December updates from Thriving Villages

Hi all,

Some important news to share with you:

Generous Support in December

We recently received donations to purchase 6 motorcycles for the APPAS field health workers in Pestel!!   We anticipate that this will significantly improve the efficiency of the health workers, enabling them to reach the children along the main roads much faster so that the workers can spend more time walking into the mountain villages (to visit the hardest-to-reach children).   This financial gift, from two different families who prefer to remain anonymous, is on top of the recent $5000 raised through the successful benefit concert.  Be assured:  God is working powerfully among us!!  

Request for Emergency Assistance in Pestel after Hurricane Sandy

I received this note below from Sister Fidelis.  She indicates that there was a tremendous amount of loss in Pestel after Hurricane Sandy blasted through.  Nelson also has received notes through email from his friends indicating that the food stores are very low for many and starvation is increasing.  On these emergency issues Thriving Villages works with the fantastic Haitian organization in Pestel, KPA (Christians Progress Together).  I cannot speak highly enough of these people who volunteer their time, meet monthly, to benefit their villages.  This group was started by Sister Fidelis and is an enduring testimony to her confidence in the Haitian people, her leadership and foresight into sustainable community development.    So while it is with sadness that I pass this along, be assured that the good people of Pestel pull together in times like these.  Still, they can use our help:

From Sister Fidelis

We need a lot of help to even give a hand up to the neediest after Sandy. We know of 40 homes in our area (1st and 2nd section) which no longer exist or are completely uninhabitable. These are just the worst ones. I know of one man who is practically living on the ground with his family of 8. Children ages 4 - 18, all but one are girls. He and his wife are both sick, etc.
The elderly tell us that this is the worst storm they have ever seen. Crops were destroyed. What they have left, they are eating now, but will have nothing to replant, so then we'll see real hunger. Many animals were killed by falling trees.

Jo and I are collecting money to replace roofs. The families and their comunities are responsible for constructing the walls with their wood and bamboo, earth and lime covering. We are trying to provide nails and corrugated tin, anywhere from $100-$300 per house depending on size and the extent of the damage.

We have also started a black bean planting project to help them replace this staple. We had enough money to have KPA choose 15 families in each community, and they will be handing on what they received, Heifer-style.

We figure we need at least $12,000 just to serve the neediest with their homes. We prioritized individual cases, and people know that whether they receive aid or not will depend on the money we able to collect while we are home for Christmas and immediately after.

If anyone wants to contribute, they can send checks to Sisters of St. Francis Advancement Office, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania, Ohio 43560, made out to Sisters of St. Francis with Sandy Relief in the memo. 
Bless you.  Fidelis

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ThrivingVillages

I do not doubt that the modern Western church badly needs a lot of things, one of them being more confidence that God is working powerfully among us and wants us to do more than we have been willing to do in his service.   John G. Stackhouse

Nelson on his way home from hospital!!

'nuff said!!

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ThrivingVillages

I do not doubt that the modern Western church badly needs a lot of things, one of them being more confidence that God is working powerfully among us and wants us to do more than we have been willing to do in his service.   John G. Stackhouse

Benefit Concert for Thriving Villages: A fantastic evening that raised $5000!!!

Hi everyone,

The benefit concert & silent auction (photographs) last evening was a wonderfully attended event, and it obviously resulted in an outpouring of generosity for the people of Pestel.   We are so incredibly grateful.

The artists used their skills and talents, their joy and passion, and gave us an evening of beauty so that we might, in turn, open up and generously give to others.  

For me this was such a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to participate in sharing God's love with others when we use our abilities and our resources to bring light and life to those around us, and to those in need.  

Let us take a moment to Thank God for the skillful and joyful performances of Professors Kerry Harker-Roth and Randy Zwally.  They had the idea of "An Evening of Hope and Joy Through Music" to benefit the people of Pestel.  The string music was simply captivating and Joyful!  Their willingness made this evening possible.  Their music infused in us a joyfulness that clearly caused a response of generosity.

Let us Thank God for also blessing the work of Steve Miller's hands who provided the photographs for the silent auction.  His photos will now hang in offices and in homes.  They can serve as a reminder of the evening, a prompt to pray for the people of Pestel, and as a conversation piece to visitors.  Steve has been with me to Haiti twice and he's eager to go back.

Let us also Thank God for all who attended last night and showed their support for the artists who have worked hard to prepare for this event.  The musicians practiced, practiced, practiced.  The photographer has spent hours taking the photographs and preparing them.  All these professionals were rewarded by those who came out last evening.

And Thank God for all those who made the evening hospital and friendly.  The people at our church who did the behind-the-scenes work, folks at Messiah College and local churches who promoted the evening in advance...

Do you see how God's goodness poured out through so many lives culminated in a special evening that, in turn, resulted in a response of love to those in need?

Now tell me:  isn't that awesome!!!  

God's love pours out in so many ways.  We would do well to take a pause from our busy-ness to Thank Him for His goodness to us.  And for working in our hearts to share His goodness with others in need.

Ben

-- 

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ThrivingVillages

I do not doubt that the modern Western church badly needs a lot of things, one of them being more confidence that God is working powerfully among us and wants us to do more than we have been willing to do in his service.   John G. Stackhouse

Nelson update: Waiting in the hospital for the blood level to come back in range

While Nelson is still in the hospital (Day 18) he's doing really well. He's received a number of visitors and cards, which has been a nice boost to his morale.  Although this has been a long process and we are all eager for him to come home, he is still very cheerful.  His appetite has returned and the nurses are happily accommodating his requests for second (and sometimes third) helpings of his meals.  We are conveniently located in the hall next to the cafeteria!  Last night Nelson also feasted on some homemade Haitian food that a friend brought in!

3 days this week, Nelson has had a nurse from Haiti.  We have been so grateful that God has provided so abundantly for Nelson.  It makes a huge difference for him to be able to communicate with her in Creole!!! 

We learned today that he was given Vitamin K just before his 2nd surgery, and that's essentially an antidote to the blood thinner.  That was a very good thing to do.  The Vitamin K is still lingering in his body, slowing the normal effect of the coumadin.    It looks like he'll be in the hospital over the weekend at this point.  

We had hoped he could make it to the benefit concert on Sunday evening (6:30pm...Slate Hill Mennonite Church!  :)   

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ThrivingVillages

I do not doubt that the modern Western church badly needs a lot of things, one of them being more confidence that God is working powerfully among us and wants us to do more than we have been willing to do in his service.   John G. Stackhouse

Nelson: Doing great!

Nelson is feeling great and is back to his normal smiley self! Here are some photos of him talking to his mom (in Haiti) via Skype.

Haiti Updates. Nelson doing ok.

Nelson seemed to perk up a bit yesterday.  He was able to talk to his mother by Skype as well as Evens.  He got back on Facebook for the first time in a week, which is a good sign that he's starting to gain interest in doing things again.   He did have a fever last night, which is concerning, and they started him on two different antibiotics.

Haiti After the Earthquake

http://www.westover.afrc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123327709

This wonderfully written article by James Bishop was published online on 11/27/12.  It was a true blessing to have my Uncle Jim come out to Pestel with us, and to hear and see Haiti from his perspective.  He has done a marvelous job of capturing so many important elements.  I encourage you to read it and pass it on!  

During his trip he was able to interview a bunch of people in Pestel, and as time permits he will be writing those up for us.  This will give you a more personal look at what it is like to live in Pestel, and who some of the local unsung heroes/heroines are.  As these are developed you will be able to see them also on our website.

Risk Takers: Ordinary People Doing the Extraordinary

A moving documentary,focusing on three ordinary people, finding courage and relying on their faith, they change the world.

http://www.indiegogo.com/p/270427

One of our friends, Jennifer Davis-Lewis, is working on developing a documentary based on the experiences of several individuals in the South Central Pennsylvania area who are doing work in Haiti.  You can read more about it at the link above.  Please consider passing this on to others who might have interest in supporting this effort.  While this will include some of the work we've been doing, it will also likely include mention to a number of organizations that have contributed substantially to this work, including Variety International, Water Missions International, Vitamin Angels, Heifer International, Sisters of St. Francis from Sylvania OH, Angel Missions Haiti, etc etc. 

Concert for Christian Health Care Missions in Haiti 

Please feel free to print out the attached flyer announcing the upcoming benefit concert for Thriving Villages, to be held at Slate Hill Mennonite Church on December 9th at 6:30pm.  

Hope to see you there!

Ben 

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

I do not doubt that the modern Western church badly needs a lot of things, one of them being more confidence that God is working powerfully among us and wants us to do more than we have been willing to do in his service.   John G. Stackhouse

Nelson: off the breathing machine, resting

Nelson's breathing tube was removed around noon today.  He's still very weak and tired, but his pain is well-controlled.  He requires some oxygen by face mask and he still has various tubes and IVs connected (that had to be put in again for the emergency surgery). There is no evidence so far of any new bleeding, and they have a drain in place to help monitor that.

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

I do not doubt that the modern Western church badly needs a lot of things, one of them being more confidence that God is working powerfully among us and wants us to do more than we have been willing to do in his service.   John G. Stackhouse

Nelson's surgery successful

Nelson came through the surgery very well.  The surgeon and anesthesia team did an incredibly skillful job of handling this high risk surgery.  

I am amazed how they were able to manage this situation since Nelson's blood is (intentionally) very thin and unable to clot normally.  That makes doing any procedure risky, but open surgery (which is what he had to have) in the setting of organ failure is really dicey.  

He is now receiving blood transfusions (his blood count is quite low) and he remains on a ventilator through the night.  But the ICU team is very pleased with his vital signs, and they are monitoring him closely.

We are grateful with you for the grace of God working through the hands and minds of the surgical and medical team.

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

I do not doubt that the modern Western church badly needs a lot of things, one of them being more confidence that God is working powerfully among us and wants us to do more than we have been willing to do in his service.   John G. Stackhouse

Nelson: emergency surgery underway

Nelson was just taken for emergency surgery.  He is having a large collection of blood accumulating around the heart.   The heart is functioning fine, but is liver and kidneys are not working properly.  Also, his blood is very thin (which is necessary for his valve) but adds complication to this surgery.

 

This is all very new information, learned over the past half-hour or so.  Please pray for Nelson's safety during and after surgery. 

 

Ben

--
President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

I do not doubt that the modern Western church badly needs a lot of things, one of them being more confidence that God is working powerfully among us and wants us to do more than we have been willing to do in his service.   John G. Stackhouse

Nelson post-op update: He's doing ok!

Hi all,

Nelson underwent open heart surgery this morning to replace his mitral valve.  He was transferred to the PICU (peds ICU) at about 3pm and extubated (breathing tube removed) soon after.  I just got back from visiting him.  He is groggy/sleepy, but he looks ok (all things considered!).    He still has a number of lines and tubes in place.

He will be in the hospital through the weekend, according to the latest update from the surgical staff.  He may be coming home around Tuesday (though that's a rough estimate).  

One cool thing:  the PICU just got new beds (in anticipation of the new Children's Hospital opening in January)...and the beds have a list of phrases that can be spoken to the patient in about 25 languages.  Phrases like, "take a deep breath" or "we will check your blood pressure now" (something like that).  

I'm sure he would appreciate visitors once he's feeling better.  This would be really helpful to us over Friday-Sunday in particular.   If anyone is interested in visiting him and spending a little bit of time, ,just let us know.   The PICU staff has asked that we provide a list of people who will be visiting.

It has been incredibly encouraging to all of us, and especially Nelson, to see so many people who are asking about him and praying for him.  Our pastor had him (and us) come up front on Sunday to pray for him, kids have drawn cards for him, people have donated items, and all of these kindnesses have really helped to boost his spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

It is not enough to claim harmlessness; we are to accomplish positive good, and those who do not are wasting God's resources. John G. Stackhouse

Volunteer Help Wanted for Thriving Villages: Grant Writing

How To Save Lives in Pestel, Haiti:

Need for Grant-Writers

We can double the number of children we reach with medications and health screenings in the remote mountains of Pestel, Haiti. 

In 2013 we have funding to supply medications and screening to 6,000 children.  In 2012 we supplied medications and screening to 10,000 children, but due to a national wage policy change in Haiti, our ability to reach all the villages in Pestel will be reduced to almost 50 percent in 2013.  

Currently the health field workers traverse the mountainous region of Pestel largely on foot, and they tend to reach only the villages near or along the roads.  Purchasing motorcycles for the health workers will help them reach the furthest child in the furthest village much more efficiently. 

Motorcycles for each of the five land-based sections in Pestel means the workers will substantially reduce the wasted time currently spent walking from village to village.  They will then increase their impact by reaching children in the mountain villages.  

We need $6,000  to purchase six motorcycles ($1,000 per motorcycle)  One for each section and two for the largest section.

We believe one-time purchases of motorcycles (with some required upkeep and fuel costs) is a very good use of funds because we have trained individuals who know the area well but are limited by time.

If you know any organization we could contact, would you consider writing an introductory letter that we can attach to our request?  Or if you know someone who might be interested in helping to write some grants for this purpose, please email me at BenFredrick@gmail.com.  Thanks for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ben Fredrick

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

It is not enough to claim harmlessness; we are to accomplish positive good, and those who do not are wasting God's resources. John G. Stackhouse

Thriving Villages International Benefit Concert: December 9th at 6:30pm, Slate Hill Mennonite Church

Hi all,

Please see the flyer attached and feel free to give these out, forward them along, promote the evening event!  This will be a really nice evening and I'm looking forward to it!  Professional photographer, Steve Miller, will also be bringing some of his photos from Pestel for display.  There will be opportunity to purchase some of his gorgeous work as well.

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

"The Christian in face of the suffering of others is the man called by God, through the bond of faith, to go to the help of others to relieve their suffering."  Paul Tournier

Nelson's heart surgery rescheduled for November 20th (Tuesday)

Just a quick update:

We were able to get Nelson in for a dental extraction yesterday (which was required), and now his surgery is planned for next Tuesday.  

He was able to talk to his parents on Sunday and everyone seems upbeat and happy for him!

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

"The Christian in face of the suffering of others is the man called by God, through the bond of faith, to go to the help of others to relieve their suffering."  Paul Tournier

Nelson's surgery postponed

Hi all,

This is the update on Nelson's surgery.   He had his appointment with peds cardiology yesterday and apparently he has a VERY dilated/large left atrium (upper chamber of the heart) because his failed valve.  That is causing some build-up of fluid in his lungs.   This also happened 5 years ago before his last surgery.

Today we met with the surgeon as well as anesthesia.  Those visits went very smoothly.  

At the visit yesterday the peds cardiologist had concerns about at least one of Nelson's teeth, and he asked that Nelson be seen before surgery.

MANY thanks to our friends, Abby and Jim, who were willing to get him in today to Jim's practice for evaluation.  We really appreciate it!!

The verdict from that visit is that Nelson will have to have a tooth extracted next week, and that will postpone his heart surgery for several weeks.

I think the timing on all of this has simply been astonishingly beautiful.  Consider that it was about 8 weeks ago when we first heard about Nelson's symptoms...then I visited him about 4 weeks ago and sent my evaluation to the surgical specialists here.  Then Nelson's paperwork got processed last week...he was able to get a plane ticket to the US last Friday (despite all the tremendous havoc still ongoing from the storm, shutting down many of the main airports in our region).  Then the quick turn-around on the pre-op visits, including the dental appointment (which was literally 1 hour after his visit with the surgeon this morning!).  

It's all good!

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

"The Christian in face of the suffering of others is the man called by God, through the bond of faith, to go to the help of others to relieve their suffering."  Paul Tournier

Nelson is in the US!

Nelson arrived last night with Vanessa, and Vanessa just flew out to head to her home in VA.  

Thanks to all who have dropped off clothes, food, other items (wheelchair etc).  

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

"The Christian in face of the suffering of others is the man called by God, through the bond of faith, to go to the help of others to relieve their suffering."  Paul Tournier

Nelson's surgery has been scheduled for November 12

We anticipate that Nelson will arrive in Harrisburg tonight with Vanessa at around 10pm.  He has some pre-op visits scheduled for next week, and then surgery is scheduled on Monday, November 12th.  

Yesterday morning we told our kids that Nelson would be coming Friday and ended it with "God is good!"   To which Ellie replied, "No, God is great!"  

Later that day Jen was telling me about a prayer Ellie had prayed on Monday.  It went something like this,

"Dear God, please let everything happen for Nelson in order.  Let him get his passport tomorrow, then his visa the next day, then his plane ticket the next, and then come here the next day."  

That's just about how it happened, too.

Our kids are seeing with us how God is bringing this about.  And faith in God matters.

Ben  

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

"The Christian in face of the suffering of others is the man called by God, through the bond of faith, to go to the help of others to relieve their suffering."  Paul Tournier

Nelson to arrive Friday evening in Harrisburg!!

Nelson and Vanessa will be arriving in Harrisburg Friday night (around 10pm)!!!  This will be after a long day of flights from Haiti.

We are SO thankful that the process went smoothly this week. Nelson got his Passport this week, then his medical visa the next day, and his plane ticket last evening.  

Apparently the man at the embassy saw Nelson's heart thumping through his shirt and asked if his shirt was moving because of his heart condition  (the answer is "yes").  That helped make the case.  The thing about medical visas from Hatii to the US:  it is not a done-deal.  So we are really thankful there is no delay.

We'll find out soon about the dates for pre-op visits, surgery, etc.  

If any are inclined, a donation to Angel Missions Haiti would be particularly a good idea.  There is a need to cover the cost of the tickets (about $1200) and there were expenses related to getting the passport & visa ($800).   Any amount would be appreciated, I'm certain.

Angel Missions Haiti--paypal:

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=886Oq5fQAHy2DtvSG9II07jB7GijL73KcjQUD7Qmh_519wdL_jBwqCWsjaq&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d0b7e678a25d883d0fa72c947f193f8fd

website:  http://angelmissions.org/

Thanks to all for your prayers and encouragement!

Ben and Jen

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

"The Christian in face of the suffering of others is the man called by God, through the bond of faith, to go to the help of others to relieve their suffering."  Paul Tournier

Nelson got his medical visa!!

Hi everyone,

Jen just heard that Nelson was granted a medical visa!!!   That's fantastic news.   We anticipate that he and Vanessa will be coming to the US sometime this weekend.   I'll let the surgeon and cardiology team know about this good news and that'll start the ball rolling.  

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

"The Christian in face of the suffering of others is the man called by God, through the bond of faith, to go to the help of others to relieve their suffering."  Paul Tournier

Nelson Update

Yippee!!!  We are one final step away from getting Nelson to the states!   Nelson received his passport today!

Nelson turned 18 yesterday and his passport was issued today.  Unfortunately with the storm, government offices in Haiti have been closed so the process has taken longer than usual.  Vanessa Carpenter, of Angel Missions Haiti, has been graciously extending her trip to process Nelson's paperwork.  We were expecting they would be back by now...Please continue to pray that the medical visa will be issued quickly and that Vanessa may be able to return home soon with Nelson!  Also, Vanessa will be petitioning for an extended visa to allow us time to figure out Nelson's on-going care needs.  Please pray specifically that the extension is granted!

Vanessa has 3 more Haitian children waiting to travel to the states for surgery but is lacking funds to bring them.  If you are interested in donating to her organization, here's the link:  http://angelmissions.org/  Vanessa has helped bring the 4 heart patients we hosted as well as hundreds of other children come to the U.S. for life-saving surgery.  It's a great organization!!!

Thanks again for your prayers!

Jen

--

Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website:  www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog:  http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

"The Christian in face of the suffering of others is the man called by God, through the bond of faith, to go to the help of others to relieve their suffering."  Paul Tournier

Update on Storm

You have probably seen that the hurricane, Sandy, making its way up the east coast of the US. It did sweep the area of Pestel, out in the southwest. Here is an initial report: Department of South heavy rains and winds on all municipalities, the General Hospital in Les Cayes was flooded. On the night of October 23 to 24, a woman in her forties, drowned while trying to cross a river in flood at Camp Perrin, one also reported a loss of life in Côteaux. The section of road between Les Cayes and Jérémie is cut. [When we go out to Pestel we go through Les Cayes, through Camp Perrin, and across the road mentioned above] [Pestel is in the Department of Grand'Anse] Department of Grand'Anse heavy rains, moderate winds except to Beaumont where the winds are strong, the rivers Glace, Grand Anse, Dame Marie and Voldrogue are flooding. In Jérémie two houses were washed away, ten to Lady Mary as well as heads of cattle. Update on Nelson: Thanks to all who have been asking about the status on Nelson's visa. At this point Nelson is in Port-au-Prince. He needs a new passport before he can obtain a medical visa. Please pray that this process goes quickly and smoothly. When we visited him at his home I learned that he started feeling a bit poorly about 7 months ago, but then suddenly began to worsen about 6 weeks ago now. He has been essentially restricted to his house because of the shortness of breath. I asked him to walk a ways with me in order to see about his exercise tolerance. We went about 80 yards at a normal pace when he stopped because he couldn't go on. I checked his pulse and it had shot up to 140, and his forehead had broken a sweat.

Tropical storm

Hello all,

Please be in prayer for the people of Haiti...and Jamaica...Bahamas....Cuba  A tropical storm has formed south of Jamaica and is expected to turn into a hurricane sometime Wednesday.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at3.shtml?5-daynl?large#contents

It is not expected to hit Haiti directly but it is is likely to affect Haiti, as you can see from the map.  Pestel is out toward the southwestern tip so this area has potential for damage and flooding.

Ben
--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Same email as last one: Concert on December 9th at 6:30pm to benefit Thriving Villages International

Sorry for the duplication, but the email I just sent got bounced back by a number of emails  (the attachment was too large).  This is the same email but with PDF instead attached:

Hello everyone,

Please place this date/time/location on your calendar and spread the word!   We are pleased to announce that there will be a benefit concert for Thriving Villages International.  

Sunday, December 9, 2012

6:30pm

Slate Hill Mennonite Church

1352 Slate Hill Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011

Please join us for a free concert on Sunday evening, December 9th, at Slate Hill Mennonite Church.  A freewill offering will be collected to benefit Thriving Villages International!   Two faculty from Messiah College, Kerry Harker-Roth and Randall Zwally, will be performing some classical, bluegrass, holiday, and Appalachian string music. 

Concert for Christian Medical Missions in Haiti 
Through
Thriving Villages International

Featuring Messiah College Music Faculty Members:

Kerry Harker-Roth (viola and violin) and Randall Zwally (guitar and banjo)

                                         Lecturer in String Methods and Viola              Senior Lecturer in Music and Director of Guitar Studies 

   
Assisted by  - George Waltemire (guitar) and Caleb Liddick (double bass)

Sunday December 9, 6:30 PM, Slate Hill Mennonite Church – 1352 Slate Hill Road – Camp Hill, PA 17011

 Free Admission

(Free Will Offering Taken)

Please pass this information along to your churches, contacts, and anyone else that might like to enjoy a nice evening of music.  We would love to see a very full house!!!   Also at the event, Steve Miller (professional photographer) will be making some of his photos available for purchase.  You have seen many of these over the past couple of years and they are truly beautiful.  

We are so delighted for this and we would ask that you help us spread the word and the enthusiasm.  A formal announcement is being produced by Messiah College and I'll send that along when we receive it.   Also, I am attaching a handout that we just put together (thanks to Jim Bishop!!) that describes the work we are doing in Pestel.  Please feel free to share this as well.  

Finally, if you are interested in helping with the event please let me know.   

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Nelson Update

Hello everyone,

Ben was able to visit with Nelson last week, do an evaluation, and provide that information to the cardiology team at Hershey Medical Center.  Based on the information the surgeon wants to proceed with surgery within the next month to be done in Hershey, PA.

This means we have very little time to process his paperwork.  He will need to have an expedited passport and visa before he is allowed to travel.  Our friend, Vanessa Carpenter, of Angel Missions Haiti is traveling to Haiti this week and has volunteered to help process his paperwork.  Thanks, Vanessa!!!   http://angelmissions.org/

With Nelson's heart condition it is important we keep him warm (shivering could dangerously raise his heart rate).  Nelson is skin and bones and not used to cold weather.  He will be needing a winter coat and lots of warm clothes...if anyone has any to donate, it would be greatly appreciated!  Nelson is about 6 ft. tall but quite thin so he will be swimming in everything but that's O.K.  I'm thinking he need 32 or 34 length pants and adult medium or large shirts.  

If all goes well, we are hoping Nelson will be able to return with Vanessa shortly.  We appreciate your continued prayers as we prepare for Nelson's arrival!

Thanks!

Jen

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Back in the US with a short short note

Hi all,

We (my uncle Jim Bishop) and I returned yesterday night from Haiti.  We had a really good and challenging trip.  We'll write more later!   But, I just saw this new song & its video and wanted to pass it along because it resonates so powerfully with my own dreams for the people in Pestel.  

This is by (a re-constituted) Christian group called Audio Adrenaline.  This group has been involved in Haiti for many years.  This video takes place in Haiti   :)     It includes a new lead singer, Kevin Max, who I have really loved for many years.  He's one of the three former guys in DC Talk.  

Enjoy!!

http://freeccm.com/?p=9564

Audio Adrenaline - Kings and Queens (Exclusive Music Video Premiere) from audio-adrenaline on GodTube.

"...these could be our daughters and our sons..."

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Update on Nelson

We received Nelson's echocardiogram and it was reviewed by cardiology at our medical center today.  Unfortunately it shows that the replaced valve is failing.  The valve was supposed to last 10-15 years but it has only lasted 5 years.

I am planning to see Nelson this week and I'll do an exam to see how he sounds and how he feels.  

The major issue, however, is that he will need another valve replacement.  This replacement will have to be mechanical valve which is permanent, and also carries the need for chronic blood thinning (anticoagulation).  This is very challenging because I do not know how Nelson will be able to return to Haiti given those circumstances.  He would have to take a blood thinner (like Coumadin) for the rest of his life, have frequent blood work in order to make sure that his blood is not too thin (which can lead to spontaneous bleeding) or too thick (which can lead to clotting off of the valve).  

We are praying about this situation and it is quite heavy on our hearts, especially as I am going away this week to Haiti.  

Please pray for Nelson that he would remain safe, pray for wisdom in knowing how to proceed with this new issue and all that it entails.

Please pray for us as we try to discern what is needed and how best to go about it.  We could also use your prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Resurrection Dance Theater

Thanks to all who came out to support the boys from St. Joseph's Home last evening in Lancaster, PA!   

For me one of the most powerful moments was the dance called "Freedom Regained" which visually represented Haiti's break from slavery and struggle for independence.  In the attached photo the performer is calling out to other slaves with the sounds of blowing into a conch shell (see link).   In rural Pestel they still sometimes use conch shells to call people together.     

It was really great to see some of the folks I know from the orphanages, including KC Bersch.  A couple of trips ago I had brought a small amount of money that Micah (my son) gave to me for the people of Haiti.  While visiting Wings of Hope I handed it to KC who started counting it, then did some quick calculations, and said that it was just the right amount to buy small cookies for all the kids at Wings of Hope.   That was a really nice kindness on her part and I was able to come back to tell my kids how the money was used.

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Hero of global health in surgery

Hi all,

You may remember a couple of years ago that the same organization, Angel Missions Haiti, that helped bring children to the States for heart surgery also helped a great number of kids come to the States for brain surgery, Hydrocephalus surgery.  I carried one of those babies back to Haiti with me after surgery, and my friend Victor carried one from Haiti to the US on his return trip as well (her name is Pharah).   

The surgeon who did those surgeries was Dr. Ben Warf.  He had pioneered a new kind of surgical technique during his time in Uganda with Cure International.  Our friend, Charles Howard, connected the dots between the needs in Haiti and the willingness of Dr. Warf (who had at that point just returned to the States) to do these surgeries.

Fantastic news!   Yesterday this was announced:

http://www.macfound.org/fellows/880/

The MacArthur Fellows Program awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. There are three criteria for selection of Fellows: exceptional creativity, promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishment, and potential for the fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work.

The MacArthur Fellows Program is intended to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations.

The MacArthur Fellowship is a "no strings attached" award in support of people, not projects. Each fellowship comes with a stipend of $500,000 to the recipient, paid out in equal quarterly installments over five years.

Congratulations to our hero, Dr. Ben Warf!!!

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Thriving Villages Update

Hi all,  

Here are some important updates:

Nelson

We will be receiving the cd of Nelson's echocardiogram soon, and then we'll deliver it to our pediatric cardiologists for evaluation.  Thank you to all who have been asking and praying.  We'll let you know once we hear, which should be soon.  

A new missionary to move out to Pestel!

I learned that Sister Vicky of Sisters of St Francis of Philadelphia will be going to live with Sister Fidelis and Sister Jo in Pestel!  This is an exciting development on multiple fronts.  

She anticipates teaching English, helping with the visitor's house (which will be completed early 2013), and helping with a lot of the organization/administrative work.  Sister Vicky spent time in Pestel and feels called to the area.

Anemia Campaign:  Success in reducing Severe Anemia!!

For the past year the health agents (APPAS workers) have been providing medications and testing children for anemia.  Through a lot of hard work we have seen a reduction in the number of kids with severe anemia by 80%!   That means if 5 kids had severe anemia last year, now there is only 1.   That also means there is plenty of work to be done, but this report is very encouraging!

News item from Sylvania, Ohio

http://www.ourtownsylvania.com/Our-Town-User-Stories/2012/09/28/More-than-300-attend-Franciscan-Gala-in-Sylvania.html

Trips to Haiti

Ben will be going to Haiti this Saturday with his uncle, Jim Bishop.  This will be a busy itinerary.  We're looking forward to seeing Sisters Fidelis & Jo, and taking some photos of the guest house under construction!   We'll also be meeting up with Miriam Frederick (New Life Children's Home & World Missions Harvest) in Pestel as she and her team run medical clinics and collect information on malnutrition and water issues.  Please pray that all the arrangements and logistics will move along smoothly, as well as for safety.

Miriam's team (>20 people) will be in the Jolie Guibert area (Section 4).

In November a team is going to be evaluating the area of Duchity (5th Section) in conjunction with YoutHaiti.  They will be looking at water and sanitation-related issues.

In February we may be hosting a trip to Haiti for Variety International.

By way of quick reminder:  Pestel is located in the southwestern part of Haiti.  It is both the name of the town (hub of activity) and the region.  The region of Pestel has 6 Sections (See attached map).  We have identified over 230 villages throughout the region so far.  

Thriving Villages International is involved in all 6 regions, helping to implement Child Health Campaigns through the Haitian workers (APPAS workers do Vitamin A & deworming, Anemia Campaign, household surveys, malnutrition surveys, and hopefully very soon--immunizations!).  We are also partnering in water (primarily with Water MIssions International), sanitation (w/ YoutHaiti), baseline surveys data collection (World Missions Harvest), cholera (MPHISE), agriculture (Heifer International, and KPA), and primary education and some clinical care (KPA which is supported by the Sisters from Sylvania, OH through Fidelis & Jo's work).    

We are SO grateful to all who are willing to participate in this important work, giving voice to the needs of people who have had no voice, and being part of solutions on their behalf.  

These are all gifts from God; a joy for us and a chance to honor Him.

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Resurrection Dance Theater this Tuesday in Lancaster!

Hi all,

Just saw this news video on the Resurrection Dance Theater which will be in Lancaster, PA this Tuesday at 7pm

October 2, 2012

7:00pm

St. James Episcopal Church

119 N. Duke Street

Lancaster PA  17602

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tsYvToYe10&list=UUADaBeM0qiKEZIw9_OuYmuA&index=1&feature=plcp

These boys all live at St. Joseph's Home for Boys in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  They are former street boys and orphans whose lives have been dramatically changed by God's love.  The resurrection dance theater is a visual way of representing that change.  

Society (in Haiti) "throws out" the street boys and treats them something like lepers, outcasts.  Hearts with Haiti treats them as if there were Jesus ("I was thirsty...hungry...naked...")

Ben

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Great news story about our friends at Haitian Connection Network!!

Boy!  You gotta just love the good news!!

Congratulations to Kristen Hertzog and her organization, Haitian Connection Network (HCN), on their hard work and the success related to this story (also featured on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer!):  http://www.philly.com/philly/health/From_Haiti_to_America_for_medical_care.html?viewGallery=y

Kristen Hertzog, a former model/actress who lives in Lancaster County, founded Haitian Connection Network, a non-profit based in Haiti that helps Haitians earn online degrees in computer science. She brought one of the students, Daniel Smith, 30, to Philadelphia for surgery to reconstruct his lower jaw at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, which underwrote the costs of his care. He had a benign but disabling and disfiguring jaw tumor called ameloblastoma. The surgery involved removing most of his lower jaw and rebuilding it using the long bone at the back of the leg below the knee. The leg can work fine without this bone, called the fibula.

You can learn more about the important work that HCN is doing in Haiti here

http://www.philly.com/philly/health/20120925_School_seeks_to_teach_Haitians_how_to_help_themselves.html

Haitian Connection Network
"Partnering to build an educated, self-reliant Haiti...one student at a time."

The Connection Network Inc; a 501 c3 non profit organization
Website: http://www.haitianconnectionnetwork.org
Email: kristen@haitianconnectionnetwork.org
Video: http://youtu.be/dj8VGdFjWsU
September Newsletter: http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d82d75e74aa44c4248e6533b0&id=6d4d71550b&e=499e77fd15
Facebook: Haitian Connection Network
Office Phone: 717-859-8038
Cell phone: 717-201-4893 

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Ohio trip & award

Jen and I returned today from Sylvania, Ohio (near Toledo) where we were attended a Gala and were honored last evening with the St. Clare Award by the Sisters of St. Francis.  The beautiful award (see photo) was presented during a 5pm church service along with the St. Francis Award (recipient Kathy Griffin who is Executive Director of Bethany House).  After this was the Gala with fantastic food, 60's & 70's live music, and dancing!  Did you know that Nuns can dance?!?   Many doctors can't (that's a known fact and I'm a prime example) but nuns can!  We came away from the day incredibly encouraged, and we heard wonderful stories about many of the Sisters (who we then got a chance to meet!  So many unsung heroines!!)  It was a fantastic evening.

This was my second visit to the campus and Jen's first.  Since my first visit I have had opportunity to read more deeply about St. Francis as well as St. Clare, and our kind 'tour guide' (Sister Carolyn) shared more insights and stories about the two remarkable individuals from Assisi, Italy who lived in the early half of the 1200's AD.  

The Sisters of Sylvania taught us about beauty in surprising ways.  The inside and outdoor walls of their buildings are embedded with artwork...Everywhere you look there are ceramics, metals, gems, stained glass...Some windows have etchings; there are murals and paintings and statues.  We could have spent a very long time admiring all the work done by careful and artistic hands.  During one stop on our tour, as we were standing under the dim lights and exposed rafters of the small replica of the "Portiuncula", Sister Carolyn made a comment about the connection of  justice and beauty.  We learned that St. Bonaventure defined justices as "restoring to beauty what has been deformed."  This quote resonates deeply with me and I hope to think on this more in the coming days.  I read a book (by Perry Yoder) on the Hebrew word "shalom".  Here's a bit, "...the major thesis of this book is that shalom, biblical peace, is squarely against injustice and oppression...In the Bible, shalom is a vision of what ought to be and a call to transform society."  How things should or ought to be.  "That all may be well with you"...all your relationships, your dealings, your undertakings, the work of your hands....may all this be well with you.      

We see something unjust, for example, in the horrible sites and photos that come from the land of Haiti.  A malnourished child's expressionless face has her beauty diminished, degraded, and perhaps in jeopardy of being lost.  There is something 'wrong' in the picture, something that is not beautiful but that should be beautiful.  Beauty and justice are connected, though I had never seen it that way before.  Providing food and water, ensuring basic education and health care...that all may be well for them...these are adding again to the beauty that has been deformed.

We at Thriving Villages International are committed to working with those like the Sisters of St Francis who are helping to restore beauty in the land of Pestel, Haiti.  

On our ride home we found that this song, "Add to the Beauty" by Sara Groves, fit this theme well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anozSBPJVQA&feature=related 

Ben and Jen

PS:  Special thanks to our friend Sister Fidelis who wrote a really nice description of our work for this award, and to whom we remain forever thankful because without her persistence we would never have met Nelson (whom she kept alive by ensuring that he had necessary medications until he came to the US for heart surgery), and we would never have gone to Pestel....and the rest of our history in Pestel would be unwritten.

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Update on Nelson

Thanks to Evens and Vanessa Carpenter for these updates:

Nelson was released from the hospital and he had a study done of his heart, but the results are not yet know.  A copy of the CD was given to Vanessa who will be flying back to the US soon.  Once we have the CD we'll take it to our pediatric cardiologist to have him review it.

His main symptoms per Vanessa are:  shortness of breath when walking, some coughing fits, heart racing.  He is still in pain and is losing weight from all of this.  

 

As we learn more we'll be sure to let you know.

It was 5 years ago next month (October) that I took my first trip to Haiti, and met Vanessa, Sister Fidelis, Dr. Seneque, and many others for the first time.  It was also my first trip to Pestel.  Amazing.

Ben-- 

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Nelson

Dear friends, As many of you know, over the years, we have hosted children from other countries (primarily Haiti) for heart surgery. The kids stayed with us for about 3 months and become very much a part of our family. Nelson, a 12 year old boy we hosted 5 years ago had aortic valve replacement surgery. He lives in a very remote area of Haiti and needed follow up treatment and as a result, my husband visited his community and was astounded by the conditions in which Nelson lives. Nelson was the reason we started working in Pestel, Haiti. Hosting him has completely changed the trajectory of our lives! We found out early this morning that Nelson has been hospitalized. Fortunately, they were able to get him to Port-au-Prince where he has access to some medical care (the care is quite limited but it is much better than what is available in his local community). The testing may be a long, drawn-out process but praise the Lord, he is scheduled to see a cardiologist on Tuesday! We are praying for quick evaluation and if he needs surgery, that he will be able to get an expedited visa to return to the states for surgery. Needless to say, this has been a very emotional day for our family. We have seen God's hand move in some amazing ways and

we invite you to join with us in praying for Nelson. We are so thankful that his mother is able to be at the hospital with Nelson and we pray that God would give their family much comfort during this uncertain time. If you want to hear a bit more about Nelson's story, visit the link below to our organization's website. http://www.thrivingvillages.com/History.aspx Thanks! Jen

Update from Evens regarding Nelson

Thanks to Evens for this email update.  Evens:  please let Nelson and his mother know that there are many people concerned about him and are praying for him.

Hi Dr Ben.,

They will give him the result [of the echocardiogram] on tuesday. The hospital he's going to has really good doctors but as it is the state hospital everything is slow there. The other hospitals are expensive and as i met nelson's mother she doesn't have the funds to go to an hospital where Nelson would get the attentions that he needs.

I will stay in touch with the family and will keep you inform as soon as i have something.

Evens

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Please pray for Nelson

Hi everyone,

I received a few notes recently that Nelson (the boy from Pestel that we hosted in 2007 for aortic valve replacement surgery) has been feeling very poorly.  He is now in Port-au-Prince at a hospital where he is awaiting tests.  Please be in prayer for him at this time.  

Also, Water Missions International will be doing their site visit to Pestel starting September 25th.   Please pray for their assessments, interactions with villagers, health and safety.

The assessment from that trip will determine whether the well drilling rig can physically navigate the terrain or not.

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/

Cholera in Pestel....again

(sorry for those receiving this twice.  I sent it to the wrong distribution list!)

There is a new report coming from Pestel indicating another possible "wave" of cholera is starting up.   This would be the 5th such surge of cholera since it was introduced in late 2010.  

Cholera is an "ancient" disease, meaning that it goes far back to antiquity.  When you hear of widespread or epidemic cholera consider it a clear sign that significant disruption of infrastructure (as happened recently in Zimbabwe where the economic collapse resulted in the failure of sewage treatment systems) or lack of basic infrastructure (no sanitation & hygiene which allows for mixing of two things that should never mix:  drinking water and...well, human wastes).

Cholera is also very treatable.  IV fluids, clean water.  Not brain science or rocket science or even a marvel of science.  Just basic stuff.

We don't have cholera outbreaks in the US, and people who get cholera in the US usually get it when traveling to a place like Haiti or eating contaminated foods.  But they don't die from it because they can get basic medical care, access clean water to keep hydrated.  The reason people die is from rapid dehydration.  

In Haiti, however, the fatality rate is high.  Something like 1-2 out of every 100 people who have symptoms of cholera die in Haiti.   If you get cholera and you live in the mountain villages of Pestel, your chances of receiving any care are very low simply because of lack of resources in the area.  

However, for Pestel that just might be changing!   Through early reporting of about 10 cases in a village around the River Glaz, a group is mobilizing by providing oral rehydration packets, "Waterbricks", soap, and other basic and necessary items.  

http://haiti.mphise.net/   

I had opportunity to speak with several in this group yesterday.  They are very eager to use the GPS coordinates we've collected on the villages throughout Pestel, and I provided that list.  They are going to use the GPS devices that we brought down to map out possible sources of the recent cholera wave.  By working with Dr. Seneque (the regional health director with whom I work) they will be monitoring and responding to the situation.  They recognize the challenges in Pestel, including the difficulties with transportation, and they've stated good interest in helping to respond as well as improve the infrastructure.   They are in close contact with a couple of other organizations who are active in Pestel:  YoutHaiti and World Harvest Mission.   We are also considering training some of the APPAS workers (thanks again to Variety International for their ongoing generous funding!!!) in health education and oral rehydration therapy since APPAS workers know their areas well (they travel the sections regularly as part of the child health campaigns).  

Water Missions International will be going out to Pestel very soon for a site visit, and we are expecting that if well-drilling can go forward it may begin fairly soon.   The need for fresh, clean, safe water in Pestel has been made all that much more urgent since cholera first appeared.  Water Missions International will not only be helping with the construction of the wells, but perhaps as important if not more so, they will be working with the communities on how to keep their water safe, good hygienic practices, community ownership of their water sources, and learning about the Living Water that sustains us for eternity.  

It's incredibly saddening to hear that cholera is potentially re-appearing in Pestel (though it may never have left, frankly).  Storms and hurricanes tend to create a surge because the bacteria can be swept along the ground downhill easily.  

It is incredibly heartening, however, that so many capable individuals are joining in the effort, recognizing that tackling cholera at its roots is going to mean big efforts in water, hygiene and sanitation.

As you pray for the people of Pestel, and for those who are laboring on their behalf (like Dr. Seneque, Sisters Fidelis & Jo), please consider including the groups mentioned above.  God has brought forward some incredible things for the people of Pestel and we look with anticipation to the day when these areas of poverty and deprivation have been turned into thriving villages!!

Ben

--

President, Thriving Villages International

Thriving Villages website

www.thrivingvillages.org

Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/