In the summer of 2010 I took our daughters to Charlotte, NC to visit my lifelong friend Tara Brooks and her family.  We were meeting her two sons, Jean Claude and Woodson for the first time.  They were both adopted from Haiti.  After hearing stories of Haiti and falling in love with the boys, I immediately felt a connection to the country that I could not describe.  Then Tara got her photo album out and I saw the beautiful countryside and the beautiful people.  I also saw the huge tarantula and said, “I will never go to Haiti!”

Over the course of the next three years many things have happened here at Trinity to point us in a more mission-oriented direction.  We have welcomed several missionaries and their families in to talk to us about their passion and the mission fields where they are demonstrating God’s love.  The stories of China, the Chec Republic, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand intrigued me but the day that Jeff and Sarah VanderMolen came with their family to share their mission work in Haiti, I knew God had a plan for me in that country as well.  Everyone, including Hannah, seemed excited about their work and the prospect of travelling as a church family to Haiti.  That had me thinking I needed to make sure it’s safe for her to go there.  I immediately started praying about my fear of spiders and how God was going to get me through this difficult trip!

Finally after two years of planning and meeting with Jeff, our small scouting team consisting of me, Pastor Ron, Frank, and Renata was ready to embark on a trip that would change our lives forever.  And boy did it!

There are so many things about Haiti that as an American I simply cannot wrap my brain around.  The amount of trash lying around in the streets of Port Au Prince is simply mind boggling.  There is trash everywhere!  I was witness to a woman taking a drink from a water pouch and simply throwing it on the ground where she stood when she was done.  This is something we just do not see here in the States.  Even in the countryside of Baissin Caimman there is litter on the ground.  There is a constant smell of burning everywhere you go in Haiti either due to burning trash or cooking.  I knew I had to look past the trash to get to the beauty of this country and I am glad I was able to do that.

Another thing that blew my mind was the faith of the people I met in Baissin Caimman. As we settled in Saturday night, Pastor Celon wanted to hold a Bible study with us.  A few men from the community joined us as well but what caught my attention the most was the children who snuck in to be a part of worshiping God as well.  Then again at the Sunday morning service, the excitement of the people, but especially the children was inspiring!  The praise songs were beautiful and sung with a volume and enthusiasm that puts me to shame!  The best example I saw of the faith the Haitian people have was the evening service we attended in another community however.  The place was busting at the seams with people who traveled miles on foot to participate in worshiping God!  And the children who were attentive for three hours singing their hearts out in praise were beautiful!

Here are some of the things I fell in love with in Haiti:

• women who can’t even understand me, yet hug me with the same passion as my mother
• those same women cooking all day for us
• Haitian time
• the beach
• the language
• the way Haiti’s educated want to help their people
• Jules- a big man with the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met
• Jeff’s love for Haitian people in action
• the children who are so curious and eager to meet you with their bright eyes and smiling faces
• the respect that the people have for teachers and the value they place on their education
• the beauty of the countryside and the simplicity of life
• people who are on fire for the Lord no matter what the obstacles are for worshiping Him

There are many concerns I have for my friends in Haiti.  One of the biggest concerns is sanitation, as I expressed before.  The lack of resources is astounding.  The lack of a print-rich environment in the classrooms, especially the pre-k and kindergarten classroom was very sad to me as an educator.  The fact that kids don’t play, they just stay out of the way is another concept that is hard for me to see.

I see one of the roles of the Trinity Church being a support to the teachers of Baissin Caimmin.  We have many teachers and youth who could add a great deal to this ministry.  I would like us to work alongside the teachers and students during the school day to actively engage the students in literacy activities.  As Renata will tell you, we have a lot to learn from them as well.  I envision this as a collaboration of sorts.

We also have many grownups and youth who are actively involved in drama which could also add to this ministry.    My vision is to have a nightly Bible School in which many of the kids and teachers from the community could come and we could just have a great time praising the Lord together.  Learning each other’s language is a great way for our youth to connect with the people of Haiti!  We will be teaching as many Haitian praise songs as we can before our larger group travels back.  The kids could also work alongside each other to create skits for Bible stories that we will be focusing on for the week.

I have been told on more than one occasion that when you visit Haiti and then return home, a part of your heart stays there.  I never really understood this until returning to life as normal here in Nunda, NY.  The people of Haiti suffer in poverty the likes of which no American can fathom.  Yet they live their lives with a richness we as Americans have a hard time grasping as well.  The benefits of Trinity Church working alongside the Haiti H2O team and the people of Baissin Caimmin are only just beginning to immerge.  I look forward to watching lives change both there and in our church family as well in the future years!

I ask you to pray for this ministry and how you can be a part of our partnership with the congregation of Baissin Caimmin.  Perhaps there are things, like spiders, which have you saying “I can’t go!”.  Don’t rule out the possibility!  I never would have believed that I would go and even come face to face with my biggest fear.  But God had it all planned out and I still want to go back! He used my fear to help me trust in Him fully.   Maybe God has a plan for you in Haiti as well!

And we have grown! After years of building a solid foundation, cultivating healthy relationships, and mentoring local leadership, Haiti H2O is poised to increase our impact in rural Haiti. We started with two trips in 2006 and now lead programs and ministry that run all year long. We have three part time staff in the US, three Haitian partner communities, four Haitian partner pastors, two Haitian project staff, six interpreters, and a Haitian toilet manager who runs the composting toilet program.

But we need your help. We cannot operate it alone. We need partners to help us sustain this ministry in the communities where the seeds were planted. Will you join us by becoming a sustaining member of Haiti H2O? Your monthly gift of $10, $25, $50 or $100 will nurture their hope and provide opportunities for a better tomorrow.  To become a sustaining member click here. 

Donations can be mailed to: Haiti H2O/ PO Box 5445/ Pittsburgh, PA 15206

The Goat Project Committee at a recent meeting.

Would you like to purchase a full-grown female goat or a baby goat for a family in rural Haiti?

• A full-grown female goat costs $75
• A baby goat costs $45

You can purchase a goat through our network for good giving page. or send an email to info@haitih2o.org and we will send you mailing instructions.

You will receive a “Goat Card” that you can give to the recipient of your alternative gift.

One of the best ways to increase the income of an area is to increase the number of livestock in that area. This project will help break the crippling poverty of the area through gifts of goats. Those who receive goats will pass on that goat’s offspring to others in the community, supplying food and income far beyond the initial gift.

The long-term goal of this project is to increase the income of the people in rural Haiti so that they can send their children to school, go to the medical clinic when they get sick, and create a more livable community for themselves, while simultaneously providing a sustainable food source.

Details: To become a sustaining member go to our donation page and give a monthly gift of $10 or above. If you want to become a sustaining member by mail/check please email erin@haitih2o.org you are already a sustaining member and want to register for the raffle please email erin@haitih2o.org

Haiti 2012 Mission Trip: May 19-26, 2012

Upon return, the team was asked to finish this sentence, “Haiti taught me . . . .”

God used my experience in Haiti to teach me that I shouldbe grateful for all that I have in my life.   I have always been a very grateful person and cherish all I have been blessed with however, I now have a newfound respect for these things.  It has taught me that less is definitely more!  The Haitian people who have very little have great hearts, souls & spirits that we can all learn from.  They smile, laugh, delight in one another and in God.  The Haitians worship on Sunday, Tuesdays & Thursdays as a congregation.  Their music was off beat, didn’t fit and most of the time was off key but, you know what?  They sang with all their hearts and souls and praised God like no others I have ever seen.  Being blessed isn’t measured by the things you have in your life but, by the people you surround yourself with and how you live a Godly life. God is GREAT!!  I am very thankful for this experience that I was so blessed enough to have.  I look forward to being part of another missions trip in the future and to share this gift of God with others and my family! Jen Knight 

God used my experience in Haiti to teach me / remind me what true joy and love can be found even in the most impoverished areas — if God is invited in.  The Haitians we met and lived with did not allow extreme poverty and hard daily life to rob them of laughter, serving, celebrating and worshipping through impassioned song and prayer.  It was impossible not to fall in love with these people. I was taught not to pity them, but rather to come alongside them, to help encourage and strengthen them, and in doing so, I received an even greater dose of encouragement and true inspiration in return. For me, despite being in the heat, dirt, and out of the comfy life that I am used to, I have a feeling of wonderful peace that comes from knowing I was right where I was supposed to be that week in Haiti, doing what I should do, and striving to live in the will of my Lord. The opportunity to serve Him is a priviledge, and I am truly grateful and humbled.
Sheri Herstine

Bonjou (Hello Four Mile)I am very excited about coming back from Haiti and to share my story that I have experienced. First of all, thank you to everyone who was willing to send the Haiti Mission team from Four MIleto go and help the Haitian people. When we were down there we had to learn Haitian proverbs and recite them to the translators every night. It was quite an experience. My Haitian proverb was “ Nen Pran Koe Joe Kouri Dlo.” This means “nose runs, ears hurt, eyes make water.” Another thing that I thought was fascinating was in church we sang two songs every service that were 15 minutes each.  I have learned some Creole. God used my experience in Haiti to teach me ,” se moun yo kemeveye anbil. Voyaj le fe ‘m santi mwen lakay mwen be’t you janti tou e Bondye fe’ mwent remen be ‘b Ayisyen an.” The means that people are so wonderful and  amazing.The trip has made me feel welcome and feel as though I am at home. The animals are so trusting and God has brought me to love the nation of Haiti. Merci (Thank You) Tiffany Keagy

God used my experience in Haiti to remind  me of his love for all  people. That we are allexactly alike;  we strive to care for our families, we all struggle, and kids are kids across all cultures.  God taught me humility in a people, that store their treasures in heaven, that joyously worship him 4 services a week for who he is. God taught me patience when it does not come naturally. I learned that God will take care of the details, and that obedience can bring rewards that can’t be put into words. 

Bill Porto

I had always wanted to go on a mission trip.  When I attempted Mexico, God shut the door on me twice.  It just wasn’t my time.  God blessed me with medical knowledge and I wanted to give back and serve His people – somewhere.  Well, God opened the door wide open and since January, George wound this trip to Haiti around Dave, Kiera, and my vacation week.   It was definitely a trip led by God – but Haiti?  My rendition of “roughing it” is the Holiday Inn.  So, needless to say this was a major stretch for me in trusting God to get me through a rough and tough environment such as Haiti.  He did toughen and strengthen me through this experience.  But, all this wasn’t about me.  I was there to serve the people of Haiti – so His glory could shine.  The Haitians are very sweet and considerate people.  They would always smile- and as Kiera stated- always were so hospitable.  They loved us visiting their homes and were so appreciative of the home packs that Four Mile sent to them.  Four Mile- you have been blessed and prayed for over and over- just because you offered soap, band aids, toothbrushes and tooth paste!  The biggest impact for me was running our small impromptu medical clinic. Once the word got our that we had medical knowledge and some medicines, the Haitians came to our church as early as 6:30 AM -three mornings in a row– waiting to tell us their ailments and hoping to get relief with some medicine.  The toughest patients were the children.  They had various problems such as malnourishment, anemia, upper respiratory infections, scabies, and etc.  A fellow nurse practitioner friend provided me with antibiotics, prednisone, anti-fungal meds, hydrocortisone creams, and many other meds that we had enough to provide to 250 patients!  It reminded me of Jesus taking the few fish and loaves from the small boy and feeding the multitudes!   Our medical team included Kiera, Jenn, Sherri, Tiffany and myself.  Our medical room was a small room in the old school building with a chair and all I had was a stethoscope.  I was told we couldn’t have a clinic so I didn’t pack my exam equipment.  But, God had other plans and I was so glad He used me in this way.  It was rewarding but yet, I had tears in my eyes at times because I wanted to do more.  We take for granted our medical system in America.  We have the best.  These poor people can’t afford medical care.  God gave them that care through Four Mile!  Lastly, to watch these people glorify God in a church service is amazing!!! They sing and praise from the bottom of their hearts!  It put me to shame.  They not only talked the talk- most importantly- they walked the walk.  Thank you Four Mile- for your donations- you have no idea how grateful the Haitians were for those home packs.  Thank you to my team members George, Billy, Sherri, Tiffany, Jenn, Dave and Kiera.  Our team was so congruent and we picked each other up when needed. When I felt overwhelmed -my team supported and lifted me up in  prayer to persevere. It was a stretch for me- but again, It wasn’t about me – I was just the vessel through whom He worked!!  
Ginny Holbein

God used my experience in Haiti to teach me what true hospitality looks like. I was fortunate enough to conduct home and health surveys in peoples homes, along with Sherri. Sherri and I had both an interpreter and a Deacon of the local church with us, and we asked a series of questions to each household we visited. The Haitian’s hospitality towards myself and Sherri truly amazed me. People dropped whatever they were doing to spend time with us and answer our questions, and they always did it with warm smiles. Families offered us the few chairs they had even if that meant that they had to stand. They offered us coconuts to drink. The deacon we followed always insisted on taking our bags so that we did not have to carry them. Once we were finished with our questionnaire, we gave the families small home kits with toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandaids, and soap. The thankfulness that they had for something so small was amazing. I imagine that the response to a spontaneous visit here at home would be quite different in terms of hospitality, as we do not want our busy lives to be interrupted. My hope is to become more hospitable, and show love and joy like the Haitians in every area of my life whether it be at home, work, or at church. I am so thankful for this trip and all that it has taught me.
Thanks!
Kiera Holbein

I have always known that I was blessed.  I have a beautiful and talented wife, a smart and wonderful daughter, a good job, etc. Not to mention the Grace and Mercy God shows me every day.  I could go on and on how blessed I am.  However, God used my experience in Haiti to teach me several new things.  I learned that the Haitian People are an extremely hard working people whose many misfortunes are not necessarily their own fault but that of several crooked and evil regimes ( the US is not exempt from that one).  I learned that people are the same everywhere no matter how rich or poor, black or white, educated or illiterate they are.  We all have the same dreams, to be healthy, to have a family who loves us, and to have financial security.  The people of Haiti were very welcoming, trusting, and eager for God’s Love.  I’ve always known that 4-Mile has many God loving good Christian people but getting to spend a week in one of the most forsaken places on earth with the 4-Mile team is one fantastic experience I will never forget.  Our team worked well together as we learned to trust in God for safe passage (try riding on one of Haiti’s roads sometime), shelter, food (ever had goat?), and health (fear of typhoid, malaria, Cholera, etc).  I met several young people whom I learned have a hope that one day things will get better  They asked me to relay to the 4-Mile Community that they need our prayers.  And finally, I learned that I need to go back again one day to Haiti.  I need to continue the friendships I made and to show the Haitian People that they are not forgotten by others or by God.  Thanks to George, Billy, Sheri, Ginny, Kiera, Jen, and Tiffany for putting up with me for the week.
Dave Holbein

I’ve been to Haiti several times, and every time Haiti stretches me in new ways. It always challenges my sense of comfort and security, but this challenge has become like an old friend. Knowing that a car accident, or car break down are always possible keeps me on high alert.  Haiti is teaching me that I’m not in control and to relax.  Haiti is also teaching me to be grateful for the small things; a coke, meat, cool nights, running water, and laughter. 
George Atkins

The 2012 Haiti Team: George Atkins, Sheri Herstine, Dave Holbein, Ginny Holbein, Kiera Holbein, Tiffany Keagy, Jenn Knight & Bill Porto

Marathon Thank You from Sarah VanderMolen on Vimeo.

When I first heard about my church’s annual trip to St. Martain, Haiti, I felt an immediate tug on my heart to go. I knew deep down that God was going to do something great on this trip. At first, I had the typical Christian mindset – I was going to go down there and God would use ME to speak to these people. But while I was in Haiti, God blew my mind! He used every single person I met to touch MY heart and teach me something. There is no possible way for me to put everything I felt and learned into one summary – it would take a year to read! So without further ado, the three big things that I learned in Haiti were 1) don’t worry, just trust 2) love strongly and 3) give your all.

One of the first things I noticed was that the people of Saint Martain trusted God with every fiber of their being and it showed in the way they live. They rose when the sun came up and worked, without complaining and while giving their best, until the sun set. They went about their day knowing that God would provide. Some people I met were sick. Some had children, friends, or relatives that were sick and they were caring for them. All these people were honest in saying that they did not know why this was happening. Not once did I hear anyone’s lips part to complain or say “why me?” They gladly welcomed prayer and stated that they knew God had it under control. One particular visit to a home stood out to me. We came across a godmother who was taking care of her goddaughter. The goddaughter had dementia among other problems. The godmother told us that her dementia “just happened and they didn’t know why.” Toward the end of our visit we offered to pray and sing a song with the two ladies. I was amazed as the godmother went into her hut and came out with a covering that the young lady with dementia specifically used for HER prayer time to the Lord. Thousands of thoughts rushed through my head. I couldn’t believe that in all she was suffering the goddaughter remembered to spend time with God and give him thanks and praise. After the prayer, her caregiver said something that stuck with me. She proudly stated, while looking at her goddaughter, “This is a test that the Lord is giving her and she is passing, she is passing.”

Second, these people know how to LOVE! I can’t begin to describe to you the amount of love I felt upon my arrival to Haiti. After 24 hours of non-stop travel we were having difficulties reaching the village in a timely manner. So many wonderful people pitched in to help get us to the village of St. Martain. At one point in our journey there, the pastor of the church in St. Martain left his home (after dark) to come looking for our group. He was worried because our group had not reached the village. I thought it was so amazing that a man we had never met could and would care so much. To top it all off, when we finally reached the village way later than expected almost half of the village was waiting for us at the “little river crossing”. They were there to welcome us and make sure that we would get across safely. At this point I knew without a doubt that traveling over 24 hours to get there would be so worth it. These people know how to love others because they truly love God. On our first day in St. Martian, one of our translators pulled a couple of our team members aside and began passionately talking to us about the love of Christ and asking if we would trade Christ for anything. You could clearly see that his heart was for Christ, his word, and his people. I fought hard to hold back tears. It was just so refreshing to see someone who had been walking with Christ for so long express his love for God as if he had just found it!

Lastly, these people give their all to Christ and to their brothers and sisters in Christ. Their ability to give is amazing. They have few material possessions but their spiritual wealth is great. The community is helping raise a little boy named Emmanuel because his mother is not able to properly care for him. On Sunday morning at church, I watched as several people not only gave their offering to the Lord but placed money in the basket for little Emmanuel. I immediately thought of how many times I’ve tried to get around giving my all to God (spiritually or financially). Even though I don’t make much by U.S standards, I’ll make more than some of those people ever will. Yet, their heart for giving is great. It is to be treasured and to be learned from. How could I be so selfish in the way that I love and give when I’ve been so blessed?

During my time in St. Martain, God showed me things about myself – about what still consu