HOPE for HAITI

"How could a just God permit great misery?" The Haitian peasants answer this question with a proverb:"Bondye konn bay, men li pa konn separe," in literal translation, "God gives but doesn't share." This means, "God gives us humans everything we need to flourish, but he's not the one who's supposed to divvy up the loot. That charge was laid upon us."**

In July I had the privilege of serving Haiti. I was part of a mission's team from Monadnock Bible Conference, which included several of the high school youth from Chapel of the Cross in Southborough, MA. It was eight days that changed my life.

Among taking photographs of the people, places and circumstances of Haiti, I had the honor of being involved with two orphanages.

In one orphanage, we were able to be involved at the ground level - literally. We passed buckets and poured cement for the ground floor of a new building just outside of San Michele in the village of Batso. We also held a vacation bible school, where the children played, did crafts, heard the good news about Jesus, and each waited in line to choose a present. The highlight of the week was the honor of serving meals to over 300 children! This orphanage will house, feed and school the village children that presently lack family, housing, food and education.

The orphanage in Port au Prince is already established. It is the "Redeemer's Child Orphanage," and it is run by Franceli and Julie Joseph. There are currently 20 children living at Holy Redeemer. They have a roof over their head, beds to sleep on (although no mattresses), donated, used clothes to wear, perhaps one to two bowls of rice per day in their tummies. They are taught love through the people employed by the orphanage. Franceli and Julie have found a loving "Manman" and "Papa" for the children. These children now have - and are a family.

Many of the children have been chosen for the orphanage through terrible abuse they endured while living on the streets.

While living on the streets, Natathalie was rescued by Franceli and Julie when they heard that after her parents died, the five year old was scalded when she gravitated to a woman cooking in the market place. The woman found her a nuisance and threw boiling oil at her legs. By the time Franceli and Julie got to her, infection was setting in.

When I met Natathalie, she was bright eyed, with a big beautiful smile. She was pleased for the company, and her bandaged legs didn't stop her from giggling, singing, and enjoying life. These children have found joy in the very basics that we so very often take for granted: knowledge that God loves them, a roof over their heads, a very little bit of food in their stomachs, the security of being cared for, and the comfort of feeling safe.

I am sure you can see why I have become passionate over the children of Haiti. I am enclosing photographs to help you better visualize the conditions in which they live, and the precious faces of those whom I speak of.

Because of what I have experienced first-hand, God has put on my heart the desire to assist the Holy Redeemer Orphanage. Franceli and Julie run the non-profit orphanage on faith. Julie takes a bus to work everyday to supplement the orphanage's income. Franceli has given up better paying job opportunities (he has a business degree), to be the representative of Monadnock Bible Conference- to run all the operations from Haiti. Most often, the bills have been met, but often food runs out and Medical care has to wait.

I am standing in faith to raise the $7,200 to feed the children two meals a day for an entire year. That is $600 per month, or $1.oo/per child per day.
I ask that you join me on this mission. There is no amount too small or too large. If the amount received is over $7,200, it will be applied to the full running of the orphanage for one year, which is $14,400 (this is my future goal!).

I am entitling this fund-raiser "HOPE for HAITI". I believe that I am following the will of God, as it is He who has placed this so heavily upon my heart. 100% of all donations will go directly to Redeemer's Child in Port au Prince.

If God calls you to do so, please make checks out to "Monadnock Bridge Builders." This will allow you to obtain a donation receipt for tax purposes.

Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration!

Linda Zawadzki
116 Cherry Street
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
508-845-9504
lindaz@townisp.com

James 2:14--