Its a Haiti party in your pants

Hey its Caleb. So far I have completely neglected to effectively update ANY of you via this blog. I guess it only works if I take the time to type some stuff here. So, here.

We've been through Hell and its produced a sense of Heaven that we've never experienced before. Haiti is a broken place, a spiritually enriched land and above all a beautiful and peaceful place. When we first arrived in Port Au Prince, we were not prepared for the things which we saw. Devastation, death, desperation, selfishness, extreme poverty and hope.

Unfortunately American media had prepared us for the worst case scenario, in which this idea still exists that Haiti is full of riots and voodoo. Although voodoo exists strongly here, it just isn't a violent place. What we found were a people ready for change, optimistic about the future, prepared for many years of struggle, as well as tired souls. The people of Haiti are astoundingly resilient. But the people of Haiti are losing strength. In the place of this physical lack of strength is the presence of God amidst a culture so long saturated with a dark stronghold of catholic voodoo. I do not say this to downplay any truths that might exist within catholicism, but to mention the fact that as much as catholicism is practiced here, even more is voodoo mixed in with it. Both have clouded the people here with the bondage of idol worship. And its everywhere. Yet God has gone before us not only as individuals but as a church body, and He has prepared the hearts of these people to receive that which will provide any joy and hope. And as we know, our God provides these at extreme levels, not the idols which are worshiped in either the catholic church, or within voodoo.

It is a daily challenge to offer myself completely to these people. To be emptied completely of myself so the the Holy Spirit may have all of me, that I may be used to speak and do that which God has placed a call on my life to say and carry out. To be effective in the name of Christ, one must first learn the attitude of Christ and his character.

Colossians 3:12
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

These are that which we must all take on to effectively minister with the mind of Christ. For if we do not become like Christ, how then can we minister as He did?

I had come with the assumption that within myself, I would be able to individually provide some level of hope and joy, to which I could provide to the people here. Oh what a silly thought. That I could come capable of any amount of change. But through me, once myself is given to him, God began doing great things. I began to experience the change I had expected, the catch however, was that it was the people of Haiti that began changing me. I noticed the smiles on their faces. I noticed the hope and joy and peace in their eyes. The people, old and young, healthy and broken, welcomed me with open arms. They understand what it means to love. Amidst their humble setting, they resound the character of God. And God is redeeming the people here in a mighty way. Thank you God for the work you do within each of us. We pray that it would be completed soon.

We are now at the orphanage and are experiencing many things. I personally have sensed a spiritual warfare here unlike anything i've ever experienced, knowing that the 130 children here are the next generation, and that the salvation of their souls hangs in the balance. The enemy, however, has experienced such defeat here! God's favor and protection upon this place is rich in presence. Its amazing to learn just how much God has blessed this place. I hope that one day, my life would reflect the favor of God in the way Danita's work has in this place. The children here go to school every day, they have devotions together, and are being raised as effective disciples, and encouraged to live beyond the cultural standards of Haiti. To set an example for the young generation. Its really humbling to see the servant hearts of some of these kids. The willingness to work, encourage and help. They don't question the character of Christ, for its all that some of them have known. This place has proven even more so to me, that a life sacrificed to the call of Christ, and to the edifying of the kingdom can and will be used faithfully by God, literally, to change the world. Change in ways we simply could not have imagined. So we continue the work here, that we have been blessed to be able and capable to fulfill. Most of the time we get an fairly ok amount of sleep. Definitely not the luxurious amounts we are used to in the states, but enough to remain sustained throughout the day. And we have coffee. So all is well.

Today is a day off for us, so we're going to take the older boys to the basketball courts. Then head back to the boys house for some nintendo 64 time :) A day of playing hard and relaxing hard. I love it.

Prayer Requests

First of all, to those who have been prayer warriors, in battle with us, thank you. You truly are a blessing and we have felt your prayer. We have experienced favor on your behalf, so thank you for remaining faithful in praying for the work God is doing here.

Several people are sick right now, so please always pray for continued health. We need to be able to work, and the enemy is finding it humorous im sure to inflict all he can with poor health. But God will have this last laugh, and His work will be completed. But comfort would be nice for those that are sick.

Continue to pray that God's people would remain sensitive to God's call. That even you yourself, would not be filled with fear at the idea of selling all you have, picking up your cross and following Christ daily. Danita's Children specifically needs more full time staff. Specifically men. The children here have been provided AMAZING leadership among the women leaders here, but the boys especially simply need male figures. So please pray that God would provide men to come serve. The boys need someone to punch and be punched by. Just saying.

Pray for financial favor for the ministries planted here, that are trying to help enable the people of Haiti. Whether building tents, running orphanages, or feeding families, there is a constant financial need. And you're it! I pray that God would speak to your hearts about the things which you have, that first of all are not yours. Second that you would understand the joy in giving with a cheerful heart and third, the difference that your giving makes. Pray about where and how you should give above your tithe, that God's people may become a powerful force of change not only spiritually, but financially.

Our own financial needs have been a bit challenged since our arrival here. We had some unexpected costs regarding travel, and are not sure how we will be getting back to Santo Domingo from Haiti, at the end of our trip. ANd we now have to pay a significant amount for each of us to pay for our stay here. We were not expecting this. The cost I believe is around $250-$300 per person. Also, we would still like to give the rest of what we have to the ministry of the orphanage here. So please, if you feel led, we would greatly appreciate any and all contributions. Thank you in advance for allowing us to continue our work here, and bless the ministry here.

To donate to our trip, click the following link:

http://apps.facebook.com/paypalsendmoney/
ENTER EMAIL ADDRESS: calebwhail@gmail.com
and follow steps

I believe this does it for this go round, there's so much to tell about whats going on here. Ill do my best to update again soon, but with all the playing there is to do here, I make no promises. :)

In Christ,
Caleb