Church at the Bay Orphan Project

We're back!

2012-01-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

Our team arrived home from Haiti on Monday, and we are so excited to share all that God is doing! Each team member will have their own unique take, their own perspective...their own "God-stories", so stay tuned for photos, videos, and more.

One of our team members, April McCullohs, has already begun recording some of her thoughts from the trip. Here's a preview of her blog:
I’ve been back from Haiti for three days now, three nights’ worth of sleep in my own bed, three days’ worth of making meals for the boys, cleaning up toys, reading and hugging and laughing with the two children that belong to me.
Haiti’s images wash over me, waves of sounds and colors, when I least expect. keep reading here

Please pray for our Haiti team!

2012-01-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

{Top left to right: Michael Warren, James Gothard, Tony Lisotta, Alan Caraway, Blaine Albright, Brian Heckman; Bottom row: Rachael Warren, April McCullohs, Sandy Mayer, Sarah Chandler}

Church at the Bay is only days away from sending in a third team to visit our orphanage in Haiti! The team will stay at Global Orphan Project's home base, just outside of Port au Prince. Over the weekend, they'll visit the orphanage our church has sponsored, the All in One Village, or, Dargout Village. They'll play with the orphans, kick around soccer balls, make bracelets, and just love on the children. They'll also have the opportunity to tour other Global Orphan sponsored orphanages in the surrounding area.

Will you pray for this trip?

-Pray for safe travels and good health
-Pray that God speaks to this team and that this would be a life-changing experience
-Pray for the orphans, that they would receive hope and encouragement, that God's love would be experienced this weekend.

The team leaves this Thursday, January 19 and will return Monday, January 23. Check back for pictures, stories and videos! Thanks for your prayers and your support!

Haiti Trip: January 19th - 23rd

2011-09-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Our second trip into Haiti is coming up fast. January 19-23 we will be in Haiti working at helping out the orphanage that we are sponsoring. If you would like to go on the trip then please download the Information Sheet and fill out the Online Form. We are looking to take 12 with us, so sign up quickly so that you can make sure you are guaranteed a spot.

Online Application Form

Information Sheet

Link to PAYPAL to pay $100 deposit

What is taking a trip to Haiti like? Sarah Chandler's Haiti Story

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

2 John 5-6

“Not a new command

One we have heard from the beginning

LOVE one another!

LOVE- walk in obedience to his commands”

4/28/11

Arrival in Haiti was chaos, Immigration and customs was busy and hot. Trying to collect 13 people and 1200 lb of supplies is a daunting task! We all loaded up in a van and set out for the OTV. The poverty did not surprise me I had seen it in Brasil. But the extent shocked me! It was never ending, the rubble, the trash, nothing is ever complete. We passed tent cities and wild pigs rooting through trash, people sitting on the side of the road selling junk. The traffic is amazing there appears to be no traffic laws and if there is no one obeys them. Within minutes of starting our trip a storm blows in bringing pounding rain and gusting winds. People are running for cover and the water on the roads rises quickly. Where will all these people go?

4/29/11

I am very excited to start this adventure I am just praying that God will keep me open and aware of what’s going on around me. I have fears about wanting to be physically busy on this mission trip and how when I heard about the plan to just play with the orphans I was disappointed. Our trip leader explained GO model and plan for partnering with the Haitians and not “fixing” and “throwing money” at the problem. He talked about just loving on the children. I’m nervous I tend to be such a physically busy, task oriented person.

Our 1^st orphanage to visit is in Leagone which is near some of the worst earthquake damage. The 2 hour ride gave us plenty of time to take in the devastation. It was amazing to see the stacks of garbage piled up in the streets and rivers. There seems to be no governmental infrastructure to provide for the basic things we as Americans take for granted; garbage disposal, road maintenance and building codes.

Our first experience at the orphanage was shocking. The orphanage was small and cramped the children were meeting for school under a tent so we went for a tour. The girls and boys rooms were cramped with bunk beds stacked 3 high very close together. There is no privacy for the children or the mommas. They are in the process of building two new bunkhouses. They are also building bathrooms, but for now us girls had to aim into a gas can- that takes a lot of concentration! The kitchen was a 3 walled shack. I saw 3 girls sitting under the trees washing clothes in a barrel. I tried to talk to one of the girls but she would not respond to me.

Finally, school was finished and they introduced us to the kids. As soon as we sat down with the kids the wanted to touch you, hug you, hold your hands and sit on your lap. They want your camera and sunglass and ask for “photo”, “photo” repeatedly! They are all big hams and love taking pictures and getting their pictures taken. Michael was a little stiff for the 1^st 10 minutes then he got into and just played with the kids. We did a craft that Joy brought and the kids loved it they could scratch their names and messages into the cross. Some of them had beautiful handwriting in cursive and almost all of them wrote Jesus loves me in Creole or English. At one point I looked over and saw that this little girl had attached herself to Steve and she would not let go! The love and compassion between them was visible it took my breath away. It was hard to leave after only had about 2 hours with the kids.

On the bus ride home it was hard to understand with my heart why we are not building better buildings more convinces- Americanizing the orphanage. Kevin explained the Go Model of cultural relevance. If the orphanages are that much better it creates 2 big problems. First, parents want the best for their children and they would be more likely to drop their children off if they knew their life would be so much better. The goal is to keep families together. Second, how will a child cope with life if he is bought up to expect a certain standard of living for x amount of years then once he leaves the orphanage he would have to live in the surrounding community in the same environment as his neighbors. GO attempts to make the orphanage similar to the surrounding area to prevent these problems.

After we returned to the OTV we got to meet the orphans at the village. This was amazing, we were all over our initial uncertainty and jumped right in playing with the kids. One girl Dolly grabbed onto me and tried to show me how to play this rock game kind of like jacks but I sucked! Next this little boy Santos (who would come to be my little man) grabbed onto me and just wanted to hold hands sit on my lap or touch me. He really did not want to do anything else. I was so worried starting out this trip wanting to busy with my hands- I never thought of how much more important it was to be present with my heart!

We had a bead ceremony this evening and I received a green compassion bead and I gave a green compassion bead to Steve for the connection I saw between him and that little girl- He was truly broken. I feel like I am getting to see Gods love played out in the people around me and it is breathtaking.

4/30/2011

After b-fast we headed over to play with the kids, we took sidewalk chalk, craft stuff, beads and fingernail polish. A little girl named Annelee braided my hair. She and Santos stayed close all the time while we were playing. I love watching the kids and the different hierarchy’s and how the protect care for and love each other. They all have sense of community very few if any are out for themselves.

Later in the afternoon we went to the orphanage that CATB supports. On the bus ride over my heart flipped I had this change in my body, mind, spirit and heart I no longer pitted the people but fell in love with them, their smiles, their love, their spirit and joy. They have nothing, but they seem to get Christian community. I want to be part of their community and life. I don’t know what that means or looks like for my life but I am praying that I will have discernment of Gods plan and that I will not be afraid to chase it.

When we first arrived I saw this little boy who looked to be about 2 naked and smiling in front of the group of kids. When I got off of the bus he walked up to me and put his arms up as soon as I picked him up we melted into each other. His name was Abner he had impetigo on his face and it sounds like he barely made it after the earthquake. He was singing halleluiah with his little lips puckered up as I rocked him and hummed. As we met the pastor and took a tour of the village Abner fell asleep on my chest mouth slack and open safe and cuddled into my chest. Susie had a little girl curled up in her arms fast asleep as well. Everyone seemed to have a very special bonding moment with the children at this village. The children sang for us which was the most amazing praise and worship I have ever heard in those little voices. They had so much joy and energy singing songs of praise. It was so hard to put Abner down at the end of our time. Michael was worried I was going to take him home. I assured him there was not an exchange program but I thought it was a good idea!!!

The next orphanage was within walking distance of the OTV it was neat to be on the street walking vs being in the car with windows between us and the community. I really don’t know what to think there is so much poverty, garbage and unfinished building but I see possibility. Once we arrived at the orphanage the children sang and we had a jump rope competition. I sat with a couple of the mammas and we talked as much as we could with our limited language. I have so much respect for these women who love and care for 12 children at a time. There was not a lot of room to play at this orphanage so we took a group of kids with us back to the OTV. There we played with all the kids and the older boys came out to challenge us to a soccer game. Of course, they kicked our butts and they were playing in crocs!

5/1/11

Today we drove into Port au Prince to attend worship services. I was blown away by the worship service it made me feel I was in a “thin place” so close to God. Their voices were so beautiful and their passion for worship shook the building. These people have no time constraints on worship, they are truly worshiping and learning. It was refreshing to see a different type of church service. The community treated us as part of the family. The woman behind me noticed how hot I was and that I was pulling my hair off of my neck and she gave me a hair tie. After church we drove through downtown Port au Prince to see some of the ruble from the earthquake. Next we headed to the coast to a mass grave site for some of the over 250,000 Haitians that died in the earth quake. It was surreal to see all the crosses and the site was beautiful overlooking the coast.

Thoughts after the trip:

It’s hard to describe to others the experience and most of the time their eyes glaze over once I start trying so I end up with the simple it was amazing and life changing “The End”. It doesn’t do it justice and is frustrating. I originally wanted to do a mission that would have me be busy working or doing something medical. My heart was changed and I got the "pure things" LOVE and caring for orphans. Gods repeating in my ear: " busy with your heart not busy with your hands Sarah". I totally get it but the people around me don't. I get that look of confusion and statement like "all you did was play with the kids", "you didn't build anything or use your medical skills?".
I don't know what God has planned but I am moving forward with planning a trip again in November.

Sponsor a child in Haiti

2011-06-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we talked about sponsoring a child from Haiti. Church at the Bay is currently sponsoring a village of 54 kids in Haiti. For $41 a month you can sponsor a child. This includes food, shelter, medical help and schooling (something they wouldn't have a chance for outside the orphanage). If you would like to sponsor a child, please fill out the sponsorship form and choose one of the payment methods. This is an awesome opportunity to give to those who have nothing.

CHILD SPONSORSHIP FORM

If you would like to renew your child sponsorship from last year please fill out this simple online form so we can get updated information for the next year. ONLINE RENEWAL

For more info email Hal at hmayer@churchatthebay.com or call the church office at 813.579.3978

Here is video from this weekend celebrating Fathers Day and talking about our village that we sponsor.

Photo and Video Update from our trip to Haiti

2011-05-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

We got back this week from our trip to Haiti. Here are some pictures and a link to some of the videos we have made. We will have updates from the people who went and from this village in the upcoming weeks and months. We are doing something great in Haiti!

Videos: http://vimeo.com/channels/catborphanproject

Want to go to Haiti?

2011-02-11T09:40:00.001-08:00

Our first trip into Haiti is coming up fast. April 28th - May 2nd we will be in Haiti working at helping out the orphanage that we are sponsoring. If you would like to go on the trip then please download the Information Sheet and fill out the Online Form.

Information Sheet

Fill Out ONLINE application

Update from Pastor Joseph in Haiti

2010-12-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

Hey brother how are you doing? Thanks for all your prayers for us here in Haiti, as of right now, we are doing fine, praise Be to God the all mighty. Our prayer needs are for the church & school to be built because the kids are still under the tents and the sun is killing us during the services in the church and during the children’s school time. The weather has slowed things down, but we know that it will get done. Thank you so much for your church’s support through your money and prayers. I do have hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, because his hand is not to short. As long we believe, we ask and we shall received Amen. I believe soon or later, God will open many doors for his children. I look forward to seeing you sometime in Haiti. Joseph.

Big Haiti Update - 10.28.2010

2010-10-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is an email that we received from Marsha Campbell, a lady that was apart of our trip over to Haiti and works with Global Orphan Project.

Dear Hals,

Hope this email finds you both well! It is hard to believe it was back in May that we were together in Haiti. I was thinking of you both and wanted to catch up and see how Church of the Bay was doing. I was in Haiti last week and had the opportunity to visit Pastor Joseph Kesnel. They have made tremendous progress on the construction of the children's homes there. Joseph was so excited about being very close to moving the children in to the new homes. They even have beautiful ceramic tile floors! Many of the children came and were singing to us. I will also tell you--I know you both particularly will be happy--the basketball court is finished with hoops that were being utilized well by young guys in the community that come over to play most every day! You will need to go down and do some basketball clinics! The kids would LOVE that!

Joseph and his wife also, have finished their apartment at the village. They are finally out of the tent! They showed me their room and were so delighted. It was truly a happy day to be there and see them readying for the children and school which started last Monday.

Thank you so much for your heart and commitment to these dear children! Church of the Bay needs to celebrate being the hands and feet of Jesus to these little ones in Haiti. Your leadership and generosity are transforming the lives of these children.

Loving the children--with you,

Blessings,
Marsha Campbell

Also, be in prayer for the Cholera outbreak that has hit Haiti. It has killed over 300 and infected about 5000. One of the main problems is the distribution of the vaccine and care to the people of Haiti.

Thank you so much for all the support you have shown. We are making a BIG impact for God in Haiti!

Video from this Weekend

2010-06-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

This video includes a song called "You can have mine" which was written in response to earthquake in Haiti. The pictures that you see were taken when we took our trip to Haiti to see the orphanage that we were going to sponsor.

How to Get Involved

2010-06-05T14:33:00.001-07:00

Church at the Bay is sponsoring an orphanage in Haiti. We will do it by individual sponsorships, linking a CATB person or family with a Haitian orphan. We have about 60 children we need to sponsor. The cost will be $41 a month. When you sponsor a child it will provide for food, clothing and schooling for your child. There is also a local church in Haiti (lead pastor, Joseph) that provides a community of believers to encourage the children as well. We are sponsoring the children through an organization called The Global Orphan Project - http://theglobalorphanproject.org.

The need is huge and God has led us to Haiti. We have been looking and praying for a while to find the right place. This sponsorship will also allow us to take trips in to serve and meet our orphans. James, the brother of Jesus, makes the case for what real faith looks like:

James 1:27
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress…

You can start a child sponsorship in one of three ways:

ACH- this is an automatic bank draft much like your house payment or maybe your car insurance. This can be adjusted at any time. You can download a ACH form HERE. Payments will begin July 10th.

Give a check for the full amount of $492 for the entire year

Use your credit card to set up a monthly donation on our website www.churchatthebay.com under “Online Giving”.

We will be signing up for Child Sponsorships on June 20th (Father’s Day). In order to sign up on June 20th to sponsor a child, you must bring either a completed ACH form with a voided check, a check for $492 for the entire year, or a printed confirmation of your first online giving payment.

If you have any questions:

EMAIL: hmayer@churchatthebay.com
PHONE: 813-579-3978

Children of the Orphanage Singing

2010-06-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

These are some of the children from one of The Global Orphan Project's orphanages in Haiti. If you listen till about 1 minute in they will start to sing in English, pretty amazing.