New Community Church Haiti Mission 2010

Haiti Recap Video

2010-07-23T12:16:00.001-04:00

Haiti Mission Trip 2010 from NCCinWexford on Vimeo.

Aaaand they're back!

2010-06-28T13:05:00.002-04:00

The Haiti team has safely arrived back in Pittsburgh! Can't wait to see everyone and hear their stories :)

Since internet was not accessible in Haiti, I'm hoping to receive some videos from the team in the coming weeks. Please check back to see them!

Safe at the hotel

2010-06-27T17:26:00.001-04:00

The team has safely arrived at the Comfort Inn in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! Mike said everyone is doing well, and they are enjoying the hotel pool :)

As long as everything goes as planned tomorrow, here is the flight info, and pick-up directions:

*The team will be taking Southwest flight#580 from FLL to PIT, tomorrow morning. They will take off at 7:50am and arrive back in Pittsburgh at 12:30pm.

*Parents and spouses, you have the option of picking up at the airport at 12:30, OR meeting them at the church parking lot at 2pm. Please communicate with your children or spouse on what you plan to do.

Praise God that everyone is back on US soil, safe and sound! Thank you so much for faithfully following this blog, and for praying for our team. The stories the team will share with us have surely had an eternal impact! What a privilege to be a part of what God is doing in Haiti through prayer.

Thank you, again, church family!

Landed in Miami

2010-06-27T14:35:00.001-04:00

Just received a text from Mike that the team has safely landed in Miami! They will be heading to Fort Lauderdale shortly where they will spend the night. I will post when they have arrived at the hotel.

Thank you, church family, for praying for their safe return!

In Flight

2010-06-27T14:05:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. The entire team is currently in flight from Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Miami! I will keep you updated as I hear when they land in Florida and are on their way to Fort Lauderdale. Thanks for praying! They are so thankful to be on their way home after so many flight changes!

Flight change

2010-06-27T08:53:00.008-04:00

Hi everyone! Just talked with Jeff Arnold and some changes have been made with the flights home. This is to be expected when traveling internationally. Jeff assured me that everyone is in great health, and doing fine with the changes!

Instead of a flight from Cap Haitien to Fort Lauderdale, the team will now be flying from Cap Haitien to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The team is split into two groups for this flight. One group is already in flight to Port-au-Prince, and the other should hopefully be taking off within the hour.

***UPDATE - it looks like there will be 3 or more flights from Cap Haitien to Port-au-Prince. Eight more team members are getting on a flight now, and about 12 or 13 are left in Cap Haitien to wait for another flight. Mike Koepfer is waiting in Cap Haitien with the remaining team members.***

From Port-au-Prince, the team will fly to Miami and then take a 45 minute bus ride to Fort Lauderdale for the night.

Please be praying that all these changes will be smooth, and that everyone will arrive safely in Fort Lauderdale. Pray that the team would have patience, and continued good health, as they have a lot of travel ahead of them. Here is a picture of everyone waiting in the Cap Haitien airport.

I will update as soon as I am able!

Last full day in Haiti

2010-06-26T21:40:00.001-04:00

I received a lot of pictures today and it looks like the team had a great last day in Haiti! Here they are and thanks for praying for their safe return to Florida tomorrow!

Amber Friend and Natalie Hoey with some new friends.

Changing tires with the kids!

Continuing the work...

Ehlana Gray and a friend on saturday afternoon.

Joel Friend and his new buddies!

Saturday night group, singing and time together.

Tanner Grindel and a friend.

Joel Friend teaching the children to change a tire.

Jeff Arnold and his new friends.

Group time to worship together and say goodbye.

Pictures from Friday

2010-06-26T09:48:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone! Here are some pictures sent from the day yesterday. As the team is preparing to fly back to Florida tomorrow, here are some ways you can be praying for them:

*That their last day in Haiti would be fruitful. That the team would trust the Lord, and rely on His Spirit, to complete the tasks they have been called to do.
*That they would be unified until the last day together.
*That they would finish well and faithfully.
*That they would be able to spend some time thinking through and processing their experience. Would the Lord continue to change their own hearts for His glory through the things they have seen this past week!

Here are some more pics!

For all your banking needs.

For Mike's mom :)

Greg and Scott with a new friend.

Pastor Sabien talking to the team, and about 100 Haitians, about the benefits of farming, in the countryside.

Here the team is standing on the future site of a banana farm sponsored by Pastor Sabien.

Ehlana, Brooke and Kenzie.

Pictures from Thursday

2010-06-25T00:00:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone! Here is an email from Jeff about the current weather and communication for the next few days...

"Just wanted you to know that all is good here with the team. Steady shower going that is cooling us off and a blessing in light of our plumbing problems. The men weren't able to shower so they took this opportunity to clean up outside with a "natural" bath. The power will most likely remain out until it stops raining and this will affect the use of our fans. Fortunately it should cool things off a bit. The other issue may be our ability to communicate. I only have one emergency battery and won't be able to charge anything at some point in the near future. Communications back may be more sparse."

Here are some of the pictures Jeff sent today. Enjoy, and thanks for praying!

Kirsten, Ehlana and Amy.

Kenzie and Beth doing crafts with the children.

Phyllis working hard at the sewing machine and teaching the children how to sew and cook!

Foreman Phil organizing the labor.

Mike and the "mud team" celebrating.

Mike, and his father in-law, David.

Mike, and his step-dad, Al, inspecting the finished product.

Scott after a very dusty soccer game.

Ehlana during dinner.

Al and Scott.

David, working hard!

Greg putting finishing touches on one of five bicycles.

Video

2010-06-24T16:47:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone! Thank you for your patience with this video. Below you will see a brief clip of the Haitian men, and some of the team, being taught how to break down a tire from the rim.

I have been trying to rotate the video, but can't figure it out. If you don't mind turning your head a little bit to watch, here it is! Enjoy!

HaitiVideo1 from NCCinWexford on Vimeo.

Pictures from Wednesday

2010-06-23T19:46:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! Here are some ways you can be praying for the team.

Please pray:
*For continued team unity - that they would be loving and serving each other well, as well as dealing with any conflict that may arise, in a Biblical way.
*That everyone would be making decisions that are wise, and glorifying to the Lord.
*That they would be reminded every day of God's great love for them....would their actions and attitudes be a response of genuine gratitude for Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Here are some pictures from today. Everyone looks like they are doing well!

Adam Jackley and the Haitian pastor on sunday at church.

Rachel Peterson and a new friend.

Rachel Peterson and Natalie Hoey doing laundry.

Ehlana Gray and friends.

Orphanage soccer team with their new jersey's.

Sisters, Brooke and Amy Templin, and Amber Friend.

Check back soon for a short video!

Pictures from the day

2010-06-22T22:21:00.001-04:00

Here are some more pictures from the day! Enjoy!

Shannon Johanson with a sweet little friend

Jaida Hobbes and the same sweet girl.

Natalie Hoey with new friends.

Jeff Arnold and Perut

Their little buddy, Wilson.

Adam Jackley teaching the Haitians an English lesson.

Pictures from previous post

2010-06-22T15:07:00.000-04:00

Here are the pictures I alluded to in my previous post. Take a look, then scroll down to the previous post for some prayer requests. Thanks :)

Mike, feeling better, and helping the children change tires!

No wheels yet, but riding anyway :)

Prayer Requests

2010-06-22T14:29:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone! Just heard that Mike is back up to 100% health and is working hard today! Such great news, and thanks for praying for him!

Here's another email from Jeff Arnold that I received that describes their work really well:

"We started our work in the trade school teaching basic carpentry skills and automotive repair. The classes have a thirst for this knowledge so they can use it to improve their lives in Haiti."

Unfortunately I am unable to upload pictures right now. I think the system is down. I will post the pictures Jeff sent with the email as soon as I can! Thank you for your patience :)

For now, here are some prayer requests:

*Pray that the team would learn how to love God more as they serve others.

*Pray that they would serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

*Pray for courage as the team surrenders their will, comfort and agenda for His plan and purpose.

*Pray that their love for the children would be an overflow of their love for Christ out of a thankfulness for saving them.

Update on Mike

2010-06-21T22:54:00.001-04:00

Just received an email that Mike is feeling about 80% better! Praise God! He was healthy enough to help with the trade school today and was changing tires on at least 10 separate occasions. He seems to be getting better by the hour!

This is such great news. Thank you for praying!

Trade School Pictures

2010-06-21T20:59:00.001-04:00

Hi friends! Here are two pictures I received today from the work the team did with the trade school.

Little man pumping up his first tire :)

Laying bricks one at a time...

New Pictures

2010-06-21T11:42:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! Here is a copied email I received from Jeff Arnold last night, along with a whole bunch of new pictures. Enjoy and thanks for praying!

"We went to one of Pastor Sabian's churches that was destroyed in the earthquake. Long bumpy bus ride for over an hour through the Haitian mountains. The building you see was built just six week ago. The congregation is praying for NCC and sends their love and thanks.

We are praying for Mike's health and he is in good spirits. Tomorrow begins the work at the trade school.

Thanks,

Jeff"

This is the picture Jeff is referring to that he sent along with this email. What sweet girls!

A great fathers day for Greg Davis and son, Scott.

Chris Lawton with a Haitian boy at the church in the mountains.

Handing out marbles to the children!

Beautiful Mariah Fosnight and a Haitian child.

The teams bus driver and his daughter.

Lots of bananas!

Team Update

2010-06-20T19:20:00.002-04:00

Hello! Here is a team update, and some very important prayer requests, straight from Mike.

Mike Koepfer is sick right now with a fever and body aches. He has been put on antibiotics with hopes of recovering quickly. Please pray for quick healing, strength, and wisdom as he makes decisions about when to rest and when to work. Mike has asked Adam Jackley (our new young adult pastor) to lead the team while he recovers. Please pray for Adam as he leads...that God would give him discernment and wisdom as he makes decisions and cares for the team during this time.

Other than this, Mike assured me that everyone is doing very well! Today they went to church up in the mountains, about a 45 minute drive away. This church is currently being rebuilt as it was destroyed during the earthquake. Mike mentioned that Adam Jackley and Joel Friend were able to share during the service with a translator. Joel has also had the opportunity to lead worship every morning for the team. What a neat experience for the team to praise the Lord and worship Him through music in a different country and culture!

Tomorrow they will begin their trade school. They have three cars to work on, sewing lessons and crafts. This will be a very key time for the team to teach these skills to the children at EBAC!

Mike also mentioned that the soccer shoes were passed out to the children and they loved them! Thank you, church family, for your generous donations! He also said that he gave a tape measurer to one of the men working on the new orphanage.....this kind of tool is precious, and a rare gift, in Haiti. This man truly felt like he had received the best gift in the whole world! What a beautiful experience that must have been for Mike.

Lastly, please pray for the remaining luggage to arrive tonight or tomorrow. Those missing their bags are Mike Koepfer, Phil Cenci and Chris Lawton. Thankfully some of their personal items were in other suitcases. They have some of their belongings, but not all.

Thank you, again, for your prayers! The team is very appreciative!

A picture to end the day

2010-06-19T22:15:00.005-04:00

I received this picture earlier this evening and thought it was perfect to end the day with. This picture shows the new orphanage (IDADEE) that is under construction. Not only is it beautiful, with the mountains and water in the background, but it's really neat to see how God is going to use the team to help with this project through their partnership.

Keep them in your prayers as they move forward with the week and complete all that God has called them to do!

Luggage Update

2010-06-19T12:50:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone! I just heard that 38 of the 42 bags have made it through customs! YAY! There was also little to no tax charged on the bags which is also great news. Mike left me a voicemail with everyone cheering and celebrating in the background. What an answer to prayer! Thank you, church family, for lifting this up!

The team is very excited to have the majority of their tools and supplies so they can get to work. Mike also mentioned that everyone is willing to share clothing and toiletries if anyone's personal luggage hasn't made it yet. What an encouragement to know that the team is already bonding well and serving each other in this way.

I've also received a few more pictures. Enjoy this glimpse below!

Mike with a few friends!

Not the lunch they're used to!

"Heaven or Hell" brochure from Haiti University

First day update

2010-06-18T23:11:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! Got a call from Mike this evening. Still waiting to hear about the luggage as he was on his way back to the airport to check on the situation.

The picture to the left was sent to me via a blackberry and is of the airport the team arrived at in Cap-Haitien. I'm sure many of the team members were feeling quite a bit of culture shock at this point :) Mike is still trying to figure out how to get internet access so more pictures and videos can be sent for updates.

After traveling to the orphanage, the team spent most of the day playing soccer with the orphans. Everyone is pretty tired after spending the day in the hot Haitian sun! It has been a long but very rewarding day at EBAC where many relationships are being developed.

Mike mentioned that there are seven new orphans at EBAC since he was down there two months ago. What a privilege the team has to love on and minister to these sweet children!

Please pray that:
*The team would get a great night of sleep and wake up well-rested for their first full day in Haiti.
*They would adjust to the Haitian food well (no upset stomachs!).
*That all of the luggage and supplies would arrive if it hasn't already.

Thank you, and I will let you know when I hear about the luggage!

Safe in Haiti

2010-06-18T11:13:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Just got a call from Mike Koepfer. The team has safely landed in Haiti! Praise God!

Here are some BIG prayer requests:
*None of the luggage or supplies (minus 1 suitcase that contained soccer jersey's and hinges) made it to Haiti. Due to weight restrictions on the plane all the luggage remains in Florida. Everyone was able to take their backpacks on the flight. Please pray that the bags will make it over on the 4pm flight to Cap-Haiten.

*Pray for a safe trip from the airport to the orphanage. When I talked to Mike they were waiting for another bus to get them at the airport (the original bus had a flat tire).

*Pray that the team would trust in the Lord's sovereignty with the luggage/supplies situation. His will is perfect and pleasing and He has a very good plan for them and the orphans they will be serving.

Thank you for praying and I will post updates as soon as I receive them!

Departure Pictures

2010-06-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

Here are a bunch of pictures documenting the team's departure from Pittsburgh. They met at the church this morning and caravan'd together to the airport. Enjoy!

Haiti team 2010 at NCC

Packing up the van with luggage

Excited for Haiti! Saying goodbye to family and friends for the next 11 days!

Praying over the team before they left for the airport

Preparing the luggage for check-in

Going through security

Thanks for praying, and check back for updates throughout the week!

Safe in Florida

2010-06-17T17:47:00.000-04:00

The team has arrived safely in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida! They will fly out at 6am tomorrow morning for Haiti.

Please pray for a restful and fun evening together. Also, pray that the Lord would prepare them and their hearts for what lies ahead. Entering a new country with a very different culture is quite an experience! Pray for protection, physically as well as spiritually. Thank you, church family!

The Journey Starts Tomorrow!

2010-06-16T18:00:00.000-04:00

Please be in prayer for our Haiti team as they prepare for the first leg of their journey tomorrow. The team will fly to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, spend the night in a hotel, then continue on to Haiti friday morning around 6am. Pray for an uneventful trip, safe flights, a good nights sleep, and a spirit of unity amongst the team from the moment they gather together.

Early in May the Pittsburgh Post Gazette did a story on the EBAC orphanage. If you haven't seen it, you can check it out here. There is also a wonderful video that you can watch here. It gives a great picture of what life is like down in Cap-Haitien. Enjoy!

Haiti Mission 2010

2010-06-08T21:47:00.000-04:00

Hello, and welcome to the official blog of New Community Church's 2010 Haiti Mission! Check here for the latest updates (along with pictures!) about our team serving in Haiti, as well as ways that you can be praying for the them while they are gone.

For those of you joining us for the first time, here is a little information about what our team will be doing during their stay in Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

A New Community Church team of adults and students will be heading to Haiti from June 17-28. This team will spend over a week in Haiti serving and working with the eighty children at the EBAC Orphanage. The team will be partnering with both EBAC and IDADEE.

IDADEE is an initiative to aid in the development and learning of orphan children. The goal of this organization is to train, educate, and equip the orphans with job skills all while growing them into Godly men and women with a solid Christian foundation. The vision of IDADEE is to reach out to orphans and give them a hope and a future.

Below is a video that will explain more about the history and vision of IDADEE, and the heart behind this mission. It is such a privilege to partner with this organization and be a part of what God is doing in Cap-Haitien.