The following is an ministry update from Tori Wentz, one of CBF’s field personnel.

Today was another rewarding day spent with a group of six women that I respect immensely.  They call me “teacher” because, a couple times every week, I encourage and try to help them speak English.  The truth is that, usually, they are the ones teaching me.  From them, I have learned a great deal about perseverance, courage, hospitality, and faith.  

In the last few months, we’ve discussed the refugee camps where they used to live and how they came to be there.  We’ve remembered and prayed for their families . . . especially, the mothers, fathers, children, brothers, and sisters left behind when they came to live in the United States.  We’ve explored some of the difficulties connected with starting life over, in a culture so different from your own. 

Some of the most rewarding parts of our classes revolve around our reflections on faith. Take, for example, the days when talking about all of the above difficulties leads us into discussions of our reliance on God.  They have been so excited when, listening to what they’re saying to one another, I have been able to direct them to applicable Biblical passages, like Psalm 5 or Psalm 139. 

First, they read it in their Kirundi or Swahili Bibles and, then, we read it together in the English Bible.  As understanding of the English translation is realized, big smiles come over their faces.  They have learned some new English words.  

Most importantly, though, we have all been reminded of some very comforting truths.  Whether we are thinking about their families who are still back in Africa or those of us living in America, God is always with all of us.  He hears our prayers, He knows the things that concern us, and He cares.   

 I am so very thankful to God for the opportunities He has given us as a group.  While I have gained some really, really good friends, they have become a little more comfortable in this culture and a little more confident in their abilities.  Praise be to God!

Fighting Cholera in Haiti

Over the Christmas holidays, I had the satisfaction of spending two weeks helping out in a cholera clinic in the northern part of Haiti.  So many people were so very sick and the conditions at the clinic were unimaginable. 

Almost daily, someone would arrive at the clinic with a loved one for whom it was already “too late”.  Those who could be helped were transferred into large rooms filled with wall to wall patients.  Some of them rested in hospital beds and others rested, the best they could, on camping cots, examination tables, or stretchers.  

Men, women, and children lived side by side.  There was no running water.  The toilets were small, plastic buckets on the floor.  Because of severe and recurrent diarrhea and vomiting caused by the illness, these toilets had to be emptied immediately (every time they were utilized). 

All that myself and the doctors and other nurses could do was try to maintain their IVs, encourage them to drink oral rehydration fluids, provide personal care, and offer emotional and spiritual support as often as possible.  This work was difficult, but so worthwhile. 

It wasn’t a typical Christmas compared to those I’ve spent in the past, but I wouldn’t mind if it were to become a little more typical in the future.  It was good to spend the season bringing the love of Christ to people in such desperate need.  

Without presents and a big turkey dinner to distract me, I was able to focus on and celebrate the gift of God’s love well.  Thanks be to God!