Crouse Update - February 2005

January through April is traditionally a period of fast paced activity around here, and this year is no exception. As I write this, I hear the sounds of cement mixers and welders. Looking out the window down below, I see a new brand new steel structure now dwarfing the old Parc Chrétien church building constructed back in the 70s. This week a team from the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church (MI) is here adding its muscle and talents to the effort of putting up the new building. One team has already come and gone, and more will follow. We thank the Lord for the generosity and commitment of all these teams who are helping with all the various construction jobs around here. Pray the time here will be life changing and a great blessing. Thank the Lord for the FOHO guesthouse managers, Merle and Dorothy West, and volunteers like Ian Van Norman, who help with the coordination of the construction.

We have wonderful personal news to share: Becky is pregnant! The baby is due mid-September (while we will be on home assignment in the States). Please pray for Becky as she has been having a very difficult time with "morning sickness." She's tried various anti-nausea medicines without any improvement. Currently, she is spending a few days in the hospital on an IV to get her system settled and strengthened. The doctor hopes she can return home this Saturday. My mom is coming on Monday for two weeks to help take care of Marissa.

I was in the Gonaives area recently to take some pictures of fields planted with bean seed made available with donated funds. Praise the Lord that the fields were looking good and nearly at point of harvest. Over 1000 people were helped. A bean crop will provide some money to help families recover from the flood. On another recovery front, Gail Ennis, our colleague, has posted a very good report on the recovery effort in the Free Methodist schools. You can read that by going to: www.childcareministries.org

Thank you for your love and prayers! Below are some items you can bring before the Lord.
J.R. (Becky and Marissa) Crouse

Prayer requests:
1) Becky's pregnancy and adjustments needed at home and work
2) Pedagogic supervisors training days: Port-au-Prince Feb 15; Gonaives Feb 25 (conducted by the program's teacher trainers: Barthelemy, Bulgamin and David)
3) J.R. - day trip to Lavagne FMC Feb 10 to check on goat project there
4) J.R. - trip to Gonaives (with David and Yvonne Roller) and Lenbe Feb. 15-19
5) J.R. - Development Promotion Committee Feb. 19
6) workteams and visitors


The new Parc Chrétien Free Methodist Church building under construction	Dino Beauplan, lay leader at the Mapou Free Methodist Church

	Genesee Conference Missions Promotion Team A grassroots, layperson effort to partner with local churches and districts to encourage increased awareness of, involvement in and financial support of missions.