Day 2

End of Day Two...

Hello friends! I'll start with a couple of pictures from our first day at the TCI government school.  What happy memories of singing and mingling with these dear children.

We have had a wonderful second day here on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands working alongside our Haitian friends from the Haitian Federation of Churches...a multi-denominational group of Haitian churches on this particular island.  Starting out with another radio broadcast...

This morning we spent a long time at the Creole Radio station where the team members sang and, after reading Psalm 62 each person spoke at length of how the Lord had answered prayer for them when they had "poured out their hearts" before Him. (Everywhere we go we are told that people heard our broadcasts!) The signal goes all over the islands of TCI as well as to the Haitian diaspora via the internet. Then it was back to our home base for lunch...

Kekette's Feast

What a delicious lunch banquet prepared by our host, Kekette!

Time to get back out in the community...

For the latter part of the afternoon we drove around with one of the local pastors who lead us on nine home visits to people who have been particularly suffering and need encouragement. At each home, someone reads from the promises of God (in English and then read also in Creole), a couple of students lead in prayer for the family with an interpreter, and we leave them with a little diaconal love-gift to bless them.

Pastor Edvard and the boys

What a privilege for our students particularly to enter into the humble dwellings of these dear Haitian believers!  Some of these cinder-block homes or ply-wood shacks are no bigger than one of our bedrooms.

We are going into the back trails of neighborhoods that tourists to the Turks and Caicos would never have a chance to see, but our reception is warm and friendly because of the respect given to our pastor-guide.

One of our home visits

On the way home we stopped along the road where there was a beach access as the sun was setting for a quick wade in the sea and walk along the shore.  What a sweet way to end the day for these pasty-white Michiganders!  Tonight we are having a longer team meeting as we debrief and discuss all that we've done and seen.

Tomorrow morning we are meeting a group of Haitian students at a different beach, sharing our donated goggles and masks (thanks Hannah!) and teaching some of the younger kids how to swim.  In the evening we plan to gather with a Haitian youth group for an evening of testimonies and fellowship.

Thanks so much for your prayers for our group.  I am so impressed with the youth on our team - they have such servant-hearts, great attitudes, they love the Lord, and are so happy to tell others of God's grace to them in Christ. I count it such a privilege for me to lead these young people in a week of cross-cultural ministry here among the Haitian immigrants in the Turks and Caicos. To God be the glory, great things He is doing!

Thankful for God's mercy,
Eric Hausler

Day 1 - Part 2

(Posted by Erin Francis)

Hey Guys!
So after our exciting radio debut yesterday we came back to the house and had a short nap/ relaxation time. It was nice for me because my throat wasn't feeling the best so rest was a great option.
After our nap time was probably the most inspiring time out of the whole day yesterday. We all got up, put on some smiles and went to do some home visits. The Pastor of a local church, Pastor Edvard, located some people in the community that have been struggling lately. Many of the homes were very small and cramped, made out of cement. The floors were straight cement and the homes were crowded. The families were somewhat shy to let us into their homes. But the hearts of the people we visited were beautiful. When we arrived at a home we would introduce ourselves, sing a song, read Scripture and then pray for the people. The response of one lady in particular was very inspiring to me. She seemed so moved by our words and prayers. She would sway and say "Yes Jesus" during prayer and songs. These home visits remind me that we are here for a purpose. That purpose is simply to please God and to share his word. In my opinion we are doing a pretty good job of it so far. It's amazing all of the doors that God has opened up for us so far, and that was only the first day of missions.

After the home visits we had a small birthday party for Bekah at a restaurant. They served us cake and other treats and it was really cute how Kekette's family loved on Bekah. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEKAH :)

Singing at the revival 

 Next we went to a Creole Church service. The service was so different. When we walked in all the men and women were standing with their hands up and singing. It was so loud in there. People were dancing as they sang and it was awesome. We could not help but dance and clap along. After a while of this exciting dancing and singing we were blessed by scripture reading and prayer in Creole. Then Paster Hausler gave the message and I bet you can guess what language he spoke in... yep Creole. It was hard not being able to really understand what he was saying, but it was still inspiring to see how the people were listening.

The view from Kekette's house - where we have our team meetings

Tamara and Daniel

That about wraps up the day. We just went back to the house, presented some gifts to Kekette's family and had some prayer time. Then we hit the sleep sacs and caught some z's.
~Erin Francis

Day 1

(Posted by Bekah Baker)

Hey guys!
Today we woke up bright and early, and Kekette had a delicious breakfast made for us! After breakfast, we went to Osteo Jolly Primary School. We sang songs with the children and shared our favorite Bible characters.

At Oseta Jolly Primary School

Pastor Eric speaking Creole to the students

 Afterwards, we talked with the children and took pictures with them. I was attacked by the little first and second graders, who were all trying to hug me. They were touching my hair and saying how soft it was. They asked if it was real hair cause it felt so different to them. It was really cute.:)

We left the school and took a tour of the island. It is such a beautiful island! We had to stop for gas, and it was insane on how expensive the gas was! We then returned to the school, because they had invited us to watch their Easter Program. They sang songs and shared the Easter story.
We went home and had an extremely yummy lunch. Kekette is an amazing cook! After lunch, we went over to the radio station for about an hour. We say three songs and everyone had a few minutes to talk. During that time, we told them about ourselves; our age, what we enjoy doing, and our favorite Bible verse/promise.

Pastor Eric translating on the radio

So far it has been amazing. The people here have been extremely welcoming of us. I am so glad that I can be here to share the gospel and interact with others. I am hoping to continue to making lasting relationships with the people here.
Thanks to all of those who have helped make this trip possible, and those who are continuously praying for us as we minister to others. So far things have gone smoothly, and hopefully that continues.
-Bekah Baker

Went to Chicago... In a van. With my friends.

Welcome to the Redeemer OPC Turks and Caicos Blog! I write this as we wait in Chicago at the gate for our Miami. We'll be updating this throughout the week with photos and posts from different team members. Our flight is now boarded! Check back soon!
-Micah Hausler