August 2, 2010
Update On Earthquake Victims In Haiti
Following the devastating earthquake in January WHITE FIELDS OVERSEAS EVANGELISM has been constantly working to help some of the earthquake survivors. We sent a team of medical workers to help in the work of saving the lives of the injured.
The Jesus Loves Me Home took 28 orphans who survived the earthquake and cared for them until government workers were able to arrange permanent quarters. A few weeks later several of us went personally and met with survivors of the earthquake who had fled to Gonaives.
We decided at that time to build as many houses as possible for the survivors who were now homeless.
This is a photo of Mrs. Paulette Josuias whose house was destroyed in Port au Prince. She was widow lady living alone. She fled to Gonaives and appealed to Sainsurin Jean Baptiste, who ministers to the Christian Church. Brother Sainsurin found this dear lady a Christian home where she was staying at the time of our arrival in Gonaives.
Mrs. Josuias explained to me that she owned a piece of land in Lestre. This is the city where we first established the work of the Christian Church in January 1972. So we made plans to build Mrs. Josuias a house in Lestre on her own land.
This is the house that we have just completed and painted as it looks in Gonaives. Mrs. Josuias is very thankful to the supporters of WHITE FIELDS who supplied the funds to build this very nice brand new house.
We are continuing to build more houses for the victims of the earthquake and will give you further progress reports in the near future.
August 2, 2010
Pakistani Christian Persecuted
by Dr. Blythe Robinson
There is a serious but ugly truth about Pakistan that needs to be openly stated, however controversial it may be. I alone take responsibility for these views. They are based on my first hand experiences from several trips to Pakistan and having ministered in at least 23 different locations ranging from near the Indian border to near the Afghanistan border. This has included significant discussions with well informed Pakistanis both in the U. S. and Pakistan. They include such classes as Doctors, Lawyers, Politicians, Police, Security Officers, Teachers, Nurses, wealthy Business Men, local “Christian “ ministers, Military contacts that I can’t discuss and many individuals in their homes and places of worship.
Pakistan is officially identified as an “Islamic Republic.” As a whole the “power people” want an exclusive “Islamic” country. These people want to drive out or abuse all others because they are unworthy “Infidels.” In order to appear a “civilized nation” they claim to be a “Republic” but their real intent is found in the details of the infamous “Blasphemy Laws.” When one reads the actual laws, 295 B & C, it is shocking to learn the enormous persecution powers given to any Muslim, even children, to persecute any non-Muslim. Generally if one is not Muslim they are considered “Christians” whose words are worthless. Officially these abuses are denied but in practice the whole country knows that it is true. In practice they can and have persecuted unto death those that displease them. This law is a rubber band that can be stretched to justify any injustice the mind can image.
Employers can abuse employees verbally, sexually, and/ or financially at will. Agreements made by a Muslim to a Christian can be broken with no recourse available. Women and young girls who have to work for Muslim men tell of being raped repeatedly. Husbands know but believe that they can do nothing because they are so desperate for jobs. While on this trip it was reported that a young girl was raped to death by a Muslim man. The police would not release her body to the family because it contained the proof of his crime. The media was hushed up. The poor family was given “hush money,” and the police were seen as guardians of the faith. Sex with women seems to be a big theme with these men. The reward they seek in “heaven” is endless sex with a multitude of “Virgins.”
Children have had other children killed simply by virtue of accusation. During this trip two Muslim boys accused two other “Christian” boys of burning the “Holy Quran.” The boys were caught by the police, put in jail and reportedly murdered by the police without proof or trial. Again the media, controlled by the “power people,” quickly killed the story. If one is “lucky” then sometimes a loved one is merely accused and held indefinitely until a bribe is paid to release them. One woman told me personally that her husband had been held like this for years because she was too poor to pay for his release.
However there is good news. Not all Muslims are dangerous. I have personally met many such people both here and over there who are opposed to the atrocities that are occurring but they too are afraid to speak out for there are Muslims who kill Muslims just as well as Christians. In spite of everything the work of Christ goes forward. The truth was preached, whole churches accepted it, and many confessed faith in Christ. The kingdom spreads, lives have been blessed because of those who sent me. To Christ be the glory now and forever. Amen
August 2, 2010
Report On Caribbean Revivals
May 30-June 5 we conducted a week of preaching/teaching/singing with the Belmont Christian Church on the beautiful island nation of Antigua. This congregation was originally known as the Scotts Hill Christian Church. In recent years the church changed locations to the Belmont subdivision of St. John's (the capital city of the nation). Since the move the church has grown and they have acquired a very large piece of land and a beautiful new building.Wonderful crowds attended each night. The people loved the outstanding, beautiful singing of Lydia Abbott and they gave good attention to the evangelistic messages preached by Reggie Thomas.
T.V. INTERVIEW
The national T.V. station of Antigua took notice of the revival and extended an invitation to Evangelists Reggie Thomas and Lydia Abbott to come for an interview which was aired at the evening news hour to the nation. The interview lasted 45 minutes and was aired in its entirety.
YOU CAN HAVE A COPY OF THE T.V. INTERVIEW
If you wish a personal DVD of this television interview including some of the beautiful songs of Lydia, just write/phone/or e mail your request and we will mail you free-of-charge your own personal copy. You can play this DVD over your own television set or watch it on your computer. The interview gave Reggie the opportunity to tell the White Fields mission story to the nation and also gave opportunity to witness to the nation concerning the Christian faith.
5 PRECIOUS SOULS SAVED
We have saved the best news till last. During the revival 2 twin young ladies accepted Jesus and were baptized, two older adult ladies also were baptized, along with 1 man. In a follow-up e mail Preacher Oscar Cottam tells us that 2 more souls were baptized the Sunday following the close of the revival. We praise God for these victories.
REVIVAL IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
June 5-11 Evangelists Reggie Thomas and Lydia Abbott conducted a revival in the Dominican Republic. First Reggie worked with Lukencia Aime in starting the 2nd new church that White Fields has planted in the Dominican Republic. 9 souls have been reached in this new church-planting effort. During this effort one more man was won to Jesus.
MARRIAGES ARRANGED
3 couples who were living together without marriage have been taught by Lukencia. They now wish to become Christians and have realized the need of marriage. These couples asked Reggie to counsel with them. All 3 couples have now agreed that they wish to have Reggie perform there marriage ceremonies and following their marriage they have already stated their desire to be baptized into Christ and become new members of the newly established church.
GRAND REVIVAL HELD AT LOS CASABES CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Gary Klein and his family have been missionaries in the Dominican Republic for many many years. The Kleins attended the services last year when White Fields established the First Christian Church in Santo Domingo. At that time they invited Reggie and Lydia to return and work with them in a revival. The Kleins live up in the mountains about 35 miles away from Santo Domingo. They have established 8 churches, a Medical Clinic, and a Bible College. They are doing a big and wonderful work for Christ. The Klein's had prepared the church at Los Casabes for revival. Much preparation went into this crusade. The results were very gratifying. The large, beautiful church building was filled each night of the revival. The services were very enthusiastic and spirit-filled. Lydia's singing was a big attraction. The invitation was answered by 7 souls who were all baptized. On the last night the service lasted past mid-night and 22 more souls accepted Jesus. The Preacher of the
church Brother Ernesto will baptize these converts as quickly as possible.
March 26, 2010
8 MEMBER WHITE FIELDS TEAM MINISTERS IN HAITI
Following the earthquake on Jan. 12 a seven member team of doctors and nurses traveled to Haiti and ministered to the earthquake victims. We thank God for each member of this team who helped in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. (We gave you a full report of this trip in last month's newsletter).
March 5-13 Evangelists Cliff Hazard, John Wright , Matthew David, Ed Thomas,Barbara Barger, Lydia Abbott, Bus York, and Reggie Thomas made the journey to Haiti tofurther minister to the earthquake survivors and to conduct Bible Seminars with the Preachers and preach revivals with the churches. We ask you to pray and want to thank you because God heard and answered. All 8 of us made the trip to Haiti and were able to serve Him and safely return. Praise His Holy name.
We were able to help the victims who have suffered so horribly in the Promised Land area just west of Port Au Prince. This was a hard hit area and there are 157 churches in the area. All the buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds were left homeless and are now living in plastic tents. It is very pitiful to see. The photo to the right gives you a small idea of what it is like for these earthquake victims. Just imagine living in a plastic tent with no floor. Chickens and pigs in America have it better than human beings in Haiti.
We were also able to help many of the victims who fled to Gonaives.In particular we were able to help two widows by providing new homes forthem. Mrs. Pauletter Josius, who is a member of the Christian church. Her house fell in the earthquake. She has been temporarily living in Preacher Sainsurin's house. We are now building her a new home which we estimate will cost $3000 to complete. Mrs Josius, a widow, is very grateful toWhite Fields Supporters who have made her new house possible.
We were able to meet with the Preacher’s wives, who met each day for a Bible seminar which was led by Barbara Barger and Lydia Abbott. There were 39 enrolled in this Bible study class. This is the first time in many years that we have been able to have a Bible study for women. The ladies were very grateful and showed great love towards Barbara & Lydia.
The Preachers Bible study and seminar was conducted by Cliff Hazard and John Wright. Cliff preaches for the Christian Church at Milford, Mo and has been a long time friend and partner with White Fields. John is the preacher of the Christian Church at Cookeville, TN. Although this was his first trip with White fields, the church at Cookeville has been a faith Prayer Partner & supporter of White Fields for many years.Both men were blessed to have this opportunity of teaching the Preachers andthe Preachers of Gonaives were very blessed to have these brothers help them with their Bible Studies.
Each night we preached revivals through out the city of Gonaives and 11 souls accepted Jesus and were baptized.We were able to help with projects at the Jesus Loves Me Orphanage.
It was a wonderful 8 days and at the same time left us heartbroken because the masses are suffering so horribly. We are going to have to continue to try and help the victims in an ongoing effort.
Pray for Haiti.We will be doing follow-up trips to Haiti quite often in the days ahead because there are 1 and 1/2 million people homeless in Haiti and they need much more help.
JESUS LOVES ME HOME
Right after the earthquake, we reported that 26 children were placed in the care of Prospere & Clotide at the Jesus Loves Me Home.What we did not know was that it was a temporary situation. We also didnot know that the Government of Haiti had placed these children in our home.I’m sure you have seen the reports on fears of child traffickingand ofthe mission group that was put in prison for supposedly stealing children. TheGovernment of Haiti has worked very hard to find orphanedand displacedchildren a permanent home with a family. This is a great thing for thesechildren.
Also because these children were under Government control,we did not have a say in what they decided to do with these children. We arethankful to know that we are in such good standing with the Government thatthey did place these children with us. We are also thankful that we were ableto help these children during a terrible time of crisis.
Prospereand Clotide have taken in otherearthquake victims on their own. These children will remain with us as this wasa private agreement with Prospereand the person that brought the child tothem. They are also taking in more children from the earthquake, but becauseof all the fears, the children must have their birth certificateandproper papers before they can be placed at the Jesus Loves Me Home. Praythat they can get the papersand we can start taking care of thesechildren that are in desperate need.
We are still in need of the extra help because in the futurewe will be taking more of these children into the home.
We are so very thankful for Bus York and Matthew David forall of their hard work at the Jesus Loves Me Home. Bus & Matthew were able to reinforce thebunk beds in order for continued use, they also made 2 picnic type tables forthe children. The tables are large enough for all the children to sit and eattogether. They also made a closet for the girls dorm. And, of course, thelittle ones who do not attend school were loved on & spoiled again!
The two dorms are plastered inside & out with a smoothtexture. They are so beautiful! The next project on Prospere’s to-do list is tobuild a small dining hall.
Reggie was able to take money to buy new mattresses &bed frames that were so desperately needed. He was able to buy 10 beds, as thiswas all he could find in Gonaives.He was also able to buy new shoes for all the children.
Thank you to everyone that has helped by sending extra tohelp us thru the crisis and for the needs. You are wonderful for these preciouschildren and a very big blessing to them!