I almost choked up when we walked inside. It had been 19 months since I had seen Falonie’s store and when I walked in I couldn’t believe what I saw.
If you don’t remember her story, let me bring you up to speed.
Falonie is a mom who lives in Port-au-Prince, and raises her kids by herself. Before the earthquake, she had a small store she ran as a way to support her family.
Earthquake
When the earthquake hit, in less than a minute she lost everything. Her home and her store both lay in ruins and she had no idea what she would do.
So, like a million other Haitians, she grabbed some sticks and a tarp and made a tent. She lived in that tent with her kids, sleeping on a dirt floor, for over two years.
Two Years Later
When we found out about her story, we knew we had to do something. Thanks to the generosity of Grace Bible Church and Iglesia Bíblica Cristo Viene here in Dallas and Danville Baptist Church in New Hampshire, we were able to.
In July of 2012 we brought a small team from Dallas and NH to Haiti. While working with her, we helped her get set up in a new house and helped her design and set up a new store.
The goal was to set her up for a year, allowing her enough time to make the store profitable so she could continue on her own.
Today
A couple weeks ago, while Paul and I were in Haiti, we visited her store to see how she was doing.
I was blown away. Not only has she made it profitable, but she has grown her business by probably 50%. Now, she is able to feed her kids, send them to school and even get them medical care – without any outside help.
A Platform
Not only that, but you know what she named the store? “Jezi Gran” which means “Jesus is great”. Her goal is not only to make an income, but to use that business as a witness for Christ in her neighborhood.
As Paul, Maxime, Falonie and I held hands and sung “How Great Thou Art” in the store a couple weeks ago, it was hard to choke back the tears. Everything the earthquake took from her, the Lord gave her back (using you to do it) and with it he gave her a platform from which she can tell others about him.
Thank you!
Trip Recap
Paul and I had a great trip this past month! Rather than going into detail here, we’ve posted a short recap (complete with videos and pictures) on the site. You can find it here: perkinsinhaiti.com/trip-recap
Support Update
Thank you for your prayers for us as we continue raising support. Last month we were at 9% and now we’re at 15%. Double digits, baby! For those of you who have begun to support us this month, thank you so much!
If you’re considering joining our support team you can learn more about our goals here:perkinsinhaiti.com/give
Prayer Needs
We have a busy month ahead. As support raising picks up, would you pray with us about a few important things?
Speaking Opportunities: For the next three Sundays, we’ll be speaking about Haiti and missions. Would you pray for these opportunities to go well? Would you also pray for more opportunities for us to share our ministry this spring?
Busy Schedule: We have a lot going on these days! With the demands of support raising, Luke’s job, kids and pregnancy – things can get a little crazy. It’s a good crazy, but it’s crazy just the same. Would you pray specifically for balance for us as we juggle a lot of important responsibilities?
Missions Conference: We’re excited tp be participating in the Missions Conference at Grace Bible Church next week. Would you pray for this conference that it would be a sucess for the church and that Lord would give us good opportunities to share our minstry there?
