CODEP

God is pouring down blessings of all kinds on the CODEP work and the beach ministry at L’Acul. The Lord has opened up opportunities rapidly as only He is able to do. We have hosted four teams and each person has brought their special gifts to the ministry. Some did carpentry work, making doors for new CODEP houses. Others installed cisterns for mountain families who live far distances from clean fresh water. These cisterns will hold precious rain water for drinking and washing, therefore promoting better all around health for the poor mountain people.

Many visitors enjoyed interacting with CODEP families, school children, and church members. The families along L’Acul’s beach have opened their arms to us and make all our visitors feel welcome to walk the beach and visit in their homes. Doctor Ann and Nurse Practitioner DJ held clinics to treat scabies and stomach worms, so prevalent in children everywhere in Haiti. Kids lined up at the back fence hoping to get treated. They also went to three schools supported by CODEP where students also received hygiene kits and hand made shorts and dresses.

We have had time now to get to know the animators and workers in CODEP. What fun it is to hike the mountains and see the lush forests and tree nurseries. We are anticipating the spring rains so trees can be planted on bare mountainsides.

We believe in the importance of family vegetable gardening and we have several qualified young men who have been trained at St. Barnabas vocational school who are eager to share their new knowledge. We have allowed three of these young men to transform our front garden into a demonstration garden that will soon be open to the public, neighbors, and school children. Visitors will pass through various garden plots using different techniques that could be useful in small family gardens. The men will be on hand to explain all the plots and hand out printed materials when needed. There is a similar demonstration plot being planted in the mountains.

God is keeping us safe and in good health. Haiti is experiencing a peaceful time at present. We are excited that we have had many chances to share about God’s redeeming grace along with improving life for a few Haitians. Please remember to pray for us, especially that we might do God’s will and do it effectively. Thanks to all who came to L’Acul and to those who contributed supplies and prayers. It takes us all.

We pray that we will be able to have the resources to add more workers; since families who live near CODEP projects are eager to see their mountains begin to grow and produce life again. There is great excitement about the changes that are evident as you travel the highway. We pray that we will live to see the entire mountains green again and that one day the world will once again know Haiti as the “jewel of the Antilles.”

With God’s Grace,
Rick & Kathy Land