now we would still need many more churches in the area for the amount of people headed our way and - soon. CONCERNING NEEDS: A. We need the involvement of quality reconstruction teams from churches. We have already had several teams come and they have been a tremendous blessing. Even if construction work is not your cup of tea pray about being apart of our campaign to "Build Back Better" by giving towards a specific project that God lays on your heart or even coming to Haiti on a construction or evangelistic mission trip. It may just change your life. B. Regina and I need to increase our monthly support. New monthly expenses in relation to travel and base operations have been taken on. All we can ask is that you make this a matter of prayer and let the Lord lead.

Thank you for your backing in this endeavor, thank you for everything you have already done and are still doing for missions. I will stay in contact; you will be informed of every move. Thank you again and God bless. Because of Christ, Tom and Regina Franklin

Heritage Baptist and Brian Weed in Haiti

On March 22, Heritage Baptist Church in Lebanon Ohio sent a diverse team to Quantum Base 300 in coordination with Missionary Brian Weed from Nicaragua (Our Brother-n-law). The team built tent structures and trained nationals which has turned into what we call here “Project Family Tarp". These temporary PVC shelters are very important due to the torrential downpours and sunrays that make conditions in most IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps unbearable. Today, Haiti’s greatest problem is moving over 1.5 million people into more permanent housing. During there trip Heritage took over 300 pictures, which can be found here.

Dr4Christ Emergency Response eNews for February 13, 2010

Moving Forward Thought I'd write you from Haiti today. I'm headed back via Dajabon as fast as possible to see Tyler, he was hospitalized yesterday with Influenza. I hope I can get back in time for the young people's meeting tonight and take them to see him in the hospital. Please pray he recovers and gets home soon. Galations 6:10 says "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Pastor Jean Dial, Luis Manuel and I with your prayers and finances continue do exactly this and left for Haiti on February 8th. We came in from Elias Piñas so we could check on different entry / exit points for future operations. We had over 1500 lbs pounds of food, water, medicine, tracts, ect. As we came in we went to six different churches and did not finish until late at night. We went directly to the church building locations we had logged via GPS and got back to them with out any problems. However, several times we had to get in the truck and move to another location close by because people wanted our supplies. One man took out his machete for a bottle of water. Our distribution methods will improve as we look for better mobile drop off points around these affected churches. Every day we continued relief efforts with what we brought in and on the third day we got some general distribution items for the first time from MFI. I also attended the shelter, camp management and food cluster meetings at the U.N base and met with Mr. Aslam of the World Food Program (WFP) about our original food application made three weeks ago. I do not want to be negative but we need to commit this to prayer and try and partner as much as possible with other Non-Government Organizations who are working outside the U.N. structure. There are a conglomerate of agency's working together that direct you to the WFP desk for food. I confirmed last time before I left that we were in the computer and Mr. Aslam recognized who we are but so far they have not distributed anything to us. Mayby it is due to so many requests or due to bad organization or mayby its because we are Baptist, I really don't know but God does and I feel that He may have someone out there reading this that can give us a contact that will meet this continuing need. If so please send me an e-mail to Tom@DR4Christ.com and I guarantee you we will follow it to the end of the rainbow. We spent one night getting Pastor Leny Funtecha's generator up and running. We rigged a gasket with paper and cleaned the carburetor / fuel lines. I pray that he can use this to charge up his batteries and power some lights that are needed for security. This will help out a lot. Nationals are still working on shoring up the wall and they currently have half of the cement we originally donated. Currently, 65 people are staying on church property and the tent we gave has been put to good use. We decided to check out a local hotel that had been recommended to us and it was full with International NGO's which has had quite an effect on the price of things (more than double) and our team decided to look for more economical and secure accommodations that can house future teams. The Lord really worked and we were able to find an area just outside of Port-au-Prince close to one of the church buildings that has been destroyed. We knew instantly that this was the place and rented it for six months for $250 a month. This is going to save 10,000's of dollars over the months to come. God is good!! Things at Eglize du Tabernacle are moving forward.

It has taken over a week and finally we were able to remove the bodies of three ladies Wednesday. If you compare the above picture with that of the one below you can get an idea of how much of a miracle has taken place in the last week. All of the work has been done by hand and the members buried the remains close by and put some flowers over where the recovery took place. Amazingly the ladies were all found in a fetal position and my only thought was that they looked like they were praying. Pastor Gerald wanted to continue clearing the rubble to have services. I'm very sensitive to listening and following national leaders but in this circumstance I counseled the Pastor to take a step back, take care of his family and wait until plans are made for the demolition of surrounding buildings which look as if they are about to fall on the property. Luis who has been involved with construction projects in the Dominican Republic his whole life calculated that the four story building would take by hand a strong crew approximately 45 days to clear. The church is His people in this local area and an alternative sight I believe by faith can be found in this local area sooner. Please pray that this place can be found so that spiritual healing can begin. Also, pray that in the future large back hoes can be found to speed up clearing and rebuilding. I have got quotes from CAT and have investigated several other leads and the prices are very expensive. We must rely on the Lord. The Pastor is living in the street and I gave him a cash offering so that he could take better care of his family.

We also gave Pastor Sylvio of Maranatha Baptist Church an offering to repair his wall and gate. This will help to control the flow of people moving through his property. We also gave a cash offering to Pastor Odvin of Good Shepard Baptist Church for body and rubble removal. Pastor Odvin's church is up, but the smell of a house that has fallen into the property is one of the obstacles we need to overcome to establish services in the building. Pastor Odvin found a local area to meet in but can do more if he has his building back.

Pastor Odvin has many ministries one of which includes The kids at the Good Shepherd Baptist Children's home who will absolutely touch your heart.

During our time away Pastor Odvin had a clinic with the medical supplies we brought him, so we loaded him up with some more supplies from our friends at Missionary Flights International (Thanks Mr. Cheeseburger man!! - Article on ESPN under Hendrick Team Racing). MFI gave us so much we were able to give Water and Medical supplies to two other church pastors as well. The list of those you have helped goes on and on. Your prayers and finances are making a difference and I know He is planning something special for Haiti's Spiritual future.

One month Passes

Yesterday, February 12th marked the beginning of three days of mourning, prayer and fasting. Many christian leaders petitioned this from the government and the people have really responded.

Everything I've seen open this last week (Gas Stations, Banks ect.) was closed and the streets where virtually empty. Churches and people gathered everywhere so they could to listen and pray.

I heard Near the Cross, Amazing Grace and many other hymns in Creol during the National Broadcast. Many who spoke quoted scripture and portions of Isaiah were read. Government officials recapped the tragedy and announced that more than 217,000 had died. Pastor Job from the First Baptist Church of Port-au-Prince had a great message and several including the Mayor of Port-au-Prince spoke out strongly against voodoo during the program. I was excited to hear this development due to the national governments openness to the occult. Be in prayer that this wickedness that is practiced by many will disappear entirely.

This is a Voodoo temple a couple blocks away from one of the churches we are ministering to. I had to do some cropping to keep our e-mails kid friendly. But the ugly truth is that this African Syncretistic religion must be attacked one soul at a time by courageous national christians who have the boldness of Paul and who will bluntly proclaim truth of the scriptures through every creative medium imaginable - no matter the cost.

Spanish Translation

For those who habla el español we have our latest letter up on http://www.dr4christ.com/february2010/EmergencyResponseSP.html

Thank you so much to Pastor Francisco Chavarria (Atlanta) and Missionary Marvin Robertson (Spain) for your help.

Gheskio

God is using all kinds of people to bring people to Christ. Alan Conner a member of Bible Baptist Church in Buffalo, MO (which is just a hop skip and jump from our sending church) sent us an encouraging note yesterday. I met Alan in the Gheskio University Field Hospital. You probably will never here about Gheskio again but a lot of lives where saved there and Alan Conner and the Missouri Haz Mat team were a large part of that. It was a bit crazy when I got there but the Marines looked like they were managing it pretty well.

Hello Pastor Franklin,

I wanted to thank you for seeking me out and checking on my well being while I was serving Homeland Security in Haiti. I was touched that you would at the risk of personal safety check on me! I hope and pray that you and your ministry are safe and sound. I'm back in Missouri, it was a tough mission, we did touch many lives, and I'm happy to report to you that many also accepted Christ while we where there at GHESKIO .

Please stay in touch, let us know if our church can be of any assistance.

Love in Christ,

Alan Conner

DR4Christ Emergency Response eNews February 8, 2010

Dear Pastor, Church, Friends and Family

I’m headed to Haiti once again this morning and wanted to give you a report and ask you to pray once more for our trip. The Baptist Bible Tribune asked us for an update this week and some of this information may coincide with information we submitted for the upcoming issue, but for those that like the long version – this is for you. Wink!

I have learned over the years that not everything we experience can be explained. Especially things like disasters, persecution, suffering, etc... There are no easy answers. I know God uses trials and tribulations many times so that we can grow. I believe also that He desires to teach us to wholly rely on Him, which always makes us stronger. It's tough, no matter how strong you are, to see people go through so much like what we are witnessing in Haiti. During these times I remind myself that God has a plan and even though we don't know all the details, He does and has everything under control. I’m thankful He has me busy reminding people of this and that no matter how impossible a situation might look, nothing is to hard for God. Jer 32:17 says, “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee” and Jer 32:27 says “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” There is NO WAY MAN can resolve this problem. In my opinion, we must rely on GOD. We must pray that He shows us the way and stay everyday in His will.

On this side of the border many hospitals in Haiti have been sending patients to hospitals here in the Dominican Republic. Gary, which many of you know from previous letters, has been visiting the hospitals, giving out food, printing tracts, preaching and helping Regina with the Bucketsfull of Hope project. When we returned, he fell ill and has been diagnosed now with Dengue. Please pray for Gary. He is a faithful worker and he really wanted to go with me to Haiti today. I prayed with him in the hospital and shared with him the details of my message Sunday morning, which I’m sure he will share with those around him – Smile – He’s quite the preacher.

Regina and the kids have been absolute warriors during all this and we have had some great family time this week. It has been decided that I will not miss Sunday’s unless we have a group going into Haiti. I will preach in Haiti during the week, when invited, and get back as soon as possible to preach at our church.

In Haiti, I see what we are doing now as: Relieving the suffering of independent Baptist Church leadership / membership (when possible) and ministering to the spiritual needs of each local church while rebuilding places of worship and full time worker's homes so future ministry can continue under pre-earthquake national leadership.

Preaching, counsel & prayer has occurred throughout my response. I've completed Initial Evaluations on 16 different churches in the affected area. When I left, there was still some body recovery left to do at Eglise Baptise de Don Burger and Eglise Du Tabernacle, which I will check on this week. I’m still prioritizing churches and members needs, applying for aid from the World Food Program, OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) and several NGO's (Non Govermental Organizations), coordinating & organizing efforts from different church groups (our first team arrives March 23), meeting with leaders at the American Embassy, United Nations base, field hospital's and clinic's. I am logging GPS Coordinates & Elevation data and this week began contacting specific NGO's that could advise us on low cost permanent housing that can withstand future earthquakes and hurricanes.

Sadly and with a heavy heart, I can preliminarily report the following: Approximately half of the churches evaluated have been initially classified as destroyed and/or condemned, attendance is down approximately 50% in most of the churches and in several cases churches cannot have services. I have, in my first group of initial evaluations, 16 pastors/full time workers who have lost there homes and 3 pastor's homes/full time workers that need repair. Between 2,000 to 3,000 in these works need food and approximately 35% need shelter. In most cases everyone has lost their job and all report deaths and/or injuries to church members. One pastor lost approximately 50 of his 300 members and reported that he has had 26 funerals in the last few weeks.

As I travel in with teams from our church, we are being very careful and using a lot of discernment. The government of Haiti and the United Nations now reports that there could be as many as 2,000,000 IDP's (Internally Displaced Person's) and there is plenty of evidence that people are hungry. This combined with the problems of Aids, Outlaw Gangs, Poverty and Voodoo makes the current work in Haiti very challenging.

Financially, from the 20th of January through last week Regina and I have received $74,718.16 from 53 churches, missionaries & individual donors. No phone calls have been made, just e-mail / blog correspondence which are recorded on www.dr4christ.blogspot.com. 33 of these are our regular supporters & 4 BBF missionaries have also given. The first church to respond was Burleson Boulevard Baptist Church in Burleson, Texas / Pastor Terry Williams and our largest donor has been Heritage Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas / Pastor George Newcomb who has given $12,060. Both have supported us since we were in Cuba and we are humbled by each & every church, missionary & friend who has given.

$37,448.16 in Haitian Relief Project Sub Account in Missions Office

$19,800 is in Transit to our Dominican Association's Account

$17,470 has been spent, we are trying to save as much as possible for the long term

With that $17,470 we have done the following as of last week:

1. Over 200 "Bucketfulls of Hope" have been made & most are now in Haiti. The new contents can feed a family of 4 for over a week and includes a spiritual encouragement letter and a color tract in Creol.

2. Over $1000 of medical supplies have been distributed to the D.A.S.H clinic on Delmas #48, to Pastor Odvin's clinic & to many pastor's who have members with significant injuries

3. 70 bags of concrete were purchased to begin the process of reinforcing Pastor Leny's (Asian Baptist Clearing House) outer church wall for security purposes.

4. A small, used, enclosed truck was purchased for $1,700 to transport food, shelter, materials and water from the airport to the churches.

5. Over 20 bundles of water, an inverter, several new car batteries, solar & larger type flashlights have been given out.

6. 1 large 8 man tent has been donated for base camp operations and for the Deaf ministry students in Bro. Funtecha's church

7. A used Toyota van was purchased for $3500 to save money on transportation when taking groups and supplies into Haiti. Bus tickets, one way, for groups of 7, from Santo Domingo, cost over $1000

8. Paid Armed Guard from the Dominican Military to accompany 2500 lbs of relief supplies

9. Initial Gasoline & Diesel Deposit has been established

10. Offering's to Haitian Pastor's have been made in extreme cases.

Thank you for what you are doing. In times of natural disaster the needs seem overwhelming. We realized that many people are reluctant to give financially to the Haitian Relief efforts, because so many try to take advantage in times of tragedy. We understand this, desire to be transparent and do our best to do our part. We will continue to be available to help in what ever way we can. We give God the honor and glory for what He is doing. Knowing that you stand behind us in prayer is a big comfort. Thank you and we will continue to report what we are doing as timely as possible.

Lord Bless,

Tom

DR4Christ Emergency Response eNews January 27, 2010

God's Blessings, Photos, and Planning Will you pray for the churches and Christians in Haiti who so valiantly march on in the face of the unthinkable? Jean Dial and I at Eglise Baptiste Solidarite in Port-au-Principe Sunday Morning January 24, 2010 Testimony after Testimony - All testified that at the moment of the earthquake they asked there Lord Jesus Christ to save them. Jean Dial translated from French to Spanish. Most definitely the most moving testimonies of God's power, grace & mercy I have ever heard.

Over 100 in services (they normally run 300-400), I preached on Making the Impossible, Possible with God - Acts 12:1-19, Jer 32:17,277 came forward for Salvation

Tent cities are springing up all over the city.

Luis Manuel Regalado and Pastor Jean Dial giving medicine to the Dash clinic on Delmas #48 Standing in line after line, filling out application after application from the World Food Program, OSHA & various other organizations for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP's). According to the UN the process takes 3 to 4 days before we can see any food, hygiene kits, plastic sheeting, jerry cans ect. Wes and I know that there will be other Baptist works affected but we can only support (with God's help) 3000 IDP's . So at this time we are not looking for more churches. Initial evaluations of the churches we have had contact with over the last two weeks will begin today and needs to be completed by the end of the week so support personnel can be informed, organized and mobilized to meet the specific needs of these churches while at the same time gathering supplies from MFI & Missionary Aviation Fellowship. Sadly the Agape Plane went down a couple of days ago in Jacmel. Humbly, in my opinion an operation this size will take massive amounts of prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, many months (if not years), outstanding coordination, great planning & blessed funding. Wesley identified the need for a warehouse from day 1 which is very important due to security purposes. We don't want the churches to become distribution points due to the chance of looting and death. IDP camps (10,000 in size) are currently being set up by the UN and they will become future distribution points for food, water, shelter ect. NPO's like ourselves are being encouraged to participate. While this may ensure food and shelter it would require around the clock management and lots of time and man power. I believe at this time the man power would be best served focusing on the support of national church and leadership reconstruction so the main thing (the preaching of God's Word - Acts 8:4) can continue. Many many people still have not been recovered. My men from our church in the Dominican Republic while waiting on me to finish an errand here will go and find out a particular story of different site locations around where we are moving in and out of. Often they tell me the number of people the locals believe lie under a particular house or business. We have seen ladies with just hammers pounding large slabs so as to remove their children. It is an impossible task and I've told our men to comfort those we can but to keep moving forward and focus on the churches we are supporting. There are so many pictures of destruction, I'm not sure of the value of showing them all. Missionary Leny Funtecha and I sat down for several hours last night and discussed what information needed to be included on our Initial evaluations of church/minstry locations. This is what we came up with and I will begin collecting the information on particular church & ministry locations today while balancing relief efforts. These evaluations will be available on our blog at www.dr4christ.blogspot.com and will include the following information: Name of Evaluators: Name of Church/Ministry: Name of Pastor: Name of Missionary (If Applicable): Location in Creol: GPS Coordinates: Pre Earth Quake Attendance: Post Earth Quake Attendance: Number of Full Time Workers (including children): Number of Full Time Workers (including children) living on site pre earthquake: Structure Report of Full Time Workers Homes not living on site pre earthquake: Number of Part Time Workers (including children): Number of Part Time Workers (including children) living on site pre earthquake: Deaths: (Percentage Estimate of Pre Earth Quake Attendance) Injured: (Percentage Estimate of Pre Earth Quake Attendance) Need Food: (Percentage Estimate of Pre Earth Quake Attendance) Need Shelter: (Percentage Estimate of Pre Earth Quake Attendance) Current Status of Church/Ministry: Structure Report broken down into 4 categories A. Needs Slight Repair B. Needs Repair C. Needs Major Repair D. Destroyed/Condemned Pictures of Current front so outside teams can easily locate site & damages incurred

"Bucketfuls of Hope" are Being Delivered.

Saturday Pressure has been high but that's ok, "this too shall pass". We've been pretty busy building "Bucketfuls of Hope" with our Church. We finished 100 and are beginning on the next 100. The challange was sending them to Haiti and getting them into the right hands. Security there has been a major issue. Also, there is no gasoline to deliver them to the Churches. A fellow missionary, Wes Lane, who speaks criole, went in to secure transportation, make contact, find a warehouse and security. He finally contacted Tom, so Tom with a team of 4 men, in two trucks, left last night - Friday. He called me Sat. morning to let me know they were crossing the border. He said they were tired but had a plan. They were carrying the 5 gal. buckets, lots of fuel, construction tools and lots of medical supplies. They went very well prepared material wise but most of all because they are covered with everyones prayers. His plan is to be back by Saturday 30th. I'll be solo for about a week, and although I'll get alot done I'd rather be next to him and already miss him, but I'm happy that were able to serve the Lord and be used by Him. Sunday I just talked to Tom on the phone. They are camped out in front of the church,Legliz Baptiste Solidarite on a patio/court. Tom will be preaching this morning there on "Making the Impossible Possible". He said the pastor and his wife are safe. Several in the congregation were hurt but none fatally. The Church building is destroyed as well as the pastors home. The food and medical supplies came at a much needed time. Tom can be reached at 1-809-434-6571. Keep praying. Regina franklin