Hi from Haiti,

Wow, so busy, so much going on, my apologies for not writing. Where to start?

First, the picture you see here is of VICTORY BIBLE CHURCH...yes, our first service in our ten year dream. It was so exciting to see 600 people praising God and excited about our new building.

It was comical because our staff had hung balloons everywhere, and every couple minutes one would loudly pop. I so badly wanted to grab my chest and fall to floor like I had been shot, but didn't.

We have had visitors from America nonstop since January 3rd, assisting us in all areas of our ministry. As I write this, in the other room we have two pastors here teaching our 12 leaders, at our guest house. They spent 2 hours yesterday and will teach for 4 hours today. These are wonderful folks from TouchGlobal ministries. We thank our Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio and Indiana folks who have already been here this year.

Please pray for my family, we are in a period of transition as a couple of the boys have finished school, a couple more close, and a couple more not giving much effort. I love these guys and have committed 14 years to them, and will continue to see this through, just pray.

Board (bored) meeting- our wonderful board of directors just left after a week with us. We had dozens of hours to discuss our ministry, future plans and to build our team stronger. Thank you Linda, Bruce, Mark, Pat, Matt, Jason, Dan, Roseann, and even absent Anna........

One thing we discussed is our very poor systems of thanking you, the very folks who make this ministry happen. We have committed to making sure you receive thanks and know how much we appreciate your sacrificial giving. In the early years, I hand wrote all everyone a note of thanks, all 20 of you. When that number reached the hundreds that became impossible.

I apologize if you feel you have been giving, and we don't appreciate or thank you. We grew real big real fast, and are now adjusting. I came to Haiti to stand under a tree and tell Bible stories to children.

Now in 2012 JiHM has:
• A school with 140 students, growing at the rate of 20 students per year
• A church of 600 members
• 6 full time pastors
• Primetime mentoring program
• A children's home of 11
• A teen home with 16
• An outreach to remote villages, up mountains, and in a garbage dump
• 75 Haitian staff
• 5 houses
• 3 vehicles
• 3 American staff, 2 more coming in August with Back2Back Ministries, a partnership with Touch Global doing monthly leadership training and......so much more daily, hourly ministry.

These are very exciting times for all of us, as we preach the gospel, make disciples and teach others to do the same.

Two weeks ago a wonderful friend from Minnesota named Dawn was here. She has been good friends with my 20 year old son Derson. Dawn asked Derson in private "Derson where do you see yourself in 10 years?" She expected him to say, married with kids, working, travel, etc....instead Derson looked at Dawn with a sparkle in his eye and said "preaching the gospel, and making disciples." Folks that is what this ministry is all about, not a perfect ministry, but a ministry seeking to preach the gospel and to make disciples. Thank you for your part in this.

We have not added to our points of light, but natural growth means our budget goes up. I started at $1,000 a month, now that is over $20,000 per month. Wow, that scares me if I let it. I don't, you have heard me say, "There is more loose change under the cushions in God's couch than we will ever need." Please pray that God continues to provide, and what your part is in the process.

Hope you see Jesus in the pictures, I do, may God bless, tominhaiti

Ps- I am a very proud poppy as my oldest son Claudy proposed to Miss Ashley Nuest yesterday, and she said "yes." I could not have asked for a better daughter. I'm so excited about what God has for this godly couple as they begin their journey together. I guess I'm making a Minnesota visit this summer.

Hi,

Exactly two years ago today, January 12th, 2010, Haiti fell. Yes it's been two years since the earthquake hit us.

The first few months were chaotic. People who lost their homes, livelihoods, and family were all around us. God used us I believe in mighty way.

We built over 350 Samaritan's Purse homes, helped people get back on their feet, helped people repair homes, and fed the hungry and much more.

Thank you for your part, and financial giving. What excited me most, although we had the distractions for rebuilding and helping people get back on their feet, we never lost our focus. Our purpose has always been to be Jesus to people. We meet their needs, and share the gospel, then make disciples, not for JiHM, but disciples for Christ.

We never missed Sunday morning church service, or a Wednesday church service. We had youth group 4 days after the earthquake. We didn't miss a beat, or an opportunity to be Jesus.

Haiti is on the rebound, we have a president that we believe is trying, and succeeding. Pre-earthquake, a UN report said it would take 25 years just to get Haiti back to even being a third world country. Imagine how much worse after half the country fell.

What happens around us affects people, so we care. We will continue to care for the widows and orphans, and to preach the Gospel and make disciples. Pray for Haiti, pray for Victory Bible Church, pray for JiHM as we continue doing what God has called us to do....tominhaiti

Hi from Haiti,

Bet your wondering about that subject line, don't withdraw your support yet, hear me out.

This past Monday we had 17 wonderful folks from Wisconsin leave. They came to serve and to help advance JiHM, which is God's work. They had a great week ministering in the villages doing several kids clubs, they climbed a mountain for evangelism, participated in our primetime club, hung doors, fixed things, visited three orphanages, and much, much more...thank you Wisconsin for coming and for leaving, part of your heart behind.

Then leaving us this morning is a wonderful couple, Greg and Glenda. Glenda works with disabled children and she came just to spend a few days with Jovens, our blind 9 year old. She brought a Braille machine to teach him. He was learning how to use a key board and even typed his name out. She taught him how to use a cane, and he was flying around up and down stairs and everywhere. Glenda also spent two days at Jovens school, helping them work more effectively with Jovens. What a great investment in this precious little boy. The greatest thing she did was bring a better awareness to all of us, in how better to minister and teach this little guy. A big thank you!

Thanks to Darla Deats who was here a few days, attending a wedding, and working her way into our heart.

Anyone agree with me about there being no God? Well, I know 195,000 people that would. For some reason, God led me to visit the main atheist web page. I began to read and was horrified at what I read and saw. Things like (you might want not want to read this to your kids) a picture of Jesus on a cross, with the caption, "what would you do for a Klondike bar?" And, "I impregnated a virgin, committed suicide, came back as a zombie, and now I want your brain or I'll make you suffer in Hell forever, follow me."

Those are two printable things, it was so much worse. If this angers you or brings a tear, that's a good thing, it should. Hang with me, I tell you this for a reason, the mocking, the vile pictures, the hatred depressed and made me almost upchuck a couple times. For a week or so I read the filth. I wanted to understand how someone could believe and think like this.

I finally made a move, on Christmas day I said "happy birthday Jesus." Ten minutes later, a hundred comments later, I was shocked. I was attacked, cursed at, laughed at, and mocked.

Over the course of next week I began a dialogue, just asking questions, why the hatred for someone you don't believe in? Every time I left a simple statement, 100-200 comments ripping me, Haiti, the fact I was a missionary, and of course God.

I began to get very depressed, having never seen this side of human beings. I finally left, letting them know that I was leaving, but there was a God who created them, who loved them, and who has a wonderful plan for their life. More mockery, but, maybe a seed was planted. If just one.............

In the following days I thought about my time on the dark side, talked to God and thought some more. I came to this conclusion. For all the trash and arguments they threw at me, it only made my faith stronger. Not one ounce of doubt in my mind or was there ever, to what the Bible says, or what my God has done for me.

How sad to go through life, mocking and attacking your creator. Someday, every knee shall bow. What this did was give me a deeper appreciation for God's word. I am so thankful that I was raised with godly parents. Think of an atheist child, and how they will grow up thinking.

Folks, our God is real, you were not created by a big bang. Oh, it might have been a big bang but it was simply God at work, maybe clapping his hands at what He did.

Know what you believe, live it, share it, be Jesus to those around you. There is a God, celebrate! Tominhaiti

Hi all,

2012 is here and here with a bang. I've already been shot, kidnapped, my house burned down and I built a go cart with my Uncle Earl....wait a minute that was a dream.....back to reality.

Timeline

January 1: Dave and Cherie Van Wingerden moved to Haiti full time with JiHM
January 3: group of 17 wonderful Wisconsinites came on missions' trip
January 4-present.....busy, busy, busy.

We have another group coming Monday, then our board of directors a week later, and more missions' teams, just how we like it.

And ministry never stops....orphan care, outreach, school, church, my home...lots to do, many to love.

Just wanted you to know I am still here, ministry is ongoing. We are caring for the widows and orphans, and disciples are being made. Thanks for your part in this. God's work is the best work, investing in people is the best investment we can make....Happy New Year. May God bless your family and all you do in 2012, tominhaiti

Dear friends,
I trust you had a great Christmas and are ready for a new, exciting year ahead....

We had the Neal and Hassey families visit over Christmas. We had a great time eating, laughing, playing games, and delivering over 200 gifts to our kids at school, my home and two orphanages...

This week is spent getting ready for our first mission team of the year, next Tuesday, and preparing for Pastor Dave Van Wingerden and his wife Cherie. They arrive Sunday to assist in our ministry on a full time basis, our first missionaries living here, not named Tom.

With 2011 closing out, I will say it was a very good year. After the catastrophic events of 2010, we needed a calm, stable year. We got it. 2011 was a year of solid growth in the area of making disciples, developing staff and laying a solid foundation.

2012 promises to be our greatest year. Along with Dave and Cherie coming January 1, we have another missionary couple moving here to live in the summer. Also our church will be completed in the next few weeks, and B2B Ministries are coming to Haiti to partner with us in ministry, probably September...some big, exciting things.

Has life gotten easy here? Will it be easy in 2012? No, but ministry wasn't easy for the apostle Paul, Jesus, Moses, Hudson Taylor or...you. We do this because of the calling God has placed on our life.

This ministry, our 5 points of light, could not happen without your help. Thank you so much. I beg of you, please plan to visit our ministry in the very near future, or make that 2nd trip. Come and see firsthand what God is doing...

May God bless you and have a happy and productive new year. Tominhaiti

P.S. Its not too late to make a year-end donation. You can visit our website at www.jesusinhaiti.org to give.

Hi,

The other day I was figuring my personal budget and thinking. I realized I had $192 dollars to my name, total, in the whole world, oops, 67 cents in my pocket...I was worth $192.67. I don't own a vehicle, a piece of land...anything, just the wealth I've amassed, $192.67

I was then reading about storing up treasures in Heaven, and I realized, "I bet my net worth is double or triple that, in heaven."

You see folks; our net worth to God is not measured by the size or price of our house, what model car we drive, or how much money is in the bank. I believe our net worth is what we have done that has made a difference for eternity......

So, what is your net worth? More importantly, on which side lays your greater wealth.....here, in things and banks, or there, in kingdom stuff?

Maybe it's time to "balance the ledger." Seems we have two ways to do that, increase our giving to God, and decrease our stock in this world. Or we can do more for God and less for ourselves.....or both!

We live in a "me" world. Maybe it's time to focus on the "HE" instead....just saying, tominhaiti

P.S. - Remember to check out our 2011 Christmas Catalog by visting http://www.jesusinhaiti.org/give

Hi from Ohio, oops when you read this I may be in Florida or home,

I have had a great few days. I had a great chance to share our ministry, meet old and new friends, and raise some much needed support.

I've had some very quality time with my grandkids, Noah 1 1/2, Jayden 4, Kaylyn 7, Calvin 9, my daughter Deanna and her hubby Marco.....some Christmas shopping, some good food, fun with the kids and good quality time to talk, rest and prepare.

Prepare for the next 45 days, which will be very busy and exciting.

I arrive home Thursday night, a group from California arrives Friday morning, Saturday our 25 junior high boys are staying with the group at the guest house, Sunday I preach and then a full week. Then two dear families, personal friends come for Christmas.

January 1st Pastor Dave Van Wingerden and his wife Cherie, MOVE to Haiti, our first non-Tom American staff, ever. I am so excited. Two days later a mission team comes, starting several months of YOU guys visiting us. January 19th our wonderful board of directors comes to Haiti, on their own dime, for our yearly board meeting followed by more wonderful groups. Also the physical building called Victory Bible Church will be completed in January.

So, as you can see, a very exciting, busy, fun time lies ahead. Caution; I'm quoting an old song..."along with the sunshine, there's got to be a little rain sometime."

I told our board chairperson the other day, with so many God- filled moments ahead, the evil one will attempt to stop us. I told our board, we gotta double our financial giving, triple our efforts, and quadruple our prayers for this ministry. I ask you to do the same.

I shared this with Linda our chairperson Monday about 9 p.m. the exact time the pastor of our church in Haiti had an attempt made on his life, by voodoo folks. They placed deadly poison powder in his home, which could have killed him. The folks were caught and put in jail and pastor Ciriano is okay.

Ciriano was the first one in his family to be saved from a voodoo family. Since Ciriano has been our pastor his entire family has accepted Christ and is coming to our church, Victory Bible Church. Pray for this family for courage, strength and protection.

Folks the battle is always present and the enemy very real. Pastor Dave, who is moving here, has had health issues this past week. Do you think Satan wants this warrior leading our church? Keep praying.

I can't wait to get back tomorrow and hold down my corner of the fort.

Today I went into a family bookstore and found a Bible. I knew I was in trouble. You see I have bought about 9 Bibles in the past ten years and I get teased for having so many. I can't help it, I love Bibles, the learning Bible, Maxwell's Leadership Bible, my King James, the Max Lucado Bible, and more. The thing is, I don't have them all. My staff borrows them, and sometimes kind of keeps them, and that's okay, I want them used.

I found a Bible that I really wanted and then DeAnna busted me. But she let me buy it. I didn't really have the money but I told her in John it says the word of God is God....surely God will bless me for spending $35 dollars.....to buy a piece of God, right?

Time for supper, then final night of fun with the kids, then later heading over to the Neal's for a 5 a.m. departure. Haiti, here I come, ready or not! Tom