Sunday, January 17, 2010

A week ago

Just one week ago today I was in Disney World in Orlando, FL running a marathon with many good friends. It was a major accomplishment for Heartline Ministries and we were all so thrilled to have it finished and to officially thank our donors for supporting our effort.

I returned home after three days in Florida on Monday the 11th at 5pm.

24 hours later the world changed.

I had no idea how easy those 26.2 miles were until now.

Last Sunday feels like a lifetime ago.

*This* is a marathon like no other.

~~~~~~~~~~

Assuming the team truly lands sometime today (we hear they are on the way but are cautious to immediately believe it), tomorrow we will begin a clinic in our area. Amazing people from all over the world have been offering their skills. Gifts are being received and put to use. We thank you for responding with love. You are awesome.

We're hearing of people getting help and we're hearing of a lot more waiting. I feel sick thinking about people still waiting to be pulled out of rubble and suffering that way for so long. I don't know at what point the effort switches from rescue to recovery. Maybe that is already the case.

This city is more densely populated than I can fathom. The work ahead in Port and other areas is mind-numbing. I know there are tons of efforts being made -- some of which you'll never get to hear about on media or blogs -- pray for those behind the scenes working hard too - those not getting the awesome encouragement that some of us have been blessed to receive.

For our clinic, pray that the people that need us - find us - and that the talented Docs and Nurses and other medical professionals are granted unusual strength and courage and the ability to trust God while they do things that they have never done before and see things they have never seen before ... in order to better serve the Haitian people - who so deserve and need - love, and help, and respect, and dignity, in their darkest hours.

God be with them. God be with us.

We believe we will see miracles this week.

tara

P.S. -
A month ago our kids and Troy did this little Christmas play the truth of Christ's birth and sacrifice on the cross is even more in the forefront of our minds today.

May you know Him better and the depth of his love for you in these difficult times.

PPS-
We cannot personally answer emails/messages/questions anymore ... we're sorry.

29 comments:

briefs said...

Thanks for your updates and personal thoughts, although we know that things are devastating we are amazed at the stories already of God's people at work in ministry.

Barbara said...

I wonder if perhaps everything you've been doing so far in Haiti was to lead up to this major event...that God has a plan for you in Haiti and now it has been revealed. We will continue to pray for you and your work with the Haitian people. Thank-you for making Haiti more real to so many people through this blog. I'm sure God intended that as well.

Jessie said...

Praying! Praying that God rebuild Port as He did the city of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah! Praying that He hold back the rain, like He did in the time of Isaiah! Praying He not let the oil run out like He did during the time in which the Jews now celebrate Hannukah! Praying that God would multiply the food and provide as He did for Isaiah and as He did for the crowds while He taught! Praying that He revive as He did the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision! Praying for HIS NEVERENDING peace, strength, love, joy in this difficult situation for you all!

Amanda Kane said...

Still praying, and will continue! Living on the stories of all the miracles, believing God hears every prayer!

My 3 year old nephew prayed for you all last night before bed.

Praying especially for those comforting the dying.

I am coming Feb 11th to the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission organization. A team of 50 surgeons and nurses (I'm a nurse). It seems to late, but glad at least to be able to get there!

You are my family, thought I have never met you and feeling the burden even in my dreams while I sleep.

Becky said...

I stand in agreement with Jessie's comment, and I also stand in agreement with Tara that there will be many miracles this week in Haiti, because Almighty God ~ You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow....and STILL PERFORMING MIRACLES. May it be so in Haiti. May Your glory and power shine forth over every square inch of that island. May the residents and relief workers ALL run this race with amazing SUPERNATURAL ENDURANCE emotionally, physically, and spiritually that comes from the Father of Light ~ shed it abroad over every person on the island, and for their loved ones abroad. Protect them all under the shadow of Your almighty wings. Rain down Your mercy on every inch, every situation, and every soul....for their good and Your glory. In Jesus' matchless name I pray. AMEN and AMEN

Joyce Howerton said...

Your little Christmas play was a blessing. Praying for your family and glad to be able to follow your blog...found it through the Howertons blog.

Amanda Kane said...

As for what Jessie wrote, I whole heartedly believe for the same! Jesus is coming soon, and His Kingdom is growing stronger on earth by the hour!

If you have time for this encouraging story, I write to strengthen your faith:

4 months ago a YWAM base in Nigeria was led by the Holy Spirit to approach 3000 geurilla soldiers who'd been ravaging the country and taking it over by force. The team offered free dish washing and laundry free of pay, knowing they could be killed just for showing up. The soldiers agreed. After 1 week the team asked for just one hour each week to tell why they'd come. After the first hour 300 disarmed. The following week 600 disarmed, and the following 2000!!!! The Nigerian govt wants 3 YWAM bases in every city of Nigeria. THE KINGDOM IS HERE AND IS COMING!

Megan said...

Sending love, prayers and money. Thank you for your tireless effort. God bless.

Susan said...

Todd - I saw your tweet regarding the medias failure to acknowledge the ministries they were speaking with. Thought you'd be encouraged to know that your blog is consistantly at the top of the list of "Bloggers in Haiti" on MSNBC's main news page here in the U.S. God bless you and your family. You are in our prayers as you face the unimaginable.

Heather said...

Forgot to say, I am setting up a prayer chain at church for you (and all of Haiti), but specifically praying for the clinic, supernatural provision of needs, and will pray for those who will be with the dying. If you have names that we can pray for specifically let me know. Either way - God knows.

M and M said...

I cannot imagine that you would consider personally answering people's e-mails when you have the call of the needy right in your neighborhood. No need to say you're sorry - go and do the good work that you have been so tremendously blessed to do - and Godspeed to you.
Our family is praying mightily.

WendyMom said...

Troy and Tara-

You have never met met, nor I you. But in searching for information in the early days of this disaster, the CNN homepage had a link for your blog. They also had all of your tweets posted as some of the first information coming out of Port. That should encourage you.

I am a fellow Christian, who is praying non-stop for miracles. Having been privileged to do missions work in Desailline in 1999, I understand the dearth of infrastructure and supplies at the BEST of times in Haiti.

Please know that people all over the world are lifting you up in prayer, God bless you all-

Carmen said...

praying

Megan said...

Continuing to pray for you, your efforts and the people of Haiti. May God give you strength and courage.

The Gist Fam said...

Great article in the Trib today about your kids making it here safely. Glad they are away from harm, and you are able to be God's hands and feet. Praying for you in these hard days. http://bit.ly/4Imfsm

Enchanted Oak said...

It is vital that you keep posting detailed reports. Tara and Troy: This ministry to the world is as important as the work you are doing in Haiti.

smiles4u said...

Still praying for you all. Thanking God for what He has been doing, is doing now and will be doing. Thank you for being His willing hearts, hands and feet. Thank you for taking time to update and share honestly from your hearts. Peace be with you, Lori

Nadia said...

I know you can't answer questions, but maybe someone else can answer..how is your house? is it badly damaged? can you stay in it??

praying for strength for everyone.

11claudiaAM said...

I prayed for all the people in Haiti today at church... specially for you, who stay very present in my mind since I found your blog after the disaster.

Lots of love from Chile! Stay strong!

Jacquie said...

Troy & Tara,

Thank you for everything you do. I'm sorry I never got to meet you when we were in the country last, and hopefully that will change when we are there next. My dad's ravings about how awesome you guys are were not exagerrated at all. Take care,

Jacquie Ackerman

Gwynie Pie said...

Just found your blog today - a friend put up your blog link on her Facebook. I just want you to know that my husband and I and our children are lifting up to the LORD you and your family, your team, the other rescuers and ALL the people of Haiti. May the LORD be glorified through this catastrophic event. God bless you as you minister

Gwyn Rosser @ The Pink Tractor
www.gwynrosser.blogspot

Nikki said...

still praying.

Sun-Kissed Scholars said...

A friend of mine who has adopted two children from Haiti sent out this request today. I trust her and the information. If you can help...??
"Our orphanage (a large one) in Haiti is in dire conditions right now -- children are out of water, looters are striking. These children cannot go to drop points for food and water. Many of these children were on schedule to be adopted by American families. The orphanage is Maison des Enfants de Dieu, Delmas 31, #32; coordinates 72 deg 33... See More’29.5”N 72 deg 18’08.76” W, near the mayor's office. If you have any contacts that can help us, please, PLEASE make their need and location known to the military for protection and provision. The situation of these little ones, especially the babies, is URGENT."
Her email is rudynphyllis@yahoo.com
Thank you for all you are doing!!

Laurie said...

I'm a random stranger who found your blog since the earthquake. Thanks for your faithful updates. It helps us to pray more specifically for your needs.

I have also been receiving forwarded emails from a church in our area that supports some missionaries in Haiti... and it suddenly occurred to me that I didn't know what communication was like between the different missionary organizations in Haiti.

I don't know where different places are in Haiti, or if it would be helpful to coordinate with each other, but I have info/updates about PMH (Presbyterian Mission in Haiti) and Charles Amicy and Quisqueya Christian School.

If that would be helpful to you, I could forward what I have to you, but I don't want to burden you if it's not necessary. You can email me at lauriesibley (at) gmail (dot) com if you're interested. :o)

Laurie

K said...

I have to apologize for the girl named ALMISS who left a tweet on the tweet page regarding Haiti. She stated she was tired of hearing about Haiti. I cannot imagine what prompted her to say such a thing.. I have been wondering everyday what I could do to help, because I feel helpless when I watch the news and my heart goes out to all of those who can help out. May all of the days ahead be full of courage and bravery for those affected by the Earthquake. My blessings and feelings are with all of you.

peacebringer7 said...

Tara, the heart God gave you for running marathons is prophetic toward His call on you now. It will be hard, it will be difficult. Times will seem tough. But continue to keep your eyes on the finish, on Jesus. Each step is the next step and the road is long ahead with much pain and suffering. Dependence on God alone will see you through. He is faithful and He will provide. Just continue to run the race, listen, and obey.

Karl said...

Troy / Tara-
New Joy prayers are lifted up with tears and support for all you are doing and those with you; and the family in Texas May you know God's hand in ways that carry you in His service!

Tiffany Shanks. said...

My family and I wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and the people in Haiti in Togo, West Africa.

melodyofamom said...

Thanks for your blog and the updates on some of what's happening in Haiti. You are in my prayers!