Haiti Hope Fund is partnering with North Haiti Christian University (UCNH) to provide relief for victims of the magnitude 7 earthquake that devastated Port au Prince and surrounding areas.
We praise God that there were no injuries at UCNH, and no serious damage at the campus. Now the UCNH student body is ready to reach out to help those who were less fortunate. (Read the Spring 2009 newsletter to see how Haiti Hope Fund and UCNH work together in disaster relief efforts.)
You can help us by donating to provide funding for the relief efforts. If you use the form below, your entire donation will be sent to Haiti via UCNH to help pay for relief and recovery for earthquake victims.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; live as children of light. For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Ephesians 5:8-9 (NIV)
It is the time of year when most of you await news from North Haiti Music Camp held annually on the UCNH campus in Limbé, Haiti. God allowed me, once again, to go to Haiti this past July to experience His transforming power through the ministry of North Haiti Music Camp (NHMC). Seeking to transform Haiti, NHMC aims to identify individuals who can use Christ-centered fine arts to reach out to people with God’s love, and to equip and empower young leaders to bring about positive change in their communities, their churches, and their own lives. Last year, I closed my Camp 2008 update with the following words, “[Camp 2009] is sure to be an exciting ride with God.” My hopeful statement was not a mistake.
God answered our prayers and those of many people by providing the team with an experience that was fulfilling, life-altering, and growth-producing.
As a prelude to the regular camp, we hosted a leadership conference which granted us the opportunity to sharpen the skills of the leaders who came to the camp and provided ample time for our volunteer teaching staff to bond as a team. The 40 leaders in attendance and the volunteer team studied Joshua 1:6-9 for the four days we were together and learned a great deal of biblical truth from Pastor Simon, our keynote speaker. Our main camp ran from July 19-28 in Limbé, Haiti on the campus of UCNH. We had six volunteer teachers, a total of 250 students, a prayer team of four members, and about twelve volunteer supporting staff members in Haiti.
This year’s theme, Live as Children of Light, is extracted from Ephesians 5:8-9 which reads, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; live as children of light. For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” (NIV) The theme offered abundant opportunities to discuss the struggle between light and darkness. We memorized scripture, held a 24-hour Bible reading marathon, hosted a night of prayer stations, shared our testimonies with the student body, lifted up prayerful/worshipful songs that dealt with the topic, taught workshops, visited local villagers, and had numerous one-on-one conversations that caused us to be light in the darkness.
The camp was exceptional. The leadership, prayer, and teaching team members were especially selected by God and the unity we shared was treasured by all. Most of the students were hungry for learning and conveyed an attitude that urged us to teach them all we possibly could. The lush, colorful vegetation of the UCNH campus made it the ideal place for fostering hope in the hearts of these Haitian students. The food was delicious with all kinds of fresh fruit and exotic spices. The workshops including movement, music theory, recorder class, drumming, band instruments, hand bells, classical choir, gospel choir, keyboard skills, songwriting, keyboard class, voice class, money management, leadership issues, bible, drawing, dance, and pedagogy were well-attended and relevant. The times of sharing during morning devotions and evening sessions dared us, volunteers and students alike, to shine brightly for God. The small group sessions offered us possibilities for confession and encouragement to one another. The recitals, performances, and concerts were much improved from previous years. The opening and closing ceremonies brought the whole camp together as we sang, prayed, ate, and laughed together. Christ was right there with us and so were you through your prayers, financial support, and concern.
Yes, we have returned home but far be it from us to forget the hearts that have been stirred and transformed, especially ours. I, for one, have learned that my God is so big and I am so small that I have no choice but to surrender all of my life to Him. I am a child of light! Students and teachers alike have shared with me about the impact NHMC 2009 has had on them and how motivated they are to shine brightly for God no matter where they are. Clearly, Camp 2009 was an exciting ride. My prayer is that you will be encouraged to live as children of light practicing goodness, righteousness, and truth in all your undertakings.
I would like to offer a special invitation to you for Camp 2010. Please prayerfully consider joining our team in July 2010 if that is God’s plan for you. Our prayer team and I are already praying for the volunteers who will become our 2010 staff and we will pray that God will make it clear to you in terms of your involvement with NHMC. Please partner with us through prayerful and financial support, and also through exciting service opportunities.
Louima Lilite, Camp Director/Coordinator
Guillaume Vertus grew up in the small village of Borgnes, Haiti. He first attended Music Camp in 1998, where he realized how much joy music brought to his life. Guillaume began looking for music where ever he could find it. He was blessed to attend a Christian secondary school in Port-au-Prince called Maranatha, where he had the opportunity to study music theory with teachers who had been previously trained at the North Haiti Music Camp. They taught him solfege (sight-reading).
Each year Guillaume is able to attend music camp, he feels greatly blessed. “There’s a great impact of this music camp in my life. Every year that I have the opportunity to attend this camp, I praise the Lord because I find joy in the music camp. When I hear a classical or beautiful song or when I hear singing, I feel better. It is for this reason that I save throughout the year so that I can go to this music camp when the time comes – this is an occasion that I don’t want to miss. Every camp, I thank the Lord that I am here to possibly find joy with other people, to share the love of God.”
When asked if he learned anything at music camp, Guillaume replied “Oh yes! I learned much about the Bible and music theory. I enjoyed learning how to manage money because that is not something that is taught very much in Haiti. I had many opportunities to learn new things that I had never seen or known about. “
Guillaume faced great challenges to be present at this year’s camp. It took much sacrifice. He had just recently lost his job, but was determined to make it to camp. He was an inspiration to all.
I know there are many people in Haiti who wanted to be here but couldn’t because of money. I’m going to pray that God will provide for us and if I can help one or two people to be here next year, I will do it with pleasure because this is a good thing, a good moment. I appreciate the teachers and I appreciate their willingness to come to Haiti. I thank you for taking the time to do this for us. I hope to see you next year. I pray to God that He will give you strength and health to be with us next year. God bless you.
Daniel Cépoudy: Ever since I left Limbé at the close of Camp 2009, I have not stopped talking about it to my family, friends, and the members of my church. I’ve also been talking to former campers telling them how much they missed by not attending NHMC this year. I respect and value the volunteer teachers who were so willing to share their knowledge, talents, and expertise with those of us who are in great need. Dr. Lilite’s partings words challenged us to read the book of Proverbs for the entire month of August and I managed to follow his advice. I can honestly say that my soul benefited greatly from that exercise. I am grateful to God for placing in the leadership of the camp the desire to care not only for our musical growth but also to invest in our souls. My hope is to someday earn a bachelor’s degree through the Fine Arts program at UCNH.
Gaslyne Bien-Aimé: I always love going to the Music Camp in Limbé because I always learn new things that challenge me to be a stronger individual in character and action.
Unfortunately, I could only come to the leadership portion and left early to take my college entrance exams. Yet, those four days spent with the teachers made me remember why I want to continue with music. It is hard to choose to pursue music as a career in Haiti since everyone feels that the poverty is too great for the superfluous nature of the arts. However, those volunteer teachers who came made me realize that there is nothing superfluous about music. It has purpose and the power to change lives for Christ because it has changed mine. I pray that the ministry of the camp will prosper.
Jude Balthazar: I still miss the camp and wish it could be a year-round opportunity. There is so much that I loved about Camp 2009: spiritual connections, voice lessons, choir, small groups, recitals, games, tasty food, amazing friends, small group discussions, mangoes at all hours of the day and night, and the teaching staff. Every day, I take some time to practice the vocal concepts that I learned at camp and sometimes I even teach others from my church. I really like singing and I want to be better each day. It is my dream to return year after year to the camp because it is the only place where I feel that I can currently receive this type of education or training in my country. I hope that I can study music at the University and help train others in my community to make a difference in Haiti.
Joseph Roméus: I am so grateful to God for the wonderful opportunity He gave me to be a part of Camp 2009 on the campus of UCNH. The whole experience is unforgettable. It was my very first trip to NHMC and I want it to become a yearly occurrence. I loved everything about it. I particularly enjoyed Viv nan limyè a (Live in the light) composed by Steve Dalrymple, the songs we sang in communal worship during the evening sessions, and the small group discussions during the noon hour. I am committed to praying for the leadership of the camp so that the leaders can continue to invest in this wonderful ministry for the sake of Haiti.
- Praise God for His presence with the campers and staff at Music Camp 2009, and for His provision that provided for 250 campers to attend in spite of difficult economic times.
- Praise God for the generosity of the multitude of donors who shared their resources and gifts to make this camp possible.
- Pray for Louima and the camp leadership as they begin making plans for next year.
- Pray that God will raise up an entire generation of Christian young people in Haiti to lead their country into the Light of God’s presence.
Haiti Hope Fund Newsletter vol XVI ISSUE 1 // SPRING 2009
God’s Love in Action!
We want to share the following story with you, our Haiti Hope Fund newsletter readers, so that you can hear firsthand about how your gifts are helping to empower Christian young people in Haiti to be messengers of God’s love!
“My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them? A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, ‘God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,’ but you do not give what that person needs; your words are worth nothing. In that same way, faith that is alone – that does nothing – is dead.” James 2: 14-17
The following story was written by Nancy James, who, along with her husband Steve James, is a medical missionary in Haut Limbé, Haiti.
Steve and I were privileged to participate in an outreach to the people of the town of Gonaives that was hard hit by the back-to-back hurricanes, Hannah and Ike. Every fall, at the beginning of the school year, UCNH has a two-day retreat where students and faculty gather to pray, sing and bring the school student body together in a special way. This year something kept nagging their spirits about the suffering of the people of Gonaives. Word had come through friends and coworkers that even after two months, the town was still underwater in places, the people were digging out from under tons of mud, and the spirits of those who chose to stay were discouraged and fearful. What could we do as a university to help, even in a small way? Many students and faculty had wanted to help but felt helpless. After much prayer and discussion the faculty decided to make their retreat a time of love in action. This was the first time anything like this had ever been attempted by the whole student body and faculty.
The Haitian people will be the first to admit that their country suffers from a lack of what is called “tet ansanm” (heads together), or the willingness to work together. With much prayer, tremendous planning, and hard work by the organizing committees and students, “tet ansanm” was exactly what happened. To help with the organizational aspect, students were divided into teams and assigned leaders. Each team was given specific tasks. It was a joy to behold and experience this amazing preparation. A few days before our departure, many hands helped to shop for supplies to be donated. Three hundred “care bags” were filled with rice and beans, clothing, toiletries, and diapers. (Insert filling care bag picture) Several of the businesses in Cap Haitian donated wheelbarrows and shovels. Steve and I along with the campus nurse practitioner, Mme. Max Petit-Papa, were asked to be in charge of the mobile clinic, with the help of some of the students. Medicines were purchased in Cap Haitian and prepared in small bags that would make it easier to dispense.
To mobilize 350 students, faculty and kitchen staff was no small undertaking. Many thought, “How can such a poor, struggling university afford to do such a big project?” Thankfully, when word was sent out about this dream with request for prayer that it might become a reality, generous donations were immediately sent from concerned Christians in the United States – a real answer to prayer! Though Gonaives is only 55 miles away, several enormous mountains with spectacular views separate us (Insert mountains picture), and most of those miles are roads that are not paved and full of potholes. Plans were made to make camp in the town of Ennery, not far from Gonaives. The pastor of the Ennery Baptist Church, Pastor Cardichon, who is also a member of the UCNH faculty in the department of theology, offered to find some housing for us there in a government school. Missionary Flights International provided us with tents that had been donated by the Coleman Company. The students would sleep in them that one night and then give them to those in need in Gonaives. MFI also donated funds and food supplies. Many people came together to make this trip happen.
The evening before we left, the whole student body gathered outdoors on the amphitheatre for a service of dedication that included rousing songs and speeches that gave direction to the events of the days to come. (Insert prayer circle picture) There was an atmosphere of excitement but some apprehension, too, as no one was sure what to expect. We awoke early the next morning to prepare for the journey. Five rented school buses and four trucks loaded with students, staff and provisions started off through the town of Limbé to start our mountain climb over deteriorating roads. (Insert loaded bus picture) We could hear the students singing as we rounded the hairpin curves. Several hours later we arrived at the Ennery government school. With a spirit of joyful work, the trucks of supplies were unloaded using “chain pass” that made the work light. The kitchen staff quickly distributed our sandwiches for lunch and began to set up for supper. Their kitchen facilities were meager at best. Cooking in only two enormous cooking pots for over 350 people on open fires on the ground is nothing short of miraculous!
In the meantime the rest of us took our first trip into Gonaives to see where our work sites would be for the next day. Just a few hundred feet from the town of Ennery, as we started down the road, we could begin to see the devastation. The bridge we needed to cross had fallen into the river during the hurricane. (Insert damaged bridge picture) We cautiously proceeded through the river hoping the big buses didn’t get stuck. Soon we could see that not only was the bridge gone but the once swollen river had cut into the road as well. Road graders had to dig into the mountainside to carve out a new road. In some areas, rocks had already fallen onto the road threatening another blockage. The road was still very dangerous. We saw huge trees uprooted in the river, evidence of the power of water.
About an hour later, we arrived in Gonaives and began to see what the population was up against. Huge piles of mud block most streets, power-lines down, cars and buses buried in mud, never to be used again. (Insert rubble picture) There was little clean water available anywhere even for the most basic needs. Amazingly, people were still going about their business as usual, carrying market goods (what little they had) on their heads. Dozens of motorbikes carrying school children in uniforms were navigating the wreckage and filth through streets that could no longer be called streets. We saw how high the water had been as debris was still caught in the barbed wire on top of walls or stuck in the windows and roof- tops of homes. Some buildings and walls were completely flattened. (Insert ruined home picture) Traffic jams were commonplace due to the piles of mud everywhere. Groups such as the UN, US AID, “Doctors Without Borders” and the German Red Cross have all been helping Gonaives. All were busy at their tasks. Most of the UCNH students had been assigned to help in general clean up in preplanned areas such as churches, schools, and homes.
Our own group finally arrived at the church where we were to set up the mobile clinic. The pastor welcomed us to his unfinished church. He had lost most of his congregation as they fled to other towns, and he didn’t know if he could afford to continue building, or if it was even wise to do so. We set up in the front of the sanctuary where there was no roof, just a makeshift tarp over heads. There was no running water or electricity available, but someone brought us one basin of water and a bar of soap. We used hand sanitizer to clean our hands. We did not remain long that first day and soon left to locate one of the teams of students and staff that had begun digging out Pastor Cardichon’s home. Our host in Ennery actually lives in Gonaives, and this team was responsible to help in his home. After climbing around hills of mud we found the small cement block home. It reeked of dampness and mold. The yard area was piled with mud, some hardened but most still heavy with moisture after over two months. Men and women students, gloved and with masks to protect them from the severe dust of the city, were working very hard, shoveling the piles of mud into wheelbarrows and dumping it to the farthest area of the property.
We returned to Ennery late that afternoon, tired from the day’s events. It had already grown dark. Under dim lights, we ate the meal of rice and beans with chicken, which the kitchen staff had prepared for us. With tents pitched and bed rolls laid out, students and staff gathered for an evening of music, sharing, and prayer. Breathtaking stars above us made up for the school’s weak electricity. Steve and I slept in the truck, waking frequently, saying to ourselves, “We can do this for ONE night.” Before dawn, we were awakened by a horn honking, calling us to get ready for the day. With outdoor latrines and only a few spigots of water to share with 350 people, getting cleaned and dressed was a challenge! We enjoyed a breakfast of Haitian spaghetti and a slice of fresh orange. Soon “camp” was cleaned, trucks reloaded with the care packages and medical supplies, and we were back on the bad roads and through the river once again. In spite of the lack of sleep, everyone seemed upbeat and ready for a hard day’s work.
When our mobile clinic group arrived at the church, we saw at least 60 people waiting quietly to be seen. Others soon started arriving and filling up the benches. We set up the pharmacy on tables and hung curtains providing a “room.” Women students helped to organize and triage the patients. Not all who came could be consulted, but almost everyone went away with vitamins, acetaminophen, or a can of nutritional vitamin powder donated by the Reliv Company. Steve and Mme. Max were able to provide care for some very sick patients and start them on medication with directions on getting further treatment from “Doctors Without Borders” or other care providers. We had been told that we needed to leave Gonaives by 2:30 p.m. if we were to get home before dark, which is essential due to hazardous mountain driving. Upon arriving back in camp, we were welcomed with a hot lunch ready to go. Most of the packing up had been done by early arrivers, but we all helped finish with a sense of urgency to be back on the roads. The trucks and buses stayed together and traveled in tandem for safety. We arrived home around 7:00 p.m., soon after dark had set in. Just as we pulled onto the campus in Limbé, it began to pour down rain! We were so thankful to have all arrived safely with no major mishaps; a miracle with that many people that no one was hurt! Thank you, Lord!
Classes are back in progress now, but everyone was grateful for the opportunity to reach out to brothers and sisters in need. One could argue that what we did was just a “drop in the bucket” to the enormous needs of Gonaives, but the students and staff were able to show compassion, sharing of themselves with those in need, showing their suffering brothers and sisters that they have not been forgotten and there are those who care and want to help. The students themselves experienced the value of hard physical labor in helping others. You can’t learn those lessons in a classroom. I believe that the experience for all of us was invaluable and something that may impact all of our lives in the future, like a small pebble dropped in a smooth lake, the ripples reaching a distant shore. In a small way, the students and staff were an incarnation of God’s unconditional love for all of us. May we continue, wherever we are, to serve Him, in thankfulness, to the “least of these”.
In His spirit, Nancy & Steve James, Haut Limbé, Haiti
Edited by Carly Heneise
To UCNH Students “tet ansanm” tells a powerful story of one way that God’s love is being demonstrated in Haiti.
Many of the students who come to UCNH (North Haiti Christian University, formerly the Haitian Baptist Theological Seminary) do so because they want to get the best possible education. Some of them are seeking to prepare themselves for a life of Christian witness in Haiti. All of them are presented with the message of God’s Redeeming Love and the challenge of the Great Commission. The University stands as a beacon of Light in the very, very dark land of Haiti. Your prayers and gifts help to keep this vital ministry on track to continue preparing young people for Christian witness and leadership in that country.
We are making a special appeal to those of you who have not given during the past year to consider becoming partners with Haiti Hope Fund in providing regular financial support that will impact the lives of these students at UCNH. If you cannot send regular support, a one-time gift would be greatly appreciated.
Ken Heneise, President of Haiti Hope Fund
MUSIC CAMP 2008 – THE BEST EVER!
True to the mission of the Haiti Hope Fund, North Haiti Music Camp 2008 was life-transforming. It transformed the lives of passers-by who stood mesmerized as beautiful sounds from the camp choirs, the band, and selected soloists, erupted in the afternoon sky of the town of Limbé. Campers between the ages of four and eighty-four were challenged to devote themselves to prayer and to become “transformed by the renewing of their minds” through Ephesians 2:1-10. Haitian staff members became more and more sacrificial in the giving of their time and ideas; and as the camp progressed, they grew steadily more servant-hearted. Nine volunteers from North America became more like-minded in their mission to impart knowledge with wisdom, love, and humility.
I, being the coordinator, found that serving God in Haiti through this ministry brought me closer to the heart of Christ. I led a movement class, directed the choir, and taught courses in biblical money management, voice, and diction. I was humbled many times to see how God enabled me to affect change in students’ voices, their perception of money management, and their commitment to serve God whole-heartedly through their God-given talents. My prayer is that more people will join us as we commit to be the hands and feet of Christ while He transforms the people of Haiti.
Louima Lilite, Camp Director/Coordinator
Final Concert
VOLUNTEERS FROM THE USA
Reflections by Steve Dalrymple
Music Camp was blessed with a talented, united staff this year:
Dr. Louima Lilite received his earliest musical training at UCNH music camp 20+ years ago! He recently earned his doctorate in voice from Eastman Conservatory of Music in Rochester, NY (one of the top schools of music in the US.) Louima and his family are moving to Shawnee, Oklahoma to teach voice at Oklahoma Baptist University. Louima served as camp coordinator (headmaster) and directed the Camp Choir.
Dr. Brad Parker also earned his doctorate from Eastman Conservatory this year in piano performance. Brad is an amazing pianist. He taught 30 piano students each day from morning to dusk. He was our chief accompanist. Brad and his family are moving to South Carolina to take leadership in the piano department of Erskine University.
Louima and Brad gave us a formal voice recital one evening. As I listened, I thought how rare it was for 2 Eastman graduates to perform together. What a privilege it was to hear this impeccable recital. This performance was not in New York or Paris or even Port au Prince or Cap Haitien. It was in a University in a remote area of Haiti!
Danica Hernandez recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in music in Michigan. She heard of Music Camp and recruited herself to come. Her specialty is trumpet and she performed the Hummel trumpet concerto for us. The number of her students grew dramatically as camp progressed. She was invaluable to our band.
Stephen Anderson is a Caucasian jazz pianist who leads worship in 2 African American churches in Charleston, South Carolina. Stephen has been a practicing Christian about 6 years. His faith is infectious. He led a black gospel style choir during camp, spending months arranging the music before he came. The people of Haiti absolutely love jazz. His choir was extremely popular during camp. He had served in another music camp in Haiti 4 years ago. Searching the web, he found our music camp and applied to come. We are so thankful he did!
Azer Lilite, Louima’s brother, worked with the Camp Choir, and taught worship classes. Louima describes his brother as “larger than life.” I agree. Azer has earned his Masters of Church Music from a US seminary and is a current worship leader in a Haitian church in the US. He became a father figure at camp, lecturing the students on recital behavior. Back in the 80’s, Azer was headmaster of music camp for several years.
Sax Players
Magda and Obedda, Louima’s sisters, came to lead our Junior Camp, our children’s ministries. We have been commited to providing separate instruction for children since 2005. Both Magda and Obedda sang solos in camp ensembles and Obedda was a valued member of the Band. The 4 of 5 Lilite siblings that came to camp are all talented and gregarious. There was quite a group of Litlites between Louima’s parents and aunt, his brother and sisters, and his many nieces and nephews. Azer’s wife also helped, but I never learned her name.
Due to illness, Janet Ray was not able to join us until Thursday, for the very end of camp. Janet teaches private piano lessons from her own studio.
Louima recruited a 4 member prayer team for camp this year. Both his parents, his aunt, and another gentleman began to pray in August 2007 for the 2008 camp. They came to camp and prayed all day long. We would often see them walking around the campus, praying for us. I believe that the prayer team made a huge difference. I didn’t hear of any stealing this year. We didn’t seem to have the teenage boy/girl dating problems we have had in the past. Campers showed up for lessons and classes in record numbers, and there was an eager attitude to learn this year.
My assignments this year were Composition Class (“Write a Song”) and directing the camp Band. I also performed part of Mendelssohn’s 17 Variations Serieuses on Tuesday night.
Louima, Brad, Danica, Stephen, and I spent a lot of time together before camp. This team building was so helpful later. Each of these has a humble heart, a servant’s heart. Each of them often asked each other “What can I do to help?” The Holy Spirit melded us together in a unity I have never experienced before. There was so little friction. When one would grow weary, or stressed, or ill, the others would be there to help and uplift and encourage.
Thanks for praying that God would bring a team of people together in unity.
NOTES OF PRAISE
“MISSION TRIP—HOPE FOR HAITI”
I bring you greetings after my return from Haiti! It was an amazing time I spent at music camp. God’s spirit was so evident there. These young people sing, play instruments, pray together, and work so hard to please their heavenly Father. They want to be great musicians to make difference in their culture for the Lord.
This was my 4th trip to camp and this, to me, was the most amazing camp to date. The teachers were all very committed and became close. The students seemed to all be there to really LEARN. Louima, our Camp Director, poured himself into organization and motivating. And it really produced an even more wonderful and productive camp than I had seen before!
If any First Baptist Tallahassee folks are interested in going to Haiti music camp next July, please contact me. We particularly need band and string players/teachers and classroom helpers. And, YES, FBC Tallahassee – the well and pump that you funded is working in providing clean water for North Haiti Christian University. Pictures of it and music camp are on the FBC web site (fbctlh.org). Thanks FBC, for helping to make a difference in one corner of the world!
Sincerely, Janet Ray, Music Camp volunteer
I attended the UCNH board retreat in Haiti in January. We met in at the Xarguana hotel in the town of Montrouis just an hour north of Port au Prince. The hotel is located right on the coast. This was the first board retreat for UCNH and was well attended (23 members were present). This meeting was the first retreat for UCNH and it proved to be a rejuvenating one. Many older board members were there as well as several young ones. We had fellowship, fun and serious business that included revising the university charter and reorganizing the organizational structure of UCNH. A pastor from California spoke to us about what a board member does and this was an eye opener for many members.
We all met in Cap Haitian and then rode on a bus to our destination. I have not driven this north to south main road in years and I was able to see Haiti in a fresh new way. In my 16 years as a missionary in Haiti we in the Agricultural development field predicted that the Haitian countryside would be denuded in twenty to thirty years if agricultural practices were not changed (slash and burn, charcoal production using trees without planting new growth etc.). There would be no more trees: they would all be cut down and used for charcoal production. The mountainsides would be bare and the soil would wash away into the rivers and seas leaving Haiti’s soil so poor that nothing of value would grow. Now on my bus ride through the county from the north to the southern coast of Haiti, I was able to see with my own eyes that not only did this prediction not come true but Haiti’s countryside was resplendent with new growth. There were trees of all types; mango, avocado, hardwoods, pine, grapefruit and citrus of all sorts. The millet crop was flourishing on the mountains on Pilbourough and there were new trees sprouting up everywhere. I have never seen so many grapefruits bagged up and ready to go to market. There were pineapples, cororsol and many other fruits for sale on the roadside. In the Aritbonite rice fields were yielding their bountiful crop.
No, Haiti is not denuded or finished agriculturally, she is as resilient and long suffering as her people and she has defied all predictions of catastrophe. It was a great encouragement for me to see such production and to know that God is holding onto these people and working with them. I want you to tell everyone you know that Haiti is worth our effort, our prayers and our donations. We can be confident that there is still hope for Haiti! -Debbie Heneise
Herb Turner, long time volunteer for Haiti Hope Fund, retired this year as Treasurer and Board member. We will miss you Herb for your tireless and faithful service. His wife, Phyllis continues to be involved as a Board member with Haiti Hope Fund.
When the Haiti Hope Fund (originally the International Christian Education Fund) was created in 1994, the Turners helped with the printing and mailing of the Newsletters. The next year Phyllis was appointed to the Board of Directors and in 1997 Herb was appointed as Controller, later becoming Treasurer. He has also been receiving and acknowledging donations, filing government forms, paying bills, and working with Phyllis to process the newsletter mailings.
Herb and Phyllis first met Harold and Ivah Heneise, founders of Haiti Hope Fund, in Rochester, New York where the Heneises were taking Doctoral studies. The Turner’s church (Greece Baptist) was looking for a mission project to support. The Heneises suggested helping to finance the building of a Baptist primary school in the town of Pilate, Haiti. The Heneises’ enthusiasm was contagious: the Turners soon decided to visit Haiti and study the mission work. Armed with cameras and tape recorder, they spent two weeks doing just that. They stayed for four days with the pastor’s family in Pilate, watching the school construction. Three years later they returned to Haiti to participate in the dedication of the school. Several more trips followed over the years as the two families developed a warm friendship. After the Turners retired in 1984 they went to Haiti for three months every winter to help with the work. Herb used his electrical engineering skills to provide and upgrade electric services and to repair whatever was broken. Phyllis used her secretarial skills in answering correspondence and preparing manuscripts. They continued this arrangement until 1991, when the Heneises were forced to leave Haiti because of political turmoil. They settled in northern Florida and were soon joined for a few months by the Turners, who had left New York and were building a house in North Carolina. Five years later, they, too, moved to Florida to join the Heneises in the same retirement community. We will certainly miss you! Thank you again, Herb for your faithful service.