News from the Nest

Late October 2005

Dear Friends and Family,

Charlie is back from Haiti. He blew in to Miami right before Hurricane Wanda hit the shore. He went as the spiritual leader for the medical team to North West Haiti Christian Mission. This is the ninth trip he has made into Haiti and in many ways his most rewarding time. He was able to complete his devotional guide for the team and give each one a copy. When I asked how they were received he modestly ,”Ok, I guess.” While he was gone I read the SCC on line journal posted by people on the trip. Here’s a quote that caught my attention:

On a side note, we have been so blessed by having Charlie Bennetch with us this trip. He has a love for these people that is unsurpassed. He has provided all of us with a daily devotional journal that is right on target in describing how we are feeling each day. Every one has expressed how really helpful this has been in processing the many overwhelming emotions which one feels in a place like Haiti.

Charlie was able to see our adopted Haitian son, Loubenson and had a very serious talk with him about his future. He is 18 now and had not made a spiritual commitment . Charlie was thrilled to find out that he had done a lot of thinking and soul searching and was baptized the last week of their trip. Charlie was not at the baptism so felt like Loubenson had been baptized out of a genuine conviction and not because he wanted to please Charlie.

The first surgery the team did was on a man who had had a brick wall fall on him and had broken both legs. The orthopedic surgeon was able to put a pin in both legs and save his life. What easily could have been a funeral turned out to be a celebration as he accepted Jesus as his Savior, was baptized and also married the mother of his children. The team held a wedding for the couple at the compound.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Charlie is adapting back to our climate and food. You can tell he's been in a hot culture as he keeps turning up the thermostat! Thank you for praying him home! I know now that we really are called to do ministry together as we missed the other so much.

Blessings,

Charlie and Kathy Bennetch