After the passage of the earthquake that shook the country and devastated its infrastructure, the major problems the country faced long have worsened.

An assessment of damage caused by the devastating earthquake shows that the major problems in all areas of the country in general and those in which CRECH intervenes in particular must be understood from several angles.

We mention the need for food for all the country’s economic base primarily in the departments of the West and South-eastern are carried away in the earthquake; there are the security requirements so far as Haitians are sleeping under the stars and some in dust contaminated Street.

We also need funding for schools because now there are many schools damaged and many others destroyed; there are needs for health and this multi-faceted.  Before thinking school, support to the mental health of the population is necessary because many people are traumatized and unable to resume normal lives without special psychological assistance, as is the case with this girl, 8 years old who has lost his mental functions after learning that his father is carried away by the earthquake, but also health needs because the country is contaminated with dust mortis that may cause epidemic diseases with the rainy and hurricane season that is already announced.  So students must be vaccinated to be protected against epidemic diseases.

The goal in our partnership with CRECH is to accomplish these first goals, as proposed by the partner:

·       Provide psychosocial and spiritual support to 20 000 traumatized children and young in the areas most affected by the earthquake: Port-au-Prince, Delmas, Carrefour, Petion-Ville, Arcahaie, Cabaret, Leogane, Grand Goave, Minor Goâve, Gressier, Jacmel as a transitional stage for the resumption of school

·       Provide food assistance in partnership with Parole and Action and other partners to children and young beneficiaries of psychosocial and spiritual mentoring program

·       Allow 2 000 teachers without livelihood and income to survive for 6 months

·       Provide 200 school tents as temporary classrooms to facilitate the return of students to school

To keep up-to-date on what we will be doing, please visit our Featured Campaign page.

Background Information:

On January 15 – 22, 15 students and three staff members from King’s Christian Collegiate left for a service trip with Worldwide Christian Schools to Belize.  Every year, King’s offers various trips for their students.  Typically there are two service trips and one cultural trip.  As a school, we strongly believe that these trips can be life transformational.  We want to give students an opportunity to see the world differently.  The trips are tightly related to our vision statement: “Equipping students to grow in stature and favour with God and man.”  The trips enable our students to serve another community while learning immeasurable life lessons about God, others, and themselves.  As trip leaders, we work really hard at impressing on our students that these trips are not about us “saving” others.  It’s about serving, learning, and growing.  The importance of understanding that these trips are about personal growth and spiritual significance is emphasized over “doing good” for others.  It is through serving others that we learn about who God is and what He wants to do with us individually and as a group. 

We have been able to establish and excellent relationship with a school in the Dominican Republic alongside Careforce International and every year we send a team to this location.  For our second service trip, we work with various agencies to find a good fit for our group and school.  Two years ago we sent a team to Nicaragua, also with WWCS.  This was an excellent experience and we decided to consult WWCS and see what options were available.  As we discussed various options, Belize became more and more inviting.  Originally we were supposed to work in Caye Caulker which was a sandy island area.  This attracted all sorts of attention from students.  But later on it was decided that Orange Walk would be a better fit because of the work that was necessary and appropriate to our level of abilities.

What did we do?:

The trip was quite structured overall.  Every morning we would wake up by 7:00 and students and leaders were given a devotional booklet that consisted of Bible reading, journal questions, and prayer outlines to follow.  We would all disperse and find a quiet place to connect with God.  This was an invaluable time as students responded very positively and were shocked by the amount of thoughts that were percolating in their heads as they read the passages, answered some introspective questions, and prayed.  There was also a follow up question for students to think about as they went about their day.  We would then leave for the worksite at 8:00 and first have breakfast.  By 9:00 we were all in our small groups and ready to work.  The bulk of our time there was spent painting and varnishing.  At first, our students were a bit disappointed because they were looking forward to doing some hard labour.  This was again a valuable life lesson about serving.  Serving others is about finding out what they need as oppose to doing what we want to do and assuming that it’s in their best interest.  By the end of the week we were able to step back, see the progress of our work and feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that we served in the capacity that was requested.  The principal of the school was delighted with the work we did and the interactions we had with the students.   She was choked up with tears when she testified to God’s goodness in answering prayers and how we were living proof of that.  It was such a joy for our students to be able to connect with the students of Belize.  Since Belize is an English speaking country, all the students were able to communicate with our team.  Any time there was a break, our students would rush to play with the Belizean students.  Whether it was soccer, hanging on the monkey bars, or just sitting quietly, our group was fully integrated with the school children.  We also had the opportunity to lead a chapel.  This was an incredible experience.  Our students are fairly reserved and don’t sing or dance too much at our own chapels.  However, the one we led in Belize was a whole different picture.  We led them in songs with actions and dances, we performed a skit (on the fly!) of The Good Samaritan, and had a time of Q&A led by two of our student leaders.  At the end of chapel we were all blessed by the Spirit that came full force in that room.  It was an experience that is ingrained in my mind so deeply.  After our work day, we would return to our hotel to shower and relax before dinner.  Dinner was at 6:00 and then we would meet for evening devotions at 7:30.  During evening devotions we began with some singing. The singing was like we’ve never heard a group of King’s sing before.  It was as if they actually enjoyed singing and the words of the songs carried meaning. After singing we would discuss our day and plans for the next day.  Then students took turns giving their personal testimony about how God has been at work in their lives.  This was extremely moving as students allowed themselves to become vulnerable, raw, and broken.  Tears were shed, hugs were given, and feeling of community hovered around us.  Many students felt that this was important because rarely do we share that deeply about our personal lives and who God is when we’re back home.  After testimonies we would spend time debriefing about the passage and theme of the day which the students read during their morning devotions.  We would unpack the story and then work through group discussion questions that allowed us to grow deeper in our understanding of the biblical application.  Finally, we would end the evening with small group time.  During these times, we would meet in our small group (it was the same group as our work groups) and share some of the day’s experience further, and delve in deeper to the questions from our morning devotions which were theme based.  We also spent time in prayer with each other.  Once again, there were many tears, many emotions, and many Spiritual discoveries, commitments and challenges.  By 10:00 everyone was in their rooms and it was time for bed…at least for most of us.

There were two opportunities for our group to “get away”.  On the first Sunday we rented a van and drove to a nearby lagoon…don’t be fooled by the word “lagoon” which sounds way more romantic than it actually was.  The weather wasn’t very cooperative and the site was very “simple” but we had a fun time connecting with one another, whether it was chatting in small groups, throwing the football around, or frolicking in the water.  The biggest adventure was driving in the van.  Though the ride was only nine miles long, it took over 40 minutes because of the plethora of potholes and rugged road conditions; it was a bonding experience as we landed in each other’s laps frequently and had to hold on to each other’s necks for safety.  The second outing was to the city of Belize.  We spent the morning at the market buying souvenirs and practicing our haggling skills (which btw, we weren’t very good at!).  The afternoon was spent at a place called “Old Belize” where we had lunch, did some zip lining, swam, played volleyball, rested and had a great time together.  This day was definitely a highlight for many of us.

Impressions:

Overall impressions are so hard to describe.  I think I described a great amount of these impressions throughout the first two questions.  The trip was excellent.  I’ve been and led many trips and all the trips have been equally valuable.  No trip has really been better or worst overall, but there have been aspects that change the dynamics of each trip.  This trip was characterized by the tight connection we had with each other as group and by the interactions we had with the school children in Belize.  Many students were already friends but the relationships deepened during our work periods, group devotions, and small group times.  We also had a ridiculous amount of fun.  Everyday our abdomens had a good workout.  Whether it was events that occurred during the day, or just simple exhaustion, we laughed so much. 

Our last night was the most memorable of all our evening devotions.  We spent time completely vulnerable with each other and with God.  It became apparent that so much was being revealed to each member.  The challenge is what we do with all these thoughts and revelations now that we return to our “normal life”.  Were those experiences highly emotional or were they spiritual and require of us a change in lifestyle, attitude or heart.  As the trip leader it was such an amazing experience to see students so open with their thoughts and feelings.  It was also inspiring to see how each individual student had an opportunity to shine during the week.  Whether it was through their hard work, their willingness to be vulnerable in sharing their testimony, their ability to connect with the Belizean students through games and songs, their exuberance and intense energy level during our chapel service, or through individual one on one conversations each student was an inspiring example.   During this trip God was present in all aspects.  We claimed this trip to be God’s from the very beginning and He took control of the trip and blessed us each in such powerful ways.  We are so thankful for the experience we had together.  It will always be in our hearts and minds.  It will be an anchor for many of us to look back on and to remember how God was ever-present during that week and how we saw and heard Him so vividly.   During this week in Belize, it was clearly evident that our students have grown in their favour and stature with God and each other. 

Carol* is an attorney working in the federal court system.  A long-time supporter of WWCS with a heart for India, she recently corresponded with us about why she feels compelled to help others, and how she does it.  These were her answers to our questions.

WWCS: What (or who) inspires you to give?

C: Scripture, which teaches sacrificial giving, and a desire to share life’s bounties with less fortunate people.  It is only fair to do so.  Certain heroes of mine, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Archbishop Oscar Romero, who gave their lives for oppressed people, have also inspired me.  Frederick Beuchner said, “The life you clutch, hoard, guard, and play safe with is in the end a life worth little to anybody, including yourself, and only a life given away for love’s sake is a life worth living.”

WWCS: Do you have a particular region or population you are passionate about? Why?

C: I am deeply passionate about the plight of poor women and children because they often are the most vulnerable members of a society, and statistics indicate that they are disproportionately poor among the world’s population. I wish that I could do more to help them.

WWCS: You are a long-time supporter of WWCS. Why have you chosen this particular ministry?

C: I choose to support WWCS because it makes the Good News of the Gospel available to people without forcing it on them.  WWCS works with, through, and for people regardless of race, faith, denomination, or age, and provides education to children who might not otherwise have access to schooling. The education is a tool for jobs, which in turn provide income for basic necessities.  WWCS directly or indirectly protects, nourishes, and sustains children physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For example, in India, WWCS provides lunch money for poor children, many of whom have an alcoholic parent.

WWCS: How is it that generosity has remained so important to you in these hard economic times?

C: I have been blessed immeasurably with a job that permits me to continue giving even in difficult economic times. Beyond that, the needs of the poor are greater now than ever. There is an ongoing global food crisis due to drought and natural disasters, changes in the global economy, and the use of crops for bio-fuels. Education gives people the tools needed to break the cycle of poverty.

WWCS: What would you say to someone who thinks they have nothing to contribute?

C: Read Scripture (especially the Gospels) and walk with the poor. Educate yourself about the causes of poverty and the issues facing indigenous populations; serve in a soup kitchen; build a school through WWCS or construct a house for the homeless; go on a mission trip or minister to those in your own community; and, above all, pray for the poor, for the people and organizations who serve them, for people in positions of authority here and in other countries, for permanent solutions to poverty, and for increased sensitivity to those in need.

*At her request, this supporter’s real name was not used in the published interview.  She wishes to remain anonymous.

Do you feel compelled to give?  Tell us why by commenting on this post.

Well, we’re back in Kolkata for a quick break before heading on to the next school - a chance to recharge our batteries, both literally and figuratively.

Having shot over 1300 images in 24 hours, you’d think I’d feel exhausted.  I haven’t felt this alive in a long time.  I’m sleeping less - waking at 3 am each day, feeling as if I could take on the world (but unfortunately am stuck in a train and can’t even take on the next car).

We took a train 16 hours from Kalkata to Kesinga, in Orissa, to visit New Life Orphanage and School.  What I experienced there was one of the sweetest times of my life…..

As we drove up to the orphanage, these 75 children stood in line, all dressed up to present us with a welcome to their home.  75 Beautiful faces.  75 apprehensive smiles.  75 little hearts.  All in a row.

How do I even put in to words what these children have done to my heart??

“Sister, sister!” I heard over and over as they asked for another “snap” and to see the picture I took.

I got to hug, cuddle, tease and play.  I got to dance (Indian style, and apparently I’m pretty good at it).  I learned how to pop leaves in my hand, and saw that children who have no toys can turn their flip flops in to a game.

What I didn’t see was an orphanage lacking in love or hope.  These children are being lovingly raised by a family & staff who have dedicated their lives to serving others, and are being cared for and supported by prayer & donations.

These children praise God in ways I have never heard or experienced.  They may not know the love of their earthly father, but they do know God’s love, and you can see it on every one of their faces.

Of course I wanted to pack one up (ok, maybe two or three) and bring them home with me….but I also know that I didn’t leave them in a place lacking in love, grace, truth, and hope.

To learn more about new life, you can visit our website: http://us.wwcs.org/slumschools/slumschools_newlife.html

- Lynell Shooks, Staff Photographer for Student Sponsorship

I was warned.

And re-warned, and re-rewarned.

About how utterly, devastatingly dirty and crowded it is.

But I wasn’t warned about how utterly, devastatingly beautiful it is.  The people, the faces, the sea of humanity - - each one an image bearer of my beautiful God.

Before I left one of my coworkers shared a great devotion about Christ leaving his divinity to enter our humanity - and how it would be like us turning over a rock, seeing a sea of ants, and deciding to go and live and become like an ant (it’s an analogy, not theology).

I thought I might look at this like something in to which I would never want to step.  On my way here I prayed constantly to God, asking him to see beauty, and to see him wherever he looked.

And I have.  Wow, have I ever.  Instead of just seeing the stinking sweat of bodies, I look in to eyes, see faces, and heard chatter, and laughter, and seen a community not just individuals.

I have so much in my head, but as I am here, awake, at 2:30 in the morning, I’m just so in awe.  In awe.

Of this beautiful disaster.

- Lynell Shooks, Staff Photographer for Student Sponsorship

La Fraternidad in El Transito looks like a new school thanks to donations from both WCS and Missionary Ventures which totaled $27,745.  I’ve attached some pictures from Eric’s and my visit.  Below is a link to additional pictures.

 http://picasaweb.google.com/rtpostmafamily/ElTransitoUpdate

The new construction was well thought out with the objective to prevent a large wind storm from destroying the school again.  As you will see from the pictures any roof overhangs were closed up to prevent the wind from catching it underneath.  Even the front of the school is designed to help protect the school from large wind storms.  They have learned that they could not build the school in the same way and have a new design that will last.

Despite these many improvements the school is not yet complete.  There are no more funds available, the reason why the front of the school is half done.  They actually still owe $900 in labor for the project because those who worked on the school were willing to wait for their money so that they had more money for materials.      

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tip O’Neil, is often credited with saying, “All politics is local.”

A simple truth, really, is that the most important of all elections are those of our city or township councils, mayors or supervisors, school and hospital boards, water/sewer, housing, city planning commissioners, district judges, even the local sheriff.

All of us fixed on making a global impact, through education, might do well to take the words of O’Neil to heart, and, profess that “all learning is local.”

Faith-based organizations, FBOs, insist that “we can change the world,” or, “stop poverty, defuse terrorism, bring hope, defeat despair,” and a host of other laudable but hard to substantiate claims.

Under the principle of “all education is local” we must confess “we” are not the ones who are going to change the world, end poverty, and all the rest.

Who then?

To paraphrase another politico, James Carville, running Bill Clinton’s bid for the White House, “It’s the economy, stupid.” We might say, “It’s the Children. Always was, always will be the children.”

The children. The students, or learners, school-age or not-yet-born, in existing or future schools, are the carriers and deliverers of this hope, transformation, prosperity, democratic leadership – “we” dream of and claim.

So, the challenge is this: “How child-focused are our endeavors?” “How will all that we do, actually reach and impact the child in the classroom, in the school, in the community?”

We talk “Christ-Centered” as a key definer of what is “true” Christian “schooling.”

The question remains, “Are we also Child-Focused?”

Some check points on the “Are we Child-Focused” scale might be:

1. Are the children getting good nutrition, to enhance their abilities to learn?
2. Are children drinking safe water which minimizes illness and absenteeism?
3. Do children have access to mosquito nets to cut down the n of malaria?
4. Are children safe, period? Are schools refuges against abuse and exploitation on due to gender, religion, or, even their HIV status?
5. Do children, with consent from parents/guardians, have access to HIV testing, immunizations, hearing and vision screening, all of which impact ability to learn?

I could go on…these are only a few of the most basic examples of “Child-Focused” schooling, let alone the academic, cognitive considerations.

The “uncomfortable truth” is many organizations focus “top-down” as change agents to those whom we trust will be, in turn, implementers of change for teachers and, eventually, children.

Meanwhile children are figuratively dying to access a seat in an affordable school, and/or physically dying for lack of access to the most basic health services, enough to attend school, to learn, and mature mentally and physically.

Top-Side approaches have their value, but, it matters not to a child or parent whether their teacher can afford to attend a conference, if they are too sick to learn.

The irony is that minivans filled with touring educators love to have photo ops with children in schools or orphanages, clinics, or, churches. They may even get to learn the child’s name who is sitting on their lap.

The story, and daily drama, behind that name, that face, that small frame of a child, is as much a mystery to the visitor as it is to wonder, “Why did God have me born in my country, and circumstance, instead of as this child, here?”

As we consider whether our Christian schools are, or should be more, “Christ-Centered” we cannot honestly probe of this dialogue, without coming face-to-face with this question:

“How can we promote Christ-Centered schooling, apart from insuring we are also Child-Focused?”

The challenge is: Can we commit to balancing value and resources to clean water as well as curriculum workshops? Mosquito nets as equally important as teacher mentoring? Immunizations as critical as new, instructional designs?

Could the international community dedicate a percentage of every registration to yet another global gathering of Christian educators toward a fund for insuring every child has “access” to these basic “living to learn” resources?

Could every visiting teacher, workshop facilitator, curriculum designer, volunteer work team, etc. also raise and dedicate a percentage to such a fund for nets, nutrition, or, water or immunizations?

Remember – transformation is local. It’s the children.

-Dale Dieleman, WWCS Field Director for Africa

Last night we were honored by an invitation from the newly elected mayor.

We visited his office and we received an official Proclamation of Gratitude from the municipal government. Then we were treated to dinner at his home. This was extremely high honor in this community and it also is one of the amazing surprises that the Lord has blessed this school and school leadership with.  I have a signed proclamation that was presented to Worldwide Christian Schools that I will be taking back with me and sharing with you all when I return.

Thanks for Praying for us!

Steven Geurink, WWCS Field Director for Central America & the Caribbean

Just when we thought that our HANDS team knew how to work hard, one of the local cooks demonstrates how she can carry blocks up the stairs to to the third floor of this school building. Even though we tried, myself included, none of us were able to even come close to what this local worker could do.

Great photo from Guatemala!

Keep praying for this project and the leadership team at this school. The number of amazing surprises that the Lord had in store for this school and leadership just keep piling up! To God be the glory! Take a look at the final photos from the DeMotte Team, www.eduguate.com/blog

Serving a Mighty God with You,

Steven Geurink, WWCS Field Director for Central America & the Caribbean

Just a quick note to let you know that the work in Guatemala is going very well. The size and scope of this three story school project is hard to understand unless you are here on site. The team is working well and over 1/3 of the roof was installed today by the team from DeMotte. Tomorrow we are expecting to install a majority of the second side of this building.

Our relationship with the local leaders is touching as they ponder and wonder at the miracle that is going up in front of them. This prayer and dream of reaching many more students in the region is being supplied through the combined efforts of nationals and our WWCS HANDS teams. Tomorrow the mayor of the town has invited the whole team to a special meal in honor of this construction project. Last night I was able to attend a Quiche Indian church service and it was filled with Indians that loved the same Lord our God.

We will be celebrating with the school children, teachers, board members and parents on Wednesday morning with a dedication as, hopefully, we put on the last two sheets.

Well… if you want to see some pictures check out the blog on the www.eduguate.com site.

Again, thank you for your prayers and support (special thanks to the Tech group at Comprenew for getting the laptop set up for future groups to use).

Serving a Mighty God with You,

Steven Geurink, WWCS Field Director for Central America & the Caribbean