HATS Mission is in Need

March 27, 2016 Posted by Jim Steer

This is not an easy blog for me to write.

I like working with children. I like helping children. I, however, absolutely do not like letting people know when help is needed for the children. I like taking care of the children without having to share the needs to do so.

Many of you have asked over the years that I keep you informed as to how things are here at HATS – in times of sufficient and in times of need. I am sharing now that at this time the HATS mission is in need. This is the third time in almost 21 years I have actually shared our needs.

The drop in oil prices in Canada, the loss of jobs of some supporters, and the decline of the value of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar has hurt us a lot. Our donations have been coming from Canadians so our funds are received in Canadian dollars. The funds are converted to US dollars and sent down to us to run the mission. Our Canadian dollars are worth a lot less in US funds.

I have cut every corner I can, deleted every item I possibly can from the menu, am paying personally for everything I eat, and can’t see where else I can reduce expenses.

HATS-Haiti really is all about the children. The children continue to need to be cared for every day in every way.

If anyone reading this truth has the ability and desire to help us in some way, to continue to look after the precious children in our care, we thank you immensely.

I am going to attach some photos of our children – not showing them in need – but showing they are well cared for – thanks to all our awesome supporters and friends of HATS. Too, I will include a couple of video clips of our children praying when we join together every day before they head off to morning devotions at our school, and one of a cutie dancing during our worship time in church.

In our times of sufficient and in our times of need we daily thank God for his provision, for family, and for friends.

This weekend the children, and those of us who are caring for them, are thanking God for sending Jesus, for his suffering, death, and especially for his resurrection which ensures us life eternal.

May God bless each and every one of you as you celebrate the resurrection of his death with loved ones.

Magdala

Sonson

Sonson returning in style

Helpful older siblings

~Karen

About Jim Steer

I first visited Haiti in 1989 and felt God drawing me back there in 2009. After speaking with Karen I was added to a team for 2010 and have been returning regularly since. I felt I had something to offer the mission but soon discovered that I received much more than I could ever give. God has blessed me so much through all the people I have met there, especially the children. The country is beautiful, the people a delight and the time at the mission flies by.

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Testimonials

After years of thinking about it and months of planning for it, it seems strange that our time in Haiti is over. We have been asked by a few if it was like we expected. Well, no. I’m not sure what we expected, but our minds could not have fathomed what we have experienced, and we can hardly believe that our 3 month stay has come to an end. HATS really became home away from home for us. We knew we would enjoy getting to know and spending time with the kids but we had no idea how difficult it would be to leave them. They sneak in and steal your heart without you even knowing it. We have left a piece of our hearts in Haiti and can’t wait for the day when we can return.

Mike & Nicki White
HATS Visitors
This is my first trip to Haiti and I’m hoping that it will not be my last! I could start by telling you all about my experiences however I’ll start by saying that Haiti DOES hit you in your heart! Not a day goes by when I’m not fighting back tears. Hands Across the Sea is an amazing place! Our team has been assembled of different men that all who all felt God calling them to do his bidding. Since I have been here I was quick to realize that we are just helpers here. Karen and her team of workers are, what I believe to be, the real workers of God! Each child presents their own challenges and Karen and her staff make sure that all of the children, not one child, are seen to!

Bernie Melanson
HATS Visitor
I am so thankful to God for allowing me the opportunity to be here and experience his splendor. This day will forever be in my heart and mind. The scripture that resonates with me today is “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:40. I am so happy I decided to come to HATS, this experience will stay with me for my life time.

Crystal Young
HATS Visitor
This is my first time traveling outside of Canada and I am proud to say it was for a mission trip. I have always wanted to go on one and see what it like in other parts of the world and do what I can to help out. Haiti is a terminus life change for me and how I look at things. Seeing these kids and how they have such a passion for each other and for us is truly inspiring. I look back to what I was like at that age and I don’t think I was half as kind or generous as they are. This morning we did devotions and as I was speaking about what an impact they had on me only in one day I started to tear up…it was very emotional to talk about.

Isaiah Henderson
HATS Visitor
Culture shock for this Canadian team at first, but a ride through busy, vibrant streets proved terrifically interesting; busy markets, vendors selling exotic fruits, clothing and shoes, used tires and rusty metal… and then the gorgeous countryside: banana plants, mangoes, cows and goats and pigs and dogs, the Golfe de La Gonave by our side. Rice patties indicated we were close to our home for the next week. We were greeted by Magalie, a house mother, with hugs for all and, of course, the children themselves, so gorgeous and endearing. A beautiful meal was followed by a sharing of impressions: there is a lot of poverty but so much potential and hope. We are already in love with Haiti.

Team Canada
HATS Visitors
They call Karen “the helicopter ” and after spending three days by her side I know why. She propels through life!!! If you want to get on the ride you better start running. It is an amazing work that the Lord is doing here through so many many dedicated workers…literally hundreds of children impacted every day with the love of Christ…but the task to do so is enormous. The dedication of staff is invaluable…they NEED US ALL!!

Barbara & Louis
HATS Visitors
I am so thankful to Jesus for the opportunity to serve at HATS and to finally experience the great work that God is doing there. I look forward to seeing them all again when I visit next time.

Nancy Goodwin
HATS Visitor
This morning, we woke up as the sun came up and as we all began to trickle downstairs; we were met with warm welcomes from the precious children. As the children arrived, we were deeply touched and came to the realization of how important the HATS organization is to this country. Many children who would not have had any opportunities are now well nourished, educated and have a loving home and a mother who loves them more than we could ever comprehend, Karen Huxter.

Nicole Boudreau & Marcia Muise
HATS Visitors
Amazing organization! Had the pleasure of visiting twice, and can’t wait to go back again someday. God is doing some wonderful things at HATS!

Jess MacDonald
HATS Visitor
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter