NWHCM – THE CASTILLO CLAN

It’s Night 1 of our Christmas Movie Extravaganza! 🍿 🎥

This is one of our best platforms for reaching those that never participate in our usual ministries.  There are many teenagers that never come to our church activities – but they’ll come to the movie nights. We have staff that pray over each of the chairs/benches of people. I usually give a 5-10 minute “talk” at the beginning of each night as well.

Typically, we do a full week of movies leading up to December 24th. It’s a lot of fun – but it’s also a lot of work. This year we decided to spread out the fun and have double features every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Everyone receives a ticket and a bag of popcorn as they enter the gates.  After the 1st movie, we will call out 20-30 numbers. For those who have the matching tickets, they will receive a special wrapped gift. 🎁 🎄

Before we do the drawings, we all give thanks for the gifts on the table! Once the drawings start, it’s like being on the Price Is Right! Everybody claps and yells out “thank you Jesus” as people come down to claim their gifts.  We taught them to root for each other -instead of being upset if they don’t win. 

Gifts include any of the following: toiletries, speakers, headphones, backpacks, peanut butter, rice, toys, clothes, jewelry, candles, phones, balls, skateboards, flashlights, and other various items.

🎊🎊🎉🎉

It’s very chaotic & often unsafe – to randomly pass out gifts within the community. BUT we have learned that “drawings/games” are considered an acceptable way to bless others – WITHOUT any of the madness and fighting.

So not only do movie nights provide fellowship, fun, and laughter – but it’s also an organized & safe platform for giveaways! 🥰

We will give roughly 300 gifts during this month’s movie nights!

If you want to check out the other ministries from this past week – check out our ministry blogs – molehaiti.org

Here are a few pictures from tonight…

Our Summer Children’s Church Series was all about Jesus’ Amazing Miracles!

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We decorated our cafeteria in a construction theme! With 180-220 children in weekly attendance, we were packed every Sunday afternoon!

We started doing Children’s Church at 4:30pm (instead of during normal church hours) so that kids didn’t feel the pressure to dress in their best.

Each week we learned a new verse, played a few games, participated in crafts/coloring activities, shared a snack, and dived into 7 important miracles.

Our Weekly Lesson Series Included:

• The Little Fix
  Scripture: John 2:1-11, Jesus Turns Water to Wine
  Objective: Kids will say, “Big or small – Jesus fixes it all.”
• Fixing Faith
  Scripture: John 4:46-54, Jesus Heals the Official’s Son
  Objective: Kids will say, “I have faith – Jesus can fix it.”
• Unexpected Fix
  Scripture: John 5:1-9, The Healing at the Pool
  Objective: Kids will say, “Jesus can fix things in ways I can’t think of.”
• The Big Fix
  Scripture: John 6:1-15, The Feeding of the 5,000
  Objective: Kids will say, “Jesus can fix it – I can help.”
• Fearless Fix
  Scripture: John 6:16-25, Jesus Walks on Water
  Objective: Kids will say, “I’m not scared, because Jesus can fix it.”
• Know the Fixer
  Scripture: John 9:1-17, 27-39, Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
  Objective: Kids will say, “Jesus is God’s son – He can fix anything.”
• Unfixable?
  Scripture: John 11:1-44, Jesus Raises Lazarus
  Objective: Kids will say, “Nothing is impossible for Jesus to fix.”
• Jesus Fixed It!
  Scripture: John 20:1-23, The Resurrection & John 3:16, God Loves Us
  Objective: Kids will say, “Jesus fixed it so I can be with Him forever.”

Every week the children earned points for attendance, memory verses, answering questions, and bringing friends. This summer we tried something new. As a way to earn more points,   homework was assigned weekly.

Our weekly coloring sheets had questions already typed on them – relevant to the story.  The kids were responsible for hanging onto the coloring sheet, answering the questions at home, and turning it back in the following week during attendance.

For those who can’t read/write – this meant they’d have to go home and seek help from someone who could. It was our hope that the children would not only gain a better understanding from the material, but also encourage them to share with others as they answered their questions.

I wasn’t sure whether it would pan out…whether the kids would take it serious or not.  The first week less than half turned in their homework.  We made a big deal for those that did! We cheered for them as they handed it in – and their little faces were filled with so much pride! The following week we had 80% of the homework turned in. I honestly was blown away –  as we averaged between 75%-85% participation every single week!

Asher thought it “wasn’t fair”  that the younger kids got the same points as the older ones… because it was obvious that someone else had to help them. For example, he said that Fabi had to ask Mme Nene for help.

I smiled and said – THAT’S THE POINT! Fabi had to ask for help, which meant she took the time to share about the lesson & work on the questions with someone. I hope every child worked on the homework with someone.

Several of the staff told me that their children came home that evening and immediately shared the story & showed them the questions. One of the cooks told me that it brought her a lot of joy when she got a glimpse into what her daughter was thinking.

Yes, there were a few questions that had very specific answers. Questions about:  how many jugs were turned into wine? In what village did a certain miracle take place? What was required so that a specific miracle could happen? 

BUT – the homework also had personal reflection questions: “What’s one thing you need God to fix for you? What miracle seems impossible to believe?  What verse brings you peace when you are afraid? What do you think the best part of Heaven will be? ” 

The cook told me she never even thought to ask her daughter those questions. She honestly never really thought about them herself.

So regardless of how the answers were obtained….I’m so thankful that the coloring sheets weren’t thrown on the floor as soon as our church was over – AND that the lesson was discussed outside the gates!

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Below are some pictures from our summer series! I’ll be making a post soon on MoleHaiti.org with pictures from our 4th of July Party. The top 60 children who earned the most points were awarded with a fun-filled and unforgettable night! We even ended with fireworks! 🙂

From Facebook this past Thursday… 
At 9:45am, we received that highly anticipated call from MAF letting us know they’re on their way to pick us up! ✈️ 🎉

We didn’t land in time to catch the 1pm flight to Miami, so unfortunately I had to cancel my scheduled surgery.

We called the doctor’s office who completely understood but also informed us that the next opening isn’t until mid-August. 😔

Surprising  (just a few hours later) the nurse called back and said the doctor insisted that they work me in next week.  Phew! I’m now scheduled for Wednesday.

In the meantime, they want me to stop by their office for lab work and another blood transfusion. I have had a really difficult time with anemia.

SHORT UPDATE:  

On Saturday I went to the hospital for labs.  After receiving a few bags of blood & fluids – I was scolded  that my hemoglobin was critically low and I was just days away from being in a serious situation.   I was diagnosed with a slow-bleeding ulcer, hiatal hernia, and a few other intestinal/colon issues last month.

I may or may not  have asked/pushed/forced my doctor to let me return to Haiti last month because I was desperate to work with the therapy team.  I really needed their expertise to address several important issues involving children from our campus and community.

It was just supposed to be 10 days and I promised to fly out if things progressed.  I mean I have ALWAYS found a way to get out for my own medical emergencies –  which is what I told the doctor.

I was originally scheduled to leave last Friday & couldn’t because of the assassination of the President.  We moved our flights to Tuesday but then the plane  we needed had broke down again.

I  finally made it out of Haiti on Thursday – made it to KY on Friday – and made it to their office on Saturday!

I explained that I’m here right?  I made it!  I can STILL confidently say that I always find a way out!  I’m batting 100%! 😂  – They didn’t laugh!🙄

Although I can’t prove it – I’m pretty sure they stuck me a few extra times (when putting in my IV)  as my punishment! 🩸 💉 🤕

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Just a Side Note….✏️

Many people have mentioned that I don’t post as much as I used to. There’s several reasons why – but the biggest involves a voodoo tribe that closely monitors anything we say on social media.

For example:

• If I ask for prayers for my health, they’ll read that and spin it. They’ll take credit for it … claiming it’s proof that their curses against us are working.
• If I say I need surgery – it’s already rumored within hours -that their last sacrifice worked.
• If we post about where we are going – like to visit another village – they show up.
• If we mention we are flying back home to the Mole – they show up at airstrip.

We had a natural hedge of protection (cactus/trees) along our back property. They cut down all the trees surrounding our property line and have services right at that line. We wake up to slaughtered animals in our back yard frequently.

We’re engaged in a fierce spiritual battle – and any public mention of a struggle is just seen as a victory for them.  So I was a bit hesitant to share about our latest and greatest drama. But I’m SO glad I pushed through those doubts.

The reason we were able to leave today is because a stranger read our post and gave up their flight. They don’t personally know us, but are friends of friends. They “randomly” came across our prayer request and decided to help. WOW!

I almost missed out on a big blessing because I didn’t want to post anything that might add fuel to the fire. 🔥  (Which they don’t need any more fuel – as their fires already burn brightly during the services they hold behind our home).

Anyways – I don’t know what doubts you have  or what fears are keeping you from fully embracing what God is calling you to do. BUT – there’s blessings to be found if you push through it!!

THANK YOU for being such faithful prayer warriors for us! I needed the reminder that we aren’t going through this life alone.

As my dad would say…. Don’t rob others of the chance to be used by God because you are too afraid to speak up.

The reward we reaped today – had everything to do with the abundance of prayers from our friends, our families, and apparently very selfless strangers!

So… yeah…. Everything is great! 😉😂

I’m happy to report that the teams made it out safely this past Sunday.

Malaya and I were scheduled to leave on Tuesday, because I have surgery scheduled this Friday.

The plane that MAF just fixed is still having trouble. So their entire schedule this week is a mess. Everyone wanted to leave after the assassination of the President, so their schedule is booked solid.

Their next “confirmed” availability is July 21st, unless someone cancels or their plane gets fixed.

We just confirmed that the Helicoper we were looking at is also full. All other planes have been grounded since the small 5-seater plane crashed a few weeks ago.

We are praying that something will work out… but worrying about it only aggravates the slow bleeding ulcer I already have! 😂

🔸🔸🔸

A Lesson From God’s Divine Intervention

I told Malaya that when my dad had a heart attack in 2011, Jose and I decided to rent a truck late that night. It would be a 5-hour road trip to PDP where we would then take a 7-hour bus trip to the airport. It broke down less than 10-minutes outside of the Mole. I was so mad at God. I mean didn’t HE know that this was important?

The very next morning, we found out that another truck headed toward our village was robbed at gunpoint… less than 30 minutes away from where we broke down.

🔸🔸🔸

Another Lesson From God’s Divine Intervention

Just last month, after needing a blood transfusion from a significant drop in hemoglobin, we flew to the states again. I convinced the doctor to let me fly back into Haiti with a scheduled therapy team – as long as I promised to come back out after their trip here.

On June 24th (when we arrived at the little airport to board the 5-passenger plane) the pilot was a no-show.

Yet again, I felt frustrated. It was the twins 12th birthday and nobody knew we were planning to surprise the whole family. They weren’t expecting us until the following week. Thankfully, MAF stepped in and made a last minute flight for us.

That EXACT same plane that we were scheduled to fly on (the one where the pilot was a no-show) was tragically the same one that crashed killing everyone on board.

So… I don’t know if God is saving us from something… if we need to be here right now for some unknown reason… or if it’s simply just the the luck of the draw.

What I do know is – I can’t change what I can’t control. Most things don’t go as planned for MOST people. Everyday is a tragedy for someone.

So we will use this extra time here wisely, and we are still packed and ready to go if we ever get the call that a plane is available.

🔸🔸🔸
As far as our over-all well being…

We have secured extra barrels of diesel, an extra month of food for our campus, AND we absolutely feel safe. We are NOT afraid but still trying to process the tragic news for this country – a p that has been a 2nd home for the past 41 years.

AND… on the bright side – because the past team was stuck here a few extra days – we were able to move into a newly renovated therapy space.

This beautiful room will no doubt be a welcoming/safe space for the physically/sexually abused children that I’m working with. It’s twice the size of my old one – and purposefully/thoughtfully arranged by the real professionals! 🥰

Last night the President of Haiti was assassinated in his home. His wife was also shot. Though there are rumors that she has died, a recent news report verified that she is actually recovering in a hospital in Florida.

My family is all together and we are safe. We have already started making plans to purchase needed supplies, food, and diesel for our campus… as we know it won’t be long before roadblocks keep trucks from delivering these much needed resources. 

On a personal note,  I was scheduled to have surgery next week but we aren’t sure how long the airports will be closed. Please pray for an abundance of strength & good health as we walk through this difficult time.

Below is a short Facebook update that I posted earlier this morning:

The President of Haiti was assassinated last night while in his home. He was just in the Mole this past Easter.

We have developed a relationship with his family through their visits to the hotel, which is located across the street from us. His wife personally delivered Christmas gifts to our Children’s Home 2 years ago. We have had nothing but friendly/funny conversations during their times here.

We do have small American teams on both of our campuses. Airports are currently closed, and our teams are scheduled to leave tomorrow. Please know that all of us are safe and that the teams are NOT afraid.

We do not anticipate our daily life to change drastically, however needed resources may become limited. Our village does not typically participate in the violence that PAP is known for. Rather this morning, wailing can be heard as their hearts are absolutely broken.

-Please pray for Haiti. Please pray for the people and the communities who feel so helpless right now.

-Please pray that the response to this shocking news will not lead to more destruction of this beautiful country.

-Please pray for wisdom for those who are now empowered to lead during these uncertain times.

-Please pray for an unceasing peace that passes all of our understanding. Though we are stunned, God is not.

-Please pray that the airports will resume for those who need to return home and that businesses will be able to open safely once again.

When I look at the calendar, I can’t believe that it’s already mid-April.  Most days seem to fly right by… and yet other days can feel like a life-time.

When teams visit Haiti, I often share about the unforgettable encounters (spiritual warfare) both the mission and our family have faced over the past 41 years.

There were several years – several seasons – where the battle scars were so severe… that you knew full healing & restoration could only be received on the other side of Heaven.

We have entered into one of those seasons where we are going toe-to-toe  with those who believe “their gods” are more powerful than our own Lord & Savior  – Jesus Christ.

Though I do not believe that this is the platform in which to share those intimate details…  I will say that we are well aware of the secretive voodoo services that happen all around our campus perimeter.

We have dug up the countless animal parts that have been sacrificed & buried as curses against our ministry & family.  The goat intestines that were placed on the wall beside our home have been set ablaze alongside all of the other sacrifices.

This past February, I had to fly to the states for an unexpected surgery. Several different groups have claimed that their curses against our family are working – and my medical trip to the states was their proof. I guess if my trip out is the proof of their god… then who gets the glory for my return & continued ministry efforts?  Hmm.

Alas…. we are not defeated nor will we grow weary of doing good.  

God receives all the glory and we know He will sustain us as we work to be His hands, His feet, and His face!

Despite the best efforts of those who seek to destroy the work of the Lord… we had an incredible week of ministry leading up to Resurrection Sunday!

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Below are some pictures from our Holy Week in the Mole!

Sunrise Service…
Our Sunrise Service was held on Easter Sunday at 7am.  Following the service, we served everyone peanut butter sandwiches and hot chocolate! 

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St. Louis Youth Group…

We were SO blessed to host the youth group from our main campus this week! They led prayer & worship services, hosted seminars, and set such a great Godly example for our local youths. They not only served in our community, but they also evangelized in the Preskul Fishing Village as well.

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Rice, Beans, & Cooking Oil Give Aways…

It’s been awhile since we have been able to pass out bags of food to the families who boldly serve the Lord every single day!

Sometimes we overlook/forget that the biggest missionaries we have in our organization – are the local staff that we are privileged to come alongside!

We were honored to deliver over a week’s worth of food to our core 20 staff – those who continually set the example of what it means to have hearts on fire for Jesus.

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Donkey Give Aways…

Donkeys are a great way to help a family begin to support themselves. Donkeys can haul water, charcoal, or other needed supplies. Donkeys can be rented out daily or weekly as needed.

In general, we always purchase female animals so that their babies can also be sold as another way of providing funds for families!

This week we were able to bless 2 sweet families … and give them the opportunity to start their own business.

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Surprise Gift Drop…

We have 2 staff members (that are neighbors) who are raising 13 kids! The majority of these children are not actually their own.  Out of these 13 kids – 11 of them are little girls!!

When staff members are able to have a consistent and full time job… many of their own family members will rely on them to help care for their nieces/nephews.

On Good Friday, we surprised these beautiful kids with a play kitchen, dishes/play food, soccer balls,  bags of candy, & jars of peanut butter! Rosie went with us and helped set everything up for them!