Although this seems like a small expense to us here in the U.S., it is a significant expense for the Chauffard families.

Our CPI team is working on the long-term challenges of the school and have some HUGE goals for 2011 (more to come later).  However, for now we thought we would invite our friends and partners to help us provide uniforms for the children who need them.

If you would like to provide a uniform for one of the children, the cost is $20 and includes shorts and shirt.

The uniforms will be delivered by the CPI team when they go to Chauffard in October.

Simply click on the “Donating” tab above and select the “Set Your Own Amount – One Time” button and follow the prompts.

The deadline for donating towards the uniforms is September 5th.

Thanks for your partnership!

The CPI Team

The Crossing Church team kicked things off with a medical clinic, children’s outreach, building demolition and leadership training workshops. Kendal Anderson (Pastor) and his team continue to invest in the future of Chauffard.

The First Presbyterian Church Team came the next week with 23 people. The team was amazing!

The building supplies – with which we were going to build homes with – were held up in the red-tape and chaos of the port. This meant we had to shift plans and redirect our efforts. We have become experts at “rolling with the punches” and trusting that God has his own trip agenda each time we go. So, here is a quick summary report of what our team was able to do with God’s re-assignments:

We sat down with a select group of Chauffard community leaders to truly hear their hopes, dreams, concerns, frustrations and vision for their future. These Visioning Sessions helps us know how to best partner with them as they do the hard work of developing their community.

Jennie and Marissa made several home visits to meet with, photograph and survey the families, to give us another perspective on the daily life of our friends in Chauffard. They also were able to distribute clothing and school supplies to these families.

The Children’s Team (led by Brian and Liz) led small group sessions with the Chauffard children learning English, practicing math, and playing games.

The whole team had the privilege of repairing the ravine road which had been washed out by a torrential downpour of rain. It was an awesome privilege to work with the locals and get the job done!

The Construction Team bought some materials and got busy on a whole new list of projects. They built benches and desks for the church/school, replaced and repaired doors and windows, and built a food pantry and shelving in the school building.

The team also built a platform system which allows the school and church to position the generator on the backside of the facility and run power to the main area. It may seem like a small thing, but this cuts down on the noise and smell of gas in the main meeting area.

The most encouraging aspect of all of this construction was the way in which it was done. Our team was committed to teaching the local Haitians how to use the tools and equipment we had brought so that they could use them for future projects. Most of the locals had never seen a circular saw or power drill. They were so eager to learn and practice the skills they were being taught.

Our team was also able to build 2 soccer goals and donate several balls and pumps. The locals could not get enough soccer. They proved to be much more adept at playing on the rocky surface than we were – no surprises there.

Regardless of whether we were busy with a project or waiting out a rainstorm – we kept our “main thing” the “main thing”…investing in the relationships we have with the Chauffard community.

One story has to be told (and shown in pictures). We were all under the tarp in the main building with over 50 locals (children and adults). We started leading songs and playing games and then someone suggested we have a dance competition (I think it was Jennie Ellis). Before we knew it, a circle had been formed and we all took turns dancing, laughing, playing and enjoying the gift of friendship and relationship God had given us. It was a blast!

We found an alternate water source and will begin thinking of possible solutions to capture, purify and pump the water up to the village area so the people will have better access to clean water.

Jonathan, who leads the Haiti team, deserves a HUGE “shout out” for his tireless, humble display of leadership and service to the U.S. teams and the people of Chauffard.

We are planning to send a small team back to Chauffard in Haiti to finish the House Project. The materials should be out of the port next week and then the Haiti team will transport the materials out to Chauffard. Our team will build at least one of the homes while training the locals so that they can complete the others.

Thanks again to all of our partners and friends who funded the house project, donated to send a team member on the trip, or who continue to support CPI through monthly contributions.

Click on the “Connect!” button at the top of the page
if you want to join this awesome cause.

Most Sincerely,

The “CPI Guys”
Kenny Ellis & Grant Nieddu

And all of the CPI Guys and Gals

Kenny and Willie

What is trust?

The word “trust” means something slightly different to each of us.

Depending on the life experiences we have had and the beliefs we hold, trust can relate to a variety of qualities. Despite these variations, however, we know trust to be vitally important characteristic to have.

In the English language we have but one word for trust, which is “trust” and it leaves alot to be desired.

But, in the Hebrew language there are many versions to this one word trust.

In the Hebrew language there are several different meanings to trust and here are three of them:

1. Batah

2. Hasah

3. Aman

All three take on their own reality of trust, the one we will look at is Hasah.

In the New Testament the word for trust is to believe or have faith. It’s not just a religious term, it’s an action based upon believing in something to be true and trustworthy.

“In the Lord I put my (Hasah) trust.”  ~Psalm 11:1a

Try writing the word “trust” at the top of a piece of paper and then freely write down whatever words pop into your head associated with “trust.” Take a look at your list and highlight or circle the words that resonate the strongest, such as, truthfulness and honesty.

Trust is the belief and confidence in the integrity, reliability and fairness of a person; an essential human value that quantifies and defines our interdependance in relationships with others as well. Trust is a choice we make toward someone when we are inspired that they have either earned our confidence or are by some other means worthy of it.

Trust is difficult to acquire, and when fractured even harder to redeem, so perhaps the lessons of trust are not how to earn it, but what it takes to keep it. And perhaps the greatest value of trust is not the accomplishments we make with it, but rather what trust accomplishes in us on our quest to become people who are worthy of receiving it.

Do we in our actions and words show we have a character of trust?

Trust is something that is being cultivated between us and the people in Haiti, in the little village of Chauffard, and it is encouraging to see trust grow and to be apart of that as well!



The rock path

Everything in life is a choice—are you choosing the best?

There are many choices for every situation or issue that we face daily, and some days it seems everything goes well; people help us, the details of events/projects fall into place, outcomes and rewards are visible. However, there are days though, when everything seems to be up hill or full of under-currents.

Even so, we need to recognize that we do have choices to make whether our day is going according to our plan or we find that we are faced with unexpected happenings. It is vital that we learn to be truly in our unique flow regardless of what is taking place around us or even how far off basis our plans have become.

We have to continue to be ourselves and moving forward in a productive manner; no matter what the given situation and be flexible with our plans in order to still be effective and make choices that are suitable.

Recently a team of 23 of us went to Chauffard, Haiti to build and repair houses (among other things) that had been destroyed or damaged from the earthquakes. While there we ran into a few setbacks which did not allow the building team to accomplish the big project they went to do-rebuild 3 houses. All of the supplies that  we had shipped to Haiti before we were to arrive were stuck in customs and we were unable to “free” them (so to speak) without a certain receipt that was in the hands of a man in Miami, FL.

A few points to keep in mind that will aid us in such situations or issues in our daily living or when we are serving others are described as being:

• Consistent

• Contemplative

• Decisive

• Determined

• Focused

• Introspective

• Organized

• Persistent

There is strength in these characteristics as we make choices and when we fail to take ownership of our choice we generally berate ourselves over past deeds, perceived mistakes and experiences, and that stops the flow of creativity and forward movement in our lives.

It was great to see the team take the initiative and find other projects that they could put their hands to with the few supplies that we were able to get in Port-au-Prince. And even to the point of gathering rocks to create a more suitable path to walk on with all the mud we encountered from the rain while we were there.

If we would like to live in the ebb and flow of our lives, we have to learn to live in the moment and make choices that are the best for that particular situation, knowing that other influences will be going on all around us, but it doesn’t mean that they will dictate how, when, and if we respond.

Many people are afraid to take ownership of their choices because they feel that their choices are not credible, important, or in the end will be wrong. The opposite is true and our choices in life do count each and every moment of the day. Thanks team for making positive and proactive choices even when things didn’t go according to what was planned!

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for He is your life…

Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

John Foley has invested big time hours and energy into soliciting building materials and then coordinating the loading of the supplies and materials into the sea container – which by the way, is en route to Port-au-Prince right now!  Way to Go John!

Several team members responded to the “Call to Action” and helped load the container on last Monday.  Way to Go!

Grant helped to coordinate the container shipment and transport – way to go Grant!

JJ Smith volunteered his time and energy to create the architectural drawings for the homes we are building.  The cool thing is – he then decided to join the team and we are thrilled to have him on board!

Leah is working on assembling a First Aid Kit for our team and she knows her First Aid – the list of items is thorough and well thought out.  Good work Leah!

Liz is helping several team members get prepared through her physical training and nutrition expertise.  She has also negotiated a great deal with the hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

Brian and Liz have met and begun to put the Creole/Kids Team plan together to go over with their team on the 28th.

Jennie and Marissa have met and begun to put their plan together for the family background and “day in the life” project.

Everyone on the team has been working hard to raise money, get vaccinations, obtain passports and arrange schedules to join a life-changing week!

Thank you so much, team!

Keep pushing, and we look forward to seeing you on Monday.

The CPI Guys

How would you answer that question?

Is it through tradition?

Is it having compassion for the poor, afflicted, and oppressed?

Is it sharing with others about God’s love in Christ?

And once you have settled on a definition of a mature Christian, how would you go about instructing, guiding, and strengthening yourself and others, to continually mature in Christ’s likeness?

What is a mature Christian, and how do we as the body love, call, encourage, and challenge one another to mature in Christ’s likeness?

When pondering these questions it is helpful to read the following passage—to gain a better perspective and understanding—in Philippians 3:12-14:

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

These verses are referring to us maturing into Christ-likeness and not in regards to our salvation as Christians—born again believers who are complete and whole upon believing. The journey towards Christ-likeness begins with a sense of honesty and dissatisfaction—hence the expression “press”. And the Greek word press was used of a sprinter, and refers to one who is aggressive and energetic action.

Now that we have established that pressing is not in about striving, but about aggressively and energetically walking the journey set before us, we can see that Paul lived in a state of actively pursing the things of God—what God was leading and placing before him to do and complete. As Paul walked the path laid before him, he was sensitive to the Holy Spirits directing within him, which was an inward and ultimately manifestation of Christ-likeness.

Going deeper into these verses we see the words “lay hold”, which in the Greek means “to make one’s own possession”. God chose Paul and equally Paul chose to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in laying hold of the things God was leading him in.

In order for us to live the sort of life that Paul lived, we need to see that we are complete and whole… forgetting those things that are behind, whatever—whether these things are past deeds and achievements or failures and sins—that maybe that we tend to let distract us from aggressively and energetically embracing the journey.

As Christians we are complete and whole, able to “press” forward on the path that is before us, especially as we chose to be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit within us. Knowing that we are right where we should be flowing in the moment of the journey, pouring out ourselves in the things that God has before us—maturing in Christ-likeness along the way.

Now that this has been brought to your attention, take a moment to seek God and what He might be leading you in when it comes to being apart of an organization such as CPIHaiti. I encourage you to prayerfully consider what might be in store for you being apart of something that is beyond yourself-extend yourself and be the hands and feet to help those that are less fortunate than you.

The Twins

Many of us are used to comparing ourselves with others… we want someone else’s energy level but are unaware of our own strengths and potential. It does take time to reach a certain level and energy to see our potential skyrocket through the universe, but give yourself an opportunity to grow, become, and reach your full potential!

Does something inside keep telling you, I was meant for more than this?

Do you wonder if you’re accomplishing all that God has planned for you?

Many today settle for less than God’s best and never experience the joy and fulfillment that is available to them.

Don’t settle like so many around you, but take time to cultivate your strengths and address your weaknesses. We tend to procrastinate or try to rush through wanting to obtain the end result, instead of enjoying the in between times. The in between times are what is most crucial in developing our full potential.

For example, when you decide that you would like to participate in a marathon, you have to allow for time to train for it. You have to take the first step to begin training and continue to train until the day of the event arrives. It is the short and long runs, tempo and speed runs, the plyometric and weight bearing workouts, and nutrition that prepare you for that very moment-the in between stuff!

When we view ourselves as God does, we realize that He has gifted each of us with unique personalities, skill sets, abilities, talents, and dreams to achieve His specific will, plan and purpose for our life. As Ephesians 2:10 instructs, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” The exciting journey to reaching your full potential begins when you understand and accept this.

As our all-knowing, all-loving, eternal Father, God is willing to move heaven and earth to accomplish His will in our lives.

God sets us free from the bondage to sin and despair, and He reveals our wonderful identity as His child-full of hope, purpose, and potential. Our responsibility is to have a clean heart, a clear mind, a healthy body, right relationships, and a balanced schedule. We also need to use our God-given gifts and take God-approved risks to accomplish all He has called us to do in life.

But the path to reaching our full potential is littered with hurdles-issues we may deal with on a daily basis. A limited perspective, constantly comparing ourselves to others, self-imposed limitations, fear of disappointment, fear of failure, and even laziness can hinder us from becoming all God created us to be. These are obstacles that we generally cannot conquer on our own, but with God all things are possible.

And not only for you, but for the little community of Chauffard, Haiti… they need people like you and me to come along side and be a real live example to them as they seek to reach their full potential as well.

So, how about you do you want to reach your full potential?

Don’t just settle… reach for the stars!

This will not be an easy task, but it is one that we are excited to be involved in.

In most of the news as of late, it has been voiced that,  Haitians say they intend to build differently than they did before the earthquake. The government, awakened to the nation’s construction follies, and say they plan to crack down to ensure proper materials and techniques. We strongly agree with this and are doing our best to use quality materials and many knowledgeable and skilled hands to help execute this.

When it comes to the buildings being destroyed, they are in the state they are in because of one thing, because of poor construction practices. It is a goal of ours to communicate to the people in the village the importance of building on a solid foundation with reliable materials. But in order to do this we will need funding and supplies and the sooner we are able to gather these vital factors, the sooner we are able to provide suitable and safe housing for the families in the village.

We have come up with an unique strategic idea to deal with the houses to be repaired and reconstructed, it will take some time but the people in the village will get there with our and your help.

Yes, I said YOU.

We need your help in helping rebuild the village, in order to help provide a vision and opportunity for their community. There is an urgent need for housing, some aid agencies have begun to construct transitional homes for thousands of Haitians facing a potentially violent rainy season without a roof over their heads. However, this is not the case in the village of Chauffard and it will be up to us and you to help construct suitable housing.

How can you help?

Well, there are numerous ways in which you can help:

1. One time or on going financial support
2. Donation of building materials
3. Going on a trip to lend a hand in the building projects
4. And certainly not least of all, but lots of prayer

Even though our time in Haiti will be just a week, we hope that during that week, there are the noises of hammers and saws being used to provide shelter for our friends.

Bondye Beni Lakay Nou!

God bless this house!

Children of Haiti

With all the hustle and bustle to find credible contacts and interpreters in Haiti it only makes practical and functional sense to take steps to learn to speak Creole. Not only to speak the language of the people of Haiti, but to seek to understand them and their language.

To engage in the lives of the people of Haiti, it helps to know the language!

Most go to Haiti with their own agenda and could care less if they can really communicate with the people they are going to help.

Think about it a moment…

What if someone comes to your house to fix your AC, because it is not working as you know it should be. You would need to be able to communicate to them the problem you have been experiencing in order to find a solution to the problem.

Right?

If the AC repair man comes right in and starts going through your house trying to fix the problem without communicating with you, you might feel as though he has overstepped his boundaries or even feel as though you are being taken advantage of.

How about this (which happens all too often).

In relationships with family, friends, or business partners it is hard to inner act or understand each other if we are not able to communicate. Sometimes each of our styles of communication verbally is very different and if we don’t take the time to learn each other’s style of communication, it makes it very challenging to inner act with each other.

The attitude of your heart reflects your true desires and if you seek to communicate with those in Haiti, you will take the needed steps to learn their language. I encourage you to take a few moments to watch the following link about One Man’s Unique Gift to Haiti: http://bit.ly/bro0Yv

To be able to communicate with the people of Haiti brings them much joy and shows them that we care about them, not just about coming in to “fix” things because they don’t have the resources. It is about building lasting relationships with the people of Haiti and sparking the vision of a better place. And encouraging them to catch the vision, to use their talents and skills to establish a healthy and functional community for years to come.

So for those of you out there that have taken learning Creole half heartedly or find it a hassle to learn, take a moment to put yourself in the people of Haiti’s shoes (most don’t even have shoes and that is a whole other post in and of its self.).

How about you?

Don’t you think it is about time to learn Creole?

We can only communicate and better help the people of Haiti if we understand their language.

Hello, all! We just wanted to share a quick e-mail we received from Troyce, one of our powerful partners for the work we are doing in Haiti.

She has been pushing ahead with a vision for how to contribute, and I thought it was a great example of all of the wonderful things happening. It goes to show that you can be helping with any skill set or interest you have.

You can always check in with us by Connecting with the Cause, or Donating directly. Without ado, here it is:

You have all been in my prayers and thoughts a lot and as we are planning our next visit I am reminded how much I am thankful that God has allowed me to serve with all of you.

I am excited about the Crossings trip this summer and really excited that my son and husband will be joining the team this trip. I know God is at work in Haiti and I am praying that I can be apart of His work.

I have gotten a lot more donations from the medical community. Some that Claude or other leaders could distribute to the hospitals and others that I would like to leave in Chauffard. Some of it is for basic first aid and other things probably would be more benefitial in the hospital setting like IV supply things and nutritional feeding supplies.

In addition to the medical supplies, my son (Andrew) has decided to have his Eagle Scout project be one that benefits our friends in Haiti He is currently collecting tents, tarps and clothing to distribute to our friends. He is very concerned about the rainy season coming and there not being any shelter and we wont be able to get the homes/building covered in time. He is praying that what little shelter a tent will provide will be helpful.

Because we are going to have a lot to bring over I was wondering if there is any way we can insure that a shipment would get to Claude or the other leaders if we shipped it ahead of time. I am not sure about the delivery set up and we want to make sure it gets to the community of Chauffard. Andrew is currently in communication with Americna Airlines to see if they will help but he wants a backup plan. He has collected some funds to help with the shipping fees and is wondering if it is going to be better to ship ahead of time.

We do have a friend in ST. Louis that works for Americna Airlines and we are tyring to find out if she can help with getting a container from them we just aren’t sure about getting it to the correct people after it arrives.

Jonathan, any thoughts or ideas on this? At this point we are not sure about how much we would like to ship ahead of time as we are still in the collecting/packing process. My husband (Steve) works for Disney World and they have agreed to allow him to hang some of Andrew’s flyers around so we are thinking we might have to much to bring with us.

Thanks for your input
Troyce Venturella