After several attempts since January, we were finally able to go and spend 10 days at the hospital. Micah Baxter, Mark Snyder and myself left on September 30. Other than taking 2 days of travel to get there and 2 days to get home, everything went smoothly with no issues. We are excited to be able to have teams return on a regular basis once again. The Kenyan government has sent several hundred troops to Haiti to help keep the peace. They are stationed on the airport grounds which has helped to make air travel possible again after the gang violence earlier this year temporarily closed the airports.
The last teams we had in Haiti were back in January, where we ran into a lot of travel issues, even having to private charter a plane to get one of the teams out of Les Cayes. None of us thought it would be 9 months before we were able to return and we arrived with a long list of issues to work on, ranging from staffing issues to a variety of equipment repairs. Micah and Mark were able to check off most of the equipment issues, with repairs and improvements to our solar system, our one remaining generator, two of the x-ray machines, and a couple of lab machines. A special thanks to Ron & Paula from Battaray Inc., who spent several hours on the phone solving our x-ray issues and conducting a staff training.
Since late last year, we have had only one backup generator to our solar system, which alone isn’t a huge problem; however, our electric use has increased to the point that this one backup often isn’t enough to carry the load. Without a way to ship a new one we haven’t been able to remedy this. Recently we became aware of a company that ships skid lot orders to Haiti, bypassing Port Au Prince; expensive but doable. Many special thanks to Wolverine Power who found us a used generator and serviced it, to Buist Electric who supplied the electrical needs, to Legacy Steel who purchased the generator, and to the NRC Disaster Relief Committee who paid for the shipping and import fees. The generator arrived at the hospital on October 15 and final hook up will happen soon! This ministry is graciously supported by so many organizations, businesses, and people that makes these things possible. Just another example of how God puts the right people together at the right time.
One of the blessings of visiting the hospital is to be able to work alongside the staff – 105 employees who work every day serving the Haitian people. We talk often of how difficult life is for them. Half of our staff makes less than $150 a month and a gallon of gas alone costs $10. We have given raises as we’re able but they haven’t kept pace with inflation. We are thankful to be able to have two other programs that give them much needed assistance: the Rice & Goat and Education Funds.
Rice & Goat Fund – We’re nearing the end of the year which means we start collecting money for the rice and goat fund. Dr. Bill started doing this many years ago at Christmastime and we have continued every year since. Historically this gift consisted of actual rice and goats, but it’s simply become too dangerous to bring such a large quantity to the hospital and have the staff leave for home with them. We now split the money between the staff for them to use as they need and it is still a great way to show that we care about them and appreciate all they do. If you wish to support, please note ‘rice & goats’ on your donations.
Education Fund – It has been a desire of ours that all our staff’s children receive a good education as these children are the future of Haiti. The majority of the parents have to pay for school and we have found that a lot of the children are not able to attend. Last year we started a program which paid for the schooling for the children of our lowest paid staff. God has blessed this program and we have expanded this year, committing to pay for 58 children. Dr. Williams is now the program manager and will work to qualify the children and pay the school directly, ensuring they pass their classes to secure future funding. I know some of our supporters have helped pay for some of these children in the past and have expressed desire to support this education fund. Please prayerfully consider donating to this fund as we hope to expand again next year. Please note ‘education fund’ on your donations.
In addition to general education, Dr. Bill always desired to assist with medical education for any of our staff’s children, and he starting helping Marc DuBuisson (known to Dr. William through medical school) with his training. I am happy to report that we are still able to support Marc DuBuisson in his surgical residence in Mirebalais (northwest of Port) and also Gedeon Acehmie (a staff member’s daughter) who is starting her 3rd year of medical school. We look forward to them completing their education and returning to Centre de Sante Lumiere to serve with us. Praise the Lord!
We are excited to witness how hard the staff is working to improve themselves. They have been focusing on improving surgical procedures and staff training and this attitude is a very welcome sight. There are several improvement projects underway and we look forward to seeing their progress.
We put a lot focus on the hospital’s medical services, but the most important work is that of the gospel. Our chaplains, Pastors Zidor and Lucio, faithfully witness to all they can, being at the hospital every day so that those who come through the gate hear the message of salvation. 68 salvations were reported in September. I observed a long conversation this trip between Zidor and a young man through which God brought the young man to salvation, and he will be introduced to a MEBSH church near his home. There is also a worship service at the hospital on Sunday mornings. The keyboard used during these services has become almost unplayable and we were pleased to have a new one shipped on the crate with the generator. I could feel the excitement of the man you plays the keyboard when I told him a new one had arrived. Thank you to the family who purchased and donated this!
We thank the Lord for His overwhelming blessings to this ministry through each and every person who supports us. I remind the staff almost every trip that there are a couple hundred people helping make this possible.
Dan Boerman