New Fall Interns & Water Lead Advocate

Michael and Erin Larson

Fall Interns (September 1 – November 23)

Grace Village

We felt God soften our hearts toward Haiti and the work Healing Haiti is doing there during our first mission trip in March 2014.  We returned two more times together since then, and Michael went one other time.  We are grateful to the Lord for opening up this internship opportunity for us this Fall, 2015!  Michael is excited to use his God-given carpentry skills to assist in maintenance at Grace Village, as well as being involved in agricultural projects.  Erin is a nurse in the States, and thrilled to be Jesus in skin to the elders in the Grace Village Elder Care Program by doing RN home visits.  Both of us will have the privilege of residing at Grace Village during our three-month internship, allowing us to live in community with and be mentors to the Grace kids.  Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.”  We are eager to live out God’s will for us and the adventure He has waiting for us in Haiti! 

Ray Allen

Water Lead Advocate

We are thrilled to welcome Ray Allen as Healing Haiti’s Water Lead Advocate.  Ray will be responsible for expanding clean water throughout Haiti by partnering with local well-drilling organizations, community leaders, churches, medical clinics and Healing Haiti’s in-country Director of Development.  Ray will also explore alternative methods for providing clean water as part of Healing Haiti’s water delivery ministry in Cite Soleil.

I became interested in water when I saw a sign for a water conference stating, “Got Water?”  I attended conferences and training to become certified in water needs assessments, constructing and repairing water pump systems, and health and hygiene.

I went to Haiti with FMSC in 2012 and God began putting on my heart that He wanted me to help with water/health and hygiene in Haiti.  Through my two trips to Haiti, God began formulating this opportunity to serve and how I can step out in faith and bring others to Christ by His example of providing clean water and thereby pointing them to the “Living Water.” John 4:14

Ray resides in California with his wife, Mary.

Jesus + Education = Hope

I was brought to tears as the students and teachers descended the hill and entered into Grace Church.  I am so proud to be a part of this great organization that is investing in our students and staff.

I thanked each of the teachers and students for coming to the first school assembly, where the speakers will discuss the importance of Jesus, education and building our community.

We had 2 pastors from North Heights speak to the students, Pastor Mindy Bak and Dustin Antoinette, Student Ministry Leader, and North Heights volunteer Ruben Joanem, who was born in Haiti and now living in MN, talk about their own experiences serving others, education and living Chris-filled lives.  Our own staff, Pastor Wesley, Salomon Georges, Madigan Wilguenson, Grace Academy Director and Student Class President Widley spoke to the students and teachers.  These speakers provided a vision that demonstrated the connection between education, hope and growth in Chris.

The event was a first for race Academy and Healing Haiti, and the 2015-16 calendar will reflect similar events throughout the year, with an end-of-year assembly celebrating this wonderful community.

Written by Carolyn Pugh, Education Advocate 

Celebrating New Long-Term Missionaries & Summer Interns!

The good Lord continues to bless us with the most incredible Staff and Volunteers. We are thrilled to introduce you to two new long-term missionaries, as well as serveral new interns! Please include them in your prayers as they join us on the ever-exciting journey that God has us on!

Gates Lindquist: Long-Term Guesthouse Missionary

Assignment: June 1, 2015 - June 1, 2017

Gates has recently served two 3-month internships at the guesthouse.

God wrote Haiti into my life in October 2013, taking me by surprise and hitting me with an emotional bag of bricks. I had served in other developing countries, but there was something about the Haitian culture and people that continued to wreck my heart even after I returned to Minnesota. I found myself searching for a life of purpose through my career and material things, but never felt fulfilled. If someone would have told me I would be a Long Term Missionary serving in Haiti I never would have believed them. God must have a funny sense of humor, because a year later, I was on a plane moving to Haiti. Haiti was never in my life plan but it was certainly in God's plan for me, and all I had to do was let go and allow God be the author of my story. Moving to Haiti has been the most challenging, scary yet fulfilling experience. I feel so blessed to serve alongside such amazing and deserving people. I feel privileged to see God's hand at work daily in this beautiful country. Please keep the people of Haiti and myself in your prayers!

Kierstie (Kiki) Kirby - Long-Term Grace Village Activities Coordinator

Assignment: August 15, 2015 - August 15, 2017

Kiki is completing her 3-month internship and has accepted the long-term missionary role of Activities Coordinator at Grace Village, effective August 15, 2015.

My first trip to Haiti was in July 2012, and that week I absolutely fell in love with the country and the people of Haiti. I knew I would be back. I went on seven week-long trips and served a 5-month internship at a non-profit in Haiti while I was finishing my undergrad at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. As graduation was nearing, I knew the next step of my life would be spent in Haiti, I just didn't know how, when, or where. I began filling out applications and sending resumes and Healing Haiti just kept coming back to my mind. After much prayer I knew it would be my new home. I came in March of 2015 for an internship at Grace Village, and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to spend the next two years here as Activities Coordinator. I love engaging with the kids and showing them the love of Christ by loving them unconditionally. It is amazing to see how the Lord has prepared me for this journey and I am so blessed as you support me financially and in prayer.

Kathy Aslakson - Activities Intern at Grace Village

Assignment: Summer internship

Kathy was one of the first long-term missionaries to serve at Grace Village.  As a professional teacher, Kathy's love for children was immediately apparent as she provided the love and encouragement they so desperately needed. Kathy graciously offers to return each summer to reconnect and spend time with the children she has come to love.  

Cara Claggett - Activities/School Intern at Grace Village

Assignment: Summer internship

The way God worked in me through the people of Haiti in July of 2013 forever changed my heart.  As I boarded the plane to return home the questions began.  Haiti had changed me, brought me priceless friendships, and took my prayer life to a whole new level.  But I was flooded with questions.  What do I do now?  I need to go back, but how?  When?  What is God's purpose for me in Haiti?  Well...He called me back three more times over the course of a year and a half.  I am a teacher at home and each time I visited Haiti it became more apparent.  The answer was, "The children."  I have been serving on the Healing Haiti Education team and I am overwhelmed by the work God is doing through the many volunteers who willingly give of their time and gifts.  I am so blessed to have the honor of working alongside some of those beautiful souls and love on God's precious children at Grace Village for six weeks this summer.  I will be serving in Haiti while my husband, Josh, serves a tour with the U.S. Navy so we are very grateful for your prayers and support on this journey and throughout this season of our lives.

Emily Eichelberger - Grace Village Intern

Assignment: Summer internship

I feel like God is leading me to this internship because he gave me a heart for people. I love helping people out and the first time I was in Haiti I knew it wouldn't be my last. He gave me so much love for the people of this country that I know only this kind of love can come from Him! I also had absolute peace about this internship, if I was meant to be in Haiti this summer God would find a way for me to be there.

Jake Stebbing - Guesthouse Intern

Assignment: Summer internship

Ever since God placed a burden on my heart for the orphaned around the world through the adoption of my siblings I have always felt compelled to work with the orphaned in some capacity. After visiting Haiti and witnessing it's beauty I felt an even stronger urge from God nudging me to trust Him and His path for me rather than my own. Once I arrived home from Haiti I could not stop thinking about the country and her people. The love, joy, and heartbreak I saw and experienced in Haiti drew me closer to God and I wanted to be able to contribute whatever I could. God has done great things in Haiti and has even greater things in store, and I'm humbled to get a glimpse of His Glory. 

Shalisa Wilson - Grace Village Activities Intern

Assignment: Summer internship

I am a 26-year-old Minnesota native.  I find joy in being a light to others around me. Since my first trip in 2012 and second in 2013, I have spent time volunteering in different avenues of the Healing Haiti organization. Guided by compassion and faith I knew God was calling me to continue to search for opportunities to serve in Haiti. My prayers have finally been answered and I eagerly await this opportunity to serve at Grace Village this summer.

Healing Haiti Staff Highlight: Ysnel Victor

We're so happy to continue with our Staff highlights, and take an opportunity to recognize them for all they are doing to further the Lord's work through our ministry.  Next up...Ysnel Victor!

• Position with Healing Haiti: Social Worker
• Has Been with Healing Haiti For: 3 years
• Favorite Part of His Job: He enjoys everything he does, but especially helping kids through tough times.
• Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:1-5: Now, brother and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preach to you.  Otherwise, you have believed in vain.  For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.
• Fun Fact: Ysnel is studying to be a lawyer! 

Ysnel, your impact is felt far and wide, and we cannot thank you enough for the investment you have made in the kids you serve, and every area you are involved in.  We are so blessed to have you on our team!

Introducing: Sue Lennartson, Healing Haiti Care Pastor

Healing Haiti is excited to announce we have hired Sue Lennartson as our Care Pastor, effective May 4, 2015.  Sue will be responsible for developing a culture of Care within all areas of the organization through prayer, coaching, training, conferences camps and retreats. 

Sue is a former Physical Education Teacher and Coach with an Adaptive Special Needs background. She has been in Children's, Family, Women's, Small Group, Volunteer/Serving, Local and Global Ministry for over 30 years. Sue has served at churches such as St. Andrew's, Eagle Brook and North Heights. She was a Worship leader for 11 years. She currently serves as a Chaplin for the Washington County Sheriff's Department. Sue continues to speak at a variety of events and conferences, works as a Life Coach, and is an author. Sue traveled nationally for 6 years as a speaker for congregations and business in ministry and teambuilding. Sue has been actively involved as a volunteer for Healing Haiti since 2012.

Sue has been married to her high school sweetheart Tom for 47 years, has two sons and four grandchildren.

Sue's contact information is: suelennartson@healinghaiti.org, 612-868-2427.

Please help us welcome Sue to her new position!

Blessings,

Healing Haiti Board

Healing Haiti Staff Highlight: Salomon Georges

We are excited to introduce another incredibly fine gentleman on our staff...meet Salomon Georges!

• Position with Healing Haiti: Grace Village Administrator, House Father, and Aquaponics Manager
• Has been with Healing Haiti Since: October 2012
• Favorite Part of His Job: Working with the kids
• Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
• Fun Fact: He likes to dance when no one is watching. :)

You are a blessing to Healing Haiti and everyone around you, Salomon!  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for using your talents and abilities for God's glory through our mission. 

Stay tuned for more staff highlights!