It is always fun to be served a meal on the beach!

We loved having Evan visit over the holidays! We went to his favorite beaches and then took some short trips, too. First we stayed in Bonne Fin at the Plattner’s invitation for a few nights (they were in the States). Then we also stayed in Port Salut at a guest house near the beach. We had extended time to relax and make extra-special memories together!

So we fast forward a few weeks and Evan is back in school already in Ohio and the rest of so soon back in our school and work schedules. The treasure that remains is the time that we had to strengthen our relationships and encourage our faith in God, our eternal treasure.

“The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure.” Deuteronomy 28:12

We loved opening all the Christmas gifts that the Smithville, Ohio church sent!

There were some thankful expressions here at Christmas!

It was such a blessing to stay a few days at the Plattner’s house in Bonne Fin!

Together for three whole weeks!

The girls were caught hanging out!

Everyone had to try the zip line, too!

The new entrance to Hospital Lumiere, the hospital our church operates in Bonne Fin. We were able to visit our cook’s sister who has been hospitalized here for over two months.

New binoculars make hiking a lot more interesting!

This falls is our family’s favorite in Haiti! The kids will climb up and jump from that ledge in the middle.

We also spent a day at the Zanglais missionary cabin!

A family photo that we figured out without a tripod! Grant is actually taller than Mike, he is standing a little downhill!

A tall stack at sunset!

Family Updates
Grant is a junior in college already and in a hurry to finish! He has been substituting for a few teachers at the local Christian missionary school, as well as continuing to teach P.E. for the entire school on Friday. He keeps busy in the community as he works with area boys and finds all kinds of ways to make a difference in their lives!

Trinity and Grace really enjoy being here too. They have to do normal things like homework, cooking, dishes or piano lessons, but they also enjoy their Haitian and missionary friends! They are both very creative and there is always a project or two going on around the house.

Evan, Grant and Trinity are all doing so well at picking up the Creole language! Trinity looks forward to weekly outings to share the gospel around the city and she has memorized many Creole verses to share with people. Grace is learning French in school but we also hear Creole coming out now and then.

Lots of substitute teaching produces lots of experience!

Grant is a natural teacher and enjoys working with kids!

Grace likes the schedule of a school day and getting to play with all her friends!

Trinity designed and painted these panels to brighten up our kitchen!

A common sight in Haiti. Will this child be able to read and write someday?

We have to be careful who we call “the least of these!” What do we first measure when we meet a person…their earthly wealth or their eternal treasure? Most of the time we are not on the same page with God about who are truly “the least.” God can see the heart of the richest man on earth and might see him as entirely bankrupt. When we meet a homeless person or someone forced to beg, only God knows their faith and their hope for eternity. Paul concludes in the book of Romans that each person is either justified or condemned by their faith before God. James says, “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5)

Let’s start with earthly riches. Haiti is indeed the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Globally, Haiti was just ranked 140 out of 142 countries in the 2015 Prosperity Index (The Legatum Prosperity Index™…google it or visit www.prosperity.com) just before Afghanistan and the Central African Republic, losing five places compared to last year…there are basically no jobs and no opportunities for many here. Except for the top few percent, everyone is in survival mode day after day. Push, shove, lie, cheat, steal. And with nothing to do, you usually get into trouble.

…ENTER THE GOSPEL! (eternal riches)

“The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
When someone comprehends their sin before a holy God and comprehends the wrath of God on them if they die in that state, the spiritual eyes are open. Sharing something as basic as the Ten Commandments brings this light to every man and his conscience bears record that it is true.

What if it was your job to teach 45 first graders?

2015 in Review. In 2015 our MEBSH Child Care staff worked together for Christ as we served all ages of children and young adults. In the midst of crushing need here, we tried to bring hope and encouragement with a smile and a listening ear, as well as finding opportunities to share the gospel. And we have seen first-hand how a faithful sponsor can provide real hope through monthly support, letters, gifts and personal visits with the students while visiting here in Haiti.

In 2015 we added two new sponsored schools, bringing our number of schools to 120. We are now helping with the sponsorship of a total of 1,079 students from Kindergarten through the 13^th year in 15 local MEBSH schools, including students in the trade/technical schools and those at the university level. The school sponsorship program affects over 10,000 Haitians students! (AC World Relief sponsors 710 students and 114 schools through MEBSH Child Care and over 450 students plus one school through Help a Child in Haiti.)

Are you interested in sponsoring a child or an entire school in Haiti? You can help at any level! For more information, visit www.acworldrelief.org/sponsorships/. You can give a child lasting hope through education, hearing the gospel, and the ability to read the Bible for themselves. Your intervention in the life of one child can make a lasting difference and affect generations to come.

A Few Favorite Photos from 2015

The globes, the trophies, the map of Haiti, the hand bell on the desk, the gray walls…is this set up for a school play or is this the real thing? Take the picture!!

“Whatever you do for the least of these my brothers or sisters, you do it for Me.”  Matthew 25:40

Thanks for remembering that providing for “the least of these” is God’s heart!