News Letter Updates

We want to share with you our vision for a small rural village in southwestern Haiti.  This remote area north of Torbeck, about ten miles away from Les Cayes, has a church that has been taking care of twenty-six orphans.  The orphans attend the services and are growing spiritually. The church has a strong desire to be able to assist these orphans, an many others physically as well as educationally. Their desire to help the other orphans in the area is limited by their finances.

In the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Haiti, there was a great need for immediate assistance for the local people to purchase food and minor medical supplies.  With your help, we successfully sent funds at least twice to the local pastors for food supplies to help in the time of need for them and their congregation.   James 1:27  What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world. 

The overall vision we have at Youth Quests International is to provide enough help, assistance, support and education to help this community help themselves in the following ways:

• assist the church and pastors
• help provide self-sustaining agricultural projects 
• provide a safe and clean drinking water source
• start building the first phase of the orphanage project 
• then move on to an educational center for school classes  
• vocational training  
• an educational center for the local villagers

In the information that follows, we will share with you the achievements and successes we have had this year in cooperation with your help, assistance and support.  After our initial preliminary trip, there were two teams that went to the village near Torbeck this year.  

 In preparation for the teams that would arrive, I and four other men flew to Haiti and spent between 3 to 5 days with the people.  It was our desire to assess the immediate needs of the local people and the minimal requirements and safety issues for the teams. Due to this visit, needed changes were made to the original plans that would better meet the immediate needs as well as fulfill requirements for the overall vision of the orphanage.

Prior to the first team’s arrival many building materials and tools were purchased in Haiti by a pastor with funds that were forwarded ahead for this purpose.  A generator was bought to use in the home where the teams will be staying, needs in the church, showing films for outreaches and the building projects. A laptop was provided for better communication and a camera to record progress on the project and with the orphans. 

Team One

Project # 1: Major work on a home for future teams included cleaning tons of cement and debris from upstairs. Wiring lights in the house and cooking area provided longer hours for ministry. A well was dug by hand near this home and lined with cement for washing, bathing and laundry.  Because the home didn’t have a safe way for individuals to get to the second floor where larger teams would need the extra sleeping quarters, we built some cement stairs to the upper level of the home.

Project #2: Tin was bought for roofing the half of one of our host pastor’s home that did not have a roof.  David and Sheila were living with and helping orphans in this home.

Project #3: Ministry and evangelism opportunities took place through Vacation Bible school, children’s ministry and evening services. 

Team Two

Project #1: The Jesus Film in Creole was shown in the evenings during special services. Tracts in Creole were distributed in churches and given to people as we walked around the village and local areas. Ministry was continued to the children.

Project # 2: The agriculture project was started and funds were provided to continue working on this poultry business project.  We are very excited that this is nearly completed because it will help support the orphanage, pastors and provide some food for them as well.  We will share with you the things that you may participate in for the success of this project later in this letter.

Both teams were given the opportunity to minister in other churches and in open air meetings in a couple of villages.  Many Haitian people were touched and ministered to through us with your help.

OpportunitiesNow with the holiday season fast approaching, we wanted to share with you the opportunity to share in the success and vision of these projects in Haiti by prayer,  physically going yourself or supporting these projects or someone who is able to go.  We will list the areas you may feel led to participate in and share the success of these projects.

• Because of the tremendous rise in the cost of items and building materials in the aftermath of the earthquake and the desire to have the business start operations, you may help get the poultry business started by helping with the following items:

• Between buying the 500 chicks, feed, antibiotics, feeders and the wire needed to complete the building there is a balance of about $2,400.00 left to purchase these items and have this valuable resource completed and in operation.
• Drilling a deep water well and equipment for a potable water supply for the church and future orphanage (total $2200.00) *this would help prevent cholera outbreaks.
• Repairs and enhancing the church facilities
• The first phase of building an orphanage: 
• Raising funds to start building the initial phase of the orphanage, (Enough rooms for 40 children, a kitchen, laundry and bathing facilities and house-parent’s quarters. ($50,000.00)

To make a contribution to this project or others during this holiday season, giving thanks for what we have and sharing a gift to those less fortunate please go to Haitian Contributions or contact Youth Quests for more information, prayer and opportunities.  To mail us: 2138 N 650 W  Lehi, Utah  84043

Mat 25:34-40  Then the King will say to the people on his right, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father! Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world.  I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' The righteous will then answer him, 'When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?  When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?'  The King will reply, 'I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!'

Wars, Rumors of Wars and Disasters!

The Middle-East needs our prayers with unrest in almost every area.  Listed are some specific things and areas to pray for.   Pray for:

• That the he peace and hope that surpasses all understanding to fill the Christians in these areas.
• That the Lord will reveal Himself to the lost and dying.
• That provision and blessings will be manifested in the lives of the Christian people so that they may show the love of the Lord to their fellow neighbors.

Here is the news:

• Yemeni police open fire on protesters, killing 3.
• Syrian Security forces shot dead at least at least 100 protesters on Friday.  This is one the heaviest death tolls in a month of escalating demonstrations.  Forces have shot at the mourners today and even those coming out of Mosques.
• In Libya the fighting has not subsided, but the forces loyal to the present government have withdrawn from the port city now, leaving it to the rebels for the present.
• I have received many emails from Pakistan Christian leaders asking for our prayers as well with the violence and discrimination against the Christian minority.
• Then keep Nigerian people in your prayers as well.
• Japan's tsunami ravaged coast received its first foreign leader to tour this area.  Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard expressed shock and sorrow while visiting the evacuees at a shelter and seeing the devastation in the area.  The Japanese people are in desperate need of Hope.
• Haitian pastors are still asking for your continued prayers and support in their efforts to help the people.

As you pray about these things, would you pray as well about what the Lord would have you to do.  Contact us at Youth Quests for ways to help in these areas.

Turmoil & Heartaches Worldwide – What's Happening!

Turmoil & Heartaches Worldwide – What's Happening!
Japan's earthquake and Tsunami is the world's costliest natural disaster.  Residents were warned not to give babies tap water because of radiation leaking from the nuclear plants and produce is also affected from these areas.  Also in Tokyo there has been some increased radiation registered.
Unrest in the Middle East:  There was a bus bombing in Jerusalem Wednesday just a few hours after militants vowed revenge for deadly Israeli raids on Gaza.
While in Libya just the U.S. role in Libya costs hundreds of millions so far in an international assault to destroy Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's air defenses and save rebels from likely defeat, Gaddafi's tanks and forces resume their attack on the rebel-held town of Misrata, moving back onto the offensive just hours after Western strikes silenced their guns.
Then In Syria president Bashar al-Assad made an unprecedented ledge of greater freedom and more prosperity to the Syrian people on Thursday as anger mounted following a crackdown on protesters that left at least 37 dead.
Thursday night in Myanmar there was a 6.8 - magnitude earthquake that struck in Northeast Myanmar shaking buildings as far away as Bangkok, Thailand.  One person was confirmed dead from the quake.
Hey! Do you think it could be the signs of the times?  Let's continue to pray for the safety of the Christians, Hope to flourish, that many would come to know the Lord at this time and ask ourselves what we can do to help.

From Libya To Japan - News and Prayer Requests!

There are several things happening today that require our prayers from Japan to Libya.  In Japan while they are still fighting the problems at the nuclear power plant sites officials have found that radiation contamination has now entered the food chain.  On another front French warplanes have now fired the first shots the broadest international military effort since the Iraq war in support of an uprising that seemed on the verge of defeat in Libya.
A warplane from France opened fire on a target in Libya today, opening the coordinated international campaign to prevent strongman Moammer Gadhafi's forces from crushing an uprising.  U.S missile attack on Libya prepared, but the American ships and aircraft stationed in and around the Mediterranean Sea did not participate in the initial French air mission Saturday.  There are many people in Libya that have been affected or killed by mercenaries or the forces loyal to Gadhafi.
The first signs that contamination from Japan's crippled nuclear complex has seeped into the food chain as officials stated on Saturday that radiation levels in spinach and mile from farms near the tsunami-stricken facility exceeded government safety limits.  Many areas of the northern coast need assistance as the full extent of the missing and loss of life continue to rise.
Please pray and ask the Lord what He would have you do!

I Am Thankful but Yet Hurting!!!

In watching the news around the world I realize how blessed we are in the USA.  But, yet many of us are full of worry or anger because of the downturn of our economy, loss of investments and so forth.  I am so thankful for the Lord's protection, health, provision and His amazing Salvation!  Can we take the time to look outside of our own world and cares and  pray for those who are going trough so much around the world, from the conflicts in some of the Arab nations and brutality in Libya, to the horrific earthquake and tsunami Japan, as well as, the very real fears of two nuclear meltdowns in their power plants.
The nuclear emergency after the deadly quake and tsunami is finding the Japanese worker battling to try to stop the meltdown of two reactors.  While in the northeast coast of Japan it is feared that over 10,000 people are feared dead after the quake and the 25 to 30 foot tsunami that followed in these villages. I have heard that one man was found today clinging to the top of his destroyed home 10 miles out in the ocean.  As we pray for those who have lost loved one, for those who are yet to be rescued and for the several emergencies with Japan, let us remember to be thankful for what 'we' have.
As the fighting in intensifying in Libya, let us be thankful for the peace and safety we do have as we pray for the  people in this war torn nation. Even at this very moment the Libyan forces are drawing closer to the main opposition-held city of Benghazi.  Let's pray for the safety of the Christians living in this country and for the revelation of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him.  Many have went off into eternity.  Do they know the Lord?  Has someone told them about Jesus?  Pray to the Lord of the  harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest fields.

Japan Nuclear Power Plant - Frantic Efforts to Avoid Meltdown

Continue to pray for the Japanese people.  The magnitude of this disaster in beyond what I can wrap my mind about.  Earthquake and aftershocks, Tsunami, and now explosions at one of the nuclear power plants.  Frantic efforts to avoid a meltdown are now taking place.
While we are here in our homes in relative safety it's almost like it's unreal and one of the latest disaster movies that so many of us watch, but this is real!  People have died!  Families are without homes, cars or even a job now in some circumstances.  Food and clean water are in short supply in the effected areas.  It's my prayer that through all of these events, that many will find comfort, refuge and peace in the midst of the storm by clinging to the Rock, Jesus Christ.  Also it's my prayer that many of us will be the hands and feet of our Lord and help in any way we can as we pray for them.
Power plant youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBZQZToDpXo

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE JAPANESE PEOPLE! EARTHQUAKES / TSUNAMI!

I wanted to write a quick prayer request to remind us all about the events that took place not long ago.  There was a huge earthquake in Japan with several aftershocks; then a second earthquake in a different area of Japan as well.  Between these two earthquakes and aftershocks there have been several people killed. Also, this first earthquake triggered a tsunami, tidal wave, which swept across the Japanese seaboard.  There has been enormous damage and more loss of life.  Please pray for the people who are Christian for their safety and peace in the midst of this devastation.  But also pray for the many people who do not know the Lord, to look for answers in our Savior, that the Lord would reveal Himself to them in a marvelous way.