Bethesda Evangelical Mission

10 steps to turn your circumstances around and make the best of the all

As the year turn, let us turn our circumstances around and "make the best of them in 2013"...... Romans 8:28

Happy New Year to you all!!

Have you ever had a dream you hoped would come true break apart instead? From a dream of parenthood that's dashed by infertility to a dream about a career that eludes you when you can't get a job in your field, broken marriage or dreams are a fact of life in this fallen world. (say the following loud to yourself: "With the help of the Lord, I'm going to turn these things. around")

First I have a very important question for you. Do you love God? Experiencing any of these broken circumstances in your life can make you feel as if your hope has died along with your dream. But broken dreams are more than just endings; they're also opportunities for new beginnings. The sadness and anger you feel can give way to peace and joy – if you choose to trust God to help you move on from the death of your dream to experience a life that's full of His resurrection power.

Here are 10 steps to consider when you decide to turn your broken circumstances into new beginnings:

1. Let Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection inspire you. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate example of the truth that new beginnings come after the death of something. You can count on God to do something new in your life after one of your dreams dies, if you invite God to do so.

2. Switch from asking "why?" to asking "what?" when praying about what has happened. It won't help you to ask God why a certain dream died; He usually doesn't reveal the reasons why He allows suffering to enter our lives because the reasons are often beyond our ability to truly understand from our limited perspective. But it will help you to switch your focus to asking what you should do now that it has happened. You can expect God to answer that question by guiding you to the next steps that would be best for you to take.

3. Say farewell to what has been. Say goodbye to your broken dream by accepting the reality that it won't come true and letting go of what reminds you of it (for example, giving away baby clothes and equipment you'd been saving for a child, after you've stopped infertility treatments and adoption plans). Grieve for your dream that has died, and then consider what you hope God may resurrect in your relationship with Him as you move on and pursue healing.

4. Prepare yourself for change. Expect God to change you into someone who is more like Jesus through the healing process. Prepare yourself to engage with God's work in your life by focusing less on doing (so you're not distracted by being too busy with activities that don't ultimately matter) and more on being (focusing on rest that renews your spirit and helps you notice how God is working in your life). Decide to make the most of the life you have by pursuing the adventures on which God leads you.

5. Place your trust in God. In the face of the hard reality that God didn't answer your prayers the way you'd wanted, keep in mind that there are many complexities involved that determine how God answers prayers, and you can't understand them all from your limited perspective. Understand that God may have withheld the answer you'd wanted in response to your prayers about your dream because, in doing so, God prevented something bad from happening that you didn't realize would happen if He had granted your request. But God does promise in the Bible that He will work out everything for the good of those who love Him. Choose to that God will fulfill that promise in your life.

6. Be confident that your broken dream hasn't broken your identity. The death of your dream may have changed your role, position, or status in life. But rest assured that nothing can change your identity as one of God's beloved children. Know that you are significant and valuable to God, whether or not your dreams succeed. So don't base your sense of self-worth on how well your dreams do or don't work out. Instead, have confidence that your identity in Christ makes you a person of great worth, no matter what.

7. Invest in supportive friendships. Spend time with some friends you can trust to encourage you as you heal from the death of your dream and move forward in life. Openly and honestly share your thoughts and feelings with them, and ask them to pray for you. Do the same for them whenever they need your support.

8. Ask God to fulfill good purposes through your suffering. The suffering you've gone through isn't in vain. God has promised that He has good purposes in mind for allowing any kind of suffering to enter people's lives. If you trust God to work in every part of your life, He will fulfill those good purposes. Just as Jesus' suffering brought about forgiveness and life to all people who place their trust in Him, your suffering will also produce good results if you trust God to use it according to His will.

9. Take the new risks you sense God leading you to take. Don't be afraid to start pursuing new avenues. Pray that God will show you whether or not those dreams align with His will for your life. If you sense that they do, and the Holy Spirit is urging you to take the risks necessary to fulfill those dreams, don't hesitate to take the risks so you can move forward with those new wonderful dreams.

10. Look forward to new dreams coming true in your life. Just because you've had some dreams die doesn't mean that you won't have other dreams come true. Remember that God is a good Father who loves to give good gifts to His children – so God does want to make some dreams come true for you. Keep trusting and expecting God to work in your life, making the right dreams come true at the right times and in the right ways.

Closer to us, this past year among many others the Lord called home we remember our brothers Arne Yaghsizian, and the legendary Dave Brubeck, it was a tough year for the Brukeck/Yaghsizian's family. The legacy these people left will continue on. This very week Arne's daughter Mariel is serving in Haiti. We know one thing for sure as believers; we will see them again in glory.

This is a heavenly perspective, our Salvation and our relationship with the savior give us an advantage over our circumstances, because we know we come from sins to righteousness, from ourselves to Himself, and therefore from hell to heaven. Now who/what can separate us from the love of Christ? The list is clear please read Romans 8:31-39. know that, no devil in hell can stand between you and your dreams, why because "we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Let us start the new year minimizing the negatives while maximizing the positives and win all year long in Jesus name.

Say it one more time: With the help of the Lord, I'm going to turn these things. around")

Have the most blessed 2013 the year of the Lord.

Pastor Lubin

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the  Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the  Lord , “and will bring you back from captivity.  I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the  Lord , “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

The Lord always has a plan, and today His plan spoke volumes. When we awoke this morning, or even when we arrived in Chantal, not one member on this team knew what The Lord would have in store for our day. Instead, our day started normally and we began our Christmas celebration with the kids both from the orphanage in Chantal and children from around the neighborhood. When a frail grandmother arrived carrying a, what looked to be, new born, Abbi, of course, didn't hesitate to grab that baby and make it safe in her calming arms. When we saw the mother and noticed that she seemed to have a metal disability, I learned that this baby was already three months old. This baby, one without a name, was seen in October, close to death. Since then, Pastor Lubin stops by and brings them food for the baby when he comes to Haiti. Without the intervention of the October team, as well as the Christmas team today, this baby would have had no chance for survival. It's funny sometimes, when we talk about things that are life changing, we usually think about adults instead of a small child. However, today, God used us in His plans, so that this baby could live out his own individual Jeremiah 29:11.

We saved, changed, and cared for a life today. The weight of the baby was probably only a mere seven pounds, less than I weighed when I was born.  His little fingers held so much promise, and his eyes longed for a compassionate face to smile upon. Our team stood with sturdy hearts as we looked upon this beautiful baby boy, in a newborn outfit that seemed two sizes too big and a body that seemed ten sizes too small.  The moment I held him, I fell in love with everything about him. I knew that he wouldn't have a chance if he stayed where he was. Abbi knew that as well, and conversations began to take place between the grandmother, who seemed to be the primary caregiver since the mother was unable, and Pastor Lubin. I was singing to the baby and watching him sleep, as Abbi came over and I whispered that this baby could not go home.  She smiled, and winked, and assured me that she didn't think he would. Step one in God's plan for the wee one. The grandmother eventually agreed to let the baby go with us, provided she understood that his chance at life was minimal without our intervening. We cheered and cried; smiled and cried; laughed and cried some more. A Christmas blessing for us all. But the plans just kept on coming.

The baby would stay in Ducis, Ellen and Lubin decided. After the house mother and father there miscarried a few months ago, a baby was ultimately the best Christmas blessing they could ever receive. The look on the house mother, Mammi Rolande's face when she set her eyes upon her beautiful, new son, reminds me of the way Jesus looks upon all of us. With love, compassion, excitement, and most of all, hope.

His name would be Adam Henry, we decided. Abbi chose Adam.  Adam is significant because of the story of Adam and Eve. He has been reborn, this is the start of something new for him... a new beginning and refreshment. I decided upon Henry because it leaves him a legacy as well. My grandfather's name is Henry, and he has a gentle nature but a large heart filled with love and compassion. I know that Adam will one day have a heart just as big, and a touch just as kind.  Adam Henry. A new life for this little boy.

Christmas to some, may be about the gifts. If we look at it that way, we all received a gift today.  The baby now has a future. Adam Henry now has 15 brothers and sisters that welcomed him with love and grace, two parents that love him in abundance, two sponsors (Abbi & Lisa, who will provide him with everything he needs, including schooling, pay for the house parents, schooling, medical care, women that cook and do laundry for the home, lawyers to help with legal matters, and on-staff nurses who provide care),  many moms on our team, including Abbi, myself, Lisa, and Ellen, and Adam can now have hopes for his own future, like The Lord tells us. He can dream of growing strong and being healthy, and doing all that he wishes in life. Adam Henry's new parents also received a gift today: a baby to care for and love as their own. Mammi Rolande even said, "once I start taking good care of him, he is going to look so much like me."

God knows the plans He has for each and every one of us, and it is a blessing that we were able to be used in the execution of His great plan.  This baby's life not only changed, but it is also a genesis for the family; they now have a safe place for a baby that they couldn't care for, and they can look for ways to better their own lives now as well.  It is a win-win. And for me? I received a Christmas blessing today, along with our entire team. Welcome home, baby Adam Henry. God brought you home today.

Meghan Sousa, first trip to Haiti with B.E.M.

The BEM children's Christmas trip is my favorite trip because it's about building relationships and simply sharing the love of our Lord in whatever way he leads us. This we added a visit from Santa Clause (or Papa Noel) to our activities. Imagine how comfortable you would be wearing a full Santa suit complete with a beard on a sunny, tropical 80 degree day.

I can tell you from experience that any discomfort rapidly disappears when you see the broad smiles on the children's faces when a completely unexpected visit from Papa Noel occurs. Being on the receiving end of those smiles, hugs, and kisses, reminds we why children are soi mportant to Jesus Christ. None of us can predict the impact we might have on these young lives. Just imagine if one thes children see that they are loved and valuable simply because someone was crazy enough to wear a Santa suit in Haiti and give them a smile, a hug, and just share God's love.

If you still have reservations, an unplanned blessing is receiving double hugs and kisses. Once for me in my normal dress and once for Papa Noel.

"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14

By Terry Shook

"IT WAS JUST THE FIRST DAY ON THE MISSION FIELD THREE HOURS AT THE BEACH TEN NEW SOULS NINE BAPTISMS."

"As a father has compassion for his children so The Lord has compassion for those who fear Him. For He knows how we were made, He remember that we are dust."
- Psalms 103:13-14

This verse spoke to me deeply during last Sundays worship service. To consider that the creator of the universe would care about beings made of mere dust was extremely humbling.

I had no idea how that would forecast the plan that God would set up for our team this week. We had originally planned a trip to the beach for two reasons. The first reason was to be baptized in the Caribbean Sea. I had decided before the trip to be baptized after weeks of consideration. The second reason was to recuperate from a long travel day and to rest in order to prepare for the week. However, there is never a day off in the kingdom of God, especially if there are souls to be saved. Our trip to baptize one quickly turned into ten salvations and nine baptisms at the Gelee Beach.

The story itself may seem unbelievable. There were six men watching from the shore quickly inquired with Pastor Lubin about our ceremony. After a long conversation and answering many questions, all six men came to repentance and placed their faith in Christ. They all decided to then be baptized to publicly display the transformation in their lives. To quote one of them "I've tried to find fulfillment my whole life but everything has left me hopeless." Jesus has become his hope.

As we were walking back to the van, P.L. began to talk with three other man hanging out by our van. He shared the gospel very clearly and these men expressed the desire to know Christ. In order to demonstrates his commitment to Christ, one man poured out his entire bottle of whisky.

As we pulled away and said our goodbyes, one last man asked P.L. to pray with him. He jumped in the van and P.L. again shared the gospel with him. He responded in repentance and a profession of faith. When we dropped him off, we discovered that the men from the beach and the men from outside the van were following us on motorbikes. P.L. explained to us how these men were escorting us to demonstrate their grateful hearts. As they drove, they were raising their hands and shouting, "I am saved!" Their testimony for Christ was already on display.

This day had been prepared by God before the foundation of the world. God graciously chose to plant in my heart the desire to be baptized this week. This desire snowballed into 2 others on our team deciding to be baptized and ended with 10 lives being touched by the gospel. My desire to be baptized was not my own, but rather, one important step in God's plan to save the souls of these men. To be used by God in this way was humbling and a healthy reminder that I'm not the one running the show. Fortunately, God is in the business of using broken dust to advance his kingdom and I was blessed to be a part of his plan to save these men.

"Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sins."

By Dexter Carpenter 2nd trip Haiti with BEM.

Dave: the man, his heart, and his mission...

Every now and then you meet someone special, someone who is thinking above and beyond himself, someone who is truly a family man with a heart bigger than himself who aims to make  a difference in the world, we find all of that in Dave Brubeck. I first met this giant man at a fund raising concert for BEM, the smile on his face was contagious. His philanthropist view made any concert possible, he loved to shake hands and treat others with the most respect. Because of our partnership with daughter Catherine and late son-and-law Arne Yaghsizian we were able to be the beneficiary of his fame and talent and finish a school in Les Cayes where 850 students are now receiving their much needed education.

At 91 years old, his heart failed but the desires of his heart will live on. He left a legacy in education, youth sports in the inner cities, upcoming young jazz musicians, just to mention a few. Brubeck emerged as one of America's best-known jazz musicians in the 1950's as well the most widely traveled musicians in the world. we are so grateful at BEM for this great man for his endless contribution to the Haitian people through our ministry. His granddaughter Mariel will be with us this Christmas to help feed the needy in Haiti.

Mr Brubeck, you've been a fighter to the end, but your work will live on. in the name of the Haiti branch both in the US and Haiti we present our deepest sympathy. Please keep the family in your prayers. Especially his dear wife of many years.

Pastor Lubin Beaucejour

BEM/USA Director

A team of only 10, in just 5 days, 1 house is built!
How on earth is it possible to build a house in 5 days? Well, if anyone asked this question prior this trip I wouldn't have an affirmative answer, but with such a great team, rich in experience, love, unity, determination and the backing of our precious donors, it wasn't only possible, but it was incredibly well done.

The story begins when my brother Pastor Jean took a friend recommended by another friend to visit BEM while he was visiting haiti, so pastor john invited his new friend to visit one of our children's homes in Chantal. The two drove in front of a small tent right on the street, filled with dust, no doors, with four kids. The mother Ms. Pierre just lost one her sons just months ago. She asked Pastor Jean, "Is there any way possible he can help them to built a small house? We are in a bad situation here." Well, the timing couldn't have been any better because Pastor Jean's guest Robert Katz is a medical doctor but he is also the leader of an organization called "One Small House". This organization worked for years in Mexico and in other parts of Haiti, this lady's problem gave them the perfect opportunity to come to the south of Haiti bring hope and long-lasting smiles to the faces of a needy family.

Dr. Katz went home with a project in mind, he worked indefatigably for its realization. He and I met several times to plan, he made the phone calls, the team raised the funds, set up a specific time-frame and beautifully delivered a stunning house that the Pierre's family just a few months later now call home. A small but very pretty place, with two bedrooms a large living room, an extended cemented porch that could be added to the house if necessary, and beautiful outhouse.

Words cannot describe the joy the Pierre family has manifested when they saw the house coming to reality before their very eyes. The expressions were clear in the many hugs and kisses each and every day.

On the fifth day, the house were decorated with small hands with each and every name of the people who contributed to the project. These names were at the upper part of the walls of the kids bedroom, as well as a special tablet prepared by one of team members "Gail". With White in the inside, blue and white trim on the outside, white solid windows and doors makes it one of the most beautiful little house I've ever seen.

As this construction trip come to a close, I can't help but to reflect on some of the memorable moments of the week. The time when the family suddenly realized that the dirty tent will no longer be their home, they gladly decided to break it down. The joy on the parents as well as the children's faces tells the story without saying a single word.

The skills of Stephane, Rick, Sterling, Doug and Franky, it was simply outstanding. Never before have I seen such dedicated construction team members. The humor, the straight shooting spirit and steadfastness of Gail was unique. Valerie's sweet spirit and her willingness to just fill in wherever she needed with a smile was tangible to see. Mother Davina was the glue of the team, she was sweeter than a flavored piece of candy. She never have anything negative to say about anyone, a true mother. Kelli and Rob actually looks like brother and sister, together they look like one in their decision making process and the quality of leadership they provided was amazing. What a joy it was to watch them working above the latrine. It was a delight to be a part of such a united team. Thank you for coming, and I hope we will be able to build many houses together for the needy both in haiti and around the world.

To all who donated to this life-changing project, in the name of the Pierre family, allow me to thank you. In this tough economy it was money well spent. Because of you, this family's life will never be the same.

Next stop for me will be a place called truth or consequences, New Mexico. I'm looking forward to see some of my friends there and make some new ones. It will also be an opportunity to share the vision of our wok in haiti with different groups.

On the field with message in action,

Your servant P L