"Field Posts"

Living far away from family is definitely a sacrifice—not just for us but for those family members we have left behind.  It seems more exaggerated with the ocean between us.  It’s during the holidays especially, that I am so thankful for this missionary community that we are apart of.  We all come from many different parts of the world; all missing our families and friends. I’m thankful that this community has become like family and that we are able to celebrate the big holidays together. Thanksgiving day is not a holiday in Haiti, but as an American, it’s one of the most important holidays of the year.  There are many different (Haitian) holidays we celebrate and observe throughout the year and many US holidays we tend to forget about.  For us, Thanksgiving isn’t one we forget about!  The last few years this has been a very special gathering for us and it wasn’t any different this year! Once again, we hosted over 100 people at our house for American Th...

Last Tuesday was an exciting day for me and for those of us who work with the Hope for Kidz Child Sponsorship Program because we rolled out phase two of the Deworming Program.  Earlier in the year, we rolled out phase one of the program.  I wrote a report in March on all the reasons we believe deworming (one pill, once per year) is an important part of the HFK program.  To read about that again, go here .  For the 2012-2013 school year we dewormed 9,000+ kids in 33 schools.  This year, we were able to add all the satellite locations that have sponsored kids as well as a few new sister church schools.  That alone is a huge expansion. For the 2013-2014 school year, we dewormed 12,000+ students and teachers! The deworming program is not just for the sponsored kids, but for every child in all of our schools that have sponsored kids.  For phase two, in addition to the increased number of students treated, we added an important aspect to the program:...

We had a great week out in Desriveaux. It was great to get out into the country once again. I spent the week with Walloon Lake Community Church in their first visit to Desriveaux Church. This was their first trip, an opportunity to consider officially becoming a C3 Partner (Sister Church).   Where is Desriveaux?   School Gathering The week began with a welcome like I have never experienced. There was such an excitement in the air as we arrived. The Haitian church shared immediately that they had been praying for 15 years for a visit from a team like this. Their prayers had been answered. The hospitality of the typical Haitian puts the hospitality of the typical American to shame. Friends.  Boys. While we were in Desriveaux, we had lots of gatherings with the different groups of the church. We met with the Youth Group, School Kids, the Ladies gathering was truly SPECIAL including a fashion show!, as well as several services with the church at large...

In Haiti, we have to remain flexible.  But, sometimes I think God has a sense of humor. Remember Hurricane Sandy in 2012?  I was stuck with the team from NewChurch Georgetown in the town of Duchity, on the wrong side of the Glass River...  Here are the pictures and a video to remind you. By the way, if you want to see what progress looks like in Haiti...  Look at this picture of the Glass River last year, and now look at this pictures of the bridge that is there this year. 1 year later, just a couple of weeks ago, we, yes, the same team and I, got stuck AGAIN in Duchity due to a road block.  The team and I just looked at each other.  Really?  Luckly, this time, we only stayed in Duchity about 45 minutes and the road opened up.  It gave us a nice opportunity to visit with our friend the Pastor, who we had spent those long, windy and very wet days with 1 year ago. Here we are, stuck in Duchity, Haiti Again, yes, AGAIN, a third time,...

Last week, I (Becky) had the chance to go out with the team from Florida Bible Church from Miramar, FL to visit their sister church in Maniche.  Rob was brave and stayed home with the kids for the week. I really enjoy these opportunities!  RMI always says our ministry is the “ministry of presence” and usually my ministry of presence is in the home with my family and in support roles with RMI in the areas of bookkeeping and hospitality.  It sure is good for me to get out into the village with our teams.  It really gives me a renewed sense of purpose and perspective.  Well, enough about me! This week we had a team of 11 and one of RMI’s new missionaries, Star Harvie, came with us for her first experience with a sister church team. The team with Star and I: Maniche is less than an hour’s drive away.  When we arrived, we were greeted by the church’s Brigade.  There was so much excitement from the church and the team members!  I’ve seen many Brigad...

Some of our partnering Haitian churches are in the epitome of remote.  I think it was Dan Shoemaker who used to say, "It's not the end of the earth, but you can sure see if from here!" I just got back from visiting Abricot Church, and from there Saint Victor Church and Baptiste Church.  I went with NewChurch Georgetown from Texas.  To say we were remote is an understatement.  I love the RMI church Partnership program because it get's the church out there-- way out there (uttermost parts of the world).  We get to touch lives who need the touch of Christ.  We get to be impacted by people who love Jesus, regardless of difficult circumstances. Saint Victor Church I must tell you a story... We left Abricot, to head up a mountain to visit another district church.  I've never been to this church, but I know better than to fully believe the Pastor when he said the road is "no problem". Abricot is remote, but Saint Victor is remote remote. ...

Recently, I had the high pleasure of getting to help introduce "RMI" to some visiting people from 2 different churches.  Frankly, it's impossible to appreciate the depth and breadth of what we do here on the field without seeing it first hand. Here the Vision team is praying for and delivering food to a desperately poor family. I am proud.  Proud of the volume of ministry that we accomplish.  Proud of the RMI Team that is making it happen.  Proud of the character and values that we remain unapologetically committed to.  Proud of our stewardship of resources.  Proud of the national leaders who are rising up to do the work.  Proud of my family who stand with me as part of the team.  Proud of our missionaries who have given up much to join in the work.  Proud of the RM staff in FL for their tireless leadership, care and service. Proud of the lives we are impacting, both Haitian and American. We keep repeating... "I can do all things t...

Any guesses? Hint:  I am absolutely positively wild about....

We missed church today because we couldn't find our truck keys. Unbelievable. We looked and we looked. EVERYWHERE. I even looked in the refrigerator.  But, we couldn't find them.   Finally, we found them when Drew went to get a drink. It was way too late for church. They fell off the kitchen counter into a lower drawer that has all of our kid friendly cups. I am sure it was Becky's fault. ;) I guess the Lord wanted us to stay home and do family church together.  We had a sweet time. Wow, how hard do we look for lost things? Nothing is left unturned. No place is off limits. It reminded me... "For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10

We push our trucks to the limit.  We pray our trucks don't get tired too quickly.  But surely, our tires do.  It can't be avoided.  We often find ourselves grinding/churning up a steep mountain road completely covered with sharp rock.  Many would call these roads donkey paths.  Sometimes that rock is loose, sometimes it is immovable.  Sometimes we find ourselves crossing hours of rough "dirt" roads.  That "dirt" is often rock, stone, hard or soft.  Sometimes, we find ourselves deep in mud, where only low 4x4 driving allows progress.  Every now and then, we even find ourselves on pavement, which is no friend to a mud tire. Here are the 2 causes of 2 flats just this past week. No matter where we find ourselves, our tires wear quickly. They are punctured, cut, and worn. RMI currently has 10 trucks in constant use (not counting motorcycles).  Some of the larger trucks have more than 4 tires.  This is approximately 46 tires (...

I talk about our Haitian staff A LOT, but wow is it good to have more US missionary hands as well.  Even though they are focused on learning Creole, Greg and Star Harvie are already making a huge difference in their work.  Greg is always ready to jump in and get the job done.  He is already rotating tires, checking and changing brake pads, unloading containers, ordering car and moto parts from the US, etc.  Star is crushing the work that we have thrown at her.  It’s a LONG list, but no complaints from her, she is just pushing through and getting the job done.  She is making a huge difference as an assistant to me, an assistant to our Go Team , and as an assistant to Hope for Kidz. Both are really making a difference.  I’m grateful. Rob

I am here working in my office.  It’s really quiet.  Too quiet… It’s a day off for our national staff.  It’s a national holiday here in Haiti.  As Americans living here in Haiti, we tend to take the major American Holidays off. But, today, on their day off, there are 2 ladies working in the kitchen.  They are preparing food for the team that arrives tomorrow from TX.  No break for these ladies.  No rest for the weary as we say.  I have said it so many times already.  There is no way I can describe the appreciation I have for the national staff.  They work hard.  They are dedicated.  They come when they must.  They leave when the job is done.  They don’t complain.  They are servants.  They are a team. Why am I crying?  Not because I am sad.  Not because I am happy.  It’s because these ladies are cutting onions.  The tears are rolling down my cheeks! Rob

Some people take the time to smell the roses.  Some people ask, what roses?  Some people try to do too little.  Some people try to do too much.   Which are you? I have found that some people are running an incredible race, in so many different directions, without even considering the point of it all, and sometimes accomplishing very little of value. There is a proper balance between fully being who God wants us “to be”, and being highly productive in doing what God wants us “to do”.  This balance can only be realized through honest Spirit filled introspection ( Romans 12:2 ), followed up by Spirit empowered choice and action ( Colossians 1:29 ).  Both are required, but both are often neglected. The great commandment ( Matthew 22:37-39 ) that Jesus gave us before he “left” us was the “to be” command.  Be in love with Jesus and others.  Another way of putting this might be to enjoy and celebrate both divine and earthly relationship.  B...

Have you ever been fired from a job?  I have.  It doesn't feel good.  But, have you ever fired yourself from a job?  It's not easy at first, but in the end, it feels great! Do you have too many jobs?  Do you wear too many hats?  Sometimes, you have to fire yourself from a job in order to focus on the most important, and in order to engage others in those other jobs.  We often actually rob others of a blessing and opportunity by hoarding tasks and responsibility. Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to prune, trying to evaluate where I should remain focused, and what I should let go and let others do.  Everything seems to have value, but not everything will be the most strategically important in the long run.  I want to be a change-agent.  The most successful way for me to influence change, is to focus my God-given energies in the areas that will have the greatest long term impact.  Where can I have the greate...

So I thought this would be a slower month for us here.  It is a slower month team-wise, with just one team already come and gone, and the next one not arriving until October 12th.  This is always the perfect time to get caught up with all the administrative work and work on getting ahead with responsibilities, planning, training and team-building with our staff.  And we’ve been able to do this!  Just yesterday Rob was talking about how we, as a leadership team, want to be proactive vs. reactive. Well, a few weeks ago Rob and I were discussing how we needed to have quite a few branches in the trees around our yard trimmed.  We should have been more proactive, because today we are handling the after effects of a huge part of the tree over our covered outside area crashing down in the middle of the night and completely destroying the roof.  No lack of excitement here… There was no wind or rain last night.  Looks like there was termite damage in the t...

I couldn’t be more excited.  The picture below is our team of 5 Partnership Facilitators (Perguens, Pierre Rony, Frantz, Manno and Parick), plus 2, their direct supervisor (Benjamin – Field Administrator), and his right hand man (Benson – Project Supervisor).   Although we are all learning, the 5 facilitators have been in boot camp style training (they still are, but they can’t stay).  We are calling this team our “1:12 Partnership Facilitators” (some other day I will explain the 1:12 bit). It’s going to take many more servants behind the scenes, but these are at the core.   We believe in our Haitian staff and we are committed to empowering them and releasing them to change the world. Now, it is time for the next step.  It’s “Go Time”! We’ve been preparing.  We’ve been dreaming.  We’ve been calculating.  We’ve been praying.  We can’t wait any longer.  What do I mean by “Go Time”?  The 5 Partnership Facilitators will be ...

I get a lot of credit for the things that other people do simply because I'm the leader. But to be honest without the people that surround me I am nothing. I'm grateful for the people that have gone before me to set the foundation, to set the table, to prepare the way, to invest in my personal development. Without my bosses (past and present), without my coworkers, my team, my wife, without our supporters who faithfully support us financially and with lots of prayer, without my extended family, I am nothing and I will accomplish nothing. Most importantly without Jesus I am nothing. It is only because of what he is doing in me and through me that I'm able to lead and do what I do. I just got done reading toda's entry in You Versions study, " The Leadership Style of Jesus ".  Great reminder. Here is a direct quote from the study... "But Jesus was not driven, as so many leaders are today, by the need to receive credit, applause and attention. He was dri...

I love new beginnings.  They are a chance to start over, begin again, hit the reset button.  Since returning from vacation August 22nd, we’ve had a busy time of new beginnings!  August 22nd was Tessa’s birthday and we celebrated her turning 7 years old. It was the beginning of another year of her life. August 23rd, new RMI missionaries, Greg and Star Harvie, arrived on the field (all the way from Nebraska).  For them especially, this a very significant new beginning: one they will mark every year they are here.  The past week has been full with helping them get settled into their new host-country and home, showing them the ropes and field orientation: all with the goal of helping  set them up for them for success in their ministry with RMI and in Haiti.  September 9th, they start language training.  This whole year will be filled with firsts for them! August 26th was the start of a new school year for Drew and Tessa (3rd and 2nd grades, respe...

I’ve started running.  Or maybe I should say schlepping.  Dragging my unwilling body up and down very loose stone, rocky and hilly roads in 157% humidity probably shouldn’t be called “running”.  August in Haiti is no time to start running.  And yet, here I am.  When I run, my lungs burn.  My heart pounds.  My back aches.  My will shrinks.  My legs become jelly. I. AM. OUT. OF. SHAPE.  I couldn’t put it off any longer.  I must do something.  In time, I am told it can only get better.  I promise you, it couldn’t be worser (yes, I know worser isn’t a word). It’s not easy.  I am weak.  But in my weakness, He is made strong. It’s reminded me. No matter what “hill” I am facing…  God is present.  He is aware.  He is speaking.  He is moving.  He is conducting.  He is working.  He is strengthening.  He is empowering.  He is mediating.  He is transforming… Change me Lord...

One of the highlights of our recent vacation was our stop to visit the Citadelle located near Cap-Haitien in the north of Haiti.  On our way home from the DR, we spent two nights in Cap-Haitien, before driving the rest of the way home to Cayes.  It’s a long drive to get that far north in Haiti and we didn’t know when or if we’d ever get that way again, so we decided to take a day to visit this magnificent fortress. For some history and background on the Citadelle, click on the hyperlink above to see what Wikipedia has to say about it.  It’s a fascinating and rich history and is worth the quick read.  We arrived at Sans-Souci Palace where King Henry Christophe lived.  Here is where we hired a Haitian guide to take us on a guided tour of both the Citadelle and the Palace.  From here it was 7 miles uphill to reach the fortress.  We were able to drive 2/3 of the way, park and then we “rented” horses and rode the rest of the way.    It wel...

As you read Becky’s vacation updates, you will read how amazing it was for us to get away and rest.  Truly, rest is a discipline that God set forth at the beginning of time, but yet it is one of the most overlooked disciplines of the modern era.  It was truly awesome.  For a long time to come I will look back and nostalgically remember those sweet days with my family. But now, we are back.  “Back in the Saddle” as we say.  The saddle rubs.  The saddle stretches us.  But, the saddle fits.  It is truly good to be back in the thick of things. By the way, I am the Pirate Cowboy…  You should see my chaps and cutlass! Rob

We all need a break.  We all need time to settle down, disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with our family.  For us, living in Haiti accentuates that need for a break to an even greater degree.  Here we live in a proverbial fishbowl.  Everyday tasks seem harder, work can feel like it’s 24-7, and even in our own home we are rarely alone.  Driving is more stressful, errands take more effort and there is always someone at our door asking for help.  Last summer, we spent 3 months in the States on home assignment.  We had some vacation time built in and it was a break from the busyness of Haiti.  But our schedule was packed full and we were still working!  This year, because of a busy team schedule over the summer, we had a limited amount of time time for a break.  The expense of going to the States for a vacation didn’t make sense.  This summer we decided to go to the Dominican Republic.  Since Haiti and the DR sha...

We are privileged to have “box seats” to an amazing race (rat race?).  One moment the race is happening, life is moving on at a crazy unbelievable pace, the noise/roar of the racing engines is beyond bearable (yet sometimes not even noticed). Then IT happens.  Sometimes it happens as if in slow motion, and at other times, it happens at break neck speed.  A collision of 2 entities that were powered by different fuels, who may be heading in opposing directions, who may have had very different destinations.  It happens, and it is a ugly beautiful event.  In fact, we facilitate these collisions, and I like to watch. It’s a collision that happens between… The “wealth” of Americans crashing into the “wealth” of Haitians.  The “poverty” of Americans crashing into the “poverty” of Haitians.  The “poverty” of Haitians crashing into the “wealth” of Americans.  The “wealth” of Haitians crashing into the “poverty” of Americans.  How do we define weal...

We are grateful to our friends and family who support us.  We often reflect on the fact that we are only here in Haiti, because so many others are behind us supporting us.  We can’t be here, if people like you didn’t support us month in and month out.  Many of you have financially supported us for years!  There are no words to adequately say… THANK YOU.  Each month we send these updates with stories, pictures, reports and reflections related to our lives and ministry from the field of ministry.  We do this, to remind you, that we are here as an extension of your arms.  We hope that these reflections will be a reminder of what God is doing through you, in another land. Rob

Actually, there is an “I” in the Creole word for team (ekip), but you pronounce it like an “ē”, so I think it still works… ;) Left to Right: Pierre Rony, Naga, Manno, Rob (Me), Benjamin, Perguens, Frantz Left to Right: Perguens, Benson, Amy, Benjamin, Naga, Daniel, Rob (Me) I love the RMI Team. This is far from the whole team.  Pray for us, and the rest of the team who are here in Haiti making it happen. Would you like to support the RMI team?  Click here and choose “Haitian Staff”.

Last week, Drew and I had the opportunity to go with Harper EFC , of Port Orchard, WA to visit their partnering church in Les Irois , Haiti.  It was a great week!  It is truly at far western tip of Haiti.  On a clear day, you would almost think you could see Cuba from there. Right away, I could see that the team from Harper LOVED the people of Les Irois, but especially the children of Les Irois.  They have for many years been largely invested in RMI’s Hope for Kidz program.  It was evident.  They came prepared to love on those kids like I have not seen before. While there, I watched as a long term partnership between these 2 churches further blossom and deepen.  It was a joy to listen to their prayers, to watch the way they did life together, to see the constant fellowship filled with laughter and sharing, to see the reunions upon their arrival, and even the moment of separation upon their departure. While out there, we visited 3 satellite churches...

We were really “out there” in Chardonette , Haiti.  Crossroads Community Church , of Doylestown, OH, came for their very first C3 Partnership visit a few weeks back.  I had the privilege of going with them.  We changed lives.  We were changed. From the moment we arrived, the marriage between Crossroads Community Church, Chardonette Church, and RMI was real.  It is hard to put my finger on it, but there was something different, something special in the air.  There was such warmth and joy.  There was a true collaborative humble spirit.  There was an immediate mutual desire to reach out to the community with the Gospel.  There was a quick bond, only possible by the mutual love of Christ, and therefore a love of one another.  It was truly special to have experienced it. Chardonette is a church that is stuck.  To be honest, they are on the bottom rung of the development ladder.  Injustices were everywhere.  Clean water is a...

Front Line — n 1. military the most advanced military units or elements in a battle 2.the most advanced, exposed, or conspicuous element in any activity or situation It is truly a unique privilege and blessing to be on the front lines of ministry.  Pinch me, I get to do this every day!  We are often blessed and treated almost like hero’s by those in supporting roles.  Believe me, that isn’t us.  We just strive (not always successfully) to be faithful to the task (the task of testifying the Gospel of God’s grace – Acts 20:24) in a different part of the world.  The greatest blessing, is being here.  We get to get our hands “dirty”.  We get to walk in dark places.  We get to unbind, loosen and free the oppressed.  We cut chains. We get to bring the justice of the Gospel to bear on disgustingly unjust circumstances.  We get to be the ambassadors that others have sent.  We get to feed the hungry.  We get to encourage and care for w...

Many of you know that in June, I (Becky) made an unexpected trip to the US.  My maternal grandmother, Kay Kattman, passed away at the age of 93, just a few weeks shy of what would have been her and my grandfather’s 70th wedding anniversary.  We did not plan on coming to the US this year, but I was able to keep my eye on ticket prices and after 2 weeks found something reasonable to return for her memorial service.  The plan was to come in on Tuesday June 18th and leave Tuesday June 25th.  It wasn’t the best timing as we had 2 teams in-country that week and many more coming this summer, but Rob and I agreed that it was important to go if the price of flights dropped.  They did go down, and I was off to NJ. I stayed with my Mom during this visit and it was really fun because my grandfather and Uncle also were there.  It was really fun to hear stories I never heard before.  My grandmother served in the Army Air Corps during WWII.  It is where she me...