▪•• • • •• • • • • ••• April, 2017 ▪•• • •• • •▪ ▪▪ ▪••• • •▪ ▪
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
<<Salutation>>
Rain, rain, go away, come back another day. You may have heard of the heavy rains we are getting in Haiti. You know you have too much rain when even the rice farmers are complaining. Check out our Haiti weather chart.
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 LABORERS WITH CHRIST (LWC) NEW WEB SITE LOOK:
We have remodeled our web site and are almost settled in. We have cleaned up, reorganized, and made many changes and updates. We are not finished yet, but at least you can begin acquainting yourself with our new set-up. Please click the image.
CAN A HOUSEHOLD HAVE MORE THAN ONE EMPTYING OF THE NEST?
Well, it has happened to us. Zachery and Olivia and Jude left Haiti in the early hours of the morning on Friday the 21st of April. Only after a few short days, it was clear to them that the doors were closing for them in Haiti. Instead of paying a rental fee for an entire year, they asked us if it was okay to stay with us until they're returned to the US. Well, of course you probably know what our answer was.  We had 24/7 time with them which leaves very empty places in our home. It has been way too quiet around here since their departure. It is with mixed feelings that we said goodbye to Zachery, Olivia, and Jude. It has been such a blessing to serve in the same mission field with a son first, and then a special daughter-in-law, and eventually with a grandson.
God has been so good to allow us to have a great and special opportunity to have family join us and serve together in the foreign field. Now as they return to Iowa and focus on the needs represented by the future addition of a new family member, we will pray for a smooth transition, and for God's gracious guidance and provision. We know they are returning to loved ones and friends back in Maryland and Iowa who have missed them and look forward to being a big part of their lives. While we are sad to see them go, we are excited for what God has in store for them as they seek to put Him first in all they do.
A special thank you to so many of you who teamed up with them to allow them to serve in Haiti. We praise God for how you allowed Him to use you!
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Mary vs. Martha
The story of Mary and Martha has so much meaning for us as we try to keep that age-old balance of working for the Lord, vs. spending time with the Lord. It seems like every morning we lay out the day’s events, with our priority as spending time in the Word and getting our morning perspective washed in His presence. However, often the texts and phone calls can start early, and then the emails kick in, which can easily distract our intentions of doing personal and couple devotion. Les is more prone to be a "Martha" style personality. You remember the familiar story in the book of Luke chapter 10 verses 38 – 42. Mary and Martha are the sisters of Lazarus. Jesus decided to stop at their home and the two of them had two distinct responses. Here’s a small breakdown of their actions during Jesus’ visit:
- Martha was busy preparing to host Jesus. When Jesus enters her home, she begins running here and there trying to get everything in order. Jesus is very important to her and she wanted everything just right as she served Him. Eventually she becomes annoyed with her sister, because Mary gave Jesus her full attention. Mary would say of Martha, she is so earthly minded, that she is no heavenly good!
- Mary, on the other hand, just drops all she is doing to sit at the feet of Jesus and enjoy His presence. To her there was nothing as important as hearing what Jesus had to say. All other priorities of the day, at that time, could wait. She was oblivious to offending her sister. Martha would say, Mary is so heavenly minded, she is no earthly good!
Catherine is the "Mary" of our relationship. She enjoys basking in the presence of the Lord and sitting at His feet. This can make for quite a morning as we each wrestle with the other’s attention, or lack of attention, to morning devotions. Devotions seem to be too short for Catherine, and too long for Les…ha-ha.
Does this sound familiar in your own devotional life? Do you find it challenging to sit at the feet of Jesus, and just enjoy His word spoken to you through the Holy Spirit? You may have a "Martha" issue! It’s been our observation as we return to the U.S., that our Christian friends are prone to being so busy, that they have “left Jesus in the other room” while they serve Him elsewhere. The art of sitting at the feet of Jesus is difficult when your own feet are moving a hundred miles an hour. Some of this is, no doubt, related to the pace of life for the average American family. However, some of it is just a careless lack of effort to take the time necessary to develop a strong personal relationship with your Savior.
You see Jesus said that Mary got it right. At the end of the story in Luke, Jesus says this of Mary to Martha, “… Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” You see at the end of the day, or more accurately, at the end of your life, there will be some things more important than others. Jesus wants us to bask in His presence! He delights in having fellowship with us! He knows that several things that we do with our time have no eternal value.
Spend some time this next month concentrating on the most important person in your life…your Savior...sit at His feet! Start to try to be so heavenly minded, you are no earthly good.
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Cedeniese:
In January of 2016, we shared the story of four sisters who were unexpectedly dropped off with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and a piece of paper sharing their names. We thought you would like a follow-up to hear how things are going. The oldest sister is Cedeniese, and she is around 7 years of age. As we have watched her over the last year, her countenance and disposition has changed considerably. As one could imagine, she was not very open to social interaction or trusting of people in general. It was a rare occurrence to see her smile, and she had a very serious demeanor. It appeared that at 6 years of age she was the major care giver for her younger sisters.
What an amazing transformation that has taken place as the weeks and months have passed by. She now is enjoying the childhood that she never really had. She has her own group of friends at CCH, and she loves to run and play with them. Over time, she has let down her guard, and she enjoys interacting with friends who have earned her trust. She also has a beautiful smile and uses it with a lot more frequency. God has great things in store for her, please keep Cedeniese in your prayers!
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There has been a lot of concern and interest for the Center of Help orphanage. This facility was, by far, the hardest hit of all the facilities that we are working with. Over the last three to four years an amazing transformation has taken place to give the boys, girls, and staff a better place to live and a brighter hope for the future. It took Hurricane Matthew only a matter of hours to undo all that had been done in those previous years. On top of the facility’s devastation after the hurricane, there has also been security concerns and even a couple scary episodes of looters coming to take what may be left of value. One instance involved the shooting of a hand gun into a Sukup SafeThome where small children were staying. It was events like this that demonstrated the need for a new security wall and housing that could be built over days instead of weeks or months.
As we shared last month, we wanted to send you some updated pictures of how the construction has progressed. The wall is complete, and the front of the wall has been painted. The first floor of a new building functions as a kitchen and food depot. The second floor is now under construction and will be an apartment for the Director, Madam Farril. The bathroom is pictured as well. Along with solar panels that will provide electricity for lights and running water. Both of which will be a huge upgrade.
The Center of Help (COH) continues to be “buzzing” with activity. The security wall is now 100% completed with concrete and block. It just needs some paint on the front wall and entrance and some finishing touches with the metal entrance gate. Half of the original gate was damaged beyond repair by the hurricane.
The new bathroom is at 85% completed with the structure finished and painted, and we are now getting tile on the floor, and then installing three toilets, a generator and our own screen (aka white bed sheet).
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Consolation Center of Haiti (CCH)
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CCH Baptisms
As we serve as missionaries, we must admit, there are times when it is difficult to measure our progress. Our time in Haiti is under a constant self-imposed evaluation process where we have asked ourselves a couple of questions. What are we called to do, and how well are we following through on that calling? Mixed in to that equation is the ongoing challenge of so many other things happening around us that influence our direction or take away precious time and energy to lend a hand or help solve a crisis. How does one then make a true assessment?
Although often we find ourselves, at times, lamenting the lack of real “progress” or seem to be prone to seeing our failures and short comings, God finds ways to encourage us and give us a sense of “success” or accomplishment. One recent example of this was a baptism service at the church located at the Consolation Center. We were able to participate and witness the baptism of 18 people on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. What a blessing to see so many friends make a serious decision regarding their faith and make a public display of their desire to follow Jesus Christ.
Michelove Adonaie (Ado)
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Seeds of Faith ~ giving a gift that grows
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SEED BANKS
How is the collection of seeds going? The Haitian agronomists have used all the US seeds and we have had some good rains, actually too much rain, so more seed would be a blessing as we try to replant. Here is a useful list of seeds to try in Haiti, as well as, Nigeria.
Eggplant Bell Peppers Okra
Jalapeños Roma Tomatoes Collards
Carrots Red Onion White Onion
Green Beans Green Pepper Cucumbers
Kale Romaine
May we encourage you to use the Seeds of Faith baskets to remind and build continued awareness of this very important gift that continues to grow in our Nigeria FAAGRIC program. The need for seeds to teach the ever growing FAAGRIC centers through our faithful instructors and seed sower students is important because they are not able to obtain them in Nigeria. Thank you so much for sowing into the health and well-being of others who are less fortunate for their future.
HAITI FAAGRIC FARM:
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Zachery & Olivia's Update
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Orevwa  Goodbye
A new season is arriving—spring! Although, in Iowa the winter weather seems to linger, spring is slowly showing its arrival. Just like the new season of spring is arriving, a new season has arrived for our little family as well. We are excited to embrace this new chapter for our lives and are eager to see where God will use us.
As of April 22nd, we have officially moved back to the States and this will probably be our last entry in the DD for some time. As we have announced, our capacity as full time missionaries in Haiti has officially come to an end as we move on to this next phase of our life. We want to thank everyone who has made the almost 4 years of ministry in Haiti possible for us by your prayers and support, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Our hearts are very much still full of passion for ministry, and we will look forward to new ways to be involved with living for the benefit of others and for the glory of Christ. Please keep us in your prayers as we transition back to living in the States. God bless you all!
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onNutritional Nuggets ~ Natures Pharmacy
ABC's of Vitamins and minerals
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Radishes:
Big Ravishing,
Health Benefits
in a Little Package
- How can something so little have such big health benefits that the Chinese not only used it for medicine but was also valued in Greece so much so that gold statues were fashioned in their image?
- Could the Radish be the #1 blood cleanser?
- Why you should eat the greens!
- Learn how to create this beautiful plate of radishes as a center piece.
- Why are some Radishes hot?
Revisit past Nutrition Nuggets about Natures Pharmacy regarding the benefits of individual fruits and vegetables on Catherine’s Genesis Health blog. If you are interested in learning more about improving your health, please visit and follow Genesis Health today.
“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 clicking this link: Catherine's Place. There, you will find a variety of healthy sources, natural solutions, recipes, God's Creation, and SO MUCH MORE. Grab yourself a healthy snack, make yourself comfortable, and take time to browse the wealth of information and be not only inspired but uplifted.
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We praise God for the time we have had with Zachery & Olivia. They will be sorely missed. Pray for them as they re-acclimate to the U.S.
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Please pray for discernment and wisdom as we minister to the people of Haiti. |
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We praise the Lord for how He has stirred hearts to help with the restoration of the Center of Help. God is so good! |
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Please join us in prayer for the James 1:27 Center and for an increase in monthly support for these needy infants. |
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Thank you so much for investing in the lives of others less fortunate. |
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Please pray for our devotional times both individually and together as a couple. |
Thank you for your words of encouragement and faithful support.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Les & Catherine, Zachery & Olivia
Ministry (U.S.) Les & Catherine’s
Laborers With Christ Contact Information
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Laborers With Christ On-Line Donations
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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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