Bethesda Evangelical Mission

How do you feed 1,500 children at three different locations in two days for Christmas? This question sounds difficult to answer, but actually because of the involvement and generosity of so many of us from all age groups, genders and ethnic backgrounds, it was easier than any of us could imagine.

Prior to my departure this year, I prayed with many, spoke before groups, sent e-mails, post cards, attended a young musician’s concert in Boston and as a result the Lord blessed our efforts in making Christmas 2009 the year when we nearly double the amount of children we ever fed for the season. What was so special for me this year is the provision the Lord has made by sending 5 additional great helpers with me to help with the task.

We had two days of teaching on Creationism, which focuses on both a Christian and a scientific view, led by a local Christian, Scientist Jeffrey Romine. We were able to provide food and drinks for the participants for both days. While half of the team was at the conference, the other half were at the HELO orphanage near Camp-Perrin located approximately 10 miles from the city of Les Cayes. There, our beloved sister Elizabeth Kennedy, the head of the Orphanage, along with Jeff and Ellen were enjoying a near taste of heaven, playing with and taking care of the precious children there. “How wonderful“ was all that could explain that joy.

Monday, December 21st was the day some of us will never forget. The day started with a visit to the former site of the Church of Brefet. We experienced how a river, due to a lack of infrastructure, destroyed a church many houses around it and killed several people and animals in the areas when it rained just 18 months ago. Also in the same site, were some beautiful children who came to great us; we took pictures and invited them to the party nearby. We then proceeded to the new Church building where the feeding were taking place.

It was a pleasant atmosphere: the children were playing, wearing their beautiful outfits, playing in the courtyard, expecting to be fed. We planned to fed 50 children, but it quickly doubled, then tripled in addition adults who were jumping the fence just to get a plate of food. We were pleased to feed all of the children inside the church and most of the adults that were there. We had to send more money so the staff and the Pastor’s family could also eat. Because of the chaotic atmosphere, we were unable to distribute toys; we later sent them to the Pastor for distribution.

Immediately after Brefet, we went to Les Cayes the largest feeding place of the week. This was a location last year that we fed 850 but this year it was another ball game. Pastor John’s wife told me the kitchen crew worked three days non-stop so enough food could be available for everyone. Prior to the party two hundred people around the Church were fed just to keep the peace. When the team arrived, we were trying to find a strategy to be able to serve the maximum amount of children without confrontation. We then went to the second floor of the school, found a quiet corner and started praying. We asked for wisdom while demonstrating love to serve the most needy but beautiful children of Les Cayes.

The Lord answered by providing us with a strategy to set up all the classrooms with food and drinks prior to the arrival of the children. The toddlers were on the first floor and the oldest on the top floor. Some of the members changed from missionaries to peacekeepers. It was toughest day, but we were able to feed well over 1,200 people.

Every year an action of love stood out more than some others, this year was no different: a boy, about 12 years old, came to the party to be fed. Then he suddenly left with a half of his food and a half of his drink at hand. I asked him: “Where are you going with your food at hand? Please go inside sit down and enjoy it.” His response brought tears to my eyes: “I have to go. My mother is home she have nothing to eat for Christmas. I have to go and bring her something to eat.” He posed for a photo and went on his way.

Tuesday, December 22nd, we were at HELO. It was a rainy day but it was definitely sunny in the heart of the kitchen staff, Pastor Abner, and his wife Miriam. They created an atmosphere of joy and celebration for Christmas. We gathered at the new school building located on the new purchased property that will be housing the children of HELO, the academic and trade school as well as a house of worship for the children and the community as a whole.

A donkey transported the wood that cooks the food; the missionaries transported the benches from the orphanage’s current location to the new school; the men in the area made some more ways for more people to seat with longer woods and other chairs just to make room for more people. 175 children were fed, and all received toys as well.

Over all, our trip once again this year was a tremendous success, but success would not be possible without your involvement. Some people would rather be anonymous, but in heaven will be your treasure. I was moved by a group of young people in Boston called Musicians for Humanity; Arne and Catherine Brubeck-Yaghsizian, founders of Jazzed4life, inspired them. For them, the idea of feeding the children for Christmas was outstanding. Special thanks to my friend Allegra and company for your hard work that evening.

This was a Christmas the children of Haiti will not easily forget, you brought joy to their hearts, and you gave meaning to their Christmas, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Until we do it again next year *, may the Lord bless and keep you as we continue to serve and bring joy to the less fortunate.

Pastor Lubin