The walls are going up! - Bethel Lutheran Church in Haiti - March 5, 2011

by Team | March 7, 2011 8:35 PM

Today was another amazing day in beautiful Haiti. We made it out to our worksite for the first time today. It is a church/school in the community of Mariani. Their building was destroyed in the earthquake and we are helping them to rebuild. We started off the day by greeting a large mack truck filled with cinder blocks. The Haitian men unloaded the blocks on a nearby road and then we passed them one by one down a brigade to the side of the hill where the church/school is being built. When we were just about finished, another mack truck pulled up with another load of blocks!! The task stretched us, but we all pulled through and we were extremely excited when we passed the last block! It was a lot of work, but we didn't do it alone. There were Haitian women, children, men, and even our bus driver helping us! While the blocks were being transported, some of the team began to start the process of putting the walls up. Some of us passed morter, while others worked hand in hand with a skilled Haitian worker to lay the blocks. It was great to be able to come alongside them and partner with them! Athough a lot of hard work was done today, many of us had a great time playing with the kids and worshiping under the large tents that are set up on the property. We worshiped using a guitar, 3 empty water jugs (hand drums!), and a shaker that consisted of an empty water bottle filled with sand. The Haitian children took turns playing the instruments while we sang songs and came together as the body of Christ! It was an amazing experience that we will never forget. As the day ended, we stopped by the orphanage that we went to yesterday. Our plan was to only stop for 45 minutes, but we ended up staying for an hour and a half. It was great to see the children again. The jump rope was a hit today and even Pastor Van joined in! Tomorrow we will return to Mariani where more blocks will go up and we will be passing many buckets of morter. Please pray that God would use us in a special way as we interact and partner with the Haitian people!

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Pastor Jeff Lennberg

March 10, 2011 3:30 PM

Hello Bethel Team! Lakeshore church in Madison is praying for you. Jeff Lennberg, Gretchen's husband here. Gretchen we miss you. Lots to tell you when you get back. Bekah really misses you and she had her first bought ever with the full blown flu. Missed lots of work, but good daddy/daughter time. She's back to normal. Lots of praying. We've made it a habit to check each night for the log updates. What you all are doing is so incredible. Those blocks look heavy and the kids in the pics look happy. We pray God continues to bless your time in Haiti. Safe travels back....Jeff Lennberg

Lorrie Meade

March 9, 2011 10:41 PM

Wow! It's amazing to see the walls you built and even more amazing, knowing it is not the only thing built! It sounds like you have created a wonderful, caring relationship with the people which is a testimony of God's love. I will bet also there has been much personal growth among you too. I have truely enjoyed watching all of this unfold with you pictures and synopsis of the day. I also love talking about everything you are doing with family and friends. I can't believe it is getting close to an end. We will pray for an easy transition as depart. Once again, many blessings to all of you!

Lori Conley

March 9, 2011 10:09 AM

Blessings to all of you as you work to bring God's love to the people in Haiti. What an awesome experience! I can't wait to hear more when you get back.

Tim Chukel

March 8, 2011 7:09 PM

Let it snow here in Wisconsin. Our thoughts are continually with you. Everything else here seems to take a backseat to what you are doing in Haiti. All of our love.

Grandma Lill and Grandpa Tom

March 7, 2011 8:32 PM

Hey, who is that tall one in the back of the group picture?! Saw you too Steph. We've been thinking of you and hope all goes well your way. God bless you for what you are doing! Can't wait to hear all about it when you return. Guess what, we are getting more snow. I would imagine the children there would love to have some of this stuff. Wish we could oblige! Have a safe trip back to Hudson, WI

Chukel Family

March 7, 2011 7:38 PM

We Hope you are all having a very special time together with the kids. Wish we could be there with you. You are in our thoughts all the time. Tim, Karyn, Lauren, Darren

Sandy Larson

March 7, 2011 2:27 PM

You are so smart to be in sunny warm Haiti instead of snowy Wisconsin. So glad that you are all safe and experiencing the presence of God in your work and play My prayers are with you daily Sandy

Lorrie Meade

March 7, 2011 12:18 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PASTOR VAN! Hope you can get some ice cream and cake! Lots of love and prayers continue to be sent from snowy WI. Keep up all the wonderful ministry!

Jon Jorgenson

March 7, 2011 11:34 AM

Best wishes during your mission, everyone. We will be praying for all you in Haiti. Kevin, Lars says hello. He wishes he was there with you.

Pastor Joanne

March 7, 2011 9:25 AM

How fun to see the faces of my friends, enjoying yet another "GOD EXPERIENCE" in another culture! Blessings and prayers to all of you. Ya know I sure wish I was along for the journey, but someone has to keep things running back here in Wisconsin. Happy Brithday to Pastor Van, love, joy, protection, and good health to all of you.

Jon Jorgenson

March 7, 2011 8:50 AM

Best wishes during your mission, everyone. We will be praying for all you in Haiti. Kevin, Lars says hello. He wishes he was there with you.

Jon Jorgenson

March 7, 2011 6:40 AM

Best wishes during your mission, everyone. We will be praying for all you in Haiti. Kevin, Lars says hello. He wishes he was there with you.

Kathie Bredeson

March 7, 2011 5:28 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,VAN! Glad to hear you all made it safelly! So far, the work doesn't sound so hard! Balloons & ganes are your specialty! Keep up the great work! Blessings to all! Kathie

Laura Hendricks

March 6, 2011 8:57 PM

Wow! It looks like all of you are having a good time. And it looks like the people are really glad that you are there. We'll continue praying for you here, while you continue your ministry there. We can't wait to hear the stories when you return. We love you Monica and Heather!

Lorrie Meade

March 6, 2011 7:19 PM

Hey Everyone! Wow! Those pictures are awsome! Thanks for posting them and doing the daily journals. It looks like all of you are doing lots-n-lots of good work and having a great time doing it. Tell Adam "Hi" from his whole family and that we're proud of him! Many many blessings and prayers to all of you!! Lorrie Meade

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