And, we are off …...

Monday was a long but - thank the Lord - uneventful day - traveling from Charlotte to Port au Prince, arriving by noon.  We then traveled by car to the Ortlip Center, the Wesleyan ministry center by the sea an hour outside PAP, twelve hours after turning off that alarm at 3:00 am earlier in the day.  After a late lunch, we continued down the highway to the lovely Moulin Sur Mer resort, for the initial sessions of a missionary retreat for fifteen of those serving all over the country, in Port au Prince, Cap Haitien and on La Gonave.

One of the buildings on the site at Moulon sur Mer.

     

Larry and Dan Ervin during a break

Let me explain - we had a three-week window of time to offer in response to the request to be here this trip.  It turned out that the first five days of our availability coincided with the Global Partners retreat  for those on the Haitian mission field.  Thankfully, we were included!  These first sessions have reminded us what great and appropriate support this umbrella organization GP is for Wesleyan missionaries worldwide.



So, we are here and deep into discussions about the joys, challenges and frustrations of serving the Lord in a developing country - and starting this time of our working in Haiti with other Global Partners missionaries, by sharing updates and information from the field and the individual ministries.  Evaluating, planning, strategizing, re-visioning and updating goals.  Bonding.  Appreciating.  Worshipping and Praying.

During a discussion session -

Pwa ak diri  -  Haitian beans and rice - YUM!

Tim Hibschman, Director of Missionary Care,
Global Partners

The necessary evil - mosquito spray!

Rainy season brings afternoon and evening rains.

 Dan and the mango smoothie!  Yes, relaxation is scheduled into the day!

 
And, yes, some things never change!  I washed my hair in cold water this morning and swatted resident mosquitos in our room.

Another day and a half and we will be off across the sea to La Gonave and the work set before us.  We will have a good time of solid challenge, learning, and fellowship under our belts.  Those who have been laboring on the field will have had a good time of R & R, as well.  Our take away has been an effective time of preparation for getting back in the saddle of missionary work, as well as being brought up to date with what's been happening since we left the country last year.

And, thanks be to God, there is much encouraging news!  For example, the training and sending of Haitian missionaries to Africa; leadership training for youth pastors through mentoring and a series of large gatherings of 200+ youth leaders annually for instruction and challenge; the post-earthquake church rebuild nearing completion; new, strong and visionary church leadership in many areas of the country; the La Gonave Wesleyan Nursing School with the opening trimester slated to begin in October.  Most exciting are the new Global Partner missionaries coming to Haiti, bringing needed gifts and talents, to La Gonave and Port au Prince.  …..and there's more in the making….

And, we leave this retreat humbled to have this opportunity to work once more among these people called by God to come alongside the Haitian national Wesleyan church to serve the people of this country.

And, so ... we're off!