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Dear Friends:

Having just returned from a MISSION TRIP TO HAITI, we want to share an
exciting update with you -- our friends and supporters. We (Dr.
Chris Ponnambalam; her son, Sean; Pam Plant, a nurse; Matt
d'Entremont, our electrical engineer son-in-law; Tracey Crawley, a
hairstylist & business owner; Evan and Donna) departed for Haiti on
October 29th and returned home on November 6th.

Prior to our departure, we experienced so much FAVOUR IN OUR
PREPARATION. In addition to shoes and clothing that had been
generously donated, team members were able to acquire medical
supplies, high quality light fixtures for the school building and
compound, and contents for six hair stylist kits. When our bags were
finally packed, we lacked nothing -- right down to boxes of rubber
gloves for the medical team! We learned a valuable lesson in knowing
that God will supply all our needs.

Then came our TRAVEL FAVOUR; it began right at the Halifax airport
when many of our bags were a few pounds overweight. The clerk just
tagged the bags as HEAVY and said nothing! Then, the seven huge light
fixtures that were donated for the new school & compound (which would
only fit one per bag and were surrounded by used clothing as
protective padding) attracted the attention of customs officials; but,
after a brief explanation by our electrical engineer team member,
there were no further questions. As well, the four boxes and two
suitcases full of medical supplies needed only a brief description by
Dr. Chris, and then the seven of us, along with our 14 check-in bags
(plus 7 carry-on bags and 7 shoulder bags) were whisked through the
checkpoint and on our way.

Our FLIGHTS AND ENTRY INTO HAITI were equally smooth. During the
flight I had been feeling disappointed that because of weight
restriction I had to leave one bag at home (one that I had packed to
take to Benite's aunt's orphanage). As we were about to exit the
aircraft, a flight attendant asked if we could take a bag of clothes,
that she had brought with her, to an orphanage of our choice in
Haiti...we gratefully accepted and later discovered that the huge bag
of goods filled a suitcase...to replace the one I left at home! Benite
met us at the airport and with his assistance we were filed through
all Customs checkpoints without any questions or problems. Although 5
bags were delayed, we did get them later and all items arrived in good
condition.

The SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE where Benite pastors was such a blessing to
attend. We worshipped with our Haitian brothers and sisters and
witnessed their obvious love for the Lord. During the service, two of
our team members, Pam and Matt, disappeared from their assigned
seats on the front row, but after scanning the crowd I saw Pam walking
at the back of the building holding a tiny Haitian baby, and close by
her was Matt taking photos of the beautiful Haitian children (probably
about 200 of them sitting in the kids' section of the sanctuary). At
the end of the service, our whole team was hugged and kissed by a
multitude of precious believers who were giving of what they had -- their
love and appreciation!

Although we had only intended to do two days of MEDICAL CLINICS,
Benite asked if we would begin them on Monday rather than Wednesday.
The result was five days of clinics; Dr. Chris and Nurse Pam saw 337
patients! We are so thankful for their untiring dedication to this
medical mission. Tracey and I looked after the administration, patient
registration, and flow of people who just "showed up" to see the
doctor. Sean (often assisted by Evan) acted as the pharmacist and
administered the meds that the doctor prescribed. We were blessed to
have two translators at all times, and the Lord gave us grace to be
patient with one another. It was a unique kind of clinic in that WE
ALSO PROVIDED PRAYER -- for issues that could not be treated in a clinic
setting we would take the person aside and with a translator pray for
his/her healing. One lady who had injured her back and was bent over
crying with pain was brought to the clinic by two friends (she could
only make it as far as the steps so we all had to go outside to see
her). Dr. Chris administered some muscle relaxants and then we all
laid hands on her and prayed for her healing. The next day she came
back to see us, walking upright with a smile on her face and her body
free of pain. We all rejoiced together. We prayed for others who had
been suffering from trauma since the earthquake, another lady had
cancer, one child was severely malnourished, one man was unable to
sleep, others had tumors; after prayer, these precious people left
with hope and joy.

Tracey did a day of HAIR STYLING INSTRUCTION on Friday and six
beautiful graduates were given certificates, and complete kits to
start their own hairdressing businesses. Please pray that they will
have the confidence and courage to follow through with setting up a
business (we encouraged them to start small with friends and family).
These ladies so appreciated the teaching, and the goods that were
given to them. When the bags were distributed and they realized that
they were receiving the kits, they all suddenly broke out in
applause -- it was a special moment.

Matt spent the week INSTALLING THE LIGHT FIXTURES on the school and
other buildings at the compound, and working alongside a wonderful
Haitian man, Velt (with whom Matt left his safety boots!) Matt
endured the heat as he worked outside in the tropical sun; he learned
how to function without electricity (this was truly difficult for an
electrical engineer) in conditions less than convenient, and did all
this without a translator. He was also our techie who daily
downloaded team members' photos and did a slide show every evening at
dinner. As well, Matt fixed the AC thermostats in our hotel rooms so
we actually had controlled cool air in our rooms at night -- what a
blessing!!

On Tuesday, November 1st, the NEW SCHOOL DEDICATION was celebrated
with excellence! Benite, Michaelle, and their team prepared a
beautiful event where we (and the Fellowship of Christians), and other
friends from the U.S., were thanked and honoured for participating in
the construction of the new school. Our whole team felt blessed to
have experienced this demonstration of gratitude where we were served
by the believers in Vignier. THERE IS STILL A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF
WORK TO BE COMPLETED ON THE SCHOOL (STILL NEEDS A GENERATOR, DOORS,
WINDOWS, UPSTAIRS PARTITIONS, DESKS, CHAIRS, ETC.), BUT THE PEOPLE OF
VIGNIER ARE REJOICING IN WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.

Our team, along with Benite, Michaelle, and Daisie, dedicated the TWO
NEW CUP OF COLD WATER WELLS (that were funded by committed supporters)
on Benite's compound -- one at the new elementary school and one at
the new secondary school. It was so exciting to see Benite's three
year old daughter, Daisie, (with Tracey's help) hand-pump the clean
water for all to see!

We visited two other congregations where funds had been given for the
BUILDING OF CHURCHES. Two fellowships in New Brunswick had raised
funds for these projects and we had the privilege of seeing what had
been accomplished. It was a joy to rejoice with these Haitian
congregations as they celebrated what the Lord had done for them.

Our TRAVEL FAVOUR continued as we journeyed home. We were delayed at
Customs in Miami and were SO close to missing our connecting
flight. With only seconds left, the seven of us were hurried onto the
flight (all other passengers were seated and ready for take-off)
and the door of the plane was literally closed on our heels. The Lord
knew that we all needed to get home and rest our tired bodies.

We were extremely busy, but also extremely blessed! We remained
healthy during the mission and continue to be healthy. We survived
the extremely hot temperatures and were SO thankful that the air
conditioning at our hotel was working so we could get adequate rest.
We were kept safe at all times, even during travel on the Haitian
highways sitting on the back of a pick-up truck. Our team members
were cooperative, respectful, and full of grace. Our families were
blessed and protected while we were away. We have all been able to
overcome the travel fatigue since we have returned. Our every prayer
for this mission trip was answered!

We were very encouraged by our experience in Haiti. We saw a number
of POSITIVE CHANGES: the roads were much improved; the land and
highways were cleaner; the airport has had many improvements; there
was a greater presence of the police; the people were more hopeful;
upon arriving at the airport, we were given a magazine that was
encouraging tourists to come to Haiti (this had never happened
before); and the land is blossoming -- there are trees, shrubs,
grass, and flowers growing on the previously barren soil; the land is
lush and beautiful! I am reminded of the scripture, The desert and
the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom
(Isaiah 34:1,2) We have been going to Haiti for ten years and this is
the first time that we have seen this physical change. Over the last two
years since the earthquake, there has probably been more prayer for
Haiti than ever in the past. What the enemy meant for evil, God
meant for good to accomplish His plan, and to save many people
(Genesis 50:20).

Thank you for your continued prayer and financial support for
Haiti -- you have been, and continue to be, a huge blessing. On behalf
of the people of Haiti, we say "Thank you"!!

Just moments ago we received news about our dear friends in Haiti. We have been advised that Benite Jeune (affectionately known as our "Haitian son") and his family are safe! We are very thankful to know that they have survived this devastating earthquake.

The three story school (enrollment of 700 children), the feeding cafeteria for the children, Benite's house, his father's house, an associated orphanage, and the church building have all been completely flattened! We have spent time with the children and families in each of these buildings, and our hearts are breaking as we think about the tremendous loss this is to the community. Benite has a huge vision for his nation. We have seen him persevere in the midst of extreme challenges over the last ten years as he accomplished so much with so little. Now, he must begin again.

Should you wish to help with the rebuilding of these structures and the re-establishment of this ministry center, as well as helping to provide funds for immediate relief (food, water, etc.) we will be accepting donations (beginning immediately) for this purpose. All of the funds (100%) will go to Haiti. You will receive a charitable donation receipt when you donate funds. You can donate in the following ways:

2. Make cheques payable to "Fellowship of Christians" with memo on the cheque saying "Haiti Relief" and mail to:

Fellowship of Christians, 147 Chandler Drive, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia B4C 1Y3

"And if anyone gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42,NIV

Cup of Cold Water

Water means life! When there is an abundance of water, the critical edge of survival does not threaten us. The children in this image are living on the edge in Haiti. Their faces reflect the joy of receiving. The "edge" for them is having to walk miles and even hours each day for fresh water. Here, clustered together, they evoke an anticipation of something wonderful. That same anticipation might be seen among North American kids gathered around a vendor giving away free ice-cream. These children, however, are receiving the gift of life, a cup of cold water from a pump set up in their own village.