"So, How Was Haiti?" (Part 1)

Part of our team debriefing last week, as the eight of us sat in the 'holiday house' at the OMS mission compound where teams stay during mission trips to the Cap-Haitien/northern Haiti area, was this thought (from the Men for Missions leaflet for this debriefing purpose, entitled The Next Step):

That when we get home, many people will ask "How was your trip?" And because we are overwhelmed with all that we have experienced, we'll give a safe and quick 'GREAT!' and then regret that we missed an opportunity to testify to all God's work during these days.

Many trips over the years in West Africa, and later in Haiti, and I still can't come up with a perfectly worded, complete, God-honouring answer to this question. But I do have answers that give a glimpse.

So we'll go with the glimpses.

Haiti was... BREATH-TAKING!

Leaving from Indianapolis Airport, me, Kelly, Karen and Keri - the Columbus contingent

Along with the Findlay (Ohio) four, we board the plane for the flight to Cap-Haitien.

And within an hour or so, Haiti begins to grace our eyes with her God-given gorgeousness.   

And it never gets old...to approach this country that has such a profound place
in my heart and life and family...and it takes my breath away. Every time. 

Keri's excited too:)

By the time we're over the mountains to this plain, I'm looking for our house.
With the big blue water tank on the roof. But I was on the wrong side of the
plane to see it this time. 

We made it to Cap. Now the real adventure begins.

(This trip to) Haiti was...A REUNION.

With the Gross family! Good friends from Columbus, now missionaries and teachers at OMS' Cowman school. Fantastic to see them where God has planted them now. And though the adjustments to life in Haiti are at times challenging (don't think that changes for anyone!), it was great to see them in action in their classrooms!

Melissa's done a fantastic job with her kindergarten class.

And Steve's talking about Shakespeare (nice!)

And two Gross kids are enjoying this class too (Caleb & Hannah).

And it was great to have them skip school for a bit to join us on our main focus, going out to villages to share the Gospel and give solar radios to bless households with Christian radio and a Bible they can hear and understand.

Melissa, Karen & Keri pray as Orinel (our translator) leads this lady in a simple sinner's prayer.

Steve shares with a fellow believer about putting Jesus first. 

Caleb, Steve & Melissa after a day's Gospel work in the hot sun
(now sitting in a hot church). 

Haiti was...HUMBLING

Every time a team from church gives a report on their trip with us to Haiti, they mention the prayer meeting under the mango trees. There's a good reason for that. Being at a four-hour prayer meeting (where everyone is also fasting), in the dirt, sitting on the mangled roots of mango trees, thanking God for being alive that day, for having legs to get to the prayer meeting, praising Him for all that He has done, interceding on behalf of friends, family, the country, it all jars with a get-church-over-within-an-hour-so-I-can...go to lunch/watch sports/have a nap...attitude that is sadly prevalent in the American (and other Western cultures) church. Not that there's anything wrong with lunch, sports or naps - all (potentially) godly things! But often, God receives the tiniest amount of our attention. 

Not so at the mango trees at Bethanie. 

These three sisters were part of the original group that started these weekly prayer meetings
that have been going on for more than 30 years. 

I was touched this time when we got on our knees in the dirt, praying these verses together from Psalm 139 (v 23-24). Our collective need for the Lord was tangible.

Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting.

So, Haiti was breath-taking...a reunion...and humbling. And...more glimpses to come. 

Thank you for thinking of me and the team, for praying for us and our work, and for everyone back home who helped while we were away. Couldn't do it without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To Haiti Tomorrow

This time four years ago, I (Kate) was preparing to take the first short-term missions team from our church (Community Church of Columbus) to Haiti to serve with Radio 4VEH in sharing the Gospel and giving out solar radios. Our good friend Melissa was on that first team. This week, I lead our 8th team to do the same, and bonus, we get to visit with Melissa & Steve Gross (& kiddos) who are now missionaries in Haiti, serving as teachers at the OMS school since August. 

Four of us from Columbus - Keri, Karen, Kelly and me - are joining up with Michael, Amy, Larry & Debbie, representing Findlay E-Free Church in Ohio who gave so generously at Christmas to sponsor radios to bless more than 500 families in Haiti. We'll be in Cap-Haitien Wednesday morning, and would really value your prayers for Friday and Monday, two focused days of going door-to-door with local churches to share the Gospel and give out solar-powered radios tuned to Radio 4VEH, with the audio New Testament in Haitian Creole (read by Storly). These are always amazing days of connecting with people, encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ, seeing people make decisions to follow Jesus, being able to pray for people, and seeing how God has prepared the people and places for us to visit. 

While I'm away, Storly's Mom will be here to help him and the girls, so no worries there  :)

And in case we haven't told you already: 

• after being in debt for as long as we remember, Radio 4VEH is now debt-free! This burden has been a major part of our lives/work over the last four years. We thank God for this amazing progress, and as leaders in this ministry, we're determined to keep working to build a more effective and efficient ministry for the sake of Haiti. 
• the radio towers project (to replace two AM towers and restore the signal to again reach across northern Haiti where four million people live) is going full steam ahead, after we received significant pledges and donations last month. New towers are being manufactured and shipped to Haiti, and Storly will be there in July (and probably August too) to help the technicians coming in to do the challenging work. 
• we'll be in the UK in June, and will be sharing about our ministry in various churches and groups in South Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. More details to come. 

Thanks so much for all you do to help and encourage us!

Award-Winning: Proud to be a Part!

Somehow I have not shared these photos with you yet...unless you've seen them on any of our (mine, Storly's or Radio 4VEH's) Facebook pages.  

The NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee, (22-25 Feb) is a big deal in the calendar of anyone in Christian radio who's able to attend. For us 'little fish' from a radio station in Haiti to the biggest of big fish in Christian media, it's a time of coming together, uniting, worshiping together, learning from each other, sharing the joys and the challenges of working as communicators in different fields and places around the world. 

And this year's Convention was even more special for these reasons: 

• we got another award (did I mention that already!?)
• we grew some deeper connections with ministry partners 
• we had good company for all or part of the Convention - Witny Telfort (4VEH operations manager, on his first visit to the USA, an eye-opening experience in many ways, including how cold it was), John & Karine McLaughlin (John's been head of 4VEH advisory board for a long time), and Dave & Marilyn Shaferly (former OMS Haiti field director & 4VEH station manager)

It was my 4th Convention, Storly's 3rd, but Marilyn first went to NRB before either Storly or I were born! So us Radio 4VEH-ers are not newbies at NRB. 

An appropriate reminder as the award presented to Radio 4VEH this year was a Milestone Award, recognizing more than 50 years of faithful service in Christian broadcasting. 4VEH celebrates 64 years in ministry in June. And there should be many, many more hands holding the award for all the people who've served at Radio 4VEH over the years. 

Storly, with NRB President Dr. Jerry Johnson (l) and NRB Chairman Rich Bott (r)

4VEH delegation with NRB President Dr. Jerry Johnson (l) and NRB Chairman Rich Bott (r).
4VEH delegation: Dave & Marilyn Shaferly, me, Storly, Witny Telfort, Karine and John McLaughlin.
(Photo courtesy of the National Religious Broadcasters)

Recipients of the NRB 2014 Milestone Awards:
Guidelines International Ministries
LIFE Outreach International Association of Churches
Radio 4VEH, The Evangelistic Voice of Haiti
Jerry Rose, Total Living Network
Teen Challenge International USA

I was poised, ready to take photos of Storly going up onto the stage to receive
the award. But then I heard the announcement "Radio 4VEH, presented to
Storly & Kate Michel" and realized I needed to go up there too!

It was a wonderful dinner event to end the Convention. 

With our ministry partner Rev. Tim Whitehead, Exec Director of
Galcom International, the fabulous people who make the solar radios
we use in Haiti. 

Ministry partner Ron Harris obviously saying something funny. Ron's doing
great stuff through MEDIAlliance International in training, mentoring and
encouraging people working in Christian media around the world,
 including us. 

John McLaughlin & Storly, proud. 

Storly & Marilyn, who served in Haiti (at 4VEH) for much of the time recognized
by this long service award. 

It's fantastic to be working together in this ministry! 

Witny, 4VEH operations manager. 

Praise the Lord! 

Women of Hope

We had the pleasure of meeting with Marli Spieker, executive director of Project Hannah, a ministry of Trans World Radio, that  is reaching out with compassion and hope to suffering women across the globe living in spiritual darkness. Radio 4VEH already produces and broadcasts the Creole version of a Project Hannah program, Women of Hope, but we'd never met Marli before. 

Her passion & her vision for using radio programs, prayer & raising awareness of the plight of women around the world is contagious. And we want to see a greater impact to bring to women suffering in Haiti. Plans are coming together! 

We enjoyed hearing Mark Burnett & Roma Downey talk about their
to-be-released Son of God movie, which we also got to watch at a pre-screening.
Definitely worth seeing. 

Were blessed to hear Michael W. Smith perform. I'd had some contact with him
via his agent, inviting him to perform at 4VEH's 60th Anniversary back in 2010.
He was interested, but schedule didn't work out. Appreciated his songs live!

Joni Earreckson Tada performed her song "Alone Yet Not Alone"
from the movie by the same name. 

At the exposition, Storly & John enjoyed playing with tech toys like headphones.

...while I enjoyed hanging out and being interviewed by Billy Irvin (l) of Faith Radio (Montgomery, AL),
along with Tom Blackstone, Exec director of Galcom USA.
We talked about using solar radios in Haiti, and in prison ministry in the USA.
(We partner with Faith to broadcast their radio programming in Cap-Haitien
for English speakers and learners). 

And I enjoyed talking again with Janet Parshall,
host of "In the Market with Janet Parshall" on Moody Radio.  A great lady!

One final thing. 

Because Mum came to visit and look after the girls while Storly and I were at the Convention (thanks Mum!), we got to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary in style. And yes, with thousands of fellow Christian broadcasters.

When I posted this lovely photo on Facebook, lots of people commented how I matched the flowers. Just in case you're thinking it was planned in advance, and we're having some romantic dinner or something, I need to tell you this: I crashed a meeting that Storly & Witny were having to say, ooh, nice flowers, quick, let's get our picture taken.

That's us, grabbing sweet moments on the fly. 

As we head into Good Friday tomorrow, and then Resurrection Sunday, we hope you'll grab some sweet moments with our Saviour. We wish you and yours a very Happy Easter. 

P.S. 

This time 4 years ago, I was preparing to take the 1st short-term missions team from our church CCC to Haiti to serve with Radio 4VEH in sharing the Gospel and giving out solar radios. Melissa Gross was on that 1st team. Next week, I lead our 8th team to do the same, but WHAT A BONUS, we get to visit with Melissa & Steve (& kiddos) who are now missionaries serving as teachers at the OMS school since August. How cool is that!! 

Best Bits: Hannah's Confession

I started writing about this a while ago, more than six months after the confession, but it's definitely a Best Bit, not just of our time in Haiti last summer, but in my life as a parent.

And then, while we were enjoying a leisurely breakfast recently (girls were off school - again - because of snow) and Storly and I were discussing the good and bad points about the previous night's live Creation vs Evolution debate between Ken Ham and Bill Nye (watch it on YouTube here...), Hannah asked a corker of a question: "When did I become a Christian?"

The conversation that followed gives more meat to this 'story' and it gives just a little more (actually, a lot more) joy to this mama's heart. And I asked Hannah if she's happy with me sharing this with you, and she is.

Back to the confession. We were driving along some road around Cap-Haitien. I've forgotten the exact details of the moment, but haven't forgotten the significance. But obviously the activities we'd been involved in over the previous weeks in Haiti were having an impact on our girls, Hannah especially.

Waiting with the Dynamic Women in Missions team
(led by Kim Burdick and Sharon Mishler) for a briefing before heading out to
all four corners of Fossé Capois village. By the way, these ladies are AWESOME!
Plenty more stories to share about their time with us.

Some parts of the village were a long walk from the church. A long walk. 

Hannah and Esther were getting a much better understanding of what we 'do', especially as we were focused on working alongside local churches to go and talk with people in their communities, rural villages mostly, about Jesus, and leave them with a solar radio tuned to Radio 4VEH.

Our first day of radio distribution, in Dubout near Limonade,
and Esther learns how to peel cashew nuts. Cool! Read more about that day here

Hannah and Esther have heard us speak about it on many occasions, and they can both give their own versions of what we do and what is this ministry we're involved in (it's fascinating to see them absorbing information, understanding it, and then making it their own...).

And then as we were bouncing along the road, recounting one of these days of sharing the Gospel and giving out radios, Hannah responded with this:

"I can hardly remember a time when I didn't love Jesus."

And my heart just about burst with joy. For us as parents, this is our greatest desire for Hannah and Esther, that they would know, love and follow Jesus. That's it. Everything else I desire for them - to do well at school, be healthy and happy, to love each other, to be generous, to speak with British accents (no chance of that one) - comes way below the Jesus desire.

So when she asked the question over breakfast, I reminded her of what she'd said in Haiti. And again, at bedtime on a special day for me (25 years since I made a decision to follow Jesus, read about that here), as I told the girls why it was a special day for me, and Hannah responded by saying that she loved Jesus before she could even read or write.

So, I answered her question "When did I become a Christian?" by reminding her what she had said, "I can hardly remember a time when I didn't love Jesus" and "I loved Jesus before I could even read or write!"

And then she said this: "Yes, yes! You see, I think I was born to love Jesus."

And there's the answer to the biggest questions in life, the 'why am I here?' kinds of questions, out of the mouth of an eight-year-old. Born to love Jesus.

--

P.S. I found this article by Pastor Brian Croft on the Gospel Coalition website very helpful in answering the question 'Is her faith/confession for real or is she just saying what she thinks we want to hear?'

Our Story of 'Love, Missionary Calling & Radio Ministry'

If you missed our recent 24 Feb interview on One Mission Stories, you can listen to our "story of love, missionary calling and radio ministry" here!

SKmichelpodcast

Check out other One Mission Stories podcast here.

Journeying Outside Comfort Zones

A couple of weeks ago, I sat with three ladies (and a little girl) enjoying the surroundings of Tropical Smoothie, a Caribbean-inspired sandwich & kind-of-healthy fruit smoothies cafe. And as each of them shared why they signed up to join me on my next Haiti mission trip (end of April), I remembered why I LOVE taking people to Haiti.

Because the guys at Men for Missions (the short-term mission teams ministry of One Mission Society) have got it spot on: these trips are part of a life-changing journey, and Storly & I love walking alongside people as their eyes are opened to 'the real world' (the poverty, the daily reality of how most of the world lives), as they allow God to take them way beyond their comfort zones, and as they see God in action in a different context, in ways that blow their minds and break their hearts for the world God loves and came to save.

My next trip at the end of April will be the 8th team from our church here (Community Church of Columbus) since we took up residence in this part of the world. And three of us from CCC (Keri, Karen and me) will be joined by Kelly from Columbus (who was part of last year's trip) and four people (Larry, Debbie, Michael and Amy) from Findlay E-Free church in northern Ohio (who partnered with us with their Christmas offering last year to give to Resounding Hope solar radios).

So, at Tropical Smoothie, I told a story that I want to share with you. Except you get all the background too...

In June 2011, our CCC team visited a small village called Kayemit (Ky-meet), named after a local fruit tree, known in English as Star Apple. I'd been hearing about this village from Medson (our evangelism/radio distribution leader) as a place in need of the Gospel. A pastor from the local town of Quartier-Morin had started to visit this village, saw people's needs there, and felt called by God to start a work there. Our team was happy to be a part.

So, to Kayemit we went. After Luke, Devin, Randy, Tim and Ken helped fix a flat tyre on the van.

We gathered under the shade of a huge tree with Pastor Deusma, Medson and evangelism team, and others from Pastor Deusma's church in Quartier-Morin. We prayed, got instructions on the day's activity (like 'don't randomly give the radios out on the street, only after conversations with people about the Gospel, preferably in their homes or yards', and 'each radio is for the whole family or household, unless you visit with a witch doctor or voodoo priest, then give them one for themselves'). And then we split up, two or three visiting team members, a translator, a evangelism worker and a local guide who knows the community and can direct the group to homes and people most in need of the Gospel.

I usually hover around trying to spend some time with each of the groups, taking pictures, observing, sometimes helping with translation and interpreting some of the cultural stuff that doesn't always get translated effectively. So I started with Ken and Kellie, good friends of ours who had taken a huge step outside their comfort zones to come to Haiti. And there were more steps of faith to come. 

I wrote about this day in Men for Missions ACTION magazine, here's excerpts:

Villagers Hear a New Voice

As we approach the first house, Pastor Joseph Deusma pulls me aside and whispers, “A witch doctor lives here.”

Though we couldn’t see the red and blue flags usually identifying where a witch doctor lives, there were other objects, including a bottle hanging from a tree (used in voodoo ceremonies).  

So here we are, on the frontlines of the spiritual battles that rage across the earth. This time, in Kayemit village in northern Haiti.

About 800 people call Kayemit home. But in the eyes of Emmanuel Félix (Medson), Radio 4VEH’s Extension Ministries Director, this is ‘virgin territory.’ With no real church presence in the community, the voice of influence belongs to the witchdoctor. Until today.

Visiting missionaries from Community Church of Columbus, Indiana, along with local evangelists first gather under a tree. Emmanuel explains the key to sharing the Gospel in communities where most identify themselves as Christian. ‘Ask about Jesus. What position does Jesus hold in your life?’ 

(What a great question as we talk with anyone. Not asking how religious you are, how much 'knowledge' you have of God, how often you go to church, how you label yourself, but where is Jesus in your life? Is He Lord?)

At the witch doctor’s house, he’s not home. But we speak with several members of his household, as well as another man visiting. We leave a solar radio for the household, and one for the witch doctor. 

Next door, the witchdoctor’s niece combs through her daughter’s hair.  When asked about her own faith, she replies she’s a good Catholic, and also dances at the voodoo ceremonies held regularly by her uncle. She wasn’t ready to accept Christ as her personal Saviour.

The global prayer resource Operation World explains Haiti’s complex religious context this way: ‘The Roman Catholic Church’s role as the state church ended in 1987…Haitians overwhelmingly identify themselves as “Christian”…An estimated 75% of Christians are also actively involved in voodoo, a development of West African Spiritism and witchcraft.’

By the end of the outreach, 51 radios were given out after 70 people heard personal presentations of the Gospel. Three people prayed to receive Christ as their Saviour, and 37 people refused Christ.

But now there’s a new voice of influence in Kayemit—Radio 4VEH, The Evangelistic Voice of Haiti—the voice that speaks about Jesus through all kinds of radio programs.

Pastor Deusma says, “Even though people here don’t have a church where they can worship God, they can now hear the Gospel. The radio receivers will help them to hear the Word of God. Listen, you can already hear people listening to the noon prayer program on their little radios!”

“I know it’s a seed that’s been planted today. And God will bring those seeds to fruition. He will produce the fruit. As we leave here, God will do the rest.”

Fast forward two years, to June 2013. We took the Columbus team back to Kayemit, wondering what had happened to those Gospel seeds that had been planted and watered every day through the little radios, and the pastoral care of Pastor Deusma and those working with him. 

What a privilege to be standing where a new church has been planted. Where the physical space, starting with a few sticks and plastic sheeting, is showing the village that there's a new body of Christ-followers in this place. 

The Columbus team at the entrance to the church Pastor Deusma (in stripey T-shirt)
has planted in Kayemit

Pastor Deusma and the small congregation at Kayemit, with Medson on right

Under the plastic sheeting, praying for Pastor Deusma and the work God is doing in Kayemit

Back to the story I was telling at Tropical Smoothie. It was this scene above. One of the highlights of our whole summer in Haiti was this moment when the team prayed for this new church, this pastor ministering in this village, for the new believers here. And the person praying was Kellie, the one who was never comfortable praying out loud. And here she was, praying a prayer of blessing in front of team mates, villagers, friends, strangers. Praying a prayer to her Heavenly Father on behalf of these brothers and sisters in Kayemit.

Being alongside people on their life-changing journeys is an absolute honour. What's your life-changing journey look like? Doesn't need to be a mission trip to Haiti (though we'd be happy to take you!). Could be a new thing right where you are. Could be a new thing on the other side of the globe. Who's with you on your journey? And who are you walking alongside of on their stepping-out-in-faith, stretched-by-God journey way beyond their comfort zones?

• Would you pray for the people of Kayemit, for Pastor Deusma and for the new church there? 
• Would you pray for this new team going to Haiti in April - for Keri, Karen, Kelly, Larry, Debbie, Amy, Michael and me - that God will prepare us for what He has in store for us? 
• And that God will prepare people to hear the message we'll be sharing as we give out solar radios? 

P.S. This isn't the last story about Kayemit. A couple of weeks later, we went back with a Dynamic Women in Missions team to start at the other end of the village, and talk to people about Jesus, and give out radios. More on that another time.

February Update: Overwhelmedness, Generosity and Daffodils

Phew, it's finally above freezing here and the snow is starting to melt...about time...(but we may have severe storms heading our way later this afternoon). We've got lots to catch you up on! 

Mum's here!

Since our last update, Mum's arrived (just after a winter storm hit, but thankfully she got here fine) and we're enjoying time with her...though I don't think she'll want to visit in frigid February again.

Storly completes 900 programs!

Storly has recently completed his 900th program of Atrave labib (Thru the Bible radio series by J. Vernon McGee) in Haitian Creole (about 7,200 hours' of work!) Only another 399 programs to go!

He's recording in his studio in the basement right now, and is currently working through the book of Daniel (which I am also studying in a women's Bible study group at church). Awesome book about the sovereignty of God and what it means to be God-centered in a self-centered world. 

Dipping into Overwhelmed-ness 

(And yes, I'm becoming an American by making up words...)

Over the last few weeks, we've been spending a lot of time on the details, budget and plans for the big project that is our focus this year: replacing the AM radio towers at Petite Anse. As we look at the needs, the technical details (that I understand very little of), the tight timeline to get this accomplished this summer (when there's less rain), the funds that need to be raised to even start the work, and other challenges, it is overwhelming. Quite simply, O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M-I-N-G.

But that's the point. When we get to the end of ourselves and get on our knees, praying and seeking the Lord. That may not be our 'natural' response. it may not be our immediate response. But once we get to that place, it's a good place to be. And it's good to be there together, as we've been sharing this need for prayer with others and knowing that many, including the OMS community, and staff and listeners in Haiti, are lifting this project up to the Lord. Will you join us in asking God to direct our steps right now, please?

That was the polite version. Here's what I'm trying to say. We need your prayers on this, because we need God. His direction. Clear minds. Wisdom. Protection. Safety for workers. Resources, money. His blessing. God in the details.  

So, we're on conference calls with co-workers in this ministry ('co-workers' in the widest sense, including staff, consultants and volunteers) sharing the need, finalizing materials to invite people to invest in this project, and together, to help restore the AM signal to reach Haiti for Christ. 

So many things up in the air with this project right now, that affect not only our 'work' side of life, but our family, our plans for the year. That's often how it is in this line of work. Would appreciate your prayers as we handle this part of it too. 

Celebrating Generosity

Switching gears a bit. You'll remember we've made a few trips up to the Shaferlys in northern Ohio (four hours' away) recently, to help plan, present and celebrate with the good people of Findlay E-Free Church, who partnered with us for their Christmas giving project to sponsor Resounding Hope solar radios for Haiti. (Read more here).

Storly with Marilyn Shaferly, good friend and  former 4VEH Station Manager

Sharing the vision of Resounding Hope with the congregation at Findlay E-Free.

In January, we were invited back to help with their 'Big Reveal', as Pastor Blair announced to the congregation the results of their giving. Their goal was to sponsor 400 solar radios. They gave enough to sponsor 523 radios! And it was great to be there to thank them in person for their generosity, and to pray with them for the radios and the people who will receive them in Haiti.

523 radios! Awesome!

With each radio reaching about six people, 523 radios means 3138 lives will
be touched. Every day. With the Gospel. In their own language. 

Thank you, all at Findlay E-Free! These guys are also giving generously of their time, energy and well, sweat to help build homes in Port-au-Prince area as part of the Homes for Haiti project.

Baptizing friends

A couple of weeks ago, Storly had the honor of baptizing our good friend Ken Miller. It almost didn't happen - both church services were cancelled at CCC due to the car park being 'like an ice rink'. But several of those being baptized got there with family members from out of town, so the dunking went ahead. 
Ken & Kellie's two children, Kelsey and Kora, were baptized too. Fantastic! 

Hannah is 8!

Earlier this week, we celebrated Hannah's 8th birthday! Yep, our baby is now 8. And same as for every parent, it's hard to believe. She wanted a roller-skating party with friends from her class at school - and we had a blast! It's probably been 20 years since I was on skates last, and it was Storly's first time. Some of us were whizzing round the rink. Some managed to only fall twice :)

Next: NRB

We're heading to NRB (National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention) in a couple of days for inspiration, encouragement - and another AWARD! Proud to be part of an award-winning, life-changing, Jesus-sharing radio ministry in Haiti. 

This year, Radio 4VEH will be honored with a Milestone award for more than 50 years of continuous ministry in Christian broadcasting. (Radio 4VEH celebrates 64 years in June). Read more

Storly will receive the award on behalf of Radio 4VEH during the closing event of the four-day convention, the Awards dinner. We're excited that we'll have a few people with us representing One Mission Society, Men for Missions and Radio 4VEH. And I'm looking forward to seeing the video that NRB have produced and will screen during the dinner to highlight the ministry (I supplied all the raw content so I'm excited to see the final product). 

Our Story, on the radio, as part of One Mission Stories: 

If you're in the Indianapolis area, listen in to Freedom 95 this Sunday at 7pm (or online here) - and you'll hear our "story of love, missionary calling and radio ministry" as we're featured on the next program of One Mission Stories. You'll be able to hear it on the OMS podcast on Monday here. We'll be away at NRB, so if you listen in, let us know how we do! 

Our Support Team

We're so encouraged by new and old friends and family who are committing to be part of our missionary support team through prayers and monthly financial support. OMS sets the amount that we need to raise to cover our salaries, travel and other ministry expenses over the next five years. We're just starting to raise these funds, so have a long way to go. But it's great to know that there are people standing with us in this way. If that's you, thank you! 

If you'd like to support our family's ministry by joining our support team, here's how: 

• in the US: One Mission Society account # 803848 - Michels
• in the UK, contact One Mission Society in the UK and let them know you'd like to support 'The Michels'

Finally, daffodils

For this Welsh girl, spring means daffodils and daffodils mean spring. Are there any signs of daffodils where you are? This Indiana winter has been brutal, and we're desperately looking for signs of spring! (I'm heading to Haiti in April for a week with a few from church, will be very glad for some Haitian sunshine then). 

Warm wishes to you today!