RAINY DAYS

There's nothing like that moment when you stop admiring the sound of the afternoon rain and start remembering the laundry is still on the line.

Oh well, minor inconveniences are not the worst consequences of rain! 

One of the things that has characterized our fourth year here in Haiti has been the tremendous amount of rainfall, the polar opposite of the drought of our first year. And it often has made life quite difficult for our neighbors and friends and co-workers. The rains push garbage and mud and sewage through the streets and, if it falls long and heavy enough, the floodwaters rise and bring disease and property destruction. Sometimes even death.

The English idiom "saving up for a rainy day", apparently dating back centuries, means "putting aside money for when a need suddenly arises".  In Haiti, there's no time or means for "saving up" because, figuratively, the "rain" is falling daily. 

I am writing to you today because we are a needy family living in a needy land. 

A few snapshots:

1) Almost weekly, my 14-year-old friend, Melky, asks me for a job. He wants to help support his family. I have no job to offer.

But as Melissa and I serve at Cowman School we are part of the reason the school has grown enough in the last four years to offer at least thirty local men and women meaningful work and a regular paycheck.

2) A young, brand-new father named Charles came to our front door recently, desperately looking for hundreds of dollars because his wife's first birth was complicated and the baby and mother were basically being held captive by the hospital until the bill was paid in full. I was able to give him part of what he needed.

But as our family lives and works here at OMS, our support account plays a part in enabling our own Bethesda Medical Clinic and the outstanding (and affordable) work being done there by Dr. Rodney and his staff.

3) In the past four years we have watched helplessly as the Haitian gourde has relentlessly weakened against the American dollar. What our friends used to buy in the marketplace for 42 gourdes now costs 69 gourdes. Our friend Daniel has more and more demand for food among his neighborhood's kids.  

As far as Daniel is concerned, FEEDING those kids is just the first step. They need clothes and clean water. And, if the cycles are ever going to be broken, an education. Daniel gets quite passionate when he starts talking about his dreams for these kids.

We are so glad to be in a position to support Daniel in his incredible ministry.

Melissa and I are also sold on the long-term positive power of a good education for Haiti's next generation. Cowman continues to grow (even beyond what we can keep up with currently!) and, by God's grace, we will be sending out our first group of high school graduates in just over two years. It's an exciting ... and exhausting ... time to be serving at Cowman.

So let me explain what I mean by describing OURSELVES as a "needy" family. I am sure most of you realize that we and our family's work here in Haiti are dependent on the friends, family, strangers and churches who give financial gifts to our support account with OMS. Some give special gifts now and then, some give annually and many even give monthly. 

As we tackle day to day work responsibilities and the (endless) variety of unexpected challenges along the way, Melissa and I always must keep an eye on that support account. (Each time I look it over, I am truly humbled and thank God for all who support us in so many ways!) Those monthly gifts are the bedrock of our support account and the special gifts keep our heads above water. 

Now and then, our account starts to dip into the red. When it does, the repercussions begin to mount. First our ministry-related expenses can't be reimbursed, soon our monthly "salary" gets reduced, and - eventually - the specter of spending extended time back in the States for fundraising begins to materialize. 

We have learned not to get too anxious - the Lord has not failed yet to provide for our needs through the generosity of His people. We understand not everyone we know is in the position to support us, but if the Lord puts us on your heart in this way, the easiest way to send support is through our page at the OMS website - right HERE. 

Soon the school year will end and our family will be back in Indiana (and surrounding areas) for the summer. We would LOVE to sit down with you over a cup of coffee to catch up. Or do you know of a small group, Sunday school class or local congregation that would be interested in hearing about our work in Haiti? Don't hesitate to contact me at sgross@onemissionsociety.org or through Facebook. Finally, how awesome would it be if this coming year would be the year you come visit us in Haiti? Let's talk about it this summer!

As always, we are so very grateful for your prayers and support. God bless you!

(A couple of Cowman teachers shielding students from the rain. How's THAT for a metaphor?!)

At least these April showers bring May flowers...