Church leaders often scratch their heads and wonder about the level of faith commitment of some of the people they are trying to help. But sometimes they don’t. Especially not in the following circumstance. Last June 22-24, Sharon participated in the annual Spiritual Conference of the CRC of Haiti, held this year in Savannette, a small, isolated agricultural community in the central plateau of Haiti. Sharon learned about two women who had walked eight hours over the mountains, guided by their pastor, to participate in the conference. One of these women was carrying a nursing infant! Despite the hardship of the voyage (or maybe because of it), these two women were touched by the Holy Spirit during the weekend’s events. Sharon and the other leaders spoke to the approximately 70 participants from the perspective of Galatians 5:16-26 about the fruit of the Spirit that God was creating in them. However, Sharon felt led during the conference to address how God calls us to “control our tongue” as there were some unkind words exchanged among some of the women. We give thanks for the way God has blessed the Women’s Spiritual Conference over the years. Pray that this great event will continue!

Post-Isaac Report

On Friday, August 24, Tropical Storm Isaac struck the southern coast of Haiti with 70 mph winds and large amounts of rain. While human life has, for the most part, been spared (only 24 people reported to have lost their lives in the storm), there has been a large loss of property. For example, many domestic animals were lost to flooding, many farms washed away, and many homes lost their roofs. Pastor Joel’s church (see left), Mochil CRC in Jacmel, was heavily damaged (part of the roof was torn off) and the La Montagne Church (in the mountains above Jacmel) was completely destroyed. Sadly, both these churches were heavily damaged and repaired after the 2010 earthquake. Currently, World Renew (formerly CRWRC) is in the process of evaluating what kinds of disaster assistance can be provided. Please pray strength and patience for those affected.

Segaar-King August Update

Dear Friends and Family: The internet is just now functioning again for us in Port-au-Prince after Hurricane Isaac struck the southern coast of Haiti on Friday, August 24 (unfortunately, city electricity has not been restored to us). Isaac hit Haiti with winds of 70 mph (just below the strength of a category 1 hurricane) and massive rainfall. We were actually surprised by how powerful a storm Isaac was! Many people living in Port-au-Prince’s open air camps lost their tents and belongings. Many structures with roofs of wood-trusses and tin were damaged. According to government estimates, twenty-four people were killed in Haiti. We give thanks that despite the power of the storm, more of our Haitian colleagues were not affected. Please pray for: -Pastor Gregory Brutus (a former staff member of Perspectives Réformées) and his family. The hurricane tore the roof from Gregory’s house and forced his family to flee. -The Mochil and Lamontay churches of Jacmel: The hurricane tore off the roof and pushed over a wall in the Mochil church while pretty much destroying the Lamontay church. Both of these churches were destroyed in the earthquake and were recently rebuilt! -The people of Jacmel: Many homes lost roofs in Jacmel because of the direct hit from Isaac. -Ongoing food crisis in Haiti: The massive rains further destroyed crops already suffering from a three-month-long drought. Pray that the price of food will not increase anymore in the short-term. Please join us in giving thanks for: -Successful theological training in August. We taught the Major Prophets to a group of pastors and other church leaders -The beginning of a new school-year in August for our children at Quisqueya Christian School. -Our colleague Lelsey Toussaint (and her family) who was able to make it to Canada for the delivery of her baby. Thanks for your prayers and support, Zachary, Sharon, Hannah, Isaiah, Vivian and Esther Segaar-King Missionaries to Haiti Christian Reformed World Missions