I knew coming to Haiti would mean Bud & I would have a lot more time to just "be together". Not that we didn't spend a lot of time together before coming, but at home during the days we each had our "own" places to be. Now, we wake together, walk to the office together, have lunch together, and return from the office together to spend the evening together before going to bed together. Now, for some, that sounds like misery, but I'm mostly enjoying it :) What I'm enjoying the most is getting to "watch from the sidelines" as he interacts with people during the week. He's made not being able to speak Creole (while some days very frustrating), an opportunity to joke and make fun of himself using humility and humor to get through the difficulty of not "speaking the same language". Within the first two weeks we were here he had a Haitian tell him that he should be a comedian!
Bud never misses the opportunity to introduce himself as Ti Bud (little Bud). This always either gets a roar of laughter or raised eyebrows, both of which end up being an opportunity that creates more interaction and explanation as to WHY he's Ti Bud (because he was the second Bud to arrive on the compound he will always be "little or second" regardless of physical size - he has a good 50-lbs. on the Gro (big) Bud).
Many times during the day I witness him in the midst of a circle of Haitians (he's rather easy to spot!) laughing and joking together and I think about what heaven will be like when we can all "speak the same language" and have nothing but time to enjoy being together. Bud will be ready for that part of heaven - I think I need a lot more practice and I think I'm going to get a lot of it living here! If this is one thing the Lord wanted me to learn while serving in Haiti, I'm glad the Lord brought me to Haiti with my best friend who I'm thankful to say is also my husband. And yes Lord, I'm watching and learning.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Lots of Krapo (FROG in Creole)
 |
| Froggie |
Thursday, October 13, 2011
A Wonderful Reminder...
As we had shared with many before coming to Haiti, our Prayer Quilt has been a wonderful and beautiful reminder of all who are part of our team and, most importantly, who are praying for us. Everyone who has walked into our house in Haiti (and I mean everyone!) has mentioned the beautiful quilt and we are quick to point out that it is filled with the names of those who are part of our Haiti team AND who are praying for us.
And, we are SO thankful and dependent on that prayer...
On Monday, Bud had an incident which confirmed for us again the importance of prayer. He had gone with a pastor from a downtown area church to deliver some school benches. They arrived and made the delivery, but the school was in an unfamiliar area to Bud so the pastor offered to ride back to the main road with him. When they arrived, the pastor asked Bud to pray with him before he left. Bud pulled the truck over along the sidewalk, prayed, and when the pastor opened the door to get out he hit two men on a motorcycle sending them into a deep ravine along the roadway.
Immediately a crowd formed and helped the men out of the ravine, placed them in the back of the truck and the pastor, quite upset, asked Bud if he would drive them to the hospital. Of course he did - his first visit to the downtown Cap Haitien hospital. While they were waiting, Bud and the pastor prayed together and began singing, "Amazing Grace," to calm their nerves. The doctor checked the men out, took an x-ray of one of the men's legs and diagnosed that he was "fine" and sent them on their way with a prescription of Tylenol. Bud and the pastor put them in a taxi and praised God that it wasn't any more serious. The pastor thanked Bud over and over telling him that he had, "Saved his life."
Praise God for His faithfulness!
We love & miss you all,
Bud & Cindy
Friday, October 7, 2011
Lost & Found
Bon jou! (Good morning in Creole)
We apologize for not updating our blog as often as we'd planned. Our Internet in Haiti continues to be fussy, but we're trying to work around it and will hopefully be able to notify all our Haiti partners via email next week. We have "synched" and "merged" and "synched" and "merged" our mailing list three times only to find it continues to duplicate or eliminate people from our email list. While it would be annoying if we were in the States, add the frustration of a "fussy" Internet and well, you get the picture. For those who have "found our blog" we're very thankful!
Bud & I started our Creole (or Kreyole) lessons this week and are finding that while it's very challenging, it's a lot of fun and we're really enjoying our teacher - Belony. He's a great young man who is in his 4th year at the seminary in Saccenville. Two times-a-week we drive out to the seminary and meet with him and a black board with CHALK! The teacher-student ratio is pretty good - 2 to 1! He gives us a lot of individual attention!
On Thursday after class, Bud answered his phone. Afterward, we were stopped at the gate and asked if we could jump-start one of the Haitian's trucks. In the midst of the vehicle repair, Bud's phone must have fell out of the truck. Several hours later he realized it was missing. He eventually resorted to dialing his own number from my phone when a Haitian answered. Of course, the Haitian didn't speak English and Bud is only on Creole lesson #2 - since the man wasn't repeating the days of the week or counting to 10, or talking about being hungry (groun gu), Bud couldn't understand him. In retrospect it was pretty funny to listen to Bud repeating, "Hello...Hello....Hello..." louder and louder like the man was hard of hearing instead of not able to understand English!
He took the phone to Dave Graffenberger and explained the situation. Dave called Bud's phone and chatted up a storm with the gate keeper from the seminary...who had Bud's phone and said he would give it to Pastor Lucner who lives "up the street" from us! PRAISE GOD! Bud was so relieved - he had his "life line" back :) (Ask Shelly for further explanation!)
Once again God showed us that He even cares about the little details of our lives. Bud's parting comment was, "Well, I guess this is another good reason we need to learn the language!" Thankfully we were able to laugh about it...afterward!
Another rich blessing this week was receiving four DVDS of our church services! What a blessing! It was like a cool drink of water on a five-shirt day in Haiti!!! (Bud measures the heat of the day by how many times he has to change his soaking wet shirt!)
We love & miss you all...trust you will have a great weekend and a fabulous day of worship on Sunday!
Bon Nwit (good night),
Bud & Cindy
We apologize for not updating our blog as often as we'd planned. Our Internet in Haiti continues to be fussy, but we're trying to work around it and will hopefully be able to notify all our Haiti partners via email next week. We have "synched" and "merged" and "synched" and "merged" our mailing list three times only to find it continues to duplicate or eliminate people from our email list. While it would be annoying if we were in the States, add the frustration of a "fussy" Internet and well, you get the picture. For those who have "found our blog" we're very thankful!
Bud & I started our Creole (or Kreyole) lessons this week and are finding that while it's very challenging, it's a lot of fun and we're really enjoying our teacher - Belony. He's a great young man who is in his 4th year at the seminary in Saccenville. Two times-a-week we drive out to the seminary and meet with him and a black board with CHALK! The teacher-student ratio is pretty good - 2 to 1! He gives us a lot of individual attention!
On Thursday after class, Bud answered his phone. Afterward, we were stopped at the gate and asked if we could jump-start one of the Haitian's trucks. In the midst of the vehicle repair, Bud's phone must have fell out of the truck. Several hours later he realized it was missing. He eventually resorted to dialing his own number from my phone when a Haitian answered. Of course, the Haitian didn't speak English and Bud is only on Creole lesson #2 - since the man wasn't repeating the days of the week or counting to 10, or talking about being hungry (groun gu), Bud couldn't understand him. In retrospect it was pretty funny to listen to Bud repeating, "Hello...Hello....Hello..." louder and louder like the man was hard of hearing instead of not able to understand English!
He took the phone to Dave Graffenberger and explained the situation. Dave called Bud's phone and chatted up a storm with the gate keeper from the seminary...who had Bud's phone and said he would give it to Pastor Lucner who lives "up the street" from us! PRAISE GOD! Bud was so relieved - he had his "life line" back :) (Ask Shelly for further explanation!)
Once again God showed us that He even cares about the little details of our lives. Bud's parting comment was, "Well, I guess this is another good reason we need to learn the language!" Thankfully we were able to laugh about it...afterward!
Another rich blessing this week was receiving four DVDS of our church services! What a blessing! It was like a cool drink of water on a five-shirt day in Haiti!!! (Bud measures the heat of the day by how many times he has to change his soaking wet shirt!)
We love & miss you all...trust you will have a great weekend and a fabulous day of worship on Sunday!
Bon Nwit (good night),
Bud & Cindy
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
What a Difference a Week Makes...
One week ago today we were flying into Haiti with our 3,100 lbs. of cargo; today we are sitting in our peaceful living room in our new "home" enjoying another amazing rain, thunder & lightening storm. God is so good. First, we were blessed with not having to pay anything in customs to bring in our stuff. What an answer to prayer! Secondly, when we arrived, our home had been cleaned and there was an eager team from Pennsylvania who helped us unpack and get settled. We had three days with Bud & Jane before they left for Florida, but thankfully the Graffenberger's are here and have been very patient showing us the "rest of the ropes" that we didn't get from Bud & Jane before they left. Tomorrow night we'll host our first Bible study with all the missionaries on the compound. Should be a pleasant evening.
While we have been very busy and are ready for bed by 8 p.m. most nights, we have been welcomed so warmly over & over by so many who are thankful for us being here and excited that we are staying longer than just a few weeks. Although we miss all our friends and family in the States, God continues to impress upon us both that we are here by His design and in His timing.
Sunday we enjoyed a really terrific day of worship (although it was 3 hours on a hard, wooden bench) and were warmly welcomed by many who thanked us for being willing to leave our homes, family & country to live in Haiti. The reality is their worship, contentment, and love for one another blesses me far more than I could possibly bless them!
On a side note, we've had two "encounters" with a couple of rather large spiders. After the second, Bud said, "Next time you need to get a picture..." I replied, "I'd rather NOT have a third encounter - picture or not!" IF I get a picture, I'll be sure to post it. They were both as large as a wide-mouthed coffee mug, and I'm NOT talking an Espresso cup either!
We pray God continues to show you His purpose and plan for your life.
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
While we have been very busy and are ready for bed by 8 p.m. most nights, we have been welcomed so warmly over & over by so many who are thankful for us being here and excited that we are staying longer than just a few weeks. Although we miss all our friends and family in the States, God continues to impress upon us both that we are here by His design and in His timing.
Sunday we enjoyed a really terrific day of worship (although it was 3 hours on a hard, wooden bench) and were warmly welcomed by many who thanked us for being willing to leave our homes, family & country to live in Haiti. The reality is their worship, contentment, and love for one another blesses me far more than I could possibly bless them!
On a side note, we've had two "encounters" with a couple of rather large spiders. After the second, Bud said, "Next time you need to get a picture..." I replied, "I'd rather NOT have a third encounter - picture or not!" IF I get a picture, I'll be sure to post it. They were both as large as a wide-mouthed coffee mug, and I'm NOT talking an Espresso cup either!
We pray God continues to show you His purpose and plan for your life.
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Safely Arrived in San Antonio
Yep; here we are relaxing in a nice, comfy hotel in San Antonio --- God is good! We've traveled a lot of hours and put a lot of miles between Oregon and here, but there's still a ways to go. Thankfully we will be in Houston tomorrow to spend a few days with good friends and then on to Florida. Hoping to arrive in Florida by Saturday, finish last minutes details, and make our flight into Haiti on Tuesday, September 13.
God has been so gracious throughout the trip. Goodbyes have not been easy but we have had a peace that can only come from our Lord. Thanks to all our friends, known and unknown, who have been lifting us up in prayer.
We packed the truck and left Salem on Thursday the 1st. Arrived in Grants pass Wed. evening. We then watched the most perfect grand kids so Samantha could attend a funeral at her church Friday morning. . I have been asking for prayer for Dad Lenker as I had anticipated a hard time. You see dad as not been able to hear at all for the last six months or so and I was not sure how it would go. To my amazement when we entered his room he had a $20 gadget from Radio Shack and could clearly hear everything weI said. What a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father. After spending literally thousands of dollars on hearing aids that failed to work a simple solution worked. Dad was able to hear as I told him our Haiti plans and that I loved him. We had a time of Prayer with Mom, Dad and my older brother, Lewis who was there as well.
Again Thanks for the prayers.
Bud and Cindy
God has been so gracious throughout the trip. Goodbyes have not been easy but we have had a peace that can only come from our Lord. Thanks to all our friends, known and unknown, who have been lifting us up in prayer.
We packed the truck and left Salem on Thursday the 1st. Arrived in Grants pass Wed. evening. We then watched the most perfect grand kids so Samantha could attend a funeral at her church Friday morning. . I have been asking for prayer for Dad Lenker as I had anticipated a hard time. You see dad as not been able to hear at all for the last six months or so and I was not sure how it would go. To my amazement when we entered his room he had a $20 gadget from Radio Shack and could clearly hear everything weI said. What a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father. After spending literally thousands of dollars on hearing aids that failed to work a simple solution worked. Dad was able to hear as I told him our Haiti plans and that I loved him. We had a time of Prayer with Mom, Dad and my older brother, Lewis who was there as well.
Again Thanks for the prayers.
Bud and Cindy
Monday, July 18, 2011
Departure Day Fast-Approaching
Ready, set, here we go! Yep; Haiti is becoming a reality as every day brings us one step closer to departing on September 2. Our house is rented - PRAISE THE LORD! We posted it on Craigslist and within 24 hours we had renters on our doorstep - literally. And, we had forgotten to put our phone number on the post, so they had to be diligent to find us. They will take possession on August 5; until then it's deciding whether to SHIP, SELL OR STORE every item in our house. It feels overwhelming, but we're taking it day-by-day and God is holding us up.
We spent the last four days in Juneau, Alaska with Bud's brother and two sisters. We had an awesome time. Thankfully the iphone weather forecast was totally wrong and we didn't have four days of rain and mid 60s but rather three days of blue skies and mid-70s. Thank you Lord! Fishing Friday (five salmon, whales, eagles, sunshine & and peaceful waters!); Saturday was downtown Juneau, shopping, lunch and a tram ride 18,000 feet up, up, up; Sunday a great day of worship and sharing God's faithfulness and our call to Haiti with a warm and loving group of believers and home today! Truly, there is NO PLACE like home!
Still to come...LENKER LIQUIDATION (mega garage sale) on July 29-30. Stop by and pick up some treasures!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR -- we are hosting a THANK YOU DESSERT on Thursday, August 25, 6:30 p.m. at Salem Evangelical Church - 3rd Floor of the Children's Center. We want to have a time of fun, fellowship and express our gratitude for all of your love, support, encouragement, prayers, and...well, just EVERYTHING! We know we can't possibly thank everyone but that doesn't mean we won't give it a try! If you're able to come, please send me an RSVP to either: lenker@salemelectric.com or shelenker@gmail.com or call me at 503-623-8308 and leave a message.
Our latest prayer letter is in the works and you should see it via email or snail mail shortly.
We truly thank God for each of you and your faithfulness to His service. We feel so blessed and honored to be able to serve the King of King and Lord of Lords along with so many wonderful partners.
If not before, we hope to see you all on August 25.
Serving Together,
Bud & Cindy
We spent the last four days in Juneau, Alaska with Bud's brother and two sisters. We had an awesome time. Thankfully the iphone weather forecast was totally wrong and we didn't have four days of rain and mid 60s but rather three days of blue skies and mid-70s. Thank you Lord! Fishing Friday (five salmon, whales, eagles, sunshine & and peaceful waters!); Saturday was downtown Juneau, shopping, lunch and a tram ride 18,000 feet up, up, up; Sunday a great day of worship and sharing God's faithfulness and our call to Haiti with a warm and loving group of believers and home today! Truly, there is NO PLACE like home!Still to come...LENKER LIQUIDATION (mega garage sale) on July 29-30. Stop by and pick up some treasures!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR -- we are hosting a THANK YOU DESSERT on Thursday, August 25, 6:30 p.m. at Salem Evangelical Church - 3rd Floor of the Children's Center. We want to have a time of fun, fellowship and express our gratitude for all of your love, support, encouragement, prayers, and...well, just EVERYTHING! We know we can't possibly thank everyone but that doesn't mean we won't give it a try! If you're able to come, please send me an RSVP to either: lenker@salemelectric.com or shelenker@gmail.com or call me at 503-623-8308 and leave a message.
Our latest prayer letter is in the works and you should see it via email or snail mail shortly.
We truly thank God for each of you and your faithfulness to His service. We feel so blessed and honored to be able to serve the King of King and Lord of Lords along with so many wonderful partners.
If not before, we hope to see you all on August 25.
Serving Together,
Bud & Cindy
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Confirmations Continue Coming...
Spent a great weekend in Sun River a few weeks ago with my quilting buddies. I had coordinated the rental of the Sun River home (if you've been there, you KNOW how many homes are in Sun River to rent!) We had scoured the Internet sites and came up with what we thought was the perfect home for quilting. Arrived, unpacked, enjoyed a wonderful four days of friends, fellowship, food and of course QUILTING! When we returned I emailed the owner to say how much we'd enjoyed our time and thanked them for making their house available. I told her I was certain we'd be looking at their house again for future retreats...but, for WHATEVER REASON, I said I would not be the contact next year as my husband & I are currently fundraising to be missionaries in Haiti and that we anticipate being there as early as this Fall. I honestly questioned myself as I was writing the email to her as to why I was sharing this info. She quickly responded that she & her husband had sponsored missionaries in Haiti in the 1980s & 90s and that they had always regretted not going to visit them. I told her they were more than welcomed to come and visit us anytime. As we emailed back and forth we discovered that the couple they had funded were Dr. Vernon Hall and his wife, Lois. Dr. Hall & Lois served with One Mission Society (then called OMS) on the exact compound where Bud & I will serve. And, while Bud & I have never personally met Dr. Hall, his grandson, Greg, and Greg's family, attended our church for several years. Needless to say, both she & I were quite amazed at how God had orchestraed our meeting. With all the houses we could have selected in Sun River, why theirs? Well, I don't know the full answer now, but GOD DOES, and, I am confident that HE's orchestrated our meeting for some purpose. I'm just excited to be a part of it and to see where God takes it from here!
Again, Bud & I just shook our heads in amazement at God's hand in EVERYTHING about our move to Haiti. We praise Him and thank Him for His continued faithfulness and for the continued confirmations that He provides.
Serving Him Together,
Bud & Cindy
Again, Bud & I just shook our heads in amazement at God's hand in EVERYTHING about our move to Haiti. We praise Him and thank Him for His continued faithfulness and for the continued confirmations that He provides.
Serving Him Together,
Bud & Cindy
Friday, February 25, 2011
God's Timing is Always Perfect...
Bud & I spent last week in Haiti working, meeting with the field director, and picking out our soon to be "Home Sweet Haitian Home". It was a terrific week and we were especially blessed to get to travel with Doug & Jan Hoffman on their first trip to Haiti. We got a lot of questions answered and got to pick our soon-to-be "Home Sweet Haiti Home". Of course, we came home excited and thinking we could be relocated as soon as September. Then, maybe because of fatigue or readjusting to the time change, we both started feeling a bit overwhelmed at all there is to "do" before we could leave. Our Haiti house is lovely and in good condition, but does need to be equipped so comes with a long list of things to "take" when we move. Then there's renting our Dallas home, selling Bud's 1950 Chevy pick-up, a few house projects to be done, growing our ministry team, leaving jobs, family, church family, etc. Whew! Before you know it, we're fretting and doubting and the Lord, in His amazing way, steps in and says, "Be still...I'm here."
I've been doing Beth Moore's "Believing God" study since September and it has been exactly what I've needed at this time in my life. God absolutely KNEW I needed it. This week focused on the FAITHFULNESS of God and Hebrews 11. Just when I'm feeling overwhelmed, Beth writes, "Time is often where He tempers & tests us so that premature births of ministries don't result in lifelong handicaps. God created time & He never wastes it." WOW! What a great reminder! Even though some days Bud & I feel like our lives are on fast-forward, and some days it feels like we'll never be in Haiti, whatever the time frame it's GOD's.
We are so thankful for each of our ministry partners. Without faithful partners, this ministry can't happen. As we prepare to head to Burien, Washington tomorrow to speak at the Burien Evangelical Church on Sunday, we ask for your prayers for traveling safety and that the message we share will be from the Lord and will speak to the hearts there.
Here's a pic of our Haiti House. We are so blessed that it comes with a brand new roof just finished two weeks ago AND thanks to the departing missionary, a pillow-top queen mattress. Oh Joetta, you are our BFF!!
In His Service,
Bud & Cindy
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Would appreciate all your prayers this weekend as Bud & I fly out to Florida on Sunday and into Haiti on Monday. What a memorable Valentines Day - spending it in the Caribbean! We are traveling with friends, Doug & Jan Hoffman. It's their first time to Haiti, although they've both been to Mozambique. Doug hopes to be able to establish some agricultural projects in Haiti similar to the work he's done in Kenya. Bud & I will be meeting with the Haiti field director and seeing our good friends - both missionaries and Haitians. The trip will be short - only one week, but we're anxious to see housing options, get more information about our assignment, timeline, language training, etc. More news to come on that!
The following weekend, February 26-27, we'll be in Burien, Washington speaking at the Evangelical Church there. We're hoping to sneak in a stop to Pike's Market too! Again, we would appreciate your prayers for traveling mercies.
A friend today told me a "good" blog includes a lot of pics and less to read (ha!) We're hoping to have a lot of pics to share after we get home from Haiti so be sure to check back in a week or so.
Serving Him Together,
Bud & Cindy
The following weekend, February 26-27, we'll be in Burien, Washington speaking at the Evangelical Church there. We're hoping to sneak in a stop to Pike's Market too! Again, we would appreciate your prayers for traveling mercies.
A friend today told me a "good" blog includes a lot of pics and less to read (ha!) We're hoping to have a lot of pics to share after we get home from Haiti so be sure to check back in a week or so.
Serving Him Together,
Bud & Cindy
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Visual Altar
As soon as Bud & I applied to One Mission, we started talking about the importance of communicating with our supporters and the importance of US PRAYING for them - what better way to thank someone! We are very aware of how much of a partnership going to the field is. As we walk in obedience to what God has called us to do, we put our faith in Him to provide through the obedience of those whose hearts are moved to join with us in this ministry. For all of us, as the busyness of life creeps into our lives each day, we need reminders of where our focus needs to be. As I've been reading about Abraham in the Old Testament I realized how often he was moved to build an alter to the Lord as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Just like those altars, Bud & I are planning our "visual reminder" in Haiti through our Prayer Quilt. What a wonderful way use my love of quilting into something useful and practical on the field. The quilt square (shown here) has plenty of white space for us to fill in the names of those partnering with us in Haiti. The quilt will hang in our "new home" where every day we'll be reminded of the hundreds of people praying for us, providing for us, caring for us, partnering with us. And, each week we'll be praying over a different square and the names listed on it praising and thanking God for each of you!
In His Service,
Bud & Cindy
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Who Would Have Thought...
New Year's Day found us home enjoying a quiet day since our trip to Haiti (originally scheduled for New Year's Eve) had been postponed until mid-February due to possible political unrest after election result announcements scheduled for Tuesday, January 4. Please pray for Haiti, the election results, and the missionaries there, as the stress of "unrest" isn't easy. Anyway...we decided to enjoy the cold, clear weather and walk down to Washington Street Grill for breakfast. I LOVE their O'Brien potatoes - simply the best! The restaurant was packed and we were seated at a small table next to an older couple who were already enjoying their breakfast. As Bud & I chatted, we started to engage the other couple in our conversation. It went something like this...
Gentleman: "We live in Peedee, do you know where Peedee is?"
Bud: "Yes, we've driven out there just to enjoy the drive."
Gentleman: "Many people don't know it exists."
Wife: "Yes, we've been there 18 years. My husband is a pastor."
Cindy: "Oh, where do you worship?"
Pastor: "Peedee EVANGELICAL CHURCH - the only church out there."
Bud: "Oh, did you follow Roger Bole?" (Bud works with Roger at the church!)
As the conversation continued we shared our Haiti plans and they were so excited for us. We realized we'd both be spending time at the pastor's mid-winter conference together in a few weeks and that their son, another evangelical pastor from Lebanon, would also be there and they wanted to introduce us in hopes we might be able to share at his church. We exchanged business cards and said our good-byes wishing each other a Happy New Year with a lot of "see you in a few weeks" mixed in.
After they left, we sat across the table from one another in total amazement at God's hand in putting this encounter together. Then,shortly after they left the waitress came by and asked if we "knew" the people who had just left. She said they'd forgotten their credit card. I quickly whipped out the pastor's business card to give her their phone number so she could let them know the card was safe & sound. Bud called them today (after church) to ask if they'd gotten their card. They assured him all was well and thanked him for calling saying they'd see us "in a few weeks".
As we walked home on Saturday, Bud & I chatted, laughed and even had a few tears thinking about how good God is and how He provides in EVERY SITUATION! If we simply realize WHO is really in control and working out the details we would realize how much He loves us and cares about us. I don't know what this new friendship may bring, but we look forward to seeing how God continues to work in our lives.
We pray you each find God's hand working in your lives and wish you each a very blessed and joy-filled 2011.
Love & Prayers,
Bud & Cindy
Gentleman: "We live in Peedee, do you know where Peedee is?"
Bud: "Yes, we've driven out there just to enjoy the drive."
Gentleman: "Many people don't know it exists."
Wife: "Yes, we've been there 18 years. My husband is a pastor."
Cindy: "Oh, where do you worship?"
Pastor: "Peedee EVANGELICAL CHURCH - the only church out there."
Bud: "Oh, did you follow Roger Bole?" (Bud works with Roger at the church!)
As the conversation continued we shared our Haiti plans and they were so excited for us. We realized we'd both be spending time at the pastor's mid-winter conference together in a few weeks and that their son, another evangelical pastor from Lebanon, would also be there and they wanted to introduce us in hopes we might be able to share at his church. We exchanged business cards and said our good-byes wishing each other a Happy New Year with a lot of "see you in a few weeks" mixed in.
After they left, we sat across the table from one another in total amazement at God's hand in putting this encounter together. Then,shortly after they left the waitress came by and asked if we "knew" the people who had just left. She said they'd forgotten their credit card. I quickly whipped out the pastor's business card to give her their phone number so she could let them know the card was safe & sound. Bud called them today (after church) to ask if they'd gotten their card. They assured him all was well and thanked him for calling saying they'd see us "in a few weeks".
As we walked home on Saturday, Bud & I chatted, laughed and even had a few tears thinking about how good God is and how He provides in EVERY SITUATION! If we simply realize WHO is really in control and working out the details we would realize how much He loves us and cares about us. I don't know what this new friendship may bring, but we look forward to seeing how God continues to work in our lives.
We pray you each find God's hand working in your lives and wish you each a very blessed and joy-filled 2011.
Love & Prayers,
Bud & Cindy
Sunday, December 5, 2010
God's Kingdom is so Rich & Diverse
Bud & I had a great day sharing in two Sunday School classes today. First, the college students, who, in a room of about 30 kids when I asked which had taken a mission trip nearly ALL raised their hands! Praise the Lord! These are some kids who already have a vision for the lost and are following God's leading to reach these people for His glory! It was fun to share with them, encourage them, and tell them how God is working in our lives AND, remind them that He's working in THEIRS. I have no doubt once Bud & I are serving in Haiti many of these kids will be joining us there in some way by either coming on a work team or bringing an entire team of college students.
After the college class, we went to the Beacons. The Beacons are on the "other end" of the spectrum. They just kept laughing at us whenever we joked about being "old". Many mentioned that they have kids YOUNGER than us! This is a faithful group of prayer warriors who not only prayed Bud home from Haiti (and back to full health) after his truck accident, but who were the first Sunday School class to begin supporting us financially MONTHS BEFORE we began fundraising. They have been an encouragement to us from the very beginning.
God reminded us today that EVERY PERSON in HIS BODY has a purpose and a part in His kingdom. We are so blessed to have a church family that sees missions as the partnership it is. The financial piece can seem so overwhelming and completely humbling, but truly, as God moves hearts and people are obedient to His leading, all the pieces come together in a beautiful way. Faith grows. Lives are changed. God is glorified and WE ALL reap the blessings. Thank you partners! Those who pray, those who give financially, those who come to visit and work alongside us...
What we do in this life echoes in eternity. Let our obedience echo LOUDLY in testimony to God today AND eternity!
Blessings,
Bud & Cindy
After the college class, we went to the Beacons. The Beacons are on the "other end" of the spectrum. They just kept laughing at us whenever we joked about being "old". Many mentioned that they have kids YOUNGER than us! This is a faithful group of prayer warriors who not only prayed Bud home from Haiti (and back to full health) after his truck accident, but who were the first Sunday School class to begin supporting us financially MONTHS BEFORE we began fundraising. They have been an encouragement to us from the very beginning.
God reminded us today that EVERY PERSON in HIS BODY has a purpose and a part in His kingdom. We are so blessed to have a church family that sees missions as the partnership it is. The financial piece can seem so overwhelming and completely humbling, but truly, as God moves hearts and people are obedient to His leading, all the pieces come together in a beautiful way. Faith grows. Lives are changed. God is glorified and WE ALL reap the blessings. Thank you partners! Those who pray, those who give financially, those who come to visit and work alongside us...
What we do in this life echoes in eternity. Let our obedience echo LOUDLY in testimony to God today AND eternity!
Blessings,
Bud & Cindy
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Haiti Needs Our Prayers...
As I read the posts from the various missionaries my heart rejoices to hear of a new sister in the Lord as the missionaries minister to those they come in contact with AND my heart hurts for the unrest, cholera deaths, and political unrest in the country. Please pray for Haiti. That through all the unrest and turmoil Christ would be raised up and that those serving there will be encouraged and confirmed in their commitment to serve JESUS in Haiti.
Bud & I will be speaking in another Sunday School class tomorrow. Please pray God will move hearts to partner with us as we continue to share what God has called us to do. I will also be speaking at my Rotary club on Monday. Please pray that my message will be clear and that it will glorify God even in a non-religion setting. There is no way for me to separate my love for Jesus from my call to Haiti...the two go hand-in-hand. The club has always been gracious, responsive, supportive and giving for which I am always so thankful.
Bless you and again, thank you for your support & prayers.
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
Bud & I will be speaking in another Sunday School class tomorrow. Please pray God will move hearts to partner with us as we continue to share what God has called us to do. I will also be speaking at my Rotary club on Monday. Please pray that my message will be clear and that it will glorify God even in a non-religion setting. There is no way for me to separate my love for Jesus from my call to Haiti...the two go hand-in-hand. The club has always been gracious, responsive, supportive and giving for which I am always so thankful.
Bless you and again, thank you for your support & prayers.
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Praise the Lord!
Sunday at Oak Park Church was a tremendous blessing to both Bud & I. We shared our hearts and the people were responsive and showed us great love and encouragement! It was especially exciting to hear the many questions they asked about Haiti and about the potential of them putting together a work team from their church. Bud & I are never more excited than when we hear someone is interested in visiting Haiti. It will change your heart forever!
I have been following the various blogs from the missionaries currently on the Haiti field and would ask for your prayers. There is a lot of discouragement and discontent among the Haitians as the cholera continues to worsen. In addition, the needs continue to grow as some are being flooded from their already make-shift homes and, if that weren't enough, the election of a new president is scheduled for November 28 which is causing a lot of tension throughout the country.
Thankfully, we serve a God who knows the beginning from the end so there in lies our trust.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.
In Him,
The Lenkers
I have been following the various blogs from the missionaries currently on the Haiti field and would ask for your prayers. There is a lot of discouragement and discontent among the Haitians as the cholera continues to worsen. In addition, the needs continue to grow as some are being flooded from their already make-shift homes and, if that weren't enough, the election of a new president is scheduled for November 28 which is causing a lot of tension throughout the country.
Thankfully, we serve a God who knows the beginning from the end so there in lies our trust.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.
In Him,
The Lenkers
Monday, November 8, 2010
Our New Beginning...
Hmmm...where do I begin? Bud & I are excited to report that we are continuing on the path the Lord has laid before us and are now fundraising toward the goal of full-time ministry to Haiti as soon as the Lord provides and the pieces fall into place. To date, we've made our deputation presentation (say that five times fast!) to two Sunday School classes and will be speaking at Oak Park Community Church this Sunday (11/14). Between now and the end of the year we will be speaking at various Sunday School classes at Salem Evangelical, then will see where the Lord leads from there. We have been invited to a church in Seattle sometime in January, but no date yet. The Lord continues to provide and answer prayers. We cannot thank you all enough for your prayers...encouragement...financial support. We feel so overwhelmed and totally blessed. Please continue to pray for Haiti. With the recent storms, there is great concern that the cholera-laiden waters will spill their banks and spread the disease further. They need our prayers!
More to come...
God Bless,
Bud & Cindy
More to come...
God Bless,
Bud & Cindy
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Thank you for your prayers...
Thank you for your prayers! We are so blessed to have so many praying friends and family! Randy & Joanie arrived without incident after several days delay in Florida and Randy has been teaching daily at the seminary. Bud & I continue our host/hostess and "other duties as assigned" responsibilities and Joanie has been great to help out. Ike arrived in this area on Saturday night & Sunday morning, but praise the Lord, the Cap Haitien area only sustained heavy rains, some wind, thunder & lightening. Unfortunately, the area of Gonaives, which already suffered devastating flooding from previous hurricanes, was again bombarded with heavy winds and rains. This is the area you are seeing on the news and if you're interested, visit www.missionaryflights.org website for additional photos taken as the MFI plane flew over the area in route to Cap shortly after the hurricane hit. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the photos to see an entire map of Haiti so you can understand where the devastated area is in comparison to where we are. Although we are only 60-70 miles away, Cap sits at the bottom of a large mountain range which provides amazing protection. A group of pastors from this area and Dan Shoemaker tried to get to Gonaives yesterday to assess the situation and try to figure out the best way to help. Unfortunately after several hours of travel over treacherous roads and some travel on foot, they were forced to turn back. Travel between Port Au Prince and Cap is at a standstill and no one can get into Gonaives by road from either side. Cap is completely without fuel, but fortunately the compound has plenty for the needs here...for a time. The compound has limited travel and are planning more conservation as fuel and food will be of great concern in the coming weeks and months ahead. Clothing and bags of rice have been purchased to "bless" the churches in "low" areas in Cap to help with their needs. It is a very sad, sad situation. Many of the Haitians who work for OMS and live in this community have family and loved ones they are waiting to hear from in Gonaives and other surrounding areas. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. They love the Lord and are trusting God for EVERYTHING, including the safety of their families.
In other news...we've had a couple of leads on an x-ray machine so are hopeful one or TWO might be acquired for the clinic here. They are in desperate need of one! If you know of anyone in the medical field that might be able to offer a machine, please let us know!
While we'll greatly miss our Haitian brothers & sisters and the missionaries here when we go, we are anxious to return and see everyone!
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
In other news...we've had a couple of leads on an x-ray machine so are hopeful one or TWO might be acquired for the clinic here. They are in desperate need of one! If you know of anyone in the medical field that might be able to offer a machine, please let us know!
While we'll greatly miss our Haitian brothers & sisters and the missionaries here when we go, we are anxious to return and see everyone!
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
Monday, August 18, 2008
Happy Monday (August 18), we have exactly 30 days until we head home, which seems both a long time away and right around the corner! Last Friday we said goodbye to the UK team. A wonderful group of great kids (and one "seasoned guy"), who really demonstrated Christ-like love and character throughout their stay. Bud & I felt right at home "parenting" them and truly fell in love with them all. The day they left, I told Bud I was sure I was "called to Northern Ireland" as the majority of the group lives in and around that area! We also invited them to the states, so hopefully they'll be able to take us up on that offer sometime. Each night their team leader, Tred, scheduled a time of praise & worship and had one team member share their testimony. Bud & I felt priviledged to be a part of that
time with them. There were several evenings where tears were shared. Considering none of them knew one another before meeting up to travel here, it was so amazing to see God "meld" them into a wonderful team. Little did they know that when they left Cap Haitien on Friday for an overnight stay in Port Au Prince before departing for the states the next morning, that storm Fay would strand them for two extra nights. At one point, we heard they might return to Cap for another week's stay and while we were sorry for their families, we were pretty excited at the thought of having them around again. Fortunately (or unfortunately for us), they got a flight out Sunday afternoon, so by tomorrow should all be safely home.
time with them. There were several evenings where tears were shared. Considering none of them knew one another before meeting up to travel here, it was so amazing to see God "meld" them into a wonderful team. Little did they know that when they left Cap Haitien on Friday for an overnight stay in Port Au Prince before departing for the states the next morning, that storm Fay would strand them for two extra nights. At one point, we heard they might return to Cap for another week's stay and while we were sorry for their families, we were pretty excited at the thought of having them around again. Fortunately (or unfortunately for us), they got a flight out Sunday afternoon, so by tomorrow should all be safely home. Storm Fay gave us a night with a lot of wind and rain, which changed our Saturday plans to take the Alabama Prayer Team to the Citadel for the day, making it a day of "hanging out". That's when Bud had the chance to make Haitian banana chips...which are truly WONDERFUL! I'm hoping he'll be able to recreate them when we get home! Ask anyone whose been here...they are so very, very good!
Sunday dawned bright and sunny again (as did today). Our trip to church ended up being in the back of the truck for 1-1/2 hours (one way)! It was a long day in the dust and sun, but the church was very nice and the worship was good. I will say that all of us "North Americans" verbalized that we would NEVER complain about a "commute" to church again! Trust me...it was a long, long, long trip and day!
I've been asked about "bugs, spiders and creatures", so here's a photo of our good Haitian friend, Wadner, with a tarantula he "hunted down" for us. In all honesty, without searching them out, I've never seen one (which is a very good thing)! We have had a few nights of trying to chase down a rat in the house where we're staying. So far the score is Rat - 4, Humans - 0. The trap doesn't seem to be doing the trick and Bud's attempt with the broom wasn't successful (so far), however...there's always tonight!
Thank you one and all for your emails, encouragement and prayers. We are praying for you too and look forward to seeing you all very soon!
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Can You Believe It's August?
About the time I think I have time to update the blog, the Internet is down & I can’t, so…I thought I’d write it out ahead of time and then add it as soon as I can! Ah, life in Haiti! So, the team departed this morning. Bud & I both took them to the airport and said our good-byes. We were sad to see them depart, but know when they return they’ll be full of stories and memories that
will impact their lives forever. That’s just “what Haiti does” to people who visit. You can’t leave here and not think about or realize how truly blessed we are materially, however, the Haitians have us beat by a long shot when it comes to learning to live content in all circumstances. While some we have come to know very well share their burdens of concern for their country or for personal concerns regarding an ill child or lack of a job to provide for their family, they are still a joy-filled people who regularly comment that, “God is good”!
Yesterday a team of eight young people (all in their 20s) arrived from the U.K. (Ireland, London and Wales). Two of them lost luggage – not AFTER getting on the plane (and funny enough NOT in Haiti), but had suitcases fall off the airport transport van in Miami! I have been truly amazed that the two who ended up with nothing have been very calm about it and that the others – none of whom knew each other before they “met up” for their travel here – have shared whatever they’ve had with those in need. What a great example of Christian love! The fun is, now not only are Bud & I trying to “catch a little Creole” to communicate better with the Haitians, we’re learning a bit of the “Queen’s English”, with a little Irish, Wales and whatever else thrown in! Who’d have thought?!
The weather continues to be pleasant. Warm, humid days, but most nights the breeze comes up and it rains (very hard with a lot of thunder & lightening thrown in), which makes sleeping at night much nicer.
This photo is an example of "driving" in Haiti. The "white" lower part of the photo is the railing of the cattle truck we were riding in to & from the beach...the black is the top of the vehicle that passed us on the road. Literally I was on my tip-toes to lean over and snap this photo...as you might guess, it was "one-handed" because the other hand was tightly holding onto the side of the truck!
will impact their lives forever. That’s just “what Haiti does” to people who visit. You can’t leave here and not think about or realize how truly blessed we are materially, however, the Haitians have us beat by a long shot when it comes to learning to live content in all circumstances. While some we have come to know very well share their burdens of concern for their country or for personal concerns regarding an ill child or lack of a job to provide for their family, they are still a joy-filled people who regularly comment that, “God is good”!Yesterday a team of eight young people (all in their 20s) arrived from the U.K. (Ireland, London and Wales). Two of them lost luggage – not AFTER getting on the plane (and funny enough NOT in Haiti), but had suitcases fall off the airport transport van in Miami! I have been truly amazed that the two who ended up with nothing have been very calm about it and that the others – none of whom knew each other before they “met up” for their travel here – have shared whatever they’ve had with those in need. What a great example of Christian love! The fun is, now not only are Bud & I trying to “catch a little Creole” to communicate better with the Haitians, we’re learning a bit of the “Queen’s English”, with a little Irish, Wales and whatever else thrown in! Who’d have thought?!
The weather continues to be pleasant. Warm, humid days, but most nights the breeze comes up and it rains (very hard with a lot of thunder & lightening thrown in), which makes sleeping at night much nicer.
This photo is an example of "driving" in Haiti. The "white" lower part of the photo is the railing of the cattle truck we were riding in to & from the beach...the black is the top of the vehicle that passed us on the road. Literally I was on my tip-toes to lean over and snap this photo...as you might guess, it was "one-handed" because the other hand was tightly holding onto the side of the truck!
Thank you all for your continued prayers. We KNOW you are praying for us as we have felt a complete peace about both being here and about our family at home.
Just a little "photo reminder" of why we love being here. LOOK AT THIS SMILE! He sat behind us at church on Sunday and every time we made eye contact he would smile just like this! What a cutie!
We love and miss everyone!
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
We're Arrived!
Praise the Lord...we're here safe & sound. The travel went well, although we had quite a RUN to our connecting flight in Houston! The weather is surprisingly cool; although being in the air conditioned office helps tremendously! Bud was "on the road" traveling today and will be going to the airport (with Dan) to pick up our team that arrives this morning. When I thought a blog would be a wonderful idea, I didn't account for the S L O W internet connection here, but hopefully we'll work out the bugs and I'll have some photos to add. The seminary site is AWESOME! It is totally amazing to see the progress just since January. We are settling in and already feel "at home" in our mini-apartment (we do have our own bath you know!) No terrible bug or animal sitings thus far! We thank you for your prayers and look forward to hearing from you when you get the chance.
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
In Him,
Bud & Cindy
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