Mission Trip to Haiti!
Dear Family and Friends,
As many of you already know, Cole and Melinda had an opportunity to serve in Haiti March of 2012. What a huge blessing it was! Our lives were forever changed! We have another opportunity to serve this June. This time Albert would like to come. God is already working out the details to make it happen for him:
We would love to share with you some of the results from our trip last year. Our friend and church member Ira is from Pierre Bizarre, which is a small village outside the city of Hinche. Melinda was one of three who were able to travel there to talk to them about the needs that they have. As many as 200 people would line up to gather unsanitary water from a hole about the size of a 5 gallon bucket. It was heartbreaking to see such a basic need not being met. As a result, our little church held a community fundraiser and raised the $10,000 needed to drill a well! Many of you were a part of making all that happen. Thank you for giving to a group of people who you don't know, but were so desperate for help. The well is in, and the people are so grateful! We are hoping that a trip back is possible so we can deliver much needed medical supplies and hopefully supplies for their school that is a mere hut.
Most of our trip was spent serving at Maranatha Children's Ministries. Cole helped with the preschool, as well as learning how to repair a sewage line and septic system (yuck!). Melinda spent most of her time with the babies. We know you are shocked: She was able to do some training with Courtney Lewis, who is a local child therapist specializing in trauma and how it effects attachment in children. Many of the sensory play games that Melinda uses with kids with autism are also beneficial the brain development and health of these children.
During the school year, the ministry feeds around 60 children two meals a day, which many would not receive without their help. The children are given a foundation of education, vitamins, and a safe place to learn about God's love for them. During the summer, that amount more than doubles for English Camp. Children of all ages come to learn English, crafts, eat, play games, etc. There will be so much to do to keep the program up and running! I know there will be a huge list of things to do:
This will be a huge endeavor for our family. Would you please pray for us and this adventure? We will also need to raise support to make it possible for all three of us to go. If you are able or would like to help financially in any way we would be so thankful (you can give online @ http://www.gofundme.com/26max4 or www.cottonwoodchurch.com/giving . Designate who it is for on the paypal page). We would also welcome and covet your prayers during the trip. We are all so excited to see what God will do and how he will work through us on this trip.
God bless you!
The DerGregorians
