Update

We finally have Fredlet's twin sister, Fredliene, and they both are at the creche.

We celebrated Sabrina's second birthday on Sept. 5 at the creche with other kids.


A message from Keith:

Dear Friends and Family in ministry,

After 11 years of living in Haiti, I've realized we could have done this better. From the first we have depended on generators to provide the basic electrical needs of our home and later the mission buildings. Through those 11 years the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel has continually climbed. I've always just bought gas or fuel, or we did without, thinking the money was better spent on food and other needed supplies though it often left the mission without even security lights in order to keep diapers on our babies.

The recent years of crisis after crisis has compounded the problem. Why did I never put in place wind, solar, or even a really good inverter system in the mission? Recently we were given a donation that allowed us to put in a good inverter system in our mission house. This is a blessing that has finally made me realizeI could have saved thousands of dollars over the years and I could have used those thousands of dollars to help many more people. Right now we are paying $47 per night to run our generator for 12 hours of power. That is $329 a week, $1,316 a month, or, a whopping $15,792 a year. That's a pretty hefty electric bill. Oh, the money I have lost over the years. And, in times like now when there is no gas or fuel to be had due to the hurricane washing out the delivery routes, my wife and children will spend the night in the dark in a country that is full of the darkness of evil.

I can't go back and do it over, not that I would want to, but we can certainly do better in the future. Many people have talked to me about the different options for generating and storing electricity. The best option by far is wind. We ALWAYS have a breeze, usually a strong breeze, at the mission. We have looked at this option occasionally but because of the expense we've not pursued it. At current prices , we see that this could easily pay for itself in short order. Had we set this up in the beginning, we would now be enjoying free power and perhaps even selling power to others and using that extra money to help even more people in Haiti. When I look at the money spent on what could have been free and dependable power I cringe. We must pursue this option. We must stop wasting money on fuel when God is giving us plenty of wind to produce the needed power.

But, we don't have the knowledge and we don't have the money to set up this system. We know there is someone out there in our network who does know about wind generation of power and we are praying God is calling someone to be willing to fund this huge project or help us in financing it.

I'll be pursuing this idea everywhere I go in my travels over the next few weeks; just a warning.... here I come.

It's in the Father's Hand,

Keith

Life after Hurricanes

Jessica trying to walk down our street after hurricane Hanna.

The road in front of our house after hurricane Ike. About 1 foot 6 in. + deep.

Dear Friends and Family in Ministry,

I arrived in the states late Wednesday night. It was no easy feat just getting out of Haiti. Let me tell you how my trip out began. My wife, Cindy, and Pastor Andy came as far as Port au Prince with me so that they could work on some adoptions. They will return to Port de Paix and Cindy will come to the states with Willy on Sept. 30th. So, our first step was to get from Port de Paix to Port au Prince. You must realize that our entire north coast area is completely cut off from the rest of Haiti. The bridges and roads are washed out. The only mode of transport is through the little airport which had been closed since the last hurricane hit the island last week.

We got up very early and sent someone to see if the road to the airport was even passable. Then we had to find some gasoline . Just a couple of gallons would be enough but only one station, of the 3 in our area, still had any gasoline. At 5:30 in the morning 500 people were already in line , pushing and shoving for position. We started looking for some gas on the streets and finally found 2 gallons we could purchase. For 2 gallons of gasoline we had to pay $240 Haitian, $30.76 U.S.

When we got to the airport already over 100 people were there at the gates. The airport stayed closed till 6:30 a.m., giving out little information, only that they were waiting to see if a plane would be sent over from the capital. We have had reservations for some weeks and were given boarding passes for the first flight. With only 19 seats available and over 100 people waiting, some since the storms ended, the crowd quickly got very angry. As we were moving through the gate to board the plane, a riot broke out. Several airport employees and I had to do some pushing and shoving of our own to protect Cindy and Pastor and the other passengers. They finally got us through and got the gate closed and we hurried to the plane and the pilot took off as quickly as he could. Cindy received a cut on her arm when she was shoved against the gate but we were otherwise unhurt.

This is the only transportation out of the north west half to get to anywhere in Haiti. We had only minor flooding in our area (compared to other places in Haiti), even the other side of our town was hit harder than our side. (Obviously we were in the Father's Hand) When I talked to Cindy by phone this morning she said there were no fresh vegetables to be had at the markets and no bananas. Much of what was in the stores downtown was destroyed by the flooding. Everything that wasn't destroyed by the storm is sold.

In Port au Prince there is a Navy ship and 2 Marine helicopters . We understand they are distributing food and aid to the hardest hit areas of Haiti first. Our area was not the worst hit, it's just that we are totally cut off. Even when the food does arrive it will still have to be purchased. That's the way aid is "handed out" in Haiti.

Buying diesel for the security lights is costing us about $80 a night and we don't know how long that will even be available. We had nothing in storage so we are forced to buy it as it is available on the streets.

Globe International has given us an advance of $5500 in order to purchase food and provision for the mission (while it is available), help some of our families who needed immediate help, and pay for the funeral of our employee that died during the hurricane. This money will last only until about the end of next week, at current prices. We must still pay payroll for our staff at the end of the month. They have to take care of their families too. We need your help.

I will be very upfront here. I am in the states, leaving my wife , children, staff and everyone behind for the first time in 11 years, for one reason, I need to raise support. Below is a list of places I'm already scheduled to speak but we will be in the states until the end of October. If you can help us get more places to tell our story while we are here, please call me. We want to talk to as many people as we can. Please print and post this list and pray for these events.

Although the times are very hard, Cindy and I have a peace about this situation. God will meet this need through those who are obedient to His voice. We understand God provides in many ways, some miraculous and unexplainable, and sometimes through those He calls to give. Cindy and I have been obedient to His call to be missionaries, to be on the front line. We believe He has, and is, calling others to support and maintain our efforts. You cannot personally see the starvation and devastation. We cannot convey it. Pictures do not do justice to the misery we see every single day. Haiti was already struggling with starvation issues, the storms only made conditions worse. But Cindy and I, and others in our prayer team, believe in our hearts this is a cry for the church to take it's place, that this is an opportunity to truly be Jesus to those who need to know our Father. We need your help, your obedience to His call.

With the money from Globe we have been able to help 3 of our mission staff get their homes repaired or rent rooms for them to provide shelter for their families . Several more families come on a daily basis asking for help. Cindy said another man came this morning with his 4 children who needed $1000 to get his family into shelter and off the streets. You can't know how it hurts to not be able to help these people we have come to know and love.

School was supposed to start on Sept. 8th but the government decided to postpone opening the schools till Oct. 6th. Our school will not open till Oct. 6th but if we can raise enough support and get food to the mission, we will begin our feeding program as soon as possible.

We need your help. Please give today. Give online at www.gme.org or call Globe at 850-453-3453. You can call me direct anytime at 765-318-0917. If you can, and feel called, we really really need regular monthly supporters. Even small amounts ever month add up to help a great deal. If you aren't already sponsoring the mission monthly, please consider this option.

We leave it, as always,....

In the Father's Hand,

Keith Lashbrook

Upcoming Events for Lashbrook Mission

Since we have friends in all parts of the country we know that not all of you will be able to participate in these but if you know someone in these areas, please pass the word and remember to pray for the success of these events. If you would like to add an event, contact the office at 765-325-2467 or office@lfmintl.com

* Keith will be meeting with cell groups and other small group ministries as well as with some Pastors of other churches while in these areas. Please pray for favor during these meetings and open doors and hearts.

* Food Drive -For the next 2 weeks Frontline Church of God, Amanda, OH will be collecting canned meats, peanut butter, stick deodorant, shampoo, soap and other supplies for the mission and hurricane recovery efforts. Call the church for best time to drop off donations. (740) 969-2822

* Also collecting food for the next 2-3 weeks - St Luke Church, Decatur, IN - drop off at the church on Sundays 8:30-11 a.m., or at 1731 Brook Ct, Ossian, IN - contact Joan Furey - 260-622-4903

*Sunday, September 14th - First Baptist Church of Silver Lake (in Silver Lake, KS) Keith Lashbrook will be speaking at both services -8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. -

* Tuesday, September 16th - Community Christian Church in Council Grove, KS - 6:00 for dinner and then Keith will be speaking afterward

* Wednesday, September 17th - Grace Community Church in Overbrook, KS - Keith will speak to "Friends" program at 6:30

* Sunday, September 21st - Enterprise Baptist Church, Norman, OK - Keith will be speaking at the morning service. (Sorry, I do not have the time... please check with the church if you are in the area.)

* Sunday, September 21st - Twelve Corners Baptist Church, Norman, OK - Keith speaking at 6 p.m. evening service

* Wednesday, September 24th - Saved By Grace Fellowship International, 401 Pine St. Raymore Mo. 64083 (corner of Pine and 58HWY) Keith speaking at 6:30 p.m. service.

* Friday, September 25th - Golf for Globe - Globe International First Annual Golf Tourament, Lost Key Golf Club, Pensacola, FL

For more information: (850) 453-3453 OR visit www.gme.org/golf

* Sunday, September 28th - Christian Life Center, 1000 Roosevelt Blvd., Kenner, LA, www.clckenner.org, 504-467-5433 - Keith will be speaking at the 10 a.m. service.

* Friday & Saturday, October 3-4 - 4th Annual Mission Rummage Sale - This is a HUGE sale that has raised up to $2000 for shipping for the mission in past years. The host church is First Community Church, 701 N Lebanon St., Lebanon, IN 46052. Donations can be brought to the church on Wednesday and Thursday the Oct. 1st or 2nd. Volunteers are needed to help with set up (10/2) and take down (3 p.m. on Saturday) If you can help call: 765-325-2467

October 21- Nov. 1 - Mission Trip still has room for more people. Leaders are Lori McKenzie and Cindy Lu Holmes. Team will build bunk beds and repair school desks and do children's outreach. Contact mission office for more details.

Nov. 4-13 - Fathers & Sons/ Mens and Boys Mission Trip - Will finish bunk beds and cabinets and work on new dorm rooms for older boys among other construction projects. Contact mission office for more details.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Interns

We have had a busy summer with interns and groups! So far, we have had four interns. Jessica and Sarah are here for quite a long time still. We will post their pictures at a later time. This is Julie Mckee. She just recently finished her internship with LFM. "Thank you, Julie, for all your efforts, and we miss you already!"

This next picture is George Shelby from Florida bringing the Word of Life to the children in Haiti.

Carlos

We have a new boy. His name is Carlos Oscar. He is from the mountains. His father brought him to the door of In the Father's Hand Children's Home and left him at the gate. Pastor Andy knows the family because three months ago this little boy's mother passed away due to an illness. He is a very sweet boy with the cutest smile.
Before

After

The Shipment!

Mom went back to Port-de-Paix but she had sent me (Tiffany) some emails and photos to update the blog with this week. Thought you would enjoy seeing the pictures of the shipment in Haiti. The 3 crates arrived on a big rice and were unloaded into Mom's house. The next few pics are how it looked inside. Some items are not even in the pictures. We are still praising the Lord for His hand of protection over this load.

New Pictures!

Keith and I have been in Port-au-Prince this week and have had the luxery of the internet. So, I am able to post this update. Again thank you for your patience while our internet is down.
We celebrated Willy's birthday with the boys at the children's home. Willy enjoyed it and was surprise that he even had cake and presents. Apparently, he thought that there wasn't going to be any. Keith and Vance were suppose to take willy and the boys swimming before the party, but that got canceled because, during church service, Keith had to swim out to retrieve the dead body of a young man about 17 years old. He apparently was out in his boat, had a seizure, and broke his neck when he fell overboard his boat. His family lives right across the corner of our house. We have been hearing them wailing through day and night. Please be in prayer for the family and for us. It has been especially hard on Keith.

Here are pictures of Davidson. He came to us on July 26. He was born on July 13. His mother died giving birth. He came from the same area that john (Rob and Margo's adoptive son) came from. He weighed 5 lbs. when he came.
(Before)

(After)

We have a house full with two babies! You all know Isabella (Tabitha). They look like twins, don't they? Isabella is now one month and eight days old. And Davidson is one month and two days old.

Happy Birthday, Willy!

For those of you who don't know, today, August 10th, is Willy's birthday! He is 8 years old! If you would like to wish him a Happy Birthday, you can send him an email through Mom and Dad's email at keithncindy@lfmintl.com. Thank you, Tiffany (for Keith and Cindy. The internet is still out in Port-de-Paix and we are not for sure when it will get fixed. Thank you for your patience during this time.)

Update

We have a new baby boy! He is a couple weeks old. His mother died a few days after giving birth. I will post a picture when I am able.
I just thought you might like to see what Keith and I brought back to Sabrina from Port-au-Prince. (We were in PaP for a few days for some seminars with the adoption part of the government.) It reminds me of the one that Keith's grandma Dee Dee bought for Tiffany on her first birthday. Sabrina loves it! She tells Willy to "chita" (meaning "sit") in the little basket on the back of the bike. It was cute!

The Pell girls, who are visiting us in Haiti for a month, had a shoe drive for all of our children at the boys' home and the adoption home! They brought in 99 pairs of shoes!!!!!!! Praise the Lord! It was a huge blessing! Thank you girls!

Right now, our internet is down most of the time, and so I am unable to update as much. I will try my best, but for now please just bear with us. Thanks!

New Kids!

This is Fredlet Jumeau. He was born July, 16 2003.

This is Ronald Jumeau. We are not for sure when his birthday is yet. We are guessing he is about 7 yrs.old.

These brothers were brought by their mother to ITFH on July 21st. Their father, Cedieu Jumeau, passed away, and their mother, Adeline Desir, is not able to care for her boys. They are relatives of one of our staff and have been living on his porch. Their mother had brought them once before, but we did not take them at that time. Fredlet has a twin sister named Fredline, and they have one other sister.

Ths is Rodrique Vilsaint. He was born March 22, 1995. His aunt, Sylvanie Pierre, brought him to ITFH on July 20th, around 5pm. His father, Fergelus Vilsaint, and mother, Merancia Pierre, are both deceased. He has 2 brothers and 1 sister.

We also have a new girl, Annabelle's sister, Markenda. She is about 5 yrs. old. I will post her picture at a later time.

We introduced you to Tabitha not too long ago. Tabitha's name has been changed to Isabella Mae and is being adopted by John and Carmen Niehaus from Sonlight Academy. They will be back in Haiti on Aug 8th to meet their new daughter. Lynn Ryle, a mutual friend, is hosting a baby shower for her soon.
We had a group of women from an A/G church from Petionville, Port-au-Prince, sent here by God. They came all the way here with a word from God for each of our boys at the boys' home. In a nut shell, they told the boys that God wanted them to obey, respect the leaders that were placed in front of them, and be in His word and He will bless them. It was awesome to have them.

Please pray that as our family continues to grow, so will our facilities. There are so many homeless children and not enough space. We do what we are able to as the Lord allows. Our hearts reach out to these orphans, and, with your help, we are able to bring them in. Thank you for all that you do!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We just received word that the Haitian Supreme Court has finally ruled in the case brought against us by one of our former employees. With little explanation as to why they ruled as they did, we have been ordered to pay $15,000+ (Haitian), or $2026 (U.S.), immediately. After lingering for several years in the muddled court system of Haiti, this decision could hardly have come at a worse time. With food prices what they are and income at nearly an all time low, we simply do not have anything left to pay this fee. A failure to pay will be cause for both Pastor Andy and I to be jailed. While our first response was, "This is ridiculous. He didn't have a case!", we soon realized there is no other recourse but to pay the fine and be finished with this entire mess. The only consolation is that the former employee will likely not see any of this money come to him. He has already had to sell his property and take out loans to continue this case to the end. The money we pay will go to the lawyers and the court fees. Still it is frustrating to say the least. We have starving people on our doorstep daily and yet we have to take the next $2026 that comes in to pay this fee. Pastor Andy is beyond words. And so, once again it seems we are facing another financial crisis and must come to you with a request to help. Speed is of the essence. The fastest way to get money to us is by an online donation on the Globe International web site: www.gme.org We have shared this need as we have been told to do and now we leave it in Father's hands.

On a more positive note. We have recently been visited by 6 ladies from near Port au Prince. They came to us one day with a word from Father for our boys and our mission. They told us God had told them to come and they came. We were amazed when they began praying and prophesying over our boys and giving the same words that God had given to us about these boys some time ago. They also had a word for Pastor's wife, Emmanuella that was an exact confirmation of a message she had received from someone else recently. We are thankful for this gift of encouragement that came just before this crisis. It would be hard not to become discouraged with one thing and then another if it were not for Father's constant renewal of His promise in so many amazing ways.

Recently we promised to do a better job of communicating. We are trying to keep you informed of what is happening at the mission. Communication goes both ways. We'd love to hear from you too. Please let us know what's happening in your lives and how we can get you the information you would like to have from us.