The Youth of Today

As many of you know, one of my greatest passions is ministering and reaching out to youth and students, of all ages.  Throughout the past several years, God has truly stirred inside my heart the urge to help youth with the many mountains that they face in our world and culture today.  Unfortunately, I have not spoken to a congregation of youth since around September 2012; Pastor Jim Shelton invited me to speak with around 50-60 high school students at the Crossroads Fellowship Millbrook Campus, and around 40 or so high school students at the CRF Wake Forest Campus the following weekend.

Due to my class schedule at Liberty last semester in combination with my backslidden ways, my passion to reach out to the youth and students was slowly snuffed out--thanks, Satan!  However, let me mention that Dr. Brown's Youth Ministry 201 course was by far my favorite college course that I have taken, to date! Doc. Brown...you are the man...and your TA's are pretty sweet, too!  Well, family and friends, God has re-ignited the spark and flame inside my heart and soul to, at the best of my God-given ability, reach out to the youth of today.....The Lord knows something has to change with this upcoming generation.  My prayer is that He will be able to use my testimony, downfalls, triumphs, trials and temptations, etc. to bring glory to His kingdom and to make a genuine impact in the lives of the youth and students in our world.

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.  But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18: 5-6

You might be wondering, "What changed all of a sudden? How has this spark been re-ignited? What do you plan to do?"  Let me explain...  My girlfriend, Nikki, turned 21 on April 12th.  I purchased a Busch Gardens Fun Card for her and I, which includes unlimited entry to the amusement park until mid-September.  Nikki and I decided to take advantage of a sunny and moderately warm Saturday last weekend, by trekking to Williamsburg, VA to get tossed, turned, and flipped by rollercoasters.  The majority of the park attendees were middle school and high school aged youth.  I was a Freshman in high school the last time that I had visitied Busch Gardens.  The thoughts of "Was I REALLY like that when I was their age? Was my mouth THAT filthy? Was I THAT loud, rude, and obnoxious?" came to my mind numerous times throughout the day.  My reality check had been served.  The sad and somewhat frustrating realization that I did in fact behave very similarly to many of these teens, truly shook me on that fun-filled Saturday afternoon.  I do not have children of my own...but whenever God does bless me with a little Jordan or two, I want him/her to be a role-model to their God-forsaken, MTV and Jersey-shore influenced peers.  I continuously thought of my nearly three-year-old nephew Eli and six-month-old niece, Liljana...."I don't want them to end up like these kids."

As briefly mentioned in the final sentence of the previous paragraph, I truly believe that the music, television shows, magazines, and media in general, have an unsurpassed influence on today's youth.  I can recall a couple of television shows that I watched as a pre-teen and teenager; MTV's Spring Break, Laguna Beach, The Real World and Road Rules, music videos, etc.  What are common denominators amongst each of them?  Sex, alcohol and drug abuse, materialism, cliques, arrogance, adultery, lust, the list goes on....These characteristics are constantly being poured into the lives of countless children and youth via the "Digital Age" in which we currently inhabit.  What does that mean, exactly? Easier access to an abundance of media sources that these students, children, sons, and daughters simply do NOT need uncontrolled and unfiltered access to.  Stop and think: Do you REALLY want your child to be influenced by "role models" that our culture depicts via countless media sources? 

"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to than man through whom they come!" Matthew 18:7

Sunday afternoon, Nikki and I watched a Netflix documentary, based on children whom have had incredibly horrid experiences with bullying, name-calling, etc.  That documentary nearly brought tears to my eyes....for several reasons.  One of those being that the documentary interviewed several parents that had lost a child to suicide, as a result of constant bullying at school.  The other reason being personal conviction for the fact that I can recall being one of those bullies in elementary school.  Constantly "picking" on the smaller children, or those that looked more "nerdy".  "Wow", I thought to myself, "How did my bullying and name-calling affect my peers?"

I am not sure exactly how God plans on using me to reach out and positively influence our youth of today, whom have an overwhelming need for guidance and direction.  I am only a unmarried twenty-one-year-old guy with no kids....but I have faith that God can use me as a tool to positively influence and perhaps spark genuine change and conviction amongst this generation.  One thing that I DO know is the fact something has got to change.  Our youth has been strayed away from a path and pursuit of righteousness and morality.  These children are the future of our nation. 

Stay tuned as I seek God's will and provision for my life.  For now, I ask each and every read of this blog post to pray for me; for guidance, wisdom, and direction....and to maybe even share this post via the abundance of social networking outlets that we utilize today.

Jordan Piper

Welcome Back!

It has been several months since I have posted on this blog!  I was unaware that my domain subscription had expired, therefore resulting in the blog being "shut down".  I am in the process of renewing my domain, but in the meantime, this free ".blogspot.com" address will do!

A lot has happened in my life, our nation, and the world since my last post dating back to September 3, 2012.  I completed my first semester at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.  I enjoyed my time as a residential student at LU!  I was able to room with my two best friends as well as meet a ton of interesting Christ-followers.  However, I decided that the Fall 2012 semester would be my first, and last, semester in Lynchburg.  Although I did enjoy my time there, I did not feel as though that was where God wanted me to be.  I learned a lot about the Holy Word of God....and a lot about myself, as well.  Read on...

As one can imagine, my transition from living in Haiti for six months to moving back to the States, living in Raleigh for three weeks, then moving in to Liberty University, was quite a rollercoaster ride--emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally.  I'll explain a little.  Imagine: living in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere for six months (Feeling the presence of Christ unlike I have ever felt before.  Not as many "distractions" that we deal with here in America.  Knowing undoubtedly that God had led me to this nation to serve His kingdom.  Seeking Christ on my own time, at my own pace, in my own way.  Having to leave many new friends that I had gotten to know so well); Flying back to Raleigh, where I would be staying for a short, 3 or 4 week time period until I move in at Liberty (The full-time job that I quit to move to Haiti called me back two days after I arrived, asking if I could fill in until I moved to Liberty.  I agreed.  After all, I had no source of income for 6+ months and was about to embrace the journey of a poor college student.  Smart move financially...but it took a toll on me.  I didn't get to spend nearly as much time with my family as I'd hoped to...nor did I truly relax and reflect on the life-changing six months that I'd just completed.); Moving in to Liberty University (Constantly engaged in some form of spiritual activity.  Mandatory convocation on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  Campus church on Tuesdays or Thursdays (can't remember).  Hall meetings and prayer groups.  Two Sunday church services.  Did I mention a lot of mandatory activities and meetings?  And on top of all of that...a lot of events, both positive and negative, taking place within my family back in Raleigh.

It all caught up with me.  Fast.  I was a student in one of the largest Christian universities in the world, yet would often catch myself feeling lost and not really fitting in (and no, not because I was one of the most heavily tattooed people at the entire university).  I greatly missed my family and living in Raleigh...after all, my transition back "home" went so quickly that I didn't even get to see all of my family before I moved to Liberty.  I started to backslide from my faith....in one of the most spiritual and Christ-seeking universities on the planet.  Although my knowledge of the Word of God had increased....my personal relationship and walk with Him had taken a hit.

So, with all that being said, I moved back to Raleigh.  I'm not going to clue you in on ALL of the details, because some of it is personal to my family and I don't feel as though it is necessary, or right, for me to share deep personal details of specific family members.  To put it simply....my plans started to fall through, quick.  Why? Because I was NOT seeking Christ; was NOT reading the Word; and did NOT care to hear any advice or discernment from fellow brothers-and-sisters in Christ.  But little did I know (and see) then....that God's mighty hand was at work the entire time.

The man upstairs truly does work in powerful, mysterious ways.

I ended up moving to Jacksonville, NC, to live in a decent-sized, furnished, pool-house behind my girlfriend's house.  Her Mother had intentions of installing an in-ground pool, but never did.  It truly has been such a blessing.  For those of you wondering, and potentially even gossiping, no....Nikki and I do not live together.  We're doing things the right way. 

About a month or so after I moved to Jacksonville, Nikki's sister Stephanie and her husband Daryl invited us to a revival at their church.  Nikki was once very involved with this church as well....but had backslidden and strayed away from her faith for a year or so.  Nikki and I decided that we would accept their invitation and went to the second night of their revival.  That is a night that Nikki and I will never forget.  That was the night that her and I both felt the Holy Spirit moving inside of us.  Her and I re-dedicated our lives to Christ on that night.

As I stated before....The man upstairs truly does work in powerful, mysterious ways.

I am sure that you are tired of reading by this point....So I'll wrap things up.  Nikki and I are praying about going down to Haiti for a week in July to visit my friends at Nehemiah Vision Ministries! I'll post more details about that in a separate blog post sometime soon.  Please keep Nikki and I in your prayers as we strive to walk steadfast in the Lord and to fearlessly proclaim His Word to all the ends of the Earth!!

 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5: 14-16

The Story of Fedlaine, "FiFi".

I haven't posted much on this blog since my arrival back in the States. Today was the start of my third week here at Liberty University, where I am studying youth ministry. It has been a great three weeks thus far. I am thankful that God led me to a university that can greatly contribute to my spiritual growth and knowledge of the Word of God. Haiti has been on my heart and mind a lot, especially throughout the past couple weeks. I greatly miss Nehemiah Vision Ministries and all of my friends in Haiti.

I'd like to share with you the unique story of a six-year-old girl named Fedlaine, better known as "FiFi".     

I met FiFi for the first time at Nehemiah Vision Ministries in the Summer of 2011. I was on a one week mission trip with my college ministry, Catalyst. At the time, I didn't know much about FiFi. I learned a little bit about her during that trip; that she was found in a ditch by Pastor Esperandieu Pierre, "Left for dead" as he states; after Pastor found her, she was placed in the NVM children's home in Chambrun; and finally that she was now living on the NVM compound and in the process of being adopted by the Shultz family (Jay, Amy, Anna, and their two sons). This family was committed to serve at NVM for at least a year--or until FiFi's adoption papers were finalized and was able to travel back to America with the Shultz's. I believe it was the third or fourth day that I was in Haiti in the  Summer of 2011, when an absolutely tragic accident occurred on the campus of Nehemiah Vision Ministries...one that will never be forgotten. Jay Shultz, the adopting father, was critically injured and paralyzed in a horrific accident involving a "Gator" ATV and a backhoe tractor. I barely knew Jay at the time, but remember that he appeared to have an unsurpassable work ethic and seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I honestly don't think I will ever forget this day, nor the mood on campus after this incident. "Don't drop me, intern."

As you can imagine, Jay's accident would bring forth another curveball into the adoption process (as if it weren't already a strenuous process) as well as the lives of the entire Shultz family. I remember thinking, "How would I feel if I had committed to a year (or longer) in Haiti, with my family, and then such a tragic event as this happen? What about the adoption? Who would take care of Fedlaine? Would my faith in Christ be affected?". The Shultz's ended up moving back to the States after the accident. Fedlaine remained on the NVM compound, under the care of  NVM Missions Team Coordinators, Aaron and Shelli Elliot. Aaron and Shelli completed their year at NVM in October, when Brandon and Katie Hutchens stepped in, under a year commitment. 

Brandon, FiFi, and Katie

You might be wondering why I am sharing FiFi's story with you. As you know, I was an intern at Nehemiah Vision Ministries this year for six months; from January 16, 2012 to July 17, 2012. I arrived on campus around mid-day and was introduced to everyone on the compound upon my arrival. I saw this little ball of energy in the form of a six-year-old girl, running and playing around the compound. I realized that it was FiFi. Her sister, Anna (Shultz) was there with her...spending a week or two with her and then heading back to the States. I talked with Anna throughout the time she was there, getting to know FiFi's story and status of her adoption, a little bit more. 

FiFi and Anna

Switching gears a little bit here. One of the hardest things for me to overcome was the fact that I was going to be spending six months away from my family. My oldest brother Jason had a son, Eli, two years ago. The birth of my first nephew was an absolute blessing to both my family and myself. My heart was changed forever. Prior to his birth, I had never been one to really "enjoy" the presence of children-to be quite honest. Eli was born when I was 19 years old....and he was the first baby I'd ever held in my entire life. Something changed inside of me, the instant I saw my nephew for the first time. I just couldn't spend enough time with my little man. The birth of Elijah Jack sparked something inside my heart that I'd never felt before. His birth would lead to me becoming involved with the youth ministry at my church, Crossroads Fellowship; to me having an absolute blast with the children in Haiti in the Summer of 2011; to me studying Youth Ministry at Liberty University. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to being away from Eli, as well as missing his second birthday in May.

Back to FiFi. Anna, FiFi, and I had an absolute blast playing card games and playing on the playground with the other children. I told Anna that I felt as though God was going to use FiFi to help ease my pain of being away from my nephew. I also told her that I would take care, watch, and play with FiFi as if she were my own family. I spent a lot of time with FiFi, playing card games, watching cartoons and "babysitting" her while Brandon and Katie went off to the market, playing tag and hide-and-seek on the playground (I can still hear her saying, "YOU IT"), swimming with her in the ocean and pool on our staff's occasional beach trips, walking her back from school every now and then, making her lunch, tossing her in the air, etc. I was deemed the title, "TonTon JoJo" by the American and Haitian NVM staff. Tonton means uncle, for those who don't know Creole! If I was in a bad mood for whatever reason or having a long day, Fifi, being a hilarious and energetic six year old, would always put a smile on my face. 

One of our many card games.

Basketball on the compound.

Jay Shultz visited NVM several times during my six month internship. I can honestly say that I have not met too many people in this world, with a heart like that man. He wouldn't let his paralysis and wheelchair stop him from visiting NVM, Haiti, and his daughter. To see how happy and good-spirited he was, despite his paralysis, was encouraging to say the least. I am very fortunate that I was able to meet and talk with Jay. It was awesome seeing how excited FiFi was every time he arrived on campus. I also met Jay's wife, Amy, during my internship. She is an amazing person as well. The adoption process is, unfortunately, still not completed. As I stated earlier, it is not an easy process to complete with the government of Haiti. The Shultz family is praying that FiFi will be in America before the end of 2012.

This is one of the most lengthy posts on this blog...so I thank you for taking the time to read it. I just felt as though God wanted me to share this on my blog, considering that FiFi was a huge part of my six month internship, as well as me deciding to study youth ministry. I am beyond thankful for the countless memories that FiFi and I shared; the countless laughs, sweat, games of TAG, basketball, and even her making faces at me when I wasn't looking (she thought that was hilarious). It was a blessing to spend this time with FiFi; time that I was away from my family and my nephew. I encourage everyone to please keep FiFi and the Shultz family in your prayers. Pray that FiFi's paperwork with the government will be completed and that she WILL be able to move to America this year; pray that she will have a smooth adjustment to an American lifestyle once she does arrive; pray for Jay Shultz and a full recovery from his accident; pray for Brandon and Katie Hutchens as they continue to take care of FiFi while the adoption process is still undergoing.

One of the hardest things for me was to leave my family, my nephew, for six months. What was one of the hardest, if not the hardest thing for me as I walked the NVM compound on the last day of my internship? Saying goodbye to FiFi. Fortunately, I know that she is in extremely good hands with Brandon, Katie, Papa Jim and Cheryl Warner, Aubree, Brooke, all the NVM staff, and is going to be living with a Christ-centered and loving family in the United States. It's been tough typing this blog post. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't fighting back tears.

Dressed up for Nathan Pierre's high school graduation

Photography

As many of you know, one of my passions is the art of photography. Those of you who have seen my photos on this blog, and would like to continue following me as I grow in my photography skills...you can do so by checking out this Facebook page: Jordan Piper Photography.

By no means am I a professional, nor do I claim to be. I simply have a passion for the art of photography. I have many pictures from my 6 month internship with Nehemiah Vision Ministries posted on that Facebook page. I still have a ton of photos that I haven't had a chance to edit, that I will be posting in the near future.

I will be moving into my dorm at Liberty University next Saturday, August 18th! I am excited to get this semester started, to begin my degree in Youth Ministry.

America's Sad State of Affairs

As many of you know, there is great discussion and debate here in America regarding a statement made by the owner of Chick-Fil-A, regarding same-sex marriage. This topic is "hot" right now in America, as a result of President Obama stating his views on the subject, North Carolina and Amendment One, and most recently, the owner of Chick-Fil-A stating his beliefs (and it now being public knowledge that his company uses some of its earnings to support organizations whom do NOT support same-sex marriage.)

This saddens me deeply. Our nation, whom BY the grace of God, HAS freedom; HAS the right to vote; HAS the capability of driving in a vehicle on smoothly paved roads, to purchase a chicken sandwich with a side of waffle fries and a Diet Coke, is in turmoil over something that the president of a fast food restaurant stated and the way that he uses HIS companies money. Our nation is in a sad, sad time right now. We are being divided as a result of a fast food restaurant. Say what you want, it's the truth. Chick-Fil-A supports organizations who are against gay marriage; what about all the other companies that you support?...Where do all of THOSE dollars go? Don't stop with Chick-Fil-A...if you are willing to fight this fight with such determination, why stop with ONE company? Follow your money trails in entirety. This post is not directed singularly towards ANY group of people; whether that being homosexuals, Christians, atheists, whatever. This is a blanket statement for our nation as a WHOLE. I'm praying for each and every one of us and our nation...because we ALL greatly need it.

 Perspective. 
I spent six months in Chambrun, Haiti; the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. During those six months  I was given the opportunity to live outside the oh-so-sweet (or should I say salty?) comfort zone of America....and let's just say that it opened my eyes, in many ways. By the glory of God, I was able to develop friendships/relationships with many Haitian people; people who have never been to a fast food restaurant, nor ever heard the words, "Chick-Fil-A"; people whom deal with daily trials and struggles....REAL trials...trials that determine LIFE or DEATH...not where the money they spend at a fast food restaurant is going. We, as a nation, are incoherent to the abundance of blessings that we have. I wish that more of us Americans could spend one day in Haiti, or any third world country for that matter. The average Haitian, if he or she is lucky, has an average monthly income of around $20; many of us spend that much money at fast food restaurants alone, in one week (shoot, some of us spend that much at ONE meal). I had friends there who might eat one meal per day, if they were lucky; had to walk several miles to school, church, or to retrieve (unpurified) water from the stream; might not have but one change of clothes to last them, well, a lifetime; that lived in a home that consisted of hard-packed mud, sticks, and a rusted tin roof; that only had a donkey as a mode of transportation (and many who had no mode of transportation, besides their calloused feet). I could go on and on about my Haitian friends, and the struggles that they face on a daily basis. However, I think that the point has been made.

Again, this is a blanket statement for our nation as a WHOLE. I'm praying for each and every one of us and our nation...because we ALL greatly need it.

Back in the US of A

It has almost been a week since I arrived back in the United States. I decided to wait a little bit to post an update...just to see how my transition back into American life would go, before posting anything. I will start out by saying that all of your prayers (and mine) for me to have a "smooth" transition back to life here, were answered. God has blessed me with an extremely smooth transition back into my American way of life. I would be lying if I said that I weren't nervous about my re-entry into America. As you can imagine, life in Haiti is MUCH different than what we are accustomed to here in America. Although I WAS a little nervous...I knew God was in control and would take care of me...and He did. It was very nice being able to spend my last 11 days in Haiti, alongside my best friends in this world. It also great to be able to travel back home on the same flights as them! I also have an extremely supportive/amazing family that aided in my smooth transition.

I've had many people ask me, "What's the one thing that impacted you the most in your six months?". To be honest, I think it would be impossible for me to select a single event that impacted me the most. God spoke to me countless times, brought many things to my sight, and taught me a lot about myself, as well. I cherish every single moment I was able to spend with the beautiful children of Haiti. Those children were the greatest factor in my decision to even go to Haiti for six months. I am so thankful for the many great friendships that I built with those children; the countless laughs, sweat, and fun that we shared together. I greatly enjoyed doing the bi-weekly Sunday evening Men's Bible Study in Onaville, alongside Brandon Hutchens, Clerice, Pastor Masaillon, Jonathan, and everyone else involved. I thank God for granting us with the opportunity to reach out and plug into the men of this church, and the community of Onaville. I will never forget the burning passion we all felt inside our chests, after we finished each study. We would sometimes be there for three hours, enjoying the fellowship with our Haitian brothers. I ask that you will keep those men, Pastor Masaillon, our church in Onaville, and the entire community of Onaville in your prayers. The all-night prayer services we had at our church in Onaville and in Chambrun, will have an everlasting imprint in my heart. Just being able to worship with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, without "holding back" or caring what other people thought...was amazing. I have never worshiped like that, here in America. I've never felt the Holy Spirit's presence, like I felt in those services. I met many absolutely amazing people during my trip. People of different nationalities, ages, occupations, walks of life, gifts, personalities, and "visions." I thank God for each person I was fortunate enough to come into contact with.  I could go on and on and on about the other many experiences that I had...but I'll save all of those for future posts.

I simply cannot thank God enough, for blessing me with the opportunity to serve at Nehemiah Vision Ministries, for six months. Yes, I missed my family and best friends, as well as the many blessings us Americans have (Delicious 2% milk, Chic-Fil-A, smoothly paved roads, no tarantulas, etc)...but God provided me with the strength to leave all of that behind for six months. I simply could not have done this, if I would have relied on my mere human strength, courage, and wisdom. Those six months will have an everlasting impact on my life. I look forward to seeing how God can use my time there in Haiti, to bring glory to His Kingdom. I also thank Him for the opportunities that He has given me, to share my testimony and how God impacted my life through this trip, with the youth at my home church, Crossroads Fellowship, for the next two Sundays (July 29 and August 5th). I will be moving into Liberty University on August 16th!

To finish this post off....I would simply like to thank YOU for your prayers, donations, love and for keeping up with my posts, my pictures, and my six month journey. I ask that you keep Nehemiah Vision Ministries, the entire nation of Haiti, and myself in your prayers. I pray that my testimony, my six months in this beautiful nation, can somehow impact YOUR life. I pray that it will be encouragement and motivation for you to step out in your faith, and bring glory to God's Kingdom. By no means am I more "qualified" than any of you, to take a bold step in faith. I'm just a normal 21 year old guy. I'm a sinner who has been blessed with the grace of God-just like you. The entire world is a mission field. We are not all called by God to do international missions-don't be discouraged if you don't feel led to travel overseas to proclaim the Gospel. You can start in your own neighborhood-your neighbor, your family, friends, school job, etc. We must not overlook the fact that there are people that need to here the Gospel here in our own nation. If anybody would like to contact me for any reason, please feel free to email me at: jphasfaith@gmail.com. I would be more than happy to talk with you.

One of my last visits to Chambrun. I will never forget these amazing children.

Never a dull moment in this village!

If one picture could sum up the pure joy I experienced while playing with the kids in Chambrun, this would be it. I'm a kid at heart, and this photo definitely captured that essence of my personality. I will never forget the countless laughs, games, and sweat that I enjoyed with these kids

Also never a dull moment with my best friends and I!!

Baby Rose, Kris Kapab, and Daniella. Absolutely love these three little girls.

This Is A Family

 The title of this post is, "This Is A Family." The staff here at Nehemiah Vision Ministries does not simply refer to each other simply as friends, a group, or ministry. We are a family. A family that consists of various ages, walks of life, homes (in America), skin complexions, hair colors, and well...many other things. However, none of those differences matter. This is a family that might only spend several months of a year together. Some of us might not ever, unfortunately, see each other face-to-face again. (You might be thinking, "Hmm...this doesn't really sound like a family to me.") But the time that we have spent here together has been absolutely priceless. Don't get me wrong...we function similar to "true" blood-related families. What I mean by that, is the fact that we don't always feel thrilled to be in each others' presence. We butt heads, have disagreements, don't see eye-to-eye on every little detail, and don't all enjoying doing the same things as others...and none of those characteristics differ from "normal" families. One characteristic that we ALL share, however, is the fact that we all have a burning passion to serve and love the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today was definitely a bittersweet day here at Nehemiah Vision Ministries. I say bittersweet, because some of us had to say "goodbyes" with an undetermined amount of time until we see each other again. Our NVM family is once again undergoing a slight roster change. However, change is inevitable and people have to move on to the next chapters in their lives. Nurse E'Tienne York headed home this morning after a year of service here at NVM; Brandon Hutchens and Katie Hutchens headed back home for two weeks to spend time with family and loved ones back home; my oldest brother, Jason, also headed home after spending a week here with us at NVM.

The fact that I only have eight days left in Haiti definitely hit me pretty hard today. I said my last goodbye to E'Tienne bright and early this morning and later drove my brother, Brandon, and Katie into Port-au-Prince Airport. The realization, that before I know it....I will be taking my last airport run. And rather than picking other people up, or dropping other people off...it will be myself who is leaving. I could go on and on about the many experiences I've had here since January 16, 2012. Perhaps I will in a later post...but for tonight, this is it! I ask for everyone to keep all of us in your prayers as we continue to serve here at NVM, as well as to the many other places that God will lead us. All things for His glory.

Top : Katie Hutchens, Brandon Hutchens, Katherine Clancey, Cheryl Warner, Aubree Dell, Jim Warner, E'Tienne York, Brooke Smalley. Bottom: Jonathan Dimanche, Myself,                   Clinton Small, and Chris Bosma.