They have had a fence installed around the property now and plans for planting mango, avocado, lemon, and orange trees around the property in March so they are planted in time for the rains in April and will take root well. These trees will produce fruit that can be used by those living on the property in the future and the excess sold at the local USAID station for export to the US which will help fund the ministry for the future.
Speaking of ministry, there is a vision to add a church building on the property as well as a training center for church leaders and local residents (the latter would likely receive training on agricultural practices and other economic development opportunities). There is also a desire to build an orphanage on site and grow crops for the needs of those living on the property.
A relationship with the director of the USAID station has developed who desires to see the local farmers improve their yields and promote economic growth in the region. They recently installed a well at the station and I have spoken with the director about his desire to partner with Pastor Riccardo to help install a reservoir that can be used to irrigate the local properties with well water to increase their yield. This summer, another joint trip between Grace Baptist Church in Newberg, OR and Great Commandments Ministries is planned to help with some of these plans—hopefully to help install pipes for this reservoir and/or construct a caretaker's house on the property for security purposes. We will keep you aware of plans for that trip in case you might be interested in partnering with us.
As you can see, there are many plans for ministry at this new property. Plans that we submit before God to direct as He sees fit. There will be opportunities for many people to participate as He directs as well. We took time to pray about those opportunities while at that property today, that God would use this location to spread His gospel to many others who still need Him.
Next, we took the opportunity to travel a bit further down the road to the actual city of Saut d'Eau. This region is noted for a beautiful waterfall with mountain springs as its source. We travelled up the mountain (which is far too steep by US road building standards) and came to a place where you can enter the path to the waterfall.
First, we complained to the local people running the gate since there is a very public "white tax" they charge for foreigners (yes, greed is present in many different forms all around the world). The charge for locals is 25 Gds (about $0.60 USD) but is 200 Gds ($5.00 USD) for "foreigners." Needless to say, this process isn't fair but such practices exist all over the world.
More significant, however, if what we found out about this location. It is told that there is a witch doctor temple near the falls and that this area is used for Voodoo practices. We took an opportunity to pray here as well for these people that they would be released from the power of the devil and that God would manifest His power here.
We saw two different properties today—one with plans for good and one for evil. The reality is that God is in control over both and will use His people to accomplish His purposes at both locations. Please pray along with us that the gospel will be clearly communicated in the power of Jesus' name and that He will build His church to manifest His kingdom throughout Haiti.
Location:Haiti
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