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An update on the works of the Haiti Education Foundation, Inc.
in St. Matthias Parish, Haiti |
|
Volume 13 No. 2 |
Homepage: www.haitifoundation.org |
Email: franland@ipa.net |
August 2005 |
[PLEASE NOTE: PAPER COPIES OF THIS NEWSLETTER ARE AVAILABLE
AND CAN BE MAILED UPON REQUEST.]
Pere Jean-Wilfrid Albert
Servant of God
October 30, 1948 - July 6, 2005
"May we live our days in a way that we have learned
from our friend, Pere Jean-Wilfrid Albert."
Rev. Dick Thompson
Westminster Presbyterian Church
In Remembrance
On Wednesday, July 6, 2005, Pere Jean-Wilfrid Albert went to be with his Best Friend and Father, following a
valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. He was born on October 30, 1948, in the village of Thomazeau, 24 miles from
Port-Au-Prince. Believing that God had spoken directly to him in a dream, Albert entered Haiti's Episcopal Seminary at the
age of 20. Upon graduation, he became chaplain of the Presbyterian Church (USA) mission hospital in Leogane, where he
served for eight years. It was at Hospital St. Croix that Pere Albert met Gardner and Frances Landers and the Haiti
Education Foundation was created. God then called Pere Albert to the mountains of Grande Colline to serve the people of St.
Matthias Parish by establishing schools adjacent to each of the parish's seven Episcopal churches. Through Pere Albert's
hard work and support by the Haiti Education Foundation, 37 elementary schools, 10 high schools, one vocational school and
a college program have been established in this region of Haiti. He has been instrumental in Floresta's involvement in the
community, teaching the people to farm and care for the land. He has encouraged and supported the expansion of the medical
clinic in Cherident. When floods or other natural disasters have left his people empty-handed, he has seen to their needs.
Pere Albert loved serving his brothers and sisters in Haiti. He met each and every challenge willingly, knowing that
God would provide... And He has, abundantly. Pere Albert took very seriously the word of God and taught it veraciously.
Many have said they had never really attended church until they had attended church with Pere Albert. His words of wisdom
have touched many hearts and changed many lives.
Pere Albert is survived by his mother who lives in Cherident, Haiti, as well as a large family living in Haiti and the
United States.
A prayer vigil service was held at St. Bartolomew's Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday, July 10. His
brother, Joseph, then returned with him to Thomazeau, Haiti, where a celebration service was held on Wednesday, July 13.
Those who knew Pere Albert well knew his consistent message, and not surprisingly, he was true to his message to the
very end. He encouraged his niece not to spend any money on him for things like flowers or clothes. He instructed Ancy to
take the funds from his personal savings account and apply it toward scholarships for a few children. He reassured his
niece that he was safe in God's hands and ready to go. He said that he wanted no tears.
We will all miss our dear friend and teacher, Pere Albert.
[Photo Caption:] Pere Albert with his mother on Mother's Day 2005
[Photo Caption:] Frances and Mary Jo tour a school with Pere Albert in 2000
We, the family are not going to stop thanking every one of you who support Pere Albert's mission in Haiti for
your sympathy and support. So many of you came to see him at the hospital and at the house, so many prayed for him, and
some sent donations to him and flowers. Almost all of you have sent cards with beautiful words of comfort. Several have
called to pray with and comfort him. Your noble gestures of love have shown everyone how serious you take the word of God.
I would like to ask every one of you a favor. Would you please continue to help the mission of Pere Albert in Haiti? This
would really be greatly honored by Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
The family and church members cannot find the right words to show you their deepest gratitude. Many thanks. Keep up
the good work!
May the blessings of the Lord be upon every one of you!
Brother, Joseph Albert
Pere Albert Remembered
Dear Friends,
Floresta lost a dear friend and co-worker this month, as Pere Albert of Haiti passed away.
I still remember the first time I saw him, in early 1995. Eldon Garcia and I had been driving for hours, lost and very
low on fuel, in the mountains of Haiti, when suddenly, miraculously, we arrived in front of the Episcopal church and guest
house in Cherident. A very tall, very imposing Haitian man, Pere Jean-Wilfrid Albert embraced us warmly and immediately
began to share his vision for the people and parish. Arriving several days late, as a result of border red-tape and poor
directions, we had only a short time, so we talked by lantern light long into the night. We had come with very little
intention of actually working in Haiti, but after that night two things were clear: God was using Pere Albert in a powerful
way and he was calling us to join him.
As priest, Pere Albert had taken the parish from a couple of churches and one school to 30+ churches, 34 elementary
schools, seven high schools and a vocational school. Today, as a result of his efforts, over 13,000 children are in school!
Pere Albert invited us to work alongside him in the parish, and provided much of the advice, contacts, and logistical
support we needed in setting up Floresta Haiti. His churches provided the initial infrastructure for many of the Floresta
cooperatives and he was a strong advocate for us until the end.
He lived very simply in a converted classroom in the vocational school and would sit in a school desk on the side of
the road, working on correspondence and greeting people. He loved to laugh and tell stories, but he was a fierce preacher,
seeming sometimes like an Old Testament prophet. Katul Ogisten, Floresta's field chaplain was trained by Pere Albert and
has a similar style—one that makes you sit up and listen, even when you can't understand the language. On Sundays Pere
Albert would be up before dawn to reach some of the far-flung churches in the parish, preaching and serving communion in at
least three, then returning after dark.
He was a man who spoke with authority. Armando remembers the time we were all sitting around the dinner table and Pere
Albert suddenly said, "Scott, did you try that mash-ed vegetable?" When I responded in the affirmative, he
pointed, insisting, "Scott, eat some more of that mash-ed vegetable." I quickly complied. He was not someone to
whom you could easily say no. That got me into trouble more than once, as I would find myself saying yes to requests that I
had no idea of how to fulfill. Sometimes that helped me to reach beyond what I though possible, and other times it left me
with obligations that remain unfulfilled to this day.
On Sunday, July 6, Pere Albert went to be with his Savior whom he loved and served so well. We will miss him. Thank
you for your partnership in the ministry that we shared with Pere Albert.
Scott Sabin, Floresta
Wilfrid has lived the gospel he has preached. He was a man of great heart, full of love for his brothers and sisters. I
think he will inspire many people who will continue his work.
Father Bruno
Dominican Republic
He just radiated the person of Jesus Christ from his eyes, his beautiful smile, his laugh and his demeanor. His life of
prayer impressed me also. He expected answers and he received them. His prayers were simple, but so very sincere. On
several occasions I had the opportunity of praying with him, and I had the feeling of being in the very presence of the
Lord.
Blanche Carper
What a tremendous soul and heart God gave this man. Oh, to have more like him. I will always remember our last phone
conversation. He was so optimistic and sure that all would be well. However, at the end, he gave one of his famous belly
laughs and said, "If I don't see you before then, I'll see you in Heaven."
Doris and Harvey Musser,
PCUSA Missionaries at the
Hospital in Leogane
I receive with sadness Pere Albert's death. I am not sad because every time he told us that his happiness is to go to live
with the Lord. As you know, he was someone who loved everybody, he helped everybody and we found Pere Albert in all and
everywhere. We know that we are not on the earth eternally. Following our work for Jesus, we have to go to live with Him
for ever and ever. We lose a good one in Grand Colline for his advice to the young people, especially me.
Jackson
Pere Albert's dear friend and
Assistant
"Well done, good and faithful servant...Come and enjoy your Master's happiness..." We can all imagine God
greeting Pere Albert with just those words.
Ann Smith, First Presbyterian
Church, Fort Smith
[Photo Caption:] Pere Albert loved the children—"God's lambs"
Together We Are Making a Difference!
[Description of photos:] These are the faces of the children who will be returning to school in
September. Over 13,000 will be registering for elementary through high
school. Around 150 will be enrolling in the vocational school and 60 will be
signing up for college or finishing school courses in Port-Au-Prince.
Together, we can give these children HOPE through education.
Your donations—big and small—are the heartbeat of the
Haiti Education Foundation.
One person cannot do everything, BUT everyone CAN do something!
Operation: Reaching Higher
In the spring of 2004, "Operation: Reaching Higher," a program that gives our students the opportunity to
attend college, was initiated. This program completes the education cycle so that students will be equipped to give back to
their communities. The plan consists of raising funds for college scholarships at $2,000 per student, per year; a dorm in
Leogane for the "finishing school" and college students to live in; and a tap-tap to provide transportation
for the students from Port-Au-Prince.
We are very grateful to all who have provided scholarships for our students seeking higher education. A total of 60
students are enrolled in the "finishing school" and universities. The students are very thankful to all who are
helping them to realize their dreams of higher education.
With much excitement, we are able to report that the dorm is under construction. It is located on a beautiful lot with
many mango trees in Leogane, just outside Port-Au-Prince. The dorm consists of nine apartments, each having two bedrooms, a
kitchen, a sitting room, and a bathroom. We are hoping that students will be able to move in sometime during the 2005-06
school year.
Our next focus will be funding the purchase of a "tap-tap" for the students' transportation. All the students
living in the dorm will attend school in Port-Au-Prince. This is a 20-30 minute trip.
As we begin this new school year, please keep Operation: Reaching Higher in your prayers. This program brings so much
HOPE to our students and the future of Haiti.
"To follow a child from kindergarten until he finishes university is a good work. As you know, it is important to
teach someone how to go fishing than giving him a fish everyday. Many thanks to God, and to all who have given to be able
to start building a dormitory in Leogane and provide transportation for some teenagers to go to the university. We are very
pleased with what God can do for us for his lambs in Haiti."
Pere Jean-Wilfrid Albert
You Are Invited
The churches of "the valley" of West Virginia and Virginia
Invite you to attend a
Gala Celebration of the life and ministry of
Pere Jean-Wilfrid Albert
On Saturday, October 1, 2005
At Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church
Fishersville, Virginia
This "Haiti Revival" will include as guest of honor,
Frances Landers,
As well as some warm and wonderful remembrances
Of our dear departed brother-in Christ,
Plus exciting plans for the future.
Events begin at 10:00 a.m. with a brunch.
Accommodations are available at the Hampton Inn
Across from the church (540)885-3762.
For reservations, details, and directions contact
John Reed at (540)245-5312
Or jreed@co.aususta.va.us.
From the Board
We give Glory to God for our brother in Christ, Pere Albert. He taught us to live
life to the fullest, always seeking to serve in the name of Jesus and to tend His lambs. When the challenges of our mission
seemed insurmountable, Pere Albert encouraged us to seek God's abundance and provision.
As we move forward into the next chapter of our service to Haiti, we will hold fast to these teachings. We assure you
of our commitment to the children of Haiti and the prudent and wise distribution of your gifts to this ministry.
Frances Landers
Mike Landers
Mary Jo Oliver
Dan Loomis
Mike Murphy
Betty Ballard
Letters
Dear Mrs. Landers,
Our Sunday School class is pleased to send you the enclosed check for $572.25 for the Haiti Education Foundation.
Last fall, students Natalie, age 8, Andrew and Laura, 11, and Katie, Jacob and Ellen, 12, decided to collect change in a
can to raise money for a large animal (perhaps a working animal) for an unfortunate family somewhere in the world. Our
money began to grow so I started to investigate ways to spend it wisely. I had seen brochures advertising animals to third
world countries, but their administrative costs were too high, and their glossy catalog so expensive. I asked fellow
church member Dave Ealy for advice since he's been on several mission trips. Without hesitation, he mentioned the Haiti
Education Foundation.
The rest, as they say, is history. We asked for the congregation's involvement—collecting loose change from their
pockets over the next six Sunday services. Each week the children gave an update of what was collected and what could be
purchased for the mission. Each week the updates concluded with the congregation's applause and enthusiasm. In March, the
men of the church hosted a Tsunami Relief Breakfast benefit, and our Sunday School class held a bake sale during the
breakfast raising $219! Leftover ham from that breakfast was made into bean soup, and then sold, raising an additional $56.
As reported earlier, our total topped the $500 mark delighting us all. The class was a "key-note" speaker at
a mission dinner held at our church each spring, reporting on the different aspects of the Haiti project as reported from
the web site. As you can see, our class learned that great things do happen when you put your trust in Him. We send you:
$385 = 7 tuitions
$80 = 4 goats
$20 = 5 Creole Bibles
$42 = 6 uniforms
$15 = 3 textbooks
We will continue to pray for your most valuable work. God bless you.
Janet Marchlenski
First Pres. Church,
Moundsville, VA
Work in Grande Colline is Expanding
First Steps Taken to Set Up Non-profit for Improved Healthcare
The work of Haiti Education Foundation, bringing education to thousands of children and hope to their
parents, is so important! Imagine if these families also had access to ongoing healthcare!
We are pleased to announce that we have formed a national team of Christians who feel called to work as one, to bring
improved healthcare to Pere Albert's people. Westminster Presbyterian Church (Westlake Village, CA), Fort Smith Presbyterian
(Fort Smith, Arkansas), and Germantown Presbyterian (Germantown, Tennessee) are the three lead churches. Fifteen people
from these three churches, along with others from Franklin, Tennessee; Houston, Texas; Lynchburg, Virginia; and Raleigh,
North Carolina, met the weekend of July 8-10 in Germantown to do roll-up-the-sleeve planning.
This meeting in suburban Memphis was on the heels of an April trip to Cherident. Five men from Westminster
Presbyterian, two from Fort Smith Presbyterian, and a team of doctors from Upper Michigan made substantial progress
assessing medical needs in the area, beginning the refurbishment of a clinic building, and meeting with Pere Albert and the
Haitian Board he has been so prayerfully establishing. The success of this trip convinced WPC's Haiti Team that the secret
to lasting success is working as a multi-church national team.
We've already started the process to set up a non-profit 501(c)(3), to provide improved healthcare in the mountains.
We've hired Jean-Pierre Jackson, a talented young leader who grew up in Frances Landers' school system, to be the clinic
administrator. He's currently overseeing continued work on refurbishing the clinic and fixing (finally!) the plumbing in
the guesthouse. From there, our project plans include work on the water system, working with the part-time traveling doctor
currently in the region, outfitting the clinic with equipment and supplies, bringing on board a nurse, assistant, and a
resident doctor. It's exciting to be digging deeper with our Haitian friends, at a time when our help is more needed than
ever!
This new team asks everyone who has come to love Pere Albert's people for your prayers, your support, and your
involvement. For more information, drop us a note
at haitihealthcare@sbcglobal.net.
Martha Miller
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the
Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Please visit our website at www.haitifoundation.org. A guestbook
has been set up for your comments. We know that Pere Albert's family will enjoy hearing from you and we will all be blessed
by the encouragement this offers as we forge ahead in our mission.
Dear Ones,
This week I received a call from Sandrine, Pere Albert's niece in New York who had just returned from attending his
services in Haiti. As she told me about the all-night vigil, the crowd at St. Michel church in his home village of
Thomazeau and the host of children, she began to cry. When she paused, she said, "I am not crying for my uncle
(Pere Albert), I am crying for the CHILDREN." I explained to her that the best way we can celebrate the life of
PERE ALBERT is to FEED HIS LAMBS.
It costs only 16 cents a day to feed and educate a child in St. Matthias Parish. Thirteen thousand children are
waiting to enroll on September 5. Multiply 13,000 by $55. Guided by Pere Albert's encouragement to always seek God's
abundance, let us work together to achieve this goal for the '05-'06 school year. Each scholarship sends the message,
"GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU."
I deeply feel the loss of my dear friend and brother, Pere Albert. BUT, God calls us to PRESS ON, and I know
that Pere Albert would have it no other way!
Frances Landers
In celebration of a life lived in the Light of Jesus Christ, this edition of the Haiti Happenings has been printed in "living" color. To God be the Glory!
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
300 East Main Street
El Dorado, AR 71730
"Your generosity brings God's people from darkness to light. Light shines in the darkness and the darkness
did not overcome it. Thank you for being His light in Haiti."
Père Albert
| TUITION: |
| One School Year |
$55 |
| OTHER NEEDS: |
| Shoes |
$10 |
| School Uniform |
$7 |
| School Textbook |
$5 |
| Creole Bible |
$4 |
| Milk (One Year) |
$10 |
HAITI EDUCATION FOUNDATION
[PLEASE NOTE: PAPER COPIES OF THIS NEWSLETTER ARE AVAILABLE
AND CAN BE MAILED UPON REQUEST.]
| ©
Haiti Education Foundation, Inc. E-mail:
franland@ipa.net.
Photos courtesy of Frances Landers and visiting mission teams. |
|
