Forward Edge International

Hope for Haiti

2011-05-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

We just received this press release from Grace International, one of our partners in Haiti. Join us in praying for the leadership of this country.

-Forward Edge International
________________________

PRESS RELEASE

Of the National Conference of Evangelical Bishops of Haiti

Presidential Inauguration
All-night Prayer Watch

From Immoral to Moral Man Through Christ

Many thousands of Christians gather in front of the Presidential palace for an all night prayer watch and worship from 5 PM to 6 AM. All over the country and in Haitian communities around the world churches and groups organized the prayer watch in one accord with us.

On our knees on behalf of the nation and for God's wisdom for the new president

Bishop Joel Jeune addressing to the nation and leading the country in a prayer of dedication to God.

Thousands rededicated their life to God as Bishop Joel Jeune led the nation and new president in prayer of repentance, forgiveness, national reconciliation and dedication to God

Mr. Martely was never involved in politics. He was a popular musician who performed in carnivals (Mardigras) for many years. During the presidential campaign he was tagged as "the bad one" because of some of his past indecent performing acts on stage.

Before elected he came to Shalom Tabernacle, a Pentecostal church located on Delmas Road in Port-au-prince and had the Christians pray for him. After he was elected, he returned to that church to thank God and confirmed his desire to be a follower of Christ. He asked the church members not to call him president, but to call him "Brother Martely". He has made a special request for a nationwide all night prayer watch to be a part of his presidential inauguration. Thousands gathered in front of the presidential Palace to pray and worship from 5 PM to 6 AM. All over the country and in Haitian Communities worldwide churches and Christian groups organized the same prayer revival as they gathered in stadiums, school auditoriums joining with us in one accord.

Let us keep him and his administration in prayer, believing God to transform Haiti from the poorest in the Americas to become a prosperous nation. With more than 2 million homeless people living under tents and tarps since the 2010 earthquake, and so many other urgent needs in this country, he really needs much prayer to be able to make a difference.

Dr. Bishop Joel R Jeune

Grace International, Inc.

PO Box 172508, Hialeah FL 33017. www.graceintl.org

Pray for Egypt

2011-02-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

Below are words from an Egyptian believer we received via email from a missionary friend in Egypt. A bulletted prayer list is at the bottom.
______________________________

Many have asked me how we should pray for Egypt and to be honest I was not sure. The news is conflicting, at the same time the things said do not match with my knowledge and understanding of the reality of Egypt and the people.

The past two days, listening to news on Al Jezeera, BBC, and talking to parents and then talking to friends.... Each one had their own analysis and view about what is going on to an extreme... Confusion, confusion, confusion...

But one thing I sensed with them and agreed on is that last Friday, evil was unleashed in Egypt.

The Protest started as a real People’s revolution; it was the farmers, the poor workers, the true Egyptians asking for change, because they cannot take it any longer. Bread, oil, sugar and basic food prices keep going up. The poverty is increasing and unemployment is at its peek.

But, Friday night, a shift took place... the police completely withdrew from the streets of Egypt!!! And Thugs, believed to be from the secret police, were released to kill, steal and destroy! [It's believed this was] a strategy to cause havoc. Even The prisons were opened... over 10,000 prisoners were unleashed, now looting, attacking and destroying.

More than 500 people died this week in Egypt (not 100 as stated in the media!), mostly due to security forces attacking people. But Egyptian Youth are rising. We are seeing Egyptians as we have never seen them before. They have taken ownership of their nation. They are taking shifts protecting the neighborhoods; my brother told me, even the police are now asking their permission to pass through! [The Youth] are volunteering to clean streets, offering food and medical help to protesters. Moreover, they are recognizing the attempts of the Muslim Brotherhood to join the protests, but they completely banned and refused them. Now the MB are quiet, at least from among the crowds.

As for the Church - the Church is confused in Egypt. Not sure how to pray. All it is doing is calling people to pray. “We don’t know if change is going to be good or worse!” They need wisdom and revelation, to move at this opportune time in strategic prayers led by the Holy Spirit.

No one knows who is leading the crowd, who is releasing the thugs, who the looters are. It's like hell broke loose. [Yet,] is it better to not change? For Mubarak to stay??!! Surely, he can’t stay forever!!

I think that even though Mubarak was not a very radical president, was not a good reformer, was negligent of very important issues like justice, human rights, the poor... he kept the peace. Not a perfect person, but not an evil one either. He is a military man with limited capacity, but I don't think he is holding on now to stay longer, only to ensure a peaceful transition of power. After all, he is 82, sick, and he would have to go next November which is the end of the term anyway.

Appointing Omar Soliman as vice President and Shafik as PM, removing Habib El Adly (Minister of Interior) and other corrupt ministers is a very good move. The VP & PM are well-respected people, influential and capable of handling this transition. He is serious about moving on, not running away cowardly leaving the nation void in the hands of power hungry extremists.

The Egyptian voices in the street are starting to accept what is happening. They accept Omar Soliman and the new temporary cabinet. They refuse El Braadi, and right they should. He is not a good representation for the Egyptian people, and he is supporting the MB.

But things need to settle fast. The financial losses are estimated in billions. The damage, the money transferred out of the banks, the investments withdrawn and contracts canceled are going to affect Egypt’s economy for the next two decades!

So, please Pray for:

1. A peaceful transition of power. Wisdom and revelation for the leaders as to how they address the people of Egypt.

2. A quick end to this protest and the economic crisis accumulating.

3. That the evil unleashed will hit a wall, and the plans of the enemy to start a civil confrontation will not succeed.

4. Peace and security to return to the streets of Egypt

5. A restraining of the Muslim Brotherhood and other political parties who have evil, hidden agendas.

6. For the Church to have a prophetic voice at this critical time. For wisdom and revelation from the Father to speak life and reveal truth to the Church and the nation.

7. The Church to move prophetically and know how to handle this difficult time with confidence and boldness.

8. That Egyptians will not be taken lightly or mistreated any longer.

9. That President Mubarak will leave with dignity and honor, and none of his family will be harmed.

And please pass this information to your own prayer networks. Today is a critical day in Egypt as 1 million protesters gather in Tahrir square. May the Lord protect Egypt, His people.

Joseph Anfuso is Speaking at Summit View Church!

2010-08-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Joseph has been invited by Lead Pastor, Chris Kainu, to speak this Sunday at Summit View Church in Vancouver. He will be speaking on the topic of "Incarnational Evangelism." Come and be challenged!

Who: Joseph Anfuso
Where: Summit View Church: 7701 NE 182nd Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98682
When: Sunday, August 22, 9:30am & 11:30am

Love Your Neighbors

2010-08-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

Forward Edge has begun sending teams to Nashville, Tennessee to participate in flood relief efforts. Our first team went in July. The trip had an extraordinary impact on both the FEI team members and the community served. Not only did the team dry-wall everything that could be dry-walled, but they built relationships anywhere they could.

During the week some team members heard about an older neighbor, named Ruth, who needed some help with an electrical problem. This problem was not flood related, but the servant’s hearts of our team members recognized that their skills could be used. Throughout the time spent at Ruth’s home, conversation flowed and a relationship was built. During the chat the team members discovered that Ruth was celebrating her 80th birthday that week.

The team leapt into action, personally delivering a homemade cake, singing “Happy Birthday,” celebrating this milestone with their new friend.

It is so encouraging to hear how FEI team members are connecting on location to build relationships. This team proved what God can do when we are flexible enough to change our plans for his!

Hungry Children in Oaxaca, Mexico need YOU!

2010-07-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

One of our partners in Oaxaca, Trigo y Miel, has been feeding around 160 children, five days a week. For many of these children, this is the only meal of the day. Unfortunately, two of the five days no longer have funding.

This is where YOU come in.

Just $1,300 per month will provide funds for the two days recently dropped from the program. That's 65 people, giving just $20 per month to ensure these 160 children do not go hungry.

And your financial support for Trigo y Miel will provide not only nourishment, but also safety, help with homework, love, hugs, and knowledge of Jesus.

Please help...the children of Oaxaca need YOU!

Click* to make your donation today.

*From our donation page, select Child Feeding Program/Oaxaca, Mexico (Trigo y Miel) from the Designation.

Simple Pleasures in Haiti!

2010-06-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

By: Amy Bogdon

I was recently blessed to facilitate a team of amazing servants from Solid Rock Church in Beaverton, Oregon to Carrefour, Haiti. The team worked hard while we were there, building homes for the many living in tents on the Grace Village compound.

But the highlight from the trip might well be the ice cream!!! Our team took a break from building in the extreme heat to throw a good, old-fashioned ice cream party. This may seem pretty basic to most of us, but in Haiti, where the daily struggle to find food and water is all-consuming, ice cream is simply a dream.

Some of the kids we served had never even tasted the cold, creamy goodness while others are lucky enough to enjoy it about once a year. We even met a widow who hadn’t had ice cream since Jean-Claude Duvalier was in power, 28 years ago!

Excited laughter was silenced as every available bowl, cup and small pot was quickly filled and passed out to eager hands! The look of pure enjoyment on the faces of these children and widows was enough to re-energize the team.

What a pleasure it was to share this simple joy with my friends in Haiti. I came back from my trip energized, ready to help more of you experience the joy of serving in Haiti.

Contact me today to learn how you can throw your own ice cream party in Haiti! amy@forwardedge.org.

Help Respond to Flooding in Nashville, TN

2010-05-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

On May 1, 2010, middle Tennessee received over 10 inches of rainfall before mid-afternoon. By the next morning, the rivers exceeded their previous highs by over 14 feet. Over 30 people have lost their lives and 42 counties have been declared disaster areas. At least 18,000 people have already registered with FEMA for assistance.

As the waters recede, thousands of homes, churches, schools and other buildings are left in need of repair. The current estimated flood damage exceeds $1.56 billion in Nashville alone and that number continues to rise.

Integral to the Forward Edge mission is showing Christ's love through long-term recovery and disaster response work.

Join us as we respond to the need in Nashville.

Teams are now forming for this summer to travel to Music City, USA to assist in the clean-up and the rebuilding of homes and lives.

YOU can join this effort!

PRAY--for Tennesseans who are trying to put their lives back together after this devastating flood
GIVE--funds are urgently needed to help with hte rebuilding efforts.
GO--review the Fact Sheet for details and then send us your name, contact information, and availability.

Please contact Nicole Klepec, Team Coordinator with questions or to sign up for a team at 360.574.3343 or nicole@forwardedge.org.

"Night Song from Haiti" by Elbert Chu

2010-05-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Photographer Elbert Chu captures, in sound and photo, the current reality in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Watch his presentation here: http://elbertchu.com/multimedia/nightsong/

2010-05-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today is May 1st. I have been in Haiti almost nine weeks. Including the first trip in February, it will be ten weeks. Tomorrow is my last day in Jacmel. Thursday we finished the house we were building for a homeless family. Their names are Berrier and Santelia Lamothe. They have three children at home. Their names are Guerrier, Lazarre, and Remi. Pray for this family. Pray that the Lord blesses the family and that he provides work for Berrier. The ministry that we have been working with in building the house and in sending teams to Jacmel is called Restoration Ministries. They have several leaders; Pastor Gerald Lafleur, Pastor Fedony, Pastor Rodrigue. They have been very gracious to me. I would ask that you pray for their ministry and for their future growth. They are building a new church building. Pray that the Lord provides the finances to complete the buiding.

Monday I leave Jacmel for Peateonville. It is above Port au Prince in the mountains. Next week a team of Contractors, Engineers and Architects will travel to Port au Prince and then to La Plain to recon a site for a future planned community. It will be a model city for Haiti. Pray for their success. At the end of their trip I will return to my family in California. Pray that everthing goes well and the team is successful.

Pastors Vision Trip

2010-04-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Pastors from various parts of the U.S. are set to visit Haiti. They will visit Jacmel, Port au Prince and Grace Village at Carrefour. Their visit is to learn more about ministry opportunities in Haiti.The group will be led by Bob Craddock. Two weeks ago a youth group from Long Island, New York came to Jacmel. They were the most committed young Christians I have been associated with on a mission trip overseas. They not only were very talented performers, they were able to minister to the people of Jacmel in a very deep and encouraging way. After every performance at a church or in public they would ask if anyone wanted prayer and every time almost all the people came forward. The school children where they performed gave them rapt attention and were impressed that these youngster would travel so far to encourage them. They knew how much the team cared for the people of Haiti.

Help Haiti Now!

2010-04-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

You can make a difference in Haiti. We can show you how!

Latest News from Haiti

2010-04-02T14:12:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday a man name Berria responded to the alter call given by Pasto Lafleur of Restoration Ministries Church. Nick Rogers went forward with him as support, as Nick and the FEI team have been building Berria’s house and have gotten to know him through that. Berria is not married but has decided that he wants to do the right thing and marry his girlfriend. Her name is Saintelia. The people of the church are excited because, not only are these two getting married, but many others are being compelled to do what the Bible calls us to.

Next week the second FEI team to Haiti is arriving. The team will be doing a variety of ministries in Jacmel. They will be visiting feeding sites and schools, working with children and building at multiple sites. The team will be staying at a hotel owned by Christians and will have evening worship services there. A Haitian worship service is such a moving and spiritual experience!

New Wells Working in Nicaragua's RAAN Region!!

2010-03-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Recently in Botania, with the help of some villagers and Julio, a prominent leader of Verbo Ministries, we were able to complete another well! We now have FOUR wells providing clean water to hundreds on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. Two of the wells provide clean water for the Casa Bernabe orphanage and the rest of the Verbo Campus. The other two wells that were recently completed are providing water to two villages, one named Krukira, with about 225+ households, and also Botania, with about 100+ households. A household could have up to 12 residents.

Due to the dry season, most of the shallow wells in the area had gone dry with a month or more remaining before the rains come. These new working wells are a huge blessing as they will provide clean, safe drinking water throughout the dry season.

There is still more work to be done in these locations including health evangelism and training and construction of a raised platform to hold the storage tank. This tank allows the community to get water easily, even when there is no power. It also helps the pump last longer. We are working with the residents of the village so that they can participate in the construction of the tower. We will provide the cement, steel, and a few other items, while they provide the labor and sand rock needed to build a strong tower of concrete. This helps them feel a sense of ownership in the project.

Most importantly, all of this work helps us build relationships and reach people with the message of the Gospel!

There are so many needs for water here on the Atlantic Coast. Due to the type of soil we are encountering we have determined that a rotary drill would speed up the process considerably, drilling many more wells in less time. This new drill is a major need for our Clean Water Ministry. Please share this need with all you know! We need prayers and funds to help meet this need. If you want to help, please contact the FEI home office (360.574.3343 or fei@forwardedge.org).

First FEI Team to Haiti Heads Home!

2010-03-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

The first FEI team to Haiti has finished up in Haiti. Nick Rogers, FEI Field Coordinator, commented, “This first team broke ground here in Haiti for all the other FEI teams. And they have set a very high standard in terms of spiritual maturity, workmanship, and ministry among the Haitian people! I believe they will long remember their experiences in Haiti.”

Their last day of work in Jacmel was Thursday, March 18. They were able to complete the foundation, flooring slab, and put up two framed walls. The day was finished off with a celebration. The team invited the Haitian workers to their team house for dinner and a birthday celebration for Polly, one of the team members. The Haitians brought presents for all the team members and baked two cakes for Polly!

The next day the team traveled to Carrefour to stay at Grace Village. Their host, Michel Jeune, was very gracious, arranging lunch and transportation for the team. The team was treated to a tour of the boy’s home at Grace Village and some relaxation time before heading home.

God is working in Haiti and we are thrilled to be part of His plan! Teams are now forming for the summer and fall months. Groups and individuals are encouraged to contact Haiti Team Coordinator, Amy Bogdon, to join the restoration effort! 360.574.3343 or amy@forwardedge.org.

First Team in Haiti a Success!

2010-03-17T12:27:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a great day of progress. Tom and Wendy, the team’s facilitators, are a wonderful pair and Tom is wonderful at leading a team. The team has a wonderful spirit and a cheerful attitude about every inconvenience or slowness. They and the Haitian workers integrate very well. They seem to have kindred spirits. They even sing Christian songs while they work. They share their lunch with their fellow workers and are concerned about the welfare of everyone involved. At about 1:00 pm, the women on the team have been going to the church to do ministry with the children and help out with an after-school feeding program.

The house foundation is complete; the framing is starting, and the floor will be poured at the same time as framing takes place. All the members of the team have contributed in a marvelous way both in their labor, and in their labors of love and encouragement. One young man named Nick has been a real blessing as a worker and leader in construction. He is a very bright young man, who can outwork anyone! He really knows construction and construction management and he wants to stay here when the team leaves and help me with the completion of the construction project. I think he would be a great help.

The whole team is a Godsend. Since the arrived there have been breakthroughs in every area. Just about everything we pray for comes to fruition. I can feel the prayers of all the people who support this team, and it is fervent and effectual, causing wonderful things to happen.

Nick Now Has a Motor Scooter!

2010-03-11T15:52:00.000-08:00

I have been in Haiti eight days. This Saturday our first team arrives from the U.S. I am hoping to have the foundation of the first house completed by the time the team arrives Saturday. We have hired a master builder and four other laborers. We are not quite as far along as I had hoped because everyone is building here and there are too many demands for too few products. It has been a good learning experience and the people I work with at Restoration Ministries have been a great help. Today when we were unloading the 49 sacks of cement, one of the drivers would carry one on his head and the other in his arms. The sacks weigh 94 pounds each.

I now have some transportation (a Motor Scooter), so you can pray for me as I drive around! It was fairly inexpensive and the nice thing is that it is supposed to get 150 miles per gallon of gas. I hope this is true! Pray that we are able to get the footings poured tomorrow, and then the foundation finished Saturday.

Update from Nick Rogers in Haiti

2010-03-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have been in Haiti six days. The country has changed in just three weeks since our scouting trip. A great deal of progress has been made both in PaP (Port-au-Prince) and Carrefour. When I arrived I slept in a tent at Grace Village in Carrefour. It rained all night. I slept through most of it since I had spent the night before on a bench at the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Many people sleeping in tents told me they had not slept at all. Their tents leaked and mine did not.

The next day I was impressed at the progress at Grace Village. They have been designated and a "Cluster" by the U.N. Danny Jeune, the director, gave me a tour of the site including their hospital. The hospital is new but is not currently in use, so it will be used by the U.N. as a food and shelter storage site. There were many bathroom facilities being constructed next to the refugee site for sanitation purposes. All 17,000 refugees had been organized into 12 groups and leaders appointed over them. The leaders met with Danny each day. A building to house the orphans had been built outside the main building. The building had been certified as safe to re-enter by structural engineers certified for earthquake assessment.

I then travelled to La Plain, which is Haiti's main Agriculture site, just fifteen miles from the border with the Dominican Republic. The site is beautiful, with ample water from natural springs. The next day I traveled to Jacmel where I have an apartment. On Saturday they asked me to preach in the main service. It was my second time of preaching at Restoration Ministries Church. The worship service and singing was wonderful. I will send a video if I can. It seemed like a little bit of heaven.

This week we begin constructing homes for the homeless. Our teams here will be helping with the construction. They will also be teaching children and some adults English while teaching about the Bible.

A Beautiful Example of God Using ALL Things for Good!

2010-03-02T12:46:00.001-08:00

2010-03-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog ever. Tomorrow I leave for a second time to Haiti. On our first trip I experienced a great time with Joseph, Bob, and Dan, our photographer. A country of lovely people that had just experienced the greatest destruction since WW II. The emotions we all experienced as people told us their stories and sang us songs such as, "God has not forgotten me, God knows my name, " brought tears to my eyes.

Teams to Haiti are Being Scheduled!

2010-02-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

For those of you waiting to set up your trip to Haiti, your wait is over! We are now scheduling teams for Haiti, the first leaving as early as Mid-march. The available dates are filling quickly, so don't delay! We are working to send both individuals (plugging them into an existing team) and groups.

For more detailed information about the trip, please review our Haiti Fact Sheet.

Contact Matt Harris to schedule your trip. matt@forwardedge.org or 360.574.3343.

Don't miss this opportunity to find extraordinary purpose!

Job Opportunity: Haiti Field Coordinator Needed!

2010-02-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

Our team is wrapping up their time in Haiti. The trip has been very successful and they have made many important connections that will help us as we work to help rebuild in the coming months and years.

A key component to our program in Haiti will be making sure we have full-time field coordinators in Haiti who will help identify projects and organize work for the incoming short-term volunteers. We are currently accepting resumes from interested candidates.

If you are interested please review the full job desciption. We are seeking people with the desire and ability to commit to a year or more in Haiti. If you'd like to apply, forward your resume with a cover letter to Matt Harris at matt@forwardedge.org

Once our team is back we will review the applications and begin building our team in Haiti.

A Note from Joe in Haiti

2010-02-08T08:29:00.001-08:00

Our team of four arrived in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, February 3, then flew in a small Cessna to Jacmel, Haiti on the morning of the 4th. A coastal town of 40,000 two hours by car southwest of Port-au-Prince, Jacmel swelled to 80,000 in the days following the earthquake. Many buildings in the downtown area were flattened, and Coleman tents line the downtown streets. Thousands of displaced people are also squatting in a tent city inside the town's soccer stadium.

In the midst of the chaos, a Christian church is thriving. Some members of the congregation, too frightened to sleep inside their damaged homes, are camping under crudely-erected tarps in a field adjacent to a small, ramshackle church building. Remarkably, the children and adults squatting outside the church have been gathering three times a day to pray and worship. There is a tone of resolve in their singing, a spirit that seems to be saying: "We shall overcome." One of the most popular songs is one written in English by a musician from Antigua with the chorus: "Haiti, I still love you." Twenty three people have come to Christ in this church since the earthquake, including eight who came forward yesterday following a message by one our team members, Nick Rogers.

After yesterday's church service in Jacmel we headed north toward Port-au-Prince. The magnitude of the disaster became increasingly apparent as we approached the capital city. We passed mile after mile of collapsed homes, schools, church buildings and businesses--a level of destruction we had a hard time wrapping our minds around. Every quarter mile or so, sprawling tent villages appeared, jammed with people struggling to survive--literally. We've heard that 99% of the population in the area affected by the earthquake are sleeping out of doors, too afraid to sleep inside their homes, if they still have homes. When the rains come, the situation will be even more desperate.

Last night we camped inside a walled-in girls home where 52 girls are camping outside their heavily-damaged facility. Just outside the walls, 17,000 people are squatting in tents or under large plastic tarps, people who were not there before the earthquake. The Christian directors of the girls home have been distributing food to the squatters--food that they are receiving from the U.S. military and other aid organizations.

I believe Forward Edge will be mobilizing hundreds of volunteers from the U.S. and Canada to help in a variety of ways. We can help sort and distribute food in the vicinity of Port-au-Prince, a need that will exist for months. We can set up more permanent shelters in Jacmel for the people living in tents. We can send doctors and nurses to work out of the hospital in Jacmel. And, eventually, we can help repair or rebuild homes, orphanages and schools.

The need is great, and the recovery will take many, many years. But the opportunity to demonstrate Christ's love to the people of Haiti is also great. Soon, FEI will be providing opportunities for thousands of Christ followers to do just that.

Team Headed to Haiti Today

2010-02-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

A streamlined team of four key FEI personnel left for Haiti today.

Coordinating this trip has been tricky but we finally worked out the kinks. There were a number of different options that fell through before we found the right flights at the right time.

The team will be taking a commercial flight to Florida and then Santiago, Dominican Republic. From there they will take a small flight with GO Ministries into Jacmel. We are grateful to GO for their assistance in this.

The team is carrying in the supplies they will need, including tents, food, water, etc. They are also carrying in about 20 water purifying kits that they can hand out where needed. They are not taking any additional supplies because they are very, very limited on weight due to the small plane that is flying them into Jacmel.

Please pray for divine appointments and safety as they work to set up the infrastructure necessary for our long-term rebuilding efforts.

Update: Trip Rescheduled

2010-01-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

FEI's planned trip to Haiti this week has been rescheduled for early next week due to a cancelation by American Airlines. To help aid the first responders, the military has taken control of the airports in Port-au-Prince (PaP) and Jacmel, limiting incoming flights. This, along with the desire to not burden the already overtaxed resources, has caused us to postpone the trip.

Because of this cancelation and a scheduling conflict with another mission trip to Nicaragua, the medical personnel planning to go on this early trip are postponing until late March.

FEI is currently currently planning to fly in next week with Missionary Flights International and Mission Aviation Fellowship. Those on the team will be setting up the infrastructure and finalizing details, like accomodations, for the future volunteer teams.

We have currently heard from over 500 volunteers interested in serving in Haiti in the coming months/years and we are still gathering information. If you are interested in serving, please email your contact information and availability to Matt Harris at matt@forwardedge.org

Our goal is to help with the recovery and reconstruction of a community in Haiti, with a focus on helping vulnerable children. It is likely that the first FEI teams will arrive in Haiti late March.

We are also accepting donations to help supply the resources (i.e. materials, laborers, field staff) necessary for this long-term recovery effort.

Please continue to pray for the hurting of Haiti and for our team members as they travel to Haiti and finalize plans.

Haiti Team Nurse in the News!

2010-01-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

Shari Pfeiffer, one of the nurses traveling with our team on January 27th, is in the news! Follow the link below to learn more about Shari and the upcoming trip.

http://www.dailyinsider.info/today.html

URGENT: Prayers for Haiti

2010-01-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

Please remember our friend Tony in your prayers. He has confirmed that his sister and her children were killed by the quake.

We have been working with Tony in recent weeks as we have been building our program in Haiti. Prior to the quake, Tony was going to provide ground transportation for our scouting team.

We have also been in contact with Aaron, an aid worker from South Carolina, who has been able to keep us updated via Text message. Aaron is in a remote area serving at Hospital Lumiere and has been working hard to treat the injured. The medical supplies his team brought in are now gone with many people still in need of treatment.

Aaron has asked that we pray hard for medical supplies from one of the aid organizations (like the Red Cross or Global Outreach). People are losing lives and limbs due to the lack of supplies. Some have had open wounds and factures that have been untreated for seven days.

The UN dropped off food and water this morning, which is an answer to earlier prayers. Please pray for more medical supplies.

New Key Team Member Added

2010-01-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

Retired National Guard Lieutenant Colonel, Nick Rogers, has agreed to join the team to Haiti on January 27th. Nick was instrumental in organizing our relief efforts in the Gulf Coast post-Katrina, spending three months in the Gulf getting things set up for our work there.

Nick has agreed to go to Haiti for two to three months to help organize and prepare for our long-term recovery efforts there. This preparatory work will begin with the team on the 27th. We are so thankful Nick is able to join that team and help in this way. His skills and experience are a huge blessing!

FEI Sending Team to Haiti January 27

2010-01-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

We are sending a team of 7 individuals from January 27-February 2. This team consists of three medical professionals, and four key personnel.

The three RN's are Suzie Smith (experienced trauma flight nurse), Shari Pfeiffer (experienced in earthquake and disaster response), Peggy O’Neil (experienced FEI team member and pharmacy technician). The RN's will be bringing their expertise along with medicines and medical supplies.

The staff members include Joe Anfuso, FEI Founder and President; Bob Craddock, Program Director--Mission Teams; Tom Hogan, Field Staff; RJ Smith, experienced team member.

Staff will be focusing on identifying key Haitian partners for the rebuilding efforts and firming up the logistics for future teams (lodging, transportation, projects, etc.).

The team's plans are fluid as dictated by the disaster.

FEI's experience and expertise with disaster recovery lies in mobilizing volunteers to help the victims of disasters get back into their homes, rebuild their churches and community centers, and rebuild children’s homes.

We plan to continue sending medical teams and supplies as well, as the need persists.

Due to lack of infrastructure in Haiti (pre and post earthquake) our plans must remain flexible and dynamic. We will continue to update this blog as more information becomes available.

2010-01-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

Help Respond to the Earthquake in Haiti

Haiti experienced a catastrophic 7.0-magnitude earthquake Tuesday, January 12th, their worst in two centuries. God has called FEI to Haiti and we are responding!

You can join this effort:

Pray--for Haiti and our team as they travel there and plan our response

Give --funds are urgently needed for the recovery efforts. MATCHING GIFT NOW BEING OFFERED! Click the donate button on the right and click the Earthquake Relief: Haiti/Nick Shivers Challenge to make sure your gift has double the impact!

Go--email us your name, contact information and availability

Mike Horn Talks With K-LOVE DJ About Trip!

2009-11-18T08:51:00.001-08:00

Listen to Mike Horn and Larry Wayne talk about their trip to Nicaragua!

K-LOVE Interview

KLOVE Contest Winner: A Man With Extraordinary Purpose!

2009-09-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Why I Nominated Michael Horn
By: Dianna Ayala

I was listing to KLOVE when I heard the announcement on the radio for the “Ordinary people. Extraordinary purpose” contest. The first person that came to my mind was Michael Horn. I immediately dialed the number. I felt strongly about calling but was not able to get through. I asked God that if this is what He wanted, then could He please let me get through by the time I got to my destination. It had been almost 45 minutes when, right before reaching the destination, I got through. It was meant to be!

I met Michael in 1999 through a mutual employer. In June of 2007, Michael hired me to work for his company, Foothills Paving & Maintenance, Inc.

Michael is a loving, faithful husband to his wife of 25 years, Kris. He is a wonderful father of five beautiful girls. He is a deacon at his church, has been asked to be part of the Gideons, and is a leader for Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Michael allows the office staff to attend BSF during work hours and pays us for the time. He believes strongly that any of his employees who choose to be in the Word of God should be given the opportunity.

Michael and Kris have given Foothills Paving & Maintenance, Inc. to the Lord, calling it God’s company to use at His will. The company philosophy is “Do what is fair and right” and they also donate to several different ministries. To avoid laying off any employees during the current tough economy, Michael and Kris have chosen to not get paid.

Last year, Michael went on a mission’s trip to India where he worked with Kimmy’s House orphans. It changed his life. He loved all of the children and even placed framed pictures in his office. I knew he wouldn’t be able to afford to go on a mission trip this year even through he wanted to, especially after sacrificing his own income.

This contest with KLOVE was a perfect opportunity for Michael to be able to fulfill his calling!

I choose to nominate Michael because he is much more than a great boss. I think he is an amazingly smart businessman, who seeks the guidance of God first and foremost. I see the love and passion that he has for God and respect him. He loves his wife so much and appreciates her and her gifts. He is a devoted father to his girls, always making time for them and their important events. He is involved in the day-to-day operations of his company and still finds time to do his bible study, go to church, and help with BSF. He is a spiritual guide who has a way of making me really think about things. He challenges me to be a better person in Christ and encourages me to find ways to serve.

Michael Horn is ordinary man with extraordinary purpose!

Music for a Purpose with SAMM

2009-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Forward Edge International is excited to announce that EMI recording artist and friend of FEI, Sam Martin, will be live in concert, Sunday September 27th.

Sam has graciously allowed FEI to have a presence at the event and show a video about Child Sponsorship! So grab your friends and family and come out to support SAMM and the children of Villa Esperanza.

Who: SAMM with special guest David Klinkenberg

Where: Aladdin Theater, Portland

When: September 27 at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00pm)

Tickets: $10 through FEI (we have a limited number so contact us today!) or $20 at the Aladdin Box Office

Ophthalmology Team in Oaxaca

2009-03-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 20th, Tom and Wendy Hogan, FEI Field Staff, welcomed the latest ophthalmology team to Oaxaca, Mexico. Thankfully, everyone arrived safely with all the necessary luggage and medical equipment.

By the time the team arrived at the Manos de Ayuda clinic at 7:00 am Saturday, about 25 people were already there, waiting. The patients had travelled by bus to the clinic the previous day, arriving around 1:00 am.

Dr. Luz (the local physician) did a lot of pre-team leg work to help ensure the trip goes smoothly, including interviewing and checking the prospective patients in the surrounding communities. She had arranged transportation to the clinic for the patients and had them pre-checked, with a chart prepared, by the time the team arrived.

Saturday morning the team spent some time getting organized. They set up equipment and picked up some last-minute supplies before getting started. Even with the administrative details to take care of, they were still able to perform 12 cataract removal surgeries on Saturday and 11 on Sunday. Praise God!

Tom Hogan was amazed by how well this team of individuals, many of whom had only just met, works together. He reported, "It's like watching a well-oiled machine at work. Each one knows their function, and works as if they've been together for years."

A local television crew arrived to record the events and interview Dr. Luz and Tom Hogan. The report should air on the local TV station today.

God is truly blessing this team. We are so excited that so many are already experiencing the joy of sight and look forward to hearing further reports.

A Day in the Life

2009-02-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

There is a peace that settles over you as you drive through the gates of Villa Esperanza in Nicaragua. The chaos and noise of Managua city disappears as you pass through the row of palm trees surrounding the front gates of the property. As you look forward you quickly understand that everything is thriving, from the green grass and vibrantly colored foliage to the laughing children.

The hustle and bustle of activity at the Villa begins early and continues well after dark. This is more than a village, it is living, breathing organism. Even the girls living at the Villa start their day early, around 5 am on school days. They are up with their pet rooster, exercising, doing their chores and preparing for their day at school.

The kitchen in the Rancho is constantly busy and well trafficked! Flor de liz, the cook, always has the coffee strong, dark and hot (we are very thankful for her). Caretakers are constantly hard at work cleaning the walkways, raking the ever-present leaves, watering the plants, cooking meals, cleaning the casas, doing laundry, and on and on. Construction for the next phase of children’s homes is underway, adding to the ever present activity.

Teams have breakfast early and begin their day immediately thereafter. They head out to serve various centers around the city or, as the team did while we were here, they bring community members into the Villa for training and games.

The Villa is a place for the children living here to thrive, it is a base and place of retreat for short-term teams, and it is a community center that is well-known throughout the city. The vision for the Villa is not only to help the girls but also to minister to the surrounding community. This dream has become a reality!

A team from New York came to spend time training teachers from two local schools, Colegio Cristiano La Esperanza and El Canyon. A week was dedicated to helping these teachers learn new techniques and skills. While the teachers were learning, the children from the schools came to the Villa to play with the girls living here. The added bonus: each of these activities were centered around sharing the Good News of Christ with the children and adults who were served.

As the day passes and comes to a close, activities slow down but do not cease. After the evening meal, team members spend time recharging for tomorrow. They lounge in hammocks, debrief the day and plan for tomorrow, play games and continue building those important relationships.

The girls spend time playing with the team and each other, just hanging out and being children (after homework, of course). The newly erected playground near the children’s homes is a big hit with the kids and visiting team members. The children run from one piece of equipment to another with the vibrancy of youth. Team members follow closely behind, usually gasping for air as they try to keep up with the kids. The house mothers visit with the workers of the Villa as they rock on their front porches, keeping an eye on their children.

In the evening, sitting on the porch of a casa, peace surrounds us and calms us. The soft sounds of laughter and conversation settle over the Villa, as calming as the ever-present breeze. There is love here—prominently displayed in the hugs and shining eyes of the children. There is peace and hope here—shown in the genuine smiles and friendships nurtured within these walls. God is here, his smile shining brightly with the sun, His voice riding the wind. He encourages, blesses, and directs as He lives in the hearts of so many.

"Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation. Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:1b-3

FEI and Luis Palau in Oaxaca

2008-11-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

November 10, 2008

Thanks for the prayers!! They are working!

First of all, everyone made it here safely, including Richard Twiss and his group. Since Richard, Mike Hendricks and their team were leaving right away, we had Richard share with our team briefly about the importance of indigenous ministry. He spoke about how God created the different ethnic groups that are on the earth, and that each of us needs to embrace our ethnic identity, and not feel any sense of shame about who we are. He challenged us to be sensitive as we reach out to the different tribal groups in Oaxaca.

It's so great to have such a great team of leaders. Each one adds something to the group.

All of the Meds that the Redding group brought MADE IT THROUGH customs with no problem! Halleujah. We were a "little" worried about that one, but God just stepped in and made a way. Very cool!

Saturday, we spent the day with Pastor Victor at Guillermo Guardado, helping minister to 120+ children. We did skits, songs, face painting, balloons, fed them breakfast, played soccer with the…and had a blast! We will go back to that same location on Wednesday for a small medical clinic. Praise God that we have such a great team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists with us on this team. It will be such a blessing to that community.

Sunday morning, we went to Principe de Paz church. Pastor Marcelino was so gracious and let us be involved in the whole service. I wish you could see how the people were entering into worship. Incredible. Carl LaCasse has been taking pictures almost non-stop, so you'll get a chance to experience some to what's happening here.

Ronny Gilmore preached and I interpreted in English for our team. God really moved on people, and encouraged them to Live what they Believe, in order to make a difference in their families and communities. We were scheduled to go till about 1:00 p.m., but prayer ministry and fellowship went on till 2:45 p.m.! Nobody wanted to leave. Sweet.

Monday, we helped unload a VANLOAD of Palau pamphlets, magazines, posters, etc... That was a bit spur of the moment, but it's all part of being FLEXIBLE on the mission field. We make our plans, and we need to put them before the Lord for Him to change as He sees fit.

After that, we went to Manantial to pour floors with Marcelino. We were able to bless one family with a large floor. The mom is a widow, with 3 sons living at home with her. A tough situation for sure. The 14 year old and the 17 year old are out in the city working, to support their Mom and eight-year-old little brother. They were a little hesitant to interact with us at first, but as we were finishing the floor, we were able to minister to them, pray with them and encourage them.
We also worked on preparing four other floors that we'll try to get done today and tomorrow. The ground up there is hard, and filled with rocks, so prep work is slow.

How you can pray for Oaxaca:

Please pray that God would bring unity among the believers in Manantial. There have been so many divisions, broken promises, mistrust.

Pray for Wisdom for Pastor Marcelino to be able to effectively minister to the people of Manantial. He has a good relationship with some, but there seems to be resistance from others.

Pray for the ministry that will happen this after noon at Manantial. After we pour floors in the morning, some of the team is going to invite the children in the neighborhood to come to the church for a time of sharing, puppets, clowns, and a teaching on unity.

Pray for health for the team. A couple of people have already been ill. God is able, and we are trusting in Him. We just need to be aware of our own limitations, and not push it too hard.

Blessings! And thanks for praying.

Tom Hogan

Oaxaca Field Coordinator

Well Drilling Equipment & Medical Supplies Ship this week!

2008-10-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! Thanks to all of you out there who share our cause...At the end of this week a well-drilling rig and support vehicle are scheduled to be shipped to Nicaragua along with BADLY needed medical equipment and supplies. The well drilling is an huge answer to prayer for clean water on this impoverished coast.

A little extra space in the shipping container has allowed us to ship wheelchairs for children and adults, along with important medical equipment for the clinic in Puerto Cabezas. The chairs we are sending are specially outfitted for the needs of the child AND made for the third world, so they are VERY sturdy, with big wheels to handle the uneven terrain.

Attached are a couple of photos of some of the kids you are helping. Here is a little information about them:

Spina Bifida with Hydrocephalus occurs at a much higher rate in this region than is typical elswhere and may be linked to heavy metals in the contaminated water supply. This 8 year old boy cannot walk or use his arms. There are many other children affected and caring for them is a huge burden on the mothers. Having a wheelchair specially fitted for their needs and for the terrain will change their lives.

Abel was born with a deformed right leg. He is healthy in every other way, and though he is an orphan, the whole village takes very good care of him. Abel longs to play with his friends. You are helping provide him with a lightweight sport wheelchair that will be sure to put a smile on his somber little face!

You are also making it possible for us to send 15-20 adult chairs. Lobster diving is a lucrative occupation for the young men in Puerto Cabezas. Unfortunately it is very dangerous and is killing and disabling these young men at an alarming rate. Here is an informative link about the problem: http://www.cdnn.info/news/safety/s080807.html. "There are as many as 800 debilatated or paralyzed scuba divers...suffered health complications related to decompression sickness" (the "bends")

You are helping so very many people. Thank you, on behalf of all the villagers who will have clean water, the mothers and families who struggle to care for handicapped loved ones, and the little boy who longs to run and play with friends. And from all of us at Forward Edge - your continued friendship means so much to us as we labor together to alleviate suffering and spread the Good News.

Bless you!
April Harris
Donor Relations

In The Wake of Gustav

2008-09-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

Your prayers made a difference with Hurricane Gustav! God graciously answered and the storm was much less severe than predicted.

Yet, while New Orleans avoided major tragedy, areas west of the city have been severely damaged and your help is needed.

The lives of those living in the Gulf Coast have been thrown into chaos once again. Now is the time to show them the love of Christ in a way they may have never before experienced.

This restoration effort is about so much more than fixing roofs. It is about the heart of our Master. God uses your hands and feet to provide hope to those in need.

Will YOU serve?

Aaron Gordon and Bob Johnson, FEI field staff living in the Gulf Coast area, reported, "We found much need for assistance. The damage is not at Hurricane Katrina level, but lots of roofs were torn apart. Lots of trees are down and the power lines are shredded in MOST places."

FEI is uniquely positioned to help those affected. We have the resources in place to begin restoration immediately, but we can't do it without YOU!

How you can serve:

Volunteer-join a team or create a team and offer support and hope to the hopeless and disheartened.
Make a Financial Gift - funds are a necessary component of disaster response. Your financial support makes this ministry possible. MAKE A DONATION NOW
Pray - continue to pray for those affected. Also pray that the other storms of this hurricane season will be diverted.

To learn how you can show Christ's love to your fellow countrymen and women in desperate need, contact Nate Wieck at 360.574.3343 or nate@forwardedge.org today.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and, Love your neighbor as yourself." -Jesus

16 Girls Now Call Villa Esperanza Home

2008-09-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Praise God, 16 children now call Villa Esperanza home. Scarleth (13) and Erminia (7) recently lost their dad after a long battle with AIDS. They are now experiencing the love of their Heavenly Father through their new family at the Villa.

These are just two girls whose lives have been forever changed after moving into Villa Esperanza this past July. The smiles on the faces of these children is a true testament to God’s faithfulness through your hard work and generous donations.

Villa Esperanza, or “Village of Hope”, was born out of a desire to provide a safe haven for children who live in the Managua city dump. These children, while living in the dump, are at risk for all kinds of abuse. Extreme poverty and terrible living conditions combine to force many young girls into prostitution as early as nine years old. Families share shelter, beds, and food. Many children go without meals, and drugs are often a welcome relief from the horrors of life in the dump.

God has not forgotten these children! He has provided a vision that is making a real difference in their lives. In 2007, with your donations of time and financial support, FEI founded Villa Esperanza. When complete, the Villa will be home to as many as 72 children, all with stories of poverty and pain like Scarleth and Erminia. The Villa is designed to create family settings for the children, with up to eight children and one house parent in each home. The giggles of the newest residents echoing through the Villa are happy confirmation that the vision has become a reality.

The girls who now call Villa Esperanza home are daily experiencing Christ’s love through the visiting volunteers and housemoms. Because many of the short-term teams who serve in Managua stay at the Villa, they are given a unique opportunity to interact with these rescued children, building deep and lasting relationships.

Villa Esperanza gives you the chance to help change the lives of the most vulnerable in Nicaragua. This oasis, this village of hope, is only possible with your continued support in the form of prayers, time, and finances. YOU can give a child the gift of laughter, of love, of childhood.

Would you like to know how?
• Help sponsor a child for as little as $1 a day; call FEI (360.574.3343) or visit w w w.forwardedge.org.
• Sponsor a housemom who has given up everything to care for these beautiful children.
• Pray for the girls as they adjust to their new home; the housemoms as they guide the children; and Forward Edge as we take on new responsibilities.
• Travel to Nicaragua to help continue the work on the Villa and love on the girls.

You can be the hands and feet of Jesus in this small section of the world, desperately in need of His love.