Dear Partners,

We discover anew that when you follow Jesus Christ you need to have your seatbelt fastened tight. Sometimes you are in for a wild ride. God instructs us in Isaiah that He is not a stagnant God; He is always on the move. “See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare …” (Is. 42:9) and “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (v. 10).

We are excited to be back in Haiti, but had no idea we would be living in Dessalines. Our work at the Bible School and with the pastors in Port-au-Prince have been put on hold, while we work at something new … with our hospital and the people of Dessalines.

Christmas was a totally new experience. We missed our family tremendously, and no matter what you say about the commercialization of Christmas, we missed the celebration. Some have asked how Christmas is celebrated in Haiti. Christmas is extremely low key. For the most part, people do not buy gifts. (That is reserved for January 1 and 2 when the people celebrate Haiti’s independence.) We attended a play performed by the young people of our church. Pastor Charitè had just returned from the States and he was excited about the carols. So he led us in a few of those. The most exciting thing about the season was when we looked over the porch one night … when we had electricity … lo and behold, there was a Christmas tree beautifully lit.

There is not much shopping in Dessalines. We discussed what we would like to have. Jack wanted a drum, so he put the word out he was looking for one. A man brought an old voodoo drum. Although we could have anointed the drum, we just didn’t feel right buying it. Jeanne wanted a pilon (like a large churn). Choupette, our cook, told us that they cut down a tree and hollow it out for each large pilon. Well, since we want to preserve and improve the environment, we decided we would be going against what we are working toward. So we ended up with just us and the gift of Jesus. We had a good dinner with the Ennises. And that was it.

New Year’s Eve was very quiet. We expected a lot of voodoo services, but they didn’t happen (thank God!).  So we have started 2007 in a tranquil way.

Yesterday, however, there was a tragedy outside Dessalines. Many people have little cooking stands along the roads. One young woman cooked spaghetti to sell to the passers-by. The containers of oil and the insecticide used in gardens looked enough alike that she used the wrong one. Ten or so people were poisoned and brought to our Free Methodist hospital. The woman died as well as her two small children. There were several other children and adults who were very ill. Our hospital personnel ministered to them. But with the deaths came a pall over the place. Please pray for our hospital. It has so many needs, and the Haitian people in this area need it desperately.

Our 16 Bible School students are doing their internship at the churches. What a great job they are doing! One of them is in Dessalines and is helping us with our Creole (which, thank You, Jesus, we are doing pretty well). They have one more year of class work, then they will be out in the various areas of Haiti spreading the gospel and discipling Christians.

Jack, with his friend Yody, has hiked up to the forts around us.  Each day we walk a rock-strewn rutted road past tin-roofed rock, mud, and block dwellings; no indoor plumbing, no electricity. We pass goats, pigs, dogs, and chickens. Every time we make this journey to the hospital, we have to repeat “pa gen kòb” continually. Everyone wants us to give them some money.

Fanya has a black eye, but a beautiful personality. She was able to visit her mother for a week. Her mother is mentally incapacitated, and we are told she beats her more than her present “caregiver.” Fanya is already using voodoo dancing when she comes toward us. The 3 boys will soon have another baby in the single-parent home. They live in a tiny room and are often beaten as well. They have no prospects of going to school.

Jack is looking forward to teaching a class using adventure-based therapy. He will work with 12 teen leaders in the FM church. He used some of these activities with the teens at the Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage. (This is also the place where we get our wonderful bread baked in a huge solar oven!)

Jack is using his distribution experience in the hospital depot (the place where medical supplies and medicine are kept). He is working on procedures to assist in a smoother functioning of the hospital.

Jack has become acquainted with the miller at the rice mill and Jackie the owner of the local ice-making plant (who supplies the snow cone vendors).  He also gave the local witch doctor a pair of his shoes in the name of Jesus. We are praying they will be the Gospel of Peace in this man’s life.

Jeanne has begun a Bible study with the hospital employees on the change Christ brings to our lives daily. Many times it is difficult to concentrate on helping others when life is so difficult.

Jeanne is working in the hospital with Gail in updating files. She is also preparing for Bible School classes for next Fall. We hope to be back in Port-au-Prince by the Fall semester.

The climate in the country is still violent. The kidnappings continue. President Preval is trying to get a handle on the situation, but it is difficult. He needs the help of the Lord.

We do not know what this year holds for any of us, but God does know. His plans stand firm forever. We thank everyone so much for being faithful in giving to enable us to minister in Haiti and in praying for us.

We are endeavoring to set up a network of people who will pray and fast for Haiti and our ministry. We have set aside Tuesdays and Thursdays to pray and fast. Will you join us on one of those days? Please write to us. Our e-mail address is j.jam@starband.net.

Our snail mail address is Jack and Jeanne Munos, Unit 2049-FMM, 3170 Airmans Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946.

We know that it is only with the power of the Holy Spirit that the kingdom of God can fully come to this needy country. The people must have Jesus in their lives or they and their circumstances will never change.

Please continue to pray for Haiti and us as we minister alongside these precious people.  The light of the world is Jesus. Let Him shine in this dark place.

Jack & Jeanne, your FM missionaries in Haiti