It has been an exciting past week, especially in regards to the sanitation program, “Clean Hearts, Clean Hands!”

Since the program began, it had a goal to challenge people concerning the condition of their hearts while cleaning the city. Our thought has been we have a filthy city because we have filthy hearts and only God can cleanse hearts. We felt God tell us that through our acts of service He will convict men of the state of their soul. If our program was successful we would begin to see people repent of sin, their mentality change, and a cleaner city.

We started the program in February ‘07 with just the word from God; “As you clean physically, I will reveal what I desire to do in their hearts spiritually.” Over time we have heard people standing, watching us as we remove the worst of the garbage, and say; “This is what God wants to do in our hearts.” Even one pastor said; “A member of my congregation came and spoke to me; ‘What YWAM is doing is what God desires to do in the lives of all those in our city.’”

We began with nothing more than a skidloader, pickup, and one dump trailer. We took about 20 old metal drums we had and cut them in half. Now we have been able to purchase a second skidloader, a power sweeper attachment for it (To sweep main roads), a second dump trailer, and currently have over 260 drums scattered throughout the city.

At the same time we are training Haitian men to continue the job of trash removal through “Clean Hearts, Clean Hands”. These men are also receiving daily Bible teaching, Monday through Friday. The teaching focuses on how to become Godly men, men of character! When they first started they had very poor attitudes, feelings of humiliation, and fear of what others would say influenced them more than making right choices; half the men dropped out. Yet the half that stayed are becoming ever so strong, strong in God and character. They are also all from local churches where they have become better members and tithe to support their local congregation from their wages received for working in the trash removal program.

This week was a great example of the victories and challenges we face as we continue with this program.

Victories:

1.       A man with a hurt leg begs for money when our crew comes to remove the trash. Yet, instead of giving money, our team of men gathered around the man, asking if they could pray for him. It was so warmly received that it brought deep conviction and appreciation to our men. They are not only serving in trash removal; they are ministering through prayer.

2.       As the team came through one neighborhood, they were warmly greeted when one large Haitian lady came running from her house. She embraced Freeman, leader of the program, crying out; “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all that you do for us!

3.       More drums are being asked for and additional drums have been distributed.

4.       We now have been asked to clean a section of the community market that is outside our normal activities; this request comes personally from the Mayor.

Challenges;

1.       Freeman took a blow to the mouth. As the team was entering the market to remove trash, a car blocked the road. The driver was called for many times, but never appeared. The men began to see if there was a way to push the car. After several attempts, it proved impossible. Out of nowhere, a lady came up behind Freeman and punched him with her fist square in the mouth, busting his lip wide open. Freeman, wanting so badly to react, found the grace of God and withheld. Forgiving the woman, he still went and filed a report with the police, which is necessary and proper to do in Haiti. The good news was that the next morning many people came to encourage Freeman and support him. Freeman used this real situation to demonstrate Christ like character and it was applauded by the community.

Continue to pray as we see God touch hearts and transform our city!

Taking the High Places!

Terry W. Snow

National Director

YWAM Haiti

PS This message has been late getting out. Since writing it a tropical storm has moved over Haiti dumping large amounts of water. There are scattered reports of flooding and there will most likely be many homes destroyed. We are still under rain as I write this. I would ask you keep us all in your prayers. I will send a report as soon as I have clear information.

If you would like to send in a contribution to support the ongoing work of Youth With A Mission Haiti you may make your gifts payable to YWAM Haiti and mail to;

YWAM Haiti

PO Box 236

Akron, PA 17501

We thank you in advance!