All Dressed Up With Someplace to Go

                                

"We are very grateful to you, thank you for your continued support

of the ministry project to help the elderly and the disabled.

Thank you very much, may God bless us even more.

Good night with Jesus."

Pastor Abdon 

Pignon Church, Haiti

Love and life prevail at Auberge des Vieillards.  Two fine gentlemen attending Pignon Church; Marcelus in front with the stylish glasses, and Ones behind him sporting a blue shirt.  They arrive via scooters partially operated by hand, and worship from a space cleared and designed especially for those using mobility devices.

While news from parts of Haiti remain grim, it is good and inspiring to know that our seniors can be part of something as 'normal' as going to church on Sunday.

Just a reminder to keep the date open.

HAITI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Highview Community Church

295 Highview Drive

Kitchener ON N2N 2K7

More Good News

A random search of "Pignon Haiti news" brought up this article about some return of normalcy in terms of flights coming in and out of the region.  Flights Resume  And while I cannot with any certainty confirm this source, I find myself excited by the possibility that something, anything might be getting better there.

Haiti needs good news.

And also.

There is good news happening every single day at Auberge des Vieillards.  I say this by the same 'evidence' Jesus gave when John the Baptist was doubting His being the Messiah.

"Go back and report to John what you see and hear.  The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news is proclaimed to the poor."  Matthew 11:4-5

Jesus was, of course, referring back to a prophecy from Isaiah (35:5-6) that was to indicate the arrival of God's good news and the next phase in His bigger plan of redemption.  In other words, "the gospel" (which actually does mean "good news").  Wherever you see these things happening, Jesus is reminding John, God's good plans and purposes are advancing towards His final end game.

So, for our seniors to be cared for in the midst of the chaos is nothing short of a bold-faced victory against evil.  That medicine is administered, and food is prepared, and ailments are tended to, and confusion is eased, is a defiant kind of goodness that holds the darkness at bay.  

More defiant goodness is already in motion for the new year at Highview.

Mark your calendar.

Saturday, February 22, 2025  

Haiti Dinner and Silent Auction

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Auberge des Vieillards Report

Treasured Ones: The Good News

Arianna is smiling now.  And wearing her dangly earrings and pretty beads.  She has a place to stay; a place where she can have nutritious meals, general care, medical attention and safety.

This was not the case only months before.  This is not the case for many seniors in the ravaged country of Haiti.  And if you're anything like me, the news coming from this desperate land can make us want to turn away.  

But we refuse.  And if I find myself despairing of anything good here, I just think of Arianna and her housemates at Auberge des Vieillards in Pignon.  Living out the vision of EMCC Leader and Pastor Abdon, and his wife Lumide to build a senior's residence, there are now ten beautiful, vibrant and vulnerable human beings being cared for by paid staff and volunteers under the leadership of Pastor Abdon and the Leadership Committee.

Arianna and all those at A des V will once again be the focus of Highview's Haiti Dinner and Silent Auction already booked for Saturday, February 22, 2025.  A fabulous turkey dinner, plus a wide variety of quality items on which to place a bid.

Arianna reminds us that all is not lost.  Not as long as love prevails, the gospel is proclaimed, and hope stays bright in the eyes of a treasured one like her.

Supporting our Staff at A des V

Prayer focus for this week:

All the faithful, caring staff who look after our Seniors at Auberge des Vieillards.

Their task are many and noble.

They serve in modest and challenging conditions.

We pray for their stamina and strength and compassion 

as they tend to the needs of some of Haiti's most vulnerable people.

 

May God bless and protect you as you serve Him and our seniors.

That Smile!

One of our Seniors at Auberge des Vieillards is all smiles.  His name is Carius, and his face is full of joy.

It's hard to find happy things to talk about when it comes to the nation of Haiti.

And the temptation is perhaps not say anything at all.

But Carius' smile will be our symbol of good news.

That in the midst of anything, God is present, and good wins.

This is what our fine friends at A des V know without a doubt, as their caregivers provide love and protection in these latter years.

It's still important to know what's going on, and that's why I've included a few links here for further reading if you are so inclined.  It does seem that lately some order may be coming out of the chaos, and some justice may be found to stand against the violence.

In this we rejoice.

MSN Article re Kenyan Forces in Haiti 

AP Article re Follow Up on May Killings of Missionaries

Thank you to all who faithfully pray and give.

A Celebration of Loyalty and Love

We are delighted to pass on this invitation to any who would like to join in celebrating this remarkable woman.

I love how EMCC World Partners puts it.  "...celebrating and commissioning Marilyn into a new stage of life and ministry."  Yes!!!!

World Partners is pleased to host a celebration gathering for Marilyn McIlroy, celebrating her obedience to Jesus in the many ways she has served through World Partners for over 40 years. Please see the invite below and RSVP if you are able to join us.  We look forward to celebrating and commissioning Marilyn into a new stage of life and ministry.

Director of World Partners

In it For the Long Haul - Marilyn McIlroy

Just a link for you today.

The Long Haul Perspective - Marilyn McIlroy

This is a 4:32 minute video produced by the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada interviewing long-haul missionary to Haiti, Marilyn McIlroy.

While we continue to pray for peace in Haiti, it's helpful to hear the voices of those who know the country and the ministry there well.