Let me share some really cool news with you, but first may I ask you a question? Can you name two significant historic events the Haitian people have been involved in that blessed the United States of America? Here they are:
- Because of the uprising of slaves, first started by a slave foreman named Boukman, France was loosing her foothold in the Caribbean. To be able to continue to fund the war efforts to retake Haiti, France agreed to sell Louisiana to the United States. Thanks to the valiant efforts and courageous fighting of the Haitians slave for their independence, USA received Louisiana peacefully to add to her wealth.
- A group of Haitians, still enslaved by France, volunteered to travel on boats from St. Marc, Haiti, to Savannah, GA, to fight against the British during the War of Independence.
This past month we were invited to participate in a delegation sent from St. Marc, to Savannah, GA, (this time on planes) to participate in the unveiling of a new monument, regarding this second historic event I just mentioned. The new monument was built to remember and celebrate the courageous fighting of the Haitian Soldiers during the War of Independence.
It was a powerful time as we reflected on the courageous efforts of those Haitian Soldiers. It was an honored to represent our mission amongst the seven member delegation that represented St. Marc during this time. The delegation consisting of our Senator, Mayor, City Works Director, City Engineer and two media persons to record the trip.
Our travels to Savannah actually had two objectives; the first was to participate in this historic unveiling of the Haitian American Monument, and second to discuss how St. Marc and Savannah, GA, can continue to grow in relationship and assistance with each other.
As a result of our travels and positive relationship, a first draft contract was formed that could aid our city, St. Marc, in much needed assistance. This newly formed agreement involved in part the City Manager of Savannah, in working with the Mayor and City Counsel, contributing retired, yet very functioning, equipment to St. Marc in an attempt to help jump start the infrastructure.
This is wonderful news as currently our city has no heavy equipment of any type. They have already set aside a backhoe/front end loader, two dump trucks, pickup and a large flat bed truck. Praise God!
God is on the move! Meanwhile we are prayerfully considering sending a team of youth from St. Marc to Savannah. They will not be going to fight in a physical battle but a spiritual one, a war for souls and assist in low income districts of Savannah. Michael Brown, City Administrator of Savannah, shared with me his heart felt concern for the rise of violent crime among the youth in low income housing area in Savannah. As I listened I began to wonder; “Is this an opportunity God would want us to undertake?” So I asked Michael later; “Could we bring a team of young Haitians to help challenge these youth in the low income areas through a clean-up project as well as one on one in counters?” He responded; “Why not! We should be able to help out with seeing this happen.” Just imagine, Haitian Youth coming to Savannah to encourage American Youth towards a right direction in life. WOW!
Well, this is a big vision! However, Michael is saying, “bring them!” We are interviewing now for our next Discipleship Training School (DTS) that could possibly do this very outreach in May of 2008. Before their travels they will be challenged, transformed and equipped, with God help, to make such a journey a success!
Join us in pray that God’s will may be done and that more laborers form Haiti will be sent!
Meanwhile, if you would like to help sponsor a DTS student or YWAM staff to prepare the way for this exciting opportunity you may contact us at info@ywamhaiti.org or simply reply to this email.
Taking the High Places for Christ!
Terry W. Snow
National Director
YWAM Haiti
For donations you may make your checks payable to YWAM Haiti and mail too;
YWAM Haiti
PO Box 236
Akron, PA 17501
Thank you for your partnership with us as we “Take the High Places!”
If you would like a copy of the book just written about Terry Snow’s experiences in Haiti titled “Taking the High Places you may go to; http://www.ywampublishing.com/p-1054-international-adventures-seriesbrtaking-the-high-places.aspx