2nd Day in Linefork, KY

The team has completed another day of work at the Sonshine Center. It was really another blessed day. They accomplished a lot that Ms. Mary had on her list for them to do. They finished mowing all the grass, cut trees, mulched all the flower beds, winterized the pool, washed her vehicles, serviced the lawn mowers and finished lots of other small projects she wanted them to do. They had a huge taco dinner on Friday night. But their most important job this weekend was loving and fellowship with Ms. Mary and the children. It is awesome just to be able to be part of their lives. The team members have been very blessed to be part of this trip and blessed to know how it has touched the lives of the teams that come here to serve.

Team Arrives in Linefork

The team arrived in Linefork around noon yesterday. They hit the ground running. They started on lawn maintenance, weed-eating, cutting trees and brush, and mulching. The team also cleaned the church from top to bottom. It was a great experience for all involved. They had a great time working together. The team is sure they will have another blessed day today.

Haiti team Update - Friday

The tour of duty for Gideon's Army is coming to an end. We are sitting in the air conditioned comfort of the American Airlines departure lounge in Port au Prince.

With a short day before us, we divided the team this morning - 4 to an orphanage to attempt to restore power and possibly repair a well pump and 2 to procure and prepare material for a water collection project for Pastor Rosenelle's home. We were successful in all but the well pump repair. As you might be able to tell, two simple commodities that we easily take for granted, water and electricity, are not so simple to come by here. In fact, base camp had been on a 21 day "street power" fast until last night. Generator and battery only.

We are clean but tired, joking but pensive, ready to see our families, yet missing our new families. We have become bonded in a friendship that will last a lifetime by way of an experience that has been priceless. We are the ones most blessed by this experience.

See ya at home.

Team Haiti

Haiti Team Update-Thursday

Thursday was action packed in a different way. We were a "mobile" unit yesterday. We took a road trip to two orphanages and a pastor's home. The first stop was an orphanage where the first Haiti mission team painted and constructed bunk beds last June/July. There are now 9 beautiful boys and girls there. They all just wanted to play with us, hold our hands (and glasses and cameras!) and be hugged. They needed a loving touch. It was easy to provide it. Next we went to the pastor's home on which the last Haiti team built a roof. We are putting together and plan to improve his water collection system. Afterwards, we sampled some local cuisine (Yes!) as we drove a short (about 7 miles) trip that took over 2 hours. And you think Charlotte traffic is bad. :). We ended up at another orphanage with about 120 kids. We arrived at their dinner time. We saw God's presence as the each folded their hands to pray before they ate. It is impossible to describe the conditions they live in. Poverty beyond imagination. But, they too just wanted a loving touch. We did a little repair work with many helpers. We played soccer, pushed them in swings, practiced our Creole and simply loved on them. We already miss seeing them again.

We even crammed in some sightseeing and shopping. Go figure. We are all doing well. Tired but content. Not ready to leave, but ready to come home.

Have a blessed day!
Team Haiti

Haiti Team Update-Wednesday

Greetings from Haiti. We had an incredible day today. Along with our Haitian partners, we completed 13 church pew/school desks and 5 chalk boards. I promise we actually worked, but it was hard because our friends wanted to do it themselves! They are embracing the process. The photo is the "fruit of our labor".

The team is awesome. We are all well. Tired, but well. Thank all of you for the letters of support and encouragement. "Mail call" is one of our favorite parts of the day.

God has big plans for us tomorrow!

Have a blessed day.
Team Haiti

Update from Tuesday

We hit the rack early last night with varying degrees of success, yet everyone woke ready to get after it. We had an awesome day today! WE are not here to produce things, to build things. We are here to create a process so that the Haitians can produce/build things. We worked side by side with Stevens, Robinson, Pierre and 3 others. We showed them how to build a church pew/school desk. They are learning the process. It was an incredible experience. We are back at it again tomorrow with our new Haitian brothers. I'll send pictures of the process and the product!

Your prayers are being answered.
Hot, tired, happy.
May God bless you.
Greg Wylie

The Haiti Team Has Arrived Safely

The Haiti team arrived safely in Port-au-Prince earlier today. God blessed them with seamless logistics.

An update from team leader, Greg Wylie:

We have had a blessed day today. We had flawless travel from Charlotte to Port au Prince. All of our supplies and luggage arrived with us as well. We made it to base camp to be greeted by a delicious lunch. Afterwards we did a walking tour of the "neighborhood". Scenes that are hard to process, yet as we walked we made dozens of new friends as young boys began to follows along. We "talked" with them, holding their hands or our arms around them. We were the blessed ones.

Pray for our assignment, our families, each team member and this country.

Haiti October Missions Trip Flight Information

Outbound Flight - October 4
American Airlines Flight 3632
Depart CHARLOTTE at 5:50am. Arrive in MIAMI at 7:50am.
American Airlines Flight 1291
Depart MIAMI at 9:45am. Arrive in PORT AU PRINCE at 10:50am.

Return Flight - October 8
American Airlines Flight 1908
Depart PORT AU PRINCE at 4:25pam. Arrive in MIAMI at 7:30pm.
American Airlines Flight 3639
Depart MIAMI at 9:45pm. Arrive in CHARLOTTE at 11:50pm.

On Our Way Home

On our way to Managua, we rejoiced that we have welcomed 156 souls into the family of God. Almost every one of these people was personally talked to, so we were blessed to watch the transforming power of salvation on many of their faces. Gloria a Dios!!

Before leaving church in Jinoetga, we were humbled that they honored each of us with a gift to thank us for the opportunity to serve.

Tuesday - Beginning Our Day

Team on the way to last clinic. We are comitted to finishing well and are confident Divine appointments await us.

Monday's Medical Clinic

Traveled 2 hours from base today to a small town no US medical team has ever been to. The people waiting in line when we arrived were the poorest of the poor.

The medical team served 369 patients, almost running out of medicines. The illnesses and skin conditions were some of the worst we've seen in several years.




Alongside our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters,
we individually led 78 individuals to the Lord!

A few leaders from the Foursquare church in Jinotega joined us and it was such a blessing, because of the number of people we needed to pray for and share the Gospel with.

While being treated, we discovered this 3 month old girl didn't have a name. The mother gave us the privilege to name her -- we chose Ruth Grace. She then completed the birth certificate.

A view coming down the mountain on our way home.

Sunday's VBS

VBS was wonderful! Again the rain held off until children were loaded on the bus to return home. 247 children were blessed today.

There was bible story time, but some time for fun as well.

One of the Nicaraguan teachers who teaches worship dance prepared something special for VBS.

Praying over 40 plus children who said they wanted to serve as leaders in the Church. One little girl named Janel, at 8 is the children's worship leader and leads a small group of 9 girls. Her passion for God was humbling.

Saturday's VBS

Today we do get to hold VBS and will lengthen our time with children until 3pm. We knew we had a long day ahead, but we were filled with anticipation.

VBS rocked today. 253 children had the time of their lives. Our Nicaragua teammates were fantastic and so well-prepared. For being in a new area, we were impressed with their energy and enthusiasm. 23 children gave their lives to Jesus and we thank the Lord for holding off a downpour until all the kids had been loaded on the buses.

Friday's Medical Clinic

We also enjoyed a meal prepared by ladies of Foursquare Church 3.

Friday required us to put "flexibility" in action. The school where we were supposed to hold the first day of vbs declined to honor their permission, so we drove an hour and a half to Esteli to do a clinic. From noon to 5 we treated 250 patients.

During today's clinic, we had two special prayer times. One lady had a blood sugar level of 400. After prayer it cam down 100 points. Another lady has terminal cancer, but we rejoice that she accepted Christ and now will never taste death.

29 people accepted Christ today,so even though the VBS surprise change happened, the day had eternal significance.

Thursday's Medical Clinic

We were blessed to be able to treat 232 patients at a new Foursquare church in Sebeco. However we rejoice in the 9 people who opened their heart to Jesus. We had to hold the clinic outside, for there is only land, no sanctuary yet. Praise God, the rain held off till everyone was treated and prayed for.

The prayer area was alive with the presence of God at Thursday's clinic in Sebeco. People were hungry for a touch from the Lord. When asked, "What do you want Jesus to do for you today?" He responded, "To change my life." After more conversation, he received Christ and it was evident the change had begun.

Friday Morning Team Worship & Devotion

Our worship and devotion time was extra special this morning. While sharing insights from Judges Chapter 6, we were freshly reminded that: God doesn't always call the equipped, but He equips the called; the Lord is with us regardless of what we experience; and as we lay our lives down on the altar of worship, we bring our Lord great pleasure.

Preparing for VBS and Medical Clinics

As one group prepared bags of medicinces this morning,another group held a teacher training for serving with us at the VBS. It was exciting to see leaders from two towns filled with anticipation. At the conclusion of the training,their was a time of consecration and asking the Holy Spirit to fill us with with more of Him so we can lavish thr children with His love.

On the bus on our way to Sebaco to do an all afternoon clinic.

Dio le bendiga,
The Nic Team

The Team Has Arrived Safely

The team has arrived safe and sound. All medicines and supplies were approved at customs...Praise the Lord! We are on the bus for a 3 hour ride to Jinotega and looking forward to the cooler mountain air. To be continued...

Nicaragua August Mission Team's Flight Information

Outbound Flights
Continental Airlines Flight 2604 - August 4
Depart CHARLOTTE at 6:00 AM. Arrive in HOUSTON at 7:32 AM.
Continental Airlines Flight 1760 - August 4
Depart HOUSTON at 9:00 AM. Arrive in MANAGUA at 11:18 AM.

Return Flights
Continental Airlines Flight 1073 - August 11
Depart MANAGUA at 12:10 PM. Arrive in HOUSTON at 4:30 PM.
Continental Airlines Flight 2044 - August 11
Depart HOUSTON at 5:35 PM. Arrive in CHARLOTTE at 9:05 PM.

Coming Home

The team is at the gate ready to fly home. We have finished well and believe we have completed our assigned portion of God's continuing work in Haiti. We depart with full hearts and look forward to sharing our stories. Thank you for praying. There were times when we knew prayer was carrying us through. See you soon. Christ's Ambassadors in Haiti.

Bunk Beds Are Finished!

Before departing the orphange today, a 2 year old boy was brought into the family. Pictured here, Pastor Bellande, Anna (caretaker) and the children.

Writing scriptures on each bed was the highlight of our day so far.


Yeah, we finished all 6 sets of bunk beds today, complete with sheets and nets. We were also able to provide them with dishes and table and chairs so they can eat as a family.

Families Receiving Hygeine Kits

Some of the over 100 hygenie kits we delivered to families living in tents. Many have 5 or 6 people living in 12x12 tent.

Distributed Hygiene Kits and Toys

Distributed hygenie kits and toys in tent camp. Connected with World Vision distribution of stoves...God appointment... Prayed for dozens of people today and encourage many believers that God has not forsaken them. People are weary of the conditions and so appreciate simple eye to eye affirmation. I'm sure we are more blessed to give it than they are to receive.

Update on the Roof

Finishing roof on Pastor Rosenel's house. One of the neighbors said, "The Lord surely blesses those who follow Him." PastorRosenel can now reconfine Bible studies to his home for the community that cannot travel to the church.

Update from Haiti

Once again we divided our team to 2 sites continuing roofing and bunk beds on Tuesday. The greatest joy at both sites, was seeing kids soak up God's love like sponges. Seeing their response to the Holy Spirit was thrilling. We enjoyed hearing Pastor Ballande's testimony and vision for the orphange. Make no mistake, God is alive and working in Haiti. To be continued. Your team.

Hello from Haiti

Yesterday was a long day, but very productive. The team split in half, with half going to the new orphanage to build bunk beds and paint and others working on roof at Pastor's home. One of our goals at the orphange was to get the four children there to smile. The day before our hearts were so heavy with the sadness in their eyes. Well the Lord heard us. The orphange is completely empty, but for 2 chairs and 2 mattresses. So, when we started playing cars with them, coloring, and bouncing a ball, the smiles were big. By tomorrow night, they will all have a bed to sleep in and hopefully a table and some chairs. The roof team worked hard and will finish on Tuesday. They enjoyed hearing all the neighors roar everytime there was a score in the world cup game today....they said it would be so quiet and it would sound like they were in a football stadium. Love, The Haiti Team

Greetings from Haiti - Monday

The team arrived safely in Haiti. Last night they enjoyed a great time of worship at the service at Pastor Bellande's church. The ride home was a little rough because of the potholes in the roads. The team says they are bigger than any of the ones we have in the U.S. This morning the team packed supplies and split into 2 teams. One team is going to a orphange with 5 pre-k children to build bunk beds and paint bedrooms. The other is going to a pastor's home to finish putting on a tin roof. A previous team reconstructed the home and built trusses for the roof, something the community had not seen before. Lots of them drew sketches of the trusses. The team is doing well, hot but good. There's not a lot of change to the area except roads are worse and washed out by the heavy rains. The team sends their love to their families and will post the next time they are able.

We've arrived in miami safely. Now for the next leg of the jiourney.

Haiti Summer 2010 - Blog Postings

Internet and phone service in Haiti is sporadic. The team may not be able to post information to the blog each day. They will post information as they are able.

Haiti Summer 2010 - Flight Information

Outbound Flight - June 27

American Airlines Flight 3632

Depart CHARLOTTE at 5:50am. Arrive in MIAMI at 7:50am.

American Airlines Flight 1291

Depart MIAMI at 9:40am. Arrive in PORT AU PRINCE at 10:55am.

Return Flight - July 2

American Airlines Flight 816
Depart PORT AU PRINCE at 9:25am. Arrive in MIAMI at 12:30pm.
American Airlines Flight 3673
Depart MIAMI at 4:50pm. Arrive in CHARLOTTE at 6:55pm.

Mexico Summer 2010 - Team Is Home

We are home!!! It is great to be back safely in North Carolina with family and friends! Thank you for your prayers. Please remember us in prayer this next week as we readjust to life back here at home.

Today we had a wonderful time in San Miguel. Everyone had a lot of fun shopping in the beautiful town. We ate lunch at a beautiful restaurant. We have all made it back safely to San Luis Potosi. We are looking forward to a great night of sleep. Tonight we were surprised with a Mariachi band as a going away present from Jim and Lisa. It was a perfect way to end our time here. Tomorrow we will prepare for our travels and say our goodbyes. We will see you all in North Carolina.

It was a whopping 84 degrees today (our hottest day yet) with a slight breeze and no humidity... do you wish you were here yet? The team feels that SLP is our home away from home. This morning we went to the orphanage for the childrens store. Each child is rewarded with points to spend on prizes at the store. The children purchased hair gel, toys, hair bands, candy and more. It is very rare for these children to open item from the original packaging. Many young boys purchased items for their sisters instead of themselves. It is selfless acts like these that humble us. Today we saw the children in their school uniforms. Many people from Grace Covenant have made it possible for these children to go to school by providing the uniform. This afternoon we finished painting the chapel and it looks muy bonita (very beautiful). Some girls on the team were able to sort a mountain of clothes for the community thrift store. This store is a huge ministry outreach in the neighborhood. Tonight we drove out to the outskirts of SLP and up a mountain to lookout over the entire city of SLP. It was a beautiful sight to see at sunset. While we have been here we have seen the culture of this place from the poorest of poor to the blessed. Tomorrow we will make a trip to a town called San Miguel. We hope to enjoy the last full day we have here. Thank you for your continued prayers for tomorrow and our travels on Wednesday. Our team is truly a family who have all fallen in love with the city of SLP and the free loving people who live here.

We had an amazing breakfast with donas (donuts) to celebrate Father's Day. Even though we are not able to speak with our father's today we have reflected on the things our fathers have done for us. We are grateful for their love. We are also grateful to our Heavenly Father for all He has done for us and what he has purposed us to do. Today we went to a Home Church where Jim and Lisa attend. The team sang two worship songs in English for the Church. One of our students was able to give their testimony and we know God moved through them. After church we packed the trailer and our lunches and took off towards the pueblo, Guadalupe Victoria, for a VBS and clothing distribution. These people were so excited to have clothes. Most of them don't have an opportunity to go shopping because they can't afford the bus fee to SLP. Their smiling faces and pure joy made us all grateful for what we have. Tonight the guys on our team ate some hot chili peppers and it entertained our team. The guys say the burning is worth the bragging rights back in the States. Today our team worked together in unity along with Jim and Lisa and our translators. We are moving and living as one. The presents of the Holy Spirit among us is amazing. Watching the teens grow has been transformational. We will all come home as new people both tan on the outside and more beautiful on the inside. Tomorrow morning we will go back to the orphanage for a very special event. The orphans get points for rewards and tomorrow they get to spend their points at the orphanage store. The joy on their faces will be priceless. In the afternoon we will finish painting the chapel at the orphanage. The bright yellow paint is much more cheerful than the beige that was before. The children already love it and it is not even finished.

Last Night we did not have access to the internet so we apologize for the delay. Yesterday was our third day of VBS at the orphanage. The team has connected with the children and it has been amazing to watch everyones interactions. Everyone is learning more Spanish and the children are happy to see us improve. We think it is entertaining for them. At VBS we spoke on the truth that Gods Word is True. It has been great to hear members of the team share devotionals and tell us of their own personal time in the Word. Everyone is so focused on the Lord and the task and calling set before us. The weather here has been beautiful and seriously could not be any better. After VBS we went to the Mercado (Market) and did some shopping. We are encouraging each other by doing something called Secret Angles and secretly surprising each other with gifts and encouraging notes. It was nice to see the team purchase little gifts for their secret angles. Last night we went into downtown SLP and we shopping and toured the Plazas in the historic downtown. It was beautiful and fun to get out and see the city. We ate out for the first time last night and everyone enjoyed the food. Jim and Lisa are so wonderful with the team and the locals here. It has been an honor to see them here and work alongside them here. We were able to rest this morning and sleep in a little before church. Today we will go to Church and then afterwards we will go to Guadalupe Victoria which is a pueblo about an hour outside the city of SLP. There we will have a VBS and give out clothes to the men, women and children. It is going to be a wonderful day. Thank you so much for your prayers for us.

It was another wonderful day here in San Luis Potosi. Our second day of VBS went perfectly. Today we had about 40 children at the orphanage for VBS. Many of the children were in the same clothes they were wearing yesterday. Their hearts are so beautiful and the love so freely (a term that is being used around here often). Transformation is happening in the orphange spiritually and physically. We finished the first coat of yellow paint in the chapel today. We will finish on Monday with a second coat. Each team member has become a professional painter and everyone is working hard. The team is growing so strong in relationship with each other. It will be a bond that will last. Jim and Lisa have been amazing to us and we are so greatful for them and the impact they have made here in SLP. Our translators are becoming our best friends. Today many of the children in the orphanage gave many team members a Spanish lesson and in return we taught them some English. Tomorrow will be our third day of VBS and in the evening we will take a trip into downtown SLP. Our God is a great God. We thank Him for his goodness, grace and mercy to us. May God bless the loving people of San Luis Potosi.

What a wonderful day. The guys started their day an hour early because they forgot to set back their clocks. The smart got girls got enough sleep. Today we had 51 children at the orphanage for our first day of VBS. We have all fallen in love with these young children ages from 4-17. The young ones are so sweet and beautiful and the older ones are so excited to have us. We began to paint the chapel at the orphanage yellow or you could say amarillo since we are in Mexico. The youth are bonding well with each other and already we have witnessed so much personal growth. We are enjoying the Mexican food and the wonderful culture. Tonight we took a trip to the OXXO a mexican version of a 7/11. Tomorrow we will have our second day of VBS and continue to paint the chapel. Between our dramas, puppet skits, spanish worship, crafts and games we know the children here are being impacted greatly. It is already hard to leave the orphange just for the night the children cling to us but we ensure them we will be back Hasta Manana (see you tomorrow). We can already report one healing. Praise be to God may be he glorified in everything we do. We will report back tomorrow night.

We are all here in San Luis Potosi!!! We have had a wonderful day of travel and just enjoyed our first Mexican meal. We are still getting settled and will be going to the orphanage in the morning to start our first day of VBS. Everyone loves this wonderful city and we are expecting great things this week. We will pray each day for God to be glorified as we serve the people of San Luis Potosi. The home where we are staying is a beautiful turn of the centry home. Everyone is settling in well. We will write tomorrow night to give you tomorrows update. Thank you for your continued prayers for us and the people of SLP.

Mexico Summer 2010-Flight Information

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Outbound flight - June 16
American Airlines Flight 605
Depart CHARLOTTE at 6:10am. Arrive in DALLAS at 7:45am.
American Airlines Flight 2777
Depart DALLAS at 11:40am. Arrive in SAN LUIS POTOSI at 1:45pm.

Return flight - June 23
American Airlines Flight 2776
Depart SAN LUIS POTOSI at 2:35pm. Arrive in DALLAS at 4:45pm.
American Airlines Flight 1402
Depart DALLAS at 7:30pm. Arrive in CHARLOTTE at 11:00pm.

Nicaragua Spring 2010-Final Day

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Today was our final day on the field. Time for one more shovel-full of dirt, one more shovel-full of tears, of prayers, salvation stories, of love, of hope, of faith, of joy though sadly also a shovel-full of good byes.

After an early morning breakfast we made our way to that field we have grown to love, the field where trenches and bare rebar columns mark the spot where soon His word will be preached. We worked for a few hours. Some were sent again to the streets and houses to bring His word to the houses in this neighborhood of Esteli, Nicaragua called Los Angeles. Salvations, healings, restorations and rebirths were witnessed by the team as the clock slowly ticked counting our final hours.

We shared lunch with Pastor Gabriel and his family at his humble church located in the front room of his house. Then we made our way back to the field where we shared communion with members of his congregation, construction workers and the many others who came. This would be the first communion served there. The Pastor gave a message that from his church many will be sent to preach the gospel. This was a prophesy also given by Lon to the Pastor days earlier.

After a long good bye filled with many tears we all went inside the space to be occupied by the church. Each of our team members took the spot where a corner or a wall is soon to be and we prayed. Soon Pastor Gabriel's clear voice and those of other church members rose to heaven...... the Lord smiled.

By the time you read this we will be either on our way home or have returned to our home church. We have thousands of memories to share with you, thousands of your prayers to be thankful as you supported us. We ask however to please, please keep on praying. Many times the most difficult part of a mission trip comes after the missionaries have returned home and we feel the void left at not seeing our newly found brothers and sisters and the impact we have made on not just others, but our own lives.

The story continues...... be part of it!!! Go, Give, Pray.

d3