Updates....Successes....Needs

In August approximately 3 acres of land was purchased just outside of Les Anglais for a new orphanage building!  We are thrilled with this project to give Pastor Ezena, his family, staff and the 20 orphan children a place to call their own.  Construction will begin once a well is drilled; negotiations for this is in the works.

VBS was a huge success. Thank you for all who assisted in this project.  Read the article in the Global NIM October 2010 newsletter by clicking here.

Here is a November photo of Pastor Ezena (far left) and "Crew:"  the staff and children.

Thankfully the group was not impacted by the October Hurrican Tomas.  However, there was much damage in Les Anglais and nearby communities.

The cholera outbreak has not hit this part of the island (SW portion); however, Pastor and his staff are taking proactive steps to educate the children and the community on sanitation and prevention.  Global NIM is assisting in this effort with educational materials.

As we began in March, Global NIM continues to support this group with monthly subsidies for food, clothing, medicines, supplies, etc.  You can assist us in offsetting these costs by sponsoring one of the remaining 10 orphan children ($30/month partial or $60/month full sponsorship) or making a flat donation. 

Your prayers for Haiti are crucial.  Thank you for joining us in making a lifetime of difference in Haiti!

VBS—Haitian Style!

Remember those magical words when you were a kid? Vacation Bible School! It was a time each summer to eat, learn Bible stories, play, make crafts, learn a new song, complete with hand motions! It was a time to learn about Jesus and his love for you and all of the world.

Pastor Ezena is gearing up for the first VBS held in his home area of Les Anglais, Haiti, on August 23rd—29th. He anticipates at least 230 kids will attend, most of whom are transplants from devastated Port-au-Prince.

Pastor Ezena wrote, “We will need additional funds to provide daily food, Creole Bibles for readers and little ones, prizes and certificates for the program.”

For four hours each day, the cost of this 7-day VBS is roughly $4.00 per child, ($900).

Twenty dollars will ensure 5 kids get to create that prized handicraft, make delightful memories, win one of the various planned races, and quite possibly, meet Jesus.

Pastor Ezena has the crew to make sure this is a memorable VBS for these children who have seen so much turmoil in the last few months.

This is an urgent request, as we cannot support this effort without your prayers and financial help. Thank you for considering this request.

A smile amidst the trials of being parentless

Wow - eight and 1/2 (!) children sponsored since March!  We are grateful for those who are donating a full ($60/mo) or partial ($30/mo) amount to support these dear children.  Our goal is to have all 20 sponsored by the end of the year.  Pass along the word.


Youvika Dieu (4) is one of the youngest members of this newly formed family.  She is "orphaned of her mother and her father is incapable of helping her because of his impoverished situation," per Pastor Ezena.  If you are interested in sponsoring Youvika, please contact us through our website ("contact us" on first page).

Now the work begins!

In early April, the children and Ezena's family and staff successfully moved to Les Anglais out from the despair of their Port-au-Prince living conditions. 

The children are attending school and playing soccer with local kids and relishing the freedom of playing again.  It was a long 2 1/2 months under the tarpaulin.  We thank God for this new adventure. 

Now the work begins!

We are seeking sponsors for the children at $60/month or $30 for a partial sponsorship.  Because nearly everything is imported into Haiti, things are more expensive than, say, in Africa or India for the childrens' care.  If you have any questions about sponsoring a child, please email us!   globalnim@cox.net

God's Plan

Andrew wrote this morning, "Grace a Dieu, je suis maintenant a l'aeroport en attendant le bord d'avion.
I am through security (3 of them) and getting ready to board, praise the Lord!

First there was a plan, then came the modified plan, and finally came God's plan."

Thank you, friends, for taking this journey with Andrew by reading this blog and praying for his trip.  Now that the picture is complete (who, what, where, how, when --- the why was evident), the adventure begins.  As a friend succinctly phrased it, "We've been invited to a front row seat to this development by God, Himself!"  We hope you'll join in the journey with us by your prayers and financial support.

We will report more on the "picture" being painted of Pastor Ezena's orphanage construction project through our monthly newsletters (sign up at http://www.globalnim.org/), and this blogsite.  Be sure to check back!
Andrew and Daleen


"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Phil 4:6-7







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Tender Moments

After saying goodbye to Pastor Ezena, his family and the orphans, Andrew is at Mission of Hope-Haiti for the night with an early morning start planned.  He said he's taking his last, long sponge bath (his seatmate will appreciate that...of course, they were in Haiti, too.....). 

"Pastor, Samy (Pastor's son) and I enjoyed a very close time having lunch under the tarp. We discussed plans for moving, and they were all of one accord, except for some of the children who don't know anything other than Port-au-Prince. Tender moments upon tender moments.

"Pastor Ezena's next step?  Get the whole crew to Anglais by bus and look for high ground for an orphanage/school build.  Many more details to work out in the coming days, but God has made it very clear to me of Global NIM's partnership with this dear Pastor."

It's been an amazing 3+ days. So impossible to believe only 3 days. God has been my guide and strength and everything else that has been prayed for.

In a way I hate to leave.

Haitian Hospitality

"I'm here @ the Champs de Mars with the entire family sitting in the tent house awaiting lunch. I've just handed out the rest of my gifts. (I'll be returning very light.)
The kitchen smells of wood smoke and the food is starting to come to the table. Wow, it all looks so good."

Merci a Dieu!

"Many more people came after this was taken. Wonderful worship in creole and english.

This place is huge and ALIVE!

Praise GOD! Shout it out!!

Merci a Dieu!"

His Mercies are Forever

"Up at 5 this morning and am standing at the upper east side of the Mission of Hope-Haiti compound; enjoying watching the sky brighten with the pending sun rise. Temp is probably low 70s, cool enuf for the locals to have a sweater like in India. Perfect for me without.  Light, steady breeze - perfect for sailing!"

"God has been most gracious and kind. His mercies are forever.

Looking forward to the big church service this am.  People begin lining up hours before the service is to begin.  They are hungry and know where True Nourishment is found among such devastation. After the service, I'll be off to Ezena's and the children's tarpaulin camp area for a big lunch (it is Sunday after all).  I should be back at MOHH by 5pm."

God's faithfulness

"Lots of answers to prayer for this group, I assure you!," remarked Andrew.

He got the "scoop" and a photo of all 20 children under Pastor Ezena's care upon his arrival into PAP.  The team will be at Mission of Hope-Haiti for the evening through tomorrow afternoon.

Also, Andrew confirmed that the water quality in Anglais is significantly better than that available in PAP, although filtration is needed to reduce water-borne illnesses.  This will be something we'll look at networking with another agency in the future, as plans to build an orphanage/school progress.

Praise the Lord for safe arrival into PAP, including the rental car.  Good news indeed!

Can it be Any Worse?

Approaching PAP:   a land so totally surrounded by destruction...

Up river:

"Down river - it's not moving..."

Jesus said, "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said,

'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"  John 7:38

"They will hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb (Jesus) in the center of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life; and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes." 

 Rev. 7:17

The Best News of the Trip so far...

Andrew writes, "It's going to be a cooker here. Our agenda is the long drive back to Port-au-Prince (6 hours - rough roads). May the Lord keep and preserve us.

Right now, Pastor and the others are getting ready to get ready to think about and move toward departing, at some point.....some of you know what I mean.

The best news of the trip so far is that Pastor will be moving the whole crew, tents and all, to Anglais asap. I couldn't be more thrilled for this decision. He is ready to move forward based on how God spoke to him through me yesterday. PAP and the Champs de Mars [refugee park] is not a place for children to live. So since there is space for them here, they will move. Praise the Lord!!

It was obvious that Anglais, a rural 'clean' village, will create an immediate family for the children and a safe place for them to live and play."

The first goal is to obtain immediate sponsorships for the children's care and support.

Second goal: find higher ground in/near Anglais to build an orphanage and school, as the area is subject to flooding.

Third goal:  funding for the construction.


"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.  For we are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
 Eph. 2:8-10

"Staying the night in the house of a friend of pastor.

Probably the last transmission for this eve. Praise service about to begin. Then to bed. Am quite warm at the moment.

Please make sure the snow is gone when I get home!"

[Tulsa is expecting snow Sat. night after a 72 degree day today...]

Photo: taken from within a church

Mes Petits Amis (my small friends)

"Feeding about 60 children in Les Anglais from a local school of sorts. We all participated in this feeding.  What a blast!

"Les Anglais is a small rural village, which we arrived at by driving a LONG coastal road that reminded me at times of a Colorado trailhead road. Absolutely wonderful place of peace. God has brought us to this place.  I'm going to sponge bathe now! Yeah!!"

On the way to Les Cayes ("K-eyes")

Andrew and team will arrive at Les Cayes ("pronounced K-eyes") around 3pm.
People waiting to board a bus-of-many-colors

"Very much like India, even the smells. I'm enjoying the drive in the country! This is a roadside vendor."

A few of the twenty children in Pastor's Ezena's care:

Kitchen under tarpaulin (communal?)

Never so Grateful for a Rental Car as Now

Andrew, Pastor Ezena, Pastor's eldest son, Samy, "Lenet" (?) and a driver are on their way to Les Anglais near Cayes in the southwestern portion of the island.  Thank the Lord - there was a good car available for this 6 hour journey on no-so-great road conditions ("we got the insurance....").  It has stopped raining but probably not for long.  Please pray for safe travels.

The objective of this trip is to determine more about the location on which Pastor Ezena wishes to build a small school for 100+ and an orphanage for 20 children.  Cayes is a port city, so obtaining construction supplies should not be a problem - at some point.

Gift for the children and the tents were handed out yesterday afternoon within the confines of their present tarpaulin home (photos not yet available).  What a blessing for the recipients but more for the giver!

It's Raining and I'm glad I'm at MOHH

Andrew enjoyed "chillin" this evening with Brad Johnson, President of Mission of Hope-Haiti, and Otis Garrison (pictured), Executive Director, Andrew's hosts for this trip. The primary topic of conversation was permanent housing costs and logistics to rebuild Pastor's orphanage and school in Les Anglais (nearest city is Cayes).

No planned activities this evening.  "Off to get ready for bed," said Andrew.

Pray for reliable transportation for the next two days' travels!

Psalm 107: 4-9
"Some wandered in the desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle.  They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.  Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.  He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.  Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

My New Family

"These have taken care of me VERY well! Left to right - Driver, who had a very long name and I can't remember it; Samy, the eldest son; Pastor Ezena; and "Jimmy."  Not sure what Jimmy's connection is with Pastor.
The Plan - the four of them left MOHH just now and are heading back to PAP. Pls pray that they find a vehicle worthy of travel tomorrow. If they do, the plan is to meet tomorrow in town early (@ 6:30) and drive to Les Anglais (far south westerly portion of the island).  If no worthy vehicle can be located, then God has other ideas.
Being with them is wonderful!"

Tents Everywhere

Messages sent by Andrew...
"Farther east but no daylight savings; lovely turquoise water color of the Carribbean."

"Oh my gosh - tents everywhere!"  (Photo taken from plane upon arrival at PAP aeroport)

"Upon arrival went directly to Champs de Mars park [home to 10,000 homeless] and spent the past hour + with Pastor Ezena, his family and the children.  Felt very safe in their tarpaulin home - with 4 rooms!  Now driving to Mission of Hope-Haiti (http://www.mohh.org/ ) with Pastor."

Airport fun

"Even in the Miami airport at the departure gate for Port-au-Prince, things feel like you would expect at an open-air market...  lots of arm waving and people trying to understand each other - English, French and Creole all garbled together. Plenty of expression in Creole that I don't yet understand. Only bits and pieces sound French. Let the fun begin."  Andrew charmed the gate checkers to get his big mountain backpack on the plane plus his regular backpack.  There was grace extended because of the destination.  Grace....may everyone on this flight give lots of that in the coming days.

One more day 'til take-off!

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)

The day is quickly approaching when Andrew, Global NIMs founding director, will travel to Haiti to:

     - encourage Pastor Ezena;

     - provide two large tents, clothes, shoes and toys for the children;

     - and will continue networking for their care.

Andrew will be in Haiti March 18 - 22.  As Pastor Ezena and the children are in very desperate need, any donations will help tremendously with basic life needs over the coming months.

Global NIM

P.O. Box 330138

Tulsa , OK 74133-0138

email: globalnim@cox.net

Donations via PayPal Link on http://www.globalnim.org/

 

We trust that God is in control!  Please continue to lift Andrew, Pastor Ezena, his family, and the children in your prayers.

What a wonderful outpouring of generosity! As some of my younger friends say, "You guys ROCK!"

The two duffle bags are very nearly busting at the seams, and yes, I'll probably end up paying a baggage handling surcharge (for the first time in my life, I might add).  But, the good news is that it is all well worth it!

Here are a couple of photos of the stacks of clothing and the tents that will be going on the journey with me...

Swayed, but not Shaken

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28

A Note from Andrew Nimick:

Since 1986 Pastor Ezena has served the poor and destitute in Haiti at his orphanage and school, but never has he been so challenged in his work than he is right now. Living under a tarpaulin with six family members plus 20 truly orphaned children near the presidential palace in Port-au-Prince, desperation becomes a prayer of trust that God will miraculously move him, the children and his work to a higher place.

Thanks to God, Global NIM will be part of this work! Our goal is to assist Ezena with funds for life’s basics, and to seek out a Christian agency in Haiti which can help on a more permanent basis. Many thanks to US Foundation for Children of Haiti for temporary help -
(http://www.usfch.org/.)

At the invitation of Mission of Hope-Haiti (http://www.mohhaiti.org/), I will visit Ezena from March 18 - 22 to encourage Ezena. I will also provide two large tents, clothes, shoes and toys for the children and will continue networking for their care.

They are truly in a desperate condition, and we pray this does not last long.
Any donations for Pastor and the children will help with basic life needs over the coming months.

Global NIM
P.O. Box 330138
Tulsa , OK 74133-0138
email: globalnim@cox.net
Donations via PayPal Link on http://www.globalnim.org/

Your prayers are greatly appreciated for Pastor Ezena and the children.

My name is pastor Ezena Jean Yvon

Greetings in Jesus precious name!  I am so glad to write you.

My name is pastor Ezena Jean Yvon.  I am married, I have 5 children.

My ministry is to preach the gospel and work with the poorest children in Haiti.  In this region, many thousands of people are starving to death.  Several hundred of poor children are abused by malnutrition and sometimes they spend 3-4 days without eating a hot meal; they are sick of typhoide, malaria, T.B; some others have skin disease.  They need education, food, clothes, shoes, and medicine.

Prior to the devastating earthquake that violently shook Haiti in January (2010), Ezena and his son, Samuel, maintained and managed an orphanage and school for about 250 Haitian children in Petion-ville, just south of Port-au-Prince (above figure provided by Wall Street Journal, 2/27/10). During the quake, the orphanage and school buildings were destroyed and therefore many of the children returned to what family they had. At present, Ezena is caring for and shepherding about 20 children, 5 of whom recently needed medical attention.

Through God's grace, Global NIM was able to network with some key international organizations who were able to find Ezena after the earthquake, and provide him and the children with immediate food, water, and medical attention. 

Please pray for...
- Global NIM's further communication with Pastor Ezena in the aftermath of the earthquake;
- God to equip Ezena with discernment as he is taking care of these 20 children and his family in this crucial time.

Here am I. Send me!

Then I heard a voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?", And I said, "Here am I.  Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)

Ezena, an Assembly of God pastor, is married with 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls ages 13 to 22.  He was born into a Christian family who “loved God” and continually taught him the way of the Lord. Ezena explained that one day he wanted to become a pastor and donor of care for the poor children “since Haiti is the poorest country in the Caribbean.” He continued to explain that it was in 1985 that God “called me for several times.” But at that time he resisted because misery was “in full swing on my family.” God continued to call him and he continued to refuse.

Then God told him that He would anoint him to preach the Good News and take care of poor children. So it was that in 1986 he finally accepted the call, and he began working in the harvest field as God had been asking of him. Thereafter, he said that he felt God’s blessing wherever he went in Haiti and he witnessed people accepting God into their lives. He added that there were many churches that he started but he could not “build” for lack of funds, so all the churches were “under straw.”

Although Pastor Ezena has never seen any solid church structures built under his pastorship, his compassion for the people led to the full-time physical, educational and ministerial care of abandoned and destitute children in the English South.  In Ezena's own words, he explains that, "Most of my time, I work on my projects because I wanted them to come true; a project of evangelization, training seminar for leaders and Evangelicals’ care for the poor orphans that I admire very much and I wanted to help all my heart."

God was working in Ezena's heart from a very young age, but it was not until 1986 when he answered the Lord - fully willing and ready for the Lord to "send him" - that God began to use him in a powerful way in Haiti!

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humble with your God. (Micah 6:8, NIV)