I have been thinking of expanding on the things I discuss on this blog.  First, to make it more interesting, but also to explore currency in the day to day events and operations of Homebound Missions. Second, to make it more personal and relational.

     So, from now on instaed of just talking about currency I am going to share what is going on in our organization and how we are putting currency to work.  I will try to end each blog with a currency tip of sorts.

     There is no better time than the present to start.  So, with no further delay, I leave for Haiti September 22, with my friend and Board member Darlene Hurst.  As you know, Haiti has just been hit by three hurricanes (Gustav, Hannah, & Ike) and the country has been devistated by rain, flooding, and mudslides. Roads have been completely washed out, crops destroyed and the people are starving in many, if not most areas of the country. Our freinds Troy and Tara Livesay, missionaries in Haiti spent all of yesterday driving emergency supplies as far North as possible, meaning until the road ends as it has been washed away.  The supplies were then to be taken by mule and backpackers the rest of the way.

     Darlene and I will be bringing approximately 500 pounds of relief supplies with us including shoes, clothing, WORK Haiti supplies, nutritional suppliments,and more. 

     While in Haiti we will visit Angel House, the orphanage of Three Angels Children's Relief (the orphanage that HM's supports) and document all the employees and children.  As soon as Darlene and I return home we will be packing relief supplies for each of the children and employees and sending them out immediately.  Darlene and I started packing bins last week for this shipment which will include lots of food items, formula, diapers, clothing, bottles, and much, much, more. 

     We will also meet with all of our WORK Haiti families.  This is a very special part of our trip because this is when we get to  bless the families, not just the member we have been working with all year.  Every member of our WORK Haiti families will get a new pair of shoes, plus other gifts that we have collected.  One family, asked us to help them send their daughter to school this year and we were given her tuition by a donor just two days ago.  Will she be excited to know she was not forgotten.  Also, one of our families named their twin daughters after me, Kathy and Kathiana, so of course I have a very special gift for them.

     I Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

     Currency Tip:  Never take advantage of "NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE US", always use your own stamp.  You will save the ministry about $1.80 and this is a lot of money when multiplied by thousands.  K.P. Yohanannan of Gospel for Asia says it best, "Your stamp is like a donation!"