Saturday Oct 9, 2010

Another busy week. Trying to get the drs. appts. over with...demotology, dentist, drs. Then it was off to buying items needed to ship to Haiti on the next container. We purchased tractor tires, large truck tires, washer, lawn mower, weed eaters, parts, etc. On Thursday we rented a 26 ft U-Haul and went to Louisville to pick up items that had been left from the last load. On Friday David, Larry Heady and Tony Isbill gathered up all the other materials...Jerry Cotton had 75 padded folding chairs his church had given and also some window a/c units....and they headed for Nashville. They unloaded at Tommy Scott's warehouse and returned to Owensboro.
On Nov12th we will be loading a 40ft container for Haiti. David and I will stay in Nashville that night and fly back to Haiti on the morning of the 13th.
I'm sure everyone has heard about the cholera outbreak in Haiti. As of today they are saying 203 have died and over 2,000 stricken. Three or four have died near our compound but had been infected visiting the area north of TiTanyen. Our ministry and Samaritan's Purse are being very pro-active in fighting the disease. SP has shut down all their other work in order to put all their energies toward the cure and prevention of the spread of the cholera. No one is coming on to the compound without going directly to the Conference Center showers and washing in a disinfecting solution. We feel that everyone there is safe for now. We did have a team of 5 from TN there this week. SP had talked with the Embassy and there was talk of shutting down the airport. We didn't want this team to get stranded so ...with an opportunity from SP who had a plane in PAP the team flew from PAP to Cap Haitian (north capital of Haiti)
and from there would be flying on a DC3 Missionary Flights International plane to West Palm Beach, FL. PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF HAITI AND ESPECIALLY FOR OUR STAFF ON THE FIELD.

Oct 16, 2010

It has been a good week. Trying to get caught up on some dentist and doctors appts. Also met with some Samaritan's Purse leadership to work out arrangements for their future stay on the GO compound. Had a good visit from Bethany Johnson this week. (ministered with us in Haiti for 4 months in 2008) She just returned from 2 years in the Philippines with her Associates degree as a Midwife. She is now pursuing a RN degree. Many have asked about my Mom. She is doing very well but would love to be able to go back to her own home. She can only walk with a person on either side of her so right now going home is not an option. She will have her 93rd birthday on Oct 24th. God is good!!

Sunday 27, 2010

We had the opportunity to worship at our home church today. Always good to share with family and friends. Tonight David and I were at First Baptist Church Lewisport. They were so warm and receptive as we shared in video, testimonies and the Word. (Of course being Baptist...they had a spread of food after the service.)

Saturday Oct 9, 2010

God is so good. The service for Paul on Tuesday was truly a celebration of his life. Each and every person that was a part of the service shared how Paul had impacted their life and the lives of those around him. With estimates of 1,000 attending the service around 500 were policemen, firemen and sheriff departments . They lined the hall ways of the church as the family entered and left. As we drove to the gravesite every street was blocked off for the 20 miles with police, etc standing outside their cars saluting as the hearse passed. They did the same at the graveside along with bagpipes and a 21 gun salute. So many people came up to the family later telling story after story of how Paul had reached out in their time of need and ministered to them. We continue to get cards, letters, phone calls and emails from people we don't even know telling us stories of Paul. David's part in the service...he shared family memories and then shared the Gospel. His sharing has opened doors for the family to boldly share Jesus with so many.
David and I left immediately after the service and drove to Tupelo,MS. Missionary Orientation Training for five new couples started on Monday and we were able to teach all our sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We returned to KY on Friday night. Thank you for all your prayers.

Sunday Oct 3, 2010

So much has happened since I last wrote. Last Monday was a busy day as we were preparing to leave and come to the US on Tuesday. We were scheduled to be in MS for David to preach in a church in Tupelo this Sunday and then start Mission Orientation Training on Monday Oct 4th.
All our plans changed on Thursday morning at 10 am when we received a phone call from our son saying our grandson had been in an accident. About 30 mins. later after arriving at the hospital David Jr called and said Paul didn't make it. Paul was riding his bike and was struck by a car and killed. Paul was an 8 year veteran on the Louisville Metro Police Dept and had been training to join the bike patrol. He leaves a wife Ann and two daughters. We immediately packed and headed to Louisville to be with all the family. Visitation will be from noon until 7pm Monday at Pearson Ratterman Funeral Home and the funeral will be 10am Tuesday at Southeast Christian Church. We have truly experienced what a brotherhood the Faternal Order of police is. There has been such an outpouring of support for the family from them as well as friends of the family. We covet your prayers as David ministers in this service.