Haiti Trip

I was privileged to be a part of a Mondanock Bridge Builders team of 10 guys going to Haiti last week. This was my first trip to Haiti, so many have asked me what were my impressions. I have tried to write them out here in the form of a report on our trip. Our main purpose was to bring tools and supplies down for the orphanage and aid in removing the rubble of the collapsed top floor off of Pastor Franzli's house. We praise the Lord for a successful trip.

We saw the Lord's hand and provision on us from the very start of the trip. At the airport as we checked in the bags, we were told that we would have to pay an extra $30 per second bag. This was an unexpected expense, but after checking us all in, (and charging us) the attendant did some checking and found that she could refund us all because it was aid for Haiti. So we ended up being able to bring all the bags at no extra charge. We ended up flying into the Dominican Republic because the airport in Port-au-prince wasn't open to commercial flights. This added many more hours travel to our trip as we had to get land transport from the airport to the border and then on to Port-au-prince. I was fine with landing there, as I knew Spanish, and was glad to help the team with translating. Franzli's brother-in-law, Michel, met us at the airport and helped us get taxis to the crossing. It was a long 6 hour trip but we got there after dark, and an hour and a half after the border had closed. At first it didn't seem like we would be able to get through, so while Bob patiently explained our case to the guard, we met to pray behind the vans. The Lord opened the gate for us and we were able to transfer ourselves and the luggage to the truck waiting for us on the other side.

My first impressions of Haiti were darkness. As we snaked our way along the bumpy road standing in the back of what can best be described as a cattle truck my eyes searched the dark landscape or watched what little could be seen from the headlights of the truck. Occasionally we passed through some small towns, but even in those the light was dim. There were just a few lights hanging here and there in the houses or smoky diesel lamps on tables along the road. I remember in one town passing a crowd, where they had someone laying on a table. I don't know if it was a wake or a healing ceremony, but all seemed dim and dark as we rolled on past the crowd. We finally arrived in the city. The only place with bright lights was the airport. As we bounced up the dark streets into the neighborhood where Franzli and Julie's orphanage is, there were just a few houses with generators and lights. That is quite a contrast to all the lights we saw when we flew back here and landed in New York City! We finally arrived at the orphanage at 10:30pm, after having traveled since about midnight the night before. We praised God for allowing us to make the trip and arrive with all the supplies!

The next few days we worked hard along side a crew of Haitians clearing away the collapsed floor of Franzli's house. This was grueling work in the hot sun. Some of the crew got badly sunburned. We were worried that part of the floor would fall and crash a hole into the neighbor's house. The Lord was gracious and it fell little by little and turned on its side instead of puncturing the roof as we chipped away and cut the rebar holding it one by one. The neighbors had been afraid to enter their house with this big chunk hanging over their house and were relieved to have it all cleared away. All the cement was smashed up with sledge hammers, shoveled into buckets and carried down two flights of stairs to the pile in the street, where it was later shoveled into a dump truck. The rebar was cut apart and taken down as well. We praise the Lord for the safety He allowed us to have as we worked.

On Thursday we finished up early and prepared over 300 love-in-action bags to distribute that afternoon. Each bag had rice, noodles, oil, and some canned meat. These we took in the truck to the street in front of Franzli's house. When we got there the street was full of people waiting. These we were able to pass out of the back of the truck to the line of women who were waiting. We drove off just as we came close to the end of our supplies as we did not want to be part of a riot, and there was not enough for everyone. Thankfully everything went very smoothly, in spite of a few people trying to sneak into the front of the line.

Friday the President of Haiti had called for the start of three days of prayer for the city. We were able to ride the truck to the down town part of the city near the government buildings. This was an area of the city that was the hardest hit. In that area almost all of the buildings were severely damaged. There the odor was strong as there were still buildings with the deceased in them. In many different places the Haitians had gathered throughout the city for prayer services. Some gathered under tarps near their churches or on the corners of parks. All the parks and empty lots are now all covered in tents, as many have no home to go back to, and many others were still too afraid to sleep inside a building. As we traveled along we could still see many dangerous places where the buildings look ready to collapse further. Some buildings were leaning toward the streets where people are constantly walking. Electrical wires were down low in many places. It will be many years before they will be able to fully rebuild!

As I said above, my first impressions of Haiti were darkness. Praise the Lord that there is LIGHT shining out in that darkness. I saw it in the lives of the Haitian Christians. I heard many of them share testimonies of God's protection and grace in the midst of such great suffering and death. One pastor was sharing how he was in a meeting down town. He felt the Lord telling him that he should go out, and he did. Shortly thereafter the earthquake struck and the others in that meeting didn't make it. Even at the orphanage where we stayed, all the children were in the yard when the earthquake struck and the walls around the property had fallen out away from them instead of in on them. Those walls were a beacon of God's provision and protection for them. I saw God's light in Franzli as he was being very generous to those around him and reaching out in love to his neighborhood. Lastly I saw the light in the fact that for the first time the government was calling on the people to turn to God and pray. Julie shared that this was the first time ever there has been a national day of prayer. As we traveled around that Friday and saw many of the Haitians turning to the only true LIGHT I was struck by the fact that only He can provide a full restoration for the Haitian people.

Praise the Lord for the Hope and Light that He provides!

In His Grip

Kevin

more pictures here

Bruce Brief - Feb 2010

Hello from frozen New Hampshire!

Some of you might think that we dropped of the face of the earth here with as much communication as we have been getting out lately.... But no, we have only been caught up in the whirlwind of the American lifestyle! And although we have been busy, we have been very much blessed.

We are now over half way through our furlough year, and are heading down the home stretch towards returning to Ecuador sometime this summer. We are thankful that we have been able to either visit or have scheduled to visit all but one of our supporting churches. We have really enjoyed being able rub shoulders with many of you over the past few months and receive encouragement from you. I hope that we have also been able to encourage you as well as we’ve shared what God is doing among the Awa!

It has been a pleasure for us to take part in so many activities at our home church. This has been a time of refreshing as we learn new things and are reminded of old. Our batteries are truly being recharged as we look toward returning. Teaching a small group on 1^st John has been challenging me to dig into the Word. Attending a small group on strengthening our marriage has helped Kathy and I see our relationship from a different perspective and identify areas where we can grow. Just a little promo here for the marriage seminar: we are going through a video series by Paul Tripp called “What did you expect”, and it is very good material! Not only has it helped us with our relationship with each other, but also our relationships with our daughters, friends, and others. I think that between Kathy and I, we are involved in over 6 different weekly Bible study groups either together or individually, and we thank the Lord for so many opportunities to ‘tank up’ spiritually!

We continue to enjoy several winter sports, including ice-skating, sledding, and skiing. Kimberly and I are taking ski lessons this year through a school program, which has been a great experience for the two of us. No broken legs yet! Even though I grew up in ski country, I never learned as a kid.

This coming week I (Kevin) have the opportunity of going to Haiti with a small work team through the Monadnock Bible Conference. Our team will travel to Port-au-prince to aid in the re-construction of a Haitian pastor’s home. Since many people were willing and even longing to help in the wake of the earthquake, I feel privileged to be able to be able to tag along. Please pray that we will be truly helpful as we seek to show God’s love to the Haitian people. I am still scheduled to go again in April with a group from our church.

As far as an update on the ministry in Ecuador, the Shaubs returned in December from their short trip, and have started construction on their mountain home. (They are living in our house this year while they build.) Doug and Dorcas Williams were able to purchase a reliable truck, so that is also an answer to prayer. Pray for both of them as they seek to minister to the Awa in spite of some unrest in the area. Also, both of the Williams’ daughters are experiencing some health troubles as we write. God has been working among the Awa. The Shaubs and Williams report seeing some growth in maturity in the believers as Doug has been teaching on Church leadership. Doug says that he sees a desire in Milton to be involved in shepherding his own people. Please pray with us for a strong church among the Awa who will be able to reach out and impact their whole people group like Paul and his motley band of missionaries impacted all of Asia!

Thanks for your prayers!

Kevin & Kathy

Bruce Brief - Happy Thanksgiving!

“Home” for missionaries can be a little hard to pin down at times! But we are thankful to say that God has helped us to settle into and feel ‘at home’ here in our rented house in the little town of Spofford, New Hampshire. During the month of October, we gradually unpacked and established a routine while we enjoyed the beautiful colors of fall unfolding around us. We live close to Lake Spofford, so have enjoyed getting out to walk and enjoy the scenery.

 

As we look back at our summer travels, we are so thankful for safety on the road, good health, and such encouraging visits with friends and churches. We feel very blessed to be a part of God’s big family! Again, we’d like to share our thanks for your hospitality along the way, as you have enriched our lives in many ways.

 

This fall we are visiting several churches in the area, as well as taking part in several small group Bible studies here in our home church. Although they had a late start, our girls have made good progress in the homeschooling year, and should be finishing our first quarter by the end of this month. Homeschool co-op at church has been a good addition, and Kimberly is looking forward to piano lessons starting up next week, and the possibility of ski lessons during the winter. Now that’s something we haven’t been able to do in Ecuador! Keilah would like to do some ice-skating this winter, and both girls are enjoying youth group.

 

Our family doesn’t feel quite the same without Kenny! But we are happy to report that he is doing well and loves NTBI in Wisconsin. He is learning much, not only in his classes, but also as he holds down a job and learns to take responsibility for his own finances. We are looking forward to seeing him over the holidays.

 

Down in Ecuador our coworkers have started up our Adult literacy program again, so please keep them in prayer, both teachers and students! We were excited to hear the Milton’s wife, Delia will be joining the group of students this time. This is a real answer to prayer. Pray for Doug and Dorcas this month as they man the outpost alone. Chrissy and Andy are here in the states for a short one month visit, and will be returning to Ecuador in the beginning of Dec. Also pray the Doug and Dorcas will be able to find a reliable used 4x4 truck to purchase.

 

We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

1Ti 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 

In Christ,

Kevin & Kathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bruce Brief - Eastward bound!

We’re heading east….

Yes, we are in the final stretch of our summer travels! Tomorrow will find us driving from Missouri to Kentucky and points beyond as we gradually make our way back to New Hampshire to settle down for the fall, winter, and spring. We have so much to be thankful for…

…good friends along the way, and such wonderful hospitality!

…churches and folks that are interested in the ministry and want to help in any way they can

…safety in over 9,000 miles and 23 states and many hours on the highways, and a sturdy van

...the beauty of God’s creation seen in sunflower fields in North Dakota all the way to a cypress swamp in Mississippi (complete with an alligator!)

…God’s provision of a completely furnished house in New Hampshire for the 8 months we’ll be settled down (October thru May)

…the Williams family’s safe arrival back in Ecuador, and Shaubs who held down the fort alone until they arrived

…Kenny happily moved into his dorm room at NTBI in Wisconsin, and finding a job

…and many more blessings too numerous to jot down. Thanks, Lord!

The first week of October (October 3-5) will find us arriving in Spofford, New Hampshire, and moving into a house just a few miles from our home church and Kevin’s folks. We look forward to getting involved in our home church, beginning our homeschool year, and yes, perhaps even settling into a boring routine!! J Keilah is ready to get back into her normal sleep pattern, while Kimberly would just like to wake up without being confused about which state she’s in. Kevin and I are just ready to unpack those suitcases!

Thanks for your prayers, hospitality, and friendship!

Kevin and Kathy

Travel Highlights

on the road again :-)

After three weeks here in New Hampshire, we are out on the road again for points west and south. We are looking forward to seeing many friends and family, even though it entails many hours on the highways of our country! The end of September should see us back in New Hampshire, settling down for the fall and winter. We plan to be involved at our home church as much as possible, while visiting several other supporting churches in the area as time allows. It has been a joy to sit with our friends here over the last three Sundays, as we soaked in the praise and worship and teaching. Our hearts were thirsty for that sweet fellowship! We thank the Lord for these refreshing weeks.

Kenny came last monday morning with his driver’s license, the first step in settling into life here! He will be beginning classes at NTBI on August 17^th. His address will be 915 N. Hartwell Ave., Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186. He is excited to begin his studies! He will have many adjustments, as he not only adjusts to school and dorm life, but also looks for a part-time job to help pay bills. Over the next few months he will have to adjust to fall and winter weather in Wisconsin, as well.

Our co-workers Doug and Dorcas Williams flew back to Ecuador this week. They also have many re-adjustments to make as they settle back in there. Please pray for them and for Andy and Chrissy Shaub as they hold down the fort amidst all the changes!

Thanks,

Kevin & Kathy Bruce

Picking berries

Keilah and Kimberly picking raspberries in NH

(Kevin's parents' house and our van from Righteous Rides!)

Kenny happy with his blackberry - a gift from his uncle!

Bruce Brief July--goodbyes and travel

With our flight to the USA coming up in just a few days, we are in the midst of saying our goodbyes—not only to our Awa friends, but also to our coworkers and Ecuadorian friends. In a Latin culture, it is quite offensive to leave without saying a proper goodbye, so we are trying hard to do it right and hurt as few feelings as we can. J Leaving the Awa believers was especially hard for us. Even though the Awa heartily dislike showing strong emotions, many had tears in their eyes last Sunday as they said their goodbyes. Because they have such a difficult time handling these feelings, I think they actually feel a little upset with us for causing them to feel such sadness! While we look forward to seeing friends and family in the USA during this year of furlough, part of our hearts will definitely stay here with the country and people we have come to love.

Changes are in store for the Awa communities while we are gone! Construction is quickly moving forward on the bridge over the RV river, and the workers estimate that it will be done in about five months. At that point the road will continue further interior. At the same time, the Awa are carrying heavy loads of electric poles (made from a PVC pipe-type material, but still over 200 lbs each!), transformers, and wire up into the communities all along the main trail. There should be electricity in our community in just a few months! We can hardly imagine what it will be like to come back to both a road and electric service at the Outpost! These changes bring both good and bad influences for the people as the first electric items that most buy are televisions and dvd players, along with an abundance of videos full of violence and poor morals. Cultural change comes very quickly because these isolated people consider such movies to reflect life in the modern world, which they long to be a part of. With the road also comes easy access to alcoholic beverages. At the tiny community center of RV, there are already three bars/cantinas in place! Please remember the Awa believers as they learn to deal with these influences. Discernment only comes by God’s grace in their lives.

We are sorry to have been out of touch over the last eight weeks! Our not-that-old laptop computer bit the dust, leaving us hanging. I have finally been able to resurrect the hard drive and we have our email address list back. J We are thankful to have communications up and running again (even temporarily on a loaner computer)! For those of you who we have kept in the dark, our plans include flying into St. Louis the 10^th (this week!) and then heading west/north to see Kathy’s sisters, and then on to New Hampshire. Our three weeks in New England will be a little rushed, as we need to be on the road again by mid-August so we can drop Kenny off at the Bible Institute in Wisconsin. In September, we hope to head back to New England (from Oklahoma) by way of any of you who would like us to drop in! At this point, we can be reached best by way of email. As soon as we have some type of phone number, we will let you know. For the fall and winter we plan to settle in New Hampshire. We are still sorting out where we will live, but we praise the Lord for His provision of a Grand Caravan van loaned to us by a wonderful organization that loans vehicles to missionaries (Righteous Rides)!

Many thanks for your prayers for us!

In Christ,

Kevin & Kathy