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••  •  • ••  • •  • •  •••        October, 2015      ••  • ••  • •  ▪▪  •••  •  •

Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;
Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. 

And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
lacking in nothing. 
But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, 

who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; 

and it shall be given him. James 1:2-5
 

NIGERIA’S CLIMATE AT A GLANCE

 

HAITI’S CLIMATE AT A GLANCE

 

Average Low

Average

High

2014 Total

Rainfall

2015 Total

Rainfall

 

 

Average Low

Average

High

2014 Total

Rainfall

2015 Total

 Rainfall

August

74

78

33.6”

 16.6“

 

August

77

92

3.3”

N/A”

September

76

80

22.6”

 55“

 

September

77

91

8.1”

2.7”

October

74

78

18.4”

 24.2“

 

October

75

90

1.4”

6.7”

<<Salutation>>

          We could use a big dose of wisdom.  You never know what life will throw at you.  Due to some unexpected circumstances, we made a quick trip home.  We would greatly appreciate your prayers as we try to figure out what is going on with Catherine’s jaw and teeth.  We have shared in more detail below.
 

A Look into our Lives


          Unexpected Trip Home:

          For those who thought they may have seen us and thought that just couldn’t be possible…your eyes were not fooling you.  After Catherine, for the past 3 – 4 weeks, had been experiencing some strange muscle movements with her lower jaw, and her teeth started to display some abnormal appearances and sensations, we decided to make an emergency trip home and get some professional advice as to what is going on.  We took a barrage of blood tests in Haiti with the hopes of having something “stand out” as to what may be the cause, but the tests all came back favorable. 

          We had our first doctor (dental) appointment on Wednesday.  This was one of the times where after a drive to Iowa City, and a three hour appointment, we drove back home with more questions.  It’s a bit frustrating to feel like there were very few answers and even more information to process.  He shared that he suspected it might be TMJ, but we have another appointment on Friday the 30th with a Naturopathic doctor to further evaluate the situation.
 

          We definitely need some wisdom in trying to process all the information, and come up with a proper plan to deal with whatever is going on.  We would greatly covet your prayers as she is in quite a bit of discomfort and not able to chew anything at this point. Please pray for comfort, healing, wisdom, and a quick answer to all of the questions!  Thank you!

          Dead Fish:

      


           One thing we have learned on the mission field…always expect the unexpected.  Things just don’t seem to go as planned.  

          This fish project has been a great project with so many positives including a great training time with the girls at the orphanage.  For the six weeks that we were gone, three girls did the daily chores to take care of the fish.  We are so proud of them and their display of accepting and following through on a high level of commitment and taking on such a big responsibility.  After we got back, we found out there was some problems with the tanks of all things.  One of them had developed a leak, and with the process of slowly losing water, fish had died.  Les spent some time talking with the staff and girls to get a good idea of the problem.  It boiled down to rats burrowing under the tanks, and the base of the tank no longer had the necessary support.  The PVC fitting then was the only place that was being held up and it cracked right near the drain hole of the tank.  We’ve included pictures to help explain what we are trying to describe.   We felt bad for the girls who kind of felt they were responsible for the fish dying.  However, no one could have anticipated this problem.  We assured them they had done a great job, and this was one of those instances where the situation fits under the “research” category.  The remedy was simple, find a way to have a base that would be rat proof from future burrowing, thus we poured concrete with the exception of the PVC pipe and fittings.  Yeah, it was sure disheartening to lose most of our fish, and we are basically going back to “ground zero” to start with new fingerlings (baby fish).  But on the bright side, we are learning to expect the unexpected, deal with it, and praise God for the good.  Oh, and on another note, the girls really enjoyed the fresh fish for their dinner.

 

Center of Help Update

 

Things are heating up for the Center of Help.  Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun.  After quite a bit of time finding the right kind of stove, and making the trip to Port-au-Prince to buy it, and doing the necessary installation and training, the Center of Help now has a propane stove to prepare meals.  The typical Haitian family uses either wood or charcoal depending upon the financial resources.  The drawbacks to that are numerous both from an environmental and health standpoint.  Earlier this year a team member who had been down on a missions team felt the desire to help the Center of Help “upgrade” to propane.  While this sounds great, it’s a bit interesting to see how fearful the ladies are who operate the stove.  They show signs of resistance and trepidation as they learn to adapt to something well beyond their comfort zone.  It’s about a week later that they admit how much easier it makes life in the kitchen, and they wonder how they could have ever done without it.  A special thanks to the individual that followed his heart and found a creative way to touch the lives of so many. 
 

The Center of Help now has 35 boys and girls who live there and call the orphanage home.  Over the last few months, there has been some change due to peculiar circumstances.  As of the writing of this email, there are 12 of the 35 children sponsored.  There is a huge need to sponsor additional kids so the monthly cost of operation can be met with a steady level of financial sponsorship.  This orphanage is solely dependent upon the funds they get through Global Compassion Network (GCN), and Laborers With Christ (LWC).  All who are involved are very grateful to the faithful sponsors, and churches that have a part in taking care of the Center of Help!
 

 




 

One Starfish at a Time

 

           Claudine Petro:


          Claudine “Petro” truly lives up to her name.  Petro is the abbreviation of petroleum which is used for energy purposes.  Claudine, it seems, is always full of energy.  She would be at the top of the “tomboy” list.  She is free spirited, wirery, fearless, and very independent.  

          Eddy shares a story about Claudine that helps one better understand her character and personality.  When Eddy was still employed by the United Nations, he would travel quite a bit to rather remote areas of Haiti.  He noticed during his travels to a particular area, that there was a young girl always in the mango trees when he would drive by.  She was always quick to avoid the attention of travelers, but one day Eddy stopped to talk with her.  He asked her if she had any family, and she said, no.  She shared how she had a mother and step father, but the step father did not treat her well, and made her work all day.  If she didn’t work from sun up to sun down in the fields, she would not get any food.  She could never show that she was tired.  Eventually the treatment she was receiving from the step father was bad enough that her mother had to have her leave and she ended up as a restavec.  The situation went from bad to worse as the new family (owners) treated her poor and wouldn’t allow her to go to school.  Eddy asked her how she was able to eat and she replied that she would go here and there to find her food.  She shared that she wanted to find a place to get away from her new owners.  At eight years of age Claudine was added to the CCH family back in 2009.  Claudine still displays that survival mentally, and she finds sitting in a classroom very difficult.  However, she has grown so much, and enjoys the ability to have a safe place to call home where she is loved and cared for. 

 

Picture taken by Brittany Larson and used with her permission.  We sure appreciate you!


 

Zachery & Olivia's Update


          Since getting to Haiti on the 13th of October, we’ve hit the ground running. Our to-do list seems to grow, especially since Mom and Dad have returned to the U.S. When you work as a ministry unit and part of the unit is missing, the impact is noticeable. We realize how instrumental they are in the ministry here in Haiti and look forward to their return. 

          The past few weeks have been exceptionally busy for us as we prepare to move into our new home and start leading Sunday evening service with the boys and girls. We’re excited to see all that God has planned for us and even more excited to see how He uses Laborers With Christ to further His Kingdom. Not a day goes by that we don’t marvel at how amazing God is and what a truly awesome Father we serve. 
          Please continue to check out website for updates: ourpointofview.org
 

Nutritional Nuggets – Natures Pharmacy ABC’s of Vitamins and Minerals


Parsley
Not Just for Garnishing
Parsley can provide much more than a decoration on your plate. Parsley was used medicinally prior to being consumed as a food in the Mediterranean for 2,000 years before it was used for food.

          Immune Booster 
Vitamin C has many different functions.  Its powerful anti-inflammatory agent, usefulness in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and needed for the healthy function of the immune system. It may also be helpful in reducing the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Vitamin C improves iron absorption.
          Important antioxidant
Vitamin A ~ helps reduce the risk for the development and progression of conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetes, and colon cancer. It is a nutrient so important to a strong immune system that its nickname is the "anti-infective vitamin.”  
          Cancer prevention
Folate is vitally important for cancer-prevention or inhibiting tumors due to high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds and is therefore important for cancer-prevention areas of the body that contain rapidly dividing cells such as the colon and the cervix.  
          Heart Health
Vitamin B ~ reduces blood vessel damage lowering the risk of stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis (thickening of artery walls).
Vitamin K ~ just 10 sprigs) improves bone health and improves calcium absorption.  
If you are taking blood-thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin)
it is important that you do not suddenly begin to eat more foods containing vitamin K,
which plays a large role in blood clotting.
          Fight bad breath
Parsley is chock full of chlorophyll, which has antibacterial properties. That is why people eat the parsley sprig from their plates after a meal. It fights oral bacteria that causes bad breath.
          Cleansing Effect
Parsley works as a natural diuretic. It increases urine flow to remove infection-causing bacteria from the urinary tract. At the same time it helps your body flush out more toxins such as heavy metals and it prevents the formation of kidney stones. 
Parsley can cause serious issues for those who already have kidney or gallbladder problems,
          Wound Healing
An essential amino acid found in parsley is needed to repair damaged tissues. Parsley juice works wonders to speed up wound healing after surgery.
          Soothes Irritated Skin:
Rub dried or fresh parsley leaves on irritated skin or insect bites to soothe skin irritation. When dealing with boils, boil parsley leaves in water and apply it on the affected areas for a few hours. It also helps to fade freckles and spots.
 
“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates
 
Promoting a lifestyle of preventative care!
 
WELLNESS PRINCIPAL:  Health comes from within.  You cannot buy it in a bottle.
 
          Please visit Catherine’s Pinterest boards by clink this link: https://www.pinterest.com/faagric/.  You will find a variety of health sources, natural solutions, recipes, God’s Creation, and SO MUCH MORE.  Grab yourself a healthy snack, make yourself comfortable, and take you time to browse the wealth of information and be inspired and uplifted.
 

Prayer & Praise 

 

Praise the Lord for the ability to have access to good health care.

Please pray for wisdom as we work through the process of figuring out what is causing Catherine’s jaw and teeth issues.

Pray for Zachery and Olivia as they settle in to life in Haiti, and “fill our shoe’s” as we spend time in the U.S.   

Pray for Claudine and her school struggles. 

We praise the Lord for an unexpected time home with friends, and family, especially grandkids.☺

Pray for the Center of Help and their financial needs.  

 

We sure do appreciate you! 
Your investment and partnering into ours lives is such a blessing to us! 
Thank you!!

 

In His Love & Service, 

Les & Catherine, Zachery & Olivia

 

Ministry (U.S.)

Laborers With Christ

P. O. Box 74

Alta, IA 51002

Phone:  (712) 200-1139

E-mail:  faagric@yahoo.com

Web Page:  www.laborerswithchrist.org 

Les & Catherine’s Contact Information

  Les and/or Catherine DeRoos

  c/o Agape Flights CAY 26466

  100 Airport Avenue

  Venice, FL 34285

  Phone: 011 509-3857-8345

  E-mail faagric@yahoo.com 

Zachery & Olivia's Contact Information

  Zachery and/or Olivia DeRoos

  c/o Agape Flights CAY 228521

  100 Airport Avenue

  Venice, FL 34285

  Phone: 011 509-4292-4788

  US Phone:  (443) 988-2371

  E-mail zadman@yahoo.com

  

Laborers With Christ On-Line Donations

 

Just click on this link: Love gift to Laborers With Christ You can also visit us at laborerswithchrist.org and go to our Financial Support page. Thank you so much for your willingness to partner with us in ministry.     

 

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