Dr. Asa & Jean's Report

“There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”  I Corinthians 12:4-7

As I look around at the mission, its buildings, staff and programs, I am impressed with how many different people are or have been involved in its work.  It would be almost impossible to count the number of individuals and groups that have made a contribution to the overall progress and growth of the mission.  So many people have made a trip to the area and developed an idea that would grow into a program to benefit the entire community.  Some examples are the Safe Water program, the Manba for Nutrition Program, the Health Outreach program, the Children of God program, and the literacy program.  One person is starting an orphanage for Haitian babies with the goal of getting them adopted.

All of these have involved local Haitian people to administer the day to day working of the programs, as well as aiding the people of the area.  Then there are the buildings and vehicles that have been financed by contributions from many different people, and made functional through plumbing, electrical work, vehicle maintenance, and other skills brought by various volunteers who have given of their time, talents, and money on short-term mission trips.  People in the United States have donated countless items and equipment for the medical work and the Haitian people.  It is such a blessing to realize that God has touched so many hearts to share with others and to carry out His Great Commission.

Our trip was very interesting, as we had an eye surgeon with us.  He taught our Haitian technicians many things, one of which was how to do tonometry testing for glaucoma.  Now that is included in every eye exam that is done, and several cases of glaucoma have already been identified and treatment begun.  It is so important to find this disease early in order to prevent blindness.

The day after we arrived, a seventeen year old boy came in who had been slashed by a knife from his forehead to below his eye, involving the eye itself.  The cut was down to the bone, and we were so thankful to have Dr. Searle with us to repair the damage. Many people said he had been sent especially to care for this young man. He had intended to do more elective surgery, such as correcting crossed eyes, but there was a problem with having parents give consent.  Few people there understand the concept of doing elective surgery, and are understandably reluctant to take any risk.

The conference center has been such a great addition to the mission complex.  It has many purposes, both to keep things secured, and to make room for groups to meet, study and learn.  We enjoyed having another gathering for a women’s group, both for spiritual encouragement and also to distribute more sewing kits to the ladies involved.  They are so appreciative of these gifts.  Again, so many people have joined the effort to put these together.  It is so exciting to see how the Lord works!

There was also a party for the Children of God, where they sang, watched videos, had refreshments, and received small gifts of toiletries (also donated by caring people).  It’s fun to see the children enjoying themselves and to listen to them sing and recite God’s Word.  They learn so fast!  We were able to give donated Bible story workbooks to Altinor for continuing to teach them Biblical principles.   Bible based health coloring books were distributed to some local schools, Creole New Testaments and Bible tracts were given to local pastors to give to those who would use them in their work.  This is just another example of the involvement of God’s people.

During our stay, about 50 people were fitted with glasses, and many more examined for eye problems and medicines given.  This work is carried on by our Haitian eye technician when we aren’t present

Due to continuing daily rain, we were unable to venture far from the mission to visit places like the new church in Marotier, which is being built with funds that have been donated.

So it is with joyful hearts that we think about all of thee people who have shared their many and varied gifts of service and earthly goods, as all are being used to the glory of God.

Asa and Jean Talbot

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