The Aberle's in Haiti

Djina

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 16:31:00 +0000

01-20-2014

Today the kids and I went to visit Djina, Verdli and the newest member of their family Djinia.

Djina and baby Djinia

Three month old Djinia is adorable, growing and developing great. I also got to meet Djina's mother. When we started talking all the pieces started falling together. Djina's sister is Yola. I spoke with and studied with Yola for a year. She had a vast knowledge of the Bible but just couldn't bring herself to serve Christ. Even though she knew Christ was the right choice. Then Yola moved away. I hadn't seen Yola in over nine months until just the other day.

Yola was happy to report that she was following the Lord, loved the Lord, attending church and just waiting until the chance when she could be baptized. Praise the Lord!

Verdli and his little sis Djinia

I found out today that Djina and Yola's mom is a faithful Christian, thus Yola's vast Bible knowledge. Please pray with me for Djina, her husband and her brother, as even today as I gently checked with her, she quietly, yet confidently let me know that she has not changed her mind, she did not want to follow the Lord.

Sandli, Verdli, Djina's mom, Djinet, and her brother Alclaudin

Uncle Tim!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 03:25:00 +0000

Uncle Tim is here!! (okay I am really slow...he arrived on Thursday and we are really glad that he is here.)

And Sam put him right to work on the new apartment. It has just been freshly painted. It is amazing how much paint can make things seem more done. There is still lots to do, but there is some major progress being made.

They did take a short break to try and catch

a snake hanging out in a tree here on campus.

That was making everyone get just a little too excited.

But, Tim can't come all the way to the Caribbean, in the middle of winter, just to work...

A beach trip was definitely in order.

So we took the boat around to Dhaloo Beach. Tim thought that this way to the beach was great as he hiked to the beach last time he was in Haiti, Biga wasn't so sure.

It was a perfect day,

and we all had a great time.

Sunday we had a great opportunity for church.

We went to the Cap Haitian prison for church.

Romual, one of the group of 60 people that Sam and Junior trained last summer, asked us to come with a preacher. We were so blessed to have Brent Sleasman, one of the visiting professors, ready and willing to fill the need.

This group of prisoners sang a special. It was really good.

After the service Romual's group, who lead the service, handed out Bibles and we got a little time to talk to the prisoners.

Then we went to the pool for lunch.

Pam (one of our regular visiting professors), and Jake (a new visitor) also joined us for the day and were a blessing to have around.

We discovered that the prison is just a stones throw away from the hotel. From the second story at the hotel, you can actually see into the prison courtyard that we had just come from. What a vast difference.

At the prison I am always amazed how many people choose to follow Christ while in prison. Which makes me, dare I say, a little glad that they are stuck in that smelly, crowed, horrible place. To receive misery in this life, but relationship with the Lord forever. The love of Christ is so amazing. I just want to scoop people up and help them experience a real relationship with Christ, before misery, before lonely struggle, before they pass on, before they spend one more minute without the one true Lord right there with them. Prison, is always a clear reminder for everyone that people need the Lord, but the reality is that EVERYONE without the Lord is in the same position. They are slaves to sin, captive to sin and in desperate need of a savior. My prayer is that the Lord will keep that right before me, each day, with each nice, friendly, "good" but lost person.

Happy Birthday Gideon!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 01:34:00 +0000

Gideon had his 8th Birthday today!

We asked him what he wanted to do with his friends today, and his competitive spirit came out.

We had foot races, bike races, stilt races, and crab walking races!!

He wanted purple frosting and a volcano... huh? It's his birthday... why not!

Happy Birthday Gideon! We love you!

Meyer Family

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 02:40:00 +0000

Ryan, Anita, Lindsay and Cody Meyer were here for Christmas!!

We had such a good time.

It is so nice to be around people that build you up at every turn.

They were silly with us.

(Note the "Christmas Tree" in the background)

Gideon and Azi think Cody should have just stayed and become their big brother.

They jumped right in there and lived life with us.

After about 36 hours without sleep, walked down the dusty road and helped with Bible study.

We were even blessed by Anita and Lindsay painting.

and Ryan and Lindsay building.

For church on Sunday we made the hike to Coup-A-David.

It was a beautiful day.

With a beautiful service. (It was only about three hours long :)

If you look closely you will see the group ahead of us.

They, along with their Bible study group, treated us to the beach...

and the pool!!

Oh yeah.. we had fun!

Thank you Meyers. You truly blessed us.

Soccer Match

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 04:10:00 +0000

I have been really bad about blogging but today was super fun.

The staff played a carefully selected team of the students.

The community kids came to watch and play after the game.

Oh.. and the students won, 1-0.

Next week is finals and today's match was the first day of Christmas festivities.

This is always a great time of fun and fellowship.

Rick and Lesha

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 03:24:00 +0000

11-23-2013

It has been almost a week ago... time has gotten away from me, but I had to share.

Rick and Lesha Koch were only in Haiti for a few days, but they filled us up.

It was so fun to sit, eat, laugh, exchange stories, really just to talk... about gardens, Haiti, ministry in general, school and life.

That and the pool and ice cream were amazing. Such special people, including Josh who was also with us.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

He's Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 03:52:00 +0000

Sam's brother Josh, that is.

And we are having fun already.

I love it when these two get together.

We miss you Kristi, Silas and Ezra!

The Love of God

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 19:26:00 +0000

I don't really want to get into the details. Matt tells his prospective here.

But yesterday was... different.. to say the least.

When this precious woman walked into church during a prayer the whole place lit up with inappropriate behavior. Unloving behavior. Ungodly behavior. Laughing. People getting up to move away from her. And so many stares of condemnation I could hardly sit in my chair. God's overwhelming love for her came over me. She is a woman created in the image of God for relationship with God. We all are. I wanted to sit by her. Share my hymnal, show everyone what they should be doing. Instead, I clearly felt that I should invite her home for lunch. I should not show everyone else what to do, but do it. Love her. Right where she was at. Voudou clothes or not. Crazy talk or not. I should love her with my husband. I should love her with my kids.

When our conversation first started at home, it was all nonsense. Skipping from random verse to random verse in the Bible. Then singing. Lots of singing. All hymns.

When Phil started asking pointed questions, our new friend as much as left. The sweetness, maybe even thankfulness, in her eyes gone. It wasn't until she bathed, put on fresh clothes and we started to do her hair that this other one would do anything but lay on the floor, or duck their head in silence.

Then it started to get ugly. Once it started to get ugly, I rarely, if ever saw the sweet woman that had walked home with me. And in the ugliness of it all God's overwhelming love for her remained on my heart.. strengthened, brought me to tears.

Oh dear ones, God really does love his creation.. ugly...evil..crazy...greedy...selfish...lying...separated people. His holiness demands our separation from him. Demands it. It would be tragic if the Lord had not sent Jesus.

It IS tragic without Jesus.

As we prayed for hours many strongholds were willingly given over to us. Small victories, but she is far from a free women.

God loved her all day. In a deep real way. It was so apparent at times that she would rush to the bathroom to regroup with the demons. When she came back out she was so different.

At every one of those moments of choice to run away from the love of God and not into it I could feel her getting farther away.

Only the demons talked now.

When others joined the four of us to pray. She was nasty and had to be reminded that she had no authority to treat us so poorly or to attempt to hurt anyone.

And then at one point.. . she was gone, and the demon was laughing. All I can think is that she willfully chose them over God.

All there is to do is to take her home and go home sad, burdened, praying.

This was so obvious, in my face, tangible, but I have come home in the same way many times. Each person that willfully chooses something other than God turns their back on Him, on Jesus. They turn away from the only one who can heal them, change them, make them new and bring them into the presence of our maker.

People need to hear the gospel.

People need to hear the truth.

People need to be loved.. by the Father.. by us.

Please don't look at this sin any differently than any other.

Sin is what separates us from God.

And God....Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is the ONLY thing good.

Let us take the “good”, GOD, in us to those around us... to the dying, the spiritually blind, the spiritually deaf, lost world. You know.. that really nice, caring, neighbor, without the Lord.

It's a commandment of our Lord Jesus. They need him.

Fill up, oh children of the Most High God. FILL UP! Fill up with HIM and let Him overflow to everyone around us.

A Good Man

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 00:25:00 +0000

Sam really is a good man... no a great man.

A great husband and father.

Today was quite possibly one of my best birthdays ever.

I attended women's Bible study this morning and my great family spent the whole morning working like crazy. They cleaned the entire house!!

Then met me at the door with gifts preciously wrapped as only kids can. Then this evening we all went to town for dinner and a swim.

And it was cold. All of you in cold places have no idea what a great gift a bit of cold is, but it is over the top good.

. I actually had goosebumps. Beautiful.

Praising the Lord for my amazing husband and three sweet kids.

*** Thanks Uncle Jake and Auntie Roo for the great floaties!***

Oh Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 01:50:00 +0000

Le Borgne (locally known as “Oh Boy”)

I have been itching to go to the mountains from the moment that we got back to Haiti in July. Just the thought of people that potentially have not heard the gospel was a huge draw.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

So when Junior asked if I wanted to go to Brav's area, I was ready to go.

So on Saturday, we packed our family of five, plus Junior, Brave, Phida and Jorgia into our five person car. He had to get a little creative.

The drive was long, but the two mile walk was surprisingly short. The kids loved how we crossed the same river over and over again. Brav was an excellent host and received us with grace and excitement into his home. We had no plan, and we spent a good amount of time seemingly doing nothing, but it was good. It really is always good when you are in the presence of those that love the Lord. We sang, we laughed, we prayed, we ate, we shared the gospel, we ate again, then we started walking home... in the rain. Brav, bless his heart, walked all the way back with us and helped us get our muffler. (I'll explain in a minute.)

I am always excited when Sam comes with me. I just love having him around, but I am certain that the Lord sent him this time. With our heavy load, we hit a submerged rock, while crossing the river and ripped our already hanging by a thread muffler off.

Well... almost off. Sam had to remove it the rest of the way. He really is the jack of all trades. What would have taken me a huge amount of time and lots of strangers helping, he did in minutes. Brave, ran the muffler up the hill to keep safe at a friends house and we pressed on... a little louder. Praise the Lord.

My take home thought to ponder, was the fact that the first few people I talked to really did not know the stories in the Bible. When I share the Creation to Christ story closer to town everyone nods in agreement as if they have heard the stories a million times. But these men hadn't. There was so much to do, so little time.

Phida, Jorgia, Junior and Brave

Please pray with us as we seek the Lords leading.

Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 02:04:00 +0000

2013-10-01

Every Tuesday for almost a year now I have been hopping on my bike and riding down the highway, off onto a lonely looking road and doing Bible study with some women in Desmang. Every time I sit with them I always question their motive. “Why are they siting with me?” They don't seem overly interested, and they don't seem to put anything into practice, even though they have good understanding of what needs done. More than a dozen times I have been convinced in my mind that “this time” is the last time I am coming here. There must be more productive places to be. But... something always happens to give me hope and keep me coming back.

Well, it was one of those.. lets just say, less than encouraging days that I met Jackson. Our baby sitter didn't come so I hurried and piled all three kids into the car and raced to get to my appointment. I was late, late, late. The road is never good and always muddy. This time there was a huge pile of dirt that that made me hope that someone was fixing the road, but in reality it was just a bunch of dirt in the way. Our little car squeaked by with no problem. I hurried to my appointment and found no one home. Well, there is always someone home, but the women that I sit with were gone and no one else was interested. All of that work for nothing... .

Gideon, Azi, Abigail and I started up the road. If I have come all this way we will at least talk to someone. House by house we started sharing the gospel with little response. When we came upon a yard that seemed to be a gathering place, people were.. well.. gathered. A man named Petual took particular interest and asked me if I would be willing to come back and study the word of God with him. “I want to go to church, but I never get the chance because my work is in the Dominican Republic.” he explained. So we set up a time and invited everyone else in the yard.

When I arrived the next week at the stated time, everyone was there... except Petual. So I asked “What shall we do? Do you want to study the word of God or not. No pressure, only if you want to.” That's when Jackson spoke up. “Yes, go ahead.” People had told me Jackson was a witch doctor, but I'm not sure that is true... mixed stories and all, but what I do know is that Jackson is respected in his community. When Jackson speaks up others listen. I have never gotten so much respect in this area. Most of the time when I share the gospel, or discipleship stories, there are non-believers in the group that cause problems the whole time, but not this time. As soon as Jackson decided, the women slowly and quietly moved in closer to hear and the men silently played their checkers.

For the past three weeks Jackson has been sitting at his table when I come up the road. Most of the time there are lots of other people as well, but not today. Today, he called them. Maybe it would be more accurate to say that he made them come. He gets them ready and then I am expected to share the word of God. We are slowly working our way through the book of John. Usually there is a reader / helper. Today, they wanted to sing... but no one knew any of the songs.

They wanted to read the word, but no one could read.

They wanted to pray, but no one would pray.

They just looked at me.

I have to say "For when I am weak, then I am strong."

There is little more embarrassing for me than having to sing...a solo. What makes it more embarrassing? Having to sing a solo in Creole, from a book with no music notes and words that I can't pronounce right.

They saw my imperfection. My imperfection as I sang, my imperfection as I read, my imperfection as I spoke... but it didn't matter.

They were absolutely sure of who my Lord was. They were sure that I loved Him. They were sure that what I shared was important.

I love meeting with this group.

None of them are Christians.

They make fun of me more than I will even admit to myself.

They force me to... gasp... sing all by myself... and then laugh at me every time I mess up.

Nothing seems to be touching their hearts.

But they are listening.

They are hearing God's truth.

And the Word of God changes everything.

Oh, and by the way. When I went to read the verses a second time, they fetched a reader. Apparently it was painful to them as well.. or maybe they really wanted to hear and understand. I am going with the latter.

Christie

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 01:14:00 +0000

This little one is Christie.

Maxi and Kerline have been married for over 10 years and have wanted a baby from the day they got married. Time after heartbreaking time they have lost one child after another. The last precious child was lost in delivery. As we have grown in our relationship with Maxi (he works alongside Sam) it has been amazing to see his unwavering faith. Then to slowly get to know his quiet, sweet hearted wife and to see that her faith is right there with Maxi's.

We have prayed more for little Christie than I have ever prayed for any baby, even my own. Yet, as I sat for long hours with Kerline and Maxi there was nothing but peace. Peace, because peace does not come from circumstance, but from being right with God. And they were right with God. They trusted...they trust, in God. No matter the outcome, and they were well aware of all of the possible outcomes. They had done what they could, the rest was in God's hands. All that was left was to trust and pray. And they did just that. Trust and Pray. Simple, beautiful faith.

Maxi came to tell us this morning that Kerline had been in labor all night, 24 hours in fact and they were headed to the hospital. So we all prayed. Check out Stacey's blog for the whole story as Matt when to the hospital with them.

When the glorious news came that everything had gone ok, that beautiful Christie is, God willing, going to be with us for a while, it was sweet relief. Praising the Lord I sat down for my daily devotions, and was greeted by this verse.

Psalm 116:1-2

I love the Lord, because he has heard

my voice and my pleas for mercy.

Because he inclined his ear to me,

therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

What I love about this is today we have baby Christie with us, but Maxi and Kerline have loved the Lord, every single time.

Oh it is so good to rest in our Father's hands...

Update...

Beyond Maxi and Kerline's excitement, reality hitting them. Kerline is in a LOT of pain. She has been given very little medicine for pain and it hurts all the time. She is concerned that her milk is not coming in...

Update again...

This is bound to be really old news before I get time to finish it and post it. But this baby is such good news I have to share it anyway.

Today Maxi, Kerline and baby Christie were able to come home. They came home to a HUGE crowd of friends and family and tonight at 8 pm there were still about twelve people in their home. The community here is amazing. The Lord has already begun to answer our prayers about Kerline's pain. She is a new person tonight. I finally got to see her proud mama smile. She is still in pain, but it is much better. Now she is dealing with a new problem... breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is as close to a necessity here as it gets. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Visiting Professors

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 00:45:00 +0000

09-21-2013

And just like that... they are gone. This part of our life always takes a little getting used to. Especially for the kids. Abigail actually dug her head into the couch because she was sad to see her new friends go.

People come and go so often I can hardly keep track. The last four weeks have been packed full of wonderful, God filled people.

Each person has encouraged us in a different way.

They all came to teach, which is greatly needed and much appreciated, but I find myself being thankful for

...all the dishes washed

...all the books read with the kids

...all the games played both with kids and adults

...all the special items brought from the US

...all of the edification. I don't think we got through one meal without someone challenging the others to dig deeper, think harder and discuss the word of God. **So Good**

...and so much more.

I only wish I was better at getting pictures. I only snapped a few.

Thank you Leroy and Kay, Bill, Chris, Ryan, Bob and Launa, Bryanand Frank!

Just a Simple Word Puzzle

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 02:41:00 +0000

09-20-2013

For seven weeks I have been going to Konpech every Friday. I have been wanting to share this with you, for some time now, but I am just getting a chance.

So instead of detailed, long stories. I am going to give you the quick run down.

Week One

The kids and I went by ourselves. OK visit, some listening, most not. One person asked a great question, which gave me a great opportunity to schedule a return visit to answer his question. Everyone was in agreement that next Friday we would meet again. Praise the Lord.

Week Two

I was super excited because when I asked Lewis and Nathalie to come with me, they jumped for the chance. I have NEVER seen any new believers so excited to come share the word of God with me. When we arrived we spoke and the locals played dominoes. **sigh** Then out of the shadows came one man that listened intently and asked great questions. I left praising the Lord that this man clearly heard the word of God. Lewis and Nathalie had no expectations at this point.

Lewis, Nathalie, their two kids, Kerbie, Sandlie and my three.

Week Three

We had a mix up and Lewis and Nathalie were not home when I came by to get them. So the kids and I went with lots of other kids. On the way we spoke with a man in his garden. He quickly cut some sugar cane and gave it to the kids, then listened intently as I shared the Bible story. I invited him to come next week to Konpech (where he lives) for Bible study next week. We were barely received by the people of Konpech. They were kind, but not interested in Jesus. Nathalie, found out that I had gone on without them and RAN all the way to Konpech to meet us. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord. For an opportunity to share the gospel and for a disciple of Christ that is eager to share with others. Great day!

The place that we met Dalvima. His garden is to the left and he was cutting this tree with a machete for charcoal.

Week Four

We all headed for Konpech and Dalvima (the man from the garden) actually came for our meeting, ready to study the Word of God. The Lord sent two seminary students (that just happened to want to see where Konpech was) that were an immense help. Thelo, lead a study on John 3. It is just fun to see the Lord provide without me asking, and without me even knowing I needed help. So good!

The rest of the pictures are on the path to Konpech

Week Five

Dalvima returned AGAIN for our meeting. I have never had this happen in Konpech. Normally, people are begging to hear more about Jesus one week, then acting as if they have never even met you the next week. But this week he was nervous. NO ONE else wanted to study, but it was obvious that he did. He paced around for some time waiting for others to come. Then the Lord sent Pastor Exert and a friend. The presence of these men helped Dalvima to calm down and study with us. I also had help from Bill Edler, who joined us during his one break from teaching or preparing to teach seminary classes. Such a blessing to have all of these Godly men encouraging Dalvima. Great Study. Dalvima was asking me at the end of the study if we could please come back next week.

Week Six

So of course we did. Thrilled to... But he didn't.

I saw him on the way home in his garden. He again gave us sugar cane and apologized. Huh ??? I just don't know. That one is in the Lord's hands.

However, we did get a chance to talk with some of the ladies in Konpech. A woman, Benita, said she doesn't do Voudou stuff, she wants to follow Christ....but not while living in Konpech. So we agreed to study with her again next week. Praise the Lord for the opportunity to share and for the faithfulness of Lewis and Nathalie. (Everyone knows them from when they were not believers. So they are going to friends to boldly share their faith. It just makes me smile thinking about it.)

Week Seven.

That brings us to today. When we showed up in Konpech the whole place was quiet. The women were crowed around an English word find puzzle, ignoring us. Everyone claimed that Dalvima and Benita were not there. Then I saw Benita, amongst the women huddled around the little book. “What is her name?” I asked someone else. “Benita” she said with a smile. So I got right in there amongst them to find out what they were doing. I didn't even realize how bold I was being, until one of them made a smart-alack remark about the foreigner. I looked up to see Lewis and Nathalie hanging back, way back.

As a side note, this is not normal for me. Even tonight, Phil, Emily, Bob and Launa were talking in the yard when I came outside from doing the dishes and I found myself hanging back. Not wanting to intrude, not wanting to be pushy or rude. It was literally all I could do to make myself go over and talk to my FRIENDS. As I thought through these two crazy opposite responses that happened all in one day, all I could think about is “Why?” Then it hit me. It was all about whose ambassador I was being. When it is just plain old me, I have little to nothing to offer. Being an ambassador for myself is ... unglamorous, embarrassing and boring. I mean compared to God, who has any room to stand. But being an ambassador for Christ is exciting it's a privilege. To know that the king of kings, the Lord of Lords has sent me to the lost, just to share the greatest news ever. Wow! I want everyone to hear, and hear again, and again, and then to tell others, lots of others.

So I could, get right in there, because I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. One lady was hard core making fun of us at one point, but I didn't even receive it as that. It was just another reminder that she was lost and needed Jesus. Another opportunity to share more. (Please pray for Lewis and Nathalie. They are so new to the faith, they are feeling the persecution a little harder.)

Oh, if I could live in that state of being an ambassador of Christ.... to the lost.... to my sisters... to my brothers... to my family. The state of being so dependent on the Holy Spirit that I don't even care about me. I already know that I am no good, only he can do the work.

So to finish I have to tell you how I actually got to share today. The women handed Gideon and I the small word find book in English. They were looking for some names. The first name was the name Paul.

I love the way the Lord works.

Happy Birthday Abigail!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 02:15:00 +0000

Abigail turned 3 today...

And we all love her dearly...

With Biga there is never a dull moment...

She has made friends with everyone...

So today Abel bought her flowers...

And Matt rented her a horse...

Yes, I did just say a horse...

Azi and Junior were the first brave souls...

But soon everyone was lining up for their turn...

It took Biga a while, and a whole pack of Gum for distraction but eventually she was really enjoying it.,.
Thank you Kay and Leroy for the perfect gift at the perfect time.

Even Granny took a ride... but somehow I did not get a picture of her
I think I was too busy watching her try to make the tired horse run...

Haylie was an old pro...

Even Stacey and I took a ride...

In our skirts...

We are so blessed to have this little one...

Happy Birthday Girly.

Through the Mud

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 20:34:00 +0000

When I took off with the kids to go visiting I didn't remember the last two nights of rain. I should have... I LOVE it when it rains. When the kids ran joyfully toward the tadpole / mosquito pits, it surprised me a little that the puddles were even there. As we turned down the path I almost turned around. Mud, mud, mud. But by this time Dilex, Kerbi and Sondli, three of the kid's friends had joined us, so we pressed on. After a good fifteen minutes, probably more at Abigail's pace, we arrived. I'm sure that they heard us coming because we were greeted by every little kid in the small village. Such beautiful excitement to have new kids to play with.

Everyone seemed to be just relaxing in the yard, chatting. A little girl quickly brought me a chair as her mom had instructed her to. It has been a really long time since I had visited so instead of bringing a story I just asked questions about the creation to Christ story. Have they really heard? I have to say they did a pretty good job. They were pleased with themselves as well.

"Do you have any questions?" I offered .... no's all around.

"Do you understand all of the story?" I probed .... Yes's all around.

So I asked them what they had done with this information. For you can't hear and understand the gospel and do nothing with it. Even if you seemingly do nothing you are choosing to reject Christ.

Silence. Well at least silence in my direction. As I sat silently waiting, listening, you could see that some could care less, but others were really thinking.

Then someone noticed that I hadn't said anything in a long time. "Why aren't you talking?" she asked sharply.

"I'm waiting for your response." I answered calmly.

Then everyone's ears were attentive. Looking at me really listening to my question this time.

Then silence. A little deeper this time. Almost shameful. They knew what they were choosing, and I could feel their struggle.

Then a young man jokingly said he would like to live without sin.

So I snatched the opportunity, helped him see that he had no idea what that really meant and said I would return with the answer. The answer to the question of what does it really mean to walk straight before God and what does it really mean to walk in sin.

I plan to go over the fruits of the Spirit and the fruits of the flesh. (Gal 5:16-26) I plan to go next week. Please pray with me.

Oh... and one more thing. A big thanks to Rachelle Hubele. Your example as a heart set apart for the Lord has made a huge impact in the hearts of these women, they remember you and are listening because they want to be like you and have a heart full of the Holy Spirit. Thank you!

Quick Update

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 20:13:00 +0000

07-28-2013

Desmangles area

- I went scouting for a new area to make disciples, and found that just about everywhere around me people have opportunity to be connected to a body of Christ. However, just like the US, just because they have the opportunity doesn't mean they take it. I stopped and found out that one particular neighbor in the Desmangles area did not know Christ. After hearing the gospel they quickly said they wanted to follow Christ. But... only the husband returned the next day for our followup. His wife went to Plaine-du-Nord, where they are having a HUGE Voudou celebration this week. However the husband, my kids and I were joined by a friend of his, a woman from across the street and a whole mess of neighborhood kids. The friend from across the street knew a TON about the Bible, but because of life was choosing not to follow Christ. Yet, there is still hope. Please pray for these struggling ones, I have another meeting with them on Thursday.

Lewis and Nathalie

- Lewis and Nathalie (that I have talked about so much) have moved, due to problems in their family. They are just down the road, but are in a bit of a sticky situation. They only have one month at their current living situation then they literally have NO idea what they will do. They would like to build a house, even a stick one, but because Lewis has been out of work for so long, I don't know how they would do that. Please pray with me that God will take care of these faithful ones.

- Azi was climbing a tree in our yard, something she has done many, many times and I called her into dinner. As she skillfully climbed out of the tree to the bottom knot she jumped. This is how Gideon and her always get down. It's about five feet off the ground and the best way to get down. However, this time her skirt caught on the knot and flipped her upside down. She literally did a nose dive into the ground. Amazingly enough she was virtually unhurt. All she had was a little soreness. She didn't even have any signs of a concussion. Praise the Lord with us, He really is watching over our family.

- We have new neighbors. The husband is from another area in Haiti and the wife is a doctor from Cuba. We have much to learn about these neighbors yet, please pray that we would be able to build relationship and be good witnesses for our Lord.

Dhaloo Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 00:14:00 +0000

Just back to Haiti and Sharon (our good friend from NorthRidge church) has already taken us to the beach. Ahh... it's always refreshing to be with Sharon. We even visited Dhaloo Beach, a beach that we had never been to before. We are always struck with how beautiful Haiti really is.

Thank You!

Sam

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 01:04:00 +0000

07-18-2013

Sam and the kids in front of our new house.

We have officially been back in Haiti for one week, and wow it has been a busy one. It has been really good to reconnect with old friends both by visiting them and being visited. On top of all of the visits and regular tasks we also have moved from the big house to the small house. Today was no exception. I steadily worked all morning, cleaning and putting away the rest of our stuff. Then this afternoon we were blessed by a visit from the dynamic women's mission team. They are a group of old and new friends here to do evangelism and many other great tasks. While they were touring the campus, Junel's wife and 13 month old Sama came for a visit. It really was a great day. Julie and Mishner even came to help me clean out the old house. When all was said and done I was tired, but happy. Then Biga ran up to Sam and said that whatever she was holding was for a Birthday. Sam said "who's birthday?" and Biga just ran off without another thought. And I, being the wife of the year, didn't think a thing about it.

Sam actually had to tell me that it was his birthday today.

I think he might have gotten more pleasure from my horror than from me really remembering, but I still feel really bad.

This also means that I forgot Sam's twin brother Josh's birthday, and his brother Tim's birthday on July 9th, and my brother in law Jake's birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday everybody!!!

So, I just want to take a minute and let you know of all the ways I was thankful to have Sam just this week.

He:

- Helped me move our family to the smaller house.

- Flew a kite with the kids.

- Removed at least four rats from our house.

- Removed the rat nests from the water heater and the oven.

- Fixed the water heater so we can take warm showers.

- Put up a goat fence so we don't have to move the goats and so the goats can grow better.

- Helped by cooking dinner for our guests one evening.

- Tried every possible way of cooling our house to find the coolest option.

- Educated our kids in life on life ways.

- Gave freely to those around him.

- Worked to keep the mosquitoes out of our house despite broken screens.

- Fixed more things than I could ever know.

I could go on and on.

We are so glad we have him.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Colorado Time

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 20:41:00 +0000

Our Colorado family, just like our Kansas family, is wonderful. We had such a good time catching up with everyone. We made so many good memories that I can't share it all, so I will just share some (okay a lot of pictures, we can all be glad I didn't have Miranda's pictures yet, because I would have had to post a whole lot more.) pictures.

Thanks everyone for the great memories made! We miss you already!

Keratoconus Update

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:35:00 +0000

05-06-2013

Way back … when we lived in Colorado Sam started having trouble seeing out of one of his eyes. It started small and he thought nothing of it. Then it grew to seeing multiples of things, halos around lights and other issues. When he finally went to see the optometrist, he was sent to a cornea specialist that diagnosed him with keratoconus The specialist told him plainly that he would never get better by itself. Their were some options, but not any good, affordable ones. So Sam thanked him and went on with life. Some time later he stopped me and said that he thought that his eye was getting better. Months later, Sam felt as if his eyes were completely better. In fact this whole time that we have been in Haiti he hasn't had any problems with his eyes.

So this last week Sam went to one of the top cornea experts in the nation that has dealt a lot with keratoconus. Luckily for us he is stationed out of Kansas City and he really wanted to see Sam. In fact Sam filled out the online paperwork and stated that he had been diagnosed with keratoconus, but no longer had any problems with it and the doctor called him back within five minutes. “I can get you in tomorrow.” In all of his work with kerataconis he has never seen anyone ever just get better.

But Sam did.

The doctor saw no trace of Sam ever even having keratoconus. We only wish Sam would have had his records from the last specialist with him. (I think they are in Haiti). I'm not sure the doctor believed Sam. But we know. “I saw the pictures, they really did look normal. Nothing like the copies that I had last time. I knew I was seeing better, but I didn't know it was completely better.” Sam shared.

It sounds impossible. Medically speaking it is impossible.

But we know the Creator and He is our Lord.

Thank you Lord.

Gwal a Dye. (Glory to God)

Papa And Nana

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:50:00 +0000

05-08-2013

Nana and Papa (Cammie's parents) went to visit family in Texas. Somehow we mis-communicated and didn't realize that they would be really close to us on their way home. So... at the last minute we drove to Manhattan, KS to see them. It may have only been half a day total time with them, but every minute was worth it. It was really good to see you guys! Abigail didn't realize they were really gone until about three hours later. Then all of a sudden she burst out into tears. Poor little girl doesn't quite understand our three "homes" and is always missing someone.

Update on our stateside plans: (always subject to change)

Sabetha Kansas until June 7th.
Craig Colorado June 8th - June 30th
Kansas on our way back to Haiti July 2nd - July 7th
Fly back into Haiti on July 11th

*** We are really open and would love to soak in some Bible study time...especially in English:) ***

The Wedding Actually Happened...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Tue, 07 May 2013 02:16:00 +0000

...And more importantly, obedience to Christ was exampled. We are in the US and couldn't be there, but many things were accomplished. I was so pleased to see the body of Christ not just say that sin is bad, but helping their people to be able to get out of sin. The local church body, foreign
church and the seminary working together to ensure that all of God's people live in a way that is pleasing to God.

As Stacey put it... it's Beautiful. Check out her blog for the whole story. Thanks Stacey for sharing.

Promised Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Wed, 01 May 2013 02:26:00 +0000

Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga,TN

Nashville, TN

Reading with Grandma Sandy

Playing with Clayton in the kids' new favorite place....

...Grandpa and Grandma's timber.

Popcorn with Grandpa

Catching up with the cousins... we can't wait until the rest get here!

Kansas

noreply@blogger.com (Sam and Cammie Aberle) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:49:00 +0000

04-28-2013

I think I write this every time we come here but... Sabetha really is an extraordinary place. We arrived Friday evening and two and a half days in and I am still amazed at the people here. It seemed as if every person that I talk to is focused on making disciples of Christ. Sunday school focused on unpacking exactly what scripture had to say and living it and every one of the thirty some people were right on board. The sermon focused on really loving people, you know the real way, not just being nice, even the announcements were pushing, directing and helping people to be able to obey the commandments of Christ. Refreshing. There are very few places that I go that I don't feel the weight of the great work to be done. So many that have not heard, so many that claim Christ but don't live it.

But not here.

We have been gone just over one year and in that year NorthRidge has been busy. Just this morning we noticed people in Church that were far from a life with Christ when we left, giving witness to the church's continued heart for the lost right around them. A new church/branch has been started and is thriving in Seneca, a neighboring town that I used to work in and was in need of such a body of Christ. NorthRidge Nebraska, NorthRidge Church's first church plant is thriving. Yet it's not just NorthRidge as a cooperate church, each one of them is living it out. It's life on life living out the life of a Christian. They edify each other for the good work that is be be done... and then they DO it.

Each one is such a great example.. and what we strive for. Wherever we are we want to see Christians being...well....Christians. To see them live and love like Christ. So press on wherever you are, because NorthRidge isn't all that special, but the people are. They are each just one person living out the call of Christ the way Christ asked us to. May we each strive to be more like Him each and every day.

As for me, I am just soaking it in and filling up.

Ephesians 4:11-16 “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

( Pictures Tomorrow:)