Our crew of Workers

Our crew of workers this year was a beautiful blessing to the camp and children. We have had the same 6 for the last three years and it was so neat to see the growth. The worked beautifully together. There was a deeper richness to the team this year, almost felt like family. At one point we were drumming and laughing and Titus, Children’s Pastor at church took off dancing in circles with the children. It might have been one of my favorite moments to see him cut loose with the children. Bobbing his shoulders up and down, singing, getting kids to join in, it was precious to watch it all unfold.

Each and every person added a piece to the team. Wilfete and Lou brought strength and humor to the day. They were a team. Side by side, fun to watch them interact. One day Wilfete and Lou acted out the story of the Lost Son. Wilfete the father and Lou the lost son. As Lou came running back to Wilfet and embraced in a hug their smiles showed great friendship, joy, and love. It has been so neat to see that cultivate over the years. They didn’t really know each other year one.

Titus, Children’s Pastor was a riot. Brought laughter to the day and strength to the singing and stories. Also brought discipline when out voices didn’t seem to cut it. Lin Lin and Michelda brought a sweet peace and love to the crew. They working hands were always nice to have when we were singing. Lin Lin is a quiet, young, woman. We put her in charge of leading the singing. One day she was trying to focus the children to sing, but somehow the drums were carrying over her voice. Instead of getting frustrated she grabbed a drum from an adult and started drumming faster, louder, and with more JOY. It was hilarious. Made me smile.

Great team. We would not have been able to do it without them.

A Mural of Magic

Caitlin found amazing JOY this year in painting the mural. The last picture is of a little boy named, Chodly. He became Caitlin's painting partner. Everyday he would be waiting for her and would work side by side until the day was done. She found so much joy, laughter, and peace in painting with him. Caitlin, also enjoyed painting with the people in the hospital. I would often show up after soccer and she would have put down a tarp and about twenty people would be sitting on it. All of them participating in the activity. Coloring, painting, bracelets, you name it, they were all participating. From old men to young, from mothers to daughter, everyone was working together. Neat sight!

Caitlin also had the opportunity to paint the bakery this year, which was classic. We were buying bread one day and asked the owner if he would want a mural on the bakery and all we heard was a big YES! Great experience because it attracted a different crowd of people. The bakery is located right in the middle of a big crossing of roads. So we got people coming and going, the motto drivers, and other children. We left and the owner said, "Come back and do the inside next time." Soon all of Passe Catabois will be covered with Caitlin's finest! The Pastor asked for the school to be done, inside and out!

A SOCCER TEAM of the toughest CATS!

I was blessed to have a soccer team this year. 5 little kiddos, the size of peanuts, but amazingly, big hearts. Everyday they would find me at about 3:30 and ask, "Are we playing today Miss. Leah?" One look at their cute little smiles, how could I say no. I gave them all jerseys and one would have thought it was Christmas morning and Santa just showed up with a new Gameboy. Little Ester said, "Is this really for me?" So darn precious. I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but Ester was my favorite. Opened up so much and became my little buddy, sidekick, partner in crime. Just precious. Our practice was about 30 minutes, but somehow they never noticed it was so short. From kicking to headballs to penalty kicks they found themselves part of a team. It was some of my sweetest moments in Haiti. Kicking around the soccer ball with these little kiddos. The day always ended with a team cheer. It went something like this, "1, 2, 3, WHOOOO!" They are only five, didn't want to make it too difficult!!!

KANNNNNNNNN...Camp in Creole!

Some pictures of our adventures from the last month!

The DRUMS and BONUS

Another day in Haiti….

Camp has been a Joy! The drums have been off the hook. Today we had the pastor of the church, another leader of the church, four of our counselors drumming and all the children running around in a circle singing and playing other instruments. Some might call it noise, but to my ears it was glorious worship and smiles.

Moments of joy, have been acting out plays with the counselors. Today was the parable of the lost sheep. We had Jesus (wilfet), sheep (Caitlin and Leah), the lost sheep (Avery), what a sight we were.

Today was our last day with the 6-9 year olds, hard to think about how a week is already done. Comes and goes so fast. Been really neat to see growth in the team this year. We seem to fit together. Been neat to see the relationships that have formed between the counselors from this camp. Wilfete and Louvenet were not really friends three years ago when camp started, now they interact like brothers. Joking with each other, hugging, sharing stories. Been really neat to see that relationship cultivate.

Today is piñata day. It will be a crazy mess. They always go crazy for the piñata.

Some of the neatest moments this week, teaching Lou and Wilfet how to play UNO. What a riot. I hate the game, but somehow playing with two Haitians and teaching the game in Creole and watching them respond to the game was hilarious. Love them so much. Caitlin and I were reflecting the other night on how much we have gotten to know Wilfet. He truly has become like a brother. The other night we were praying together and Wilfet said he wanted to pray for us. Was neat because about two years ago Wilfet would not pray in front of us. Been beautiful to see the growth of his heart.

Tonight we are taking care of a little 4-month-old baby. Lost his mother during birth. This morning he fell asleep with me, such a sweet blessing to the day. He can’t be bigger than a football. They are waiting to test him for HIV. His mother was diagnosed with HIV before she passed. His eyes are so alert and beautiful. A prayer that his test is clear.

Funny moment of today. Caitlin taught Wilfet the word “bonus.” Bonus is a word that we use when something is really good. Now Wilfet says bonus all the time. He acts just like us. Been a good day!

Beidler Sister's and Avery Head to Haiti

Beidler sisters and Avery in the house of Haiti is going great. We had one too many bumps in the road, but we are finally kicking it in Passé Catabois for the camp. Day two of the camp. The highlight of the camp was yesterday; we brought drums this year to jam with the children. This week we have children ages 6-9, they are so precious. We gave them drums and we just jammed. It was so fun. At one point everyone got up and we were dancing around in a circle singing, Jericho, Jericho, Jericho….it was sweet music to our ears. Caitlin and Avery were out of control in dancing, what a sight. A bunch of blancs (that is what they call white people) and a bunch of 6 year olds dancing for Jesus. We have had two great days of activities, sports, and worship.

We have been acting out bible stories for the kids. Today Avery and Caitlin were the thieves in the story of the Good Samaritan. Hilarious to bring life to the stories. Kids are laughing at our silliness, but so worth it. Acting out the stories has brought a different richness to the stories. Another day Louvered was Zacheria and Caitlin, Avery, and I were the angry crowd.

Moments that have been pure joy. We have two friends here, Louvenet and Wilfet who have really become brothers to us. They work for us, hang with us, translate for us, laugh with us. It was funny the other day Wilfet was being a goof ball and as I laughed with him it was so funny to think about how much we are alike. A brother is Haiti. Yesterday I had to go into Port-au-Paix to figure out a goof that was made by the airline here. They sent our bags to the wrong place. So I had to get a motto, Louvenet and Wilfet came along. Picture this, one moto, three Haitians, and one blanc. Now put all those 4 people on ONE BIKE. Bouncing over a dirt road, through three rivers, get a rowboat across the river, hilarious. But pure joy to embrace Haiti together!

Haiti has become more beautiful. The people, their smiles, joy, they’re welcoming us, and it has humbled me. Last night we sat under the Haitian sky and I was amazed by his vastness. So beautiful. Falling more in love with Haiti.

Camp Hope: Another Year of Sweet Surprises

Today we hopped on a moto at 9:30 and headed for Port-de-Paix where we would once again say goodbye to Haiti. I found myself smiling at the richness and beauty of the culture. The little children all waving to me in pure joy, people heading to church in their Sunday's finest, and many people eager to wave. I have fallen more in love with Haiti. The awful roads, the moto rides, crossing the river in a row boat that might sink at any moment, the rice and beans, the love that people pour out, it has caught hold of me once again.

Crossing the river I saw ten boys playing in the most disgusting mud, but all I could hear was the pure joy of their laughter. There is this deep richness to Haiti that is so hard to explain, but the beauty and people of the country has captivated me more and more.

Today as we left all I could think about was, "God is a provider." This whole trip I have seen nothing, but God providing for our team, camp, travels. Today we had 10 squares of toilet paper left, jut enough, we had one more teaspoon of dish soap to do dishes, just enough, I had three dollars to buy crackers, just enough, money for camp, just enough, not too little, not too much, luggage got here, just right...it has been amazing to see how God's provision for our team.

One of the sweetest moments of our time in Haiti was sitting with two of the pastors before we left. We had a chance to share a meal and exchange conversation about what it would look like if they tried to run an after-school camp for Passé Catabois. It was such a neat conversation and answer to prayer. We have been praying that we could come alongside the Haitian people and together we could partner and help equip them to serve their country. It was such a beautiful blessing to watch that begin to unfold.

Tomorrow we are home. Back to AC, back to diet cokes, grocery stores, flat roads, and apples, phones...seems so far away, but on our way. Going to miss the bumpy moto rides, Creole, rowboats, and people. But leaving Haiti with a smile of JOY and thankfulness.

Camp Hope 2010 Letter

I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through His spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow deep into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Another year has approached, and we excited as this will be our third year of Camp Hope. When we completed our second summer in 2009, it was neat to hear people say, “We will see you next year.” Camp Hope has become a sweet blessing the lives of the children, the families, and the community of Passe Cataboise, Haiti. We believe that God is beginning to expand our borders with Camp Hope as He is bringing more people who support our vision and mission.

Camp Hope’s mission is to bring the joy of Christ to the children of Haiti through sport, art, music, and now dance and drumming. Additionally and more importantly, Camp Hope functions as a bridge between us, the children, the parents, the church, and the community. We hope that Camp Hope is God’s tool for transforming lives and making disciples of Jesus Christ in Passe Cataboise and beyond.

For the month of August 2010, a team of four people will be traveling to Haiti. We will be facilitating Camp Hope for three weeks. We have a couple of exciting additions to the camp—dance and drumming. We are overjoyed to see different specialties introduced to camp. We have seen how dance and drums have been misused with voodoo in Haiti, and we believe that God wants to redeem what has been used for evil and use it for His glory and His worship. We believe that the children will experience God in a new way through worship with dance and drumming.

Last year, we had five Haitian teenage camp counselors, and we are excited to empower the teens again this year. One teenager, Wilfet, has become like a younger brother to us, and it has been a blessing to watch his faith grow and mature as we walk with him. During our last trip, we were able to talk more deeply with Wilfet about faith, conviction of sin, and repentance. We now talk to him weekly on the phone. This past Christmas, we shared with him why he celebrates Christmas. We asked him in Creole, “You didn’t know why you celebrated Christmas?” And he replied, “I didn’t know, but now I do!” How beautiful it is to see a life transforming.

In addition to camp, Redemption Art (www.caitlinbeidler.com) will be going back to paint another mural with the community. In November, we went to Cite Soleil, Haiti where Caitlin completed a 480 square foot mural with the community there. The Cite Soleil mural project provided 10 young adults and men with work for a week and a few with education for the year. This next mural will provide similar opportunities in Passe Cataboise.

We are continually amazed how the Lord has orchestrated so much for us and our Haitian family. We would not be able to do any of this without you. On our last trip that we met a young teenage boy that could not go to school because his whole family died and he had no work. His story gripped our hearts, so we sent out one email to see if anyone would support him in school. We wrote the email in the early evening, and by 10:00 the next morning we had three people saying they would support him. We were amazed with their generosity and love. That is just one example of how we are continually astounded by you. We want to say thank you for continuing to pour into this ministry and for being God’s vessel for the transformation of lives.

We are asking again that you think about helping Camp Hope and Redemption Art’s mural project this year. Our biggest need is financial support (See the itemized list below). Your contribution will help us to facilitate this camp for 120 Haitian children.

You will notice that your contribution should be made out to 180 Degrees Church. In the past several months, we have been seeking God’s direction for a non-profit to identify our work with. We began with Camp Hope, and now we have collaborated with Redemption Art, Help Tammy Help Haiti (the Canadian charity we partnered with in Cite Soleil), The Global Awareness Project (a non-profit that promotes service through art in Myrtle Beach), and other schools and churches. Seeing that our borders and hearts are expanding, we recognize the need for accountability in our work.

We believe that The Church is the hope of the world, and we want that to be at the foundation of what we are doing. Caitlin has been a part of the 180 Degrees church plant in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for five years. The mission of 180 is our heartbeat as well: To make disciples of Jesus Christ. In January, we met with Stuart Royall, the pastor of 180 Degrees, and shared our hearts with him. He and 180 have come alongside our vision, and we believe that this is a unique opportunity for all of us to co-labor for transformation of lives through Christ. We are so excited to be partnering with 180 as we grow, develop, and expand.

With our expansion, we have rooted Camp Hope, Redemption Art’s mural projects, and the other developing branches under one name called Making Roots. Making Roots’ vision is to see the whole person transformed through the love and power of Christ. We wrote Ephesians 3:17 above, and The Word sums up our vision well. Making Roots is about the hearts of the Haitian people being rooted deep into God’s love so that they might be fully formed and completed in Christ. Our mindset is that one person fully transformed in Christ is worth it all. It will be made up of branches to help the transformation of the whole person. The branches of Making Roots will include holistic development in the areas of discipleship, education, vocation, arts, health, family, and community service.

Each project we do will be part of the branches above. For example, currently we have put 17 children and young adults in school. Recently, we came up with the name Planting Project for this branch of what we are doing. You will see in the budget attached an allocated amount for keeping these children and youth in school next year and to get each of them a bible. We realize that we cannot just put these children and youth in school for one year and give them bible and expect change, but that we need to sustain their education and spiritual growth over their lifetime so that they can be fully formed.


If your heart feels led to contribute to our projects in Haiti, please write Haiti on the lower, left line of check. Please send with your check the small form included. Again, we are honored for all you have done thus far, and we are eager to partner with you again and in the future.

Overall, we are so excited for this moment in time and what God is doing. We hope that you will continue in His move with us. Your part is essential in the Body of Christ and His work. This is about people. About lives changing, including our own. If you have any questions about 180 Degrees Church, please contact Caitlin at caitlinbeidler@gmail.com or visit the 180 website at www.180-degrees.net. If you have any questions about Camp Hope, please feel free to contact Leah at leahbeidler12@yahoo.com. If you are interested in supporting a child in their education, please contact Leah for detailed information. You can also visit our blog at: http://camphopehaiti.blogspot.com.

For His Glory,
Leah Beidler and Caitlin Beidler

Port-au-Prince after Earthquake

Tent cities that were created after the quake. So many of these cities, everywhere!

This was the median of the road. People had made makeshift houses in the median of the road after teh quake.

We were distributing food to families.

Saw this child standing in this same position, two days in a row. Reminded me to keep my eyes on Jesus!

A makeshift home after the quake.

On a road trip today, we took off for Karfou today so that Tammy could speak to a woman about getting water purifiers for the water in Cite Soleil. Countless tents were on the road. Looks like refugees camps everywhere. Sheets, cardboard, tin, you name it, they used to make houses. A field full of tents, spreads over the hills and your eyes can not even begin to grasp what they might be living through. Heartbreaking, but at the same time they share smiles with you in exchange for your smile. \On the way to where we were going today we saw a crowd, come to find out that a man had been gun down by the police. Life here seems so tired, exhausted, and without hope. People walk the streets trying to sell things.

We were driving through a part of the city today and the massive destruction left me speechless. Everything destroyed, building, streets, people everywhere. The worst I have seen. Some buildings that are half down, some with just a couple cracks, but all of them now needing to come down because their structure has been damaged. So many years of work ahead. Driving through the streets, came across three men washing themselves in a dirty puddle. Right across the street we spotted a rat searching for food, just disgusting. Hurts to have to watch humans live this way. Driving out to where we were going today we saw a crowd. They were surrounding a young boy who had just been gun downed by the police. We don't know why, the man we were with thought that maybe he had stole something. My heart hurt for the situation and the knowing that it happens all the time. Time after time we would stop at traffic lights, intersections and countless children would come to our car and beg for money and food. It is a lot worse than the last time we were here. Their faces were hallow and hopeless. They were not more than ten years old. What is for these children? What do they go home to at night? Who takes care of them? Do they take care of themselves?

There are countless tent cities, endless. Tents beyond tents. Some made of sheets and cardboard. Rained so hard one night and all I could do was pray that it stopped for the people that were living in these "homes." So many, what does it look like for the years to come for these people that have lost homes?

Coming home today I saw the most heartbreaking thing I think I have ever seem on the streets of Haiti. I saw a zombie. The man we were with picked him out of the crowd. His face reflected the same hallow look as I had seen earlier in the children's faces. He was wearing all black and red and all over his skin was a white powder. HIs face looked lost, unresponsive to everything. A lost heart to evil. Broke my heart to see a man who had been captured by evil, walking with no hope, no response to the world,

It has been a trip that I will never forget. It has been a trip that continues to motivate me in a way that we are making roots in the country of Haiti for the Lord. The other day I was reading Deuteronomy 33:7, "Give them strength to defend the cause, help them against their evil enemies." In all the light I have seen in Haiti, I have also seen the darkness of hunger, sickness, brokenness, violence, homelessness, Defend the cause. How are we defending the cause for the broken? For the church? How are we defending the cause?

Driving home from Karfou I saw the exterior of a church still standing. Most of it had fallen, but the main part of the church stood and on top was a cross. High above everything else, the light of the world. Still standing, there to defend the cause. It was a beautiful sight in the midst of all that is broken. The church the hope of the world.

How Can I HELP HAITI?

Hello Everyone,
As many of you have seen over the days, Haiti is struggling. I have had the chance to talk with many of you through emails, texts, and phone calls and many of you are expressing that you want to help. I really want to encourage YOU to do so. These last couples of days have been very hard on both Caitlin and my heart. Tuesday night my sister and I were talking and we both were just thinking about how the streets of Haiti were wailing. I went to bed on Tuesday night and in my mind all I could hear was the wailing and weeping of the Haitian people. We have received little news, but the news we have received has been hard. One of my friends lost his home. He was able to get in touch with his mother today and he said that he is too scared to go outside because of the bodies in the streets. We also heard yesterday that the hotel we just stayed in has collapsed and some of our friends were inside. We have yet to hear from people in Cite Soleil.
Last night my roommate told me that there are reports of people who are under the debris and rubble, but the people outside could hear them praying and worshipping the Lord. I had to smile, in the midst of what I believe to be Haiti’s hardest hours, they are WORSHIPPING.
I know that you all have been watching the news and the reports are unimaginable. Many of you have said, “What can I do? I want to do something?” Caitlin and I just committed last night to going over at the beginning of February. We will be going into Cite Soleil with Help Tammy Help Haiti. Tammy, will be over there for a month helping with relief to her people and family in Cite Soleil. Relief will be food, water, rebuilding, and medical distribution. Caitlin and I will be coming along side her to help. Translating, being hands, giving prayer, and distributing. We have also felt it on our hearts to provide funds for this work.
We have yet to hear anything out of Cite Soleil. Cite Soleil is the slum outside of Port-au-Prince and we believe that they could be suffering the worst right now. We are writing to you because WE NEED YOUR HELP. We are fundraising for the cause of Haiti’s people. We are asking people to send money to help in the efforts of providing food, water, medical care, medicine, and rebuilding in Haiti. I am calling out to you all to act. Not just watch, but act for the cause of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The earliest we will leave is the 3rd of February. We will be taking donations. Checks can be made out to 180 Degrees and sent to Leah Beidler, PO BOX 255871, Dorchester, MA. 02125-5871. We have recently formed a partnership with Caitlin’s church, 180 Degrees, in Myrtle Beach, and they will be supporting us in our future work, ministry in Haiti, and trip in February. We ask that all donations are sent by January 26th because we will be leaving at the beginning of February.
I would also like to ask if anyone would feel it on their hearts to support Caitlin and me in any way with funds. This is a sudden, unexpected trip and financially we are not equipped to go. If any of you feel it on your heart to support Caitlin and I in this endeavor we ask that you right in the lower left corner of the check, Caitlin and Leah.
I have also had people ask if I would be willing to speak to a group of people. I am welcoming that with open arms. If anyone is trying to advocate and motivate a school, church, or organization to help please contact me and we will set something up in the next week for me to come and speak and support this endeavor. Leahbeidler12@yahoo.com
Thank you so much for your prayers, support, texts, and phone calls. In this all I just keep hearing the word REDEEM. I believe God is redeeming HIS beautiful Haiti! I ask that you continue to pray. I also ask that as Haiti begins to disappear from front page news and CNN in the next couple of weeks, that you DO NOT STOP PRAYING. I pray that Haiti does not leave your hearts. Thank you all for everything. I believe God is beginning to move in a MIGHTY WAY!

Love,
Leah and Caitlin