Music Camp 2008 Report from Louima Lilite July 31, 2008
Well, the baton of leadership of the camp was passed down to me two years ago and I just finished coordinating the second camp in a row. As I thought of the mission of the camp, which is to identify and empower committed young people to bring about positive change in their communities/churches/own lives through Christ-centered fine arts, I began focusing on themes that would bring students to the heart of the Gospel. Last year our theme was “Guard your Heart” based on Proverbs 4:23. This year our theme was “We are God’s Masterpiece” from Ephesians 2:10. The most common biblical translations use the word “workmanship” instead, but I thought it was quite apropos to use the word “masterpiece” as it caught the eye of the artistically inclined.
Our camp ran from July 20-27 in Limbe, Haiti on the campus of UCNH, a local Christian college in Northern Haiti. We had nine volunteer teachers, a total of 108 students, a prayer team of four members, and about ten volunteer supporting staff members in Haiti. Most of us volunteers arrived in Haiti on the 17th of July and returned to the states on the 29th of July. We still have one team member volunteering his time and gifts in Haiti for another week.
The camp was extraordinary. The leadership, prayer, and teaching team members were handpicked by God and the unity we experienced was truly a rare blessing. The students were eager to learn and their attitude certainly inspired us to give more than we could ever have thought possible. The food was delicious, every time. The workshops including movement, choir, band, gospel choir, keyboard skills, songwriting, music theory, keyboard class, voice class, worship class, diction, money management, bible, and were well-attended and relevant. The lack of electricity made us trust God more especially when a performance was fast approaching. The heat made us shower more often (thank you God for cold showers!!!!). The times of sharing during morning devotions and evening sessions challenged us, volunteers and students alike, to relinquish control, to give our best to God, to accept His grace, and to confess our sins to each other. The transformation that took place in our lives was heart-stirring. The recitals, performances, and concerts were of a much higher caliber than before. The opening and closing ceremonies brought the whole camp together as we sang, prayed, ate, and laughed together. God was there in our midst celebrating with us. You were there also through your prayers, financial support, friendship, and interest.
We are back in the states but we will never forget the lives that have been touched and changed, including ours. I, personally, was faced with my sinfulness and brokenness before God and was brought to my knees and tears numerous times. God used this camp in my life to change me and mold me into His likeness. Students and teachers alike have told me how much they have been impacted by North Haiti Music Camp 2008. My prayer is that, although you may not have been there, you will reap the benefits/blessings of the camp in your life through an individual. God is at work!
I want to take this special opportunity to ask you to consider whether God might have it for you to join us in July 2009. You do not have to be a musician as there are multiple needs that could be better met by non-musicians. You just need a heart for service. Please join us, it is sure to be an exciting ride with God!
Peace be with you.
Spring 2008
Board Retreat
This was the first board retreat for UCNH and was well attended (23 members were present).
Herb Turner Retires
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.
Fall 2007
60th. Anniversary of STBH
This October marks 60 years since the Seminarie Theologic Baptiste d’Haiti (STBH), now University Cretienne du Nord Haiti (UCNH), was established by Ivah and Harold Heneise
Music Camp 2007
I was going to take pictures of the 30th music camp on the grounds of UCNH for Haiti Hope Fund.
A Note From Debbie Heneise
This year was the first year that I wasn’t able to attend music camp because I had a far greater event to attend!
Summer 2007
Graduation in May 2007 – 82 Graduates!
Once again the time for graduation arrived. As last year, there were thousands of attendees including many distinguished guests such as the secretary of the General Baptist Assembly, the Director of 4VEH Radio, the Director of the Haitian Bible Society, the Director of College Practique du Nord, the Commissioner of Cap Haitian, the director of Women and Children Services in Haiti, and many others. It was a time of jubilation for students, parents and family.
Profile of Ilena Francois
Ilena is one of 12 children whose family lives in Bel Aidair. She longed to attend college. Though her parents and her aunt tried their best to send her to UCNH, they just couldn’t provide the funds…
Profile of Madame Mark
Madame Mark is the head cook for UCNH. She worked in the campus kitchen when the school was the Baptist Seminary of Haut Limbe. She is responsible for the seniors’ banquet the day before graduation as well as the day to day food preparation. She has three daughters that have graduated from UCNH, thanks to scholarships…
Profile of Mike Lawson
Mike teaches agriculture at the University. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Horticulture and in 1989 earned a Masters degree in International Development from the same University.
A Note from Debbie Heneise
I recently attended the first alumni association meeting for UCNH/STBH in Ft. Lauderdale, June 23. We had a very good turnout and lots of interest in what’s happening now and how they can help their alma mater. We hope this enthusiasm will translate into scholarships for students, endowments for professors and capital improvements.
A Note from Ken Heneise
I recently came across an interesting editorial in our local newspaper, The Florida Times-Union – Jacksonville, 7/6/2007 by respected author Jonah Goldberg, titled “Wealth of civilization found in our minds, not in our buildings”. He stated in this article that “Building roads, dams and factories in the Third World is a fool’s errand
Prayer Concerns & Praise
Join with us in praying for Haiti.
Summer/Fall 2006
A Note from Debbie Heneise
My father died this July and I was devastated. As my family and I planned the funeral service and contemplated what life would be like without his earthly presence, I thought about what I would like to do to honor him and continue his legacy.
A Note from Laurie Casseus
The University has recently lost a significant Scholarship Fund provided by a longtime supporter whose Fund closed. These monies were used to aid our most needy students, who have little or no resources. We have more than 80 students in this situation.
Graduation May 2006
This year 86 students graduated from UCNH, topping last year’s record of 69 graduates! I was impressed with the magnitude ofthe ceremony, the huge number of beautifully dressed people who attended, and the many dignitaries and guests who came from far and wide to be present. I see in the graduates of UCNH the manifestation of God’s restorative and regenerative power in a country that so desperately needs His Grace. We are privileged to be witnesses to God’s amazing power.
Music Camp 2006
This year’s music camp was a great success! About one hundred people attended the camp. The program is in two sections. The first five days is Leadership Camp, designed for church music leaders. The second part is regular music camp for kids of all ages, lasting two weeks.
Prayer Concerns & Praise
Pray for those who work at UCNH and for all who commit themselves to contribute to the work in which Haiti Hope Fund is involved. Pray for God’s protection,for courage and physical strength.
Summer/Fall 2005
Spring/Summer 2005
Interview With An Unsung Hero
Max Petit-Papa graduated from UCNH in 1998 with a degree in business, and has been working for the University as the Registrar since 1994. As students stream into campus this semester to register for classes, it is Max’s job to enter their data in the computer banks. It is easier said than done because of electrical outages, computer problems and the volume of work.
Reflection on Haiti
As I wing my way from Port-au-Prince to Cap Haitian on the CaribIntair commuter airplane, I am able to see an aerial view of the town of Gonaives and its surroundings. Although it is too cloudy to see details, the main feature I see is a lake nearby that was not there before the flood, apparently a leftover from the great devastation generated by hurricane Jeanne that totally leveled the city last fall. It is almost incomprehensible to me to look and see nothing where a large city used to flourish. I think back to times when my husband Ken and I would drive through this dusty city on our way to Port-au-Prince and stop there to get refreshment. I remember that the city was filled with old two-story French colonial houses with upper balconies and gingerbread woodwork. And now as I think about the devastation I also think about those two-story houses and how many peoples’ lives were saved because of them. In the midst of devastation, God is good! As I look back on the last Haiti Hope Fund newsletter I read about Jules Casséus’ sister and her family and how they were saved as they ran to safety in a multi-storied home near their own one-story home, and I marvel at God’s provision!
Scholarship Recipient Serves Community Clinic
Thank God for this wonderful opportunity for one of His children to make a difference in the world. Think of how many people will be treated and healed indirectly through our efforts. Now that’s what makes life worth living! Dr. Maréus has big dreams and plans for the clinic. The pharmacy as it is now will be transformed into the records room. The newly completed room adjacent to the pharmacy and triage room will one day be the new pharmacy. It will take about $3000 to complete the pharmacy, which needs a propane refrigerator, tile floors, shelves and furniture and a generator to make the building usable.
To Work Without Striving
“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” The author goes on to say, “What does it mean for the Lord to build the house? It almost seems a contradiction when we consider that we might be the builders in this passage.
UCNH Fine Arts
Almost sixty years ago, when Ivah and Harold Heneise offered the first theology classes at the Haitian Baptist Theological Seminary, they drew encouragement from their tiny class of three students. Today Laurie Casséus looks to that legacy for encouragement. Laurie hopes the modest cohort of four fine arts students will eventually form the core of a strong fine arts and leadership program.