November 2008 Return Trip

Hello my friends,

I can't believe the date for my first return trip to Haiti is here. My wonderful church, Palmetto Shores Church (PSC), has committed to six mission trips to Haiti in 2009. Thank you God!
I will be joining a team of 5 for our first trip into Gonaives from November 6 - 12, 2008. My brother, Jim, will be leading our efforts to assess the best way we can provide future assistance in the rebuilding efforts there. On this trip, we are taking in cash, medicine, air mattresses, baby formula, shoes, pillows and supplies to our missionary friends. We are also taking beads and acrylic paints so that some of the Haitians there can create jewelry and art for us to bring back for fundraising efforts. I ask for your prayers for our team. As we are one of the first teams to go into Gonaives since the devastating hurricanes of last month, this is going to be a very tough trip physically and emotionally. As for me personally, I continue to ask God to show me how he wants me to serve in Gonaives. I know that He has placed a heavy burden on my heart for these precious people and I am blessed to be able to be a mouthpiece now for their needs. I so appreciate the amazing support you have provided this month. Following our Haiti church program last month where Pastor Ronny Byrd and I spoke, PSC members donated $15,000 to the immediate relief needs in Haiti! We joined with two other organizations and dedicated $5000 of those funds toward the purchase of a new vehicle for Emory and Mary Wilson. They are using that vehicle to pick up visiting mission teams (including us!) and are now able to continue the feeding programs they had initiated before the storms. Praise God! Mary and Emory will be visiting the states during the holidays and we are delighted to be sponsoring a Heart for Haiti night at PSC on Wednesday evening, December 17. We will be having a pot luck dinner and then gathering for a time of testimony and worship with Mary and Emory. What a great way to celebrate the Christmas season! The event is open to the public and I would love to see you there!

Many people have expressed an interest in joining me on one of my trips to Gonaives in 2009. If you are interested, please let me know. Make sure you have a current passport and all of the required shots. More specific directions can be found on the PSC website, www.palmettoshoreschurch.com. Begin to spiritually prepare with prayer. I plan to return often in 2009 and am excited about the work that God has in store for us. I know God is putting together a mighty team of disciples ready to spread His light and love in this dark land. Thank you again for your prayers, love, and support. I will write again when I return. In His Love, Donna