Sharing Chnsfs Love m Haiu

904-255-6960 p O. Box 4157 904-253-8762South Daytona, Florida

January 1993 32121-4157

We serve an awesome God! The gospel is boldly being preached where it had been silentfor decades. Missionaries are feeding the spiritual hungry in one area while U.S. militaryopens the way to deliver food to starving people in another. In the United States}Christians fight for decency and life. So much is being done, yet much more remains to befaced by Christians everywhere. Here in Haiti, we don't often see people dying fromstarvation. Unfortunately, however, thousands die from malnutrition and minor illnesses.At Christianvilie, we often attempt to meet some of these physical needs. Progress comesslowly. The world's measuring stick just doesn't apply in Haiti. Yet, we believe thevillages around our mission have been greatly affected. Only a few years ago we heard voodoodrums almost every night. Now the drums are silent except on rare occasions. The gospel ischanging lives. The local voodoo priest has invited us to come to his hut and read the Bibleto him. We know that his conversion could change the whole community. This kind of one-on-one ministry takes time. Even when a decision for Christ doesn't result, we know we havedone our part in the great commission. We thank all of you for loving these perfectstrangers so much that you make this ministry possible. We want you to know that you are asimportant as the staff here. Recently we met with a kindergarden class at a church inIndiana. They sponsor a school child in Ti Cousin school. Without any adult help, they knewthe child's name and much about him. They listened attentively as we described life inHaiti. They had been praying for and contributing to this boy's education. They feltinvolved. How exciting that these children had been given this missionary opportunity.

As Rick talks with local farmers, he has found out how farming has digressed over theyears. Once farmers used oxen, horses, and even tractors to work the heavy soil. Now menand women labor using the same heavy hoe their ancestors once used. Haiti is a countrylooking for something to hold on to.

The favorite meal in Haiti is rice and beans. Even we Hoosiers have gotten quite fondof this national dish! When we came here 3 years ago, rice and beans boiled in each cookingpot as~~we Toamed ifrom Triliage to vrillage. Now, largeIt because of the embargOT -people aroeating thin soup made from leaves. Our USAID food rations given at the nutrition center andschool are once again the daily food for many.

The staff has committed to make evangelism and discipleship the priorities for 1993.We're fortunate to have so many avenues in which to accomplish both of these objectives.Projects for the new year include the purchase of a new truck and pursing the possibility ofre-establishing the high school on Christianville property. Ti Cousin and Ti Boucan(Mountain) churches are independently starting new building projects. Please be faithful inpraying for us that we might always be doing our Father's will. Pray, too, for the Haitianpeople in their struggle for life.

Jerome relates this story from Ti Cousin:Among the many exciting things that are happening in the life of the Ti Cousin congregationis the recent decision of 6 teen-age girls to accept Christ and be baptized. What isspecial about those decisions is the tremendous courage and faith those girls had todemonstrate. For several weeks they have been agonizing over the necessity to commit theirlives to Christ but have been unable to do that because of parental opposition. Theirfather, a well-known voodoo priest in the area, had made it clear to them with the help ofverbal threats that his kids should never become Christians. But the girls who have beenexposed to the truth of the Bible through the ministry of the church had come to believe inthe Gospel message and had been contemplating the possibility going against their fatherswill to make a public decision for Christ. We have been praying that the Lord would ministerto their situation. Finally the time came, they came forward to confess Christ and bebaptized. As it was expected, they are now in serious trouble with their father and theChristmas season is further complicating the situation because this is when the priest mostrelies on the talent of his girls to perform the ritual dancing and singing in the seasonalvoodoo ceremonies. But we rejoice that they have been reconciled with the heavenly Fatherand they are busy already using their talents to sing praises to Him. We urge you to keepthem in your prayers that their relationship with the Lord may keep on growing and that thesituation with their father will quickly improve.

From all the staff here we wish you a blessed new year. We pray that God will revealto you new ways in which to share your faith. Of course, you're always welcome to visit usand work here. You'll be surprised how these simple happy people can light a fire insideyour soul! God bless you in 1993.

Sincerely His,

Rick and Kathy Land and staffSandy, Jerome, Robinson, David, Raymond

ChristianvilleSharing Chrises Love in Haiti

904-255-6960 P.O. Box 4157 FAX 904-253-8762South Daytona, Florida

February 1993 32121-4157

Dear friends of Christianville

Rev 3:15-16 "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you wereeither one or the other! So because you are lukewarm - neither hot or cold - I am about tospit you out of my mouth".

Upon returning from a trip to the US, we found our home without refrigeration or LPgas. As I sat down to a lunch of crackers and lukewarm tap water, I longed for either a hotcup of coffee or an icy glass of tea. Although the water was sufficient, I would havepreferred either hot or cold. Although my inconvenience only lasted for a short time, I wasreminded of the scripture, and the "bad taste" we must be to Him so much of the time. Ichallenge you in 1993 to be neither hot nor cold in your service to Him. There is much tobe done, both at home and abroad. 1 admit that we suffered reverse culture shock in the US,but all signs point to Christ's return soon. This should be good news to the Christian.It should motivate us to live sacrificially in order to preach God's Word to all peoples.

Praise God, our Haitian churches are faithfully preaching. Many were baptized whilewe were away. A ladies Bible study was formed at the La Salle church. The men at Robinson'sMason church are busy building a permanent building all on their own. Jerome continues tooversee the completion of the church at Ti Cousin. David has remained in good enough healthto pastor faithfully at Jean-Jean. Raymond has been filling in at the little Marishalchurch.

The US and OAS embargo continues to make life difficult for so many poor people. Godhas blessed us here with unusual January rains, so the vegetation is plentiful. Life remainsin limbo while everyone waits to see what President Clinton is going to do about Haiti.Please don't neglect to pray for the leaders and the oppressed people here.

Many people are sick. One of the old-peopleIn the nutritionprogram-died- while wewere away. It's a mixed sorrow and blessing because now another needy old person can takeher place.

Sandy reports several infant deaths. How much we need helpers to teach basic healthcare.

We brought back a lot of teaching aids for AIDS. So little is known here about theproblem. Please pray that we manage our time so that we can cover all the bases. 24 hoursseem so few. I'm sure the fact there is always someone who needs you all the time is thedriving force that keeps us all here.

Work teams have been visiting and helping us so much. 2 eye teams came in Januaryunder the direction of Dr John Gelvin. They are scheduling teams every 8 weeks. Dr Blakeand Dr Leever from Florida are attempting to schedule dentists on a regular basis. God issurely blessing this mission!

We are looking forward to the March board meeting which will be held here atChristianville. If you have any questions you need answered, please notify a board memberor forwarding agent Don Dugan. We welcome any interest you might have.

We continue to seek help in purchasing a new truck and a piece of property for the highschool/vocational training. Please consider if God is speaking to you to get involved.

Thank you to all the lovely people who hosted the Lands while we were back home. Youmade us feel so welcome! We hope some of you will become new student-sponsors for 1993.

If the world ever needed strong, faithful, active Christians, we believe it is now.Together we must defend the faith.

Pray daily for Robinson, Jerome, David and Raymond, our Haitian staff. They are theones who preach the Word. The rest of us Americans only supply the support. If you can,write some words of encouragement to them.

Thank you all for not forgetting the Haitian people.

Sincerely,

Rick, Kathy Land and Staff

ChristianvilleSharing Qimfs Love in Haiti

904-255-6960 P.O. Box4157 FAX 904-253-8762South Daytona, Florida

32121-4157

MARCH 1993

Today is the Lord's day and it has been good. Over 200 young people and their sponsorshave converged on Christianville to celebrate Mardi Gras in the Lord. This is the 2nd year thatthe Wesleyan Conference has used our facilities. The La Salle church was packed this morningas we worshipped together, The afternoon was alive as excited young people enjoyed sports andmusic. They seemed to enjoy the fresh country air. It is a privilege to share our beautifulgrounds with other Christian brothers and sisters. Monday and Tuesday are big festival daysin Haiti. Whenever possible the Church tries to offer alternatives to drinking and dancing doneto honor satan. Our own church youth left for Grande Goave for a 3 day retreat at LifelineChristian Mission. The remaining 4 churches are meeting together at Jean-Jean.

Satin surely won a victory in Haiti this past week when many, many lives were lost at seawhen the Jeremie ferry boat sank off the coast of LaGonave. Bodies have been washing ashoresince Wednesday. Our missionary friends at New Mission found 10 bodies along their shorelineand returned them to Port-au-Prince for identification. Nine of these were children. It wasdark and raining on their return trip. A 10 foot wave almost turned over Pastor George's littleboat. We were in radio contact, praying in unison for their return. They finally got homesafely, but the ordeal was very difficult for them emotionally and physically. It's at timeslike this that Christians draw together and appreciate our oneness in Christ. As if thistragedy wasn't bad enough, Friday morning a tap-tap going from Jeremie to PAP overturned on thattreacherous Jeremie road and killed all 20 aboard. We believe many of these people may havebeen going to identify loved ones who perished on the boat.

We hosted many people over the past few weeks. Among them were a doctor and 4 nurses.They stayed with us only 4 days, because their primary mission was up north. However, they wereable to evaluate our medical clinic and give a class on AIDS. We anticipate that some of thesededicated professiuiialu will visit Christianville agam.God is surely answering nur-prayer^,and requests, we were able to show the "property" that we hope to purchase to many visitors.Our vision as to the possibilities of this land is growing clearer each time we see it. Godhas most definitely touched us and the Haitian staff about this purchase. Now we wait. We waiton the owner to agree on a selling price and then we wait to see if our supporters agree toparticipate. We know that God will work out the details ^ we are in His will about things.Please pray specifically about this with us. We have a real opportunity to not only improvethe lives of these people around us, but possibly raise up leaders for new church growth andthat's why we are here! God has already laid a terrific foundation for us to continue buildingon. We presently have some of the finest Hatian staff assembled anywhere in Haiti. Man alonecould never have put all these pieces of the puzzle together. God has taken many years andmany workers to come to this point in time for us as a mission. We are deeply grateful for allof you who have done your part as God has called you.

All of the churches are reporting baptisms, we wish you could have witnessed the baptismlast week of an elderly couple here at La Salle. The man was paralyzed from a stroke, butbrother Charlmagne and his son Frank (2 of our elders) managed to immerse him into Christ. Thejoy of Christ radiated from the couple as they rode in the 4X5 back to their home in GrandSavon.

David told us of a conversion in Jean-Jean. They first went to the man's house to burnand destroy all of the man's voodoo symbols. This was a great victory in rescuing a soul whohad previously worshipped satan.

Jerome reported that the 6 daughters of the witch doctor in Ti Cousin are being cared forby church members, since their father is withholding aid because they are now Christians.

Finally, let me tell you about Andre*. Because many of you faithfully prayed for him,he was in church (on the 3rd row!) and listened intently to the message. Continue to pray forhis conversion. Will keep you posted.

Our schools are progressing fine. The country remains stable. Each day brings heartacheand joy. Life remains exciting when you put your trust in God. There has been muchaccomplished - yet much left to do. It's going to take the "whole body" to do it. We inviteyou to get involved in some way. The blessing is yours!

j 1

Christianville^ SbaringOuisfsLcwe in Haiti ^

904-255-6960 P.O. Box4157 FAX 904-253-8762South Daytona, Florida

32121-4157

October 1993Dear Friends of Christianville,

It seems impossible that another October has arrived* Its' been 2years since Haiti's president has been in exile and now we anticipate hisreturn. The partial lifting of the embargo has eased the gas shortage, butmany problems remain as a result. Electricity is still scarce because themachinery at the power plants is broken. The road conditions, phones, andwater facilities also suffer. Even the currency is shoi^t because theycan't get new money made! There is much healing that needs to take placeon this island which was once called "the jewel of the Antilles".

So much more devastating is the deteriorating conditions in thespiritual lives of the people. Even though there are many churches andmissions in Haiti, satan continues to enjoy his play ground. Discipleshipseems to be the key. Young Christian men and women desperately need to bediscipled faithfully so they can give full-time service in our churches.The gospel needs to root deeply in the soil of this lost nation. Only thenwill new church work be fruitful.

How sad to tell you about Maxine's father who passed away inSeptember. Maxine is one of our brightest students and a most dedicatedworker in church. Many of you remember Maxine because he speaks Englishwell and used to work at the guest house. Maxine spent years witnessing tohis father and mother. His father, the local houngan, rejected the gospelmessage with his last breath. The big voodoo celebration at his funeralpierced Maxine's heart. He will never see his father again in eternity.Please lift Maxine up as he continues to present Christ to his lost mother.Pray that her heart might be softened. We know it is never too late.

Many remember the old blind woman behind the guest house. MadameHerget used to send food to her and many of you have visited her. She wasone of the first convert at the La Sallee church. We're glad to reportthat she too passed away in September, but into glory, into a far betterplace than where she spent her final years. Knowing Christ makes all thedifference.

Another very old, blind man was baptized at La Sallee church. Hetestified that he had wasted his whole life without Christ and that he hadbeen a fool. He understood completely that new life comes only in Jesus,and was baptized into Him. Every Sunday since that day, he sits up front,not wanting to miss one precious word. I watch as he sings. He sings withhis whole body, a living praise unto God. Please, when you are deciding onyour evangelical plan for the year, don't forget the elderly. Their timeis so short, but just as important to God.

The construction at Ti Boukan is well underway. Stuart Kelly andRobinson Joseph continue to oversee this big project. Pray that they willnot suffer any delays.

Christianville continues to seek full-time missionary help. Ofprimary concern are (1) hostess and manager of the guest house (2) officeand computer manager. It is impossible for the Lands to continueattempting to fill each ministry area, so some areas are neglected. Pleasepray about your talents. Does God want to use you? Don't delay. The needis immediate. We need: nurse, doctor, eye doctor, maintenance - plumbing -

mechanic worker, teacher, cook/homemaker, farmer, construction/cementworker, music teacher, and of course, Bible teachers to train Haitianpastors. Be forewarned however, no one comes to work only at one task!The mission field offers the unique opportunity to learn many new skillswhen certain things need done. It is an excellent way to experienceworking under "God's power" and not our own! We want to testify to therich blessings we have experienced at Christianville. God is surely notfinished with us yet. He has many new things for us to learn aboutourselves and about Him. Maybe you are ready for that challenge. Pleasecall us or see us at the Florida Christian Convention or the NationalMissionary Convention in Knoxville.

We ask that you not forget to be our ambassadors in the schoolsponsorship program. Less than half of our children are covered. We needthis income to keep our schools open. We have no stateside staffsoliciting funds for us except you who love Christianville. Please bequick to tell others at church or work about sponsoring a child at $20 amonth. You are very important in this ministry. We hope we can put ourdollars into Haiti and not into more personnel.

President Aristide is scheduled to return to Haiti on Oct 30, thebeginning of one of the biggest voodoo weeks of the year. Many multinational peace keepers are scheduled to arrive at the same time. Pray forthe safety of these people and all Americans during the transition time.God has been good to give us good health and safety. He has given us anexcellent Haitian staff to work with. They put in many unpaid hours ofovertime to do the best job they can do. In addition, they volunteercountless hours in their own churches. Lift up their names when youremember to pray for Christianville. Of special concern is David's health,Raymonds 2 sons who have hemophilia, and Robinson's wife who sufferschronic back pain.

Finally, for those of you who know little Denny, the "boy with the cutoff leg" as locals refer to him, he is enrolled in school and living in theReserve. He can walk on his little crutches clear to the Land's house. Hewill soon be starting organ lessons on Grandma Penn's" organ. Thanks mom!

God is good. He is very good! There maybe a lot of sin and miseryaround us, but each day we can rise up with confidence knowing "GOD ISGOOD"!

Thank you for all you do for us!In Christ we live.

Rick and Kathy LandJerome and Paulette PrinstonSandy DeVinneyRobinson and Adolphine JosephRaymond and Gina Pierre-LouisDavid and Nanoot Marcelean