Update from Cindy McMartin

January 15, 2011

Dear Friends, 

Wednesday, the whole country of Haiti remembered the day one year ago that changed their lives forever.  All businesses and schools were closed; crowds of people all dressed in white marched in the streets in solemn remembrance of the devastation and lives lost; groups got together with their friends who had lost a loved one to read Scripture, pray together and encourage one another; we heard the services of prayer and praise all around us beginning before dawn and lasting into the evening; we remembered, we praised God for protection and His help in the past year, and we prayed asking Him to accomplish his plan and work for good and the advancement of his Kingdom in the midst of continued seemingly hopeless circumstances.

God is in control and He is at work and he encourages us with bright spots:

• The cement block making business is up and running.  Over 6000 blocks have been made, blocks are being sold, orders are coming in and the word is spreading.  An engineer came up to check out the blocks to see if they were a good quality.  He tested them and proceeded to put in his order for a project he is doing.  So, we praise God for this project that has become self-sustainable and is helping several families in the community live.  Bruce is meeting with the Haitian man overseeing the sale of the blocks in a time of Bible study and prayer with the idea that he, too, will meet with the other men making the blocks to disciple them.  Please pray for the ongoing results of this project – not only for the families that are being helped, but for the transformation of lives.
• The other day Mackenson and Emanes came to see me – 2 boys that had been at Jehu’s center and had since moved on.  It was such a thrill to see them and to see them continuing to walk with Jesus.  They both are attending church regularly and Mackenson had just finished baptismal classes and was baptized.  Please pray for these boys and for Jehu and the ministry he has with the boys God directs him to.
• Just this morning a young lady (a former student) came to see us.  She shared how this past year she has let other things replace her relationship with God.  She said that God should have washed his hands of her, but in his grace He is drawing her back to Himself.  She was coming asking us to pray for her.  We praise God that she is still listening to Him, that she is repentant, and that she is walking with Him again.  Please pray for Erna.     

The second semester of STEP started this week.  We are receiving teams in the next few months coming to build homes in the neighborhood, coming to build temporary faculty offices, and coming to hold dental clinics.  Please pray for us in the different responsibilities we have related to these activities- teaching, buying materials, overseeing work, hospitality, etc.

Our prayer for you all in this new year is that you would be filled with joy and experience much satisfaction and fulfillment as you work with God in accomplishing the plans and tasks that He has prepared for you to do in the days ahead.  May you have a sense of passion and excitement knowing you are exactly in the path He has directed for you.

Thanks always for your involvement with us – your love, prayers and support.

Blessings,

Bruce & Cindy