For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, 

Before                                           After
Uncle Woody

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, 

Before                                            After
Sweet Kinsey

I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, 

Willie (end of March 2012)

Precious Willie (end of July 2012)

I was sick and you looked after me.  - Jesus

It has been 5 months since the Lord blessed us with these little fellows, and His favor and blessings continue to pour out on these little ones!  Alex's House can not wait to see what the Lord has in store for these 3! 

Glory to God . . . the transformations are amazing and speak of His love!!  We sincerely thank you for joining our team and making God stories like this possible at Alex's House!

Teachers' Summit 2012 - a God story!

Over 90 percent of the schools in Haiti are non-public schools run by religious organizations or non-government organizations. Many of the teachers only have an education up to the level they are teaching and are offered very limited resources with which to teach. Alex's House had the privilege of joining another local ministry to present the 4th Annual Teachers' Summit -- serving and ministering to 65+ teachers who the Lord drew to the Summit. Men and women made lengthy and difficult journeys to attend a teacher’s summit where they spent two and a half days learning how to use the resources they do possess to help their students learn.

Pastor and Director of Schools - Pastor Morvan
Haitian Leadership for Summit 2012

Teachers' Summit 2012

Alex's House was blessed with five exceptional teachers who used their experience to show the Haitian teachers that they possess the resources and the ability to be excellent teachers! It was a celebration focused around education! Each lesson incorporated materials that can be found for free in their environments. Using sticks and rocks as math manipulatives. Using old boxes and labels to teach letter and number recognition. Taking old Coke bottles and making them into a planting pot. Using old cereal boxes or paper to make beads to sell as school fundraisers. Not only were the teachers learning how to be better teachers, they were learning how to care for their environment.

God's Team for 2012 Summit!

Many of these ideas and methods were totally new to the Haitian teachers. And it’s never easy teaching new ideas to people. Especially when you are teaching through a translator. But God worked through these barriers, and we were able to see the teachers grasp what we taught them! Relationships were forming as we embraced them, and they embraced us!

Haitian teachers presenting to us!

On the last day of the conference, we challenged the teachers to create a lesson using something they learned at the conference. As the teachers shared their presentations, we were so excited to see them think outside the box to find new ways to teach their students. Several teachers used recycled materials and some even found ways to incorporate Scripture into the lesson. How rewarding to see men and women apply knowledge that will aid them as educators and influence generations to come! The tears were flowing as God's faithfulness was overwhelming and obvious to all involved!

Art lessons incorporating God's Word!

A beautiful masterpiece . . .
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus."
2 Peter 3:18
Teachers' Summit 2012 Theme Verse

As you can see, the teacher’s conference was quite the success but only due to God's favor and blessings. At the beginning of the week, we weren’t so sure about how it would go! We had not seen the location. The bathroom situation was unclear—which is especially worrisome for a group of ladies! We had no set schedule, and we weren’t sure how many people would be attending. The teachers were not confident in how or what to present. And the non-teachers were not sure how to be useful. There were so many unknowns going into this conference! We entered with trembling and fear.

Making necklaces and bracelets from cereal boxes!

But our God is so faithful! The location was gorgeous, in the shade, and included a bathroom! The schedule was never definite, but each person was flexible and prepared to jump in as needed. Each teacher presented beautifully, and the Haitian teachers listened and took in the information with great interest. The non-teachers found ways to help in preparing crafts, handing out supplies, and praying for our sisters as they presented. And almost every time we had something to give away, we had exactly the number we needed. God really showed off in arranging things for this conference!

We praised and gave thanks!

They praised and gave thanks!

Beautiful worship transcends any existing language barriers as
we praise our Creator!

We ended the conference with a time of praise and worship: first in Haitian, then in English. It was such a beautiful time of praising our God in two languages! Several team members were able to share their testimony, and we were able to hear a few of the teachers share. Throughout the whole conference, the teachers were encouraged to incorporate the Bible in everything they taught in the classroom. What a foreign concept to those of us educated in the U.S. public education system! But what a great opportunity for us! We can invest in Haitian schools where they are free to teach about our Creator, and as a result, enable multitudes of children to learn about Jesus! To God be the Glory!

God's Leadership Team for Summit 2012!

Alex's House is looking forward to next year's Summit!

P.S.  Huge thanks to Tricia Howell from Starr Baptist Church for submitting this wonderful write-up!  What a blessing!

Pinwheels to windmills!

Sixty children caused quite a windstorm at First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner, New Mexico – in a good way, of course! During their vacation bible school week, they stood behind the challenge to literally turn pinwheels into windmills for Alex’s House Orphanage, stirring momentum for the rest of the church body to support the orphanage’s fundraiser to install windmills as a power source at its new location in Kalico, Haiti. 

For every $10 the children brought in, Hope Finney, the VBS mission coordinator, made pinwheels to illustrate the ultimate goal of the fundraiser. With such an outstanding amount of giving, the kids ran out of pinwheels by the end of the week by raising an incredible $2,600 for the windmills just from loose change around the house. Pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters really add up to dollars here and in Haiti!

The kids heard about Alex’s House all week as a part of the missions aspect of VBS and “their little hearts were really touched,” said Finney. Each day, they prayed over pictures of all of the children at Alex’s House and each got to take home a picture home of the children he or she prayed for during the week.

The compassion these children showed for the children of Alex’s House spilled over into the entire church body. Inspired by the dedication of the children’s ministry, MaryAnn Cortese challenged her church body, with an average attendance of 125 people, to continue the blessing the children had started, setting the goal at $25,000. "After such an amazing act of sacrifice, we challenged our church to join in the opportunity," Cortese said.  "We are a small congregation, however, we believe in a BIG God."  FBC of Ft. Sumner has currently raised $22,600, and fully expects to reach their final goal of $25,000 very soon. 


"We know that all the glorification goes to a God who is the "father to the fatherless," Cortese said. "We are so grateful for the people who listen to the voice of God and provide us the opportunity to serve in His kingdom building project." Amen!  

The church became involved with Alex’s House after a few of its members met Bill Howard through BGR missionaries in Haiti, Sam and Delores York, and were inspired by the vision Pastor Howard had for an orphanage to rescue street children. The church formally partnered with Alex’s House this past January and is pooling resources to do what it can for the children of Alex’s House. “Alex’s House was the perfect fit,” said Nathan Lawrence, the pastor of FBC – Ft. Sumner. “We could help rescue street children and do construction.”

The Lord has richly blessed the ministry at FBC, and Alex’s House is thankful for all of its efforts to shower love and support onto our 26 precious children. “The church is getting more and more into doing what they can for the least of these,” said Pastor Lawrence. 

Thank you again, FBC of Ft. Sumner, for hearing His call and allowing Him to use you in a big way in Haiti! 

Construction Update!

Lots of great things are happening at our Kalico property and we are so thankful for the progress!

These three guys plus Bill moved tons and tons and tons of back fill for the dining area

Trusses and beginning of front porch on the Malachi Cottage (for the boys).

From the ground to the blocks - tons and tons and ....that is a lot of back fill!

The Teresa and Martha Cottage (for the girls).

The beginning of the dining area

Mother's Day Gift!!

Are you looking for a Mother’s Day gift?
We have 2 perfect opportunities to honor your Mother with a special gift that will keep giving!

Alex’s House is 90 days shy of moving our children to their new Kalico home (Lord willing). The beds will be purchased soon, but our kitchen and dining hall must be stocked and ready before our expected move in date!

In honor of Mother’s Day, we are launching our “Stock the Kitchen and Dining Hall” Facebook Fundraiser to purchase place settings, tables, benches, cooking essentials, and appliances!! 

Here are the gift options:
 • $25.00 donation will provide a child’s full place setting with plate, cup, bowl, fork, spoon and other utensils and serving essentials.
• $150.00 donation will provide a picnic table with seating benches (see picture below)

These items will be purchased in honor of the mother(s) of your designation. Your mother’s name will be creatively displayed in a way that will honor her and the Lord for generations to come at Alex’s House.

A treasure of a mother’s heart is making daily memories with her children in the kitchen and dining table at mealtime. Your donation will help provide this for our Alex’s House children.

Consider giving a $25.00 or $150.00 gift in honor of your mother today!! 

When submitting your donation, please write your mother’s name on a sticky note so we can honor her in a special way at Alex’s House. 
Checks can be mailed to:
Alex’s House, 211 Huckleberry Lane, Lexington, SC 29072! 

You can also submit donations on-line through Paypal on our website.
Please make sure you put “in honor of [a mother’s name]” in the notes section of the on-line donation form along with donor’s name and address. 

We will accept these "gifts in honor of [mother's name]" throughout the month of June.

Happy Mother’s Day weekend from our family to yours! Mothers are truly a blessing from above!

Update from Long Branch Baptist Church

(Reflections from Pastor Wayne Watson from Long Branch Baptist Church, Anderson, SC who recently returned from Haiti)

Our trip to Alex's House and Haiti was so wonderful, more than I could have imagined. The children at Alex's house were sooooooo precious and loving. The day at the beach and the play time at the oasis where we were staying prior to the beach with the children was great. The work at the construction site was so encouraging when you realized the vision of those houses soon being completed and filled with the laughter of children in a safe and loving environment. Although the work was hard, it was so rewarding. Then to cap it off, God showed up too!

At the church that we attended on Sunday, we began a Vacation Bible School of sorts Monday-Wednesday. The children were out of school for Easter/Spring Break. Our two groups Ingleside and Long Branch Churches working and ministering together as one mission team for the week, planned in advance for these afternoons with activities for the children, including craft and play time and a Bible Story for each day.

The Bible Story carried the theme of "Holy Week" in which we included a drama scene appropriate for the week, including script. On Monday was The Lord's Supper Scene and the betrayal by Judas. On Tuesday was the Crucifixion scene played out before the children and those in attendance. On Wednesday was the Resurrection. We included the children as well in the dramas. I was there on Tuesday and part of the drama team. The children helped us tell the story with hand drawn pictures and objects used in the crucifixion. Then the drama scene took place with the Mission Team carrying out in costume.

The scene of Jesus going to Calvary with the crowd crying out crucify Him, including Simon of Cyrene (we used a Haitian Young Man) being commanded to carry His cross when He no longer could carry it. The children were captivated, I found out later adults in the church were too. The Mission Team followed that scene with one of our members sharing a testimony of his own conversion, telling them that was why Jesus died, and they too could trust Him and believe by inviting Him into their hearts and be saved from their sins too. The plan of salvation was presented with interpreter, and the invitation for them to pray "the sinners prayer" was extended if they had never prayed it before. Through the interpreter they were asked who had prayed the prayer, to raise their hands, a number of them did.

Afterwards, I met with those who raised their hands and came forward, along with an interpreter (Jimmy from Alex's House), to talk with them in more detail, sharing with them additional scriptures affirming to them what they had done and what their next step should be~ to speak with the pastor and follow in believers baptism, and live to please the Lord. I also shared with them how important that decision of trusting Christ was for them and what that meant. I was amazed in the group of five who responded that day, again, our main focus was to minister to the children, but a 70 year old man named Mitchell was seated there among the converts. He told us he had prayed the sinners prayer asking Jesus to come into his life. Tears were in his eyes as he told us. Some family members I assume thought he didn't understand what was going on and was in the wrong place as we began to meet, but he assured them he was in the right place.

Also included in the group professing Christ for the first time was a 33 year old man and a 24 year old woman, along with two children who also prayed. It was such a thrill to see all of those who came to Christ that day, especially for me to see this 70 year old man. We were told that the life expectancy is only 55/56 years of age. Here he was 70 years of age. Somehow he had slipped through the cracks, so we thought. God was long suffering with him and had kept him alive for such a time as this.

On Wednesday afternoon at the construction site as we were finishing up for the day, I was surprised when one of the Haitian men who had been working with us came through the gate and motioned for me to come to the gate. He pointed to a young woman who was outside the gate, across the road requesting to talk with a pastor who spoke English. I went over to speak with her, not sure what I could do, but asking her if she needed food or money for something. She quickly told me no, speaking pretty good English. She began weeping and telling me she needed a pastor to pray for her. She began telling me about her life which was a mess. She apologized for taking me away from "the work". I assured her "this" was more important. I asked her if she had a personal relationship with Christ; if she had ever asked Christ to come into her life and forgive her of her sins and to save her. She said she had not. I began sharing scripture with her about God's plan for her salvation and came to the place of asking her would she like to pray to receive Christ. She said she would and right there on the street, she bowed her head and asked Jesus to come into her life, forgiving her of her sins. I affirmed her in what she did afterwards, along with praying for her about her other concerns she had raised that were so heavy upon her heart. I then followed it up by bringing her inside the gate and introducing her to Bill Howard, sharing with Bill what her concerns were as well as her salvation. She was dressed well but was bare footed. Bill offered to go and get her some shoes for which she accepted. I assured her of my continued prayer support although I would be leaving and returning to the U.S. Isn't it amazing, this woman did not speak Creole, the language of the Haitians. She told me she was from Dominica and her main language was Spanish, but she was living with an American in Haiti, which was the depth of her problems. She had learned enough English from him to speak with me and understand me. I find it remarkable that God knew what this woman's needs were and planned our trip for our paths to cross, for her to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and prayerfully received some other words of counsel that will encourage her to make wiser decisions about her present and her future.

Those are just six persons that I know of personally, whose names are now written in the Lamb's Book of Life and on their way to heaven and I pray hopefully will life a better life in the meantime as they await His coming. I am so thankful for the trip.

Sincerely, 
Pastor Wayne Watson
Long Branch Baptist Church, Anderson, S.C.

Update

It is with a heavy heart that I write this status update. I pray God's favor and protection over our ministry as we share this sad news publicly for the first time on Facebook and our blog. As many of you know, ministry in Haiti is full of ups and downs.  And, we want to share our ministry and life in Haiti with you.

Over the past week, we have shared with our partners, sponsors, and team leaders that Alex's House will no longer be supporting the Mowee Orphanage (Dina's).  In His perfect timing, Alex's House recently discovered that there are 3 other supporting organizations that currently sponsor the Mowee children. With at least four organizations supporting this particular orphanage, efforts to help were being duplicated.

Our mission in Haiti is to rescue the homeless children. With so many children needing to be rescued, no one can afford to duplicate efforts. Neither is it being good stewards of God’s resources with which He has entrusted us.

Two of the three other organizations have been supporting Mowee for two years, and they will continue to do so. They have given us their word that the children of Mowee will be cared for, loved and taught the truth of Jesus. Both of these organizations also have all of the Mowee children fully sponsored.

In His sovereign plan, Alex's House has recently lost 34 children who we have all grown to love and will be greatly missed. We are heart broken; yet, we look ahead with great anticipation of what the Lord has in store!  It is an unfortunate setback, but it will not keep the Lord's vision for Alex's House from being accomplished!

Tonight, as I reflect back over the past 2 weeks, I am grateful for the Lord's steadfast love and protection over our ministry! When light is shed on darkness, it is never easy, but totally worth it!  The Lord has taken our leadership "deeper still" over the past few weeks, and we embrace Him and His plan for Alex’s House. We are forever grateful for the 26 children that He has provided to us, which includes the precious blessings of Willie, Kinsey, and Woody who the Lord gave to us this past week.

He gives and takes away! But, our heart will choose to say “Lord, Blessed be Your Name.” We are here to answer any questions you may have.  Please feel free to contact our Sponsorship Director, Monica Langdale and/or our Missons Director, Amy Hobbs.

We truly appreciate your prayers during this difficult transition.

Serving Together,

Amy S. Hobbs

Three New Little Boys

A few weeks back we were doing a food distribution in a local community around the church where we’ve been worshiping.  One family broke my heart.  They lived in a stick/tarp house on the side of a steep rocky mountain.  The mom was broken - physically and emotionally... several little malnourished children under her feet. 

I prayed for them as I handed them a double portion of rice and beans, then again as I walked down the mountain and sensed the voice of the Holy Spirit.  “Father, do You want us to have these children?  You know our hearts and home are open for those You send to us.  Please speak clearly and help us to hear.”

Turns out the lady wasn’t the mom of all three boys.  Two of them belonged to her 18 year old daughter.  I’m not sure why she had two children at 18, but I’m confident it wasn’t for “love.”  Rape or incest are likely possibilities.

In the coming weeks we would regularly see the daughter (mother of the two) at church or Bible School.  She carried the same hopeless look as her mom.  One child in her lap and one attached to her side.  I didn’t know who to feel more sorry for, her or her little boys.

I continued to pray about having the boys. A couple of days ago I asked Jimmy and Patrick, “What do you think about the 3 little boys on the mountainside?  My heart is broken for them and I’m wondering if God wants us to have them."
They responded “Oh yes, their mom wants us to have them.”
How do you know that?
“Their mom asked us if we could take them a few days ago.”
Really? That would have been a nice bit of information to have shared earlier!  :o)

My heart jumped at hearing that God was already working. The next day we had an appointment and were walking up the mountainside to meet with the moms.  They greeted us with the same hopeless expressions and put out two chairs in the shade of the hut. 

And there they were... three of God’s little children, completely naked.  Their little bodies looked so out of balance - their swollen bellies protruding out over their frames, held up by little boney legs. Their eyes were yellow and dry. 

They walked over and sat on a rough pile of rocks, as if they were bean bag chairs.  They just stared at us……as their moms gave them away. 

Meet Kinsey – he’s 3.

Willie (Kinsey's brother) – he’s 2.

And Uncle Woody - he's 4.

We took them back to Alex’s house - bathed and fed them.

I don’t imagine you’ve ever fed a starving child.  They don’t know when to stop eating.  You have to push the food away from them.

The children of Alex’s House were very gracious as they welcomed home their 3 little brothers. 

Yet, they didn’t quite know what to think.  These were the sickliest little children we’ve ever taken in.  Plus they were intrigued with Woody – he is unique.

It was a big day of first for these three little boys. First time they had ridden in an automobile. First time they had clothes that fit them.  First time they had three meals in a day.  First time they had seen a toilet.  First time then had slept in a bed. First time meeting their new family.  First time being away from the only family they knew.
A lot of firsts.

Please pray for them.  Pray that the hopelessness on their faces would soon fade away and be replaced with joy and smiles and laughter.  Pray that they would soon know peace and security.  Pray that they would feel loved.  And most of all pray that the peace and love of Jesus would fill their hearts so completely that they would grow up to be might men of God – men equipped to lead their families and change their country.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.  Your investment in Alex’s House is truly changing lives.

…for the least of these…..

  

~Bill

Hope Community Church Vision Trip

Thank you to Jonathan Bailes from Hope Community Church for this blog entry.

I don’t know quite how to put into words the impact this trip made on my life. Our church sent Justin Ross and me down on a preview a trip prior to sending a large group down at a later date. I didn’t know what to expect when I got on the ground in Haiti. It is busy, it smells different, and it seems like there is very little structure, but once there for any amount of time you find that the lack of structure is Haiti’s structure.

After getting off the plane and meeting Bill, Jimmy, and Patrick we headed to Alex’s House. The kids were waiting with great anticipation at the door as we arrived. As soon as we stepped foot in the house we were overwhelmed with the most loving welcome from the kids. We spent a great deal of time holding, playing, and enjoying their smiles and laughter. After enjoying some ice cream with the kids we headed to the airport to pick up the other groups. We spent a total of 5 days in country. The images of Haiti can never be erased from my mind or heart. I could write many stories of things that happened on the trip, but I would like to share some truths God taught me while I was there.

He taught me first that I trust safety more than I trust Him. In the Untied States if you get sick or injured, you can go directly to the hospital and get treatment. In Haiti a hospital is usually a great distance away and money is required to receive treatment. For believers in Haiti, their complete trust in Him for everything is evident. If they get sick or injured their first response is to pray to the Father. I can’t say that has always been the case for me. Often times my first response is finding a worldly cure for my problem. God forgive me for trusting the safety of the world more than I trust you.

When I returned from my trip, many people asked me how safe it was in Haiti. At first that question irritated me, but I realized that I asked the same question before I left for Haiti. I learned that God will send us places that are “unsafe” and following Him whether it is to Haiti, Kenya, Honduras or Eastern Kentucky requires our complete trust in Him. In fact, he sends us places that we could die in His name. This would be the greatest honor of a Christian’s life. In death there is life.

I would like to thank Bill, Jimmy, and Patrick for all they do to see heaven come to earth. I truly believe that when I was in Alex’s House and around each of them I got to see a glimpse of heaven. Bill has a heart like I have never seen for the people of Haiti. It is an honor to serve with and alongside him. Jimmy and Patrick are two of the most inspiring people I have ever met. They follow Jesus at all costs, and for that I am grateful. They are friends and brothers of mine for life. I am so thankful that they all followed the vision God gave them! 

 

Operation Sweet Dreams!

Operation Sweet Dreams kicked off yesterday and we already have 19 beds for the kids at Alex's House in Kalico! 

Over the course of 30 days we are working to raise enough support to purchase 56 beds... only 37 beds left after just ONE DAY!
Groups and individuals - consider supporting Operation Sweet Dreams and Alex's House!

DETAILS: 56 beds at $150.00 each (includes materials/supplies for beds, mattress, coverings, pillows, and sheets) within 30 days! 

All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible! 
Make checks payable to Alex’s House and put “Operation Sweet Dreams” on a sticky note attached to the check. Mail to 211 Huckleberry Lane, Lexington, SC 29072!
If you have any questions, please contact Amy Hobbs

We Have A Bus!

Praise the Lord for His protection!!
On Saturday, Jimmy and Patrick returned safely from a trip to the Dominican Republic where they picked up our bus.  On the journey home, the southern boarder was closed due to rioting, so they had to extend their travel by a days journey and travel to the northern boarder crossing in Dajabon. 

Along the journey they suffered corrupt bureaucracy at the boarder, were robbed at knife point and had to navigate several street riots. Praise the Lord that through all this, He kept them safe. 

One of the greatest ironies of this journey is that the machete wielding thug that robbed them - once he had taken their money - jumped on the bus and escorted them through two other areas where the streets were blocked... because "he didn't want them to be robbed again."  Praise  the Lord for a "sympathetic" criminal.   

Thank you again to Pleasant View Baptist in Oakland, MD for donating funds for our bus.  This will be a great blessing to our groups as we travel. And praise the Lord for His protection.

Marcia Smith's Story (Renney & Renol)

Thank you to Marcia Smith from North Point Community Church for sharing part of her story from a recent trip to Alex's House!!

This past week, I and four other Haiti Mission Team Members, from North Point Community Church, had the privilege of visiting Alex’s House Orphanage. Our trip coincided with Alex’s House second anniversary. Upon arriving in Damien, we joined in the celebration of hope and new life. The children danced, sang and we all enjoyed a delicious meal together. Little did we know, we would experience a powerful transformation first hand that week.

We were expecting to spend Monday working at the new orphanage site in Kaliko, but during breakfast, Jimmy received a call from a brother of two young boys, asking for help….the same young boys that Bill, Patrick and Jimmy had met at a mass grave just a week earlier. That day, we witnessed the welcoming of two children, Renney and Renol, into Alex’s House. The brothers shared a tired, hopeless and scared look on their faces. When we arrived at Alex’s House, the other children welcomed them with a song and handshakes. They were shown how to brush their teeth, flush the toilet, they bathed, were given new clothes, and a meal. Slowly and cautiously, they started to play with the other children.

On Friday, we returned to Alex’s House, after being in Kaliko most of the week. The look of fear in Renney and Renol’s eyes were gone. Renol now smiled from ear to ear and played without hesitation. We couldn’t help but think about the parallels to our spiritual walk. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come”. These children were left alone to tend to goats, unsupervised and without food or water for 8-10 hours a day. They were hungry, unsheltered, helpless and hopeless. They weren’t allowed to be kids. Upon accepting Christ, we are a new creation, with hope that doesn’t disappoint. These children’s fears were replaced, and they were given hope and an opportunity for a better future. Now they will have an opportunity to be kids, to play, to have three meals a day, to go to school!

Our eyes are so full! We can’t un-see what we have seen! This experience has changed all of our lives and even our view of the world. We have come back with a “Yes, Lord” mentality! We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a broken and hurting world…. from Columbia, South Carolina, to Haiti, to the ends of the earth!

 

...and they were ours

We gave them food, water and our phone number and prayed that they would call. We heard nothing for 4 days. When the Northpoint team came in, I told them we were going to stop by the grave site again and hopefully find them there. As we pulled up the long gravel road, I prayed, "Father, if it's Your will, please let us find these little boys. Let us raise them in your love." I was going to say this out loud to Patrick, but I didn't want to verbalize it in fear that they wouldn't be there. Then - I would have to consider what I didn't want to consider - that maybe it wasn't God's will. I just felt in my spirit that we were suppose to have these little boys, so I kept my prayer between just me and the Lord.

We walked all around - but there was not sign of the boys. I stood at the front of the truck looking out on the parched hillside with flapping tarps torn by the wind and rain. Only a few people moved about. I prayed, "Father - please let us take care of these little boys. Please let them see our truck and come walking down out of this mountain.” No one came.

A few minutes later Jennifer Bledsoe, one of the Northpoint volunteers, came up beside me and said "Is that one of them?" "Where?" I asked. She said "talking to Jimmy and Patrick." That little rascal had snuck up behind me. God didn't send him down from the mountain. He was already down - and walked back up it when he saw our truck!

He said his name was Renney and that he was 11. His little brother Renol was not with him that day. There was no sign of his big brother (20ish - the one who we had given our phone number to). Again, we gave him food and water and prayed for him. This time I took a piece of paper and we wrote a note to his aunt (both his mom and dad were killed in the earthquake). We wrote - "We can help. We have an orphanage and can send the children to school and give them food. Jesus loves you and we love you and want to help." Then we put our phone number again and stuffed it in the little boy's pocket....and again drove off praying. 

 No call yesterday. We continued to pray. Then this morning....Praise the Lord! We received the call! They said that they had no one to take care of the boys and asked if we could take them in our orphanage. We arranged a time to meet them this morning. I was concerned the whole way there – praying, "Father, please let them be there when we arrive. We were supposed to meet them at the mass grave site. We got there on time...and waited...but no one was there. Again, I got out of the truck and we started praying for them to show. I asked Jimmy, "Do you think they are coming? He said, "Oh yes - I just talked to them on the phone!" I said, “When will they be here? He said, "They are here now. They said they saw us coming up the road!"

Again - the Lord sent them up the mountain. We saw them walking up the road to us - we had just passed them! We all jumped back in the truck and drove down to them. There they were - two little boys - fear on their faces but a glimmer of hope in their eyes. They had an older brother and a cousin and an older sister who came out with them. The older brother and cousin wanted to come and see where we were taking them. Of course we agreed. 

 After all praying together - we piled back in our truck. The little boy began to cry. His older brother comforted him, and off we went - headed for Alex's House. All of the children were there to greet them. They played games with them, showed them their beds...and the toilets (the likes of which they've never sat on). We gave them a plate of food. They could only eat a little. Probably because their stomachs were not used to much food at a time, plus - they were scared to death. Their eyes were filled with wonder...yet fear as well. As they played (hesitantly) in the floor with the other children, the older brother and cousin slipped out the front, saying they didn't want to make them cry when they left.

And so...they were ours. The smallest one - the one who cried - had the hardest time adjusting. He smiled once...when I had him on my lap playing "Di Blup" (my Haitian version of "gitty up horsey.”) They both started playing with the other children. We stayed on for an hour or so - gave Patrick clear coaching on comforting the boys and letting them share the same bed for security and giving them plenty of attention.

Then we had to leave. I wanted to stay so badly. But I knew - he needed to get attached to our Nannies and to Jimmy and Patrick - not to me. They're the ones who will be there full time with them. They are the ones who will be able to give him comfort and security. So again - we piled on the truck and headed back to Kalico, leaving Patrick with the duties of head comforter and security giver.

Say a special prayer for Renney and Renol tonight. I'm sure they laid there in that bed clinging to one another, struggling to take it all in. Pray that the Father would give their tiny little hearts His peace and security." We've seen it happen over and over again - in a few days - these little boys will realize that that they have food and clothing and safety and security. They will realize that they have a family who loves them.  They will realize that they are Home.  


Besides being in a new place, surrounded by new people - and that is certainly a great challenge in itself - but besides all this - another great challenge that they will have is learning how to be little kids...probably for the first time.

They lived under a tarp - an hour walk from the road. Every morning they would get up at daylight, take the goats and walk an hour down the mountain to the road by the graveside - where there were green weeds for the goats to eat. They would stay there all day. Two little brothers - 11 and 8 years old. No food, no water, no supervision - fending for themselves in the poorest country in the western hemisphere. I'm so grateful that our Father still sees little boys on the side of the road - little boys that need a home and love and family. If for the rest of my life the Lord will allow me to rescue these little boys - I will count myself honored. And if I had another life to live, I would do it all again.

(post by Bill.... with a little US help from Melissa)

Hub City Church - New Partnering Church!

We are blessed to welcome Hub City Church of Spartanburg, SC as a Partnering Church!

After speaking with Jonathan Everette, pastor of Hub City Church, about his church and their partnership with Alex’s House, I am so excited to see what amazing transformations God will show us together! Hub City has been in existence for about 3.5 years and helping has always been part of their DNA. For the past year, they have been searching for an international organization to work alongside; specifically an organization they could partner with and “not just go on a mission trip.” Jonathan remembered that Bill Howard was working in Haiti and after conversing with Bill about Alex’s House, Jonathan knew it would be a perfect fit.

Hub City makes their first trip to Haiti March 11-16, but God has already been working in their church and community. Jonathan shared that he knew partnering with Alex’s House would be a game changer for the church, but he hadn’t expected it would be such a game changer before ever stepping foot in Haiti. Jonathan has seen “huge God things” happening one after another.

One member heading to Haiti was in a terrible car accident, along with his wife, last year. The doctors thought he would likely never walk again – and if he did, it wouldn’t be normally. He was walking within months. When he heard about the planned trip to Haiti he knew it was something he wanted to be a part of, but wasn’t sure how he could swing the financial commitment. He works for Dish Network (over 1200 people work at his location) and when his boss heard he was heading to Haiti, she asked him to tell her about the trip. After hearing the plan to work on building an orphanage, she offered to run a fundraiser for Hub City’s Haiti fund. A month long raffle started on Monday with all proceeds going to the fund. Everything included in the raffle is being donated by Dish Network – including 2 tablets. We serve an awesome God!

Jonathan and Hub City are ready for what lies ahead and look forward to the journey together with Alex’s House!

One Heart One Mission

Please welcome One Heart One Mission as our newest partner!

The 19 members of One Heart One Mission (OHOM) encountered Alex’s House while in Haiti. Starting each day worshipping together in different languages – but to the same God – was definitely a highlight for everyone. While in Haiti, the Lord helped form some amazing relationships between the members of OHOM and their Haitian brothers and sisters. Not only did they worship together, they also worked, played and even swam in the ocean together.  As one team member stated, “I could not speak the same language with these children, but sitting in the wheelbarrow and standing in the mud with them did more in my soul than I can explain.”

OHOM realizes there are many organizations that provide for the physical needs of children, but what they encountered at Alex’s House were children who were also having their spiritual needs filled. They learned that Alex’s House was born out of sacrifice, broken hearts, love, compassion and obedience; Alex’s House radiates the love of Christ and puts God’s Word into action. The members of OHOM are eager to continue their partnership with Alex’s House. They look forward to building in Kalico, but more than that, they look forward to being with the children. OHOM is committed to being a part of the lives of the children of Alex’s House – loving them, praying for them, caring for them, sharing God’s Word with them – and in turn helping the generations to come change Haiti’s future. The members of OHOM believe the possibilities are endless with God on our side.

One Heart One Mission from Macon, Georgia was born out of the common desire of a group of people who have the same mission and heart - to share the gospel and to carry out God’s call to care for widows, orphans and “the least of these.”  Amazing things happen when we step out of our comfort zone and let God take control. We are so incredibly blessed they have chosen Alex’s House as a partner.

Alex's House Welcomes Amy Hobbs!

Please join us in welcoming Amy Hobbs to our staff as volunteer Missions Director.  Amy has been active in Haiti ministry over the last year, supporting the work of Baptist Global Response and local orphan care.  She was mentored in Haiti by our mutual friends and Honorary Trustees of Alex’s House - Sam and Delores York. The Yorks led by example and taught Amy valuable lessons relating to life and ministry in Haiti.

Amy is a fun loving person with a wonderful Christ-like spirit.  She is passionate about homeless children in Haiti and has participated in several mission trips and outreach projects in Haiti. She has shared God’s love through community evangelism, medical teams, a “Young Artist” ministry, teaching sexual purity, and assistance in various self-sustaining outreach projects including a mini-farm, back to school, and SEWing the Gospel projects.  Mostly, she is drawn to wrapping her arms around the children of Haiti and whispering God’s love in their ears.

Amy’s addition will give much needed assistance to our founder Bill Howard. Her primary responsibility will be overseeing and coordinating the travel and ministry of all volunteer mission teams.  She will work closely with local churches and ministry leaders to ensure that their mission trip is productive, successful and always Christ honoring.  Amy also has a keen gift of organization and will work to keep the ministry of Alex’s House focused and effective.

Amy is a daughter of the King, wife, and mother of three children – Mary Katherine (7), Caroline (5) and Jack (2).  In her “spare time,” she practices law with The Hobbs Law Firm, LLC in her hometown of Forsyth, GA. 

Thank you, Amy - all of us at Alex's House are excited to welcome you on board!