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HHColminy, Columbus, OH (2026)

07/30/2026

RICHARD and the FREEZER-FRIDGE SAGA

Richard has survived what I believed was an impending heat stroke …a pounding heart, exhaustion, sweat-pain, etc. After getting cooling relief and a good sleep, his posts are now upbeat, even perky. And his attention has shifted back to others. We’re thrilled!

“By the grace of God, the family is doing better,” he wrote yesterday. And…

“My dad can walk now. All glory to God! Yes, he walks, though he can’t walk very far. His blood sugar has dropped from 430 to 270. And it keeps going down. (All good!) I know God is working a miracle. There is nothing God cannot do!”

Admittedly, I was angry when Richard bought a freezer instead of a mini refrigerator as I’d instructed. The fridge was to store his father’s life-saving insulin. It didn’t matter that Richard explained he bought a freezer because he couldn’t find a mini-fridge; a freezer was useless for this purpose! But on Tuesday, when Richard’s symptoms indicated a potential heat stroke, I was delighted he had it. While the fridge offers temporary and partial cooling relief, the freezer provides a highly effective body-cooling solution.

Richard’s last messages prove the fridge is accomplishing its purpose for his dad (and potentially all diabetics in Colminy), while the freezer provides plenty of space to freeze many bottles of water to provide longer extreme-heat relief for the most needy in Colminy.

So, apparently that “evil” freezer-purchase (a slight exaggeration to what I was feeling), God intended for good. We now feel grateful and privileged to have played a role in Richard’s family’s healing (and potentially that of his larger community). And, if you’ve been praying for this in any way, you should too!

As Richard often says, “To God be the Glory!”

07/29/2026

HEAT!

Like most of us in the U.S, folks in Haiti have been suffering from prolonged extreme heat. Of course, it’s worse for all who must work under the brutal sun. I suppose the only difference is that in our developed nation, we can retreat into air conditioning. But they can’t!

Since May, Richard has struggled to preserve Colminy’s essential rice fields through two long months of drought and blazing heat. He fertilized them and three times weekly he pumps water from the river to the canals they’ve dug around the fields. (Now their river is drying too.) But for him, there’s no hiding under shade or returning home to refresh in A/C. No cool showers. Not even a fan for relief!

Richard is NOT a complainer …until yesterday. He’s hot! Way too hot. …without opportunity for relief, not even at night. For weeks the stifling heat has kept him awake. The sweat now stings his body. He sent a photo of his bare torso. His dark skin appeared pale and pink. He knows he has a fever, but no way to know how high. At times he feels his heart pounding, but no way to tell how fast. We were very concerned, not only for him but also for his aging parents. I suggested he get medical attention -- IF it is available at night. And we prayed …what more could we do? For a short while, I continued life in the comfort of our A/C.

Then, suddenly, it hit me. Richard does have a way to cool down! He has both a freezer he’d bought (in error) because he couldn’t find a mini fridge locally, and the mini fridge we later sent keep his dad’s life-saving insulin cool. Richard had wired these up for solar power himself. Perhaps these would now save Richard’s life too!

I dashed off instructions for 2 easy ways he could now cool down: 1) Immediately place a simple fridge-cooled wet rag on his forehead like those we’ve often used to lower a child’s fever. 2) This would take longer to set up but would be even more effective: Fill plastic bottles with water and place them in the freezer. (Yes, Haiti has plastic bottles.) Once frozen, individually wrap 2 in dry cloths (to absorb condensation and protect sensitive skin). Then tuck one into each armpit where blood flows close to the skin. This blood cools a bit as it courses by then disperses its cooling effect throughout the body. (I’ve occasionally done this myself while in Haiti. It works!)

Richard received this info last night, both literally and emotionally, and immediately put it into action. This morning he thanked us again. Apparently it worked for him too!

Despite the dangers this drought poses for his rice, I begged Richard NOT to return to the fields today to give his body time to heal and refresh. Hopefully, he’ll accept this too.

Both the heat and drought remain urgent issues for everyone in Haiti! Please remember this country and its situation in your prayers! They need both cooler temps and some good, soaking rains! May the Lord bless you greatly for this support.

07/19/2026

COOLED FOR LIFE!

Five years ago, I was introduced to a woman in her forties who lay weakly on a blanket on the dirt floor of one of Village Noah's crumbling houses. She was dying from diabetes. Beside her was a small bottle of insulin—medicine that could save her life. Yet it couldn't...because she had no way to keep it cool, as essential to keep it effective.

As usual, we vowed to return that fall, determined not only to help Village Noah replace their crumbling houses with sturdy earthbag homes, but also to provide a solar-powered mini refrigerator specifically for storing insulin. Of course, we had no idea that President Moïse would soon be assassinated and that murderous gangs would overwhelm the country, making it impossible for us to return.

Sadly, I soon forgot that desperate need. ("Desperate" because 8.5% of Haitian adults suffer from diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a major and rapidly growing non-communicable disease in Haiti, consistently ranking among the five leading causes of death.)

I didn't think about it again until Richard described how thin and frail his father had become.

"Richard, is it possible your father is diabetic?" I asked.

"Yes, definitely," he replied.

His father had been diagnosed and insulin was available. But, like every other family throughout Colminy, they had no way to keep it refrigerated, rendering the insulin useless.

We immediately told Richard that we would pay for a small refrigerator and a small solar system if he’d install everything himself. He eagerly agreed. So, we sent the funds.

Although I had specifically told him, "Not a freezer!” But he couldn't find a mini-fridge and bought a freezer instead. Too cold! I was horrified. Richard insisted he could prevent the insulin from freezing by keeping it on the top shelf and turning the freezer on and off as needed. We weren't convinced. Neither was anyone we asked.

Five years ago, after Haiti essentially shut down shipping, we knew of no way to send them supplies. Edly may have known, but I never asked until we wanted to send desperately needed clothes and other essentials for the families from Lionscourt who’d fled to Colminy when gangs overran their community. That’s when I asked, and she supplied us with detailed shipping info.

So, last week we shipped Richard a mini refrigerator. It was larger than we had hoped, but still reasonably priced. Smaller models would cool only about 20 degrees below ambient temperatures—not nearly enough for Haiti's scorching-hot homes. This one maintains a temperature of about 35°–39°F, safely above freezing regardless of the outside heat.

Of course, we weren't willing to send a hollow box. So, we filled the refrigerator with items we thought would be useful and appreciated: small boxes of donated reading glasses and hand tools, bandages (along with a new bar of soap), several jump ropes and "phone pockets" I had made years ago from discarded plastic bags, and other practical items. Everything cushioned the refrigerator well while making full use of the empty space.

Much to our delight, the package shipped quickly and arrived completely intact. Thank the Lord!

For sure, one small refrigerator won't solve Haiti's diabetes crisis, but for one family—and all other diabetics in Colminy—it means insulin can now be utilized to do what it was meant to do: improve health & save lives."

07/02/2026

EDLY SPEAKS

A few days ago, I told Edly about the Supreme Court’s decision that allows the President to end TPS for Haitians and Syrians. Here’s her response:
This news will affect Haiti a lot because most of the Haitian families are depending on the diaspora. In just one year, from 2024 - 2025, they’ve sent four billion dollars to Haiti. 25% of this money came from those who are on TPS. This will [severely] affect our economy. Families will suffer more and more!
So many [of the deportee] families lost their homes when gangs took over their cities. Hopefully they can transit to another country instead of returning to Haiti.
This is so sad!

SPRINGFIELD HAITIAN PLANS
A day after the decision was broadcast, I read a news report from Springfield’s Haitian community. They had already determined that they would self-deport… just NOT back to Haiti. Instead they are exploring countries where work is available and they’ll be accepted. Smart thinking, just like Edly’s! Hopefully, this can be accomplished soon … before the anticipated ICE raid.

We pray for their safe departure to a welcoming country that will benefit from their presence as much as the US has ….also that they will be quickly settled with meaningful work to continue supporting themselves, their new country, and their friends and relatives in their devastated homeland.

06/26/2026

FAITH IN ACTION SPEAKS!

Besides the horrific Supreme Court Decision to terminate TPS for Haitians legally living in the US, I received the following email from an organization called Faith in Action. Except for the verse I added from proverbs, here is their message in its entirety:

Today's U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians is a devastating blow to hundreds of thousands of families who have built their lives in the United States and contributed to our communities for years. Despite the ongoing humanitarian, political, and security crisis in Haiti, the Court's decision allows the administration to move forward with ending these critical protections.

The facts have not changed. Haiti remains unsafe. Haitian TPS holders are our neighbors, essential workers, business owners, parents, and faith leaders. They contribute an estimated $5.9 billion annually to the U.S. economy, pay taxes, and fill critical workforce shortages in healthcare, construction, hospitality, caregiving, farming, and other essential industries. Ending TPS will not only separate families, it will also harm employers, local economies, and communities across the country.

Congress has the power to act. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan H.R. 1689, which would extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. In the Senate, S. 4814, introduced by Senator Ed Markey and colleagues, authors legislation that would extend TPS for three years for Haitians.

Call your Senator now at (202) 224-3121 and ask them to co-sponsor S. 4814 to prevent mass detention and deportation of Haitian families.

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it?
Proverbs 24:11-12 (NIV)

In solidarity,

Faith in Action International

P.S. If you want to ask your congregation or organization to help, here is a tool kit for phone banking.

05/18/2026

THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE

While the US Supreme Court deliberates on terminating Haitian and Syrians’ protective status, we pray that they will “seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8).

Meanwhile, according to Scripture, we have an obligation to:
• Oppose all laws and policies that attempt to criminalize, dehumanize, or punish displaced people and families based on their status as migrants, immigrants or refugees.
• Advocate for the oppressed
• Speak out against systemic injustice
• Extend compassion to the marginalized

The effects of Mass Deportations:
• Tear families apart
• Destabilize our communities
• Exacerbate global suffering

Given a chance, Haitians know how to succeed! See attached photos of Haitians “making it” in the US.)

In obedience to Christ, we must:
• Welcome refugees and immigrants into our churches
• Provide concrete support where necessary and according to our ability
• Whenever possible, assist with securing food, housing, education, employment and other kinds of support.
• Love the immigrant living among us as ourselves. (Levit. 19:33-34)
• Open our homes to foreigners, in doing so we may be “entertaining angels” without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)
• Not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy even if he is a foreigner living here. (Deut. 24:14)
• Remember, Jesus was a refugee fleeing persecution from Herod (Matt. 2:13-15)
• Realize that supporting policies that perpetuate the suffering of immigrants and refugees is to betray Christ’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:31)

If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength.
Rescue those being led away to death.
Hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, "But we knew nothing about this, "does not He who weighs the the heart perceive it?
Will He not repay everyone according to what they have done?
Proverbs 24:11-12 NIV

Let's all pray that SCOTUS's "final" decidision (scheduled for July) will reflect God's great compassion and wisdom for the Haitians and Syrians living among us!

05/07/2026

APRIL’S RICE HARVEST & MORE

Sadly, April’s rice harvest arrived late and yielded much less than anticipated due to an extended period of late dryness. Then, ironically, the harvest had to be rushed before an impending soggy forecast. But what rice survived has been successfully harvested and processed. Although the photos show many bags stacked in storage, the empty space (behind the workers) reveals the major deficit compared to the past 3 harvests.

As I understand things, Colminy is now furiously busy clearing and preparing the fields for October’s crop. If they follow through using SRI (systems of rice intensification), this will take more effort than in previous plantings -- but, as its name indicates, it should mitigate severe environmental fluctuations while enhancing positive issues to greatly increase October’s yield.

Meanwhile, Richard also sent these photos of last week’s local church service. We are delighted to see that it is well attended and pleased to notice the vertical poster HHC provided years ago still hangs prominently at the front. No, you couldn’t read it here even if it was written in English. But we know. It’s a quotes 2 Chronicles 7:14 written in Creole -- translated: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.”

-----------------

Yesterday we received a message from EXTOLLO (the center where HHC had several young Colminians trained in construction skills) -- inviting us to join with them for today’s National Day of Prayer. They provided suggested prayers for all of Haiti as well as specifically for the EXTOLLO mission.

Here’s what they suggested for all of Haiti:

“Lord, we cry out for the people of Haiti. Bring peace to communities gripped by fear and violence. Raise up godly leaders who will govern with justice and integrity. Protect the innocent, comfort the displaced, and restore hope to a nation that has endured so much. Let Your peace prevail in Haiti. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Here’s what they suggested for the Haitian church:
The local church is the backbone of hope in Haitian communities. It is through faithful Haitian believers that lasting transformation will come.

“God, we pray for the Church in Haiti -- for pastors who preach boldly, for congregations who serve their neighbors sacrificially, and for believers who cling to You in the midst of hardship. Strengthen the Haitian Church to be the light in the darkness, a refuge for the suffering, and a catalyst for the renewal of their nation. May revival come to Haiti. In the name of Jusus Christ, Amen.”

These prayers seem appropriate for the U.S. as well!

EXTOLLO also encourages people to pray for EXTOLLO’s workers & volunteers, students & trainees in their programs, partners & resources.

Please consider joining us. We will be praying for this too!

04/17/2026

CATCHING UP
It’s been a while since we last posted anything on FB, but that doesn’t mean we or
Colminy haven’t been busy.
Early in March we shipped another box to them. This one contained a hand-pushed
weeder (minus its handle), a welder, and a few of Win’s no-longer-needed hand tools. It
also included Edly-translated instructions for building another weeder if they choose to
make more for themselves or others.
Weeds have been a massive problem in Colminy’s rice fields. They take a multitude of
man-hours to clear out by hand. This weeder can simply be rolled between rows while
the weeds are small. Now that Richard plans to plant the next crop using SRI (Systems
of Rice Intensification) which requires spacing individual rice plants in a grid pattern
instead of bunched together in rows. This creates wide rows in both directions,
providing more space not only for rice, but also for weeds. And that, according to
Cornell’s advisors, mandates such a weeder! By rolling it between the rice rows while
the weeds are young, only the rice flourishes! Eventually, the crowns of rice plants
spread so thick and wide that weeds won’t grow at all.
SRI also alternates controlled flooding and drying the rice fields. This forces the roots to
grow deeper, thereby minimizing the effect of true, uncontrolled droughts.
Colminy’s current crop was thriving until all rain ceased. The soil cracked. Rice stalks
were drying and dying. To save anything, water was desperately needed! But even their
nearest river was empty. Richard feared losing the entire crop until he figured he could
combine the hoses of their 3 pumps to stretch from a more distant water source to their
fields. But running 3 pumps 24/7 to supply sufficient moisture required gas… and lots of
it! And this at inflated prices, IF it was available at all.
That’s when HHC stepped in… providing enough funds for gas to keep the pumps
going. And so, at this point, some rice is lost but not the entire crop. Richard figures that
if they are careful, it can feed the community into August. But they’re likely to need food-
assistance around mid-August and throughout September until the next harvest in
October.
Meanwhile, nearby St. Marc was threatened by gangs situated on both ends of the only
road through the city. Nearby communities were terrorized/destroyed, but PTL!, gangs
never broke through to take the bigger city. After so many unsuccessful attempts, there
must be divine protection over the people of St. Marc!
So now we pray that April’s harvest can proceed with greater success than expected.
And, of course, that Haiti’s reign of terror will soon end.

03/05/2026

VERY PERSONAL GIFTS FOR COLMINY’S FEMALE GUESTS

The women from Lianscourt were excited to receive a belated, essential, but unexpected personal gift. (These were for the 54 women who’d fled with their families from the gangs that torched their houses last November.) Beneath all the essentials that hadn’t arrived in time for HHC’s first boxes of donated clothing and essentials, we’d packed 54 menstrual kits -- 8 washable pads plus one pad-holder for each. While some of the women may be older and not in need of these, we suggested they give theirs to any of the few teen girls from Lianscourt.

Edly receives our packages and gives them to Richard. Then she met the part-time nurse in Village Noah (the poorest part of Colminy) and explained how they are to be used. The nurse, in turn, distributed them to these very appreciative women.

Photos 4 & 5 -- Looks like nosey men, struggling to find out what’s going on for the women.

NOTE: Not having such a basic item presents major hurdles to those who can ‘t afford disposable pads/tampons each month. The lack often keeps teen girls from school and women from chores away from home.

A special thanks to Suzanne (from our church) who provided her expertise with advice, materials, equipment and skill.

02/10/2026

ARBORLOO PROBLEMS AND PROGRESS

You’ve probably heard it one hundred times: “No community in the world has ever been able to sustain itself without WASH: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.”

Because HHC helped provide access to clean water to Colminy years ago, we shift our focus to arborloos (tree toilets with hand-washing stations) whenever possible. The plan is to keep going until every Colminy family has easy access to sanitation and hygiene. From January’s fundraiser, HHC received enough funds to providefor 15 more families. (Thank you, donors!!!)

When we asked Richard about their availability to build them, he confessed that 5 existing arborloos were in disrepair. Heavy winds had blown through the canvas walls of their protective “little houses.” As you can see from the photos, the frames and floor-slabs are still intact.

OK. It made no sense to build new arborloos while the original ones go unused. So… the first order of business was to repair last year’s structures and, in so doing, to make them more durable. So, here’s what workers are doing this week:
• Stripping away what’s left of the old canvas walls.
• Painting the wood structure (to prevent rotting).
• Creating new walls of corrugated tin (instead of canvas).
This galvanized steel or aluminum is affordable, durable, lightweight, weather-resistant, easily installed and readily available in Haiti. It’s a bit more expensive than canvas but should provide privacy and protection from the elements for years to come.

Great news: Some of these original arborloo pits are full! This means, once they’re topped off with good soil, they’re ready for a fruit tree sapling. It should be amazing to watch their growth in these compost-filled, nutrient rich pits. How exciting it will be for all when their first fruits appear!

Meanwhile, replacement pits have been dug and the old slabs moved over them. The little tin houses surround them for protection and privacy, while collecting more fertile compost for future fruit trees. Once these are complete, all new arborloos will be built strong and sturdy like those now being repaired.

HHColminy

07/30/2026

07/29/2026

07/19/2026

07/02/2026

06/26/2026

05/18/2026

05/07/2026

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02/10/2026

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