Mission In Action

Getting Ready for Haiti 2012

2012-01-13T12:06:00.000-05:00

The Mission In Action Team are completing the final arrangements and getting ready to pack up all of the bags for the 2012 Haiti trip. This year's trip leaves Michigan on February 15 and will return on February 23.

As they prepare to provide care in several areas: medical, eye glasses, health education, all as they spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ; you too can offer support. They ask for your prayers as they prepare, both for the team and to open the hearts of those they will meet. If you would like to offer financial support for purchase of food for the Haitians and other medical needs, you may do so through our church office, 810-329-7174. We are also collecting over-the-counter eye drops.

We will do our best to keep you all informed of the progress of God's work through the M.I.A. Team.

2011-04-07T20:21:00.001-04:00

We have arrived safely home. We thank God for this awesome adventure and lifelong memories. New friendships and bonds were made and we are so thankful for the experience. We especially are thankful we all have a home and a bed to sleep in tonight.

2011-04-07T17:16:00.001-04:00

In Michigan!

2011-04-07T07:13:00.001-04:00

On our way home!

2011-04-07T07:11:00.001-04:00

We saw God working through many volunteers and realize why we all need to be humble and serve.

2011-04-06T19:58:00.001-04:00

God's Love, We Deliver was a great experience. We assembled meal bags and delivered them to terminally ill people. They started out helping Aids/HIV patients but now deliver to all terminally ill people. We delivered 8 meals today. Our final outreach was the Exodus program, we had a blast helping kids kindergarten through eighth grade with the after school program. We played outside, helped complete homework and led worship. On our way to dinner.

2011-04-06T09:49:00.003-04:00

How we saw God working last night... At the UN-all the different leaders trying to solve world issues, the many volunteers it takes to actually solve them. How man is Gods only creation that can build something like New York city, the Freedom tower, St. Paul's Chapel across from Ground Zero-no damage to it.

2011-04-06T09:49:00.001-04:00

The subway is packed in the morning...we are on our way to make & deliver meals to terminally ill people. Our prayer today is for God to lead us.. Based on devotion, based on song, "lead me."

2011-04-05T19:41:00.001-04:00

We are getting a taste a new York style pizza. Yummy!

2011-04-05T11:05:00.001-04:00

We have begun our prayer tour. Keep us and the people of New York in your prayers.

2011-04-04T22:48:00.002-04:00

How'd we see God working? People laughing and having fun doing laundry, greenteam making new York look beautiful (they work all over ny city), the actual building of the city...how it all fits together, the different ethnics getting along.
Check out: Bradley Hathaway, a beat poet, and read: "I felt really good this day, yes". Look him up online, that was our closing tonight.
Good night!

2011-04-04T22:37:00.001-04:00

After Camba we headed to Manhatten where we worked with GreenTeam landscaping at Castle Village, a VERY expensive apartment complex. We worked with Mark and his students, they were awesome. They have all had rough situations and are newer Christians and it's great hearing their stories. We were taken to the top of the apartment we were landscaping.... What a view!

2011-04-04T22:27:00.001-04:00

We worked for camba, an organization that helps homeless. There are aprox. 38,000+ people in shelters every night in New York city. Yes, every night. 8,000 are teens. These numbers do not reflect the people who are homeless and NOT in a shelter. We folded, and folded and folded.

2011-04-04T12:51:00.002-04:00

We are currently working in Brooklyn folding bedding and sorting donations. We understand now why you should not donate junky clothes and the importance of keeping your area clean!

2011-04-03T20:04:00.001-04:00

2011-04-03T20:03:00.001-04:00

Dinner was worth the drive. Nha trang palace - Vietnamese

2011-04-03T19:14:00.001-04:00

We made it! Off to dinner!

2011-04-03T12:48:00.001-04:00

Dark pic! But it's dark at 6:00 in the morning! We are currently on the road and in DuBois, PA!

2011-03-30T12:55:00.001-04:00

We are getting ready...

Immanuel's Youth Readys for New York

2011-03-28T14:04:00.001-04:00

A team of Immanuel Youth and adult chaperones will be spending their Spring Break in New York, NY (April 3-8) They will be serving in an Urban Short-Term Mission with the Center for Student Missions. click the here to learn more about this great group.

Just What Is An Urban Short-Term Missions Trip?

An Urban STM is much like any short-term mission trip: A group of willing servants come into an inner-city area for anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks (or longer) to live, learn, and love. The group lives in the inner city, gaining a firsthand feel for the environment, the people, and the lives they lead. The group learns—what a city is like (good as well as bad), what the people who live in the city are really like (as opposed to the stereotypes played out in the media), and most importantly, what God is already doing to raise up His kingdom in the city through dedicated inner-city Christians. Finally, the group demonstrates love in tangible ways—primarily by serving as volunteers at churches, missions, agencies, and other institutions that strive to minister to the spiritual and material needs of urban residents.

We are hoping to keep you informed of their experiences though posts on this blog. Stay tuned to see how God impacts them and those around them.

Faith Stories from Haiti 2011

2011-03-21T17:06:00.000-04:00

Mission In Action 2011 Haiti Trip

Click above to hear the amazing faith stories that three of the younger team members shared with Immanuel during the worship services on March 6, 2011.

Thank you to Krysti, Georgia & Jake for sharing your stories with all of us.

MIA Haiti 2011 Photo/Video Retrospective

2011-03-17T18:00:00.000-04:00

On the way home!

2011-02-25T13:31:00.004-05:00

The flight has taken off from Port au Prince and is heading to Miami then on to Detroit!

Check out Flight Tracker to watch the progress!
First leg is American Airlines flight 0822
On to Detroit on American Airlines flight 0390

The last Day

2011-02-25T06:07:00.000-05:00

The last day what a ride

The TEAM!

2011-02-24T23:17:00.000-05:00

Final day and final night

2011-02-24T23:09:00.002-05:00

It has been quite a day. Began in the morning getting ready for our last day of clinic. Received a call from Nadine saying that Leonard's bus broke down when he got back home last night. It was decided to get Nadine's car, truck and a tap tap (the small public means of transportation here). We piled in all three vehicles with Jerry and Jason riding on the back of the pickup. Some more great photos to come. At Pelarin we set up in the church again. This church is smaller and we were closer, but it worked out wonderfully.

Over the whole week we saw almost 1300 people in the medical clinic, gave out 674 eye glasses in the eye glass clinic, and treated 62 in the dental clinic. In the end we distributed 7 tons of food. Praise God!!

Eluice, Wes, Leonard and Nadine joined us for dinner and devotions tonight. Mike reminded us that we are the body of Christ and no one is more important than another. Remember what we have seen and heard and use it to witness to others at home. Stay close to God and listen to what He says.

Tomorrow we leave Haiti to return home. Each of us has changed in many ways. We will not forget Haiti and all hope to remember to pray for the people. They are God's people and He loves all of us the same.

Many, many quotes from tonight:

Give God your best
Go in with an open mind
This was the body of Christ in action working together
I am so impressed!!!!!
How smooth it all went for Haiti
This was a pretty classic Haiti trip
Scripture came alive, "I was hungry and your fed me, sick . . ."
Going home you need to remember your "neighbors" too
I have been spiritually recharged
When you get home find someone to be your spiritual partner, keep the mountain top experience going.
God leads -- flat tire in front of the church, bus broke down at Leonard's home
God always provides what we need including have enough Motrin for the last person.
God says, "Come good friend" when we get to heaven. We will see each other there again. This was Leonard's quote.
An amazing experience .
My faith is stronger than ever
My third trip - each is different yet uplifting
I feel very fortunate, very blessed
I am happy to be here with all you guys
Each trip is different. It is not about numbers, but about what God does
How very blessed I am in all ways - here and at home
Seven days of service - an eternity of rewards
It is really easy to love the Lord when life is good, but these people here love the Lord through all they have to endure
What seeds were planted you never know
A tender touch goes a long way
Pray the friendship between Haiti and America has increased
Coming is my response to what God has given me. God puts me where I can help most. God is there in everything we do.
I have learned a lot about myself and how these mission trips work
Going means so much to me
TRUST The people trust what we are doing and I need to trust God to direct me to do the right thing
I am very thankful - It has been an amazing gift
Alleluia!
Words can't explain it - Our God is an awesome God!
You bring home more than you leave
Thank you to my very special friends, Leonard, Wes and Nadine - without you we could not come and serve
To Mark - I am so proud you are my brother - Thank for coming!

pics

2011-02-24T07:58:00.000-05:00

pics

2011-02-24T07:49:00.001-05:00

friends forever

pic

2011-02-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

pics

2011-02-24T07:19:00.000-05:00

Just another day in Haiti

pics

2011-02-24T07:01:00.000-05:00

pics

2011-02-24T06:22:00.000-05:00

hello from Haiti

pics

2011-02-24T06:02:00.000-05:00

pics

2011-02-24T05:57:00.000-05:00

pics from town

Haiti pics

2011-02-24T05:47:00.000-05:00

Happy 18th Krysti

2011-02-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

Today was Krysti's 18th birthday. We celebrated it by having specially prepared pizza made by Nadine and her family. It was amazing. We were invited to Leonard's for this meal. Not only was the team present, but many other family members and friends. Devotions were followed by Nadine singing "This is the Story" in French and Leonard playing his accordion. What a fun and Spirit filled evening.

More Kindergarten and Pharmacy

2011-02-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

Kindergarten In Haiti

2011-02-23T13:11:00.000-05:00

pics

2011-02-23T07:17:00.000-05:00

Haiti pics

pics

2011-02-23T07:07:00.000-05:00

more pics

pics

2011-02-23T06:52:00.000-05:00

pics

2011-02-23T06:41:00.000-05:00

more pics

Haiti

2011-02-23T06:10:00.000-05:00

more pics

day 6

2011-02-23T05:58:00.000-05:00

more pics

2011-02-23T05:43:00.000-05:00

Just another day in Haiti

So many people - its must be Caradiux

2011-02-22T22:17:00.003-05:00

It always seems that when we go to Caradiux the second day is very very busy. We saw about 350 people in medical, 100+ in eye glasses and 11 in dental. Mike and Mark had to go out to the school courtyard and line up people for quick triage.

The children from the Lutheran School were brought from Citi Solai (sp?). Citi Solai is a city on the coast that is the poorest city in this country. We were not able to go there so they brought the children to us. Each child received a visit to the doctor, eye glasses if needed, a hygiene kits and a bag of beans and rice. We are planning on sending another $1,000 worth of food to the people of the church in this very poor area.

We also sent 6 people to the hospital for possible surgeries. Included in the group are 3 hernias, two breast masses and another possible surgery ( I forgot what it is). They were all seen and need to return tomorrow for lab and further consults.

Tomorrow we will be returning to the hospital, visiting the children's hospital and the home for the dying. The team is looking forward to holding babies and comforting the adults in anyway we can. Once again the love of Christ will be in the fore front to be physically felt and visually seen.

Note: Claudia got to do what she loves the most: spend time in a kindergarten class. There were 25 beautiful children, saying their letters, counting up to 50, and singing songs. She taught them ring around the rosie and some finger plays. Krysti joined them all and got hugs and kisses from all of the children.

Prayer requests:

Pray for good health for the team.
Pray for a day filled with loving people to Christ.
Pray for the patients as they go to the hospital that their need can be met.

more pics

2011-02-22T21:28:00.000-05:00

Just another day in Haiti

Haiti pics

2011-02-22T07:16:00.000-05:00

eye glasses

2011-02-22T05:50:00.000-05:00

Showing off his new eye glasses

Monday Night Update

2011-02-21T22:40:00.002-05:00

Monday night 10:00pm -

Did not get a chance to talk about Sunday. As always, worship was amazing. You have never heard singing until to hear a Haitian congregation sing without accompaniment. They are like angels. Mike did an amazing job speaking to the congregation. He spoke about the vine and the branches. Sitting amongst the people brought home the idea that we are all part of the body of Christ. English and Haitian voices speaking their own language and praying the Lord's Prayer. I think it make God smile. Church was followed by lunch out and shopping at an open market near the collapsed Palace. Lots of buying - great deals!

The devastation in the downtown area is unmatched in any of the other areas. Building after building down. Beautiful churches are just shells. Leonard spoke of the people who died in each building, but he said he lost no family members and that he knows of only one church member who died.

It has once again been quite a day. We stopped at the Mevs Hospital which is staffed on a rotating basis by American doctors from various university medical schools. As we said before we are looking to establish a connection with a hospital where we can send people for operations, special testing, treatments, etc. Mike and Mark were able to speak to the Administrator and we will be returning on Tuesday to make the connection. This comes none too soon as we now have 10 people with serious enough situations that warrant a visit to the Hospital and for many surgery. Breast lumps and hernias and cancer stand out.

Today we did our first day at Caridux Today we saw about 220 in the medical clinic, 104 in eye glasses and 10 in dental. Four knees were injected and one had fluid removed. Those are statistics, but do not speak to the individuals. As we drove in all of the school children came out of their classrooms and began to cheer. Smiles were everywhere and many hugs were exchanged. One older lady received glasses and as she sat down she put on her glasses, reached into her purse, took out her little New Testament and began to read with a smile on her face. The toys and puppets are a big hit and many adults ask to have one. They brought up about 30 of the children from the school and Bonnie got to do a children's clinic. Keeping the children occupied in the pews was fun. Our translators and Haitian helpers are excellent and want to help where they can. No matter where you go you see tents. It is hard to believe that the city of Port au Prince has increased in numbers not decreased. Where there might have been some land or a small park, there are now tents with people, people and more people.
Just a note: Our devotions have been God inspired this year. Everyone has spoken to the heart and to the glory of God!

We did another thought of the day for Sunday and Monday. Here they are:

- impressed with worship and the well behaved children sitting for two hours.
- Monday - bummed off the get go - started with a cancer patient and went from there.
- Mom, its all good, its all very good.
- Duct tape, YEH!!
- Very, very eye opening
- I had a pm bm - alright!
- the market place was a real experience
- nobody wants to buy a globe
-Where's the beef!
- So many people - can't help everyone - so sad
- Yellow uniformed children - greetings and hugs
- The docs have it easy. They just have to make people feel better. We have to find the right glasses and make them happy.
- holding 12 day old Abigail at the hospital
- Haitian music is inspiring
- discovered there is a hospital that will help
- I am still alive
- "Its only 20 minutes away"
- Not doctor, but Pastor Mike
- Women are the same all over the world. They will not get on the scale without taking off their shoes.
- at the end of each journey there is much work to do
- good to see Elucie, miss Pastor Louis. Mike did a good job.
- INTERESTING things today
- In every group, in every nationality there is every personality. And we meet them all
- LOVE is the word of the day.

Prayer requests:

Pray for good health. We have had two team members ill, but they are better now.
Pray for endurance as tomorrow there will be people coming to Caridux from at least three places.
Pray that one more person may be reached for Christ.
Pray that the team continues to remain strong in their faith and their witness.

One final thought - 95 degrees VS 12 inches of snow!

more pics

2011-02-21T07:28:00.000-05:00

Day 5

Church

2011-02-21T07:16:00.000-05:00

The Church is not just for worship.

Church for serving

2011-02-21T06:11:00.000-05:00

church is not for just worship

The Weather Channel

2011-02-21T05:46:00.001-05:00

Sunday update from Georgia & Krysti

2011-02-20T17:28:00.002-05:00

Update on Sunday from Jake

2011-02-20T17:26:00.001-05:00

more pics

2011-02-20T06:58:00.000-05:00

the pics of the day

Just more pics

2011-02-20T06:34:00.000-05:00

More pics

The Shot in the arm

2011-02-20T05:47:00.000-05:00

See how easy it is to take the shot in the arm, just put it right there...

Jake and the beans and rice

2011-02-20T05:34:00.000-05:00

Jake with the beans and rice.

Day 4 at the church Delmas 89

2011-02-20T05:19:00.000-05:00

Saturday update

2011-02-19T23:05:00.001-05:00

Today we served at the Delmas 89 church. This is the original church of the Lutheran Church in Haiti. During the earthquake the attached school totally collapsed, but is now almost completely rebuilt. It is now bigger and higher than before.

We set up the clinic in the church itself. It was a beautiful setting to work in and we had fans! Medical saw 200 patients, eye glasses saw more than 120 people and dental saw 8 people. Great day! The docs finished the day with surgical procedures on 4 people.

We arrived back early. The evening concluded with Nadine bringing her amazing Lasagna to the hotel and everyone enjoying quiet conversation, fun and laughter.

Tomorrow morning we will be attending worship at Delmas and then taking the day to see more of Haiti.

Prayer requests:

A young woman who was injured in the earthquake asked for prayers for her and her family.
Please pray for Pastor Maurice who had diabetes and is having a great deal of problems controlling it. He is now the head pastor of the church here in Port au Prince.
Pray for Pastor Louis family who are coming up on the anniversary of his death.

All is Good

2011-02-19T07:18:00.000-05:00

More Pics

2011-02-19T06:23:00.000-05:00

New team members working

2011-02-18T23:36:00.000-05:00

Friday happenings and thoughts

2011-02-18T23:29:00.001-05:00

Our team is really coming together it is amazing to see God's hand in how it all works. The medical team saw 200 people, the eye glass team saw 80 and our amazing hygienist worked on 8 people.

Ken made the trek with Leonard once more to get beans and rice. We have hopefully purchased all that we need and the total is more than 5 1/2 tons of food. Thank you once again for all of the support. The people are very grateful to receive it all.

Tonight after devotions we went around and each member gave a thought of the day. It was so much fun. We laughed, awed, and felt renewed. We decided to share the thoughts with you.

- the boy with the Haitian HUG
- it is a pleasure working with such friendly people
- how hard those little kids worked to help us. You should see them move cement blocks.
- the chicken/ no eggs in the lab bathroom
- I really like their smiles
- the road is full of many obstacles
- peek a boo is the same in any language
- if you are going to get a flat tire be sure you are rolling into the clinic lot.
- Almond crusted tuna - can't get any better than that
- when you are doing eye glasses, if you get a smile you know that you have the right ones
- you can get the biggest smile from giving the smallest toys
- Mom, I am learning more here than at college. Thanks Docs!
- beautiful babies
- thank you to the docs, pharmacy, lab, etc for helping me
- no matter where you are in the world, no one likes the sound of dental instruments
- it is a blessing to live in a country where you don't have to worry about worms coming out of your nose
- nice to see team work
- Is there any time limit on devotions?
- thought for the day from pharmacy 5, 10, 15, 20
- When you can't read your Bible and then you get glasses and you can see God's Word again, it is wonderful.
- God has once again put together the perfect team to do His work
- you know it is hot when the sweat drips outside of your gloves
- Charmin works any where

As a closing thought, let me explain the flat tire thought. We traveled through traffic, over non-roads, and then arrived at the site. As we drove in the tire went flat. God is always watching out for us.

Prayer requests:

Once again pray that we find the right place to send our very ill patients. We have a lead and will make contact on Monday.
Pray for the families that are missing our team members.
Pray we all stay healthy.

Beans and rice

2011-02-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

A long day but the beans and rice are in the church to be packed and handed out tomorrow.

Map of Service Areas

2011-02-18T08:27:00.001-05:00

Day Two -Clinic

2011-02-18T08:20:00.000-05:00

Thursday (Feb 17, 2011) was a half day of clinic at Lilavous.
We saw more than 100 people in the medical area.
The eye glass area saw 40+ and the dental area saw 6.
Everyone received food. All is well and the team is now resting.

Being greeted at the entrance was an emotional experience for several of the team. The people cheered and were singing and dancing as we entered. How amazing after they had been waiting all day and we were unable to arrive until 2:00pm.

We saw some people who will need special treatments. Please pray that we are able to connect with a hospital here to find these people help.

2011-02-18T07:19:00.000-05:00

Welcome at Port au Prince Airport

Rain in Haiti

2011-02-17T20:11:00.000-05:00

Just heard a bit from Haiti.

As the team traveled back to the hotel from a 1/2 day clinic they hit a big rain storm. This really impacts power and internet in Haiti. They will try to get an update with some pics for today up on the blog after dinner.

All is well with everyone.

report from haiti

2011-02-17T07:07:00.000-05:00

Greetings,
We are waking up and everyone is refreshed. It is about 6:30 and everyone is already busy sorting medicine. We will be doing a half day clinic. Ken and Jake are on their way to buy water, beans , rice and pop for all of us diet coke-ahalics.
Thank you for all the donations for beans and rice. With the donations from various other churches we will have more than $6,500 to spend. Praise God!

Comments from our ride from the airport to the hotel:

"Look at all the tents!"

"Boy are they in bad shape."
"There seems more then last year."
"How do people live like that!??"
"Look they are waving at us."
"So many people."
"So many children."
"They are so poor, but still they smile and wave."
"It looks like there is some progress."
"These roads make Michigan road look like smooth highways."

We hope to send pictures and more info tonight. Please keep praying for the team, for the people and for our mission to bring Christ to those we meet.

first day in Haiti

2011-02-16T22:12:00.001-05:00

All is good ,we had a long day with a 4 hour lay-over in Florida .
Hotel is very nice, the new rooms look good around the pool.
Tomorrow we will be doing a half day because of all the set-up work we need to do.
I hope to skype with you tomorrow night.
Kenny

MIA Haiti 2011 Team On Their Way

2011-02-16T09:39:00.000-05:00

Pastor Doenges led a devotional and prayer for the team

The Team minus 1 - Dianne was picked up on the way to the airport

Beginning at 1:00 am today the team and drivers began to assemble at Immaneul. Bags were weighed again to see if we could squeeze one more thing in. Once weighed they were accounted for and loaded into the Young's van. Thanks to the other drivers, not everything had to be loaded into this van. It has been taking team luggage to the airport now for many years and needs to be loaded carefully these days.

Once all was packed, we headed in to the Sanctuary on time for a devotional by Pastor Doenges. This is such an important part of beginning. I think this is the first year in quite some time where all the team minus 1 was present at the church. There are 20 team members in all!

The weather was fine, traffic was nil and the ride was fine! Prayers that the second half of the team's flight to Haiti is just as wonderful. They leave Miami at 1:55pm today to arrive in Port au Prince at 4:00 pm. Haiti is in the same timezone as Michigan but the weather quite a bit different! It is set to be 84 and sunny for today & tomorrow.

Please feel free to pass this site on to everyone who is interested in learning more or keeping up with the news we receive from MIA Haiti 2011

Youth Missions

2011-02-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

The High School Youth of Immanuel will be traveling to the city of New York to serve with Center For Student Missions over Spring Break! Please help us by beginning to pray for God to open doors, blessing our fundraiser, and preparing hearts of those we encounter and for our teens hearts as we prepare for this trip. If you haven’t gotten your canister of M & M’s please contact the church office and support our fundraiser!

Prayer Vigil Schedule

2011-02-09T16:27:00.000-05:00

Here is the schedule for the MIA Haiti 2011 Prayer Vigils.

Feb 16 - 7:00 pm - Led by Josh Mehlberg Family
Feb 17 - Please pray at home at 7:00 pm, this is the night of our Sauerkraut Dinner at Immanuel.
Feb 18 - Please pray at home at 7:00 pm, we have no leader for this night
Feb 19 - Please pray at home at 7:00 pm, we have no leader for this night
Feb 20 - 7:00 pm - Led by Manfred Boden
Feb 21 - Worship Service at 7:00 pm to incorporate prayer for the Team
Feb 22 - 7:00 pm - Led by David Gillis
Feb 23 - 7:00 pm - Led by Jan DuBois
Feb 24 - 7:00 pm - Led by Nancy Young
Feb 25 - No Vigil, Team returns this evening.

If you would like to volunteer for the 18th or 19th, please contact Renee at 810.329.7174 or email

We have Skype all set up and tested, so the hope is that we will be able to have video updates from the team. Not sure if they will be live or recorded. It also depends on the big unknown of the internet reliability in Haiti.

Keep up with the Team

2011-01-31T13:54:00.000-05:00

Do you have friends or family heading out on the Haiti 2011 trip? Would you like to keep up with what is happening?

This is the place to check for updates! When news comes in or pictures, I will post them here.

Every night that the team is away, Immanuel holds a vigil here at the church. This is a one hour time to pray for the team and the concerns they have. We also have a devotional and help support those with family and friends on the trip. Sometimes we sing simple songs of praise sometimes we share stories and reflections. It is quite informal and you may participate as much or as little as you choose. We are happy to have you with us. Members of our church and previous mission teams lead the devotion, and once the schedule is completed I will post that here along with the times.

Stay tuned, and please keep the team and all of Haiti in your prayers.

Haiti 2011

2011-01-31T13:48:00.000-05:00

Immanuel's MIA team is gearing up for the 2011 Haiti Mission Trip that will leave on February 16 and return on February 25.

This past Saturday they had a very productive team meeting and they will be meeting on February 5 to start the packing process.

Immanuel Youth Group Heading to Racine, WI

2010-06-11T14:17:00.000-04:00

A group of Immanuel teens and adults will be heading out to Racine, Wisconsin on June 20, 2010
They have been planning this trip for a while now. This trip is being coordinated through Group Workcamps. They have worked with this organization before with great success in Ohio helping flood victims along the Ohio River.

On this trip they will be helping out seniors and those in need with house repairs & painting.

Typical Day: A "typical" day involves serving others, "God Sightings", daily devotions, and inspirational/interactive worship programs. Their daily schedule will look similar to this:
6:45 a.m. Rise and shine!
7:00 a.m. Breakfast and gather supplies for the day
8:00 a.m. Morning program
8:30 a.m. Leave for project sites and serve at project locations
3:30 p.m. Return to lodging site for clean-up and free time
5:00 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Evening program, youth group devotions, free time, prep for bed
11:00 p.m. Lights out

Click here to learn more about Group Workcamps

"God Sightings"

2010-03-28T15:08:00.000-04:00

Today was not only Palm Sunday, but also MIA Sunday.
Please enjoy a presentation by Ken using music from our own Dave Linarski singing a song by Matthew West. The pictures were taken from members of the MIA Team
"Three Minutes in Haiti"

Mission of mercy

2010-03-25T13:24:00.000-04:00

Article published Mar 25, 2010
Mission of mercy Pastor's slaying doesn't stop team's work in Haiti By LOU MUMFORD Tribune Staff Writer

NILES -- Unstable? Yes, that would apply to many of the buildings left standing in Haiti from the earthquakes that began Jan. 12.

But perhaps more fragile is what passes for law and order among the people who survived. A Niles physician, Dr. Mark Priebe, saw first-hand evidence of that shortly after he arrived in the impoverished nation on a recent mission sponsored by the Lutheran Church.

"Pastor Louis (the Rev. Doris Jean Louis), the head Lutheran minister there, met us at the border. We had to go through the Dominican Republic, because flights into Port-au-Prince are still limited," Priebe said. "We were going to our driver's house for dinner that night. We found out later Pastor Louis had been killed by robbers when he returned home.

"That was the sixth time he'd been attacked over the years. He was shot in the head once. That showed you his dedication to his people."Familiar with the "father of Lutheranism in Haiti," as the 65-year-old Louis was known, through previous missions, Priebe's group of 14 was so distraught it considered calling off the following day's clinic. But Louis' wife, Elucie, who also was attacked and injured by the men who killed her husband, wouldn't allow it.

"She said we should keep going, do what we normally would do. That was what he (Louis) would have wanted," Priebe said.

A member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Niles, the 44-year-old Priebe said the danger in Haiti is such that those who can afford them routinely have locked gates surrounding their homes. Often, though, not even those can protect middle class citizens from the desperate poor, thousands of whom have now taken up residence in tent cities that have popped up throughout Port-au-Prince.

"I'm fearful of what will happen with the rainy season coming in. Infectious diseases are bound to spread," Priebe said.He said his group did what it could, dispensing not only medicine but three tons of food over a three-day period. Hygiene kits also were distributed.

Of the patients who stood out, Priebe said one girl had lost her entire family in the Jan. 12 quake. Wearing a makeshift splint on a broken arm suffered when she was trapped in rubble, the child was dispatched to an orthopedic group that had set up another clinic nearby.
Priebe said his group also treated a 15-day-old infant who had eye drainage that turned out to be gonorrhea.

"If we hadn't treated him, he'd have gone blind. It was transmitted through the birth canal," he said.

Priebe said he's hopeful worldwide attention to the disaster will make a difference but there's so much poverty and destruction it's difficult to imagine any significant improvement. He pointed out, too, that despite the recent uproar about health care reform in the United States, it has one thing Haiti doesn't."In Haiti, if you go to a clinic and you don't have money, you don't get treated," he said.

Employed at University Park Family Medicine in South Bend, Priebe and his wife, Angie, are the parents of two boys. He was accompanied on the trip by his brother, Dr. Michael Priebe, a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Clair, Mich., which sponsored the mission.

"We had five clinic days and saw over 1,000 people," Mark Priebe said.

"People say, 'Why do you do it, what difference does it make?' If you can make people's lives better, even for just a day or two, that's better than not at all."

Home sweet home!

2010-03-21T00:18:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for your prayers. Immanuel's MIA Team is HOME!

Flight Tracker

2010-03-20T14:55:00.000-04:00

Check out the Team's flight at Flight Tracker
Flight American Airlines 1046 to Miami
then American Airlines 0390 to Detroit

Heading Home

2010-03-20T08:16:00.000-04:00

The Team is on their way home. After a day of rest they are all packed up and ready to head home.
As we all know Haiti is a country of great contrast. Enormous poverty, confusion and pain, as well as so much love for our Lord. Since the earthquake it is only more so. There are many who don't know where to turn. I know that God has worked through our Team for His good purposes. Even so I'm sure this has been a trying journey for all on the Team.

Please simply welcome the Team home. They have much to process. We are all eager for news from this trip, but we must pray for patience. Let them speak of the trip in their own time.

I will be asking Team members to share on this blog, when they are ready.

Report from Team

2010-03-19T13:07:00.001-04:00

We are in DR at the hotel. Just hanging out today and will be taking taxis to the airport tomorrow.

From the Team

2010-03-18T20:13:00.000-04:00

"We are now in the DR!!! Only took 2.5 hours at the border but we made it. "

sent at around 1:30 our time

Prayer Vigils

2010-03-18T09:36:00.000-04:00

Prayer Vigils continue tonight and Friday. Join us at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

On the road again!!!

2010-03-18T09:34:00.001-04:00

On the road again!!!, originally uploaded by Immanuel's M.I.A.

The Team is heading back to the Dominican Republic. Their flight leaves from there on Saturday. It is great that the Team will have some down time together. Continued prayers for their safe return

Last night in Haiti. See you all when we get home.

2010-03-17T20:00:00.001-04:00

Last night in Haiti. See you all when we get home., originally uploaded by Immanuel's M.I.A.

Wednesday Clinic Report

2010-03-17T19:59:00.000-04:00

Clinic is finished!!! What a difference packing up in the daylight is. Lilavois is on the outside of the city. It is the location of the new church/orphanage that pastor Louis was coordinating the construction of. The orphanage was dedicated just before the earthquake but was never occupied. It has major damage and is unstable at this point. We do not have a count on patients. We did two lypoma removal surgeries today. One from behind the ear and one off of the back. Many many large families today. We dispersed beans and rice to all of the families. Now that we are done with clinics our remaining meds will be left with Leonard and the Lutheran mission to be used by other doctors and teams.

Gods blessings to all of you and the team thanks you for your support and prayers.

Street market on the way to Lilavois

2010-03-17T10:55:00.001-04:00

Street market on the way to Lilavois, originally uploaded by Immanuel's M.I.A.

MIA on Wednesday

2010-03-17T08:59:00.000-04:00

Today the team is heading to a new location, a Church/orphanage. All are doing well, Josh has an ear that is bothering him, so prayers that it clears up for the plane ride home. Nadine's Mother is preparing their meals and they all are well fed and loving her cooking.

Wednesdays Lenten Service

2010-03-17T08:23:00.001-04:00

Please join us at Immanuel for our Lenten Dinner from 5:30 - 6:45, then service at 7:00 p.m.
We will be praying for the MIA Team during Worship Service.

Update on Tuesday's Clinic

2010-03-17T08:20:00.001-04:00

Clinic was very interesting today. The last day at a location heightens the anxiety level of the locals.  At close to the end of the day there were still 150 to 200 people left in line. The Docs shifted gears from the standard method of seeing patients to walking down the lines of people diagnosing and prescribing as they went. The team functioned amazingly well given the circumstances. All patience were seen and the last prescription were filled with the aide of a flash light.  It was hectic, exhausting, and thrilling to be part of. I would not want to work at that pace all the time, but for the time it was fun. We managed to see as many patients in the last hour of the day as we saw in the entire rest of the day.  Don't have an exact count, we were to tired to count the cards. 

Due to Pastor Louis funeral arrangements the team will be getting back on the bus to the DR on thursday instead of Friday.  The funeral is on Saturday an Leonard has to be back to attend. 

Please send our apologies to the folks that show up to prayer vigil for us not having more current updates. Due to the time change, we are an hour behind time back home.  We are not even getting out of clinic by the time prayer vigil is over. 

Goodnight and God Bless,
MIA in Haiti

Too many patients!! Docs walking down the line treating in place. What a mad scramble.

2010-03-16T18:19:00.001-04:00

Too many patients!! Docs walking down the line treating in place. What a mad scramble., originally uploaded by Immanuel's M.I.A.

Click me to see all the photos sent today

Suzi doing her thing.

2010-03-16T12:23:00.001-04:00

Suzi doing her thing., originally uploaded by Immanuel's M.I.A.

Pics are coming in with in moments of Josh taking them, so click the pictures often to see updates.

Fallen Building

2010-03-16T10:54:00.001-04:00

Fallen Building, originally uploaded by Immanuel's M.I.A.

Be sure to click picture to see more

Mark is feeling better!

2010-03-16T10:32:00.001-04:00

Mark is feeling better!, originally uploaded by Immanuel's M.I.A.

Click to more pics

New from the Team

2010-03-16T10:19:00.000-04:00

Via Josh's Blackberry:

Everything is still going fine. Mark S is much better today. Today will be our second day at Caradieux. We saw 200 patients yesterday and are handing out beans and rice. Everybody is in good spirits. Claudia is going to try and get our flight changed to the Haiti airport again today. The internet is still out of commission but I will send what I can from my BB. Stay tuned more to come later...

Team Update

2010-03-16T07:35:00.000-04:00

The Internet has been down for the last 2 days, as well as phone service. The Team is eager to send us back some information and photos as soon as the internet allows.

Day three at the clinic saw 200 people. They have performed several minor surgery. The Team is doing well. Mark S is not feeling well, the Docs are keeping a good eye on him, and he could use some prayers for healing as he is eager to get to work.

Conditions at this location were very good and they will be there again today.

Mission In Action

Getting Ready for Haiti 2012

Immanuel's Youth Readys for New York

A team of Immanuel Youth and adult chaperones will be spending their Spring Break in New York, NY (April 3-8) They will be serving in an Urban Short-Term Mission with the Center for Student Missions. click the here to learn more about this great group.

Just What Is An Urban Short-Term Missions Trip?

Faith Stories from Haiti 2011

MIA Haiti 2011 Photo/Video Retrospective

On the way home!

The last Day

The TEAM!

Final day and final night

pics

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pic

pics

pics

pics

pics

pics

Haiti pics

Happy 18th Krysti

More Kindergarten and Pharmacy

Kindergarten In Haiti

pics

pics

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pics

Haiti

day 6

more pics

So many people - its must be Caradiux

more pics

Haiti pics

eye glasses

Monday Night Update

more pics

Church

Church for serving

The Weather Channel

Sunday update from Georgia & Krysti

Update on Sunday from Jake

more pics

Just more pics

The Shot in the arm

Jake and the beans and rice

Day 4 at the church Delmas 89

Saturday update

All is Good

More Pics

New team members working

Friday happenings and thoughts

Beans and rice

Map of Service Areas

Day Two -Clinic

Rain in Haiti

report from haiti

first day in Haiti

MIA Haiti 2011 Team On Their Way

Youth Missions

Prayer Vigil Schedule

Keep up with the Team

Haiti 2011

Immanuel Youth Group Heading to Racine, WI

"God Sightings"

Mission of mercy

Article published Mar 25, 2010 Mission of mercy Pastor's slaying doesn't stop team's work in Haiti By LOU MUMFORD Tribune Staff Writer

NILES -- Unstable? Yes, that would apply to many of the buildings left standing in Haiti from the earthquakes that began Jan. 12.

Home sweet home!

Flight Tracker

Heading Home

Report from Team

From the Team

Prayer Vigils

On the road again!!!

Last night in Haiti. See you all when we get home.

Wednesday Clinic Report

Street market on the way to Lilavois

MIA on Wednesday

Wednesdays Lenten Service

Update on Tuesday's Clinic

Article published Mar 25, 2010
Mission of mercy Pastor's slaying doesn't stop team's work in Haiti By LOU MUMFORD Tribune Staff Writer