A New Literacy Program in Jolivert

I visited Jolivert for the first time in April 2007. Through Marcia and Scott Skelton of Medical Supplies for Christ I had heard of the work of MOL in Haiti.  After meeting Dr. Bob and Betty, I was impressed with their love and commitment to bring spiritual and physical healing to this area of God’s creation. I began to send support and finally God opened the door for me to make the trip to Jolivert.

A whole new world of need was opened to me and I returned to the US questioning God as to how He would want me to be involved. The door that He opened was in the area of adult literacy. Every step of the way, from finding the Christ-centered primers to the funding of the program has been a delightful watching of His hand at work.

It was planned that the students’ books would be taken into Haiti with the Oct. team. However, the twelve students (Eleven women and one man) were so anxious to start the classes that they began two weeks before we arrived, having only a blackboard and the teacher’s book. The teacher, Mssr. Gessner, is a neighbor in Jolivert and was in need of employment. Each student is charged $5 H (70 cents) for the course and the teacher is paid $50 US/month.

Cerilet, Dr. Asa’s eye assistant, did eye exams on all the students and found that six needed reading glasses which were provided at no cost. Another blessing!!

The materials were obtained from Literacy and Evangelism International, (www.literacyevangelism.org). The class meets five days a week for two hours; at the end of ten months the students should be able to read on a fifth grade level. Upon graduation, each student will receive a Creole Bible.  Pr. Jean- Robert has plans to begin a second class at his church in January.

The joy to me is that people will be set free from the bondage of illiteracy to be able to read the Bible for themselves and grow in their faith.

Nancy Bukovnik

Thoughts from Ray Peach on his most recent trip to Jolivert in October 2007.

It was good to go with Bob and Betty, I always like to watch them touch the lives of so many hurting people we all know they have touched thousands. And there is Amy, as I have said before her laughter is still ringing across the mountains of Haiti, she not only works hard, but the joy she has while she’s doing it, lifts up everybody around her. By the way Amy sorry about the spider trick, maybe.

Also there’s Theresa, what a beautiful lady inside and out. She is such a professional in her skills, always wanting to get things done, such a hard worker, this trip would not been the same without her. My hat is off to Ralph, he got so much done at the clinic, this guy is a working machine, he’s hard to keep up with. He’s also a wonderful brother in the Lord, I really enjoyed having fellowship with him. Last, but never could be the least, Nancy, what a love for her God and for people. She is truly making her mark in touching so many lives not only in Haiti, but also in the US. Thank you my dear sister for comforting words of wisdom that are so Christ minded.

I want to thank all my dear sisters and brothers of Jolivert, for your kindness that you have for us. I have seen such a growth in Christ in you in the short time that I have been going. I want to speak continued blessings upon you, that the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ keep you and that you increase in the wisdom and knowledge of Christ.

In His Service,

Ray Peach

Reflections of Amy Wolf - Director of MOL

So why do I travel to Haiti?  I’ve been asked this many times over.  Today as I was searching for the answer myself one word came to mind... HOPE.

My “job” as a director with Missions of Love is to go to Haiti to take video and photos and then return to the US to produce newsletters, the web site and brochures.  I suppose anyone can take photos -- so why me?  Why do I go?

From the very first time I traveled to Haiti with my father-in-law, I just thought “Hey – that sounds like an adventure.”  In college, I had wanted to join the Peace Corps, and traveling to Haiti would probably be the closest that I’d ever come to that dream.  I never really had any fear or anxiety.  I knew that God looked out for missionaries and He’d be looking out for me too.

After that first trip, I was hooked.  The dirty, hungry faces of the little children will be embedded into my mind forever.  At first I felt sorrow and then guilt.  In a country where we have so much, how can these people have so little?  The most amazing part to me was that they were quite happy – almost joyful, I dare say.  How can these families who live in mud huts, drink dirty water and survive on a day to day basis be so happy?  JESUS!

The people of Jolivert, Haiti have come to know Jesus.  They understand that He is God’s only Son who came down from heaven to save us from our sins.  They know that God loves them and He will never forsake them.  When the people of Jolivert see the missionaries come into their community, they know that it is only by the grace of God that we are able to travel there and help their community prosper.

Every program that we offer in Jolivert is based upon Christ.  He told us to feed the hungry and cloth the naked.  He told us to take care of widows and orphans.  In the past ten years, I have seen the MOL compound at Jolivert develop and grow.  First the clinic, then the eye clinic, the safe water program, the malnutrition program and now the first wing of the hospital is up and functioning.

HOPE….. for a better future for my Haitian friends.  Hope for my children that they will learn from my example that we are all God’s children.  Hope that our compound in  Jolivert will be a light that is shining so bright that everyone who passes by will feel the love and warmth of God at that place.  The Haitians will tell you that Jolivert has changed over the past ten years.  Not only economically but spiritually as well.  The people are more at peace.  They are happier and healthier.  They know that the Americans are the ones that come in body but that all of our works are for the Glory of God.

On the Friday of my trip, Pauline, the lady that grinds the peanuts and mixes the Manba for our program, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  In Haiti, there is no hope for her recovery.  For this young, single woman there will be no husband, no child in her future.  Only eminent death.  But still there is HOPE. 

On the following Monday, the day of our new hospital wing opening, Pauline came to make a batch of Manba.  She ended up joining us for the opening ceremony and sang and worshiped with us.  She listened as Pastor Julian gave praise for the mission and all the missionaries who come to Jolivert.  She listened as Pastor Jean Robert gave praise to God for all of the wonders that have taken place these past ten years.

At the end of the ceremony, Pauline ended up giving her life to Christ.  She accepted Jesus into her heart.  There is always hope.  Even when you don’t think there can be any good come from a situation – remember Jesus – and remember He is our HOPE.

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