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!

Healing Haiti Sweetheart Ball 2015: A Celebration of Infinite Love and Hope

It is with full hearts that we write to celebrate the huge success of this years' Sweetheart Ball.  We couldn't feel more blessed; what a wonderful way to celebrate Valentines Day, savoring God's love for us, for Haiti, and our love for each other!

This year we are happy to share that we had the most successful event yet, and over 460 lovely guests celebrated with us.  The photo booth was a bigger hit than ever, and the fun props made for some awesome pictures!  D'Arcy Teasley had her jewelry on sale, which is always a hit, and we gave away two pairs of fully-funded trips to Haiti.  Amazing!

The 2015 Sweetheart Ball marked the start of the "Hope Grows Here" initiative, which supports the Hope Church & School in Cite Soleil, Haiti.  Guests had the opportunity to fund a tile that will be installed as part of a 'commemorative wall' celebrating what God has done and will continue to do within the walls of the church, school and community.  Guests could write out a Scripture, message, and/or name on the customized tile to show their support of this initiative.

We are so excited to share that we have raised 80% of the funds needed to build the church and school!!  Amazing!!  Ground has already been broken and construction is underway, and we are eagerly expecting God to meet us with the remaining 30%.  We serve an all-powerful God who has met us every step of the way, and we know that Hope Church & School is going to make a huge impact in Cite Soleil and the surrounding community.

We extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who attended the Sweetheart Ball, joined us in the Hope Grows Here campaign, and who have joined us in supporting Hope Church & School.  We cannot adequately show our appreciation for your partnership in this initiative.

If you would like to be a part of the "Hope Grows Here" initiative, CLICK HERE to learn more about this initiative and fund a customized tile that will live on for years to come as a message of hope in Cite Soleil, Haiti.

Thank you, Rachel Lamb!!

Long-term missionary Rachel Lamb will be leaving Grace Village tomorrow, and heading home with her dog, Nora.  She has served with Healing Haiti in our clinic since July 2013.  We are grateful for her time with us for over 1 1/2 years! The clinic was completed in October of 2013, and Rachel aided with many clinic procedures, dental surgical teams, staff hires, staff and children, and many other areas.  We will miss her expertise working in Haiti as well as her ability to connect with the children, staff, and the community.  She has been integral as we started with our clinic in Titanyen, and the CHE program.  We are thankful for her time and want to encourage her as she moves back to the states to pursue other avenues.

Thank you, Rachel, for ALL that you have done to help develop Grace Clinic into what it is today.  The lives you have touched, and the relationships you have built while you are here are truly incredible.  God has worked through you in enormous ways during your time here, and we will miss you dearly!

Fall Medical Trip Stories

...better late than never, right?  We hope so!  We're delighted to be able to share storied from a medical team that traveled to Haiti in mid-September of 2014 and spent two full days at Grace Clinic

.  During those two days they saw 21 patients—12 children, 6 women and 3 men.  Ailments ranged from burns, hernias, tumors and skin cancer, to name a few.

Dr. Daniel Cantwell, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, shared stories of a a couple patients that stuck with him after the trip.  One story was about a 25-year old man who was a machete worker who accidentally sliced his palm wide open on the job.  He found the clinic just a couple hours after the injury.  “He had his hand wrapped up in a dirty sock, said he saw signs for the clinic, and we were able to repair his hand that day,” Cantwell noted.  “If he hadn’t seen treatment early on, he would most likely have lost his hand due to infection, potentially affecting his ability work work.  If bacteria got into his blood stream it could have been even worse.”  The man came back in for check-ins a couple time over the next two weeks, and the permanent Grace Clinic team was able to see the man to full recovery.

Another story included a 4-year old girl who had fallen into a fire while her mother was preparing a meal.  Her dress caught on fire and burned stomach.  Cantwell commented that the girl’s mother “had taken her to a different clinic where they were changing dressings, but were not able to repair the burned skin.  The girl was experiencing a lot of pain.  With the help of anesthesia, she was able to be without pain while we applied bio-brain on her skin—bio-brain adheres to the skin and heals the wound 50-60% faster.  Again, the permanent Grace Clinic team was able to follow up with this young girl and see her back to full health.

This is not the first time Danny Cantwell and his team have been to Haiti on a medical trip, and it won’t be the last.  Cantwell said he hopes to be back in 2015.  We are so thankful for Daniel Cantwell and all those who have given their time, energy and talents to Grace Clinic.  The clinic serves as a beacon of physical and spiritual hope to Titanyen, Haiti and the surround community!

Healing Haiti Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization

CHAMPLIN, MN – The ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) announced today the accreditation of Healing Haiti of Champlin, MN.

ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ , including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising. Healing Haiti joins a growing number of Christ-centered churches and ministries across America, supported by over 27 million donors that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal. When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of

biblical accountability.

“We are pleased to accredit a ministry committed to bring clean water, food, housing, and education to the poor and most vulnerable of Haiti providing opportunities to live and share their faith and build strong Christ centered relationships,” said Dan Busby, president of ECFA. Founded in 2006, Healing Haiti (www.healinghaiti.org) encourages all to be obedient to God's call to serve the poor, to step out in faith and to see the world through a different lens through a short-term mission experience, and to share their experiences in Haiti with people back in the U.S. helping all to see how blessed they are and that God blesses not to consume his many blessings for themselves, but to let them flow to others.

To learn more about Healing Haiti and their stewardship opportunities, visit ServantMatch® , ECFA’s program that matches God’s servants with the stewardship options of ECFA members based on ministry sectors and categories. It is ECFA’s newest online feature that allows you to quickly and easily find giving opportunities.

ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA Standards pertaining to financial accountability, fundraising and board governance. For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit www.ECFA.org or call 1-800-323-9473.

Family Style Homes Offer More Stability

We are grateful for the opportunity to provide care for over 40 children in Titanyen.  In August of 2014, we opened our family style homes.  Our orphaned children live in these home with two parents, providing a warm and safe environment for the children to grow up and learn about living within a family.  Included in the home is a structure that encourages independence.  All children are responsible to clean their rooms and the home, wash their clothing, help with food preparations and general house upkeep.

- Elisa Bachmann, Director of Operations Haiti

Thank You to Our Long Term Missionaries

Healing Haiti has been greatly blessed by many long term missionaries who are instrumental in moving our ministry forward.  We have had a number of our dear missionaries complete their time with us and start a new chapter in their lives.  We've highlighted each of them below.  Please join us in thanking God for each of them for their service to our ministry!

Mark Janowski first traveled to Haiti in the fall of 2013 and was so moved by the experience he returned a few months later, making a commitment to serve as the lead advocate for Aquaponics.  The operation ensures proper nutrition is available for Grace Village children and our elderly.  Great success was achieved during his tenure as fish and plant life thrived and the efficiency of the operation moved from 50% to 100%.  Mark and his team were able to grow six different kinds of peppers, along with chives, parsley, cucumbers, cabbage, watermelon and lima beans.  Mark was also instrumental in providing computer training to students at Grace Village and those in the Titanyen program.


Bianca Tlougan worked with our school and community outreach.  She is loved by many in the community and has a heart to serve.  She enjoyed valuable friendships that she made with the staff, children and community leaders.  She has a heart for others and truly a heart for the poor.  Bianca worked as aLong Term Missionary (LTM) from June 2013 through June 2014.  She is now working with one of our partners, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), and is able to use her experiences with FMSC in Haiti to help her in our current role in country.  We look forward to hearing how God works in her life.

Kayleen Smith Pfizer worked as a LTM for Healing Haiti from July 2013 through June 2014.  She worked with our transition program, establishing 8 boys and 3 girls into two separate homes in the community of Titanyen.  Kayla also inspired our organization to change from orphanage living to family style homes.  Kayla worked with the transition kids on budgeting, integrity, life skills and more.  She is  greatly missed but we are happy for her as she recently married Jason Pfizer this past October.  Congratulations Kayleen and Jason!



Jessica Burmester came to Grace Village in July 2012 and she worked in each area of Grace.  Her guidance and leadership set the tone for Grace Village at its beginning.  Jessica later worked on adoption and advocate issues for the organization.  She has made many special connections with our children, staff, and especially our elderly and community members.  She has a heart to serve and has been a blessing to the organization.  She started a business called "Anchored in Hope" in which she provides opportunities for Haitians to make metal art.  People are then able to purchase the art, and funds derived from this endeavor will help her pursue her goal of becoming an adoptive mother.  In November, Jessica was granted guardianship of a young boy named Lovinsky, and is currently living with him in Port-au-prince.  She now works as a teacher.

Claudia Aleshire arrived at Grace Village in January 2014 and worked with our clinic's administration.  She was able to transfer paper documents to fully functional computer documents through MacPractice.  Claudia helped with coordinating medica/dental trips at the clinic.  She is a joy to be around at Grace.  All the children, staff, elderly and community members miss her joyful smile. Claudia completed her service in November.

We appreciate all that these incredible men and women have done to make a positive difference in the lives of the people of Haiti and the organization.  We are going to miss them greatly, but pray God's blessings on them in the next chapter of their lives.  Thank you!!